Friday, August 27, 2004
ARE YOU THERE
8-28-04
Obviously this is a very difficult time for me.
At school I meet various people in person that tell me they are reading these updates. Most of those eon this list I do not see in person during the month. Some I have not seen for years. There are those who just delete the messages instead of asking to be unsubscribed.
At this time let me ask you if you wish to be unsubscribed. I usually ask this one time a year and get one or two takers.
Is there something that you have been meaning to say to me or write me then kindly do so now no matter what that is. I am in a very teachable mode.
Do you have words of encouragement or exhortation. I could use them now.
The simplest way for me to know that you are there is just to hit the Reply button and enter no text. I will know from your address that you are there. These days I could use many like that.
Unlike a pastor that see his audience I do not see you. I do not know how many are reading. I need a sense of those who are with me during these times.
THANKS
John 11:14 PM
BRIEF UPDATE
8-27-04
THANKS for your prayers. God hears each one. In His wisdom He answers the right ones right on time. He could never answer all the prayers of dozens of people because there is just one John.
Here is what God has been using to bless and guide me.
Both of these gifted Bible teachers base what they say on the Bible, personal experiences and observations of those they have known plus historic figures.
I have taken the copy of the Seven Realities from Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and taped it to my computer monitor. Number 5 says God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. Number 6 says you must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
I have been in a crisis of belief that is requiring faith and action. What is set before me requires major adjustments.
The DVD of the Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson says that there is there are 8 phases in attaining each God-given dream, Phase 4 is Wasteland where no matter what you try it never works. This is the place of testing and purification. I have been there for a LONG time. Phase 5 is Sanctuary were the Holy Spirit draws you aside for a season of refreshing, renewal, cleansing, inspiration and deeper surrender. That has been going on lately. Phase 7 that is just in front of me is the Valley of Giants. It is unavoidable. And making face-to-face presentations has been my Goliath. This relates to paying the rent and to seeking the job at the Home Office in Greenville.
A dear friend gave me a lead that could open the door to a job locally. I needed to clarify for him and perhaps for you that I am NOT in the market for ANY job or even a very good job despite my circumstances. Right NOW I feel clearly led to seek to work for THIS company in a job that they will need to create for me. I have NEVER sought to work for a corporation. I have ALWAYS sought to have an independent nonprofit educational ministry. This is a super rare situation.
Let me be totally transparent with you. Last week I completely surrendered the vision for the ministry in Dallas to God. This was part of what the Dream Giver message said is optional but critical. This was not like my daily devotions when I commit my ways to Him. This time God TOOK it. It is not longer alive in my heart. Yesterday when I went to campus I felt emotionally detached like never before. I felt connected to friends but I did not feel connected to something much bigger and invisible that I have for years.
When I pray about these matters and I get still, then in my spirit I feel that I will be moving soon. In my imagination I am making the preparations to relocate. Internally I am not on the fence. I am emotionally expecting to become transplanted there.
I took two legal pads and on one I wrote the pluses and minuses of remaining in Dallas. I did the same for Greenville. There is have been dumping my thoughts and feelings for days. Then as I put these into the computer yesterday the nettle titled strongly toward Greenville.
I am reminded that Jesus Christ is the Head of His Body. Perhaps I can serve Him better in Greenville than in Dallas. No matter where my bed is I am convinced that I will be developing a ministry over the Internet.
Last night I told my dad of the new direction. I said that I have done many such presentations and there are essentially three stages. The first stage I am in now. I am just dumping ideas on to the computer. The items are outlines and rough drafts of small parts. The next stage I will arrange and rearrange the items. The third stage is the polish when the emphasis is on the look and feel. Today I do not know when this will be done. I do know that I make much progress daily.
I am bumping into my usual junk about being too wordy. I rank a high C on the DISC personality test. That means that I excel at the details. Just like before the trouble is that to sell the package it needs to be short, sweet and simple. That is much easier said that done. Note that this is emerging from my mind and heart as I go. It is a work in progress like so many of previous projects. However there will come a time of diminishing returns when any more tweaking is for too minor to attract me from other projects.
The Bible says that we walk by faith and not by sight. Without faith it is impossible to please God. God has given me a high tolerance for risk. Far higher than most people I know. That is not good or bad it is just how He wired me. This and other factors lead me to push the envelope.
By faith I believe that God is opening the door to become transplanted. However the free will of other people is involved. They are committed Christians. I cannot control the outcomes. But I would be a fool to invest so many hours in this speculative venture if I did not hope that it would bring a big improvement. I trust that this course of action is the best for the kingdom of God and me in the long run.
Yet if there is a red light then I will feel sad for a while. I will get over it. I can use 80 percent of what I have been preparing to build a large operation locally. My preferences are still neutralized. I do not care which way the chips fall. Both ways are good.
The rent has not been paid yet. And by faith I believe that God will make a way right on time. That seems like crazy talk to most people on this list. But there are about two-dozen that have walked through fires like this more than one time. Following Jesus led me to this trouble. He knows that and He will deliver me. I am reminded that ALL the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 faced impossible circumstances. And God uniquely mat their needs.
It has gotten to where I honestly thank God for this rent challenge. He has used it to greatly improve my prayer life. I have already moved outside of various comfort zones. I gave the company a very serious look and have been amazed repeatedly.
After asking for others to fast the Holy Sprit led me to start a fast until the rent is paid. It is not appropriate for me to give the details here. But in the past when God has called me to fast I did not have troubles with hunger. There are many ways to fast and God has led me to a way that works well for me. During the times of fasting my prayers are easier, simpler and stronger. I am convicted of how much I had been using eating for comfort and as a distraction from spiritual matters.
I have a list of a few people who have the means to assist with the rent and I have an ongoing relationship. Pray for God to guide me in who to approach and how.
May the rent be paid in full soon. Amen?
THANKS again for EACH prayer.
John 11:14 PM
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
TUESDAY BRIEFING from John S. Oliver on August 24, 2004
BLESSINGS
ALL glory to God in Jesus Name!
May you apply your time and talents wisely each day.
May God touch your heart.
May you pray better with trusting faith.
Amen?
COMPLETED
· Many have told me in person that they read the recent email about the major crossroads and are praying for me. That implies to me the others I did not meet are praying too. THANKS.
· In this moment I have neutralized my preferences. May God’s will be done. I can see either option working out well for the kingdom of God and me.
· God gave plenty of grace and mercy last week to learn much and make key contacts at the national convention in Grapevine Texas. I was able to sleep in my own bed and commute there daily.
· I have begun to process the MANY notes and handouts.
· Took an online personality test and shared the results with close friends. They said it was accurate. Note that people like me most prefer predictable work environments and secure situations in order to process all the details properly. So this chaos is not what is not what I seek. I want find a stable base to develop my God given talents to the glory of God.
· Recently saw a chapter of a DVD by Bruce Wilkinson named Dream Giver. I identified with the latter section when it is essential to surrender the dream that God gave back to Him. That is sometimes called death to the vision. It is because the dream became more important than the relationship with the Dream Giver. It has been painful to fully let go of my deeply held desires to serve the seminary students and graduates. This vision has been growing in me for years. Bruce has research the patterns of this book that are found in the Bible like Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God and He has met people all over the world that exhibit the same steps. What Bruce says that comes next is that God gives the dream back in an altered form but it is transformed.
· Like I reported yesterday I feel that the Lord Jesus is guiding me to offer a proposition to the home office to work for them from the corporate side instead of from the field. And I have begun to outline and flesh out what I will send them.
CURRENT
· My biggest challenge is to Keep It Simple while also being complete.
· May God grant me wisdom and insight as to what to communicate and how to present it. I will use a blend of web, CD and mail as a minimum. Within a few days I will need to gather the names and phone numbers of the key leaders to share this with. I t relates to various departments so it is not a simple as one may think.
· From one point of view it is highly presumptuous for a new person to make such an offer. I am asking them to carefully consider my unsolicited proposal and create a new position. However they are in the midst of a huge expansion mode. They introduced new leaders at the corporate office that will be working on upgrading the web site, training and many other things in my proposal.
· The discomfort in my right elbow has shifted. It sometimes extends from my right elbow up my arm right to my shoulder blade to the right side of my neck. I have been using a new pain relief cream for the company that helps with the symptoms. May God cure the cause.
UPCOMING
· I am FOCUSED on this proposition. May the progress be steady. May the distractions and interruptions be minimal. May the end product be excellent.
· Soon I will share parts with selected advisors for their comments and suggestions.
· May this be completed swiftly and get the right people.
· May God prepare their hearts.
· I need a red light or a green light from Greenville soon.
· I am putting all my eggs into this basket for now. If I go to the home office then I cannot work the business. If I do not go there then I must do that with all my might.
· If they give a red light that is okay. I can use most of these preparations locally.
· Still hanging fire to pay the rent. Right now I owe 1,315 dollars for July, August and September rent with electricity. Do not panic. Just pray and BELIEVE. I am reminded of missionaries that faced impossible financial challenges. THEN God made a way where there seemed to be no way. My hope is in Jesus Christ my Provider and Deliverer.
· Earlier this year a dear couple felt led by God to fast for my finances. The fasting helped their prayers. And for a season there was relief from the terrible money pressures. They have moved out of my life. I invite you to fast. Maybe a meal or desert or your favorite junk food. This is crunch time for me. I need extra special prayer support.
· I am literally in danger of having the apartment manager file eviction papers on me any day with out notice. I have been amazed it has not happened already.
· Amidst all this stuff God has open a door to one of my long-term ministry dreams. On this Friday I am scheduled to meet in the audio recording studio with a dear brother from Ethiopia. He will tell me the wonderful testimonies of what God is doing in his home country like he did two weeks ago. I will take notes and after his monologue I will ask him questions that typical suburban Americans might ask. He will have two sessions to share, monologue and interview, on tape and CD. He has given me permission to publish this over the web. SO be expecting it soon.
· I asked a friend that went to Israel to study this summer to do make similar recordings with me for the web. May God coordinate all the details.
· Jesus call His disciples with the simple words Follow Me. May I be faithful to DAILY follow my Good Shepherd.
RESOURCES
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If you wish to unsubscribe then just let me know by reply email.
John 7:10 AM
Monday, August 23, 2004
MAJOR CROSSROADS
8-23-04
WOW my socks were knocked off many times last week at the national convention.
The company has released several new products that are smaller, less expensive and better. It reminds me of how laptops just get better and cheaper. Therefore I am convinced that they will sell FAST.
One unit is the size of a radar detector and could be confused for one. It works great in the car, office or bedroom. Another unit is personal and portable. It hangs around your neck like a medallion and gives you continual fresh air. Another unit goes into the central AC handler and does not need service for three years.
The company has entered strategic alliance with three successful and highly reputable companies. One company has been a contractor for NASA, military services and major corporations for air and water purification. They are working with us to take what is used on the space shuttle, submarines and sewer treatment plants to make units for homes and small businesses. So that insures plenty of new products and improvements for years to come.
The news that excited me the most was the two presentation DVDs. They tell the story well and are priced cheap for the dealer. They can be mailed anywhere and followed up with phone a phone call or email. These DVDs quickly sold out. But I have ordered some online. I will be receiving some very soon. If you wish to see one then let me know by reply email. It will better inform you as an intercessor. You will understand more completely what I have chosen to do to earn an income.
MIND MAPS
When I went to the conference I had a few mind maps that were simple summaries of the hundreds of pages I had read and dozens of hours of seminars and audiotapes. The inputs this last week adds much more to be processed and put into such a summary form. I need to be careful to balance processing those inputs with other important projects.
I have shown a few people the mind maps that I hope to blend ministry and business. This can become a tent making trade for me and as I learn how to do it then I can teach others too. I sent out the message about the radio program last week. That has been expanded in ways I am not ready to share yet.
Remember that the three passions that the Lord Jesus has given me are media, education and missions.
During the last week I met many ordinary people that had gained extraordinary incomes in a short time. Also I met people that have been stuck for years. I know that when both those who are moving fast ant those who are not moving at all encounter these mind maps they will waste less time and energy. They will more quickly find those they can serve and based on a 3 day demo with no obligation. So there will be many more sales.
I went to a seminar by a man from Phoenix Arizona that is pushing the envelope in terms of harnessing the powers of the Internet. He has already put lots of useful aids online and he is forming strategic alliance with others to add much more value. I attempted to approach him several times but there was a block somehow. I could email him today but as I have prayed I believe I understand why it may not be the best timing.
Today I feel led to send to the home office examples of the mind maps I have already done as well as a list of those I intend to create next. I do not need their approval to use these because many dealers have developed their own materials.
If they have eyes to see then they will recognize that these mind maps are unlike anything else that anyone else offers. The company that makes the mind map software, Mind Jet, claims that many fortune 100 companies are using this because it can easily organize and present complicated and confusing information.
CROSSROADS
So here is the nature of the major crossroads. I am now putting together a presentation that I will ship to key persons at the home office. I will offer to come to Greenville and meet with them. Let us explore the options. One option is to work on contract from my home and visit them monthly before or after their monthly training event. I could move there and come on staff. However that will mean that I could not also sell the products. They could say no to both options and I can stay in Dallas while developing a strategic alliance with the man in Phoenix.
I have completely committed this to God and let go of the outcome. It is time to me to make a major change and sink down roots. It will be near the seminary and in my local church or in Greenville Tennessee. Either place I will be sending out emails and ministering over the Internet.
I took a risk to share this sort of information with you. I ask you not to pray clinging prayers but releasing prayers. Let us discover what God’s best direction for me is. Let there be obviously opened and closed doors. Let God give peace in my heart about the crossroad choice. I am looking to Him to guide me and those at the home office at the critical time.
I do not have deep roots here today. Thankfully I have an abundance of friends in Dallas. If I stay that I will be making a major impact on the seminary community and Metroplex over the radio. But if I go then I can serve a different audience in a different way.
On Sunday morning there were about 500 people assembled for an optional worship service sponsored by the company. That is about one forth of those that attended the main sessions. The president and two highest leaders gave their testimonies. These were genuine and stirring. There was great worship and a powerfully evangelistic sermon. They reported that due to this service and the previous optional devotional services 30 had made first time professions of faith and 50 had made recommitments.
The man I sat by at the awards banquet called himself a lapsed Roman Catholic. He has been in the company for several years. He said that by watching how these people operating it is gradually changing his heart about both his childhood religious training and the stenotypes of televangelists.
This is the FIRST company that I could imagine working for long term. Their values align with mine. The products give measurable benefits in a short time. They place a high priority on training unlike most companies. What I have to offer them could be mutually beneficial. While working for them I cold also develop a web based ministry. I would also have frequent contact with recently wealthy Christians that would like to make generous donations to the emerging ministry.
I need a red light or green light from Greenville very soon. If it is a red light then I start to sell as much as possible as fast as possible here. If it is a green light then I give two weeks notice at the Help Desk and become transplanted in the Smoky Mountains.
John 8:27 PM
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