Pastor Tom's Community

It was in an atmosphere of persecution and derision in an environment of prophetic generosity, that disciples were first called "Christians." It may or may not be significant that the text says that they were called as if the name came from the outside. Only one other use of the name appears in the scriptures…

http://www.rebeccaryan.com We were so young.We acted young.We thought young thoughts.We had young feelings.We had very young hopes and dreams.We did and said the things that the young do and say.We imprinted the memories of our youth upon faces we memorized.Those were the faces of those who were young with us.Then, we moved away …And we…

Let us bathe in the beauty of that which we cannot fully know until we know as we are known.

The most uplifting, worshipful, and heart stirring choral piece I believe I have ever heard or sung, has only one word. ne of the most devastatingly beautiful symphony pieces ever composed. Dvorak was a deeply spiritual "gatherer" and interpreter of themes. He came to America from Czechoslovakia, visited the cities, villages, and churches and then…

Nothing is absolutely new in this world. It is recycled, reconstituted, repackaged, or rediscovered, but it is not entirely new … Except today. Today is entirely new and we are new in it. Every thought, idea, experience, dream, and individual is new. I am new and renewed today by grace. God's blessings are new every…

"Enjoy your life without comparing it with that of another." – Condorset "…godliness with contentment is great gain." – I Timothy 6:6 "The fear of the Lord leads to life. Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." – Proverbs 19:23 "… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 Clearly there is…

After the death of Moses the a servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.  -Joshua…

  Courage. What is it? Do we have it? It is more than not running away. It is moving forward when the outcome is bleak but the call is strong. The Quo Vadis Legend illustrates it. Peter is fleeing from likely crucifixion in Rome at the hands of the government, and along the road outside…

The reality of faith emerges from the deep wells of abandonment.

I have stood under thunder clouds in wonder. I have shuddered at them in the distance. I have also heard the Voice in times of distress. I have been startled and staggered by them And comforted …. comforted … comforted.