Pastor Tom's Journal

  Summer Is Nigh Matthew 24:32–35 What can an ordinary fig tree teach us about living through change? At our church in Fremont, a fig tree grew outside the main doors. Its fallen fruit could be messy, but during fig season, there was always a snack available. My friend Bob understood that tree. He knew when to prune it—usually sooner than I thought appropriate. Because he paid attention and cared for it at the right time, it thrived. I never became an expert in fig trees. But I learned to notice a little more. Jesus invites his disciples to learn from a familiar tree. Tender branches and emerging leaves tell them summer is approaching. Recognizing the season helps them respond, even though they do not know every detail of what comes next. Jesus was addressing people whose familiar world would change. The temple seemed extraordinarily secure. Yet even that great building would fall. We know something about that experience. Institutions change. Familiar arrangements disappear. Things...

  Remembering Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer—the Oxford Martyrs—and the candle of conviction they left burning. Their courage invites us to consider faith, humility, and the dangers of religious coercion. How can we honor their witness while protecting freedom of conscience for everyone, including those who disagree with us? https://tomsims.substack.com/p/a-candle-of-conviction...

  “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...