Pastor Tom's Community

… when push comes to shove, while I value and pursue a deeper understanding of whatever I can understand, I do not ultimately lean on my own understanding and choose to pursue a more reliable path of deeper clarity and peace.

Sacrifice is the essence of following. Jesus could not shrink from His hour because His purpose in living was wrapped up in His hour of dying. We die to all that is not our purpose and His purpose in us when we follow. We empty ourselves of all we perceive to be self-honoring to receive…

Here is the prayer of a maturing heart to be prayed in our youth.

Two arguments for prayer directed to God for people in power are given by Paul. It is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good summary of two categories, the good prayer does us and the kingdom value for aligning with God's purposes: 1. "… that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…

  I only respect flawed people. I respect them even more if they know they are flawed. That goes for leaders and people in public life.I generally like them and appreciate them across the board as long as they operate on the integrity of their convictions with consistency, intelligence, and the willingness to question their…

All my value is that you regard me. Why, oh why? It does not matter why because You are the Why of all things and of my existence and You have engraved Your love into the fabric of the universe.

    Photo by Jehyun Sung on Unsplash Great leaders come from unlikely places and walks of life. "Taken from the sheepfolds," the lowliest of servants, dirtiest, least regarded, often maligned, stereotypical crude and rude, one is placed in a position of influence. David brings the skill sets he used in leading sheep to lead people. God chose…

We need to hear the news, process world events, and pray for our world through the missional lens God’s intention to build His Kingdom of love and righteousness with justice and shalom.

If I am going to enjoy righteousness and the pursuit of holiness, I must also understand the pernicious power of the sin that does so easily beset me. I am not immune and you are not immune from The Great Distraction or its destructive persistence. There is a duality to our lives – an authentic…