Remembering My Call

I finished reading the book Carl Hanson gave to me (The Vision and The Vow by Pete Greig). Since it is part of my personal renewal during this season of Sabbatical I'd love it if you wanted to join this journey by reading it (you can read The Vision part at http://www.prayforgreenville.org/resources/thevision.pdf)

I was reminded that my calling is not simply to a church or a list of duties but to a much more 'simple'. I am called to 'follow Jesus'. I know that is what Jesus wants. Intimacy with Him and Involvement in Society - following Him. As Greig says, "The Vision is Jesus! To know Him as Friend. To trust Him as Savior. To obey Him as Lord." (pp. xix-xx)

The Vow, which Greig refers to, was written in the 1700's by a man named Count Zinzendorf (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinzendorf). He and a small group of friends determined to live by a vow: "None live for themselves." This 'band of brothers' pledged three "Rules of Life". 1 - To be true to Christ. 2 - To be kind to people and 3 - To take the Gosple to the nations. The outcome of these CORE VALUES - marvelously lead to a remarkable season of expansion to God's kingdom.
In the work we are doing with our strategic leadership team - uniting and authentically committing to a set of Core Values that express our pursuit of Jesus opens the door for SACC to experience a powerful season of expanding the Kingdom.

Thanks Carl for the timely gift.

Pastor John

The Center and Cause

Repeatedly throughout the first thirty days of this season of sabbatical one theme has been most prominent. God is calling me out of the center and away from assuming that I could be "the cause". The very notion calms me.
Besides my Bible reading (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations) I have benefited from and recommend chapters 1, 3, 7 and 10 in Earl Creps Off Road Disciplines as "key" to elements to hearing God's Spirit within my heart. (Chapters 11-12 are important for our Pacific Conference Board of Ministry to consider).
Before I began my time away Carl Hanson gave me a little book that I am just about through (The Vision and the Vow by Pete Greig). It is obvious to me how God wonderfully is using this 'gift' to stir my passion for Jesus and His Cause. I am sure that this is the evidence of God's providential leading. I see already that my passion to follow Jesus and submit more fully to Him is deeper now than I felt it was just weeks ago.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be satisfied." Jesus (Matthew 5:6)

Sabbatical Blessings

The South Albany Community Church has extended me the wonderful gift of a 3 month season of sabbatical and personal renewal. What a blessing! I am praying for you and rejoice over the way I am hearing reports of and experiencing God's work!