For much of the last 14 years, I’ve been someone’s “boss”. Over the last 14 years I have learned that no one looks forward to their review; I have yet to meet anyone excited about this process. Some are downright afraid. Others approach them with a touch of cynical humor. But, no one has ever expressed that they’ve looked forward to their annual review. Even those who know that they’ve been doing exceptional work, tend to want to avoid them. Job reviews come with fear and anxiety. People fear correction, evaluation, criticism, and even compliments. But, I think most people fear that they will be asked to change something after a job review.

Being reviewed is tough, but it can be necessary and helpful. Most of us are not able to accurately self-evaluate. We tend to wear selfish-tinted glasses that make us feel better than we are; or we wear blinders that prohibit us from seeing ourselves and our work completely. We need help to see ourselves for who we truly are—the good and the bad. But it’s hard to hear someone talk about us whether in an affirming tone or a corrective manner. We feel vulnerable because the person reviewing us has the authority to alter our work. What if they don’t see us accurately? What if they do, and I need to change?

Over the next eight weeks, we get to sit at the conference table as Jesus does a job review with seven ancient churches. These seven churches all had the same job: to carry out the mission and message of Jesus to the world. Though they all have the same task, they are all very different. They all had unique sets of circumstances, people, cultural contexts, and challenges that threatened their effectiveness. But, they all had a “boss” who cared enough for them to tell them the truth—the good and the bad.

Throughout this series, notice how Christ relates to his church. Look for how he affirms them. Listen for words of warning. Pay close attention to how he corrects them. Experience the love he has for his church. But, don’t forget, we are now His church. His words to the seven churches will apply to The Journey Bible Church. And because churches are made up of people, they will apply to us – to me – to you.

So, it’s time for a job review from a boss who loves you enough to tell you the truth about yourself. The spotlight is on us.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 2.7

Sundays: 9am, Youth Desiring God
Wednesdays: 6:15-8pm, IKON – Youth Night
Thursdays: 6:00-8:00, Girls Study: Becka’s home
Thur.: 6:00-8:00, Boy’s Study: Brian Carroll’s home

August 15, Pool and Pizza Party at the Gully home!  5:30-8:30

August 21:  Sunday School Begins!

September 7: 1 Peter1:1-2, Our Living Hope!

September 14: 1 Peter 1:3-12, Christ Our Redeemer!

September 21: 1 Peter 1:13-21, Living with Holiness!

September 25: CHILL OUT YOUTH! 6-8pm at Bernick House, 325-227-5988

September 28: SAW YOU AT THE POLE!  1 Peter 1:22-2:3, The Enduring Word!

October 1:  “Called to Love” Tour with Downhere, Aaron Shust and Jason Gray.  Cost: $20 (includes gas), Abilene, leave from church at 3pm

October 5: 1 Peter 2:4-10, The Chosen Stone!

October 12: FIELDS OF FAITH – Stadium

October 19: 1 Peter 2:11-12, Living Honorably!

October 26: 1 Peter 2:13-25, Government – Our Responsibility!

October 28: Recreation Night!  Place and Time: TBD

November 2: 1 Peter 3:1-6, Christ our Example!

November 9, 1 Peter 3:7-12, Servanthood or our Responsibility?!

November 16, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Suffering for Doing Good!

November 18: Family Fun Night!  Whole family invited!  Time and Place: TBD

November 23: NO CHURCH – THANKSGIVING

November 30: 1 Peter 4:1-11, Attitude of Christ!

December 7: 1 Peter 4:12-19, Suffering for Faithfulness!

December 14: Youth Christmas Party!  6-8pm

January 8: CHILL OUT YOUTH! 6-8pm at Luis and Margie Rodriguez house

2012:

January 11: 1 Peter 5:1-4, Be a Good Leader!

January 18: 1 Peter 5:5-9, Submit to God and Resist the Devil!

January 25: 1 Peter 5:10-14, God’s Grace.  Close 1 Peter

Feb. 17:  Valentines Dates Night!  Take your son or daughter on a date with dinner and movie at The Journey!  6pm

March 30-April 1: Discipleship Now with Ryan Dalgliesh

April 6, Good Friday Church Worship, 6-8pm

April 22, CHILL OUT YOUTH!  6-8pm at TBD

One evening meal when I arrived at my dinner table, I noticed that a young man who was seated with us was very quiet. It seemed that he was being ignored at the table.  He seemed out of place. He was not dressed very well.  His table eating manners were a bit messy – he was eating his vegetables with this hands!  He was not what was expected at such a “prestigious” pastor conference.

A pastor from Alabama with a large congregation and staff was discussing the multi-million dollar church expansion project he was supervising.  I was trying not to pay attention when I was surprised by a question he proposed.  He asked the quiet young man with old clothes at our table about his most recent building project.  You could hear the silent gasp at our table.

This young man, without missing a beat, replied, “I am very impressed with your building project.”  He then began to discuss with our table how he grew up on the boarders of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.  As a boy he was walking in his school yard and found a Bible!  He knew it was left behind by a group of students from the United States which was run out of town with cursing and rocks.  When he found the Bible he quickly hid it in his pants and, under the cover of darkness, began to read when he was alone.  He was moved by the message of Jesus Christ and surrendered his life to Jesus in his community outhouse!

After finishing high school he was waiting to attend University.  This wait could last 3 or more years!  He decided to begin a ministry traveling by foot to school campuses sharing the message of Jesus Christ!  He traveled Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, and Tanzania.  Daily he has been run out of town with his life threatened.  Taking a closer look at him, I could see the scars left behind from school yard beatings.  He told all these stories with the kindest and most humble smile I have ever seen!

He continued, “My only building project was an orphanage in Kenya.” The young man began talking quietly and humbly. Passion grew in his voice the more he talked about how God had led him to use his entire income to begin an orphanage for street kids abandoned because of AIDS and violence. For the next hour, this young man told us story after story of God’s incredible provision in the lives of hundreds of abandoned kids. His stories were riveting and were filled with tears, faith, miracles, and joy. During my meal, I got a deep sense that I was in the presence of someone very significant—someone significant to the care and spiritual welfare of many in the Kingdom of God. As I soaked in this opportunity to hear of God’s miraculous work, my meal became less and less important.

This young man is now my Facebook friend!

Have you ever been in the presence of greatness and not realized it until later?

I wonder- do we know Jesus?  I mean, do we understand that we are in the presence of greatness?  In the midst of his teachings, miracles and compassion so many missed it!  The most “religious” among them disregarded him as a fool.  Do we truly understand the greatness of the Jesus we follow?

Welcome to our new series beginning July 10 – “Following Jesus.”

Is there anything distracting you this week from fully experiencing the greatness of Jesus Christ?

Remember today, God is here; he wants to be known and wants you to declare his goodness and greatness.

Don’t miss this 14 week series taking an intimate look at the heart of true greatness.

Serving a Great King,
Pastor Jason

Ever wonder how people pick names for their children? Many people pick names from baby books or from ones that sound good to their ear. The name has to leave them with a positive feeling about the child. I know some people choose names that start with their favorite letter of the alphabet or their favorite athlete. Also, people don’t want to choose names that conger up negative memories of people in their past. “I knew a Troy in 4^th grade school who gave me my first black eye. (True story.) We can’t name our baby that.”

Some names have real meaning for parents. Take mine for instance, Jason Emmanuel. Jason means “One Who Heals.” My Jewish father married a church going girl.  My father’s family refused to go to the wedding and their relationship was fractured – until a son was born.  I helped heal what was broken. So my name, Jason – one who heals.  Little did they know that my middle name, named after my great grandfather would be the name of the Ultimate Healer!

My daughter’s names reflect our family passions.  My wife and I were told that we would be unable to have children of our own.  We cried.  My wife cried.  My wife would read Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2.  She would cry over this prayer nightly.  So, when we were told of our miracle daughter, her name became Hannah.  Our other daughter, Kiley, means “One Who Lives Close to the Altar of God.”  God gave me her name one day while I was praying for her.  LuAnn was just a couple months pregnant – I did not know if we were having a boy or girl.  While I was praying for our child God told me, “You are praying for your daughter, Kiley.”  I broke down in tears and quickly looked up the meaning of Kiley.  “One Who Lives Close to the Altar of God.”  I knew God was telling me that she was going to walk closely with Him!

As you read through Scripture, you will notice that God has many names. Why so many? Who gets to name God? In the ancient world, names had much more significance than in our day. It was hoped that a person’s name would somehow describe their character or their essence. In a sense, God gave himself his names. He wanted to be revealed. He wanted his essence to be described and to be known by humans. One of the best ways in ancient culture to be described was through a name. Because God’s essence and character is so full, he cannot be described with a single title. He is one God with many names from which we learn the depth of his essence.

As we begin this four part series, we will focus on a foundational character in Scripture, Abraham. God has big plans for Abraham; however Abraham doesn’t really know God yet. He is surrounded by nations who worship multiple false gods. The one true God wants to reveal himself. It will be important for Abraham to know the name or essence of God.

Next Sunday, May 15, we will begin this series with communion.  Together, we will identify Jesus Christ woven into the names of God in Abraham’s life.  This will be an exciting journey!  I pray that our Glorious Savior will be glorified in this series.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Jason

The Journey Dinner Six group is a way for individuals and couples to get to know other members.  It will involve one dinner in your home with two other couples. Single individuals could host the meal alone or invite a friend to participate with them.  Anyone interested is encouraged to sign up.

Each couple will be assigned two other couples for a three month period.  The first couple on the list will call the other two and work out an evening that they can all get together during the month first month.

The first couple will also be responsible for the menu and assigning the other couples items to bring to the dinner.  It should be an evening of visiting, sharing stories, or even playing games to enrich the fellowship of our church. (It usually works best to get a babysitter and not bring the kids. You deserve a night out alone anyway)

At the end of the evening the second couple on the list should decide on a date the second month when everyone can come to their house for dinner.  That person can decide on the menu at a later date and just call a few days prior to assign food items to bring.

The third month, the last couple would host the dinner in their home.  After three dinners the names would all go back into the hat and be assigned different couples for the next three months.  This could go on as long as there continues to be interest.

As new couples come into our congregation we could get to know them and they get to know each of us better.

If you have questions please call Dan or Debbie Jackson @ 657-4756 or 650-4274.