Discipleship (mentoring) will be a major part of Connections. Through prayer I began examining my discipleship and allowing God to make corrections. I do some things well. For instance, I have developed an abundance of patience over the years (waiting in DMV lines and doctors offices weekly helps build patience muscle). I also need improvement in some areas. I often fail to hold those I serve accountable and address obvious sin. When they continue to struggle and my expectations are not met, I can become angry and frustrated.
How can I better disciple those I serve? Do they even understand my expectations? There are so many choices, so many ways people can sabotage themselves, it seems unfair. I asked God why the path needs to be so narrow. His reply was simple, "because I love you."
The road is not narrow to make our journey unnecessarily difficult; the road is narrow to make navigation easier. The more options and choices we have, the more difficult it becomes to find our way home. From this perspective the narrowness becomes a blessing not a list of meaningless restrictions. Follow this simple path to eternity or choose a different path and tumble off into oblivion. Would you choose a simple map or no map when setting out across a minefield?
So, with this in mind how do I help those coming behind me remain on the path? God asked me to list the markers He has given me to follow and to share them with others. I need to do a better job. I have been guilty of overlooking sin to focus on the fun positive stuff. This promotes double-mindedness and confusion. "why are you upset with me, yesterday you were praising me". God corrects my course because He loves me. I need to do the same for those he places in my care. Giving or receiving correction is uncomfortable but the alternative is misery and death, maybe I should speak up?
Boundary Markers
1. Love God with all you have. Be God focused.
2. Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.
3. Don't lie, cheat or steal.
4. Have integrity - be consistent, solid, a strong support for those on your right and left.
5. Speak encouragement.
6. Speak truth in love.
7. Do not compromise with sin.
8. Love sinners, extend forgiveness, grace and mercy.
9. Accept authority, practice discipline, willing to accept correction.
10. Be humble and open to learning from unlikely teachers.
11. Seek God through prayer and His word.
Connections will make our expectations known. We will encourage those we serve to follow the narrow way. We will offer correction when needed and extend mercy and grace for those who struggle. We will not respond in anger or frustration.
12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:12-14, New King James Version)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Praying for an Atheist
I had an interesting encounter this week. I have a friend I will call Sam. Sam frequently posts articles from atheists on Facebook. Surprising, considering when we worked together he was seeking God and attending church with his wife. I usually ignore them. Responding only gives them life. However, Sam is my friend and I care about him, so from time to time I will read the article and respond to remind him there are other perspectives. This week's exchange did not go well. For every sentence I wrote Sam wrote three paragraphs. Soon others joined his ranks and an assault on God's name and His word commenced.
I am considered intelligent by most who know me. Having viewed the world from outside Christianity I feel I understand the opposing perspective. I was briefly tempted to step up my rhetoric and fire back at every false statement and presumption. I thought of Paul in Athens when he took on the philosophers. I read Ecclesiastes and thought of ways to bring it to bare. Oh let me at 'em, but I felt God restrain me. I knew where the debate would lead. I knew it would not bring Sam into a relationship with God. God does not need my defense. It still felt like defeat. My last reply to the post, which had raged on like a wildfire for several days without me, was one last attempt to share my perspective and let Sam know I love him in a few sentences.
What now? Should I write Sam off? I can find scripture which backs this play, dust off my feet and move on. No, God created my connection with Sam, I do not wish to see him suffer for eternity, I chose to fight. Instead of rebutting Sam, God called me to pray. The following is my prayer, God's response is italicized.
Father I love you. My intelligence and ability to reason, my very faith has been challenged.
You will be ridiculed as I was, mocked as I was, hated for believing in me.
What should I do Lord?
You have done it. You responded in love when you wanted to be clever, the seed has been planted, every man has a choice. Continue to love.
But Paul was so clever.
He stood in my power not his own. You are not Paul and Paul was not you. Trust me.
You are the Christ, I have traveled too far to turn back, the world is foreign to me now, it is not my home.
Find peace Jeffrey, I am with you. Rejection breaks the will of man, be strong, trust in me.
There is no doubt, there is no fear, my confidence is in you.
* Love, you can't fire back, they are not saved, if you fire they may die.
Thank you Lord. Father, will you teach me to pray for the non-believers like Sam?
Why?
Because it is what you would have me do. I want to hold the gap, to intercede. It sounds foolish to offer my life but for some reason my heart returns there. Perhaps I am like the Disciples offering their lives in ignorance, then running away in fear. Father, I do not want to promise something I can not deliver. Teach me to pray, teach me Lord.
What is it you want?
For all men to be my brothers, to stand for what is right, to minister to those in need, to heal the sick, to drive away demons.
What about fame, notoriety, and fortune?
Your eyes are upon me lord, why would I need any others?
See how you have grown? What is your desire for Sam?
Complicated, part of me wants to be there when you are proven, to see him humbled, his arrogance squelched, but beyond that, the thought of a man of such promise and potential suffering eternally for foolishness and pride grieves me. I think of his walks with Carl, his advocacy, his children. Teach me to pray Lord, to impact the spiritual realm and break the enemies hold on this world. Plant a seed in his heart. I was counted dead, now I am alive, do it again Lord for Sam's sake, for his family's sake, for the sake of those he serves, do it again Lord. Do it again Lord, not for my glory or my satisfaction, I accept the ridicule, I find joy in the ridicule. The world laughs, forgive them, forgive their foolishness. Thank you Lord, I trust in you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
* During my prayer God brought to mind a powerful scene from the movie " End of the Spear". The movie tells the true story of a group of missionaries to Ecuador in the '50s. Nate Saint, a pilot and one of the missionaries who would be killed by the tribe they sought to reach, is speaking to his young son Steve. Nate is loading the small plane for the journey. Steve sees his dad's rifle and asks, "if you are attacked will you defend yourself?"
Without a pause Nate replies, "No, I will fire into the air but I will not aim at them, we are saved, they aren't."
It is my natural instinct to push back and defend myself when attacked. I choose to love instead. I am saved, those God has asked me to reach are not. Saved from what? Saved from an eternity away from God, an eternity of unimaginable pain and suffering, the likes this world has never known. Worth holding the gap a little longer for our neighbors, friends, and families? I think so.
17-18He discussed it with the Jews and other like-minded people at their meeting place. And every day he went out on the streets and talked with anyone who happened along. He got to know some of the Epicurean and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these conversations. Some of them dismissed him with sarcasm: "What an airhead!" But others, listening to him go on about Jesus and the resurrection, were intrigued: "That's a new slant on the gods. Tell us more."
19-21These people got together and asked him to make a public presentation over at the Areopagus, where things were a little quieter. They said, "This is a new one on us. We've never heard anything quite like it. Where did you come up with this anyway? Explain it so we can understand." Downtown Athens was a great place for gossip. There were always people hanging around, natives and tourists alike, waiting for the latest tidbit on most anything.
22-23So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you're dealing with.
24-29"The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?
30-31"God overlooks it as long as you don't know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he's calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead."
32-34At the phrase "raising him from the dead," the listeners split: Some laughed at him and walked off making jokes; others said, "Let's do this again. We want to hear more." But that was it for the day, and Paul left. There were still others, it turned out, who were convinced then and there, and stuck with Paul—among them Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris. (Acts 17:18-34, The Message)
16-17 I said to myself, "I know more and I'm wiser than anyone before me in Jerusalem. I've stockpiled wisdom and knowledge." What I've finally concluded is that so-called wisdom and knowledge are mindless and witless—nothing but spitting into the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:16-17, The Message)
11-12 The more words that are spoken, the more smoke there is in the air. And who is any better off? And who knows what's best for us as we live out our meager smoke-and-shadow lives? And who can tell any of us the next chapter of our lives? (Ecclesiastes 6:11-12, The Message)
9-10 Besides being wise himself, the Quester also taught others knowledge. He weighed, examined, and arranged many proverbs. The Quester did his best to find the right words and write the plain truth.
11 The words of the wise prod us to live well.
They're like nails hammered home, holding life together.
They are given by God, the one Shepherd.
12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you.
14 And that's it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, The Message)
I am considered intelligent by most who know me. Having viewed the world from outside Christianity I feel I understand the opposing perspective. I was briefly tempted to step up my rhetoric and fire back at every false statement and presumption. I thought of Paul in Athens when he took on the philosophers. I read Ecclesiastes and thought of ways to bring it to bare. Oh let me at 'em, but I felt God restrain me. I knew where the debate would lead. I knew it would not bring Sam into a relationship with God. God does not need my defense. It still felt like defeat. My last reply to the post, which had raged on like a wildfire for several days without me, was one last attempt to share my perspective and let Sam know I love him in a few sentences.
What now? Should I write Sam off? I can find scripture which backs this play, dust off my feet and move on. No, God created my connection with Sam, I do not wish to see him suffer for eternity, I chose to fight. Instead of rebutting Sam, God called me to pray. The following is my prayer, God's response is italicized.
Father I love you. My intelligence and ability to reason, my very faith has been challenged.
You will be ridiculed as I was, mocked as I was, hated for believing in me.
What should I do Lord?
You have done it. You responded in love when you wanted to be clever, the seed has been planted, every man has a choice. Continue to love.
But Paul was so clever.
He stood in my power not his own. You are not Paul and Paul was not you. Trust me.
You are the Christ, I have traveled too far to turn back, the world is foreign to me now, it is not my home.
Find peace Jeffrey, I am with you. Rejection breaks the will of man, be strong, trust in me.
There is no doubt, there is no fear, my confidence is in you.
* Love, you can't fire back, they are not saved, if you fire they may die.
Thank you Lord. Father, will you teach me to pray for the non-believers like Sam?
Why?
Because it is what you would have me do. I want to hold the gap, to intercede. It sounds foolish to offer my life but for some reason my heart returns there. Perhaps I am like the Disciples offering their lives in ignorance, then running away in fear. Father, I do not want to promise something I can not deliver. Teach me to pray, teach me Lord.
What is it you want?
For all men to be my brothers, to stand for what is right, to minister to those in need, to heal the sick, to drive away demons.
What about fame, notoriety, and fortune?
Your eyes are upon me lord, why would I need any others?
See how you have grown? What is your desire for Sam?
Complicated, part of me wants to be there when you are proven, to see him humbled, his arrogance squelched, but beyond that, the thought of a man of such promise and potential suffering eternally for foolishness and pride grieves me. I think of his walks with Carl, his advocacy, his children. Teach me to pray Lord, to impact the spiritual realm and break the enemies hold on this world. Plant a seed in his heart. I was counted dead, now I am alive, do it again Lord for Sam's sake, for his family's sake, for the sake of those he serves, do it again Lord. Do it again Lord, not for my glory or my satisfaction, I accept the ridicule, I find joy in the ridicule. The world laughs, forgive them, forgive their foolishness. Thank you Lord, I trust in you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
* During my prayer God brought to mind a powerful scene from the movie " End of the Spear". The movie tells the true story of a group of missionaries to Ecuador in the '50s. Nate Saint, a pilot and one of the missionaries who would be killed by the tribe they sought to reach, is speaking to his young son Steve. Nate is loading the small plane for the journey. Steve sees his dad's rifle and asks, "if you are attacked will you defend yourself?"
Without a pause Nate replies, "No, I will fire into the air but I will not aim at them, we are saved, they aren't."
It is my natural instinct to push back and defend myself when attacked. I choose to love instead. I am saved, those God has asked me to reach are not. Saved from what? Saved from an eternity away from God, an eternity of unimaginable pain and suffering, the likes this world has never known. Worth holding the gap a little longer for our neighbors, friends, and families? I think so.
17-18He discussed it with the Jews and other like-minded people at their meeting place. And every day he went out on the streets and talked with anyone who happened along. He got to know some of the Epicurean and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these conversations. Some of them dismissed him with sarcasm: "What an airhead!" But others, listening to him go on about Jesus and the resurrection, were intrigued: "That's a new slant on the gods. Tell us more."
19-21These people got together and asked him to make a public presentation over at the Areopagus, where things were a little quieter. They said, "This is a new one on us. We've never heard anything quite like it. Where did you come up with this anyway? Explain it so we can understand." Downtown Athens was a great place for gossip. There were always people hanging around, natives and tourists alike, waiting for the latest tidbit on most anything.
22-23So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you're dealing with.
24-29"The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?
30-31"God overlooks it as long as you don't know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he's calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead."
32-34At the phrase "raising him from the dead," the listeners split: Some laughed at him and walked off making jokes; others said, "Let's do this again. We want to hear more." But that was it for the day, and Paul left. There were still others, it turned out, who were convinced then and there, and stuck with Paul—among them Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris. (Acts 17:18-34, The Message)
16-17 I said to myself, "I know more and I'm wiser than anyone before me in Jerusalem. I've stockpiled wisdom and knowledge." What I've finally concluded is that so-called wisdom and knowledge are mindless and witless—nothing but spitting into the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:16-17, The Message)
11-12 The more words that are spoken, the more smoke there is in the air. And who is any better off? And who knows what's best for us as we live out our meager smoke-and-shadow lives? And who can tell any of us the next chapter of our lives? (Ecclesiastes 6:11-12, The Message)
9-10 Besides being wise himself, the Quester also taught others knowledge. He weighed, examined, and arranged many proverbs. The Quester did his best to find the right words and write the plain truth.
11 The words of the wise prod us to live well.
They're like nails hammered home, holding life together.
They are given by God, the one Shepherd.
12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you.
14 And that's it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, The Message)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
What am I
I woke this morning with doubt. I confess it isn't the first and it will probably not be the last time I will fight this battle. This seed of doubt was not about large issues; my faith is strong, my salvation assured. Those doubts would be very difficult for the enemy to sow. However, smaller doubts surrounding my call and my ministry can find more fertile soil if allowed to propagate.
I have been called to homeless ministry. The opportunities I have had to serve the homeless required God's intervention. There is no path I could have charted to take me from where I was seven years ago to where I am today. I signed on to be a follower of Christ and that trail has brought me here.
However, here are the uncertainties of the morning. One, who am I ? Two, there are four faith based ministries in Tallahassee do we need a fifth? Three, the Big Bend Homeless Coalition is the big dog in homeless services, why would I leave to start something new?
Who am I to lead? I can think of twenty greater men of God than me in my own fellowship; men I would gladly follow into battle. When I asked God about His choice He pointed me towards Corinthians 1:26-31 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. He reminded me of Moses, Gideon, David, Peter, James, John and Paul. None of these men were the likely choice. Through them God's impact was greater because of their unexpected election. I am honored to be less so God can be more. Doubt one dealt with.
Do we really need another homeless ministry? God answered this question by flood. Over the last four years the average number of people I serve has been around One hundred per week, of this one hundred approximately twenty-five were new contacts, seventy-five regular connections. It is Tuesday and I have already visited with One hundred twenty people, many new contacts. Each ministry in Tallahassee, as part of the "Body of Christ", provides essential services and meets certain needs. Connections will meet the needs I currently serve and additional unmet needs. Our vision is as unique as the God who created it. Doubt two answered.
I work for the lead homeless agency, why branch away? God brought me to the BBHC for a season. They provided a training ground and opportunities to reach and form relationships in the homeless community. Connections will remained a member of the Coalition, but our perspectives are diverging. I am faith based, the BBHC is not. The BBHC is not comfortable with me sharing my faith openly and I am increasingly unable to hide it. The BBHC continues to seek answers from the world; I am convinced the answer is Jesus. BBHC Outreach is moving away from a relational model and I am moving towards Connections. Doubt Three put to rest.
Doubt lasted for only a short time this morning. I began writing this a few minutes before I began seeing folks. God directed me to the scriptures below while Shawn McDonald played on my ipod, "what a beautiful God, what am I who might be called your child?" Doubts evaporate in His presence! I shared my doubt so others who doubt will not panic; whisper His name and he will come to you.
26-31Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31, The Message)
23-24God's Message:
"Don't let the wise brag of their wisdom.
Don't let heroes brag of their exploits.
Don't let the rich brag of their riches.
If you brag, brag of this and this only:
That you understand and know me.
I'm God, and I act in loyal love.
I do what's right and set things right and fair,
and delight in those who do the same things.
These are my trademarks."
God's Decree. (Jeremiah 9:23-24, The Message)
I have been called to homeless ministry. The opportunities I have had to serve the homeless required God's intervention. There is no path I could have charted to take me from where I was seven years ago to where I am today. I signed on to be a follower of Christ and that trail has brought me here.
However, here are the uncertainties of the morning. One, who am I ? Two, there are four faith based ministries in Tallahassee do we need a fifth? Three, the Big Bend Homeless Coalition is the big dog in homeless services, why would I leave to start something new?
Who am I to lead? I can think of twenty greater men of God than me in my own fellowship; men I would gladly follow into battle. When I asked God about His choice He pointed me towards Corinthians 1:26-31 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. He reminded me of Moses, Gideon, David, Peter, James, John and Paul. None of these men were the likely choice. Through them God's impact was greater because of their unexpected election. I am honored to be less so God can be more. Doubt one dealt with.
Do we really need another homeless ministry? God answered this question by flood. Over the last four years the average number of people I serve has been around One hundred per week, of this one hundred approximately twenty-five were new contacts, seventy-five regular connections. It is Tuesday and I have already visited with One hundred twenty people, many new contacts. Each ministry in Tallahassee, as part of the "Body of Christ", provides essential services and meets certain needs. Connections will meet the needs I currently serve and additional unmet needs. Our vision is as unique as the God who created it. Doubt two answered.
I work for the lead homeless agency, why branch away? God brought me to the BBHC for a season. They provided a training ground and opportunities to reach and form relationships in the homeless community. Connections will remained a member of the Coalition, but our perspectives are diverging. I am faith based, the BBHC is not. The BBHC is not comfortable with me sharing my faith openly and I am increasingly unable to hide it. The BBHC continues to seek answers from the world; I am convinced the answer is Jesus. BBHC Outreach is moving away from a relational model and I am moving towards Connections. Doubt Three put to rest.
Doubt lasted for only a short time this morning. I began writing this a few minutes before I began seeing folks. God directed me to the scriptures below while Shawn McDonald played on my ipod, "what a beautiful God, what am I who might be called your child?" Doubts evaporate in His presence! I shared my doubt so others who doubt will not panic; whisper His name and he will come to you.
26-31Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31, The Message)
23-24God's Message:
"Don't let the wise brag of their wisdom.
Don't let heroes brag of their exploits.
Don't let the rich brag of their riches.
If you brag, brag of this and this only:
That you understand and know me.
I'm God, and I act in loyal love.
I do what's right and set things right and fair,
and delight in those who do the same things.
These are my trademarks."
God's Decree. (Jeremiah 9:23-24, The Message)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Integrity
We are celebrating another step forward. Connections FGG (For God's Glory) Inc. is incorporated. We completed our application to become a recognized non-profit organization and hope to hear from the IRS soon (we have never said that before). The road to become incorporated paralleled a long journey we took to find someone to diagnose and repair our van. In both cases we were deceived by men using Jesus' name for their own gain.
Shortly after receiving the vision to expand our homeless ministry we purchased a 1998 Ford passenger van. We decked it out with Matthew 28:19 and Mark 12:30 and it soon became known as the "Jesus Van". For the past three years, Jeff has used it to shuttle folks to the DMV, doctor appointments, and the social security office. Last year the van developed a case of hiccups. As it accelerated through third gear it hesitated. Having little money at the time to put towards repair, Jeff attempted to replace suspect parts on his own. It became clear, when he discovered changing a simple fuel filter required a special tool, his limited shade tree mechanic skills were no match for the problem. We decided to live with the hiccups.
Ignoring car troubles is similar to ignoring sin, neither will end well. Last fall, shortly after Jeff had returned from his weekly DMV trip, BAM!! Something suddenly blew under the hood. The engine was still running but it sounded more like a tank than a passenger van. Jeff drove it four miles to a "Christian" mechanic who was a trusted friend of a trusted friend and begged for help. Jeff was told it would take a week but they assured him it was in good hands. We were deep in our financial crisis and a repair bill was the last thing we needed, but we trusted the mechanic.
The van was pronounce repaired and the bill was inflated from the original $200 to $700. The mechanic convinced us the van desperately needed brakes and the rotors were too gone to be repaired. Much of the work was done without our consent because we thought of the mechanic as a friend. Jeff was angered by the bill and the brakes and felt the mechanic took advantage, the final straw was when the hiccup returned two days later. When we complained and demanded he fix the problem we were told the bill was for repairing a blown spark plug and the brakes, the hiccup was not related and it was most likely clogged fuel injectors.
We were very disappointed but chose not to make a major deal about it because of the guilt piling up at our friends feet. He had recommended the mechanic and was dismayed. Lesson learned, Uncle Rick was not the man of integrity we had sought. We continued to drive the hiccuping Jesus van until July. While we were in Orlando at the Church Multiplication conference, our friends found a new mechanic. This time the mechanic was the father of a friend of a friend. "A proven mechanic of integrity with a good reputation". We were told the repair could be made for around $100, how could we go wrong?
When we returned from Orlando we learned the problem was not what they had thought and it was back to the spark plugs and coils. Our friend secretly threw in his own money with our $100 to complete the repair. We were told plugs had been replaced and the offending coil had been dealt with. Our excitement lasted an afternoon. The van seemed to run better on the way to church, but on the way home it was back to the familiar sputtering hiccups. When we returned it to the mechanic he explained the coil which he had replaced had failed. He replaced the coil but felt it was most likely the $1000 ignition computer at fault.
The hiccups soon became so bad we parked the van out of fear of doing major damage. Last week we took the van to the dealership. We have never had a good experience with dealerships. They charge too much for the simplest things, like $70 to replace windshield wipers. However, beyond frustration and down a vehicle we had few options. Fortunately, we discovered we paid off our other car and had a few dollars in reserve.
The van is fixed, runs like new, thank you Jesus! However, the Ford mechanic discovered both previous mechanics had deceived us. Spark plugs and coils which were reported as replaced by both mechanics were the originals from 1998. The new coil which was reportedly under warranty was from an old Crown Vic, not even an interchangeable part. The "state of the art repair" performed by Uncle Rick turned out to be glue. Christian men of integrity?
Last Saturday we woke early to begin the process of incorporating Connections. We had explored the internet looking for expert assistance and discovered many "incorporate online" sites. Most seemed overpriced but the promise of expert help was attractive. We wanted to make sure Connections had a strong legal foundation. We found a Christian legal site which promised help to church planters, so we filled out the request form online. The form took several minutes to complete but they promised a quick response. Within fifteen minutes the phone rang and it was our Christian expert on the other end. We explained in detail what we wanted to accomplish and they shared the procedure with us. We were thrilled, then we asked about the fee; $950.00 to help us incorporate! "Thank you very much, we will get back to you. (yikes, more Christian men of integrity)"
Deniz established our Consulting company in 1998 and was confident we could navigate through the process on our own. We decided to consult the State of Florida's website and to our surprise, everything we needed to incorporate was there including advice and the proper forms. We mailed the documents Monday and Friday we received the notification Connections FGG was official! Total spent, $60.
How much harm are deceitful Christians doing to our reputation? If we claim to be righteous yet steal and deceive from each other, how will the world perceive us? Whether it is using used parts and lying about repairs or charging hundreds of dollars when the work warrants much less, neither can be tolerated. The world Jesus asked us to reach is watching. To be a follower of Jesus requires integrity. Nothing else will do.
Connections will value integrity. We understand we represent something much greater than ourselves. Any short term gain received by deception only invites harm. As pappy once said, "you can fool some of the people most of the time, you can even fool most of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." Deception distorts the perception of Christianity and shames God. He will not allow His church or His name to be damaged.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:24-28, New King James Version)
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.
(Psalm 37:29-31, New King James Version)
Shortly after receiving the vision to expand our homeless ministry we purchased a 1998 Ford passenger van. We decked it out with Matthew 28:19 and Mark 12:30 and it soon became known as the "Jesus Van". For the past three years, Jeff has used it to shuttle folks to the DMV, doctor appointments, and the social security office. Last year the van developed a case of hiccups. As it accelerated through third gear it hesitated. Having little money at the time to put towards repair, Jeff attempted to replace suspect parts on his own. It became clear, when he discovered changing a simple fuel filter required a special tool, his limited shade tree mechanic skills were no match for the problem. We decided to live with the hiccups.
Ignoring car troubles is similar to ignoring sin, neither will end well. Last fall, shortly after Jeff had returned from his weekly DMV trip, BAM!! Something suddenly blew under the hood. The engine was still running but it sounded more like a tank than a passenger van. Jeff drove it four miles to a "Christian" mechanic who was a trusted friend of a trusted friend and begged for help. Jeff was told it would take a week but they assured him it was in good hands. We were deep in our financial crisis and a repair bill was the last thing we needed, but we trusted the mechanic.
The van was pronounce repaired and the bill was inflated from the original $200 to $700. The mechanic convinced us the van desperately needed brakes and the rotors were too gone to be repaired. Much of the work was done without our consent because we thought of the mechanic as a friend. Jeff was angered by the bill and the brakes and felt the mechanic took advantage, the final straw was when the hiccup returned two days later. When we complained and demanded he fix the problem we were told the bill was for repairing a blown spark plug and the brakes, the hiccup was not related and it was most likely clogged fuel injectors.
We were very disappointed but chose not to make a major deal about it because of the guilt piling up at our friends feet. He had recommended the mechanic and was dismayed. Lesson learned, Uncle Rick was not the man of integrity we had sought. We continued to drive the hiccuping Jesus van until July. While we were in Orlando at the Church Multiplication conference, our friends found a new mechanic. This time the mechanic was the father of a friend of a friend. "A proven mechanic of integrity with a good reputation". We were told the repair could be made for around $100, how could we go wrong?
When we returned from Orlando we learned the problem was not what they had thought and it was back to the spark plugs and coils. Our friend secretly threw in his own money with our $100 to complete the repair. We were told plugs had been replaced and the offending coil had been dealt with. Our excitement lasted an afternoon. The van seemed to run better on the way to church, but on the way home it was back to the familiar sputtering hiccups. When we returned it to the mechanic he explained the coil which he had replaced had failed. He replaced the coil but felt it was most likely the $1000 ignition computer at fault.
The hiccups soon became so bad we parked the van out of fear of doing major damage. Last week we took the van to the dealership. We have never had a good experience with dealerships. They charge too much for the simplest things, like $70 to replace windshield wipers. However, beyond frustration and down a vehicle we had few options. Fortunately, we discovered we paid off our other car and had a few dollars in reserve.
The van is fixed, runs like new, thank you Jesus! However, the Ford mechanic discovered both previous mechanics had deceived us. Spark plugs and coils which were reported as replaced by both mechanics were the originals from 1998. The new coil which was reportedly under warranty was from an old Crown Vic, not even an interchangeable part. The "state of the art repair" performed by Uncle Rick turned out to be glue. Christian men of integrity?
Last Saturday we woke early to begin the process of incorporating Connections. We had explored the internet looking for expert assistance and discovered many "incorporate online" sites. Most seemed overpriced but the promise of expert help was attractive. We wanted to make sure Connections had a strong legal foundation. We found a Christian legal site which promised help to church planters, so we filled out the request form online. The form took several minutes to complete but they promised a quick response. Within fifteen minutes the phone rang and it was our Christian expert on the other end. We explained in detail what we wanted to accomplish and they shared the procedure with us. We were thrilled, then we asked about the fee; $950.00 to help us incorporate! "Thank you very much, we will get back to you. (yikes, more Christian men of integrity)"
Deniz established our Consulting company in 1998 and was confident we could navigate through the process on our own. We decided to consult the State of Florida's website and to our surprise, everything we needed to incorporate was there including advice and the proper forms. We mailed the documents Monday and Friday we received the notification Connections FGG was official! Total spent, $60.
How much harm are deceitful Christians doing to our reputation? If we claim to be righteous yet steal and deceive from each other, how will the world perceive us? Whether it is using used parts and lying about repairs or charging hundreds of dollars when the work warrants much less, neither can be tolerated. The world Jesus asked us to reach is watching. To be a follower of Jesus requires integrity. Nothing else will do.
Connections will value integrity. We understand we represent something much greater than ourselves. Any short term gain received by deception only invites harm. As pappy once said, "you can fool some of the people most of the time, you can even fool most of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." Deception distorts the perception of Christianity and shames God. He will not allow His church or His name to be damaged.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:24-28, New King James Version)
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.
(Psalm 37:29-31, New King James Version)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Stance and Reflexes
Pastor Larry and I met with a city commissioner yesterday about a potential facility. It was a was a much shorter meeting than I expected but the commissioner seemed genuinely interested. Last evening Pastor Brad called my willingness to follow God's vision courageous. I was honored to be compared to David's Mighty Men. I am not courageous. There is very little difference in who I once was and who I am today. I still face the same temptations and have many of he same thoughts. The difference is my stance and my reflexes in battle.
Not many years ago I did not stand for anything. I shuffled from issue to issue and formed my opinions around how I was feeling in the moment. I have never enjoyed confrontation; most times it was easier to step back than to step up. I dodge my share of battles but without a firm stance I usually found myself knocked off my feet. Over time I developed self preservation reflexes like lying, deception, manipulation, and a sharp tongue. These reflexes developed because my survival was my number one priority. I would simply react and face the consequences later. Selfishness in battle brings harm to you and those around you.
When I began my relationship with God my stance began to change. I was offered a firm foundation and as I learned about Jesus my confidence in my footing grew. I felt very awkward in the beginning; everything felt unnatural. I would leave Sunday confident in my new found faith only to feel lost and confused by Tuesday. Gradually my reflexes changed, the battles were the same but my reaction was different, truth replaced fiction, honesty replaced deception, humility replaced manipulation and I began to be able to control my tongue.
I am not courageous. I pursue God and practice obedience. I am partnered with God in His will, it doesn't get any better than this. Yesterday, we met with a county commissioner. My stance was good, my reflexes sharp, but it was God who made the difference. It is exhilarating to stand in the midst of a battle and watch God fight; the enemy shouts insults from the far side, the bell rings, you take a step --blink--
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:14-16, New King James Version)
Not many years ago I did not stand for anything. I shuffled from issue to issue and formed my opinions around how I was feeling in the moment. I have never enjoyed confrontation; most times it was easier to step back than to step up. I dodge my share of battles but without a firm stance I usually found myself knocked off my feet. Over time I developed self preservation reflexes like lying, deception, manipulation, and a sharp tongue. These reflexes developed because my survival was my number one priority. I would simply react and face the consequences later. Selfishness in battle brings harm to you and those around you.
When I began my relationship with God my stance began to change. I was offered a firm foundation and as I learned about Jesus my confidence in my footing grew. I felt very awkward in the beginning; everything felt unnatural. I would leave Sunday confident in my new found faith only to feel lost and confused by Tuesday. Gradually my reflexes changed, the battles were the same but my reaction was different, truth replaced fiction, honesty replaced deception, humility replaced manipulation and I began to be able to control my tongue.
I am not courageous. I pursue God and practice obedience. I am partnered with God in His will, it doesn't get any better than this. Yesterday, we met with a county commissioner. My stance was good, my reflexes sharp, but it was God who made the difference. It is exhilarating to stand in the midst of a battle and watch God fight; the enemy shouts insults from the far side, the bell rings, you take a step --blink--
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:14-16, New King James Version)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Mission
We have carefully looked at where God has been leading us over the last several months and have captured one statement which will help define the scope of Connections.
Please pray for our efforts. Pastor Larry was able to create an opportunity for us to speak with a community representative about a potential facility. The meeting is Thursday afternoon. We are also continuing to seek others who are called to ministry and evangelism.
OUR MISSION:
Connections is passionately dedicated to leading and loving those in need; expecting miracles through prayer and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to transform brokenness and raise disciples; connecting God with His people, where none are forgotten.
Please pray for our efforts. Pastor Larry was able to create an opportunity for us to speak with a community representative about a potential facility. The meeting is Thursday afternoon. We are also continuing to seek others who are called to ministry and evangelism.
OUR MISSION:
Connections is passionately dedicated to leading and loving those in need; expecting miracles through prayer and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to transform brokenness and raise disciples; connecting God with His people, where none are forgotten.
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