A CHRISTIAN MISSION
March 2025 Newsletter
Prayer Request: Seek God's guidance in examining your heart, asking Him to reveal any areas in your life that need transformation. Pray for the wisdom and strength to recognize habits, attitudes, or actions that may not align with His will. Ask Him to lead you toward growth, refining your character so that your words, thoughts, and deeds bring honor and glory to His name.
Please call us if you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
Risky Behavior
(portions inspired by, paraphrased, or quoted from Charles Swindoll)
I don't know anybody who would want to build a home near the base of an active volcano or spend their vacation in a houseboat - a hundred yards above Niagara Falls. Nobody is interested in swimming in the Amazon - near a school of piranha…and there's not a dad in the world who would be happy to know that his daughter was interested in dating a convicted murderer.
Some things make no sense at all - but there are people who call themselves Christians who are flirting with risks – more dangerous than the ones above, and they do so with such a calm face that you'd swear they had ice water in their veins. They're balancing on the edge of disaster.
Who are these people? They are the ones who are rewriting the Bible in their minds and interpreting it to accommodate their disobedient lifestyle. We've all met them. They say they are followers of Christ, but down inside, they spend their lives rationalizing their behavior. They rephrase Scripture verses – or try to explain away the truths of the Bible that make them uncomfortable.
Their thought process is simple. Whenever they come across Scripture verses or biblical principles that disagree with their disobedient lifestyle, they try to change the truth to accommodate their behavior. Then, two things happen in their minds:
1. All desires (no matter how wrong) can be fulfilled.
2. All of their guilt is erased.
That way, everybody can do their own thing, and nobody has any reason to question the behaviors of anyone else. If someone does question a behavior…they just call him a legalist and plow right on…clinging to “their truth.”
Oh yeah…there's a lot of talk about grace, too. The principle of grace is often twisted – to help people justify lots of disobedient behaviors.
Here are just a few examples of wrong theology and wrong thinking:
How much can I get away with – and still call myself a Christian?
There was a time when this might have been considered immoral – but not today. God gave me this desire and wants me to enjoy it.
Hey, if it feels good – have at it! Life's too short to sweat the small stuff. We're not under law, you know.
God wants me to be happy. I can't be happy married to him (or her.) I deserve someone more perfect, so I'm leaving…and I know God will understand.
Me? Ask for His forgiveness? That's ridiculous. My relationship with God is much deeper than shallow techniques like that.
So what - if a little hanky-panky…a little fun 'n' games goes on? What's life about without some spice and risk? God wants me to enjoy myself. All of those “thou shalt nots” are unrealistic.
Holiness, Purity, & Grace
If these distortions of biblical principles are true, then what in the world does it mean to be Holy?
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Or Pure?
“It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality…reject every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:22)
Or Under Grace?
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!” (Romans 6:15)
Or Undefiled?
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage be undefiled, for fornicators and adulterers - God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4)
The fact is: We reap what we sow. If we sow a lifestyle that disregards the Word of God, we ultimately reap disaster.
“But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather – thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person – such a person is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.”(Ephesians 5:3-7)
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:8-11)
”Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:15-18)
When we compromise, it's usually subtle at first. We start out compromising - with no intention of being conquered by it. Ask people who struggle with addictions if they started out with the intention of becoming alcoholics or drug addicts. I doubt that anyone would say, “Yes.” Remember that Satan is the father of lies. He might whisper, “Come on, no one's perfect.” It can be difficult to distinguish a lie from the truth – because Satan is clever in blurring the lines and making his evil lies sound perfectly sensible.
As long as we live in a fallen world, there will be temptations, and God's unlimited power is our only defense against the schemes of Satan.
If we are followers of Christ, we need to get serious about our obedience to the Word of God! We can ask Him to help us overcome an area of our life that we know is not godly. If we aren't ready to ask God for help, then we need to ask him to convict us about our relaxed attitudes regarding our sin of disobedience.
We want to hold on to the unchangeable truths of the Bible, ask God for wisdom and discernment – and then, live in a way that glorifies Him!...our ultimate goal.
Pastor Andrew
Thrift Store
If you haven't had a chance to shop at one of our Thrift Stores, we hope you will do that soon. The proceeds from the store are a significant 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.
Our stores are located at 1515 E. 8th St., Odessa & 1020H Andrews Highway, Midland
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 donations – call us at 432-337-8294 to schedule a pickup. You can also drop off your donation at the Thrift Store,
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
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 your gift goes to the Mission. Paypal does not charge a processing fee when you use this service. If you would like to make a direct financial donation, you can go to PayPal using 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 on eBay, add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Ebay: You must add the Door Of Hope Mission to your favorites. Click the link to add us.
https://charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315
If you have any questions, please call us at 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.