The End For Now

After much consideration, I have decided to officially suspend the Journeyman's Files.

It is obvious that my interest and energy for posting here has declined significantly in the past year. It has been more than a month since I posted anything. Even before that, I had basically stopped writing anything original, and simply posted excerpts and links to things I found interesting and helpful from other sites. I can continue to do that via Facebook and Twitter.

It's time to acknowledge the reality that this blog's time has past, and to move on.

Thank you to all of you who have followed my blog, and especially those who have commented or shared a post with others. I hope that what you found here has been helpful to your spiritual life. I will leave all the posts online for anyone who searches for topics and can be help by what I've posted here.

I do reserve the right to changed my mind and re-open the blog, but don't consider that to be a likely outcome.

Thanks to all!

Seven Years In Cyberspace

Seven years ago today, on April 1, 2008, the Journeyman's Files was launched upon an unsuspecting internet and blog-o-sphere. I promise you that despite that date this blog was never intended to be an April Fool's joke, and I hope it's continuing existence is not an April Fool joke now. Well, at least most of the time it's not....

Thanks to all of you you read this stuff, regularly or occasionally. I appreciate you very much!

BTW - Where the name came from and a reminder about your humble blogger.

An Unchosen But Exciting Adventure

I found out last Friday that the company where I have worked for nine years has been sold to a larger national firm. As part of the consolidation with the new parent company, after a three month transition period my position will be eliminated.

They are treating me well with a good severance package. I am profoundly grateful for the good job with good people I've enjoyed at PWS for nine years and for the comradeship and professional growth I have experienced there.

Now to the future! This is not the adventure I would have chosen for 2015, but I am excited to see what opportunities will come our way! Request everyone's prayers as the adventure begins.  I intend to soar!

And, BTW, if you know of any accounting or financial positions in Mississippi, please let me know!

Create the Future

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse to you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and the last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails."

   -Mark Batterson, All In: You Are One Decision Away From A Totally Different Life, page 85

Finish the Race

The Journey Requires Multiple Decisions

There is a difference between "accepting" Jesus and "following" Jesus.

The concept of following evokes rich imagery—journey, process, adventure, and dependence. Accepting sounds like Jesus is put on our scales, and we decide his fate, like he is campaigning for our vote as he runs for Messiah. To accept Jesus does not call one to live as a disciple; it merely calls one to make a decision. Following calls for a series of decisions being made by the minute, keeping Jesus the focal point, refusing to look to the right or the left, increasing in likeness to his character and in closeness to his person.

- Bill Clem, Disciple: Getting Your Identity from Jesus

Hat Tip: Christians in Context 

This is a good book that I am part way through reading (along with so many other books!) Plus, as the "Journeyman" I am, of course, always interested in quotes describing following Jesus as a journey, because it is!
     

The Journey We Are On

This life therefore is not righteousness but growth in righteousness;
not health but healing;
not being but becoming;
not rest but exercise.
We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it.
The process is not finished, but it is going on.
This is not the end, but it is the road.
All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.

                   - Martin Luther

Hat Tip: The Journey of Sanctification - Desiring God

Another Trip Around the Sun

Today is my birthday (53, for those who wonder). I am thinking this morning about some words written by one of the great philosophers of my generation - Jimmy Buffet.

Hear 'em singing Happy Birthday

Better think about the wish I made

This year gone by ain't been a piece of cake

Every day's a revolution

Pull it together and it comes undone

Just one more candle and a trip around the sun

Chorus:
I'm just hanging on while this old world keeps spinning

And it's good to know it's out of my control

If there's one thing that I've learned from all this living

Is that it wouldn't change a thing if I let go

(Lyrics to "Trip Around the Sun" by Jimmy Buffet, from the album "License to Chill").

Of course, I'm also thinking a bout a cheeseburger in paradise, but that's another story.

Christ OurJourney and Journey’s End

“As God, Christ is the destination to which we move; as man, the path by which we go.”

- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.2.1

Hat Tip: « Of First Importance

Judge Direction Not Place

Great quote from Andrew Piper's excellent 22 Words blog entitled "Judge people by the direction they’re going not by the place where they are."

"The same choice that’s a life-saving step forward for an unbeliever or struggling Christian would be pitiable retrogression for someone farther along."

Why "The Journeyman" and Whence Does He Journey?

Back in April when I started this blog, I wrote an explanation of the title "Journeyman." Since there are a few more people reading here than back then (I hope!) I'm going to repost the explanation. Thanks for reading!
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Why did I choose the name "The Journeyman" and whither goest he?

When thinking about a nome de blog I considered several ideas, some of which were pretty cheesy. I choose this one for two primary reasons.

First, The call of the Lord Jesus to each Christian is not "Say a sinners prayer so that you can go to heaven when you die. Meanwhile sit still in church and do not get into trouble!" His call to us is "The Kingdom of God is at hand! Turn from your selfish ways, believe my good news and come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men. Together we will go to seek and save the lost. Together we will see and hear what my Father is doing and join his work and mission. Join my journey of obedience to the Father. Come walk with me!"

What I will write here are observations and disciple notes of one guy learning (and forgetting and re-learning) how to walk with Jesus on His journey and join in His mission. It's all about Him, not me.

Second, in the world of trades and guilds, a journeyman is the next step up from an apprentice. Someone with this status is considered to be a skilled and trained worker who no longer needs to be taught the basics and overseen in everything he does. However, he is not yet a master carpenter, plumber, electrician, or whatever- he needs to work with a Master who will judge and vouch for his work.

I hope that after years (decades now) of experience in Christian leadership and teaching ministries that I have learned to do somethings well and have proven trustworthy. I have had the privilege to work with and be trained by many wise men in the Lord. But I always know that I need close attention from The Master or I will go astray.

I'm only a Journeyman, not yet a master.

Follow Me, Boys! (and Girls)

Back in the 60's Disney put out a movie about a Boy Scout leader starring Fred MacMurray and Kurt Russell entitled "Follow Me, Boys!"

Two weeks ago Blogger added a feature called "Followers" so that readers interested in a particular blog can register as followers of that blog. I've signed up as a Follower of several blogs. Yesterday someone signed up here - I have my first official follower! Thanks to Bob from In The Clearing. Glad to have you, brother!

If you read here often and wish to let my other readers know you do, you can click on the Followers gadget in the right hand column of my blog to join us on the Journey. You will find it just below my Shelfari Bookshelf. Being a follower of a blog does not necessarily mean you agree with that blogger on everything, but only that you enjoy the blog and check it out regularly.

So, now I can say "follow me, Boys and Girls!"

Update: Welcome to my second blog follower, Duke at SouthBay Vineyard!

Spiritual Types Test

Thanks to a link at Peter Kirk's Gentle Wisdom I discovered this Spiritual Types Test. The test identifies you as one of four spiritual types: Sages, Prophets, Lovers and Mystics. I tested as a "sage."

You are a Sage, characterized by a thinking or head spirituality. You value responsibility, logic, and order. Maybe that's why you were voted "Most Dependable" by your high school classmates. Structure and organization are important to you. What would the world be like without you? Chaos, that's what! Your favorite words include should, ought, and be prepared. What makes you feel warm and fuzzy? Like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof it's tradition! tradition! tradition!

Because you love words, written or spoken, you enjoy a good lecture, serious discussions, and theological reflection. Prayer for you usually is verbal. You thrive on activity and gatherings of people, such as study groups. Sages on retreat likely would fill every day with planned activities, leaving little time for silence or solitude.

We need Sages for your clear thinking and orderly ways. You pay attention to details that others overlook. Sages make contributions to education, publishing, and theology. You often are the ones who feel a duty to serve, give, care, and share with the rest of us.

On the other hand, sometimes you seem unfeeling, too intellectual, or dry. Can you say "dogmatic"? You may need to experience the freedom of breaking a rule or two every now and then. God's grace covers Sages too, you know!

As in all such tests, sometimes none of the alternatives given fit me perfectly. I've always thought some of these spiritual gifts or personality type tests were nothing but Christianized astrology. But this one does sound pretty accurate to me, at least as based on my limited self-knowledge and what others say about me.

Pastor Bloggin Tips.

I recently read Ten Tips for Pastors who blog from Mark Batterson at Evotional.com. Mark pastors National Community Church in Washington, DC. I like this one:

Life is too short and the Kingdom Cause is too important for the sideways energy of negativity! In my opinion, too many blogs try to stir up controversy. And it's almost always someone who has a very small readership. A blog is not a license to go negative or take potshots.

I have a very small readership (if any) but I certainly will not choose negativity as a way to get readers. Having a blog is not the same as being influential. Being influential comes from having something to say, and saying it well- whether in a blog, a sermon, a book or face to face. Mayber I'll get there someday, bu in the mean time the journey is enjoyable!

Being Part of the Journey: Yourself and Others

I'm learning that as a leader, it's not just about helping others "get there" - it's also about being a part of their JOURNEY of getting there. And by acknowledging the slight positive shifts, people feel more empowered to keep making those slight shifts - until eventually.......they're there! ~ Scott Hodge

Hat Tip: Rick Ianniello

This is why I chose my nome de blog- The Journeyman. Following Jesus is a journey, and, despite the solitary figure in the image above, it is one where you cannot go alone, but must walk with others who also follow the same Master. We walk together.

Dissin' Peter?

Great post at The Thinklings on the tendency of Bible teachers, preachers and others to make fun of Peter;s impetuous nature:

Something written elsewhere today reminded me of something Simon Peter once said. You know Simon Peter: he's been the subject of a million chortling observations among Christians for ages. You've heard it, and probably said it. "Good ol', dumb ol', impulsive, talks-before-he-thinks Simon Peter".

I don't make fun of Simon Peter anymore. Just a few reasons below:

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

- John 6:66-69

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

- Matthew 16:15-16

Just those two pretty much do it for me. Peter had some faults, but sometimes he just nailed it. It's times like that when I realize I'm not worthy to untie his shoes.

Also, Peter may have sunk when he took his eyes off from Jesus - but he did take a few steps walking on water, and no one else got out of the boat! The sum total of people in the history of man who have walked on water: Jesus and Peter. Pretty good company!

I Cling to Christ.....

“I am to cling to Christ alone; He has taught neither too much nor too little. He has taught me to know God the Father, has revealed Himself to me, and has also acquainted me with the Holy Spirit. He has also taught me how to live and how to die and has told me what to hope for. What more do I want?” - Martin Luther

(Hat Tip to The Boar's Head Tavern)

Reasons I hope you read my blog

Last month Michael Spencer, the "Internet Monk," posted "Ten Reasons I Don't Read Your Blog."

The IMonk is one of the sites I read on a regular basis. Although I don't 100% endorse anybody on the internet (See Sam Storms post below) I get a lot of insight and challenge from his site and writings, and admire his writing and communication ability - and his generous spirit.

I hope to learn from his 10 points to make this website worth reading. The 10 blogging errors to avoid are:

1. "Its too personal." I'm basically a private person. Promise not to reveal my underwear size on this blog - and don't ask me "boxers or briefs" because I won't answer!

2. "You have no sense of humor. " I have to have a sense of humor -there is so much about me worth laughing at! Just ask my kids.

3. "Your level of knowledge regarding the subjects you write about is so low that a discussion isn’t moved forward by what you write." If I'm ignorant on a given subject I will keep quiet - or at least write with a high level of humility.

4. "Your posts don’t have links that lead me to new, interesting and helpful sites I’ve not yet discovered. " Working on this one.

5. "Your blog is an echo chamber. " Haven't said enough to have any echos yet. I will try to link to writers I agree with and some I may disagree with, and to spots from an eclectic set of opinions and communities.

6. "Your finger wagging lectures make your readers feel stupid." If my finger is pointing at you I know that 3 fingers are pointing back at me.

7. "Your blog wastes my time. " Hope not- but let me know if you think so.

8. "You keep telling me how much I need to read your blog posts. No one else tells me I need to read your posts. No one links them. No one seems to have noticed them. But you keep saying I really need to read them." If I get any readers it will have to be the old fashioned way- I will earn it with hard work and hopefully both good writing and something worth reading.

9. "You keep playing with your site and it’s annoying." I don't know enough about html or design in general to be in danger of this error. Might have to ask my beautiful and talented artist daughter for some help and pointers.

10. "You think blogging is too important." No danger there- I have a life! (And a wife!)

Why "The Journeyman"?

Why did I choose the name "The Journeyman" and whither goest he?

When thinking about a nome de blog I considered several ideas, some of which were pretty cheesy. I choose this one for two primary reasons.

First, The call of the Lord Jesus to each Christian is not "Say a sinners prayer so that you can go to heaven when you die. Meanwhile sit still in church and do not get into trouble!" His call to us is "The Kingdom of God is at hand! Turn from your selfish ways, believe my good news and come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men. Together we will go to seek and save the lost. Together we will see and hear what my Father is doing and join his work and mission. Join my journey of obedience to the Father. Come walk with me!"

What I will write here are observations and disciple notes of one guy learning (and forgetting and re-learning) how to walk with Jesus on His journey and join in His mission. It's all about Him, not me.

Second, in the world of trades and guilds, a journeyman is the next step up from an apprentice. Someone with this status is considered to be a skilled and trained worker who no longer needs to be taught the basics and overseen in everything he does. However, he is not yet a master carpenter, plumber, electrician, or whatever- he needs to work with a Master who will judge and vouch for his work.

I hope that after years (decades now) of experience in Christian leadership and teaching ministries that I have learned to do somethings well and have proven trustworthy. I have had the privilege to work with and be trained by many wise men in the Lord. But I always know that I need close attention from The Master or I will go astray.

I'm only a Journeyman, not yet a master.