Pastor Tom's Community

bible

  • Re-forming

    What is Re-Forming You? Yes, it is Halloween – not my favorite holiday – not my favorite season as a rule —- getting used to things getting darker quicker. It always gets better. It is Reformation Day. Luther finally, reluctantly,… Continue reading

  • All Things Well

    “And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” – Mark 7:37 Jesus does all things well. This surprised the onlookers and lurkers. They had… Continue reading

  • Hope in Humility

    Hard to Be Humble Honesty, Humility, and Hope Do you recall Mac Davis’s song, “O Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble?” How about this? There is a city called Humble Texas. Some might consider that an oxymoron. Sorry, Texas.  There was a… Continue reading

  • What Soils My Soul?

    From the Heart “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…” — Mark 7:21 The debate in Mark is over what causes defilement in a person. What makes a man or woman ritually and spiritually unclean? Jesus loves… Continue reading

  • Is there any sorrow like my sorrow.?

    O Vos Omnes Have you ever asked such a question, alone and despairing? Jeremiah did and he beheld his beloved and abandoned city. “O Vos Omnes” is a responsory, originally sung as part of Holy Week, and now often sung… Continue reading

  • Wrestling with God

    This message centered on the theme of struggle in the context of faith, using the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God as a primary example. The discussion emphasized that struggle is an inherent and necessary part of living out… Continue reading

  • Slow Down to Soak Up the Grace

    Sometimes slower gets you there sooner and better. Like slow food, grace must be savored. Life moves too quickly at best. The Long, Lingering, Meandering Way We meander and gather our thoughts. We stop here and there to taste and… Continue reading

  • Living in Exile

    Are you homesick? Do you feel disengaged, disoriented, and dispossessed in a world where nothing is familiar? Is there a feeling of hostility from or toward you as you confront the values and cultures around you? There is actually a… Continue reading

  • Dog Whistles

    I’ve spent no small amount of time pondering this. How is it that people I respect, people of integrity, and people I presume to be intelligent, believe a lie. In fact, one lie leads to another and trust is developed… Continue reading

  • Let It Roll Down

    When do justice and righteousness roll down like streams of refreshing water? “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” – Amos 5:24 It is as if Amos were here with us today. His words… Continue reading