Jule 2023 Newsletter
Prayer request: Please continue to pray for the leadership of our community, state, and country. And pray for godly leaders to emerge and guide us through these challenging times.
If you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help, please give us a call. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
What's Going On in the World?
(Portions inspired by Chuck Swindoll)
Do you ever just shake your head and wonder, What on earth is happening in our society? We are living in times that are very different from the world we knew a few years ago. During recent years, we have seen lots of changes - and many of them are not good changes. If we – as Christians – want to have an influence in this world, it's important that we are discerning. In today's society, there are especially troubling changes to be aware of, and to understand.
No Right and Wrong
First, the line between right and wrong has been erased by people who reject the TRUTH of the Bible. We have moved from a wholesome standard of morality – to a mind-boggling emphasis on the tolerance of every kind of evil. For many people, common sense has been replaced with political correctness. Criminals are being coddled and defended with more passion than victims. If we speak out against same-sex marriage (as the Bible does) we are labeled as “intolerant homophobes” and “out of touch with reality.”
When we say that Scripture teaches for or against some behavior or attitude – it doesn't carry the same weight (with unbelievers in the world) that it once did. When we hold on to our biblical, moral standards…the world says that we are foolish and judgmental, and it's all because they don't want to believe in God's standard of right and wrong. “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)
Ignorance of Biblical Truth
A second change that's very troubling is: There is a growing ignorance of biblical knowledge. There was a time, even in recent years, when biblical principles were respected by our culture as the accepted guides for living. Some politicians and teachers quoted from the Bible. Many of us went to school when prayer was a part of our classroom experience – especially during our elementary-school-age years, and moral standards were reinforced in our classrooms. Also, there were many more pastors who boldly taught the Scriptures with passion, and without wavering. In today's society, it's sad that we have “a famine in the land – not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11)
Truth is a Moving Target
A third change is: More people than ever, are embracing their own ideas about “their truth.” The following 10 signs will help us to recognize these misguided and sinful attitudes, and give us a fresh reminder about the things that push against the TRUTH that the Bible teaches.
The people who reject the TRUTH of the Word of God believe:
There is no valid authority. The people who hold on to this position – challenge authority, asking, “Who are you to tell me what to believe?” Their respect for authority is almost nonexistent.
No rules are valid. The same people believe that we should make up our own minds about right and wrong – following only those rules we feel are right for us.
Style is more important than substance. This mindset says that image and appearance are more important than substance.
Morality is a matter of choice. This mentality suggests that it's okay to live however we want. Just be happy and comfortable, and “true to yourself.”
The best virtue is tolerance. This kind of tolerance says that we must validate everyone's beliefs…except the beliefs of those who aren't tolerant of THEIR beliefs. Ironic, huh?
Words have no inherent meaning. Words carry weight, but in our world – the significance of words continues to erode, so that true communication is impossible.
Western culture is oppressive. This mindset says that someone else (whether they have selfish motives or not) always has an idea that will improve our “oppressive” culture.
The line between truth and entertainment is removed. So – guess what? Hollywood becomes more of a source of truth than the Bible.
Images and fantasy interpret reality. The (often inappropriate) topics and images on television and in video games – become reality for kids who are growing up under their daily influence.
Whatever people choose to believe is correct, so they take the liberty of doing anything they want - to achieve a goal. These people believe that it's acceptable to react any way they wish – if they feel they have been wronged – because…“their truth,” should be respected.
The bottom line in all of this is: Without God, our value system will always be chaotic – because we have a sinful nature.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20)
Challenges for the Believer in Christ
All of these worldly attitudes present plenty of challenges for followers of Christ. It's important that we live intentionally - with biblical integrity – in spite of everything that's going on around us.
First, we need discernment. Discernment keeps us from being deceived and disillusioned. If we are discerning, we can avoid many of the pitfalls of living in this world. We need to be intentional about guarding our thoughts and reactions – so that we don't become complacent with the evil around us.
Second, we need direction. Direction provides us with a goal to pursue – showing us what we should do, and how we should react to these worldly attitudes that we face every day. Direction forces us to make hard decisions. We want to have the courage to do the right thing, and react according to biblical principles – as we face aggressive opposition to our beliefs.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
These are serious words for a serious situation. It's easy to be swept along by the scrambled attitudes and beliefs of our times, but I want to URGE you and encourage you to become a serious student of the Scriptures. Let God's Word be your guide. We also need a reminder about the reason we are on this earth in the first place: to bring glory to God!
As believers and followers of Christ, we know how the story will ultimately end, but I pray that God will give us the courage and wisdom to live by His principles as long as He gives us time on this earth…so that we can be a light to a world that has completely lost its way.
Pastor Andrew
Thrift Store
If you haven't had a chance to shop at our Thrift Store, we hope you will do that very soon. The proceeds from the store are a major source of our support. You will find thousands of quality items at incredible prices, and you can shop with confidence that your dollars are helping to change lives.
We are located at 1515 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX Our hours for shopping are: Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
We continue to take ALL donations with grateful hearts. We could not do this without your help.
We will come to PICK UP any and all donations – just give us a call at 432-337-8294 to schedule a pickup. You can also drop off your donation at the Thrift Store,
Funds / Donations Needed
Your financial support will help us provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep and shower, and exposure to the truth of God's Word through Bible study and counseling to those who struggle with addictions. Many come to know Jesus as Savior because of the work God is doing here at the Mission.
There are a few ways you can give:
#1: PayPal Giving Fund:100% of what you give goes to the Mission. Paypal does not keep a processing fee when you use this service. If you would like to make a direct financial donation you can go to PayPal at the link below.
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2432315
#2: Use our Website http://www.doorofhopemission.com/donate.html
#3: Mail a Check to Door of Hope Mission PO Box 1789, Odessa, TX 79760
#4: When you Shop at Amazon or Ebay, just add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Amazon: Visit Amazon Smile www.smile.amazon.com, then login to your account then you need to select Door Of Hope Mission Odessa TX so we will receive donations from eligible purchases when you shop.
With Ebay: You just need to add the Door Of Hope Mission to your favorites. Click the link this link to add us.
https://charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315
If you have any questions please call us 432-337-8294.
The Door of Hope Mission is supported 100% by DONATIONS and our thrift store. We do not take money from the government because they would restrict us from preaching about the freeing power of Jesus to those we help.
All donations are tax-deductible.
DOOR OF HOPE THRIFT STORE UPDATE
We are in need of good furniture and antiques that you might want to donate to our ministry, and of course - we continue to take ALL donations with grateful hearts. We could not do this without your help.
We can also accept cars, trucks, RVs and boats.
If you have items you wish to donate, please drop them off at the store. If you need us to pick them up, please call the Mission at 432-337-8294.
We invite you to come and visit the Door of Hope Thrift Store. We are located at 1611 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX 79761.
Our hours for shopping are Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Please visit us on Facebook : www.Facebook.com/DoorOfHopeThriftStore
All donations are tax deductible.
Please check out our latest post and like our page at https://www.facebook.com/DoorOfHopeMissionTX
A CHRISTIAN MISSION