Thomas Umstattd Jr.

A Woman at a Well (Psalm)

You may not know Charity Chambers but she is an up an coming poet. Unfortunately, she has no blog so it is hard to read her work. The good news is that she gave me permission to publish this poem. I think you will like it even if you’re not into poetry. A Woman at a Well By Charity Chambers I was almost there, I needed one more day. I was following a vision, and I was on my way. Chasing after...

Does Jesus Have Cancer? – Part 2

In part one we talked about Spiritual Cancer and how to see if you are a cancer cell in the body of Christ. So now what do we do about the other cancer cells in the Body of Christ? Here is what Jesus has to say about it: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped...

Does Jesus Have Cancer? – Part 1

The problem with cancer is not that it causes harm (like a virus). The problem is that cancer cells do nothing. Cancer cells take resources from the body and give nothing back in return. They just grow and take the place of functioning cells. Soon there are so many cancer cells doing nothing that an entire organ can die causing death in the whole body. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells lack purpose....

Rob Bell Revealed

from the archive… False prophets don’t speak heresy. Not at first anyway. They build trust before leading unsuspecting people into error. Rob Bell has used his Nooma videos to become a household name and to get access to evangelical churches that would normally shield the flock from liberal humanistic theology. Last night Peter, Jonathen and I listened to God Wants to Save Christians Part...

Christmas Evangelism Boot Camp #3

It is here. CEBC #3 Registration is now open. Watch the CEBC promo on GodTube. This outreach will help you face your fears as you serve with other Christians who desire to “preach the gospel to all creation”.  If your commitment to Christ compels you to grow as a witness who serves effectively, inoffensively, and biblically then register today. For more info about the Christmas Evangelism...

Lost Silence

We bombard our brains with noise. As a young person I am now able to go through an entire day and never leave time for silence. But at what cost? It is in the quiet place that God speaks, where the conscience can be heard and secret things revealed. Silence allows us to think through difficult issues, sort out conflicting emotions and get right with God. Gaming, or media in general for that matter,...

My take on the gifts of the Spirit.

From the archive… Some are gifted at intercession, but we are all called to pray. Some are gifted at understanding the scriptures, but we are all called study the Word. Some are gifted at mercy, but we are all called to act with compassion. And some are gifted at evangelism, but we are all called to fulfill the great commission. Sharing the Gospel is just as essential as prayer and Bible study...

Spunk

Tap Tap Tap. A weak hand resounds against the shabby door as a feeble voice pleads. “Grant me justice from my enemies!” Pound Pound Pound. A strong hand thunders against the dark door in the dead of night. “Please, I must have bread for my friend, he has come from a long distance and is faint for want of food.” Ambition. It is the difference between those who are content to...

Heeding the Echoes of War

Every beat of a man’s heart pulses the desire for greatness. We long to take up our sword and join in the fray. Yet, the lives of most men don’t look like a grand battle. They look more like a game of put-put golf. We don’t realize the things we do have little impact on the world outside the miniature golf course.  The game is fun, but it lacks meaning. What has happened?  We...

The Adventures of Ultra Fasto Boy

From the archive. Here is the video we made for refuge a few months ago. If you have ever tried to fast this video is for you. Scott Cheek deserves the credit for all of the behind the scenes work as well as playing Jesus. Ultra Fasto-Boy is played by Jonathan Lees.