Jesus sends us all out. That’s it. If you are a Christ follower then you are following Jesus on his mission to reach lost people. If he is going, then we are following. So if you are not “redemptively rubbing shoulders” with lost people then you are not following Christ. At least not as you should.

Read Luke 10:1-16

Jesus talked about reaching people like workers “reach” the harvest. Do you care about the harvest? Do you look at people with compassion because they are helpless and harried like sheep without a shepherd? Can you pray earnestly for the harvest?

Do you feel out of your league? Good! You are in prime position to go in humble dependence upon the Lord.

Do you bring good news? Do you know how to have a spiritual conversation? Can you talk to people about Christ and his cross?

Are you “good news”? Do you come to people with a blessing? Are people happy to see you because they know you love them?

Do you demonstrate the kingdom? Do you pray for people when they are sick? Can you walk into people’s pain and messes and not feel you have to fix them? Can you just “be Jesus” with them?

The Answer: Yes! Yes you can! Yes you are! Yes you will! Jesus has given you everything you need to say yes to all these questions!

So where is your harvest field?

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

In “Transitions”, William Bridges seeks to be a helpful guide to those undergoing transition in their lives. He seeks to guide the reader through three major phases of transition; “Endings” – which may seem as a crisis or time of defeat, but are often open doors to new opportunities, “The Neutral Zone” – an often frustrating time of being set aside, yet functions to prepare us for future usefulness, and “A New Beginning” – which we emerge into as a launch into a new phase of life.

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Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
Bridges is a warm writer and his stories of people in transition help to fill out his concepts. I tended to like the points he was making, but I kept asking myself, “Where is the research and documentation?” Bridges references Levenson and Sheedy (competent researchers in their own right), but most of his original points seem to be anecdotal.  He also tends toward a mystical, neo-pagan perspective. When recounting the Greek myth of Psyche he comments, “What are the ants and reeds and the eagle? Why does something appear to help Psyche each time she has given up hope? The “helpful creature” is a common element in folklore and dreams, and it corresponds to some instinctive and subrational level of insight and energy.” Sounds more like Joseph Campbell’s, “The Power of Myth” to me. Likewise, the model of the riddle of the Sphinx, while helpful in a common sense way, seemed to me to veer into the same territory.

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Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
I’ve got to be real honest here. I found some of Bridges material comforting, particularly as he stressed that people often come into their most productive time during the later half of their lives. I would like to believe this is true! I would like to think every frustrating or frightening period in my life is a “neutral zone” in which I am cocooning in anticipation of  a more beautiful emergence. However, maybe the feeling that we are wasting our time is simply because we actually are wasting our time. Bridges seems to pull his perspectives out of the air, which makes them ill suited for making sense out of ones transitions.

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Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
Kindle Loc. 2155-58 | “As Arnold Toynbee pointed out, it is into some rabbit hole or cave or forest wilderness that creative individuals have always withdrawn on the eve of their rebirth. ‘The pattern of withdrawal and return,’ he called it, and he traced it out in the lives of St. Paul, St. Benedict, Gregory the Great, the Buddha, Muhammad, Machiavelli, and Dante.”

If you were living in a Jewish culture in the first century, one of the major social faux pas to avoid would be becoming “unclean”. No, we are not talking about laundry or personal hygiene. We are talking about ritual purity that made one fit (or unfit) to join the community in worship.

Lots of things could make you “unclean”: skin diseases, touching a dead body, eating pulled pork or bacon, stepping on a grave, having your period, or going into a gentiles home (to name a few). If you were “unclean” you were barred from worship. And in a synagogue centered society, you might as well be wearing a scarlet letter.

So what does Jesus do in Luke chapter  8? He delivers a demon possessed man among the tombs and pigs. He has contact with a woman with a discharge of blood. And he touches a dead girl to heal her. Each of these acts would technically make him “unclean”.

But instead the opposite happens: The man is delivered, the woman is healed, and the girl is raised from the dead!  They all become clean through contact with Jesus.

You see, Jesus is stronger than “unclean”. He makes unclean things clean again. “Cleanness” flows from Jesus!

So why are you trying to “clean up your act” so you can approach Jesus? With all your sin, and guilt, and shame, you can’t make yourself clean enough to approach him anyway!  But here’s the miracle: just go to him and you become clean. Just touch him and his cleanness flows to you! When you draw near to Jesus through faith, you become clean!

Go ahead, give it a try!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

*(“Kosher” is the Jewish word for “clean”!)

::truth::

This week I am going to invite a “guest pastor” to share some powerful thoughts on battling a judgmental spirit by looking for evidences of grace. C.J. Mahany is a true gift to the body of Christ and encourages my soul every time I hear him. I would encourage you to read and/or listen to everything you can get your hands on by C.J.  Enjoy…

Most people are more aware of the absence of God than the presence of God. Most people are more aware of the presence of sin than evidences of grace. What a privilege and joy it is in pastoral ministry and small-group ministry to turn one’s attention to ways in which God is at work, because so often people are unaware of God’s work. And much of God’s work in our lives is quiet; it’s not “spectacular.” It’s rarely obvious to the individual, and normally it’s incremental and takes place over a lengthy period of time.

So, informed by Paul’s leadership I want to interact with everybody by identifying an evidence of grace, because if they are Christian I know God is at work in their lives. What a joy it is to discern where and how God is at work, draw people’s attention to it, and celebrate God’s grace in their lives! The fact that we get to do this-how cool is this?

And I also know this is critical preparation for any correction that genuinely needs to take place in their lives. Because identifying God’s work in their lives gives them faith for the correction they might be in need of, and they can consider that correction without collapsing under that correction being unaware that God is at work in their life.

See, Paul’s correction of the Corinthian church is effective because he has faith for this church. When we correct people, they can tell whether we have affection for them and faith for them. I sadly know what it’s like to correct somebody where I neither had affection for nor faith for-as if the correction alone was sufficient and most important. That is not true. This is not an expression of the character of God and that is not biblical leadership.

I would encourage all of us to restrain ourselves from correcting someone until we have developed, to some degree, affection for them and faith for them.

So how do we identify evidences of grace?

Here is the “starter’s kit” I recommend for recognizing evidences of grace. (It’s a “starter’s kit” but you will never outgrow or exhaust it.) Just take two categories, the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. Work from those two categories and lists, study those lists in the Bible, look up from studying those lists, and look at Christians around you. You will see God at work everywhere you look.

God is working. God is very busy. God, give us the eyes to see how you are at work so we can identify that, draw people’s attention to it, celebrate it, and assign all glory to God for that work!

-C.J. Mahaney, addressing the small-group leaders of KingsWay Community Church in Midlothian, VA (January 27, 2008).

::prayer::

Maxine K: Please pray for John the week as he will be attending an economic conference in Atlanta.  He leaves Monday and will return Saturday.

Nancy W: Thanks be to God for giving Stephen a great time at camp and for a deep spiritual experience!  Please pray for wisdom as we guide our children through many difficult circumstances.

Pray for Lindsey as she travels home this week – arriving Friday, June 25^th.

Lou C: Pray for Linn and Angela as we travel to our son Andrew’s wedding. Pray for safe travel, peace of mind, and spiritual refreshment. Pray also for Linn’s sister, Gavin, who is preparing to go back to Saudi Arabia where her husband works.

::community::

New Classes Coming Sundays in July – 9:15 AM!

“Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets”

Candy Hilton leads this multigenerational class as we survey the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. Does God really tell his prophet to marry a prostitute? Do prophets really hear the call of God and run in the opposite direction? Does God “romantically” win the hearts of his wandering people?  One thing is for sure, you will hear the heart of God in all his tenacity and tenderness!  For High School students through adults.

“Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace”

Pastor Tom will lead this class geared for all who are married and those who one day may be. In eight sessions we will apply what the Bible says about communication, conflict, romance, and intimacy. Based on the book by Gary and Betty Ricucci. For High School students through adults.

With great classes for the kids as well, this is a great time to connect (or re-connect) at Family Bible Hour!

Womens Bible Study: This summer we encourage you to participate in a 6 week study by Kelly Minter on the book of Ruth “hosted” by Beth Moore on the Living Proof Ministries website.  We will watch a video online every two weeks.  Participants are then encouraged comment on her blog as we learn together. Books can be purchased at Lifeway for $12.95.

::mission::

NEW DATE! Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, July 6^th, we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope, 4:30 – 6:00 PM. Sign up for what you can bring this Sunday.

YMCA Family Fun Night: A great night of free food and fun for families in our community! Saturday, July 10, from 5-7 PM at the Roper YMCA Family Center.  The Fun and Games will include a Hotdogs and popcorn, Wii Bowling Tournament, Bean Bag Toss, Three Legged Race, and group games for the whole family. This is a great opportunity for our church to serve the community and build relationships. We’ll need volunteers so send me your t-shirt size when you respond! Invite friends!

Colossians 1:15-20
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

I was praying through this passage this morning, having entered prayer feeling particularly disconnected and dishoveled. So many needs, so many concerns, it was hard to know where to begin. Then this passage broke over me like the dawn. In the midst of reminders of my humanity, frailty, and finitude the glory and supremacy of Christ has a way of clearing the clouds and reorienting me to “the big picture”. It’s all about Jesus – his supremacy, his preeminence, his glory.

There is a lot here, but just a couple of notes:

“in him all things hold together.” This is true on an atomic as well as galactic level. Jesus holds planets and planeria, stars and starfish together. But also, something really amazing, he holds me together! When I feel like my world is coming apart and I am unraveling, Jesus is the one who holds me together. And sometimes he simply holds me. So I pray, “Jesus, in the midst of times of chaos and confusion, hold me together! Hold onto me – don’t let me go! You promised you would, and so I rest in that promise!”

“…that in everything he might be preeminent.” The bottom line to all life’s pursuits is the supremacy of Christ. The fuel for all that we do is the supremacy of Christ. The end toward which all our prayers are ultimately directed is the supremacy of Christ. And if this is end to which the Lord is directing all of human and cosmic history – what confidence does this give my prayers! And so I pray, “Jesus, be preeiment in my work, get all the glory in your church, be supreme in my marriage, captivate my children with your glory, open the eyes of my lost friends to your supremacy! Lord, let nothing thwart this awesome goal in my life and in the lives of those around me!”

I would highly commend praying though this passage yourself. And when you do, remember to pray for me…

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom

“In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” serving as both a preservative and a lighthouse to the world. But consider this: salt and light have no effect without first making contact with something.”

Excellent blog from JP:  Lewis and Edwards on the Layers of Self-Admiration :: Desiring God.

Being a missional Christian is simply following the way of Jesus, who was the greatest missionary. The Bible tells us that he came from heaven to earth to die for a lost and dying world. The following scriptures reveal how the mission of God was fulfilled through Jesus Christ and how we are called to continue and complete the Missio Dei in our culture:

• Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34)
• “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 5:30)
• “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)
• “I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” (John 7:29)
• “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” (John 8:29)
• “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
• And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” (John 12:44-45)
• “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.” (John 12:49)
• “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)
• “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
• “For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” (John 17:8)
• “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)
• Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

A few weeks back I wrote about connecting with suburbanites during the summer. I mentioned participating in cultural events, being servants through things like coaching sports, and having hospitable events like cookouts.  With 5 full weeks left we still have a lot of great opportunities to connect. I’ve noticed in my life and in the life of my family that 5 tools have stood out this summer as helpful for connecting with our neighbors. Here they are for you. I hope you’ll add to the list.

1. Invite Cards — My church, Doxa Fellowship, just recently had some branding work done and immediately had some invite cards created. If your church doesn’t have them, I highly recommend getting some done. They are simple, attractive business cards with key church info.  On ours we have the church name, website and email on the front and our Sunday location and time, including a map, on the back.

I have invite cards in my wallet, backpack, both cars, camera case, etc. I don’t drop them under windshield wipers or “accidentally” leave them lying around. The last thing people need is to feel like your church is the same as the going-out-of-business furniture store. I use them relationally. They give a better connection to our church when meeting someone or having a conversation.

I think after a shipping snafu we ended up paying $25 for 1,000 cards. You can get them plenty cheap, and they are of great value.  I pass them out all the time. I keep them in front of my face as an encouragement to use them. I have a stack by where I set my wallet and keys. I put 3 on the table at the café when I sit down to read or work and see if I can give them out before I leave. It’s a great tool.

2. Tennis Ball — I have two sports-oriented kids who will watch girls softball if nothing else is on. One thing we have learned to do is always keep a tennis ball in the car, in our swimming pool bag, in Elijah’s bat bag, etc. When we are at the pool and they force that 15 minute break, we grab the ball and play “hot box” in the grass. Hot box is where you have two bases, a guy catching at each base, and everyone else is a baserunner trying to advance but not get an out. And guess what. Kids see us playing and want to join in every time we play.

A few days ago we had about ten kids playing hot box at the pool. Just last night we were on the Woodstock Square for a band concert. We took the tennis ball and started up a game of hot box well off to the side. Sure enough others joined in. We’ve connected with parents and kids by just having fun with my kids and inviting others to join in.

A tennis ball is nice because it’s heavy enough to throw hard and soft enough to not damage someone. But if you aren’t baseball oriented try a good nerf football (you need to be able to really throw it or it’s worthless), a frisbee, hacky sack, bag toss (sorry, I won’t call it “c*orn hole). You have nerdy kids? Cool. Embrace it. Bring extra magnifying glasses and invite kids to burn ants. Or if nothing else works, just play a game of tag.

3. Extra ______ — It’s happened to you. You are at the pool or the park and someone didn’t bring something they needed. Maybe it’s a water bottle. Maybe it’s bug spray or sunscreen. I was golfing several weeks ago and someone needed a Tums. I had one. When you go somewhere, bring extra consumables and be aware of folks around you who might be suffering from forgetting something or a lack of planning. Be over-prepared and generous.

It doesn’t need to just be consumables. Early in the Little League season it was cold and we would have plenty of blankets in the van for our family and for others if needed. Bring an extra umbrella if it might rain. It’s snowing? Bring an extra sled.

The key here is to think of others when planning for your events and outings. Whatever you need for yourself, just add more. We leave bug spray, sunscreen, umbrellas, sweatshirts, wet wipes, lawn chairs, and water bottles in the car pretty much at all times.

4. Camera — I can’t tell you how many times I have my camera with me and see someone trying to get a “family picture” with one member of the family holding the disposable camera. I let them get their shot and then tell them I’m happy to get a photo with my camera and email it to them. They love it. Most often I just tell them I’ll take the photo and they can see and download it on Flickr. I carry Moo mini cards with my name, email address and Flickr address on it.

I also like to grab photos of other people and/or their kids in the park, playing baseball, etc, and then give them a Moo card. In the last few weeks Elijah (8) played on the 7-8 year old all-star team. I took a handful of photos, put them on Flickr, and gave a Moo card to every parent and coach. Same with the 9 year old team. Same with Danny’s (6) bittie ball team. The commissioner of the entire Woodstock Little League organization has been grabbing my photos for next year’s book because of it. Lots of great connections. A few weeks ago a woman in Woodstock was getting a photo of her kids by a piece of local art and I told her to pose with her kids and I’d email her the photo.

If you have a decent camera, it can be a great tool for making connections with your neighbors.

5. Courage — How often do you kick yourself for not striking up a conversation? Or are you so bad at it that you just gave up and don’t even feel bad about it anymore? We need a renewed courage to strike up conversations along the way.

I’m an introvert. Everyone in my church thinks I’m an extrovert because I’ve forced myself to learn to strike up conversations when in public, though I’m still learning how.

Having invite cards, tennis balls, a can of Cutter and a Nikon won’t get you anywhere without a little courage to gently push into the lives of others with an opportunity to serve them. Too often people won’t ask for help. They will swat the mosquitoes rather than asking if you might have spray. Often the kids will stand on the sideline and watch us play catch rather than ask to join in.

Once you are prepared with a few “connection tools” you have to be looking and longing to be involved in the lives of others. You have to find opportunities, and open your mouth. “Want to play with us?” “You know, that picture of your wife would look better with you in it. How about if I get a picture for you?” “Skittles?” Once you have a way to connect, go ahead, connect!

Let me know some tools you have found helpful for connecting with your neighbors.