Tag Archives: Acceptance

Message in A Minute: Works In progress

I was first invited to a church when I was 17 years old.

I had been to churches a few times growing up, but nothing even resembling a consistent church attendance.

I walked into that church at 17 years old with long hair, ripped jeans, and a heavy metal t-shirt on. I honestly wasn’t trying to push any buttons. That was just who I was, and I didn’t know enough about religion to even pretend I was somebody else.

Sure I got some odd looks, yes a couple father’s in the church subtly kept me from even sitting near their daughters. On Sundays, I would usually sit in the back, to avoid any uncomfortable situations. Things like that happen. I even understand why some assumed things about me.

But there were these older ladies who sat in the front row of the church who overwhelmed me with love. They would always hug me, ask me how I was doing, and accepted me exactly the way I was.

A couple times they even invited me and my group (made up of my brother, a cousin, and a friend) to sit with them in the front.

It looked like Metallica was sitting with the Golden Girls.

That’s what God does.

He brings people together, His grace is the same for us all, He isn’t impressed with our clothes, our financial situation, or our status.

It makes me smile when I think of those older ladies who were so welcoming. They are part of the reason I’m a pastor today.

Love people where they are, if they are rough around the edges, let God make any changes needed. Make sure you are growing in your faith, you just may be the reason another person opens their heart to God.

We are all a work in progress.
We are no better than another.
We are all candidates for God’s goodness.

-Tom Wise

Message In A Minute: That Is Amazing Grace

I never met my wife’s Grand-Mother, but I’ve heard many stories about her.

She was a pastor in a small West Virginian community. Her name, very fittingly was Grace.

One year, a few coal miners started attending the small church. After many messages about God’s grace from Pastor Grace. These men all decided to start following Jesus. Pastor Grace was overjoyed, the men began a new type of life, and the church members celebrated.

But a couple weeks later, the local mine owner came to visit Grace at her home. This was a big deal for such a rich and prominent man to even visit the little community. For him to come to her home was unthinkable.

I imagine Pastor Grace was confused as to why this man would be visiting.

Soon it was very clear.

It seems the men who started following Jesus, brought back tools and equipment they had previously stolen from the mine company. They gave the equipment back and asked their boss for forgiveness. The miners seemed to be radically different than before. This overwhelmed the mine owner so much that he had to come and meet Grace.

At this meeting, a huge check was made payable to the church from the mine owner. The church would be able to make major improvements. The ministry would be able to reach more people with the life changing message of God’s Grace.

You can’t make up a story this good.

These men found grace, because they met Grace.

You may not be named after God’s goodness, but you can just as readily share God’s grace with those around you.

There is no limit to what God can do with a willing heart.

That’s Amazing Grace.

-Tom Wise