Pastor Tom's Journal

  “Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” — Genesis 4:26 We can become so familiar with sacred words that we stop attending to the One we address. Calling upon God invites us to bring reverence, trust, gratitude, and a willingness to listen. In “Beginning to Call on the Name,” I reflect on that invitation—and what it might mean for our prayers to grow into daily companionship with God. What helps you approach God with renewed wonder? More reflections and resources: https://tomsims.life/2026/10/16/beginning-to-call-on-the-name/ #Genesis426 #Prayer #Worship #Reverence #WalkingWithGod #ChristianDevotional #BibleChat #TomSims

Keep Love Alive - Matthew 24 :1–31 - Dive deeper at https://tomsims.substack.com/p/when-the-world-comes-apart I have opened a Patreon for more intimate conversations. Doubters ar welcome. https://www.patreon.com/cw/tomsims

  Watching a powwow, I felt grief for what had been lost and admiration for the cultures people continue to carry forward. In this Wednesday in America reflection, I consider the history of conquest, the consequences of forced assimilation, and what it means to honor Indigenous peoples today. I also ask what might become possible when we approach one another with greater humility and a willingness to learn. I’ve prepared a companion workbook and discussion guide for subscribers: Indigenous History Where We Live. It invites you to investigate local Indigenous history, compare accounts, learn about living communities, and share your discoveries. What do you know about the Indigenous peoples connected to the place where you live? What would they have their neighbors understand? Read the reflection on Substack: https://tomsims.substack.com/p/a-white-guy-celebrates-indigenous #WednesdayInAmerica #IndigenousPeoplesDay #NativeAmericanHistory #LocalHistory

   Beyond Woe: The Heart of Jesus for a Wounded Church Matthew 23:1–39 | Bible Chat with Tom Sims “I’m burned out on church.” “Too many hypocrites.” “I was hurt there.” Jesus takes seriously the harm religious leadership can cause. In Matthew 23, he confronts hypocrisy, heavy burdens, and spiritual self-importance, calling us back to the weightier matters: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Then comes his lament over Jerusalem—the longing to gather its children as a mother hen gathers her young beneath her wings. His searching warnings and compassionate invitation call us to examine our lives, listen to wounded people, and lead with humility and love. Watch the entire message on Facebook: https://fb.watch/v/4_NdJ105L/ or YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZOXF3i9HBgY Read the accompanying message, discussion questions, and subscriber deep dive: https://tomsims.substack.com/p/beyond-woe-the-heart-of-jesus-for More Bible Chat: https://biblechatonline.com Connect with Tom: https://linktr.e...

   When the Questions Become Ours Matthew 22:15–46 Questions can open doors. They can help us examine our assumptions and discover truths we might otherwise miss. Questions can also become traps. In Matthew 22, three questions are directed toward Jesus. They are intended to test, manipulate, or discredit him. Jesus refuses to remain confined within them. He turns each question into a question for us. Then Jesus asks a fourth question—and all the others converge upon it. This is a brief introduction to the message. For the synopsis, complete article, full sermon, historical background, Gospel comparisons, and subscriber Deep Dive, visit Bible Chat on YouTube or Substack: ttps://tomsims.substack.com/p/when-the-questions-become-ours Who owns what? The Pharisees and Herodians ask Jesus whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. They want a yes-or-no answer. Either answer could create trouble. Jesus asks to see the coin. “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” “Caesar’s.” “...

  Matthew 22:1–14 There is a kingdom party. A king prepares a wedding banquet for his son. The food is ready, the tables are set, and the invitations have been delivered. It should be a story about joy. But Jesus tells it during a moment of crisis. He has entered Jerusalem, confronted the religious leaders, and challenged their assumptions about authority and faithfulness. The kingdom for which people had prayed was arriving in the person of Jesus. The invitation had become immediate: “Everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.” Too Busy to Come The first guests had already been invited. The servants were simply announcing that the anticipated moment had arrived. But the guests refused to come. Some returned to their fields and businesses. Their activities were not necessarily evil. Work had to be done. Responsibilities had to be met. But something can be legitimate and still become the reason we miss the most important moment of our lives. The kingdom had come, and they had...

Courage, Confrontation, and Crisis | Matthew 21:18–46 Jesus walks into the fire. As the conflict in Jerusalem intensifies, Jesus does not retreat. Through the fruitless fig tree, the challenge to his authority, the parable of the two sons, the wicked tenants, and the rejected cornerstone, Jesus exposes the danger of profession without practice. He does not manufacture trouble or stir up contention for its own sake. He uncovers contradictions that are already present and directs attention toward their true sources. Then he brings everyone to a defining moment—a crisis of truth and choice centered upon himself. Courage enters the danger. Confrontation uncovers the truth. Crisis demands a decision about the Cornerstone. Read the complete reflection, subscriber Bible study, personal inventory, and small-group discussion guide: https://tomsims.substack.com/p/courage-confrontation-and-crisis

  THE LORD NEEDS THIS Matthew 21:1–17 Jesus entered Jerusalem as a humble King, riding a borrowed donkey. He overturned the tables that obstructed prayer, made room for wounded people to receive healing, and welcomed the praise of children. The Lord needed a donkey, two obedient disciples, and someone willing to release what had been tied up. What might the Lord need from us? Watch the full sermon: https://www.facebook.com/tomsims/videos/1625032299151069/ Read the sermon and expanded subscriber study: https://tomsims.substack.com/p/the-lord-needs-this Join the Fellowship of Joy discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fellowshipofjoy/ Short Version Discussion questions: What might God be asking you to untie, release, or make available? What “table” may need to be overturned because it is obstructing prayer, mercy, healing, or welcome? Who needs more room to approach Jesus through your life or community? Share your response in the comments or join us in the Fellowship of Jo...