Comments for Undercover Pastor http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog Steve Whitney writes as Christian, app maker, preacher, former Silicon Valley computer guru, husband, and dad Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:11:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on The Secret of Peace: Part 1 – Gratitude by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/399/comment-page-1#comment-31992 Steve Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:11:45 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/399#comment-31992 Thanks, Lee! Will do. Thanks, Lee! Will do.

]]> Comment on The Secret of Peace: Part 1 – Gratitude by Lee Wallinder http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/399/comment-page-1#comment-31982 Lee Wallinder Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:00:47 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/399#comment-31982 Thank you for this Steve. Keep these coming! Thank you for this Steve. Keep these coming!

]]> Comment on 163440 Bible Content Exams served by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/214/comment-page-1#comment-27919 Steve Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:18:18 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/214#comment-27919 Congratulations, Katie! I'm so glad it's still helpful even though they've changed the test!! We've now served 190851 practice tests - it's not far to the 200,000 mark. May God bless you in your continued preparations, Steve Congratulations, Katie! I’m so glad it’s still helpful even though they’ve changed the test!! We’ve now served 190851 practice tests – it’s not far to the 200,000 mark.

May God bless you in your continued preparations,
Steve

]]> Comment on 163440 Bible Content Exams served by Katie http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/214/comment-page-1#comment-27766 Katie Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:12:41 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/214#comment-27766 I am one of those people, and I have to say thank you. I never wanted to be a PCUSA pastor - but God has had other plans. For someone who has a learning disability and never wanted to go back to school - your web site tool was an answer to prayer on how to study for this test. Thank you so much - I passed my test today! 86%! I am one of those people, and I have to say thank you. I never wanted to be a PCUSA pastor – but God has had other plans. For someone who has a learning disability and never wanted to go back to school – your web site tool was an answer to prayer on how to study for this test. Thank you so much – I passed my test today! 86%!

]]> Comment on Morning Prayer for Night People by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/236/comment-page-1#comment-25217 Steve Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:07:43 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=236#comment-25217 Thanks, Suzanne! I don't tend to listen to the Taize podcast in the morning - too relaxing for me! But it's very prayerful. Blessings, Steve Thanks, Suzanne! I don’t tend to listen to the Taize podcast in the morning – too relaxing for me! But it’s very prayerful.

Blessings,

Steve

]]> Comment on Morning Prayer for Night People by Suzanne Gorhau http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/236/comment-page-1#comment-25127 Suzanne Gorhau Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:19:12 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=236#comment-25127 Thanks, Steve, for the link to the Taize podcast. I love Taize music, but I didn't know they had a podcast. I'm not a morning person, either, so I'll see if this podcast will work for me. Thanks, Steve, for the link to the Taize podcast. I love Taize music, but I didn’t know they had a podcast. I’m not a morning person, either, so I’ll see if this podcast will work for me.

]]> Comment on Come, Labor On! by Chris Arveson http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/208/comment-page-1#comment-24383 Chris Arveson Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:18:54 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=208#comment-24383 Come, Labor On. This hymn was an early part of my calling as a pastor, dating back to my childhood. I wish someone would write a new tune, but even with the original tune, it challenges me, to get with it, whenever I'm feeling discouraged. I learned verse 5 slightly differently, "And a glad sound comes with the setting sun, “Servant, well done!” That is what I most desperately wish to hear. I wish to hear it because of what God has done for me. I simply wish to please him. Come, Labor On. This hymn was an early part of my calling as a pastor, dating back to my childhood. I wish someone would write a new tune, but even with the original tune, it challenges me, to get with it, whenever I’m feeling discouraged.

I learned verse 5 slightly differently, “And a glad sound comes with the setting sun, “Servant, well done!” That is what I most desperately wish to hear. I wish to hear it because of what God has done for me. I simply wish to please him.

]]> Comment on Denny’s Big Breakfast Gamble and the Church by Jennie M. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/222/comment-page-1#comment-24103 Jennie M. Tue, 05 May 2009 18:06:58 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=222#comment-24103 I was surfing, trying to find some strength today to get to my work and came upon Pastor Steve's post about Denny's and the earlier one about publicity. I just finished reading "The Last Templer"--I know, I know, but I like the STORY, knowing it's FICTION--but one of the things the Cardinals say to Reilly (one of the main characters)in that book is that the idea of the Templers and Gnostic gospels and a "Jesus gospel" comes up every so many years and it just brings the church publicity... And you know the saying about publicity, there's no bad publicity, right??? The point he was making was that the church needs to capitalize on that renewed interest, even if people were interested for the wrong reason... it's interest and at that point, they're in the parking lot and we just need to guide them into the Cafe or Sanctuary, right? Because my youngest is still in the preschool program run by my parent's church, and my parents are active, I hear much about how their church is literally dying... they have more members die from old age than new ones come in and their numbers are dwindling big time... but it's one of those situations where the church and session are not focused on "what can we do for others in our community, what needs can we meet?" but "what can the church do for me today?" or "what can the church do for South America today?, neither of which helps them to grow. So much of what Maxine did was to facilitate those "little" ministries that have just exploded, giving our church free publicity, getting our name out there as a Sanctuary in the storm of today's life and it's attracting people like a the magnets in an electron accelerator! We need to stay focused on ways we can attract free publicity and minister to our local community and those who need it...and maybe ask ourselves, what would Maxine have done, how would Maxine have just made this happen? I know I'll look for an email from her every time I open my inbox for awhile! I was surfing, trying to find some strength today to get to my work and came upon Pastor Steve’s post about Denny’s and the earlier one about publicity. I just finished reading “The Last Templer”–I know, I know, but I like the STORY, knowing it’s FICTION–but one of the things the Cardinals say to Reilly (one of the main characters)in that book is that the idea of the Templers and Gnostic gospels and a “Jesus gospel” comes up every so many years and it just brings the church publicity… And you know the saying about publicity, there’s no bad publicity, right??? The point he was making was that the church needs to capitalize on that renewed interest, even if people were interested for the wrong reason… it’s interest and at that point, they’re in the parking lot and we just need to guide them into the Cafe or Sanctuary, right? Because my youngest is still in the preschool program run by my parent’s church, and my parents are active, I hear much about how their church is literally dying… they have more members die from old age than new ones come in and their numbers are dwindling big time… but it’s one of those situations where the church and session are not focused on “what can we do for others in our community, what needs can we meet?” but “what can the church do for me today?” or “what can the church do for South America today?, neither of which helps them to grow. So much of what Maxine did was to facilitate those “little” ministries that have just exploded, giving our church free publicity, getting our name out there as a Sanctuary in the storm of today’s life and it’s attracting people like a the magnets in an electron accelerator! We need to stay focused on ways we can attract free publicity and minister to our local community and those who need it…and maybe ask ourselves, what would Maxine have done, how would Maxine have just made this happen? I know I’ll look for an email from her every time I open my inbox for awhile!

]]> Comment on My Post-Christian Son by Willem Kooijman http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/217/comment-page-1#comment-22930 Willem Kooijman Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:07:33 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=217#comment-22930 Though I live in Holland and not in America I have read quite a few of pastor Steve's writings and comments on his writings. In Holland I was a teacher of English and religion at a high school for 36 years. What struck me in the last two or three decades is that on the one hand it is simply true that in a country like Holland there are practically no young people who go to Church on Sundays or are active members of religious organizations. On the other hand I noticed an amazing amount of interest in religious topics and topics that are discussed in the Bible during my lessons in religion. I have no explanation for the fact that, at least in Europe, many young people are highly interested in religious themes, but never go to church and would never be willing to join any form of religious organization. Though I live in Holland and not in America I have read quite a few of pastor Steve’s writings and comments on his writings. In Holland I was a teacher of English and religion at a high school for 36 years. What struck me in the last two or three decades is that on the one hand it is simply true that in a country like Holland there are practically no young people who go to Church on Sundays or are active members of religious organizations. On the other hand I noticed an amazing amount of interest in religious topics and topics that are discussed in the Bible during my lessons in religion.
I have no explanation for the fact that, at least in Europe, many young people are highly interested in religious themes, but never go to church and would never be willing to join any form of religious organization.

]]> Comment on Public Restrooms and the Church by Byron Wade http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/226/comment-page-1#comment-22905 Byron Wade Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:19:58 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=226#comment-22905 Wow! Never thought of how to turn that "customer only" thought around. That gives me a good answer to when my parishioners ask the same questions. Thanks for the post! Wow! Never thought of how to turn that “customer only” thought around. That gives me a good answer to when my parishioners ask the same questions. Thanks for the post!

]]> Comment on Public Restrooms and the Church by Mary Richardson http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/226/comment-page-1#comment-22796 Mary Richardson Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:15:59 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=226#comment-22796 Great lesson, Pastor Steve, and I agree that, too often, we look first to our convenience (who wants to clean the restrooms; who wants to tidy the concrete?) and then to our mission. I heard a story about a church located close to a mental facility who had a steady stream of visitors who were not usually welcomed in churches. One stayed. There is more to the story; I just wanted to affirm your thoughts. Blessings on your ministry. Great lesson, Pastor Steve, and I agree that, too often, we look first to our convenience (who wants to clean the restrooms; who wants to tidy the concrete?) and then to our mission. I heard a story about a church located close to a mental facility who had a steady stream of visitors who were not usually welcomed in churches. One stayed. There is more to the story; I just wanted to affirm your thoughts. Blessings on your ministry.

]]> Comment on Denny’s Big Breakfast Gamble and the Church by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/222/comment-page-1#comment-22712 KC Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:25:02 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=222#comment-22712 The two denny's near my house were packed. How was your vacation? The two denny’s near my house were packed. How was your vacation?

]]> Comment on Denny’s Big Breakfast Gamble and the Church by lori abrahams http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/222/comment-page-1#comment-22481 lori abrahams Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:42:28 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=222#comment-22481 FYI- I went at 6 a.m. got seated immediately and ordered. I'm not a big fan of breakfast meat or pancakes, but I didn't care. (i'm more of an eggs and toast kind of girl) I gave the bacon to my friends, had a couple of bites of pancake and likewise gave them up too. I must confess that I did eat the sausage, but was only able to eat it dipped in the syrup, lots of syrup. I thought the denny's campaign was a stroke of genius and even though i hadn't been in YEARS, i will probably go back now. lesson to your congregation, from my perspective - if you plan it, they will come. if too many come, run out the back door and buy more bisquick.... people will wait in line for a quality product, especially if it is free.... :) FYI- I went at 6 a.m. got seated immediately and ordered. I’m not a big fan of breakfast meat or pancakes, but I didn’t care. (i’m more of an eggs and toast kind of girl) I gave the bacon to my friends, had a couple of bites of pancake and likewise gave them up too. I must confess that I did eat the sausage, but was only able to eat it dipped in the syrup, lots of syrup. I thought the denny’s campaign was a stroke of genius and even though i hadn’t been in YEARS, i will probably go back now. lesson to your congregation, from my perspective – if you plan it, they will come. if too many come, run out the back door and buy more bisquick…. people will wait in line for a quality product, especially if it is free…. :)

]]> Comment on Denny’s Big Breakfast Gamble and the Church by Deb http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/222/comment-page-1#comment-22472 Deb Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:08:50 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=222#comment-22472 Great post, Steve. Something interesting for church committees and boards and pastors to think about and act upon. Great post, Steve. Something interesting for church committees and boards and pastors to think about and act upon.

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-21935 Steve Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:16:58 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-21935 Dear Ravs, As the angel said to Mary and Joseph, do not be afraid! Just because you haven't heard or felt God's reply yet doesn't mean that God has not heard you. The book of Job describes a situation where bad things happened to a man and his friends all told him that he had somehow angered God. It was not true. At the end, his fortunes were restored. Jesus himself, when he teaches on prayer, tells us how important it is to be persistent in prayer. Look at <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018:1-8;&version=31" rel="nofollow">Luke 18:1-8</a>. <blockquote>And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"</blockquote> Ravs, if you did not have salvation, you wouldn't be worried about what God thinks. You have repented and given yourself to the Lord. Now, all you have to do is wait and trust. (I say that like it's easy, but I know it isn't!) I recommend reading and praying <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2046&version=31" rel="nofollow">Psalm 46</a>. Even though things are bad all around us, God is still there! "Be still and know that I am God," he reminds us. I am saying a prayer for you right now. God bless you, my friend, Steve [WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us '0 which is not a hashcash value. Dear Ravs,

As the angel said to Mary and Joseph, do not be afraid! Just because you haven’t heard or felt God’s reply yet doesn’t mean that God has not heard you. The book of Job describes a situation where bad things happened to a man and his friends all told him that he had somehow angered God. It was not true. At the end, his fortunes were restored.

Jesus himself, when he teaches on prayer, tells us how important it is to be persistent in prayer. Look at Luke 18:1-8.

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Ravs, if you did not have salvation, you wouldn’t be worried about what God thinks. You have repented and given yourself to the Lord. Now, all you have to do is wait and trust. (I say that like it’s easy, but I know it isn’t!) I recommend reading and praying Psalm 46. Even though things are bad all around us, God is still there! “Be still and know that I am God,” he reminds us.

I am saying a prayer for you right now.

God bless you, my friend,

Steve

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by ravs http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-21934 ravs Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:48:35 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-21934 for days on i have knelt down praying fervently for God to touch me... i have prayed for healing, to be filled by the spirit, for spiritual gifts, comfort, peace and for miracles.. i have had days when all day i am filled with evil thoughts and i ask God to take it away from me but it still is there.. my mind has been so stressed off late that i ask for comfort and peace and healing in my mind but somehow it seems like a prayer falling from the cealing... i long to hear God's voice but i do not.. i claim promises within the bible but don see results... THE LORD says in jermiah 33.3 call to me and i will answer.. i call to him daily and i do not hear anything... jesus says ask and u shall receive, seek and u shall find, knock and the door shall be opened... i have done it and am not replied to.. i feel that may be i am not saved so many days i pray the sinners prayer and ask the holy spirit to enter into my life and my heart and make me a new person... but i don see anything.... why is it like this.. i have prayed to God for forgiveness.. i used to sin a sexual sin but now i have turned away from it.. i am doing all i can... and i do not feel Gods presence.. please help me... for days on i have knelt down praying fervently for God to touch me… i have prayed for healing, to be filled by the spirit, for spiritual gifts, comfort, peace and for miracles.. i have had days when all day i am filled with evil thoughts and i ask God to take it away from me but it still is there.. my mind has been so stressed off late that i ask for comfort and peace and healing in my mind but somehow it seems like a prayer falling from the cealing… i long to hear God’s voice but i do not.. i claim promises within the bible but don see results… THE LORD says in jermiah 33.3 call to me and i will answer.. i call to him daily and i do not hear anything… jesus says ask and u shall receive, seek and u shall find, knock and the door shall be opened… i have done it and am not replied to.. i feel that may be i am not saved so many days i pray the sinners prayer and ask the holy spirit to enter into my life and my heart and make me a new person… but i don see anything….

why is it like this.. i have prayed to God for forgiveness.. i used to sin a sexual sin but now i have turned away from it.. i am doing all i can… and i do not feel Gods presence.. please help me…

]]> Comment on Speaking of habits… by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/207/comment-page-1#comment-21868 KC Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:55:39 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/207#comment-21868 great chilaxing with you guys! great chilaxing with you guys!

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by Caring... http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-20761 Caring... Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:31:32 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-20761 Alone, it is when we don't feel or see God doing His work that He is the busiest moving mountains on our behalf. He is getting ready to do mighty things in your life and has a great plan for you. If Satan didn't know that God has great plans for you he wouldn't be trying to keep you so discouraged. Pray to God that He might send you a divine connection to remind you/share with you/etc. what a wonderful child of His you are and how proud He is of you. Maybe, I am that divine connection. God loves you and doesn't want you to shed one tear. He catches everyone of your tears. You are part of His family and you have His DNA. He blessed you before you were born and no curses against you can ever counter act His blessing. Alone, it is when we don’t feel or see God doing His work that He is the busiest moving mountains on our behalf. He is getting ready to do mighty things in your life and has a great plan for you. If Satan didn’t know that God has great plans for you he wouldn’t be trying to keep you so discouraged. Pray to God that He might send you a divine connection to remind you/share with you/etc. what a wonderful child of His you are and how proud He is of you. Maybe, I am that divine connection. God loves you and doesn’t want you to shed one tear. He catches everyone of your tears. You are part of His family and you have His DNA. He blessed you before you were born and no curses against you can ever counter act His blessing.

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by Alone... http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-20674 Alone... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:18:18 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-20674 Most days God seems to bless my enemies and not me. I wonder if I really was not only a mistake with my parents but with Him as well. Yes, I am Born Again. I do not feel or seemed to be overwhelmed by His blessings. I know. You are just going to say "He has me in the palm of His hand", etc. It would be nice to really see it and feel it. I will keep on trying to be a blessing to others - I hope to really know and feel blessed here instead on waiting until death. Death would be welcome. Most days God seems to bless my enemies and not me. I wonder if I really was not only a mistake with my parents but with Him as well. Yes, I am Born Again. I do not feel or seemed to be overwhelmed by His blessings. I know. You are just going to say “He has me in the palm of His hand”, etc. It would be nice to really see it and feel it. I will keep on trying to be a blessing to others – I hope to really know and feel blessed here instead on waiting until death. Death would be welcome.

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by neil http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-19206 neil Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:11:21 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-19206 HI, my tears rolled down my face my prayers I beseiged to the Lord. I ask the Lord for his love and comfort and touch, my prayer is for my healing of the pain of life. Each day I come to the Lord to guide me in his ways and ask for direction in God's mighty way. My soul aches to hear my Lord I wait anxiously. Please Lord hear my prayers. HI, my tears rolled down my face my prayers I beseiged to the Lord. I ask the Lord for his love and comfort and touch, my prayer is for my healing of the pain of life. Each day I come to the Lord to guide me in his ways and ask for direction in God’s mighty way. My soul aches to hear my Lord I wait anxiously. Please Lord hear my prayers.

]]> Comment on Dreams vs. Reality by Monte http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/171/comment-page-1#comment-17835 Monte Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:15:55 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=171#comment-17835 Looking forward to seeing the fun of your realized dreams! Looking forward to seeing the fun of your realized dreams!

]]> Comment on It’s official – I’m my father by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/164/comment-page-1#comment-17606 K.C. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:09:48 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=164#comment-17606 dude, i hear ya on that! Close the screen door your're letting all the flies in! dude, i hear ya on that! Close the screen door your’re letting all the flies in!

]]> Comment on Flu and Thankfulness by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/169/comment-page-1#comment-17605 K.C. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:07:55 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=169#comment-17605 Dude praying for you guys. Dude praying for you guys.

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-17447 Steve Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:13:35 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-17447 Dear Suki, You have gone through a lot, and what you're feeling sounds very normal to me for someone who has trusted someone and then been treated badly and betrayed... What I can promise you is that God does love you. We are all sinners, but God loves us anyway. And God listens to every prayer - even the ones that we are afraid to speak out loud. I am praying for you now, and I also want you to hear these words from God's Word: Romans 5:6-8 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person-- though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. You've probably heard people quote this one too: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. God loves you, and God showed all of us his amazing love in Jesus Christ. Suki, if you already know the Lord, you can simply trust that he has a plan for you and will reveal it to you in time. People do bad things in this world, but God still loves us and is still able to bring good out of our bad choices and actions. But remember that even Jesus himself cried when his friend Lazarus died! Pain when a relationship is broken is normal, and I believe God feels it too. In time, God can and will ease your pain. Keep coming to him, Suki! Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. If you haven't invited Jesus into your heart, this is a great time to do that. We have a promise that we don't need to be good enough, smart enough, or strong enough to earn the love of Jesus. Romans 10:13 For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." I will pray for you, and I will send a copy of this to someone on our church staff who knows the pain you're in. God bless you, Suki. You are not alone and God has not forgotten you. He will lift you up in time because you are his child and he loves you deeply. Love in Christ, Pastor Steve Dear Suki,

You have gone through a lot, and what you’re feeling sounds very normal to me for someone who has trusted someone and then been treated badly and betrayed…

What I can promise you is that God does love you. We are all sinners, but God loves us anyway. And God listens to every prayer – even the ones that we are afraid to speak out loud. I am praying for you now, and I also want you to hear these words from God’s Word:

Romans 5:6-8 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died
for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person– though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

You’ve probably heard people quote this one too:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

God loves you, and God showed all of us his amazing love in Jesus Christ. Suki, if you already know the Lord, you can simply trust that he has a plan for you and will reveal it to you in time. People do bad things in this world, but God still loves us and is still able to bring good out of our bad choices and actions. But remember that even Jesus himself cried when his friend Lazarus died! Pain when a relationship is broken is normal, and I believe God feels it too. In time, God can and will ease your pain. Keep coming to him, Suki!

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

If you haven’t invited Jesus into your heart, this is a great time to do that. We have a promise that we don’t need to be good enough, smart enough, or strong enough to earn the love of Jesus.

Romans 10:13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

I will pray for you, and I will send a copy of this to someone on our church staff who knows the pain you’re in. God bless you, Suki. You are not alone and God has not forgotten you. He will lift you up in time because you are his child and he loves you deeply.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Steve

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by Suki http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-17415 Suki Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:09:53 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-17415 3 months my ex left me. Leaving me with so much broken pieces. Most of time, i cried. God counts my tears. Feel so suffering and pain. Dont know how to rebuild my life. Since then, i keep praying to God to ease this pain. As i cant keep it any longer. Furthermore, i still love him so much regardless the bad things he has done to me. To date, i still crying but not as bad as before. i still feel hurt, despair, denial, angry..everything seems not right. I feel i trust God to rebuild my life but some part of me saying that God aware from me. I wish that each of my prayers is answered but none as far as i concern. am i too sin to be answered. maybe i was wrong in my prayers or maybe God doesnt listen to me. How long should i wait. I hate my life now as if i dont deserve happiness...Help me.i feel deeply down. 3 months my ex left me. Leaving me with so much broken pieces. Most of time, i cried. God counts my tears. Feel so suffering and pain. Dont know how to rebuild my life. Since then, i keep praying to God to ease this pain. As i cant keep it any longer. Furthermore, i still love him so much regardless the bad things he has done to me. To date, i still crying but not as bad as before. i still feel hurt, despair, denial, angry..everything seems not right. I feel i trust God to rebuild my life but some part of me saying that God aware from me. I wish that each of my prayers is answered but none as far as i concern. am i too sin to be answered. maybe i was wrong in my prayers or maybe God doesnt listen to me. How long should i wait. I hate my life now as if i dont deserve happiness…Help me.i feel deeply down.

]]> Comment on Decisions, decisions! by Becky http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/152/comment-page-1#comment-17139 Becky Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:14:44 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=152#comment-17139 Have you thought of starting a new (small) church? I love the idea of small churches being so appealing that they multiply like bunnies. Have you thought of starting a new (small) church? I love the idea of small churches being so appealing that they multiply like bunnies.

]]> Comment on Decisions, decisions! by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/152/comment-page-1#comment-16638 KC Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:45:32 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/?p=152#comment-16638 testing 123 is this thing on? testing 123 is this thing on?

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-9369 Steve Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:50:33 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-9369 Dear Shantelle, God is with you even when you don't feel it. Really. And His love is much bigger than we can possibly imagine. Do you have a Bible? Check out Psalm 42, which was written by someone going through a really tough time - he doesn't feel God's presence right now, but he knows that he will. You can look at it on the Internet at http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2042;&version=72; Hang in there and don't give up on the Lord. He has definitely not given up on you. I will pray for you tonight. Love in Christ, Pastor Steve Whitney Dear Shantelle,

God is with you even when you don’t feel it. Really. And His love is much bigger than we can possibly imagine.

Do you have a Bible? Check out Psalm 42, which was written by someone going through a really tough time – he doesn’t feel God’s presence right now, but he knows that he will. You can look at it on the Internet at http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2042;&version=72;

Hang in there and don’t give up on the Lord. He has definitely not given up on you.

I will pray for you tonight.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Steve Whitney

]]> Comment on “God doesn’t hear my prayers” – Johnny and the problem of unanswered prayer by shantelle http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86/comment-page-1#comment-9342 shantelle Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:42:02 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/86#comment-9342 I pray to GOD all the time, and yes he has helped me immensely - as by rights- I shouldnt really be alive- I love GOD, but right now I am very low and I dont think I can cope with my life for much longer- I pray GOD has mercy on my soul and listens to my prayer- at this precise moment in time though- im confused and lost I pray to GOD all the time, and yes he has helped me immensely – as by rights- I shouldnt really be alive- I love GOD, but right now I am very low and I dont think I can cope with my life for much longer- I pray GOD has mercy on my soul and listens to my prayer- at this precise moment in time though- im confused and lost

]]> Comment on Time – Too Much and Too Little by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/113/comment-page-1#comment-9227 K.C. Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:20:28 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/113#comment-9227 one word. one word.

]]> Comment on Distracted by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/112/comment-page-1#comment-9200 Steve Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:21:02 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/112#comment-9200 Does that make us neighbors? Does that make us neighbors?

]]> Comment on Distracted by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/112/comment-page-1#comment-9163 K.C. Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:08:28 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/112#comment-9163 Hey that's my street!!! Hey that’s my street!!!

]]> Comment on Jesus’ mother and portable data storage don’t mix by Maria USB Device « Revkasedoggy http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/111/comment-page-1#comment-9162 Maria USB Device « Revkasedoggy Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:07:02 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/111#comment-9162 [...] ht: Undercover Pastor [...] [...] ht: Undercover Pastor [...]

]]> Comment on Come to Jesus by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/110/comment-page-1#comment-8000 K.C. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:40:00 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/110#comment-8000 Whats up homie???? Whats up homie????

]]> Comment on Come to Jesus by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/110/comment-page-1#comment-7348 K.C. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:29:04 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/110#comment-7348 por favor please call me. dude!!! por favor please call me. dude!!!

]]> Comment on Come to Jesus by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/110/comment-page-1#comment-7212 K.C. Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:17:07 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/110#comment-7212 Receive the HUG man, receieve the hug from upon high...he's hugging you...can't you feel it???????????????? Receive the HUG man, receieve the hug from upon high…he’s hugging you…can’t you feel it????????????????

]]> Comment on Feel the “leadership burn” by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/107/comment-page-1#comment-6402 KC Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:52:04 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/107#comment-6402 feeling it now buddy. feeling it now. Call me O Wise One. feeling it now buddy. feeling it now. Call me O Wise One.

]]> Comment on Evangelism in 2007 by Monte http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/105/comment-page-1#comment-5987 Monte Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:09:16 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/105#comment-5987 I'm with you! The future isn't a Wal-Martisation of the church into a Disneyesque consumer land. Fight the power Aunt Millie - I've got your back! I’m with you!
The future isn’t a Wal-Martisation of the church into a Disneyesque consumer land.
Fight the power Aunt Millie – I’ve got your back!

]]> Comment on Mark of the Beast to Be Illegal in California? by These ain’t chocalate chips… « Revkasedoggy http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/104/comment-page-1#comment-5655 These ain’t chocalate chips… « Revkasedoggy Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:51:47 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/104#comment-5655 [...] 4th, 2007 by revkasedoggy Steve brings up some interesting thoughts on issues related to “end time” stuff, Revelation, and [...] [...] 4th, 2007 by revkasedoggy Steve brings up some interesting thoughts on issues related to “end time” stuff, Revelation, and [...]

]]> Comment on Evangelism in 2007 by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/105/comment-page-1#comment-5654 KC Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:39:22 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/105#comment-5654 Let's write a book on this it would rock!!!! A small church pastors perspective on worship. Let’s write a book on this it would rock!!!! A small church pastors perspective on worship.

]]> Comment on Trinity’s Kids Sing the National Anthem! by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/103/comment-page-1#comment-4986 KC Sat, 11 Aug 2007 22:44:25 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/103#comment-4986 That rocks That rocks

]]> Comment on One thing at a time by kcwahe http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/102/comment-page-1#comment-4488 kcwahe Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:12:52 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/102#comment-4488 Amen Amen

]]> Comment on God wants to break through by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/98/comment-page-1#comment-4485 Steve Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:44:03 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/98#comment-4485 Glad for the company Rev. Doggie. Glad for the company Rev. Doggie.

]]> Comment on God wants to break through by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/98/comment-page-1#comment-4474 KC Sat, 21 Jul 2007 19:28:57 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/98#comment-4474 I'm in I’m in

]]> Comment on What I did on my summer vacation and the event that changed my plans by Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » God wants to break through http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/88/comment-page-1#comment-4441 Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » God wants to break through Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:52:28 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/88#comment-4441 [...] just had a couple of weeks of vacation.  Some of it was spent working on our house, but some of it was spent at my grandma’s cabin on Donner [...] [...] just had a couple of weeks of vacation.  Some of it was spent working on our house, but some of it was spent at my grandma’s cabin on Donner [...]

]]> Comment on Nerd Pastor? by K.C. http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/95/comment-page-1#comment-4357 K.C. Thu, 05 Jul 2007 06:49:02 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/95#comment-4357 That's awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> Comment on What I did on my summer vacation and the event that changed my plans by maxine http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/88/comment-page-1#comment-4356 maxine Thu, 05 Jul 2007 06:46:41 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/88#comment-4356 I can only imagine the discovery process!!! Aaahh, yeh - when the children are quiet - it's time to NOT rest! This is when it's laughable from all except the parents! and yes...I've been struggling the past few days myself because I feel like I've let down my son...this parental stuff seems to never end.... God's grace, Jesus' understanding...parent/child forgiveness..... I can only imagine the discovery process!!! Aaahh, yeh – when the children are quiet – it’s time to NOT rest! This is when it’s laughable from all except the parents!

and yes…I’ve been struggling the past few days myself because I feel like I’ve let down my son…this parental stuff seems to never end….

God’s grace, Jesus’ understanding…parent/child forgiveness…..

]]> Comment on Civic Responsibility and Daytime TV by KC http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/87/comment-page-1#comment-4262 KC Mon, 25 Jun 2007 04:39:49 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/87#comment-4262 New reality tv courtroom drama...just heard about it...."Judge Whitney and his courtroom drama on why scented kleenex is better than unscented." New reality tv courtroom drama…just heard about it….”Judge Whitney and his courtroom drama on why scented kleenex is better than unscented.”

]]> Comment on God’s fingerprints on our brains? by Stushie http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/85/comment-page-1#comment-3799 Stushie Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:16:34 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/85#comment-3799 Sounds like good ol' deconstructionism in the Scientific field. If they manage to pull this one off, then I guess morality, sacrifice, and generosity go up in smoke. As for the shock treatment that stopped the other rat from eating, couldn't it just have been that he lost his appetite rather than vicariously giving up his meal? I like your idea about fingerprints in the brain, though. The hallmarking of God's creativity. Sounds like good ol’ deconstructionism in the Scientific field. If they manage to pull this one off, then I guess morality, sacrifice, and generosity go up in smoke.

As for the shock treatment that stopped the other rat from eating, couldn’t it just have been that he lost his appetite rather than vicariously giving up his meal?

I like your idea about fingerprints in the brain, though. The hallmarking of God’s creativity.

]]> Comment on Singing Rabbit by Steve http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/84/comment-page-1#comment-3304 Steve Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:50:11 +0000 http://www.steve-whitney.com/blog/archives/84#comment-3304 Told ya'. :-) Told ya’. :-)

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