Dear John Letter

Well, you all know what that phrase, “Dear John Letter” means. In my short span of 4 weeks of filling out numerous on-line applications, I have received a few of these rejection letters. You know how it goes. “Sorry, but you are not qualified for the position available.” Or, “we have decided to fill the position, internally at this time.” Of course I have a slew of others who have only responded with, we have your resume or application and don’t call us, we will call you. (Italics mine; paraphrase mine)

That’s about par for the course on my job search; these are mostly small local retail or business related jobs of which I have very little if any experience. My job set skill is primarily church related–either in direct ministry or in para-church ministry. Honestly, I have checked into a few opportunities in the church world, but nothing has come of that route yet–but I need to give that time. Rome wasn’t built in a day ( I believe it took a few years, with very little union related work stoppages!)

But with so many eyes and ears that they are in this large internet world, if you know of an church related opening, let me know. Otherwise, continue to pray.

I have tried to keep up on some needed reading. I wish now, when I boxed up my office, that I had done a better job of cataloging what book was in what box–but I honestly didn’t think about that type of organization. I have frequented my local library enough that maybe someone will cut me a payroll check, since I’m hanging there often. I would rather be at Borders or the Christian Bookstore–but they insist on collecting payment for the books I try to check out of those businesses.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend ahead. Carol and I are hoping to worship at Woodland Camp this weekend for their Family Camp. We have some dear friends to connect with who will be at the camp this weekend. Keep praying–keep watching for employment opportunities and keep in touch.

Sunday Night Mind Dump

Gave some thought to my Sunday Night Mind Dump. Here is what I came up with, after much consideration, contemplation and concentration.

1. Great services this morning at CCC in Sharpsburg.

2. Ed Martin brought the word powerfully and clearly.

3. Hope that next week, he will talk to others, beside me–I was convicted today for sure.

4. Still have unfinished office work upcoming for the transition of Velocity Church to the South Paulding Church Plant.

5. That would be VC to the SPCP.

6. Praying for this time of seeking God’s direction for Velocity and their future–God will deliver.

7. Some former Velocity friends are gathering at Taylor Farm Park on Wednesday at 7:00 pm for prayer walks. Awesome

8. My upcoming week includes an interview tomorrow morning (Monday). Pray, pray, pray.

9. Carol’s officially on the job at school tomorrow–BUT it is a mandatory furlough day, so she’s hitting the pool one last time.

10. I’ve been invited to play golf. But, I have to borrow or buy a golf bag. I left mine in Ohio. I have clubs–but tough to carry them without a bag or caddie who is multi-armed.

11. Let me explain–last visit north, my lovely wife and daughters hit the outlet malls; loading up the car, my clubs could be easily placed in various places, but the golf bag, remains behind in my father-in-law’s garage. What sacrifice it takes being a dad.

12. Hope your week goes well and that the rain slows down just a bit. What ever happened to the dog days of summer?

13. Speaking of dogs–I can’t wait till the dog pound and the Cleveland Browns start up; And I am also waiting on the OSU Buckeyes to hit the gridiron. Go Browns–go Bucks.

14. I be gone–see ya.

Generally Speaking

I was on my bicycle today for the first time in over two weeks. It was a great morning to ride. The humidity is beginning to climb again, but was not too bad at our 8:00 am start. There were many cyclists riding today and it was good to stretch the muscles, especially the ones that have not been used for a while. Even though I try to walk every morning or so, riding a recumbent might be comfortable on the back side, but legs pumping pedals is the same if you are upright or reclined. I rode approximately 16 miles to the Rosco General Store, where a short break, a granola bar (25 cents plus tax) and some conversation took about 15 minutes of time. This is one of two General Stores passed on this route in the Chattahoochee Hill Country. They seem to have generally, about anything you would think you might need. Stores like this are disappearing from the landscape in our county, as we see large box stores shut down the mom and pop general store. And now, we might be on the verge of the WWW web striking a blow at the box stores with ease of ordering and never leaving your home.

I have watched as society has moved from the front porch to the back deck. We put up fences and landscaping to keep our yards private, with no prying eyes from nosey neighbors. We are cut off from contact of other human beings, looking for ways to shop at home, work from home and basically hide at home. We come out on our terms, opening a garage door to back out a car and zoom off to our destination, returning the same way, hiding away behind the automatic garage door. I even laugh at some folk, who on a perfectly good day, will take extra time to drive their car close to the mail box to retrieve the mail, rather than walk back out later or stop the car in the drive way.

And then, we hear the preacher tell us to reach out to our neighbors, invite them to church, get to know them. My goodness, when do we see them? We almost need a red light place at the end of the drive, to perhaps stop them long enough to say hello.

But, lest you think I’m different–hold your horses. I have moved my office to my home. I am thinking, I can get up, walk on the treadmill, work, eat, work, order a pizza, watch some TV and end my day–never having stepped out my front door. I would enjoy that life, for about one day at most. I enjoy going to the office, interacting with others, working on projects, meeting deadlines, reaching goals.

In fact, even in my bike riding or exercise routines, I must be reaching a goal–getting ready for a special group ride; preparing to ride a long distance or somewhere I have never been, or loosing a few pounds, whatever–but a goal to reach.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (NLT)
²⁴ Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
²⁵ All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

I have rambled on long enough. I headed to the front porch–just to see what’s going on in my neighborhood!

Having our Cake and Eating it Too

This Sunday, Velocity Church will be at the Taylor Farm Park on Pine Valley Rd. We meet at the large pavilion and begin around 10:00 AM. I hear we will have coffee this week, which will be brewed on the spot. We will bring cold drinks as well, since I am sure the Georgia heat is back with us on Sunday. And as a special treat, we will have an anniversary cake as well. It, according to my bride, will be a token cake, that is I am not to expect a piece the size of what I usually have when I eat cake. I like the corner pieces,with loads of icing. In fact, the cake is just a delivery means to get the icing to me. But, we will have plenty of cake and everyone can enjoy the celebration time after worship.

Of course, we don’t want to belittle that fact that we are at the park to celebrate Jesus as well. Every Sunday we celebrate the anniversary of His great sacrifice at Calvary, where He gave His life that we might know eternal life with Him. Hope to see another good number of people this week. Remember, to bring a guest adn bring a lawn chair if you wish. Picnic tables are available and I promise not to preach too long.

Here is a funny I ran across when I was ordering the cake for this weekend.

Some people that work here had a going away party the other day for a woman that is leaving.

One of the supervisors called a Walmart and ordered the cake. he told them to write: “best wishes Suzanne” and underneath that write “we will miss you”. here’s the cake that was delivered:

Simple Again

This Sunday Velocity Church will move our worship to a local park, Taylor Farm Park on Pine Valley. It is only about 1 mile from the school we rent each week. This move will help us reach out and interact with our community. We are giving up air conditioning, quality sound and video production, microphones, folding chairs, curtains and everything which we have equated with a worship service. I am excited to be shedding some trappings which have for many years now, dominated how we view worship. Sometimes these “aids” to worship can hinder or block our worship. Who has experienced frustration making sure the video countdown is rolling and are all mikes sound checked and the light program–is it working today? For the worshipper, who is not “running” the production, we seem to leave the impression that the “show” is spot check on and that equates a good worship service for the week. Have we strayed away from the heart of worship.

I believe there are four essential elements which make up any corporate worship gathering, outside of the condition that two or three have gathered and God is present. In Acts 2:42 we see a model for our worship to include teaching or preaching, serving of the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and fellowship. Now, singing, which is thought to be the apex of worship, is not on the list. Singing can comprise all four elements. Singing is our expression of worship in doctrine, communion, prayer and fellowship. Singing doew not stand alone, but rather can embrace all of worship. But when singing, like preaching becomes entertainment for others to watch and even enjoy, we have drifted away from worship of God and begun to worship a performance. Now, before you cast any hate my way, let me say, I do appreciate quality and excellence in worship. Half prepared, non rehearsed worship by any team or leader only makes a mockery for those whom you are trying to lead in worship. But guard carefully the fine line between leading and being the show.

We are headed to the park and we are stripping away everything for our worship this week. No electricity–no amplification (the homes close to the park might appreciate this for at least this week–more later on when we turn up the volume) or screen with words. No lighting controls, unless God decides on a cloud cover that morning. We rather will be emphasizing the four key elements of worship. We will hear the word speak; we will listen and speak with God in prayer; we will commune with Him and His death on the cross for us; and we will fellowship with one another and with those who might be drawn to join us in the park.

Our theme for the month is “Jesus by the Lake” as we examine those moments when Jesus taught us while on or near the Sea of Galilee. Our lake is really a pond and it will provide the backdrop for our return to the heart of worship. Invite a friend or neighbor to come join us. Bring a lawn chair or share a picnic bench under the shelter as we meet with Jesus at the Lake.

The Back Deck

I have used the opportunity of my recent week spent on a bike ride to again renew my commitment to spend the first few moments of each day, on my back deck, praying, reading and listening. As typical, I begin by praying, soon find myself reading, both the Word and also other books. (Kindle on the iPhone is great!) But I also have taken time to listen. I don’t hear audible voices, but rather contemplate my day, week or even months ahead. I try to visualize how God wants my life to go, who to see or contact and what I should be doing. Even though it’s my quiet time, I often jot down some “to do” items to accomplish over the next few days or months.

Our schedules are often so busy and noisy, thoughts or inspirations of ideas are not allowed to even take hold, let alone find themselves lodging deep in our hearts. I have many more months of this early morning commune time and I am excited about all that God will teach me during that time. But one word of caution. If we ask–He will answer. And sometimes, well, we are just not ready for His answer. Our attitude should be, here I am Lord, use me within your will, not mine. And give me the courage to accomplish all that you would have me do for your name’s sake and for your Glory.

Good Seeds

Luke 8:15 (NLT)
¹⁵ And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Jesus’ parable of the seeds has provided us with lots of reasons that people just do not accept the teaching; stay true to the teaching; or compromise the teaching and fall away. Just looking at the stats, it appears that 3 out of 4 people will eventually reject our message about Jesus Christ. But the picture painted by Jesus is much different. I know that the planting and sowing in the 1st Century was much different than we see in today’s modern agricultural world. However one thing remains constant: the farmer wants to maximize his return, doing whatever possible to reap a bounty crop in the fall. He scatters his seed in throughout the field. The field has been carefully and diligently prepared to receive the seed, germinate the seed and give long lasting nurishment to the seed as it progresses from seed to seedling to  growing plant to harvest time. That means adding fertilizer and such to the soil. It means busting up the clods, raking the rocks, disturbing what otherwise was a beautiful field of wild flowers and weeds. And speaking of weeds, the process of removing weeds occurs all season long, with constant care to keep the nourishment of the soil going totally into plant growth.

The occasional seed finds itself falling onto the path–not intentionally, but its there. A very small walkway connecting the fields with the road. It will not prosper there and the farmer gives it no attention. Some seeds find themselves in a rocky area. This is where rocks were piled up perhaps or had not be properly prepared to receive seeds. The farmer knows they are not going to grow to maturity–he let’s them grow, but pays no attention to their needs. Some seeds find themselves living among weeds. They are choked out by competition for nourishment. Again, this was not the good farmers intention, and he ignores those seedlings as well, knowing their demise is imminent.

The farmers concern is for the vast large area, compared to the small paths, rocky corners or weed infested outer area. He wants to make certain as much soil as possible is prepared properly, because other than that–this seed growing to maturity stuff is out of his hands. No amount of cheering, getting on his needs and begging, or beating his chest can make the seed grow. God is giving this miracle the boost needed to grow and mature.

And as the seed is planted (good-hearted people who hear God’s word) and they hold fast (cling to it) and practice patience a large harvest will come. Will it happen over night. Sometimes, but usually it is a slow and steady. One day all you see is dirt and the next week or two–small green dots and before long–you are reaping the harvest.

So we prepare the way–plant the seeds and wait on God to deliver. And I guess while we are waiting–we could plant some more seeds, prepare some more soil to hear God’s word. The simple life of living evangelism in our every day experiences. Letting others see Christ in us.

Fishing Tips

Matthew 4:19 (NLT)
¹⁹ Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

To borrow from Solomon, there is a time to clean and repair the nets, a time to clean and prepare the catch, a time to eat and enjoy the bounty. But eventually we have to spend the time on the water, in the boat to catch the fish.

Fishing for people is no different than how Peter and his associates fished for the perch in the sea. They used techniques which gathered as many fish as possible in the nets. They caught fish of all shapes and sizes. Naturally they were hoping for best, but were realists and understood the large net would gather many fish who would not be kept. As soul winners, Jesus explained to us that the world is now our sea and we are to be busy reaching out to as many as possible, casting our nets far and wide to bring in the bounty that will be His, members of His body.

The fishing business required much hard work and sacrifice. They sought the most effecient and effective ways to accomplish their tasks. Over the years since the 1st Century, equipment and processes have changed and grown to accomplish the task. Today’s commercial fishing is really no different in intent from Jesus days, but certainly the catch is larger and the means is different to accomplish the goals.

When we attempt today to try to win souls in methods used 45 years ago–we will probably still catch some fish. God is good to bless our efforts when we make an honest attempt. But times are changing, our ability to reach thousands more today because of technology should have the church dealing with problems of where do we put all the people. We just can’t find the room or building space to handle the crowds. Unfortunately that is not the problem in many of our churches across the land. We have been content to fish from the shore–one pole and one worm at a time. We rejoice when we catch; we encourage others to join us next week when we will fish some more–but people are dying faster than we can catch new fish–people are leaving our ranks faster than we can bring in another fish. Old ways are killing us.

As I have always said, it’s not the message that needs to change, but rather the methods that need to be constantly upgraded, improved and tweeked to enable the church to stay relevant to the needs around us. We need be fishers for sure–but we need to be better at it, more wise in approach and willing to take risks from time to time to get the message to those who need it the most–the world that lives as close as next door.

Christian or Jesus Follower???

Matthew 16:24 (NLT)
²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

I often shy away from proclaiming a “favorite” scripture. First, I believe all scripture is “God-breathed” and it all is important. I understand the fulfillment of certain scripture from the OT being replaced or superseded in the NT in our worship area. We no longer need to sacrifice animals for our forgiveness, Christ did that for us at Calvary, once and for all. But I still give importance and equality of the conception or writing of the scriptures as equal across the board, from Genesis to Revelation.

Secondly, choosing a favorite scripture will limit me. At times, certain passages seem to arise to meet my current needs. God speaks directly to me through His word and for the help I recieve I can easily proclaim that for that moment in time, that could be my favorite scripture. That lasts till the next time I feel God tugging again and when I listen–another potential favorite scripture arises.

Third, I don’t want to offend the writers. Can you imagine, Peter coming up to me in heaven and saying, “Hey, how come you had no favorite passage from my two letters? You preached an entire series from my book–twice. Couldn’t you have found at least one verse to be your fave”? 

OK, seriously again, once again God has spoken to a direct need in my life to correct, solidify or reinforce a teaching. I heard on the news that the Christian Children’s Fund is planning to re-name the organization and drop the “Christian” from it’s name, to enable the group to expand their outreach. I don’t contribute financially to this group and I really can’t complain too much for that reason, but the political winds today are certainly bringing forth a negative connotation to the term Christian. I am not certain that originally the term was not necessarily a term  of endearment, but rather a term of distinction.

Acts 11:26 (NLT)
²⁶ When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

I wonder who were the ones calling this group of Jesus followers, cross bearers, kingdom workers, Christians? Was is a term that helped distinguish them from pagans? Was it a term worn proudly by the church? Like the use of the cross, an instrument of death that came to represent our salvation, Christian became the term worn to signify the church or individual who follows Christ and his teaching. Peter tells us that calling ourselves Christians is a good thing–no matter what the consequences.

1 Peter 4:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

So, what about the statement I made in church a week ago that rather than be called a Christian, I want to use the term “Jesus Follower”? Probably they are one and the same. To be known as a Christian, you should be a Jesus follower. But the nuance is that the term Jesus Follower, seems to imply a more action oriented term. Today, Christian like the cross hanging around our necks has been watered down. And before long the world will try to bury it and those who claim the name. (See Miss California’s battles to see the world in action against Christians.)

So, let’s arm ourselves for the battle that is coming. Let’s remember we are fighting a war against Satan and his forces. We are called Christians and in case there is any doubt of what we are doing–we are following Jesus all the way–100%.

And for the record, and for Peter’s sake, who will no doubt wonder about this, yes for the moment at least, I like verse 16 of the 4th chapter of his first letter. Hang on for now, because God seems to speak to me often, because I tend to get lost quite a bit and need the help.

Paul

Advertising our Faith

At Velocity Church, we use several forms of advertising our church. We have directional signs, and I must say, find them very successful. We track the responses and this one form of paid advertising is very effective. The billboard pictured above has not generated a particular guest to remark they came because of this sign. But we know that from the traffic which passes by this one and another very similar sign facing the other direction, people are beginning to have a name association with our church. And certainly the best advertising occurs when someone in the church invites a friend, relative or neighbor. This is the best for sure.

But how do we advertise our faith? Not our church; not our services; not our programs, but how do we advertise our faith. I believe that there are 3 areas of importance in life, especially for the Christian. We must connect to God in worship. This time in worship not only gives to God what He desires, but enables us to recieve from Him what He wants to give us in return. Secondly, we need to connect with each other. Fellowship is the glue to allow the Holy Spirit to encompass us with His presence. We have Him living inside of us, but follow Him as He dwells among us. Fellowship in groups of learning, groups of service and group of prayer all help us to grow. And finally we have a connection in service–to our Lord, but also to each other and our community around us. This “hands on” work is what allows us to be seen in our community as a caring group of people. This message then under girds the “paid” message of the signs, the ads, the billboards etc. And when we take the next step outlined below, we are entering the dangerous zone of Christ like living.

When was the last time you shared your faith? When was the last time you told someone about your conversion in Christ? I don’t mean, getting up on that soap box in the town square, but across a kitchen table, just shared with a friend, your love for Jesus and all that He means to you. This is more than wearing the T-shirt; this is more than giving away a tract; this is from your heart to one another’s heart–the faith which lives within you.

We fear failures; questions which we can not answer; rejection of our listener to our story. And because we do not want to fail–we fail to serve. Thomas Edison tried nearly 1,000 ideas and experiments to invent the light bulb. I am glad he did not let failure stop him. If we fail to convert someone–keep in mind, that’s not our job to convert. That’s God’s job. We are the spokesperson to share the story, to scatter the seed. God will bring about the growth. Begin today to pray for God to lead you to an opening to share your faith. More important than church name recogition is the salvation in Jesus for those who are lost.