Thoughts on Apprenticeship

“He’s just like you!
What a champion!”

Wouldn’t it be great if that was always a high compliment?

Or maybe

“I am forever indebted to her.
She believed in me before I even knew I had potential.”

Jared’s written a great think-piece on With one Voice – and you need to take a minute and go look.

Who’s coming up behind you?  A niece? Nephew?  Young believer?  Talented teacher?  Savvy business potential?

Why not draw that potential uphill toward skill and excellence?

Here’s the article -

http://withonevoice.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/apprenticeship/

A Helpful Hint About Vocabulary

It occurred to me last evening as I was driving home; If nothing else, I’m going to have quite the vocabulary when all this is done!   With twenty-five years in ministry (teaching, discipleship, worship, etc.),  experience in agriculture, manufacturing, consulting and hospitality,  I should do just FINE next time I play SCRABBLE!

I attended a meeting yesterday where high-level management looked back at Quarter-one of their business site to report on progress made with their quality assurance and examine the document that would go to corporate as to their progress and plans for second quarter.   That’s not how they said it, though.  It was more like  “I attended the Q1 QMR yesterday at EA  where they reviewed the QMR document, making sure the SQP conformed to corporate standards, and recorded Action Items for Q2 in anticipation of Wave3.”

Every facet of our culture has its own vocabulary.  It’s usually meaningful, the abbreviations or catch-phrases growing out of frequent use or familiarity.  To a newcomer, however, specialized vocabulary can be overwhelming.  (I was pleased how many of yesterday’s terms I remembered, and it felt pretty good when a new term to me needed clarification by the plant manager too.)

This afternoon I’ll be part of a leadership meeting in the hospitality industry.  The vocabulary won’t be the same as yesterday’s meeting.  Not at all.

I write, and writers and editors have their own vocabulary.

Sunday morning Brenda and I begin a five-week series on Heaven with our life group at church.  Life groups are groups of people who study and fellowship together, similar to adult Sunday School classes or adult Bible fellowships (ABFs).  Ours is about 40 – 45 people; we call it “Joint Heirs”  or JH for short.  Yet another vocabulary set.

Sports has its own vocabulary, hunting has one, cooking does, music, forestry, auto racing, motorcycling, construction, banking, medicine, electricians, plumbing, insurance, gardening — there are many!

My point today is this: Be alert to how a newcomer to your circle probably feels and be careful with the specialized vocabulary you’re accustomed to.  It’s helpful to watch the “newbee”’s facial expressions for clues that they’re still with you.  Use definitions instead of an in-house names, or the full term instead of an acronym while they catch on.

This is especially important at church. The quickest way for a family to decide not to return is to make them feel unwelcome or reinforce their feelings of being an outsider.  Our specialized vocabulary at church can unwittingly do just that.   When you see someone you don’t know this Sunday and introduce yourself, make a mental note. Are they a new-comer?  Careful with the vocabulary, then.  You want them to come back. You want them to become a part of you and grow with you while they participate in the ministry you already enjoy.

One day they’ll know the vocabulary. It will be common knowledge and you’ll probably even smile at certain terms.  I remember one time we chose the name “Doorkeepers” for our welcoming teams. The idea came from Psalms 84.10.  All was well until someone in the office shortened it. The in-house nickname became “Dorks” and began to spread. NOT the first impression you want, ya know?  We picked a different name and smiled at the old one.  My favorite acronym at the place I was yesterday is TLA. It just makes me smile. It stands for  Three-Letter-Acronym.  Honest.  It’s in the glossary.

Flossing Meets Self-Examination

So there I was, staring at the ceiling from the endodontist’s chair, his halogen light shining down my throat.  He’d been working on my root canal awhile already and we talked —he more clearly than I— during the little breaks we’d take to rest his fingers and my jaws. He had a neat country way about him and we kind of hit it off.  If you can like your entodontist, that is.

At the end one of those little respites I heard him say, four fingers or more in my mouth so I couldn’t answer, “Yeah, we have an old saw in this trade: You don’t have to floss all your teeth…”

He paused for effect. I perked to hear the minimum requirement from his vantage point.

“…just the ones you want to keep.”   He was outside my peripheral vision when he finished but I could sense it. He was grinning.  He’d zinged another patient who wasn’t a very good flosser.  And he was right, I seldom flossed.

When my appointment came to an end and all the hardware and tooth dam had been removed I broached the subject again.  “One of the reasons I floss so seldom is because my teeth are so tight to each other I can’t get the floss between them.  I guess I’m not fond of slicing my fingers with tight dental floss when it won’t go where it’s supposed to anyway.”   There.  Maybe I had him where he’d admit I was one of the exceptions.   Wrong.

“Keep at it,” he said, “you try to slip something through there day after day, your teeth will move over and make room.”

“Are you serious? Why am I just now hearing this at nearly fifty?”

He smiled a little. This time I saw a hint of hope in his expression. “I don’t have a good answer for that one, but I can assure you that it’s not too late.  Coax those teeth over a bit, get in there more often, and they’ll smile when they see you coming.  Until then, use something with a handle on it to get a little more leverage. Start with flossing tape if you need to, it’s thinner than the thread.”

Amazingly,  he was right.  I’ve become a regular flosser now.  The decay has slowed down – big time.  It’s amazing some days how much work that tiny little thread or tape and some warm water does!

The other day I was waiting for a red light to change.  I hate when I arrive just as it turns red, don’t you?  It was one of those left-green arrow, then regular lights, all four directions intersections.  The thought came to me, from where, I don’t know:

A lot of us could afford to do more spiritual flossing.  Think of the decay we could avoid.

Similarities began to come to mind.   I’m glad I was alone, actually, as I would have had a hard time explaining I was comparing self examination and confession with flossing.  Socrates may have said “the unexamined life isn’t worth living”  but Jesus and Paul and David and James all wrote things to indicate we need to take care of sin — before it becomes sin if we can.

Think of it:

You don’t have to stay on top of all your virtues, just the ones you want to keep.

If you coax those virtues over a bit, get self-examination and confession in there more often, eventually they’ll smile when they see you coming.  Nice to see you again – take away anything you find.

It’s tougher at first  (aren’t most things?) but when we consistently, forthrightly look at the things we want most in life and take away the things that promote decay, it becomes easier. Less painful. Even welcomed.

I’ve never liked when God keeps me after class so He can talk to me about something.  It’s as fun as a root canal, really.  But checking every day? Taking care of things PRE-decay?  Much nicer.  And I don’t worry as much when He says “How we doing, Phil?”

“Should be pretty good.”

“Not bad!”

Oh-good.  I love having clean teeth —  I mean virtues.

A Must-Read for You

Hey there —

If you’re in music and worship ministry you need to stop by “With| One| Voice” and read or review Jared’s recent entry

the |pursuit| of a worship team

Definitely a “Selah” (think about it) post.

Go see.  Go think.

New Category – “Elijah”

Our life group is studying the life of Elijah in October and November at Spring Creek Church -

I’m adding an Elijah category here on Vibrance where you can

• look for text versions of our class handouts to get a head start on things or to catch up if you miss a Sunday.
• keep a discussion going beyond the end of class -  days longer if you want! 
• review where we were earlier in the study
• when you’re talking with someone who’s interested in what we talked about in class you can point them here for a little more info.

You can participate in the discussions that take place here even if you’re part of a different life group (or none at all – yet),  you can be from another church, another part of the country or half-way around the world.

Be sure to review the “C’mon in” tab at the top of the page, so you know what works here and what doesn’t.

Look for the Elijah Category in the right hand margin – It’ll help bring you right to related posts.

We’re looking forward to our study of Elijah – how about joining us?!

Here’s the summary from our class brochure:

We admire and aspire to Elijah’s spiritual strength —as we should— but Elijah was a man just like us (James 5.17 – NIV). What were the keys to his power? For one, Elijah was aware that God is always at work in His servants at the same time He is working through them to others.

Come help us unwrap life changing lessons in the eight weeks we spend with “Elijah the Tishbite”, a man of heroism and humility, a prophet of power.  He was just like you; honest, he was.

I’d Rather Ask Then Tell

There’s a noteworthy perspective in the little book of Philemon I’ve been thinking about lately.  Philemon is one of the book-studies I suggested to the life-group I’m teaching, so I’m reviewing it on my own.

…though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is requiered, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you…

Paul’s letter to Philemon has the primary purpose of inviting (rather than ordering) him to take back his wayward slave Onesimus, whom Paul has led to Christ.   But I really like the way Paul approaches this request.  It gives Philemon the opportunity to do something for the best possible reason —love— rather than simply doing what he is told.

It’s funny (if that’s the right word),  I did better as a kid when my parents asked me to take out the trash rather than telling me to.  Even now I usually do better when I’m asked to do something instead of being ordered to. Are you that way too?  Most of us are.

Paul was no dummy, and he knew the emotional flash-back that would probably occur when this man on his front steps hands his former master/employer a letter describing the change in his life and telling —I mean asking— Philemon to take Onesimus back.  I think he probably remembered how he’d like to be approached too, since Paul was rather strong-willed himself, and so he says “I know I could just tell you to, and you’d have to comply, but I’d rather ask you a favor, based on your love for Christ and your love for me.  Onesimus has trusted Christ since he left your service; I led him to the Lord. Would you re-instate him?  Please?  Thanks -  I knew you would.”

Selah—
Something to think about—

It’s a Little Cloud – But Not for Long. Hurry!

Seventh trip.
The runner returns out of breath and pseudo-satisfied.
“OK, there’s a small cloud. It’s about the size of a man’s hand is all. Can I go now?”

Nothing terribly impressive.
Unless your name is Elijah.

Unless you remember being the one who announced there would be NO rain until you said – three years ago.  And there hasn’t been.

Unless you remember having repulsive ravens for wait-staff at the Road-Kill Cafe on the outskirts of Cherith.

Unless you remember watching the brook dry up and fail to provide for you.

Unless you remember God sending you to Zaraphath for the next part of the drought to be cared for by a widow.

Unless you remember watching her make and serve the last cake from the last of the meal at breakfast every morning for the last several months.  Unless you marvelled at how the oil and meal never ran out.

Today had been quite the day. The fire from above that amazed King Ahab, 450 false prophets for Baal (all of whom are dead now) and 400 for Asherah – and anyone looking on today.  God was awesome today. What a fantastic show-down!

“There is going to be rain. Heavy rain, Ahab, go get yourself something to eat.”

So when the runner comes back yet another time with the so-so words, “but it’s only the size of a man’s hand”, I’m sure Elijah energetically set him straight. “Don’t say it’s ‘just’ the size of a man’s hand.  It’s a cloud.  God made it, it’s going to grow, and Ahab needs to hurry back to town before the rain stops him! So do we!” (He outran Ahab’s horse-drawn chariot, by the way, details in 1 Kings 18)

- – - -

I’m relating to this story pretty well right now.

A little over two years ago, a year-long job as a contractor with 20 hours of pre-approved overtime every week changed to a company job with benefits. God was providing and we were thankful. Less than a month into the new arrangements came the edict from corporate. “No more overtime. Not for anyone.”  Oh-man. That hurts. We can’t survive on what will be coming in.

God said to Brenda and me “You go over there and do what I have for you there, you go over here, and do this in addition to what you’ve been doing”.  So we did.  It was OK.  It wasn’t what I was best at, but God was providing and I wasn’t about to complain.  No-Siree.

Then came the call to make another transition.  “I’m in!  Whatever You say, Lord.”  Seven ambitous months later the phone call came.  “The bottom has fallen out of the market.  Sorry, man; you’re done.”

Just like that.  Done.  This is great, Brenda retired this Spring because things were looking good.  Now we neither one have jobs!

I’d like to tell you it was an exercise in faith and I did great, trusting in and counting on God with simple, childlike trust.    I’d like to tell you that,  but it wouldn’t be the whole truth.  It’s been hard.  Very hard.   God has provided from unexpected sources, just like He did with Elijah, but it’s not been easy. OK, it’s been hard.  It’s still hard. But God is still God.

A few days ago a cloud appeared in my world.  It’s not very big, but it’s an answer to our prayers. Clouds grow.  Move the “L” in “cloud” and it becomes “could”.  I see promise. Opportunity. God did it. I’m excited.  Maybe not as excited as Elijah, but I am.  “Get ready!”  God’s going to do something. And we’re going to love telling the story with Him at the center of it.

- – - -

Have you been praying long and hard for something specific?   Keep your eyes open.  Watch for the beginnings of the answer.  Don’t lose hope.  Stay thankful / grateful.   God loves to give to His children.  When there’s work to be done outside our field of vision it looks like inactivity or no-progress, but there’s no such thing when God is involved.  When you do see the progress, thank Him. Take a breath and get ready for what He’s about to show you – at the pace He chooses.  I’m hoping God does things quickly in our situation like he did the afternoon Elijah sprinted all the way to town.  But whatever pace He chooses – I’m with Him.  It’s the only place to be.

Psalm 23 – the Verbs

Have you ever noticed the verbs in Psalm 23? Most are things God does, and nearly all are ACTIVE verbs!

Read slowly, notice the verbs. God is actively involved in our lives; how easy to respond to Him! (formatting and emphasis are mine)

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Only two “passive” verbs in the entire Psalm, and they are about God. He IS my shepherd, you ARE with me. I think I’ll “accept” that there’s no movement on those, no change, no reason to wonder if He’s still the same!

The others are “active” verbs; God is at work and involved on our behalf.

Take a minute and re-read the Psalm, taking a moment to let the meaning of those words soak in like a gentle all-day rain.

My response is the same as David’s – at least it should be -
I will not want, I will fear no evil, I will dwell with Him.

How encouraging. How reaffirming!

No wonder we call Him “The Good Shepherd” (see John 10 for more)

Red Sea Rules – Revisited

It’s been nearly a year since I summarized The Red Sea Rules here.

The principles drawn from Robert Morgan’s book are timeless, primarily because they’re drawn from Scripture. I still recommend it, and continue to review Morgan’s 10 points from time to time. They form a concise a checklist for me when life begins to feel like it’s a bit out of hand. I know that never happens to you, but it does to me once in a while.

If you’d like your own copy check your local Christian book store, or order The Red Sea Rules online. Used copies are sometimes available at ABEbooks.com.

The Red Sea Rules is definitely worth your time; helpful, practical, and encouraging.

If you don’t have time to read that much right now, let Psalm 46.1, 2 and 10 & 11 help.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear…

Cease striving and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

We Fight FROM a Victory, Not FOR One.

I remember the first time I heard Chip Bernhard say about the Christian life:

“We fight FROM a victory, not FOR one”

I’d heard others say “I read the end of the book – and we win”, “Go to the last chapter, we win.” etc. But saying it this way affects right here, right now.

We fight FROM a victory (Christ’s)
not FOR one (ours).

Fighting FROM a victory

• when discouragement and uncertainty knock at life’s door,
• hen temptation says “psst! over here!”,
• when faith wonders if it should think more about the size of the waves than the words of the Savior.

Fighting FROM a victory, not for one, means I don’t have to wonder if it’s going in, it’s as good as a slam-dunk when God has the ball.

Fighting from a victory makes a huge difference. It makes it easier to stay the course when life pulls at us. At me, anyway. Knowing I am clean and pure before Him means a lot when life’s tentative the way it is here at our house right now. Ten days ago I received the phone call some of you have received. “We can’t afford to keep you – we’re letting you go.” I’ve faced the same mis-givings, doubts, fears, anger and frustration you have. And I’ve found that our Lord is just as stable now as He was the day before the call – as you will, if it ever happens to you. I keep hearing myself say “I’m with YOU, Lord, what should I do next? Anything?” Then sensing a nudge or reading a directive in His word, I inch forward at His direction.

“Nothing ever occurs to God” is more than a cliche. It’s the truth.

Because He’s never surprised by anything, He never leans forward on His throne in Heaven to look down here and wonder “Oh, NO! NOW what am I going to do?” Nothing ever occurs to Him. He knows. He’s never out of control.

Which means as a child of His, I still make Him smile when He looks in my direction (if I’m living obedient, that is, – which I am). I am still living in His favor, even though quite a bit of life around me is uncertain right now. To me, not to Him.

So I can be confident. Not presumptuous, but confident.
In Him.

I’ll admit, it feels a little strange, being “front-brain” like it is right now. I have to think about it to stay focused like He wants me to be. But it’s working, and it feels great! What’s more, I know I’m right with Him, and that’s a whole lot better than blaming Him for these circumstances and taking things into my own hands (which I’ve done in times previous – with poor, poor results).

Are you facing something bigger than yourself right now? Is part of life out of your hands completely?

Stick close to the Savior. He’s never out of control. He’s never panicked, He’s never lost any of His children; you and I aren’t going to be His first.

Listen for His whisper. “Ready? Now.” and obey right away. He expects us to. Living in His favor as obedient sons and daughters of His, we can move with confidence. His. And He has plenty. He’s already won. His is the victory from which we fight.