Hi! As an ordained pastor, I recognize that The Church is sometimes guilty of being disconnected from society. My own road to ministry was a winding and adventurous journey that included military service, an Associates Degree in electronics, a Bachelor’s of Administration Degree in Marketing, some good decisions, and some bad. Most of my 27 years of adult life have been spent in the service and management industries. There were several instances during those years when I felt disconnected from church. I questioned, ‘Why do I feel like I am judged by church attendance?” and “What does a life of faith REALLY mean?” And I can’t begin to count the number of sermons that had little connection to life outside of Sunday mornings. At times if felt like I had to hide my messy life once I stepped into the church! Why should I pretend to be someone I’m not?
I believe that faith isn’t just a Sunday morning ritual, but a lifestyle. Jesus didn’t spend his time locked up in a church. He taught and met with everyday people, not to mention the sick, the homeless, the prostitutes, and the frauds. Jesus also didn’t point fingers of judgment at them. Instead, he embraced people with love and forgiveness. He knows we aren’t perfect and doesn’t expect us to be. WHAT!? You mean Jesus loves me even with warts, bad habits, and messed up priorities? ABSOLUTELY! We always want to try our best for others, but that doesn’t earn love from Jesus. He loves us whether we succeed OR fail. What a refreshing message to hear in a critical and judgmental world!
After spending 22 years (after high school) seeking happiness and purpose through employment, social connections, power, influence, control, etc., I finally recognized that the emptiness in my spirit could not be filled by earthly things. THAT was when God’s love and grace filled my heart and I realized that no amount of certificates or stuff could make me more acceptable to God. Jesus loves and accepts me for who I am and not for who I thought I SHOULD be.
Motivated and passionate about this message, I am called to share the love and hope of Jesus in Word and Action. His grace releases you and me from the burdens of past, present and future mistakes. In God’s eyes you are infinitely valuable not by what you have accomplished or accumulated, but by the simple fact that you are his creation. That is a message that connects to life throughout the week!
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Pastor Randy
gettingreal2013 