A Hard Question
There is a question that scares me. Jesus asked it of some of his closest friends. It echoes in the back of my mind during some of the “hard” times in my life: times when I want to do what I want to do, times when I’m physically tired or emotionally worn out, and times when I don’t have an answer for life’s problems. This question’s answer can change your life in a totally different direction. And it’s not a good direction either.
Jesus was giving a true but difficult teaching to his followers. You can read it in John Chapter 6. It was hard for many of his followers to understand. To others it was offensive. So they left Jesus. They quit following him. They picked up their stuff and went away. He then looked at his closest friends and asked them “the question”, “Do you want to leave too?”
Sometimes it seems easier to leave Jesus rather than stay and follow him. Acknowledge some sin in my life. Leave him. Make a hard decision regarding my pride. Leave him. Give up a comfortable lifestyle. Leave him. Change some of my friendships. Leave him. Stop an addictive behavior. Leave him. Be totally honest with myself. Leave him. Rearrange my work or social schedule. Leave him. Something tragic happens in my life. Leave him. It could go on and on.
I’ve never seen anyone who quits following Jesus improve his life. Most people just regret it silently or live it out bitterly, but they are never better for it. Their family and friends are never better for it.
I have heard it said many times by people who do not follow Jesus that the Christian faith is just for people who are weak and “need a crutch”. I find it to be just the opposite. Sometimes following Jesus takes every ounce of courage and strength you have. I’ve observed it and experienced it enough times to know that it is always the right choice. Not the easy one but the right one.
What is going on in your journey with Jesus? I’m guessing you are running into some pretty hard teachings, some that may even offend you. Don’t be weak! Don’t be a quitter! Push on and keep following him. Persevere. Hang in there!
A follower of Jesus once said perseverance builds character and character builds hope. Stay the course. Hope and character are around the corner.
Eleven of the twelve he asked the question to stayed, one eventually left. His name was Judas. It didn’t work out so well for him. He regretted his answer and decision.
Keep taking steps towards Jesus. Stay with Him and His followers. It is always the right decision!
Together with you in His grace,
Tom
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/25/09
Hello E-News Friends,
How do you own something without paying anything for it? The answer to that is simpler than you may think. I was at a Middle School football game this past weekend.
I went to watch a team I had helped coach the past two years, in a program I helped start ten years ago. As the game was played, I became aware of my lack of emotion to what was happening on the field. Bad play, no big deal. Touchdown, so what. Kid didn’t get in the game, tough luck. I never ever felt that way in the time I served as a coach for this program. I realized I had no ownership anymore.
It is a clear ownership principal. Give time to something and you get the emotional benefits of ownership—more passion, higher levels of satisfaction, greater awareness of needs and a stronger sense of belonging.
I lost that ownership feeling for one reason. I quit serving as a coach. I quit giving time to it. I was now just an observer. That’s a big difference.
Many of you need to have ownership in your journey with God. Serving in His Church is what God recommends. Your passion for God and all the other things I mentioned above will never be what you want (or need) without this step.
Over the next few weeks we will look at giving time and getting ownership through serving. It is extremely important as you follow Christ to understand this life principal.
Know anyone who needs some more passion for God? This is a great time to invite or bring them.
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. Remember No KidStuf this weekend. Most of the volunteers are on a weekend retreat. Pray for some sunshine for them!
How do you own something without paying anything for it? The answer to that is simpler than you may think. I was at a Middle School football game this past weekend.
I went to watch a team I had helped coach the past two years, in a program I helped start ten years ago. As the game was played, I became aware of my lack of emotion to what was happening on the field. Bad play, no big deal. Touchdown, so what. Kid didn’t get in the game, tough luck. I never ever felt that way in the time I served as a coach for this program. I realized I had no ownership anymore.
It is a clear ownership principal. Give time to something and you get the emotional benefits of ownership—more passion, higher levels of satisfaction, greater awareness of needs and a stronger sense of belonging.
I lost that ownership feeling for one reason. I quit serving as a coach. I quit giving time to it. I was now just an observer. That’s a big difference.
Many of you need to have ownership in your journey with God. Serving in His Church is what God recommends. Your passion for God and all the other things I mentioned above will never be what you want (or need) without this step.
Over the next few weeks we will look at giving time and getting ownership through serving. It is extremely important as you follow Christ to understand this life principal.
Know anyone who needs some more passion for God? This is a great time to invite or bring them.
Hope to see you Sunday!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. Remember No KidStuf this weekend. Most of the volunteers are on a weekend retreat. Pray for some sunshine for them!
Friday, September 18, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/18/09
Celebrate!
It is amazing to see all the people who volunteer at our church! This past week we saw three ministries “hit the ground running”! People of all ages were using their time and talent to bring glory to our God. This is just not normal, but something to certainly celebrate! Only God can cause this selflessness in people’s hearts!
KidStuf came back strong after a well-deserved summer break. 210 people showed up to break our previous attendance high of 180! Wow! Young and old-alike were engaging children to hold high the value of wisdom. Simply incredible what is done weekly by all the KidStuf volunteers!
Small Groups had a roaring start as 200 adults signed up and met up in homes around the area. There is power in “together” and it will be a joy to watch what God does in all those who serve in and get served by this powerful ministry of followers sharing their lives in community…just like Jesus and the apostles!
The Wednesday Toolbox kicked off as well. Over 90 people came to sing, pray and learn about sharing their faith, prayer and the book of Matthew. It was the first of many great Wednesdays together at the Oak Bridge Center!
None of this would happen without all the volunteers who have faithfully offered their time and talents for God to use. You are an amazing group of people helping to build an amazing church! It is a privilege to serve with all of you!
I can confidently tell people I run into who are down on church “One visit to Oak Bridge and it will change how you think about Church”. And that is a great thing to be able to say!
Celebrating you and our great God!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. If you haven’t yet experienced any of these ministries it’s not too late. We still have some Small Groups with room. KidStuf and The Toolbox are always ready for more people. They are all great next-steps!
P.S.S. Invite a friend to Church this week. See what God does with that! You never know.
It is amazing to see all the people who volunteer at our church! This past week we saw three ministries “hit the ground running”! People of all ages were using their time and talent to bring glory to our God. This is just not normal, but something to certainly celebrate! Only God can cause this selflessness in people’s hearts!
KidStuf came back strong after a well-deserved summer break. 210 people showed up to break our previous attendance high of 180! Wow! Young and old-alike were engaging children to hold high the value of wisdom. Simply incredible what is done weekly by all the KidStuf volunteers!
Small Groups had a roaring start as 200 adults signed up and met up in homes around the area. There is power in “together” and it will be a joy to watch what God does in all those who serve in and get served by this powerful ministry of followers sharing their lives in community…just like Jesus and the apostles!
The Wednesday Toolbox kicked off as well. Over 90 people came to sing, pray and learn about sharing their faith, prayer and the book of Matthew. It was the first of many great Wednesdays together at the Oak Bridge Center!
None of this would happen without all the volunteers who have faithfully offered their time and talents for God to use. You are an amazing group of people helping to build an amazing church! It is a privilege to serve with all of you!
I can confidently tell people I run into who are down on church “One visit to Oak Bridge and it will change how you think about Church”. And that is a great thing to be able to say!
Celebrating you and our great God!
In His Grace,
Tom
P.S. If you haven’t yet experienced any of these ministries it’s not too late. We still have some Small Groups with room. KidStuf and The Toolbox are always ready for more people. They are all great next-steps!
P.S.S. Invite a friend to Church this week. See what God does with that! You never know.
Friday, September 11, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/11/09
Hello E-News Friends,
Some things just go together. Like, you can’t make a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips. Duh…I know you know this. It’s a no-brainer so to speak. But here is a tougher thought for you. (These two go together.) What always accompanies your steps as you move closer to God? It runs throughout the scriptures. You can’t take a step towards God without this. Jesus even wrestled with this right before the cross.
You can’t move forward with God until you choose to be obedient to God. “Not my will but thy will be done.” Taking steps with God and obedience go together just like cookie dough and chocolate chips go together for a chocolate chip cookie.
Every step you take in your journey with God takes obedience somewhere.
God says trust me. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says believe and be baptized. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says forgive as I have forgiven you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says love, as I have loved you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says serve one another. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
All these take obedience. The list could go on and on. It is obedience that always leads to good, to right.
What is the next step you know you should take with God? You know it’s a no-brainer. You have seen it impact other people. You know it’s your next step. Small groups, serving, Bible study, Sunday attendance, giving, time with God, prayer, community with other followers…
There is an old song that sums it up pretty well for each of us. One of the main lyrics says, “Trust and obey. Trust and obey. To be happy in Jesus you must trust and obey.” We can’t move forward with God until we choose to be obedient to God. They go together don’t they? Always have, always will.
Looking forward to my next step of obedience (and yours),
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Kid Stuf starts this Sunday at 9:30! Great time! You will love it! Be there!
Go Rams! Tailgate time this Sunday @ OBC. It should all be fun!
Some things just go together. Like, you can’t make a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips. Duh…I know you know this. It’s a no-brainer so to speak. But here is a tougher thought for you. (These two go together.) What always accompanies your steps as you move closer to God? It runs throughout the scriptures. You can’t take a step towards God without this. Jesus even wrestled with this right before the cross.
You can’t move forward with God until you choose to be obedient to God. “Not my will but thy will be done.” Taking steps with God and obedience go together just like cookie dough and chocolate chips go together for a chocolate chip cookie.
Every step you take in your journey with God takes obedience somewhere.
God says trust me. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says believe and be baptized. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says forgive as I have forgiven you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says love, as I have loved you. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
God says serve one another. (Obey or disobey?) A step with Him or not.
All these take obedience. The list could go on and on. It is obedience that always leads to good, to right.
What is the next step you know you should take with God? You know it’s a no-brainer. You have seen it impact other people. You know it’s your next step. Small groups, serving, Bible study, Sunday attendance, giving, time with God, prayer, community with other followers…
There is an old song that sums it up pretty well for each of us. One of the main lyrics says, “Trust and obey. Trust and obey. To be happy in Jesus you must trust and obey.” We can’t move forward with God until we choose to be obedient to God. They go together don’t they? Always have, always will.
Looking forward to my next step of obedience (and yours),
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Kid Stuf starts this Sunday at 9:30! Great time! You will love it! Be there!
Go Rams! Tailgate time this Sunday @ OBC. It should all be fun!
Friday, September 4, 2009
E-News from Tom: 09/04/09
Hello E-News Fiends,
When I take a look at my calendar it includes sporting events, birthday parties, scattered dentist/doctor appointments, and seasonal holiday gatherings. It used to have a few more school activities when Matt and Katie were younger. I am pretty sure your schedule looks a lot like mine, with the exception of the Muny and Opera people. When I don’t have anything scheduled at night, I’m normally in front of the TV. That is probably the same for many of you. Here is a question you can ask yourself, “Does my schedule help me grow closer to Christ?” Yes? No? Maybe? Haven’t thought about it?
Take a look below at some of the fall activities and see if they could help you grow closer to Christ. (You know what I think.) If yes, take the next step and put them on your schedule. Not only do I believe they would be good for your journey with Christ, but I think they will be great fun as well!
I hope to take some steps with you as we follow Him in His grace and love,
Tom
----------------------
Toolbox Wednesdays
What is the Toolbox? It is an evening full of fun, food, community, teaching, and prayer. There are three categories from which to choose: Bible/Theology, Spiritual Disciplines and Life Application. Some examples of the topics are books of the Bible, parenting, prayer, Bible characters, apologetics (defending your faith), marriage, anger management, wisdom, healthy living, and much more. The doors open at 6:45 with The Toolbox running from 7:00-8:30pm. The fall schedule is set for the Wednesdays of September 16, and 23 (No Toolbox on the 30th), October 7, 14 and 21 (No Toolbox on the 28th) and November 4, 11 and 18 (No Toolbox the 25th). No Toolboxes scheduled in December. It is a great next step to take in your journey with Christ!
Trivia Night—Friday October 9
You won’t want to miss a great night of fun and fellowship as the Oak Bridge Center hosts a trivia night to help fund our young adults (college age and up) ministries. Tables of eight are available for $20 a person. Doors open at 6:45pm with the program starting at 7:00. Space is limited to 25 tables so sign up early to reserve yours. Food, table-decorating contest, raffles, and silent auctions are all part of the evening as well as loads of fun and laughter. This will not be your typical trivia, you can count on that! Trivia night as only Oak Bridge can do it! Sign up at the Information center on Sunday.
What are the basics of our faith?
What does the Bible say about how we are saved, baptism, giving, serving, and spiritual gifts? Sign up for this 2-part class on the “Basics of our Faith” and you will know. Help your journey with Christ grow as you learn what scripture teaches on a variety of essential topics. The classes are on Tuesday, October 13 and October 20 from 7:00-8:30pm at The Oak Bridge Center.
Tailgate at the OBC
Bring your favorite chair, some “football food” and get ready to watch the Rams hammer the Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 13 at 12:30pm. The parking lot is ready and the big-screen TVs inside the Oak Bridge Center are ready. You can sign up for the chili cook off. (Pastor Tom is entering his “soon to be famous” put hair on your chest chili.) You can compare that with Chef Brian’s from The Market at Busch’s Grove. A great afternoon of fun and fellowship to be had by all. Game starts at 3:15. Go Rams!
Married Life Live
The Oak Bridge Center will host its first Married Life Live on Sunday, October 18 from 5:45–8:30pm. This will be an awesome date night for married, engaged, and dating couples. You won’t want to miss great music, drama, and teaching. The cost is $25/couple. Space is limited so sign up early at the Information Center.
When I take a look at my calendar it includes sporting events, birthday parties, scattered dentist/doctor appointments, and seasonal holiday gatherings. It used to have a few more school activities when Matt and Katie were younger. I am pretty sure your schedule looks a lot like mine, with the exception of the Muny and Opera people. When I don’t have anything scheduled at night, I’m normally in front of the TV. That is probably the same for many of you. Here is a question you can ask yourself, “Does my schedule help me grow closer to Christ?” Yes? No? Maybe? Haven’t thought about it?
Take a look below at some of the fall activities and see if they could help you grow closer to Christ. (You know what I think.) If yes, take the next step and put them on your schedule. Not only do I believe they would be good for your journey with Christ, but I think they will be great fun as well!
I hope to take some steps with you as we follow Him in His grace and love,
Tom
----------------------
Toolbox Wednesdays
What is the Toolbox? It is an evening full of fun, food, community, teaching, and prayer. There are three categories from which to choose: Bible/Theology, Spiritual Disciplines and Life Application. Some examples of the topics are books of the Bible, parenting, prayer, Bible characters, apologetics (defending your faith), marriage, anger management, wisdom, healthy living, and much more. The doors open at 6:45 with The Toolbox running from 7:00-8:30pm. The fall schedule is set for the Wednesdays of September 16, and 23 (No Toolbox on the 30th), October 7, 14 and 21 (No Toolbox on the 28th) and November 4, 11 and 18 (No Toolbox the 25th). No Toolboxes scheduled in December. It is a great next step to take in your journey with Christ!
Trivia Night—Friday October 9
You won’t want to miss a great night of fun and fellowship as the Oak Bridge Center hosts a trivia night to help fund our young adults (college age and up) ministries. Tables of eight are available for $20 a person. Doors open at 6:45pm with the program starting at 7:00. Space is limited to 25 tables so sign up early to reserve yours. Food, table-decorating contest, raffles, and silent auctions are all part of the evening as well as loads of fun and laughter. This will not be your typical trivia, you can count on that! Trivia night as only Oak Bridge can do it! Sign up at the Information center on Sunday.
What are the basics of our faith?
What does the Bible say about how we are saved, baptism, giving, serving, and spiritual gifts? Sign up for this 2-part class on the “Basics of our Faith” and you will know. Help your journey with Christ grow as you learn what scripture teaches on a variety of essential topics. The classes are on Tuesday, October 13 and October 20 from 7:00-8:30pm at The Oak Bridge Center.
Tailgate at the OBC
Bring your favorite chair, some “football food” and get ready to watch the Rams hammer the Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 13 at 12:30pm. The parking lot is ready and the big-screen TVs inside the Oak Bridge Center are ready. You can sign up for the chili cook off. (Pastor Tom is entering his “soon to be famous” put hair on your chest chili.) You can compare that with Chef Brian’s from The Market at Busch’s Grove. A great afternoon of fun and fellowship to be had by all. Game starts at 3:15. Go Rams!
Married Life Live
The Oak Bridge Center will host its first Married Life Live on Sunday, October 18 from 5:45–8:30pm. This will be an awesome date night for married, engaged, and dating couples. You won’t want to miss great music, drama, and teaching. The cost is $25/couple. Space is limited so sign up early at the Information Center.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)