Pastor Steve’s Blog
Note: Graphics and photos for blog posts before November 2020 in Pastor Steve’s Articles are no longer available
Time To Answer The Call of Republic Stewardship
We are in a very complex and troubling time in the republic we call The United States of America. As Christians, both men and women, we have been misled to believe we are meant to hide behind the doors of our churches in protected circles, ignoring what is going on in our communities, towns, states, and nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have been duped into believing that there is a Constitutional wall separating church and state. It is verifiable that no such statement, language, or amendment exists in the United States Bill of Rights or Constitution or the annals of the discussion and debate during their creation.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
In my mid-teens, circa the Early 1990’s I was introduced to the world of personal computers. I can tell you that compared to what they are today one can buy calculators more powerful than my first computer. Despite their differences, there have always been inflexible laws of computers that never change. The most common of these is "Garbage In, Garbage Out."
A Single Creator
I found my mind wandering into an exploration of creation. It was not an exploration of the act of creation or how creation commenced but the ownership of it. My pondering led me to consider that there is only one creator of everything.
Expect False Teaching
Have you noticed a lot of complaining, judging, pointing fingers, and arguing going on these days? One group is right about a particular issue, while those that oppose them are perceived to be evil, vile, or the source of everything wrong in the world.
Black Robe Revolution
I have grown tired of hearing the word democracy describe our nation in the media. The United States of America has never been, at any time in its embattled history ever been a democracy.
What’s With The Collar?
After three years of operating this ministry, this month particularly, I have been asked several times, "Why do you wear a white-collar shirt?" I have also recently faced scrutiny from some of my contemporaries.
Declaration of Dependence
When you read this section of the Declaration of Independence that many of us had drilled into us in school you might not pick up on the most important aspect that many have come to forget about this historically important document.
75 Words or Less – A Color Commentary
Recently, while applying for a grant program to help fund our ministry, I was posed the question, "Describe Your Organization in 75 words or less." I found this more challenging than it may suggest. Even though my following response was just over 75 words, I found it difficult to summarize our organization any finer than this.
Weathering The Storm
It has been a while since I wrote a blog article. In the unique situation I am in while writing this I find the extra time to catch up on things such as this. I am in a situation that has given me a lot of time to reflect on faith, and on this topic I want to share an illustrative story with you.
A Thankful Recovery
I make no secret of it that my health is less than perfect. I have recovered from more things in the past than most ever see in a lifetime. I frequently joke with hospital staff if they have finished the construction of my personal suite yet.
Hobbling Along
Hobbling Along “Religion is nothing but a crutch!” Oh, how many times I have heard people say that. I've never spoken up to someone who has said it in my presence in the past. Why, may you ask? Because the statement itself perplexed me, here [ Read More ]
Emergency 911, Is Your Order for Pick Up or Delivery?
Emergency 911, Is Your Order for Pick Up or Delivery? I have been doing a lot of contemplation on prayer lately. I get a lot of my inspiration for my blog articles and Quick Points w/ Pastor Steve episodes from questions asked on social media [ Read More ]
Disaster Area
I get a lot of questions about why I have a sign that says “DISASTER AREA†hanging on the wall of my office as seen in several of my ministry’s videos.
Responses to a Social Media Muslim
I follow and participate in many Christian Groups on social media. Occasionally, a post will arise from Muslims contending that Christianity is blatantly wrong and present what they (The Poster) believe to be supporting facts and trick questions from our own Christian Bible to support the claim. I suppose one could turn the Qur’an around on them, but then I would find that inappropriate for a Christian to fight fire with fire. Instead, I have taken to answering the questions they present instead of just reading and denouncing blindly. In my extensive response to a poster, I have proceeded to take on each one of the large barrages of questions they presented with their (Assumed) Christian responses. I present an actual “Educated Christian†response.
Rainbows
“Why does God not listen to me when I have tough times?†This is a question I’ve read in several various forms quite frequently lately on social media. I personally have been through many tough times, and I would be lying if I said the same question had not crossed my mind many times before I came to the understanding I have today. God hears everything and sees everything. Actually, he knows what is going to happen long before we can think about it. You may ask, “So why does God not answer my prayers?†The country music artist Garth Brooks recorded a great song titled Unanswered Prayers that talks about thanking God for not answering them. Sometimes God’s best work is not seen right away. Sometimes the smoke needs to clear away after the fire before the repairs can begin.
Hi I’m Your Neighbor
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, Chances are you are stuck at home with this COVID-19 Virus going on just like I am, and I'm sure you can think of a few others that are too. What would Jesus want us to be doing right now? The Author Charles Dickens wrote those words in his 1859 book A Tale of Two Cities. A story of two similar men who had opposite views on the world around them. We are all facing a major crisis right now worldwide with the Novel COVID-19 Virus Pandemic. The impact of this virus is now hitting the United States where I am really fast and hard.
Rebuking in the New Testament
I was recently speaking with a friend who posed an intriguing question. "Is it God's will, or for that matter appropriate for Christians to criticize or scold harshly Non-Believers or those who do differently than the bible says?"
The Annual Pagan Origin Debate over Christmas
Recently on a Christian Group on Facebook (intentionally kept nameless), I commented in on a heated debate over the origins of Christmas. There was a large portion of people arguing that we should not participate in Christmas Festivities because they are of Pagan Origin and therefore against God. Some of the aspects of these group's conversations identified Santa Claus as Satan and nit-picked the secular and cultural inclusions of the Christmas Season.
Checking In to The Looney Bin?
My ex-wife had a thing for “haunted stuff†and once upon a time I had an interest in this as well. I still believe there are many things in this world we do not understand, and I have taken the position that we are not meant to until the [ Read More ]
Keeping It Real
In 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 NLT, The Apostle Paul, writes,"1 I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. 3 [ Read More ]
The Body: A Temple of God
Along with my studies of God's Word and Ministry, I have been on a complex undertaking of improving my overall health over the last few months. Being I have several health conditions to consider this has not been a straightforward process, but I am bound and determined to meet [ Read More ]
Old Rugged Cross
EDITORIAL NOTE: The video link at the bottom was meant to autoplay with this blog post. Some browsers and situations do not allow the autoplay function to work. I recommend playing it while reading this post. -- Pastor Steve I have blogged before about my Late Father-In-Law. What I did not [ Read More ]
Non-Profits and an Easy Paycheck. Not All Good Work Is Bad
I have been finding in my research and efforts to fund this ministry that so many people have developed a pre-determined stigma against Non-Profit Charities, Religious Organizations, and Churches. They have chosen to consider them an easy paycheck for people who take advantage of others' generosity. I just like [ Read More ]
Losing Faith
Worship in an Evangelical Church, Lakewood Church. No disrespect intended, I chose this photofor this article just as an example of large production worship.I have read several stories this month of Christian’s, mostly those in the spotlight of music and worship losing faith and withdrawing away from the Christian life. I have [ Read More ]
Build Your City
One of the fantastic lessons God has taught me on this journey is that when you help others, you are helping yourself just as much, sometimes more. I was conversing with someone this morning who has had a long history of people talking down to them and ridiculing them. This person's [ Read More ]
Inching Onward
Psalms 16:7-11 - NLT7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;even at night my heart instructs me.8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. 10 For [ Read More ]
Counseling, an Unexpected Ugly Word
I have come to find that many people have a strong aversion to the word 'Counseling'. The simple mention or suggestion of this word strikes anxiety in them and turns them off from any further discussion. I recently was having a discussion with a young adult about dealing with [ Read More ]
Building a Ministry
Building this ministry is definitely becoming an adventure. I was involved in the founding of a church and worked with a Non-Profit Children's Charity for a short time. With that said, I am still bewildered at the costs associated with starting up a Non-Profit Organization.It's a blessing that I have [ Read More ]
Unexpected Legacy
I started on this ministry journey a few months back. I didn't initially let my family or friends know what I was contemplating and praying on. When I was a mid-teen "church" was a big part of my life, and if you have read my testimony, it paints the picture as [ Read More ]
Christians and Charity, What’s the Connection?
Charity by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock ImagesWherever you may go, whatever Country you may travel Christian's are usually willing to outstretch a helping hand to those in need. Growing up, I learned this was the right thing to do. Whenever I would ask why, though, no one could ever really [ Read More ]
Morning Commitments
When I awake in the morning, I have a very simple ritual. I first open my eyes and thank the Lord for another day in prayer, and for guidance to his will for today's journey. I then either lay or sit on the side of my bed and play one [ Read More ]
God Is Great! – Welcome To My New Blog
Welcome to My New Blog God Is Indeed Great!, back in my formative years in the 80's & early 90's resources such as the public internet, blogs, and social media just had not wholly come into being. Alas, Had these resources and open communication been available in my early days as [ Read More ]