Snapshots of South Georgia

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia:

You can travel by car, train or plane to reach your destination, but if you are going in the wrong direction, it does not matter which means of transportation you use.  The interstate is a great system of transportation.  But if you’re going in the wrong direction, the road may be smooth, but you will end up in the wrong place.

The bottom line – do not get distracted from discipleship formation.

Remember the thorns from Luke 8:14: “As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”

Paul had intense faith, knowledge and passion, but he was using it in the wrong way. Joseph sought to do right but was accused of doing wrong.  Still that did not stop him from going in the right direction.

Jesus was betrayed and accused falsely, but that did not stop him from moving towards Jerusalem.

At our recent retreat experience, I asked the extended cabinet to read the book “How the Mighty Fall” by Jim Collins. I encourage you, clergy and laity alike, to add this to your summer reading list.  The book highlights the fact that, regardless of your size or how long you have been successful, if you abandon the core values of your business you are headed for trouble.

As you seek to fulfill your purpose for being on this earth it is important to keep in mind that you are a child of God. It is God who holds the reason for your being. The Bible holds God’s plan for your life. Jesus Christ holds the example of how you are to learn and grow into God’s will for your life. It is only in pleasing God that you will finally experience peace and know the true meaning of joy.

Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.

What a joy to be with South Georgia United Methodists for our Annual Conference Session in Tifton June 6-9.  For a full conference recap, a list of appointments and more pictures from our time together visit www.sgaumc.org/ac2010.

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia!

How would you answer these questions? Where would you expect to find Jesus Christ today? If a non-believer asked you where they should go to find Jesus, what would you say? I am both fascinated and disturbed that Jesus is not always in the most obvious places. Should we not expect to find Jesus in the church and in the world amongst believers?

I have experienced the presence of Jesus Christ amongst you as members of the South Georgia Annual Conference. Recently, a District Superintendent said to me, “Bishop you are so loved in this conference and you know it.” He was right. I have felt your love being expressed in so many wonderful ways. I give thanks to God daily for the grace that has led our family to a place and experience where we would be so richly blessed. I see the love of Jesus through various ministries in the church. People are caring for each other, including the poor, the young, the mature, as well as men and women of all ages and races. I see how clergy and laity work together as disciples of Jesus Christ committed to share the gospel both near and far. Wow! Good things are happening in the hearts of individuals as well as in our corporate lives.

I first wrote this note for the South Georgia Advocate as we were preparing to gather for another Annual Conference in Tifton, Georgia, I asked you to keep in mind our reason for conferencing and asked the following questions:  Is it not to grow stronger in our walk with God through Jesus Christ? Is this not the experience where the church calls and sends, affirms and confirms, learns and shares, and gains fresh strength from fellowship and worship? Let us remain aware of those who are always looking for Jesus in our lives, in communion and in the legislation as well as in our conversation. If there is something or someone that is blocking us from letting Christ shine through us, let us first acknowledge this in our hearts and then ask God for help. Whether you are a member of the South Georgia Annual Conference or not, it is my hope and prayer that as one who is a United Methodist, individuals will find you reflecting the love of Jesus regardless of your location or situation.

Where is Jesus?  May his presence be evident in your heart, in your words, in your decisions and in your fellowship. If anyone at anytime asks you where Jesus is, I hope you can say, “I am one of his disciples.”

“How can I help you? How can I love you?”

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia,

Have you ever felt like you did not know what to do next and found yourself asking questions such as, “Why am I here?  What is my purpose?  How long can I continue to go on not being me or who am I?  Who do I believe?”  And sometimes, when everything seems to be so topsy turvy, you ask yourself, “What do I believe?”  I know I have.

Not long ago I just wanted to get a cup of coffee, and in matter of minutes I found myself standing beside someone who was full of questions like the ones I have mentioned. The person was single and trying to raise two boys.

Although the person appeared very pleasant, I could detect anger and hurt as we talked for a few minutes on the other side of paying for our coffee. It became painfully clear that this person was going in several directions trying to find their center and their purpose.

Where is your center?  How do you maintain balance in your life?  How do you keep a sense of perspective when you are standing in the middle of what feels like a storm?

Here are some suggestions that I have found to be helpful:

• Call time out!  Just stop and exhale.  Find a place for solitude.  You may still hear several voices, but they are more internal than external as you sort things out.

• Talk with a friend!  You are blessed to have someone in your life who you can just talk things over without having to rehearse your words or emotions.
• Exercise – stress has got to go somewhere!  Why not put it under your feet as they hit pavement for a good walk or run.

• Go back to the beginning! During your childhood years, you probably received a picture, an image or an experience that framed your passion.
• Get in touch with what you really like to do that is fun and exciting.  Go back there and you will probably find some wonderful clues to help you get back on track.

• Check your diet! Drink plenty of water and eat foods that help you settle down rather than a lot of foods high in sugar that set you up for a big letdown. Are you getting the proper nutrients in your body that will help your brain do its work?

• See a professional! If you find that your history is an unending saga and you have tried everything and everyone you know with no success, you may want to see a counselor who can help you see different perspectives and possibilities.

• Pray! A life of prayer should be your first action to staying grounded. In the midst of an emotional whirlwind, we can forget the obvious. Talk to God about your problems. God is available 24/ 7 and comes with a miraculous supply of love and patience. Stress goes away, worry goes out the door of your mind, peace fills your heart like fuel flowing into an empty tank, and you know that somehow, some way, everything is going be all right if you just keep faith in the one who can provide for all your needs.

If you find yourself off center and experience difficulty, you may try Dorothy’s method of clicking your heels. If that doesn’t work, I hope you will consider some the suggestions that I listed to help you find your way back to the center.

Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.

This is my article in the latest edition of the South Georgia Advocate.  Are you a subscriber?  Click here for more details.

I preached 4 services at Harvest Church last weekend – one on Saturday and three on Sunday – and got to spend some time with Jim and Jennifer Cowart.

Our newest church start is The Ridge in Columbus under the leadership of Rev. Jimmy McIlrath.

I preached at Allentown UMC in the Dublin District in February.  Rose and I got to see the great ministry this church is doing through their Agape Stichers.  The clothes the Agape Stitchers make are sent to children around the world. You can read the Advocate article about Allentown here:  http://www.sgaumc.org/news/detail/116.

I attended the National Shalom Zone Committee Meeting in Macon in February to share with them the role of the United Methodist Church.