Wild Goose Chase

Who is Mark Batterson? He is the pastor of the National Community Church, near Washington DC. Mark is also the author of an excellent read, "Wild Goose Chase" Multinomah, 2008. This book is a contemporary challenge to live an active life inspired by the Holy Spirit.

How did I hear about it? Well, I was reading my former professor's blog. Pat Hannon, of Indiana Wesleyan University fame, was given an advanced copy of a new book release for his personal preview. Pat gave a challenge of his readership to, "Tell me why I should send a copy of this book to you." How can you resist a challenge like that??? Here is how I responded:

Greetings Pat,
There are several reasons that you might give me…Wild Goose Chase:

1) I will promise to READ it
2) I will promise to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit upon reading this book
3) I am taking a holiday break from my on-line studies at IWU and should be reflecting upon inspirational works
4) Experienced my 60th birthday…and am willing to take belated gifts
5) Always up for a challenge…particularly a spiritual quest

If I am not the recipient…I will have at least tasted of a Wild Goose Chase!

For some strange reason...Professor Hannon mailed the book to his former student. The first promise, to READ the gift, was completed today. There is a personal 'wild goose chase' forming in response to this read. By definition, wild goose chases are a little crazy...so if I do something stupid...you at least know why.

What are you doing for inspiration? How are you planning to enter the year 2009, as a God quest? Pastor Al

Merry Christmas

Thank you all for your love and support and another great year of church ministry. Lives are being touched because we have honored God together. We have worked hard, but it hasn't been ALL work. We have laughed and cried this year...we have been an extended family in Christ...we have experienced the ups and downs of doing life together.

Christmas is a time that Juliette and I celebrate our relationships. Our relationship with Jesus gives us the real joy of the Christmas season and for all the other months of the year. Christ draws us all closer and keeps us real. Thank you for your prayers and confidence. You love you and thank God for you.

Our prayer is that you will enjoy time with your Savior, your family and friends. May you have a blessed Merry Christmas. We look forward to sharing another year with you.

Pastor Al & Juliette

The Five Amigos

We tried for six...but ended up with our five amigos. This was a first time trip for Dale, Ken and Joshua. FLAME is a mobile bible college experience/ministerial training that takes place at several of our Wesleyan camps throughout the year. Larry and Ken mastered the Old Testament survey. Dale and Josh (and myself) took personal evangelism with Pastor Mark Wilson. Pastor Mark has one of my recommended blog sites. [Check it out!] This is a repeat course for me; Pastor Mark realizes that I don't 'get it all' the first time around!
Larry and Josh stunned us with their awesome participation, as musicians, in group worship. We pray for more amigos for the January FLAME! Sure is nice to team pastor with these men. Lord, we pray that you bless us...as we serve you together.
Pastor Al

Setting the Connecting Vision

Vision casting might be described as dialog between God and His human spiritual leader/servants. Like most spiritual activies...this is impossible without Divine intervention. We prayerfully ask, "Where do we go from here?" "What direction and what steps must we take to please God and fulfill His purposes...not only for ourselves...but those who follow our leadership?

This year the word--Connection --speaks of that needed direction. The first thought is 'Connecting with God' or worship. For those of us committed to spiritual journey, nothing else matters if this connection isn't both real and well maintained. Focusing on our personal relationship will be the first and foremost key to everything else we might accomplish. We can't lead without being connected...in prayer, Bible reading, and particularly with obedience. We demonstrate how much God means to us, when we hear His voice and follow Him.

Why pray for vision, if we are not willing to follow?

Pastor Al

Common Ground

Many of you know that I am a Keith Drury fan. This author has the ability to take something we know and restate it, so that we look freshly at its truths.

Common Ground is a new release from the Wesleyan Publishing House. Drury takes us back to the Apostle's Creed to see the truths that bind all orthodox churches together...to see what we all have in common. Most denominations talk about their differences; Drury is reflecting on how we are the same, where it really counts.

No. This is not a paid endorsement. I have told him that I am financially poorer for knowing him. His books are irresistable. However, I am spiritually richer for reading and thinking about what Drury says. I trust you will say the same. Note that I have Keith Drury's blog site on my recommended list; there is a lot more information about his book there. Blessings. Pastor Al

Steph's Big Ride

Talk about a meaningful adventure! Check out my newest blog link for the real scoop on Stephanie's big ride. She can say it better that I can.

We are very proud of her and her accomplishments. We are excitied for her...this is an amazing trip! Words like: Awesome...Wow...Cool (you forget I'm old) come to mind.

I know the your mom and dad have given you advise...so I won't go that way. But, I can't help asking that you do your best to come home safe! We know YOU can do it! We will miss you...but we are also so very proud of you. I'll be praying that God surrounds you for each and every mile...that will be one of the longest prayers I have ever prayed (figuratively and literally). See... you are stretching us all by your example.

Down Hill Isn't Always Bad

Memorial Day weekend signals the start of summer. The early morning rain challenged our resolve for Family Fun Day this past weekend. Goldsboro is a military town and we are thankful for the families now serving in harm's way. Saturday was a time to laugh and enjoy each other. We paused to remember those who gave their lives in present and past military conflicts on Sunday.

This blog isn't about me...so my picture will usually remain out of the foreground. However, this is a picture of me hard at work during last year's Fun Day. These activities have become traditions at our faith community.

Up hill or down hill...the "Joy of the Lord is our strength." May God bless you and your family as the days get longer and the sun shines brighter. Pastor Al

When Retirement is NOT Retirement!

Ken Caver, our man on the right, has had a special purpose, a Divine call on his life...for some time now. Pastors have to wait and listen for mutual confirmation; is God telling Ken what I think He is telling me? We rejoice that Ken is now officially retired from the Air Force. Thanks for serving in our military! We are also glad that He has accepted the call to be our Youth Pastor.

Ken may have retired from the Air Force, but he is far from retirement. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) God has plans and a purpose for his life that exceed his wildest dreams. And...he has a young family to keep him young at heart. Please pray for Ken, his family, and his ministry. You honor God by praying for Ken. You will be glad you did...as you are being blessed by his ministry!

Thanks Ken, may I say...Pastor Ken, for stepping up in faith. Welcome aboard. Pastor Al

Don't Get Caught by a Fisherman

Fishermen and fisherwomen are known for a lot of reasons. First, they are natural tellers of tall tales. Pictures are important when documenting the size of their catch. Avid anglers are noted for patience. Most people who fish have a sense of time and place, for when and where, their catch is located. They select their bait with uncanny wisdom. Never forget, those who fish...are born to catch!

"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets." (Luke 5:1-2, NIV). This is the beginning narrative of a fishing story, about the greatest Fisherman who ever lived. Jesus was out catching disciples. A full one third of his twelve disciples were professional fishermen. Jesus would catch his world by surprise with a motley crew of anglers. Wouldn't it make sense to capture the qualities of those who fish, to grasp the hearts and minds of the people?

If you can catch fish...you can learn there is more game in the pond. "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:10b-11, NIV). Fish? Men? What's the difference?
It could mean all the difference in the world. The disciples left their fishing business, to follow Him.

Jesus continues to hang around the waters edge, looking for anglers returning empty. Larry was one of those fishermen, caught by the Lord. Larry still sports on the water, but his eyes have been opened to fields beyond. The Kingdom of God has come to these waters...in the Person of Jesus the Christ.

Did I say, 'don't get caught by a fisherman?' If Jesus has transformed them into fishers of men, they are not just any old fisherman. They have been sent to you, by the Lord himself, because YOU are a worthy catch! Read the rest of this fish story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter five...it gets even better. Pastor Al

LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS

You are looking at one of my favorite sights at our church. Stained glass speaks to me in powerful ways...non-verbally. The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it. The combination of art and sunlight moves me beyond myself; I tend to loose my train of thought, staring at its beauty. Like anyone else, I get absorbed in my own issues and I need a lift. Worship lifts me.

Worship, at its best, changes our present focus to the Eternal. Worship should be an experience of transcendence. In that sense, it is a removal from our context to be with God. Paul shared one of his transcending experiences this way: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NIV). Perhaps Paul was needing his spirits lifted...he needed to be alone with God. Paul lost sight of his surroundings as he focused upon God's greatness. Worship strengthened Paul to return and face his issues.

This stained glass window was given in honor of Dan Campbell, by family and friends. Worship is also a gift...from God to us. Let the Light of God's love flow through you as you spend time with Him. Blessings, Pastor Al

Am I Missing Something?

Will there be a Mongolian restaurant in Goldsboro, NC? Two years ago, I would have said it will never happen. Now...there are two viable Mongolian resturants. Never say never!

I can remember eating Mongolian food for the first time. It was different. But I had to try it at least once. You never know what you are missing...if you don't try it. Most people in our town haven't eaten a Mongolian dish. They drive by these places and stick with choices that are familiar. Some, who choose to drive by, would really like Mongolian...if they just gave it a chance.

Church is like that, for a lot of people. Maybe they went to one or two...a long long time ago. They got the idea that the're all alike. So some pass by an experience they might really like. Many have never bothered to check it out for themselves.

Much like restaurants, churches have their own distinctive flavors. If you really looked, one of them serves nourishment that suits your taste and hunger. This returns us to the original question, "Am I missing something?" Churches exist to worship God...He meets us there in satisfying ways. Try it...you'll like it.

TEACHING REVIVAL

Dr. John Oswalt gave up a weekend to minister to the Goldsboro Wesleyan Church. He preached Friday and Saturday nights and both services on Sunday. The stand out event for me was the Saturday morning teaching on the Book of First John. Dr. Oswalt has given his life to Biblical scholarship. More importantly, Dr. Oswalt has given his life to Jesus Christ. Thus, John Oswalt has a great heart and a great mind...a rare combination.

Would we expect less, than teaching on total obedience to Jesus, by a man who has surrendered his life to the Son of God? Dr. Oswalt's life is a blessing to all that come in contact with him. Your life and my life can also make a difference. We can trust God, in the most practical way possible...with our lives. Everything committed to God is stamped with Divine Greatness. Finish strong! Pastor Al

Not Just Another Saturday - Let's Go!

Not EVERYTHING we get at the post office is junk mail. When I received an invitation to join a group of pastors on a re-fueling operation...I adjusted my schedule! Now, I am going to share a few quick posts to share the excitement.

They told us to dress warm...so we did. Our service personnel prepared us for each step of the way. Those not in uniform, are probably pastors. They provided us with temporary IDs, but we were not hard to pick out.


Just remember. You can't take off unless you get on board. Here we go...it's flight time!

Not Just Another Saturday - Crew Chief

While the pilots 'do their thing' somebody has to take charge of the rest of the plane.

The crew chief constantly monitors the mechanics of the plane, the cargo, and who ever happens to be behind the cockpit. I guess that includes me. All I know is that...when he spoke...we responded. Don't let that smile fool you!

Here he is showing me how to enter the tail of the plane, where is action is going to take place. Are you ready?

Not Just Another Saturday - Who's in Charge?

Wish I could tell you my seat was in the cockpit...no such luck! However, I have been known to give some back seat advice. They told me, "Leave the driving to us!"

Our pilots have dedicated their careers in being worthy of our trust. We will soon see the skill demonstrated by this flying team.

Rarely can we accomplish great things alone. We surround ourselves with people dedicated to a higher commitment. Are you on the team?

Not Just Another Saturday - Up Close & Personal

Flights can be routine, but the appearance of this C-17 made this flight special. I have never seen a refueling operation in progress. First-things-first, you have to get up close and personal.

Both planes are moving pretty fast...they have to get in sync. Things are not really going to happen at this distance. We are talking about flying close.

Risk for the right reasons has it's reward. The hard part is knowing when & Who to trust.

Not Just Another Saturday - Mission Accomplished

The boom operator has to connect with the other plane...which is the whole point of the mission. Planes can fly non-stop around the world because of this fleet of re-fuelers. Do you ever need refueling? The connection is there. God is seeking to give you new life.

Thanks for sharing the flight with me. Thanks to the men and women who serve our nation, particularly the 916th Refueling Wing. Please keep them all in your prayers. Pastor Al

'GROWING FAVOR' - Feb. 3rd

Have you noticed how some people seem to grow spiritually...in a dramatic way? My wife and I have noted several people like that this past year. This type of growth makes ministry exciting. Where does it come from? How can I grow like that?

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52, NIV). Jewish boys became responsible religious citizens at the age of twelve. This verse comes right after that celebration visit to the Temple at Jerusalem. These few words describe his next eighteen years.

The word growth used in this quote notes the struggle, that a young adult goes through, toward maturity. This is growth that takes purposeful effort. I'm now taking a masters program on-line. Can you feel my pain...as I attempt to grow? If you didn't get all your growth in your teen years...there's hope! Keep at it.

Favor is the key word in Jesus' personal development. It is connected to the word grace...or undeserved favor. God does for us...things we can not do for ourselves. However, the word favor can signal the recognition given to us for our best efforts. I like to think of favor as the influence that opens doors. God can open doors for us and He can influence both friends and enemies to open doors for us. God is the Source of favor.

Favor is also connected to the word face. Have you ever seen someone's face light up when they really favored a friend? I met someone I should of recognized about two weeks ago...my face had a puzzled look...I fell out of favor! When we favor, we tend to look someone squarely in the face...there is a connection taking place.

When Jesus died on the Cross for our sin...to pay a debt we could not pay...we call that grace. When God turned His eyes from his son Jesus...who became sin for us...God turned his Face toward us in a new way. Because of Christ...a distant God is now Our Father. When we seek favor...we seek the Face of God.

FLAME - Answer to Prayer

We are back from a great trip to Table Rock, South Carolina. Marshall, Al, Larry & I spent three days at this life changing event. FLAME stands for the Fellowship of Leaders Acquiring Ministerial Education. Why would three laymen go with their pastor to a ministerial training program? Because lay persons should all be in ministry at some level. And...by the way, ladies are strongly encouraged to attend. We acquired new skills together and we will work at our local church together. That excites me! However, the guys went for a higher purpose...their desire is to serve God. Thanks for your prayers. Are YOU coming with us next time?

Prayer Request--FLAME

Four of us will be driving to Table Rock, South Carolina tomorrow afternoon. Al Johnson, Larry Barber, Marshall Jameson and myself comprise the largest group registered from our church. We will be attending the first half of the FLAME event at the SC district campgrounds. FLAME stands for: Fellowship of Leaders Acquiring Ministerial Education.

Why ministerial training for lay persons? We are all called to ministry, at some level. These two and a half day modules offer some of the highest value educational experiences available. Director Wayne Richards has given me the go ahead to bring the willing. Jesus trained the Twelve to turn their world upside down. Training remains essential to effective ministry.

Please pray for our safety. Pray that we can retain and return with practical ideas. Pray that we be refreshed by God's presence during this mountain top experience. Thank you in advance for your prayers. Pastor Al

Just Thinking--New Year's Resolutions

Can you remember your New Year's Resolutions this year? It has only been days! For the most part, we forget resolutions as quickly as we make them. A quick promise doesn't usually change anything.

For the past few years, I have taken the whole month of January to think about what I am doing and where I am going. I pray. I talk to people that have proven themselves as trustworthy friends. During this time, I pay attention to: what, who, where and how things are going.

Keeping life simple works for me. My personal relationship with God is number one priority. My wife is the most important person of the planet. We are blessed with family. Church allows us an even bigger family. Growing personally and professionally rounds out the list.

Usually, I make only one difficult promise each year. That one idea stretches me. The promise easily fits into one of those five listed priorities, the one that needs attention.

We have a few more days left in this month. What is the decision/resolution that will make the most impact on your life? Keep it simple...that helps the memory. Be Blessed!

MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL

Our theme this month is on vision. We all tend to look outward when thinking of vision...the ability to see clearly. James, the half-brother of Jesus, gives us a unique look at vision. The writer compells us to look inward in our vision quest.

James talks about the Scripture as being a mirror that enables us to see ourselves completely, as God sees us. (Remember, God sees clearly.) James writes, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what is says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:23-25, NIV).

Often, it is hard to look at ourselves. Being honest, I have sometimes had great difficulty receiving even 'constructive' criticism. Making excuses remains common to every day life. We make hiding our faults a primary activity, even to ourselves. We hide from our selves in busyness. But where ever we go...there we are. We really can't hide from ourselves forever.

Most recovery programs tell us that the first step to recovery is to take an honest look at who we are and admit our short comings. James adds several promises to this advice that I think we all should look at this year:

If we look intently and continually at the Scripture...it will not only reveal faults...it will transform us. Earlier, James stated, "He (God the Father) chose to give us birth through the word of truth" (v. 18). God is able to speak both life and change into our very being. God is able to make us our very best, "firstfruits of all he created." We are changed by responding to God's leading...through His word.

We don't go through this self-examination alone. Jesus, God's son, is also called The Word. Jesus came to live among us so that we could see our need and our solution. Jesus came to lead us in all truth...to a better life. Much like going to a medical physician, we allow Jesus to examine the need and write the prescription.

That intent look into God's mirror produces freedom and blessing. These are promises from God's lips. "God is "the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (v. 17). We can trust God's character and His ability to shape ours.

We tend to look outside and far off for vision. James tell us to look into the mirror, the Word of Truth, intently and continuously. Once the internal vision is clear...our external opportunities come into focus. Can you see the Bible as a mirror? We see our true self...in the true Word...and realize our true worth. Real change starts with my response to the mirror.

VISION THAT TRANSFORMS

What is the year 2008 going to be like for us? Eugene Peterson described our ability to predict the future: "We don't see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist." (I Corinthians 13:12, The Message). The economic and political scene looks chaotic these first few January days. Where's the defroster? That ditch is out there somewhere! We are all driving down this unknown road called 2008. Where are we going? God only knows!

The basic meaning of the word vision is...the ability to see. The Apostle Paul was a visionary man. He saw a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to a city called Damascus. The sermon text came from the Book of Acts, where Paul retold his story for the third and final recorded time. He shared his key statement, "I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven..." ( Acts 26:19, NIV).

The first idea we see is that Paul had a vision that transformed or radically changed his life. God sees the future clearly...even when we are in a fog. Real vision is a gift from heaven. Seeing clearly provides 'response ability' to make right choices. We can remain in a fog, or we can pray for God's vision. Living in a fog can be risky. Have you ever had to drive your car in a fog? Having great headlights sure helps in a time like that! "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 28:18, KJV). Do I really want a vision from heaven? Am I willing to see what God wants for my life? Paul chose to follow the heavenly vision and allowed God to change his direction.

The second idea is that God's vision will often cost us something. Some of our foggy notions about life have to go. Are we willing to change...friends, schools, jobs, careers, dreams...for God's ideas? Does God really know what will make us happy? Paul thought so...when he said, "I was not disobedient." Paul gave up his plans. Now, Paul could now say that God knew exactly what He was doing from personal experience. Sometimes we settle for some poor choices, just to live in a comfortable fog. Do you want 2008 to be different than last year?

Paul was convinced that God was right. He was on a mission to tell the whole world, one person at a time. How do you hide real joy? I remember when I bought my first car. I remember preparing to graduate from college. I remember falling in love with my wife. It is hard to keep good things secret. I wanted to tell everyone, until friends were tired of hearing it! Vision gives us a life worth talking about.

God sees the future clearly. God sees and knows our hopes and dreams. God knows us better than we know ourselves. The old fog is filled with past mistakes. How bad do you want to see 2008 clearly? Vision is a gift we can ask for. Only God can light up our future to see the road ahead and keep us between the lines. Happy New Year!