For the married and wannabe's

I must share a little more from Jim Elliot's book. Guys, this man is so godly and so spiritual but it carries over to his love for Betty. They are still not married when he writes these next words but it shows you how God cultivates love in the heart of a man for a woman.

[Context of quote: Jim has just talked about death and the sadness and separation associated with loving another human being.]

"It is a warning to any of us who love. We should love hard, and not casually; fervently, playfully, and simply, never heavily or slowly. Slovenly loving makes for wearisome living. I think A. [friend who died] just got weary. If you ever love, Jane [Jim's sister], love like a school girl with giggles and sighs, and keep love alive by consciously keeping wonder and surprise at the core of it. For many 'young-marrieds' get used to it after a year or two, because they think they have to. For me, I can't afford to with Betty. I've got to make it last and last. I have not found it hard, but I have found that love is not effortless. It needs control and direction." (page 177-78 of Shadow of the Almighty)

I appreciate how Jim keeps idealism and realism in his view of marriage. Wonder and surprise should ideally continue into marriage not just courtship--a great goal and one that should always be pursued but nonetheless hard to carry out in day-to-day living. But Jim is also realistic to say that love requires effort. Just as you would invest time, energy and finances into the many "things" we have in our lives, how much more should we invest those precious commodities into the one we promised to love and cherish forever!

May God continue to deepen our love for that precious creation he has given us.

Jim Elliot's Love

While I was at ACU, I worked as a graduate assistant in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry. A coworker of mine, Rachel, put me on the trail of a book entitled Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot. It is a deceptively simple book because it is just a compilation of Jim's journal entries with occasional narration by his wife, Elisabeth. But this book is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to understand how to live in, understand, and wait for GOD'S WILL.

It is first and foremost a missionary story and how Jim constantly seeks God's will for where he will be sent. But a close second is the LOVE STORY that unfolds between Jim and Elisabeth. If anyone out there is waiting and looking and hoping for love, you cannot help but take courage in Jim's love for Elisabeth. He patiently loves her as he discovers more of God's will for their partnership.

There is one quote that I simply must give you. Enjoy!
"Near full moon found Betty [this is what Jim calls her] and me in the open fields, under a sparse stand of eucalyptus after heavy rain. It was one of those 'asked-for' times, with her, depending on the weather, which God openly controlled for us. He seems so much 'for us' these days. I have not lost one nameable thing by putting her and our whole affair in the simplest way possible into His hands. There has been no careful planning, no worrying over details in the matter. I have simply recognized love in me, declared it to her, and to Him, and as frankly as I could told Him I wanted His way in it. There has been no leading thus far to engagement, but the symptoms of a beautiful courtship prevail--not, perhaps, a routine one, or a 'normal' one, but a good one, nevertheless, and withal, a deep sense that it is God-directed." (page 174)

A Word of Caution

Note: This is my article for the bulletin this weekend but I thought it was worth sharing here as well. I am open to comments and refining my view. I know this is a difficult subject.

In this politically-charged climate we are living in, I would like to offer a word of caution for Christians who are trying to be faithful to Jesus in these times. It is important to share our faith as it relates to the issues of our country. We should have a word to share as our salty Christian influence comes in contact with others who are struggling with political issues. But it is so easy to takes sides or be mean-spirited or to divide and exclude ourselves from others--even other Christians! When you do talk politics with others, remember these words of Paul: "Don't have anything to do with foolish or stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone...." 2 Timothy2:23-24

Our allegiance is to Christ, not presidential candidates or political parties. And let's remember what Peter said: We should love one another deeply from the heart. Let us not let politics keep us from loving each other. Remember--we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

A Suffering Love

You will probably not believe it. I am a Christian, deeply devoted to Jesus and his Church. I am a minister of the gospel who shares good news with others about what God has done and what he is doing and will do in Jesus. And today, for the very first time, I watched The Passion of the Christ. Surprised? Tracey and I were so busy back in February when it came out. We were busy completing jobs, interviewing for ministry opportunities, and then transitioning to our first ministry in April. As Easter came and went, it was starting to leave the theatre.
I was finally able to buy it on DVD sometime back in August or early September. A big thanks to my brother who sent me money to go see it or buy it back in March or April. Thanks for your patience, little bro.
It was obviously powerful and moving. It was shocking and scary at times. I must confess I really only cried once (The rest was so graphically violent that it made me squirm with discomfort more than anything else.) The scene where Mary is trying to get to Jesus while he carried the cross was very touching. As she looks at him, she sees him falling to the ground and she flashes back in her mind to when Jesus was little and fell to the ground. She rushed to him as any mother would and cared for him. And now she was compelled again. The music, the flashback, and the connection Mary and Jesus made at that moment convicted me of Jesus' suffering love. It will take this kind of love, brothers and sisters, if God is to change the world again through us.

Birthday Blessings

Welcome to my blog! How appropriate that my first blog post is on my birthday! I can already tell I have a little bit of an alliteration addiction (I did it again!) since the title of my blog is Case on Campus and the title of this post is Birthday Blessings. It is a blessing and a curse as a minister to be a crafter of words. Sometimes it is beautifully poetic and other times it is just plain irritating. Your patience is appreciated. :)

I must tell you that this blog would not be possible without my wonderfully talented wife, Tracey. She created her own blog a while back and is responsible for creating mine as well. Hers is tracetalks.blogspot.com if you want to check it out.
Thank you so much, Trace! (By the way, her birthday is tomorrow!)

It is a birthday filled with blessings because I have already had several members of the church and students e-mailing me, wishing me a Happy Birthday. Thank you so much for thinking of me on this day. Even though Tracey and I have only been here for a few short months, God has given me so many relationships in Christ that I can depend on and it is wonderful seeing the community he is creating among us. To God be the glory!