Case on Campus

Destructive Forces are at Work

2009-08-14T14:21:00.001-05:00

"Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets."
Psalm 55:11

Yesterday, Miles and I were headed inside a doctor's office to wait on Tracey. As we walked up to the front door, I could hear a lady shouting and cussing over 100 yards away. There was someone in a truck near her that she was directing her words to...my guess is, it was a man. It was hard not to soak up every word of it--it seemed so out of place in our quiet little town of Oxford.

And yet the psalmist confirmed for me this morning what I experienced yesterday. Destructive forces are always at work...even in our little city.

I also participated in a grand jury for a year and my eyes were opened to all the abuse, drugs, theft, etc. that goes on in Lafayette County. Admittedly, I was ignorant. Our town does seem fairly safe. Of course, I just recently saw the tribute put up next to campus on Jackson Avenue for the police officer, Robert Langley, who was killed by a student on campus.

Destructive forces are always at work and we only see a glimpse of them when the forces bubble over--when people stop caring who sees or hears, when all self-control is lost.

Be assured, that just as good forces are at work in our little town, destructive forces are as well. There is always a hidden battle that surfaces every now and then that reminds us of what is going on in secret much more often.
We would be wise to remember daily what goes on in secret and pray!

What the World Needs Now--Hope

2009-08-12T15:43:00.000-05:00

We are finishing up our series on the resurrection tonight in our college Bible Class. I think about all the illnesses, cancers and failing bodies around us. Surely God is using this suffering to point us to real hope. Hope that is seen is no hope at all, Paul says. The things we tend to hope for (good health, more money, a mate) are all too small a vision compared to the cosmic vision of hope God is trying to give us. In Christ, at the last trumpet, we will be imperishable, immortal. Strangely, this is what much of the world wants, but they don't want to follow Christ to get it.

We finish up tonight with the end of 1 Corinthians 15. I'm going to ask those who come to share with us their most meaningless job and their most meaningful work. Paul says to always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor is not in vain.
On top of that he says stand firm and be immovable in this desire to always give yourselves fully to the Lord's work. Why? Because the Lord's work is not in vain...and vain could also be translated "empty." The Lord's work is never empty or meaningless. The resurrection assures us that all our work in the Lord is meaningful. And N.T. Wright suggests that somehow the work we do now will carry over into eternity.

Now that's work I want to be part of--work that will not be in vain when the Lord returns!

The Last Air Bender!!!

2009-08-11T21:59:00.002-05:00

So if you know me even a little bit, you know I am a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan movies. Immediately, your opinion of me is much higher or lower now. Most folks tend to really love or really hate M. Night's movies. I tend to think he's got a really big/deep message in most of his movies and that message really motivates me to tell my stories in preaching and teaching better.

Logan told me about his newest movie and unfortunately, it's not coming out until next summer but it's called The Last Air Bender. Don't know much about it but the trailer looks really cool so you should google it and check it out. Looks like a very different kind of movie for Shyamalan.

Any M. Night lovers or haters out there?

Back from Philadelphia or Union, MS?

2009-08-10T12:14:00.001-05:00

So we had an awesome trip this weekend. We actually stayed with Betsy's family in Philly, MS but we worshiped with the Union Church of Christ a few miles outside of town. We were greeted with a huge meal when we arrived Saturday night. Grilled chicken, green beans, tater tot casserole, brownies! Mmmmm! Betsy made breakfast for us Sunday morning (awesome!) and then we had a potluck lunch with the church after morning worship. What amazing hospitality to a small group of Christians in Oxford, MS!

I was so glad Trace and Miles got to come as well. Miles had lots of fun with Betsy's two brothers and Trace really got to enjoy the trip as well. I went to bed at midnight, Trace came to bed at 2am, Micah, Logan and Betsy somehow talked until 4:45am!!! College students!

We did get in some Wii golf, bowling and boxing Saturday night. I was truly the superior golfer! :)

The most amazing part of the weekend was hearing some of the stories in the Union church. A brother in Christ named Allen told me about how many loved ones he had lost over the past 4-5 months, all culminating with the loss of his dad 2 weeks ago. We were talking about the return of Christ and he said it so well with tears welling up--something like "he can hurry up."
Bill was recently converted and now tags along with the preacher to visit and ask others if they'd like to study the Bible.
A man named Brit came up to me after worship and told me about how his wife had had a brain tumor early in their marriage and that he identified with my comments about Tracey and her ruptured appendix.
God was truly working in this weekend. I hope we can go back next summer. I hope we can visit other good churches like this as well. We need them and I hope they need us as well.

Philadelphia...Mississippi that is!

2009-08-08T13:45:00.003-05:00

The mission of God is sending us to Philadelphia, Mississippi this weekend. Sorry Katie...not Philly, PA! :) Our family, Logan, Micah, and Marlon are headed to Betsy's house tonight. We'll be with Betsy and her home church Sunday morning.

Betsy is one of those students you love to have on your side in anything (basketball and pharmacy group projects come to mind), but especially in campus ministry. One of my favorite memories of her is Welcome Week two years ago. I somehow convinced her and Abbey to walk the halls of the girls' dorm handing out pizza and inviting them to be part of Rebels for Christ. And Betsy was a freshman herself! Those girls must have thought Abbey and Betsy were strange...but good strange! The light of Christ is always "good strange" in our culture.

It will be neat to be with her family and the church that helped shape her into the disciple of Jesus she is today. I'm glad we have her for a couple more years, Lord willing. Thank you, Lord, for Betsy!

The Perfect Storm--Part 3

2009-08-07T10:33:00.001-05:00

(FYI...Thursdays are my time off to be at home with family so I may not write much on those days.)

Normally, "Part 3" of this perfect storm is all I have to focus on during a given year. And normally, "Part 3" takes up plenty of time on its own which is why I am somewhat alarmed--like when you see the storm clouds on the horizon, you just don't know yet how bad the storm might get.

I am referring, of course, to Rebels for Christ, our campus ministry and the mission to reach Ole Miss students. Thanks to my two apprentices, we are anticipating a larger than normal group of freshmen in the fall. We are excited to see these new faces--they are so important to us and it is such a huge transition in a teenagers life. We're expecting 50-75 new faces and we pray that we can help connect them to Christ.

There will be a lot of teaching from the Gospel of John and 1 John this fall--may sound boring but it won't be...most of time! We're going to Greenville, MS for a service retreat October 3-5.
We plan to have special groups for freshmen and upperclassmen in homes or in the dorms for study and encouragement.

Of course, we have to work football into our ministry somehow since we are an SEC school. This should be a big football year because Ole Miss is supposed to be good and we have a lot of great home football games. We will try and do a big service project on a Saturday before a night game.

It all comes back to loving God and neighbor--and that's a full time life!

So that's the storm--National Campus Ministry Seminar, trying to have more children via IVF, and my mission to the Ole Miss campus.
I can feel the storm approaching. Funny thing about storms--I always have anxiety and excitement as a storm approaches. Something about the power and phenomenon of a storm lends itself to both. So it will be with my life--anxiety and excitement as I depend on God, protect my marriage and family and love every college student that crosses my path.

Bring it on, storm!

The Perfect Storm--Part 2

2009-08-05T14:50:00.001-05:00

You can read my wife's blog to know the full story (tracetalks.blogspot.com), but part 2 of this perfect storm is more personal in nature. We are about to enter the world of in vitro fertilization (IVF). My wife's ruptured appendix back in 2006 continues to haunt us. We cannot (without divine intervention) have children the "normal" way. We have prayed for divine intervention and so far the answer has been no. Hopefully in the next few months, the IVF process will be done and successful. September and October will be the primary months of testing, medicine and procedures.

Even with the hope of still having children because of this technology, there is grief that it has come to this. We have prayed, elders have prayed, some have fasted and for some reason, God has not answered our prayers according to our will! Of course, we cling by faith to God, knowing that his will is bigger and greater and mysterious at times. We lament and hope. Sometimes there is more lament, sometimes more hope. Sometimes they are too close to separate.

Oh God, please be Lord of this uncertain journey.

The Perfect Storm--Part 1

2009-08-04T11:58:00.001-05:00

The perfect storm consists of several things coming together at just the right time to make for an unusually large storm with unique features often producing catastrophic results.
I am entering my perfect storm for the next year and feel like I must share it with you so you can be aware and praying.

This time next year, July 29th - August 1st, the Oxford Church of Christ and my campus ministry Rebels for Christ will be hosting the National Campus Ministry Seminar on the Ole Miss campus!!!
This is truly exciting. It coincides with 50 years of campus ministry at Ole Miss thanks to vision of Doug Shields Senior...you guessed it...50 years ago. Campus ministers and their students from across the country will descend on Oxford. Local church members and students will be asked to serve like never before.

It is an exciting event to host but as you might expect, it comes with great responsibility. Much planning, preparing and praying must happen to pull this kind of event off.
Even now I am trying to find locations on campus to host the event and it's exciting just getting to know my campus even better. I'm meeting and talking with people on campus and getting to share that I'm a campus minister with Rebels for Christ.

Please pray for me if you want to help me face this part of the storm. If you want to work in the storm, just let me know!

Proud of Cameron

2009-07-28T16:07:00.002-05:00

I am so proud of Cameron Hunt. This is a brother who was here in Oxford for a while but now he is in Nashville, TN working on MDiv at Lipscomb University! Praise God he answered the call--the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few!

Overcoming Sin...

2009-05-25T20:59:00.001-05:00

Romans 7:14-20:

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

This famous passage is the center of much theological debate. Who is Paul talking about? Non-Christian in general? Jews under the Law? Weak Christians? Every Christian? To be honest, I don't know the answer.

If we step away from the discussion of what Paul himself meant in this passage (so that you don't get the wrong impression, I do think that discussion is important), I think we can all agree that this describes our struggles with sin during our Christian walk. I can think of many temptations in my life that are a constant battle between my desire to do what is right and my ability to carry it out.

Paul mentions (1) the desire to do what is right, and (2) the ability to carry it out. In my life, there is a gap between 1 and 2. I desire to do what is right--be content, humble, loving--but I am unable to live up to these.

Let me ask you: what ways have you found successful in overcoming sin? How has God worked in your life to break the bondage of sin? How much does it have to do with you (if any)?

In relation to the last question, read and reread Philippians 2:12b-13: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflect on these questions in the days leading up to my class Sunday morning. I hope to deal with it in more depth.

--Micah Cobb

Hello Scribefire!

2009-05-25T15:34:00.001-05:00

So I just wanted to test out Firefox's Scribefire since Matthew K. has been itching for me to try it out! :) Thanks for the patience Matthew...I still have some of my dad's genes which are totally opposed to technological change! :)

11 Days Until Spiritual Disciplies...

2009-05-20T17:08:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!

In eleven days I'll be starting my Sunday Morning class on Spiritual Disciplines. I'll cover such things as prayer, solitude, worship, service, fasting, and more. I hope to see you there.

Until then, reflect upon the following three questions:

How have spiritual disciplines helped my relationship with God?
Why did Jesus fast during the forty days in the wilderness?
How would spiritual disciplines affect your spiritual life?

Thanks guys! Hope to see you there May 31st at 9 AM.

--Micah

The End and the Beginning

2009-05-05T15:26:00.003-05:00

It's finals week at Ole Miss. I saw two young women studying on the front steps outside of Nutt Auditorium this morning, writing and flipping through what had to be pages of notes.

I suppose there is a parable here about judgment, the Bible, etc. See if you can track with me. Students know the end of the semester is near--their calendar and their syllabus tell them so. They know have to perform well under pressure to succeed and move on to another semester or graduate and start working. Finals week itself represents a test of endurance. Often students have 2-3 tests in one day, or one every day for a week or some other scary combination that often produces an overwhelming sense of fear. Certainly it doesn't help when it's a hard class or you slacked off most of the semester.

Christians know that "finals week" is near as well. The Bible, our syllabus, tells us Jesus will return. The problem of course is that he could return today or he could return in another 5000 years! The weight of living like he could return today is perhaps too heavy for us, too overwhelming to accept as practically possible. So we slack off, drop out and provide plenty of excuses why we aren't ready or responsible for "finals week." The Christian life is surely a test of endurance and that's why many don't really live like Christians--even the Christians! Because endurance means there will be pain and most of us want to avoid pain at all cost. So we party most of the time and "cram" for Jesus when the fear sets in.

Well, I could belabor this...and perhaps I already have! But I continue to pray for all Ole Miss students this week. I want each one to succeed how God wants them to succeed so he can use them for good in the world. Each degree is an opportunity for God to do something amazing and creative and life-changing in the world!

I know there are some I will leave out, but here are some of our Rebels for Christ who are graduating or leaving us.

Ruth Ann Cooper
Eli and Tracy Hilton
Rachel Smith
Kitae-Myoung
Jonathan Peeden
Jay Thomas
Miriam Webb
Liz Krason
Lindsay Head
Wenlu Zhou
Luis Unda

I am honored to have known each of you and served with you. I love each of you and am proud of you for all you have accomplished. You are at the end of life as you have known it for several years. You are about to discover a new beginning!

Now get out of here and go tell the world what God has done for you!

A Trashy Story

2009-03-31T16:43:00.002-05:00

So this past Saturday, I apparently did not get to pick up as much trash as I wanted. Sunday afternoon I was back outside again, but this time I was closer to home. I loaded up Miles in the wagon, got two trash bags and headed down Deerfield and onto Levee Road. Levee has been bothering me for quite some time. It seems to be a prime area for litter.

So Miles and I slowly trudged our way down the road, stopping frequently to pick up trash. Miles was thankfully content to play with sticks of his choosing near the trash I was picking up!

As I was nearing the last house on Levee, a man started walking across the street to help me and talk to me. He was appreciative of my efforts and I thought it was pretty cool that I was getting to meet somebody I would have never met had it not been for that trash--surely God was working for good!

I quickly found a way to let him know I was a Christian and he shared a little bit of his story and how he's fixing to be deployed to Iraq in a few months. He will leave behind a wife and two kids. She has a Church of Christ background and he comes from a Methodist background and they are worshiping with a Baptist church in town. We lamented the amount of trash and he ended up throwing my trash bag away at his house--and I wasn't even finished! :) I told him I would probably invite his wife and kids to our VBS.

I was amazed at this spiritual encounter that occurred simply because I was out picking up trash.
Not only was I getting to care for God's green creation, I was able to reach out to his favorite creation(humanity) and build a connection and see where God takes it!

A shout out to my "green" friends!

2009-03-28T13:36:00.003-05:00

We woke up to clouds and rain this morning and I wondered if I had made a mistake. We were treated to sunshine and warm air for a little bit and I began to feel better. And then the cold front came through bringing clouds and cold to our PICK UP OXFORD event and I felt the twinge of despair. :(

But we had a few brave folks brave the cold in our pilot event to make Oxford a little cleaner in the name of Jesus. Some of our students got encouraging honks from drivers and one lady even made an effort to say "thank you."

A heartfelt thanks to Lendy (and McKay and Sam!), Alison, Joanne, Corey, Wenlu, Matthew, Kathy, Ki Tae and Nick for your service. We covered the student center reservoir, part of Jackson and College Hill. We're looking to serve again on April 18th. Stay tuned!

Is Jesus Green? Exploring Christianity and the Environment

2009-03-25T16:29:00.002-05:00

So tonight we talked about Christianity and Environment. Though I feel like I'm starting to form an opinion on some of these things, I feel like I'm only beginning to understand what it might mean for Christians to care about the environment. It is not new historically, but it seems new to many USA Christians. Big thanks to James Piiparinen for his resource, Given, poems by Wendell Berry. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Surprised By Hope as well, written by N.T. Wright.

Just a few questions. Let me know what you're thinking!
1. To what extent should Christians get involved in caring for the environment?

2. What things have you done, if any, to care for the environment? (recycling, conservation, beautifying projects, etc.)

3. What do you think it means when Scripture says there will be a new heaven and a new earth? What could this possibly look like?

4. What other resources do you know of that talk about these kinds of things?

5. Do you have a fear about Christians getting involved in environmental issues?

6. What environmental issue do you think is the most important in the world right now?

peace!

Quotes for Comment

2009-03-10T11:19:00.002-05:00

Let me know what you think of these quotes!

"If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it's not so bad." C.S. Lewis

"When people begin moving beyond charity and toward justice and solidarity with the poor and oppressed, as Jesus did, they get in trouble. Once we are actually friends with folks in struggle, we start to ask why people are poor, which is never as popular as giving to charity. One of my friends has a shirt marked with the words of late Catholic bishop Dom Helder Camara: 'When I fed the hungry, they called me a saint. When I asked why people are hungry, they called me a communist.' Charity wins awards and applause, but joining the poor gets you killed. People do not get crucified for charity. People are crucified for living out a love that disrupts the social order, that calls forth a new world. People are not crucified for helping poor people. People are crucified for joining them."
Shane Claiborne, Irresistible Revolution

Guys, Girls and God--Part 2

2009-02-23T15:16:00.002-06:00

I would really like your feedback on our coffeehouse discussion--Guys, Girls and God Part 2.

Here are some questions and comments you could respond to.
1. What's one thing you'll remember from our dating discussion? For example, the idea that God gave us male and female relationships to compliment us, not complete us has stayed with me now for 4 years since I first heard it.

2. What is one area of your dating life where you want to make some changes?

3. What was one thing you wished we had talked about but didn't?

4. Is there something that was said that you didn't agree with?

5. Do you have an alternative plan to find true love than the common practice of dating?

6. How comfortable are you with singleness?

7. Did our discussion about boundaries help you see them differently and in a more healthy manner?

A Reflection on Ephesians 6:12

2008-11-03T10:25:00.000-06:00

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Perhaps this illustration is not helpful in some ways, but I think it still opens our eyes to the spiritual forces of evil and helps us at least imagine how they are working.

If Satan Wanted to Capture our Attention, How Would he do it?
Are you in control of your mind? Or could Satan be whispering in your ear?

By Al Menconi
November 5, 2008

If Satan called a meeting to instruct his legions of demons, it might go something like this.

In his opening address Satan would say, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the Truth. We can't keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.

"So let them go to their churches. Let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT we will steal their time and focus, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."

"This is what I want you to do," says the devil, "Distract them from focusing on things above and get them to focus on life from our point of view" (Colossians 3:1+2).

"But how shall we do this?" his demons respond. "If they are Christians, why would they want to know our thoughts and ideas?"

"Don't let them know they are our thoughts. Tell them it's just entertainment. Then we can inspire others to put our words and thoughts on video and call it a TV program, or on celluloid and call it a motion picture, or on a CD and call it music, or in a little black box and call it a video game.

Most importantly, entice them to play the radio or CD whenever they drive. And convince them they need to keep their TV, DVD player, iPods, and computers going constantly. They won't realize they are missing time with their Savior."

"This will jam their minds and break their union with Christ. We have to keep their minds occupied with our thoughts so they won't have time for His."

"But I heard that Christians are strong and we have to leave if they tell us to go," counter some of his dominion. (James 4:7)

"They do have immeasurable strength, but they don't realize it. That's why we have to keep their minds occupied so they won't hear His still small voice. I don't know why He speaks in a small voice, but I don't want to take any chances. Don't leave them any time to think about Him.

And the best part is while we are occupying their minds with our "noise," we are destroying their strength. Do you remember how Nehemiah defeated us? He reminded the people that the 'joy of the Lord' was his strength and he wouldn't pay attention to our ideas. (Nehemiah 8:10) That would be disaster for us!

"So if we are going to make them weak, we have to undermine their joy. And the best way to accomplish this is to feed them our philosophies (Colossians 2:8). If we can convince Christians to entertain themselves with our values, we can control them. I know we won't get 'em back on our team, but they won't be an effective member for the other team, either."

Satans plan was quite ambitious and very effective. The demons went eagerly to accomplish their assignment. (I Timothy 4:1) It was easier than they thought possible. And it wasn't long before Christians everywhere were entertaining themselves to death - literally.

Where do you see compartmentalization?

2008-09-30T10:32:00.000-05:00

So you know that with our Rebel Discipleship class, we're talking about compartments. We all like to put our life into compartments to make it more manageable...social, physical, financial, recreational, academic, and even spiritual. The problem is, when we do this with our faith, following Jesus becomes just another compartment instead of a holistic way of living life.
If Jesus is Lord, then our faith cannot be just another compartment--it must be the lens by which we see the rest of our lives. So Jesus is Lord speaks to our social life, our academic life, etc.

We must get better at seeing the compartmentalization in our lives. Where do you see it in culture and where do you see it even in your life?

Here's one to think about.
1. I saw an ad last night--two daughters speaking up for their dad who is trying to be elected. They mentioned many things he was "for"--two being pro life and pro gun. As a disciple of Jesus, do you see any problem with that?

Let me hear from you!

Just to Clarify--Rebel Discipleship

2008-09-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

So, let me clarify the big picture of our study on Wednesday nights. Sorry I didn't start with this!

Our (Lendy and I) intent is three-fold:
1. We want to challenge and question the relationship that the church has had with the state.
We are not here to bash the USA. We are grateful for the freedoms and blessings we have in this country. But we don't want our freedoms and blessings to become our idols. We also don't want our relationship with the state to keep us from following Jesus.

2. We want to look again at what Scripture says about the gospel, Jesus and the Church--and what disciples of Jesus look like.

3. Finally, we want to offer some constructive ways that the church/disciples of Jesus can have a healthier relationship with the state, while first remaining faithful to Jesus.

Hope this helps. Pray for our time together on Wednesday nights!

Politics, Hugging and Lordship

2008-09-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

I've got 3 options for you to choose from. I hope you'll give me some feedback on at least one of these topics!

Politics
The Christian Chronicle is asking these questions. I'm curious what you would say.

1. What is the mood among your campus ministry students concerning the
2008 presidential campaign? Are students taking active roles or speaking out
on the campaign?

2. There has been much discussion in the national media about the idea that
younger evangelical Christians are less likely than their parents to base
their vote on issues such as abortion, gay rights and related social issues.
Do you agree or disagree?

Hugging
So after two days of FREE HUGS, what are some things you learned about yourself and others? What memories do you have that will stick with you from the event?

Lordship
Our Bible study talked about the implications of the phrase "Jesus is Lord."
Where do you see compartmentalizing in your life?

Which term most closely describes your own life with regard to Jesus? Worshiper, Admirer, Believer, or Follower? Why?

Are you beginning to see that we are going to have to be a rebel if we truly believe Jesus is Lord?

Does Everything Happen for a Reason?

2008-09-03T16:29:00.000-05:00

So in light of the discussion tonight, I want to know more of what you think.

What did you agree with?

Disagree with?

Did this discussion help you better understand God? How?

Do you feel like you can better comfort someone in crisis?

What's THE ONE thing you'll take away from tonight?

Rebel Discipleship starts next week!
peace.

The ways of little children

2008-09-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday night, I came home just in time to tell my son goodnight. It had been an overwhelming few days. My first sermon of the school year on Sunday. Our big welcome week fellowship Sunday night. We fed over 100 people pizza on campus Monday night. We fed around 75 at our student center Tuesday night and had 30 play frisbee. Wednesday night was the first Bible study at the student center for the fall. It's always overwhelming at the beginning, meeting new students and particularly freshmen and transfer students. At the end of the night, I was struggling with thinking that it depended on me to keep students interested, to keep them coming back. That my words and actions would make or break a relationship with a student...self-centered in a way, but for me it felt more like fear...fear that I had to be a certain kind of person for students to come back.
Well, I could spend more time here, but back to my son. It was dark in his room. He was already calm and quiet, whispering "daddy" a few times. For some reason, I laid my big heavy head on his little chest and just rested there for several minutes. He took his little hand and patted my head and rubbed his hand through my hair some, whispering to me. There on his little chest, I felt like I could finally rest. My emotions were released and I clearly saw God trying to heal me from my fear right there...and he did.
Thank you God for ministering to me through my son.

Miles has been saying "Jeus" for a few weeks now. There's no sweeter sound than your child trying to say the name Jesus.

Seed Thought: On Whom Do We Stand?

2008-08-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

At the Beijing Olympics, there was a powerful image on display at the Bird's Nest Stadium.

On the ground, a group of 40-50 men were walking around holding a piece of strong material above their heads. On top of this material, a single Chinese woman, decorated and glamorous, danced and moved gracefully across it.

When I saw this image, I was confused as to what it meant. Then the broadcaster came on and interpreted the image for us.

Even when one person stands out or rises above the crowd(individualism), that one person knows that they stand out because of the efforts of many, many others who have helped them to stand (community).
The Chinese portrayed very well the connectedness of their culture. It can have its drawbacks when it comes to shame and honor, but for an American who sees the pitfalls of individualism and the arrogance that often times accompanies it, it is refreshing.

So for example, when I preach as an individual, I stand on the shoulders of my parents, numerous teachers and professors, my wife, my shepherds, my friends...all who have helped me to stand. So all I should do is respond with gratitude towards the community and humility that I would get to stand out at all...not for my sake but for the sake of others.
Thank you God for the community you have given me to stand on.

Seed Quote

2008-08-08T13:56:00.001-05:00

This is from a book review but it stuck with me thanks to my wife!

"There's little solace here, except in the accumulation of wisdom and softening of old resentments as the book's appealing, astutely drawn characters come together. We can't always save each other, but there's a kind of redemption in the fight."

Very applicable to ministry and the reconciliation of the world!

Seed Thought: Brilliant!

2008-07-28T12:11:00.001-05:00

Got a new voice of the martyrs publication recently. Amazing story.

A half a century ago, the founder of the mission, worked with Romanian Christians who carried Bibles across borders by walking backwards in the snow. When the guards looked at their footprints, they thought they had gone the opposite direction!

Brilliant!

Welcome Freshmen and Transfer Students!

2008-06-09T16:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the new website for Rebels for Christ! We are so excited about you coming to Ole Miss. Our great God is working in powerful ways to gather of group of disciples who will change the world for Christ. Do you want to be one of those who changes the world for good? We have been praying for your arrival and we long to see how God wants to use you to bless Ole Miss.

Please let us know you are coming by filling out the "New Student" page of the website. We'll do our best to meet you when you come in August and even help you move in.

Check out the "What's New" links to see some special events we did this past year.

From our coffeehouse, The Well, to our 24/7 Prayer Room, our student center is yours to use!
From ultimate frisbee and guitar hero to service trips and retreats, come walk with us as we learn how to live an eternal kind of life...NOW!

Storming the Gates of Hell with 10

2008-05-06T15:52:00.001-05:00

Had a small group for prayer and praise two weeks ago. 10 to be exact. It was down from our usual 15-20. One thing this group always does is surprise me with its spirit of and heart for worship. We were giving God our worship in a very convicting way and after one song I encouraged and complimented the group by suggesting that we could storm the gates of Hell with the 10 of us. It's not about numbers, it's about hearts. It's not about size, it's about allegiance. It's not about weapons of this world, it's about the weapons of heaven--worship. Surely, Satan shrinks back from those surrendered to the Lord Jesus in worship.

Quotes:

John Bunyan said, Prayer will make a man cease from sin, and sin will make a man cease from prayer.

Leonard Ravenhill said, No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying.

Rambling prayers and the best kind of tired.

2008-04-16T13:53:00.000-05:00

Lord, raise up students on Sunday who want to be disciples on Monday.

"Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill." Prince of Egypt

To go with the hugs comment yesterday, I got to the end of the day wiped out, weary and tired. Can I say it another way???

And yet, it was not like doing taxes or yard work or cleaning the house or even serving in a non-glamorous way.

This was the best kind of tired because it was mission work, frontline work, storming the gates of Hell kind of work. Evil retreated, joy transformed our lives and those we hugged. The light shined in the darkness and the darkness may not have understood it, but it shined nevertheless.
God Almighty, thank you for giving me such a mission, that even when I'm tired and worn out and ready to rest, I am grateful, joy, excited and eager to see what else you have in store!

free hugs, full hearts

2008-04-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

So we gave out a lot of free hugs and free coffee today.
I get very anxious before these events where we're on campus trying to reach out to so many students and yet, EVERYTIME, I am amazed at how God prepared the way for us. Meeting new and old students, showing the love of Christ in something as silly as a hug!
It really made my heart full of joy to see our students giving out these hugs and how they affected the lives of over 1000 students in such a positive Christian way.
Awesome...must be God!

Little Children

2008-04-04T15:30:00.001-05:00

Took Miles with me to see two of our senior saints in Graceland last week. I thought it would help me reach out and have more to talk about.
I had forgotten the power little children had over our seniors. Everywhere room we walked past, every face I saw, everyone was smiling and trying to talk to Miles. He, of course, was unaware. He was just being little and cute.

Reminded me of Anna the prophetess in Luke who beholds Jesus as a baby and sings for joy in his presence. Not that Miles is Jesus, but they have both been little children in the eyes of the world. That day, Miles brought a reminder of hope, a reminder of grandchildren to others. A reminder that children keep us young and smiling and hopeful that this world can be better and that the next world will definitely be better.
Truly, a bundle of joy!

Seed Thought: Asking questions

2008-03-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

A buddy of mine and I are helping a woman in our ministry with her car.

We took her to get her car diagnosed where I get mine fixed.

Keep in mind that I am white, my buddy is white, and this woman is African American.

Today, I went to pay her bill.
The owner asked what we were doing helping her.
To him, it was obviously strange that two white guys were helping an African American woman.
He asked if we knew her from our church.
I said yes.
I love doing something in the name of Jesus that looks so strange that it makes people ask questions!

Redeeming a name

2008-03-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

Talked with a friend recently who wanted to get rid of his last name.

Either it's impossible or very hard to do such a thing legally.

He decided that all he could do was make his last name mean something good again.

That's what God does with us! Since the flood, God chooses to no longer get rid of us and start over. He works with what he's got, constantly trying to redeem a good creation gone bad.

That's why he can take someone with a horrible past and give them hope again.
That's why he can take humanity's darkest hour at the cross and turn it into salvation for the world!

God is amazing...understatement of the year!

Seed thought: Justice vs. Grace

2008-03-19T14:56:00.000-05:00

People who want to live by justice will be judged justly.

People who want to live by grace will be judged graciously.

God gives us the choice in how we want to be judged in the end.

I choose grace! God help me to keep choosing grace.

A New Beatitude

2008-03-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

Blessed are the speed demons for they will arrive 2 seconds ahead of you. :)

Seed Thought: Mission Statement

2008-03-03T14:43:00.000-06:00

I've been trying for four years to come up with a mission statement for our campus ministry.
This past week, I found it!

Rebels for Christ Mission Statement:
Making disciples who will change the world for Christ.

Simple, but maybe it has the right combination of grit and vision to become a reality!

Seed Thought: Gratitude

2008-02-25T16:14:00.000-06:00

Even with all the trials of last week, I am grateful.
My son had pneumonia, but responded to treatments quickly and got out of the hospital in about 70 hours.
My wife has a cyst on one ovary that has given her trouble but we discovered that it had shrunk and was likely going to be reabsorbed into her body...without surgery or needles or anything!

I grumbled about some money issues last week, but I hang on to gratitude.
I have a healthy boy again and a beautiful wife who has escaped, for once in her life, the surgeon's knife. And that's saying something after 2006.

Gratitude gets me through the frustrations of this world.
Gratitude is the will of God in all circumstances.
Gratitude keeps me from succumbing to the frustrations.
Gratitude is far better than the alternative...bitterness.

Seed Thought: Holy Moments

2008-02-17T19:13:00.001-06:00

Last night was particularly tough for Miles...he had a real bad cough and that made it hard for him to settle down and go to sleep.

To help calm him down, I sang two songs: Agnus Dei and We Fall Down. Both of these use the word "holy" a lot, but it was one of those moments where I realized how holy the moment was.

Here I was, worshipping God, quietly but with intensity, and my son was hearing me worship. And it was blessing him, calming him and giving him peace. Very good father/son time.

It was a holy moment.

I cry "Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord."

Seed Thought: God is working for good

2008-02-15T23:29:00.000-06:00

Just a quick "hadn't thought of that before..."

In the New Testament, Paul was often thwarted from visiting the church he wanted to talk to, be with, check on, etc. Most of the time, he was in prison and had to settle for writing a letter.

But because he was in prison and had to write his correspondence down, we have many of our New Testament books!!! Just think, something that frustrated Paul and made it harder on Paul to communicate to his churches, has proven to be a blessing 2000 years later and the blessing just keeps on blessing.

How awesome/scary is it to imagine all the ways God is working for good now and we can't even see it...and we may not ever know it...but it'll bless generations to come until our Lord returns.

Seed Thought: Relationships

2008-02-11T16:49:00.000-06:00

It's amazing how frail our relationships are.
One mistake sometimes ruins a relationship for a week, a month, a year.

Also, I can get 9 positive comments about a sermon, but the one negative one stays with me far longer. Often, the negative comments come from those who know me the least.

There is a greater chance of being misunderstood when the relationship isn't strong.

I love marriage because one mistake doesn't ruin the relationship.
I love marriage because 10,000 mistakes don't ruin the relationship.

I love God because he still loves me, even after 1,000,000 mistakes and counting!

Seed Thought: Good and Evil

2008-02-09T10:20:00.000-06:00

Saw this from a show Tracey watches...

You would think the San Francisco bridge would be a good thing. It's beautiful architecture, it connects people, making it easier to get from one place to another.

Along comes Satan to pervert what is good...it becomes a suicide diving board.

Evil is just good with a twist.

Seed Thought: Community

2008-02-08T09:57:00.000-06:00

Community is harder than self-dependence and isolation.
Community is better than self-dependence and isolation.
Why is something better that's also harder?

Seed Thought: Politics and Faith

2008-02-07T23:34:00.000-06:00

Americans want a president who will do their will.
Jesus wants disciples who will do his will.
Worlds collide...

Gulf Coast Memories

2008-01-22T12:17:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody!
Just wanted to remember some gulf coast moments.
Share some of yours as well.

1. DC renewed his membership in the Polar Bear club.

2. We had 28 Rebels for Christ at Gulf Coast! (Grown from 4 to 8 to 16 to 28!)

3. 1800 students, ministers and elders raised $19,000 for Cure International and 100x missions.

4. We donated towels, underwear and sheets to the Panama City shelter.

5. We got to use Lendy's trailer to take all the items and we gave away the rest of the clothing items from the OCOC.

6. Laura and Heather did an amazing job of providing fellowship and hospitality for our group through communal meals! Thanks to the others who helped them.

7. I'm glad Tracey and Little Rachel grew closer in Christ.

8. We have let the sub-normal become normal.

9. What am I sick of settling for? Who will I walk with? Will I be a conduit or a consumer?

10. When people try to add to the saving work of Christ, we say, "Nowhere, No way, no how, never!"

11. Lay down some of your freedom for the sake of others.

12. There is bondade in isolation, but freedom in community.

13. God is with us in the peaks, the pits and the plateaus.

14. Chris to Randy--"Let's pray. I'll dial, you hang up."

15. I can't believe the Giants are in the superbowl.

16. We went deep in our small group time--thanks brothers!

17. Building 429 was great...love the t-shirts!

18. Tracey and I need to start supporting World Vision or Christian Relief Fund.

19. Cure International and 100x Missions are amazing Christian organtizations.

20. Tracey and I went up front as a prayer team and got to pray with student strangers--one was Aaron and the other was Gelina for me. Both had soft hearts longing to see their parents/family come to know Christ.

21. We've got to stop thinking that people only come forward for scandals. We can all come forward for prayer.

22. Another Aaron confessed his addiction to pornography to 2000 students.

23. I'm thankful our ministry is more than white middle/upper class Ole Miss students, but I pray for more diversity in our little body of Christians and seekers.

24. Man it was COLD!!!

25. I need to see how God wants to open my heart more to the power of contemplative prayer. Thanks Randy!

26. Me pretending to run into the ocean and being cheered on--it's a good pic...coming soon!

27. When so many students stood up when Chris asked how many had struggled with doubt and whether this Jesus thing was for real.

28. Marlon's mourning being turning into dancing.

29. Eric and Melanie standing when Chris asked if any had lost children.

30. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!!!

There's a 100 more memories in my mind, but this is a start.
Thanks for all who went. I pray the transformation will continue.
Peace.

Another Arkansas boy to Mississippi!

2007-11-27T10:19:00.001-06:00

I can't believe Houston Nutt is coming to Ole Miss. I was pretty sad last night watching him resign...felt empty...like I was losing a good friend...like we were breaking up. And today my brother calls and says he's coming to Ole Miss...UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Still not sure if this is wise...I can't imagine leaving my HOGS to lead a bunch of Rebels. I guess if a campus minister can do it, surely a football coach can too. :)

I'm hoping to find a way to meet him sometime just to let him know he's got some support in Oxford...even if things are hard here. Sounds like the athletic administration is quick to pull the trigger around here for firing so this may not work out for long, but today it's a nice thought. Hopefully he'll get a fresh start here, hopefully he'll get Ole Miss winning some games next year and then there will be two Arkansas boys that Ole Miss will have to put up with for a while! :)

The kingdom of God is like kudzu

2007-11-05T11:24:00.000-06:00

If Jesus was living in our day, he would have used parables that connected to our context. I've imagined him saying something like what I wrote here. What do you think about this modern day parable?

"What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? The kingdom of God is like kudzu, which appears as a small vine. Yet as it grows, it spreads out to cover and overtake anything in its path."

Any guesses as to how this parable reveals something about the kingdom?

PRO LIFE AND PRO WAR? MAKE UP YOUR MIND!

2007-10-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

This was a bumper sticker I saw last week.
Very convicting.

Made me think we need to reevaluate some of our views on issues, parties and politics.

At the very least, this bumper sticker reveals where pro life advocates have had blinders when it comes to other issues...due to ignorance or loyalty...or both.

There is a tension here that we cannot run from.
I'd like to hear what you think about this bumper sticker.

Barrier Breaking

2007-10-15T22:19:00.000-05:00

We had a unique and transformative Bible class this past Sunday morning. Our college group combined with another group called the Freedom from Bondage class...deals with addictions. I was proud of our student servants who prepared breakfast for us all...thanks again y'all! We all sat and ate together and then the leaders of the class shared letters and experiences from their prison ministry...the most powerful comments were about prisoners who had come to Christ talking about how free they were because of Jesus, even in prison. Wow! The power of prayer was emphasized. One comment was, "Don't tell God how big your problems are...tell your problems how big your God is."
It was special being a part of some barrier breaking...like Peter and Cornelius. I love that story in Acts 10 because we tend to learn that Cornelius needed Peter. What we often fail to see was that Peter needed Cornelius as well. Peter learned much from this God-fearing Gentile. We have much to learn from a group of people learning to break free from the bondage of addictions.

God thank you for bringing us together. Continue to tear down the walls!
For the kingdom!

The Kingdom is NOT the Church

2007-10-10T16:48:00.000-05:00

For many years now (most of the 20th century), the Churches of Christ have been teaching that the kingdom is the church--that they are one in the same. Yet it seems to me that the way Jesus talks about the kingdom does not fit with how Paul and Luke and others talk about the church.

The kingdom appears to be the mysterious work and will of God at work in the world. The church appears to be the people who want to be vessels of God's will in the world--we are the vessels through which the kingdom can come and reign.

The kingdom comes, when God's will is done.
The kingdom is present, but not fully present. It is growing.
The kingdom is already here, but it is not yet fully here.
The church is part of the kingdom, but it is not THE kingdom.

But I want to hear from you on this. What do you think? What have you heard and been taught? What Scriptures could we shine on this subject?

Share your thoughts for the sake of truth...in love.
Peace.

The Gospel in the Mud

2007-10-08T10:31:00.001-05:00

Lendy and I were talking recently about a messy ministry situation. We talked about the ideal of the gospel as we read in Scripture but how muddy the gospel gets in real life situations. I somehow came up with the phrase, "The Gospel in the Mud."

Not long after this revelation (ha!), we went to the Nashville Inner City to serve the poor, encourage the servants in this non-glamorous ministry and be the love of Christ to all we encountered. We got to live, experience and learn what it means to carry the gospel into the mud--poverty, abuse, crime, brokenness, you name it! Of course, we have plenty of mud in our own lives but we are masters at covering it up. We obviously have something to learn from these muddy souls.

I've asked those who went to share a favorite memory from the trip. I hope somebody will tell the McDonald's domestic dispute story or the singing-on-the-bus-to-worship story. But there are many others...other stories and memories I never saw.
Please share...for your sake and the world's!

What do you think about Jesus and the Church?

2007-10-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to point you to a few links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2I8PZsgUG0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucianvenutian/

We did an amazing outreach event on campus a few weeks ago. Transformative for those who participated.
We simply asked students at Ole Miss what they thought about Jesus and the Church.
We got some great answers, convicting answers, predictable answers, hard-to-hear answers, etc.
The thing I appreciated the most was the honesty...we wanted honesty and we got it!
I hope you'll notice some trends and discover some implications from this event.
Even though we got great answers, we are left with more questions, longing to know these souls that are searching for God...longing to see them again so we can keep talking and listening.
God, give us opportunity and then give us courage.

Which soil are you?

2007-10-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a powerful proclamation of the gospel tonight by Lendy. When I think about all the things he talked about--how he pointed out the ministry of failure that we are involved in (by the world's standard) and how few there truly are that are the good soil, it is a sobering parable that Jesus gives us in Mark 4.

Which soil am I?
Which soil are you?

Of course, we all want to believe that we are the good soil--yet we must decide if we let Satan take the seed away, if we run away when trouble comes, or if we get choked out by worldly pressure, money, pleasure, etc. We can't all be the good soil...even well intentioned Christians can't all be good soil. Only disciples who are willing to see how Jesus died and say, "Surely this man was the Son of God."

There are some among our campus ministry that are good soil...I can't wait to see God produce 30,60 or 100 times what was sown in their hearts!

Resurrected Blog

2007-10-02T20:29:00.000-05:00

How long O Lord? How long O students? I just realized that my last post came about a week before Tracey went into the hospital (April 2006). Obviously, a lot has happened since then...much joy and much grief. Blogs come and go...mine has mostly come and gone. But this is a season for a new anointing...it is time to resurrect the blog. It has been in the silence of the grave long enough...death has had its victory. Now...where O death is your victory, where is your sting?
My voice has returned...may it honor my Lord.

Thank God for our elders/shepherds

2006-03-28T10:24:00.000-06:00

It is truly something special to take a road trip with the elders and their wives (and Bob!). Tracey and I enjoyed last year very much and this year was much the same for me. These elders are great storytellers (in the best sense of the word!). They love telling the stories of this church, reliving everything that has made our church what it is. They told funny stories and sad stories. It was clear that they love this church. Before we got off the van late Saturday night, we all prayed for some struggling saints we were concerned about. Bob and Eric traded off calling Jack about Elaine over the weekend...each still trying to love the best they could from 6 hours away. Eating together Friday night was fun for me because they even laughed at a few of my jokes! Though we all look at leaders differently, it is becoming clearer all the time that these leaders love one another and they love the church and they are truly trying to serve God in Oxford to His glory. Be supportive of our elders. Get to know them better. Pray for them. Let them pray for you. God has given this church a special blessing to have unified, loving shepherds. May we accept our role as the flock under their care.

Sermon as Siren

2006-03-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

In this season of severe storms, tornado watches and warnings, I recently made a spiritual connection to a daily occurrence that I wanted to share with you.
On campus at exactly 12 noon, almost on a daily basis, sirens loudly sound off as a kind of “test of the emergency broadcast system.” These sirens serve as a reminder of what will happen in case of a true emergency related to flood, earthquake, storm, tornado, etc. Every day we hear these warnings and except for maybe the first time we heard them, they go largely unnoticed in our routine. We continue eating, talking on our cell phones, or my favorite—throwing the Frisbee around in the Grove. The sermon is much like this siren. Every Sunday we hear another sermon sounding off like a siren on campus—warning us, reminding us, encouraging us. And maybe the first sermon or two really stood out to us, but many since then have gone largely unnoticed. Yet the sermon still speaks and God still warns and reminds. A true emergency of cosmic proportions is coming for those of us who have not heeded the warnings and reminders—the day Jesus returns. I hope the next time you hear the sirens, you’ll think of the sermon and remember the loving and constant warnings of God to be right with him.

Spring Peace

2006-03-13T11:56:00.000-06:00

(This is for the Sunday bulletin after Spring Break, thus the past tense!)

This past week was Spring Break for Ole Miss students. Many of us locals noticed the break. Traffic was less congested, frustration was less, blood pressures were lower and many of us got places much faster. It was in many ways a week of peace. We experienced a calm and a quiet and a rest that we do not normally experience. For many of us, it was a gift of grace—like a serene lake or a perfect sunset.
For many of us, we may wish it was like this all the time. But to wish for that is to imply that it would be better if college students didn’t live here. We don’t really want that do we? I think we all struggle with where we search for and find our peace. We are all searching for peace, but often we find our peace in something other than Jesus. And once we find it, we camp out there until it disappoints us. Let us search for and find peace in Christ alone. In this way, the worldly things that trouble us will not really trouble us. So bring on the college students because they are a gift that we have for only a short time! And let us hear the words of Jesus and truly know peace: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33

Encouragement when you need it most

2006-03-07T13:16:00.000-06:00

God has an amazing way of encouraging his children. Today, out of the blue, a 3 minute conversation between my elder and a friend also turned into a minute of encouragement for me and the man who brought the friend. They had come because they were with AA and it was time for the friend to apologize and make things right with my elder. But while they were talking, the other man told me they had just been listening to a sermon that I had given...talking about the lies we believe and the things that keep us from Christian community. He was talking about it so excitedly and passionately that he convinced me the sermon must have been good even though I don't really remember it. I praise God for the power of his word and I praise God that he places people in my path who give me encouragement when I need it most!

Holy Spirit

2006-02-25T15:39:00.000-06:00

I continue to struggle to consider how much of my life is lived by the Spirit rather than my own effort and human wisdom. I see places where my sight is actually what blinds me to live the life of faith. How about you? Living by faith and Spirit can be either freeing or fearful depending on how much control I feel I need. Today, I recommit to be free instead of fearful. May the Spirit surprise me as it shows the power awaiting me in Christ!

The beginnings of prayer

2006-01-30T14:13:00.000-06:00

Once again...trying a modest goal of writing a few reflections down...maybe the burden will be lifted!

The Beginnings of a Prayer for the Church

Where this body is broken, please heal. Where we remain broken, may we still be vessels of gospel light that glorify you.

Please bless this body. Where the blessing is hidden or taken away, may we still say with Job, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

A Question for the Church

What if we prayed for the lost like we pray for the sick?

Sensitive (but important) subject

2005-12-01T11:12:00.000-06:00

This is Tracey posting, not Casey...

I reminded my husband last night, ever so gently, that he hadn't posted on his blog in quite some time. My husband has many, many commitments when it comes to the campus ministry, so he needs those 'blog breaks' now and then. However, he has allowed me to share a post from my own blog, so here goes.

I don't know how many of you saw Oprah yesterday, but it dealt with something that I wish would be discussed more. Of course, I think it should be discussed more openly amongst Christians (especially young adults), not just on Oprah, but she's good at getting the word out, so I guess that's fine. The topic was pornography and its addictions, and mostly focused on Kirk Franklin, a very high-profile gospel singer (remember the song "Stomp"?), and one other 'regular' guy named Josh.

I could go on and on about what I wish they would have or would not have said, but there were still some good points made. For instance, Oprah asked Kirk Franklin, "But aren't you just looking at nude bodies?" to which he replied, "No, it's sex." (Read more about this particular show here.) I think we need more people like this man to step out of the shadows and talk about how pornography is ruining marriages. I don't have a bunch of data and statistics to back that statement up, but it's what I believe. One of the statistics that Oprah shared was that 45% of those who took a poll came from Christian homes, and said that pornography was a major problem in their home. We are talking about a multi-billion dollar industry, and that is in the United States alone.

What bothers me so much is how casual people are about pornography. You hear about it more and more and more as it soaks every bit of our society, until nobody is even blinking an eye when Victoria's Secret airs a special on TV and calls it a "fashion show"...do you think that's what young men are tuning in for -- the fashion? Please. Now, I'm not saying Victoria's Secret = pornography. I'm just trying to illustrate how sexual our society has become, and how easy it is to slip from one thing to another, and then one day everyone is wondering why marriages are falling apart and how STD's became so rampant.

Pornography is not the source of every kind of bad thing that's going on -- Satan is. But the world isn't going to acknowledge that. Taking away the pornography doesn't take away Satan, but allowing God into your heart will protect you from him. To paraphrase a wise man, "Sin has its greatest power when it's in secret." How did Kirk Franklin overcome his addiction? The first thing he did was bring it out of the dark and tell his wife. I'm sure that was a very difficult thing to do, and I wish all of us would bring these kinds of things out in the open more often. It's an ugly, ugly world...we've got to shed some light somewhere!

A brother and a sister

2005-10-17T15:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day. In our church we had a sister in Christ who repented. She confessed to not having God first in her life. I praise God for her soft, humble heart. She admitted that the thorns of life had surrounded the word of God in her heart and were choking the spiritual life out of her. It was humbling for all of us to hear her words and I know it made many reflect on their lives. I hope more of us will repent in public and private ways!

Also, last night, a new brother was added to the body of Christ. I got the call about 9pm and a small group of us went up to the building I got to baptize this new brother. He's a quiet guy but it's fun to try and get him to talk or smile and the few words he said were just right. Our little group gathered around to encourage him and pray for him.

I think I know what Jesus meant when he said, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." I think I saw Satan fall twice yesterday. Satan lost two battles...and God won two battles!! Awesome!

A Greater Birthday!

2005-10-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Even more impressive than me blogging three days in a row, is the fact that it is my beautiful wife's 30th birthday! Happy Birthday!!! I'm proud of Trace for looking at her 30th more with hope and excitement rather than gloom and doom. Her family makes a big deal out of special birthdays (ones that end with a "0" or a "5"). Of course they are all special but these always seem to mean a little more. It's hard to spend a lot of time celebrating her birthday tonight because of our spiritual commitments, but we've actually gotten to celebrate it several times since late last week and we'll celebrate some more this weekend. I like spreading the happiness over several days!

She is the only woman for me and truly the one on earth who makes me feel loved the most. She deserves more than one special day, but for sure on this day, I want her to be happy because of all the happiness she gives me.

A great birthday

2005-10-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

I'll try and not toot (that's a funny word!) my horn too much, but today is my birthday! It is so hard to think back on a day I can't remember. But it is also wonderful to consider the implications of that day. To think that I made two people parents and made another two sets of people grandparents. I made people aunts and uncles and cousins on that day...just by being born. And now the torch of celebration has been passed on. My beautiful wife is the one who primarily makes my special day special. She e-mails me a sweet e-mail and writes about me on her blog. I can't thank her enough for wanting to make my birthday memorable and meaningful. We'll get to see my parents, brother and grandma this weekend and celebrate both our birthdays with them. I guess my birthday is most meaningful because it means that it's been another year of faithfulness. God has been faithful to me, my wife has been faithful to me, our church has been faithful to us. And by God's spirit and grace, I have been faithful to all these as well.

I hope your birthday is great...whenever it comes around. God has been so good to me.

Pray in the Grove

2005-10-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Have I told you about Thursday nights yet? A group of 10-12 college students meet at the Grove stage about 9pm. I usually bring a Frisbee and we throw it around in the dark for a few minutes. Sound dangerous? It is not nearly as risky as what we are trying to be on these nights. We are trying to be a people who pray to God on campus, asking him to soften hearts, open eyes and unclog ears. And that includes our hearts and eyes and ears too! We want to pursue God on these nights and we want him to change us first! We gather in a circle and pray as a group about a lot of our personal and spiritual concerns. Then we prayerwalk as a group down a particular street on campus. Last week we went down Sorority Row. We just walked and talked with each other and then twice we stopped to pray as a group. We had an awesome time. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of the house at 9pm, but whenever I come back home, I am refreshed by the Spirit of God as it works in me and our college students because we desire that God’s will be done in Ole Miss as it is in heaven.

Hurricanes and Prayer

2005-08-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

Do you remember Bob praying that a hurricane would be downgraded before Katrina? I can't remember which one but I remember Bob praying just that. Based on that example, I found myself praying that same thing about Hurricane Katrina. And then Bob prayed for a downgrade in our worship yesterday. I am left thinking either, "Are we crazy to be praying such a thing?" or "What an amazing God we must have if we have faith that he is powerful enough to change such things!"

Keep praying for God to work in this terrible storm. Maybe we will have a chance to serve in some way after the storm has cleared. Pray that we might be ready to serve if the opportunity arises.

Strengthened by Grace

2005-08-22T15:05:00.000-05:00

Lucas and I had a conversation about grace yesterday. I was thinking about it today with Eric. A phrase in the book of Hebrews is "strengthened by grace." I find it very hard to define grace. I think I might know it when I see it, but I'm not sure I can explain it in words. To me, this may be one of the greatest but hidden truths of Christianity. Also...maybe we have to experience it before we can try and explain it. I know one thing...I want to be strengthened by grace. I know grace and gift are very similar words. Maybe it has something to do with being strengthened by God's gifts instead of our efforts, our sweat, our knowledge, our wisdom. My whole body seems to long for this reliance on grace instead of myself...and yet I struggle to let grace be enough.

Love that never rests

2005-08-02T10:15:00.000-05:00

Casey has given me permission to share a thought or two here on his blog, and being that I am his wife and have all of the secret passwords (and have altered his template code more than once), I felt like it might be okay as well. I really didn't think I'd have anything to share so soon, but here goes. I'm sharing something I posted on my own blog today, but I'll add a bit more to it at the end.

For the past, 0h I don't know, four years I have been on-and-off looking for a couple of my old roommates. They are twin sisters, so I figured if I found one I would find the other, right? Friendly advice (please note the sarcasm): Twins -- at least the ones I lived with -- get a huge kick out of the "well, if you've seen one, you've seen them both!" kind of remarks. Really, they took all the cajoling in stride. They are both quite hilarious, and that's really why I want to find them again -- just for a laugh or two. So anyway, after years of searching...and searching...I went to (DUH) my university site where I had recently updated my alumni info in order to (DUH) find old college friends. When I did a basic search using only their last name, I found them both, although just one had entered an email address. After getting over how ridiculously easy that had been and kicking myself for time wasted, I sent a brief catch-up letter to Becky and I am hope, hope, hoping that she writes back soon.

In the midst of writing all of this down and actually considering how much "searching" I have done (plunked out a few names on a website?), I realize this is NOTHING compared to the way God's love searches us out. Consider Psalm 23:6 which says, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Casey has talked about replacing 'follow' with 'pursue'...

Surely goodness and love will PURSUE me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Isn't that a wonderful way to imagine God's love -- not resting until it reaches you, until your last dying breath? If only we would pursue one another in love, pursue the lost in love...pursue our God in love.

tracey

Superficial houses and people

2005-07-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

You know, I never knew how superficial houses were until Tracey and I bought one. What I mean is that we have so many ways of covering and concealing those internal, underneath things we don’t want to show. If you lift up the shingles, you can see the bare frame of the house! The brick on the outside is simply a veneer. We cover the concrete foundation with carpet, hardwood floors or wood laminate. We cover the frame with sheet rock and then we cover the sheet rock with paint...LOTS AND LOTS OF PAINT! Then we cover the holes we cut with outlet covers and vent covers. We put frames around windows and doors. It seems like a necessary thing for us to do to our houses, but it seems like we are obsessed with it.
It also seems like this carries over to our bodies and our spiritual lives. Do we see how we are concerned with covering our bodies and faces? Our Oxford culture is very concerned with externals. Do we see how we hide what’s really going on internally with fake smiles and superficial words? Do we see that we struggle to have quality relationships when we cover up who we really are as God created us? Let’s go deeper and reveal what God created rather than what we created.

Adopted Sons and Daughters

2005-07-18T13:55:00.000-05:00

It was neat to hear the responses I got after our discussion last night about our upcoming adoption ministry. I was a little surprised at how little discussion I got during my talk, but then afterwards I discovered that many just have trouble speaking up in a big group. I needed reminding of that and I totally understand. It was great to hear of new people commiting to it and I heard that it was challenging to some who used to adopt but do so no longer.
I just want our adoption ministry to be a hospitable invitation into the kingdom of God. I'm so thankful for those who have helped and I pray God is growing the seed that was planted last night so that this year's servants will be ready to bless college students. Graduate students and maybe even older undergrads should consider adopting this year. Will you?

Star Wars: Silence or Applause?

2005-07-11T14:11:00.000-05:00

I am always fascinated by cultural differences in the world. Our LST team noticed in Buenos Aires how little money was put into externals of a given structure but that they were almost always surprised by the beauty and cleanliness inside the building. Ann Davis recalled similar memories from the Ukraine. I recently watched a documentary on the Star Wars movies. The marketers of the first movie described their initial fear when they showed Episode IV in Japan. At the conclusion of the movie, the Japanese people sat in complete silence. Only later did the marketers discover that this was actually the highest form of a compliment to a movie! In the USA, we are very concerned with external appearances and if we do anything in a movie to acknowledge its greatness, we do something with sound!
Now I could talk about the stereotypical superficiality of Americans or our reckless loudness...but I won’t! *grin* Instead, I want you to consider how unique and wonderful and challenging other cultures are. Ask and answer these two questions for yourself: Have you shown a willingness to learn about other cultures? Do I really live like the gospel is for all or just people like me? Let’s humbly answer these together.

Risky movies, risky God

2005-07-11T10:36:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched behind-the-scenes footage of Star Wars. I was floored by how hopeless Lucas' vision seemed at the very beginning. Studios would not pick it up, the one that did hardly gave it enough money. Props didn't work, technology was inadequate and slow, shooting was delayed and prolonged way past deadlines. Even Lucas checked himself in to the ER because he was having chest pains from all the stress. HOW DID THIS MOVIE EVER MAKE IT? Well, we know it did and it did because just enough people risked their money, their time and themselves to make it work.
A very similar thing happened with Lord of the Rings, but I will let you watch the appendices for yourself.
These are two of the biggest movie epics ever made and yet it seemed like they would never make it to the screen. But because Lucas and Jackson risked themselves completely and kept their vision, it somehow still got done.

I like to think and am fairly convinced that God risked much and continues to risk much on our behalf. Do you think of God as one who risks? Certainly not every human experience should be imposed on God, but don't you think there is an eternal thread in this idea of risk? We are amazed and in awe of those humans who would risk beyond belief and somehow come out of the valley victorious. Could not God do the same? Surely God didn't plan on killing the creation he created with a flood? If he had planned it, why is he so grieved by his creation. Wouldn't he have expected it? He risked much and failed...yet he decided to start again with Noah. This was and still is a hard concept to fully get my mind around. I would love to talk about it if anybody wants too though.

Struggling to pray

2005-07-08T11:56:00.000-05:00

If you know me at all, you know I love routine. It gives my daily life rhythm and helps me organize and plan and prepare. You may think routine is bad. You may think you hate structure and that you live every moment "by the seat of your pants." (Whatever that really means!) I think most of us have some kind of routine. I am always amazed at how my prayer life suffers when I lose my routine. We just took some vacation with Tracey's family and I was constantly struggling to pray. The good thing is, I was aware of it and was wanting to make time to pray. The bad thing is, it really didn't happen.

Two things that may help you and me.

1. I want to be more Christlike and connected to God in prayer even when I don't have my routine.

2. Routine is okay and it may be in the midst of that ordinary day that God does something extraordinary (i.e. Peter and Cornelius!).

Like a child

2005-07-07T13:47:00.000-05:00

It was so neat this past week to have Tracey's family come and stay with us. One of the most memorable parts for me was how we celebrated July 5th! We had so much fun on the 4th with the kids that we decided to have a little more fun. But this time instead of 3 kids, we had 4. Tracey's dad gave her some money to use however she wanted. Well, like a child, Tracey's eyes lit up at the fireworks stand with this new found money. She went around everywhere finding little things that she wanted to blow up or let the other kids help her blow up! It was special to see that excitement in her eyes, that God-given part of us that loves to receive surprising little gifts from our fathers and share them with others. So the best part for me was not the bright lights of the fireworks but the light in her eyes. Happy July 5th to me!

Family Gone but Lingering

2005-07-06T11:15:00.000-05:00

We had a lot of Tracey’s family with us last weekend through Wednesday. It was quite an experience to go from a house of 2 to a house of 8! We had a lot of fun together and I even got to have more fun than I usually allow myself! *grin* But one of the most amazing emotional transitions always occurs when some part of our family comes and goes...I feel like I lost something. When I saw their van drive off, this small sadness and emptiness crept into my heart. A place in my heart that was filled by their presence was left empty by their absence. It reminded me that we are all on a journey. Our lives intersect other lives for a short but precious amount of time and then we keep going. I am thankful for the memories and will, Lord willing, see them again fairly soon. But I long for the day when my earthly family and spiritual family will all be in one place forever. The bonds God created us to have will be complete and final and perfect. Absence will be swallowed up by sweet and eternal presence. Come, Lord Jesus!

You will always have a father.

2005-06-17T13:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend I will preach my first Father's Day sermon ever. It is a little intimidating since I am not yet a father. I have no first-hand experience to offer the 300 + people who hope to hear a word from God. But I am a son which means I have a father which means I understand the father/son relationship a little bit. So I will be preaching from the perspective of a son.

Just as an FYI, I hope we realize that we have catered to our culture in some way by preaching and expecting Father's Day sermons. So it has recently confused me why we are so resistant to cater to culture at Christmas. Many/some churches refuse to acknowledge Christmas from the pulpit but always have the Mother's Day/Father's Day sermon ready.

But even though we will talk about fathers, it is still a sermon not a hallmark card that will be preached! There is still gospel to be found on this special day.

Why is gospel needed? Why can't we just celebrate our fathers? Take a minute and think about the families you know. How many still have their fathers? How many fathers have remained faithful to their family? How many people have the perfect earthly father?

I think there will be many people who come with sadness, anger or dread to this day. What a perfect opportunity to hear gospel. For it tends to be in our moments of need that we are most ready to hear good news. I hope very much that is what people hear this Sunday.

Sorry it has been so long since I wrote. I should probably have a goal of writing once a week. Thanks to those who keep coming back and hoping. :)

A Prayer

2005-05-11T09:02:00.000-05:00

(Note: This is a little "old school" but it is powerful once you work your way through the archaic language. It is good for finals and those struggling or suffering in other ways.)

O God, who makest cheerfulness the companion of strength, but apt to take wings in time of sorrow, we humbly beseech Thee that if, in Thy sovereign wisdom, Thou sendest weakness, yet for Thy mercy's sake deny us not the comfort of patience. Lay not more upon us, O heavenly Father, than Thou wilt enable us to bear; and, since the fretfulness of our spirits is more hurtful than the heaviness of our burden, grant us that heavenly calmness which comes of owning Thy hand in all things, and patience in the trust that Thou doest all things well--Amen.

Rowland Williams

Love in Crisis

2005-05-10T12:37:00.000-05:00

I just went to Wal-Mart to return a few items. There was a misunderstanding ahead of me over the procedure for returning food items. The cashier said these items could not be returned but the customer was told earlier that they could. Frustration and irritation set in and each side mumbled words, rolled eyes, spoke quietly and looked to us for sympathy. When the transaction was done, the customer seemed to sarcastically say, "Thank you for your help." and the cashier seemed to mumble a less than gracious "Mm hmph." (That's the best I can write it!)
I have learned that it is precisely in these moments of crisis where we learn whether we are really ready to love or not. Surely love is more important than a few dollars. Surely love is more important than being right. But we will always wrestle money and pride and whatever else. Let us love in crisis.

Things to remember about banquet

2005-05-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

1. That was some really good food.

2. You all looked so happy...like you really enjoyed yourselves.

3. You all clean up pretty good.

4. I think the Sneeds are so wonderful to want us in (and outside) their home.

5. Thanks to all the guys for your help with chairs, tables, etc.

6. Thanks to Jeremy and Chris for recognizing my superior supervising skills! :)

7. Thanks to my wife (for the idea) and Soko for the entertainment. That was some crazy stuff!

8. Dave and Sean make a cute couple.

9. Lucas...I think you are getting funnier...:)

10. Nathan and Carla don't quite know each other perfectly yet...but they will!!

11. Those who are leaving this year will be missed dearly. I truly hope you will remember your blessing. You blessed me so richly.

12. Ann, you did a great job with the slideshow and are just a great servant.

13. I can't believe how much help I'm going to have next year with the interns. I can't wait!

14. Soko...I'm glad the battle belongs to the Lord.

15. Lauren and Courtney--that was amazing stuff. Thanks for being so entertaining. (Good work to the dog as well!)

16. Lucas, I'm so glad Lauren helped us make better sense of your life and who you REALLY are.

17. Dave and Sean make a cute couple! :) (I know I repeated!)

18. I can't believe Chris and Jeremy talked my wife into letting me play ping pong last night afterwards. It was so exciting to get to play late. Good work guys. It'll be easier once we move to our new home.

19. I can't believe Dave and I lost to Chris and Jeremy. It's ON today!

20. This was an awesome banquet for me. It will only get better as we invite and allow more people into our lives. There is no limit to what God wants to do through us.

What do you remember most from last night?

Community: The Greatest Potential for Pain and Love

2005-05-04T14:47:00.000-05:00

In working on my study for tonight, it just hit me that community (or relationships) is the place where there is the greatest potential for pain and love. Only in community can you truly experience a broken heart. But only in community can someone love you exactly the way you are. This is why marriage is so wonderful, but divorce is so catastrophically painful. Only by allowing ourselves to be fully known by somebody else can we truly be loved. But when we risk that vulnerability with imperfect people, we will also experience pain. Michael Card wrote about Judas betraying Jesus, "Only a friend can betray a friend. A stranger has nothing to gain."

Hopefully, forgiveness is what keeps community together. Forgiveness flows from us to others as God's agape gets a firmer grip on our heart.

The pain of community is why some people make few friends or tend to be loners. The risk of love is too great. But it seems to me that all of life is a risk...why not risk your love for the sake of others. This is what God did. Sometimes, though, we take the easy way out and risk things like money. We don't mind gambling our money away, but when it comes to our heart, we simply will not risk.

The love in community is what makes single people try again even after they have been hurt by their last relationship.

The love in community keeps a married couple together for 50 years.

The love in community causes the divorced and the widowed to look for another relationship even after all that pain.

The love in community keeps me coming back again and again to Christ's church.

What pain keeps you from community? How does agape love always try and pull you back in? This love is from God. RISK IT!

Should Christians be in the military?

2005-05-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

This is sure a tough question. We dealt with it for the last couple of weeks in Counter Culture. One of the neat but frustrating things about these kinds of questions is that we get to see how complex the issue is. It is neat because we get past simplistic answers that do not deal with the real issues. It is frustrating because by the end, it is hard to come out of the discussion with THE answer. Maybe I should say, it "used to be" frustrating. I enjoy the struggle and really like seeing college students wrestle with the issues. I've certainly had to wrestle with the issue myself. Yesterday, Saheba joined our group because the question interested her. She is preparing to leave to start her Air Force training. She is just one of several examples of this hitting close to home. We have other students with family or friends in the military.

I'm wondering what more of you think about this question. How does our Christianity affect a decision to be in the military and to what extent does it affect what we are willing to actually do in the military? How does the "enemy love" of Matthew 5 affect our decisions? What is a Christian response to evil, death, and war? More to the point, if we claim to follow Jesus, what is his response to evil, death, war?

All heart, all things

2005-04-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

The way God's word works, it is like a Bible being held up in a mirror or like throwing the Bible into a pool of water. You read the words on the page, but you also see yourself or your reflection in the words. You see your life in light of the words you read and ask the question, "Am I living these words?" Yesterday morning, Bible class hit me more than anybody because we talked about giving God all of your heart and thus, all of your love. I said, "Even if God has 95%, Satan still has 5% and it can become a cancer that will eat away at the other 95%." I saw in my heart some part that was not God's and realized that I needed to give it all to God. Afterall, this is the greatest command--to love God with everything. Don't I want to love God with all my heart? I hope to take steps this week to make this a reality.

Last night, the words from Philippians just blew me away. You know how we talk so much about wants and needs. Well, when we talk about needs that normally means something we NEED, right? But when Paul says he has learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances, whether well fed or HUNGRY, I would say he is talking about a need, don't you? But he says that Christ gives him strength even when his supposed "NEEDS" are not met! Now for someone who loves food and gets a little grumpy and impatient when my next meal is not in sight, this is humbling and powerful. I must do better to rely on Christ's strength in ALL THINGS...even when my needs are not met. Even when the necessities of life are not within our grasp, will believe Christ gives us strength while we wait. We do not always know how our necessities will be provided, but we do know that Jesus gives us strength for the waiting.

Mission Gratitude

2005-04-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

It was neat to see how God worked this past Wednesday. I had long been planning another trip to Stockard and Martin Dorms as part of a reach out event. We had two special guest speakers coming from our church, Elizabeth Coon and Steve Freeman. Elizabeth was a Pharmacist on campus and Steve was a former NFL player and a current NFL official.

Well, I didn't do a good job of planning because you are supposed to call the dorm directors and make sure it is okay that you come because what we wanted to do was put a small flyer under each door--480 rooms. So I called Wednesday morning and left messages. We were supposed to go around 1:30pm. That didn't happen. Then Heather was available at 3pm if we were ready. That didn't happen. Finally, she came back at 4pm, walked in my office and I was on the phone with the dorm director. He was giving us permission to go to every room. Now I had started praying early afternoon but I just didn't know what else I could do. Note: When you are helpless, praying is a great place to start. I didn't know how God would work it, but I knew somehow we would get the flyers distributed. Before 4pm I had decided that we would just have to put the flyers under each car's windshield wiper and maybe quite a few would get the message that way. But that was not necessary!

But after the dorm director called and Heather was ready there was still a problem. Jesus sent his disciples two-by-two and we needed to go two-by-two. You may think Heather and I could have been the "two" but I established this back in January that we need two girls going to the girls dorm and two guys going to the guys dorm. It's just better relationally, socially, and ethically. Well, we think about several girls who might could help and we remember Jackie wanting to help. We call her and she's available! Now we need a guy. We walk outside and what would you guess, but Marlon is walking up the sidewalk unaware that he is about to be commissioned for this important mission. He agreed to help and was a wonderful helper (and a great bodyguard too!).
So in less than 30 minutes, my waiting and frustration turned into hope and mission. We went to the dorms and passed out 480 flyers. Seeds were planted and God was and still is at work in those small pieces of paper.
A lesson in faith…God is faithful.

Gratitude

2005-04-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

One of the things Ann does on her blog is list things she is thankful for. I cannot help but think that is a great idea and I wish I did it more often.

I simply must talk more about Prayer and Praise last night because I was thankful for it and how God blessed our time.

1. Emily brought another friend with her--Kim. Thanks for inviting her, Emily, and thanks for coming with her, Kim!
2. Kiri and Jennifer have come on Tuesday nights and they have been an awesome addition to the group!
3. Kiri offered to start sending our prayer list out so we could pray more for each other! What a heart!
4. Leslie and Morgan faithfully give Jackie a ride to Prayer and Praise. Thanks for serving like this, sisters!
5. Leslie and Morgan also did a great job of talking with a potential freshman girl yesterday. They did so well at making Ruth Ann feel welcomed and loved.
6. We laughed a lot together last night. We discovered that Lucas needed to work on his hair! :)
7. Wren praised God that the Type 1 diabetes he has is treatable. What an amazing statement of faith!
8. Another person contributed to LST last night with $20. I continue to be humbled by your sacrifice and generosity.
9. I got to play doubles ping pong with Dave, Jeremy, and Chris. We have so much fun playing that way. Somebody always does something to make us laugh real hard...most of the time, it's Dave!
10. We shared a lot of things we were thankful for last night and that means a lot to me. I think it means a lot to God too.

Love you.

Things I liked about retreat

2005-04-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hello all. Here are some things I liked about retreat and maybe a few things I didn't like. Please share things you liked as well. You can also make suggestions for a better retreat next fall too!

1. I liked that Tracey took pictures because they turned out great and will provide wonderful memories. (Though I don't always like pictures taken of me, I remember that it is for my wife and the campus ministry!)
2. I liked how much the Laws, Melanie, Pat and Durward helped and supported us.
3. The food was wonderful!
4. The fire was perfect at the end of the day.
5. You gave really good thoughts and comments.
6. I liked Dave hollerin' down the road at Ann and Sean because he sounded hilarious!
7. I didn't like Dave turning dark shades of red and purple in the heat!
8. I must admit I didn't like our walk to the water (that we never got to) but I did like that I got some exercise.
9. I liked James' stylish slit in his jeans...but only because he turned out okay. He was trying to catch a frisbee.
10. I liked hollering "FOUND IT!" when Dave or Jeremy threw the frisbee into the woods and I was too lazy to go in and get it.
11. I liked that Tracey called Emily and invited her to come and that Emily and her friend Chesa came out for the whole day. Thank you!
12. I'm glad Jill and Chris and Kris and Brigitte and Cole came out in the evening to join us. Thanks for coming to what you could.
13. I did not like that dog barking so much during our worship that evening. A little too dog-gone distracting.
14. I liked watching people play cards. I don't like how slow I am at fast card games!
15. I liked seeing everyone during their quiet time. It is neat to see you spend time with God.
16. I liked watching Hugh.
17. I liked making smores and singing.
18. I liked watching Tracey take pictures because it brings her so much joy.
19. I liked you making me laugh.
20. I liked that what we did brought me closer to God and to you.

Love you all.

Many thanks

2005-04-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

As I learn to be more grateful and thankful to God, I want to praise him for his work in the campus ministry this past week.

Last week we had an LST offering to raise money for our team. We gathered more than $650 last week just from those who came. I must admit I was a little disappointed with our turnout. I hope people did not come because they could not give. You must know that I understand if you don't have any money...your college students! But for those who were able to give, God was glorified and your love was clearly shown! Previously, students had given $260 so that got us over $900 total. Tonight we may get a little more before we send off the final LST check. Those who gave out of love I pray will be blessed for laying down their lives in this way.

Also, our breakfast on Saturday was a blessing. But on Friday, Ann and I were going to get the breakfast food until God sent a couple of angels our way. Sarah Kuhl and her mother offered to do the shopping for us. I could not believe how God had lifted this burden from me. I was right in the midst of sermon prep and really needed some more time. I am just so thankful they thought to help in that way. Thank you God for them. And for all who came so early on Saturday and sacrificed a lot of sleep, praise God for your hearts that are sensitive to serving others. We served more than 25 public servants and I know God blessed them in some way because of you.

I love you all.

Happy Anniversary!

2005-04-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow will be one year since we pulled into Oxford with all our junk! It will be neat to preach this weekend and thank the congregation again for all their love and support in this past year. Is the honeymoon over? I hope not. :) I hope our love will only deepen for this congregation and their love for us as well.

This weekend will be our service Saturday. We're feeding public servants of Oxford IN THE NAME OF JESUS. I am thankful for all who signed up and will help. I will rely on you and your past experience in many ways but I hope we can make sure this is a spiritual event, not just something the local Lion's Club would do. We serve as vessels of the presence of Jesus. Surely that looks different to the world!

Counter Culture--Dressing up

2005-04-01T13:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I wrote a nice, long blog about Counter Culture earlier in the week, but our wonderful technology lost my thoughts somewhere between "create" and "publish."

Let me see if I can recreate some of the magic. :)
The topic was "Why do Christians dress up on Sunday?"

Let me highlight a few key points.
1. The reason we dress up for church is highly influenced by our southern culture and how we grew up with our families.
2. The southern culture is further intensified in Oxford, which seems to be known for dressing up to go the Square, football games, etc.
3. How do we think God really feels about what we wear?
4. We know God is more concerned with the heart and internals, but how important are externals to him? We know he wants modesty, but that is not "dressing up."
5. We seem to give a Sunday morning assembly more importance by our attendance and the clothes we wear. Is this okay?
6. Is it okay that we seem to be getting less and less dressed up for Sunday morning worship?
7. Are we trying to look our best for God or for the people that will see us? Check motives!
8. How easy is it to spend $100 on clothes, but give no money to God's mission on Sunday? College students, we must be more generous with our giving!
9. Does our dressing up exclude or distance poorer people?
10. Does our dressing up perpetuate the fake "everything is okay" attitude we bring to worship on Sunday morning with our fake or superficial smiles?

Bottom line: I believe our dressing up can produce hindrances that we must protect against. This is the culture we live in and I'm not sure we can or should change it. We should be taking every chance, however, to reach out to those who might feel out of place if they don't dress up like we do. We should also be as generous with our giving to God as we are with our giving to JC Penney, Gap, Old Navy, etc.

I hope this gets published! Let me know your thoughts.

A Third Option

2005-03-28T09:23:00.000-06:00

In Counter Culture this past week, we spoke about the issue of homosexuality. We discussed how to think abou it with a countercultural worldview. One worldly option is to hate, dehumanize and disrespect the sinner trapped in sin. This option was expressed this past week by someone claiming to follow Jesus. The other option is to totally accept and welcome the sinner and sin as is--to accept a lifestyle as one of many possibilities that are all equally good.

The Christian holds a powerfully different, third option. Christians do not hate the sinner, but rather love the sinner, realizing that we sin too. But Christians also do not just tolerate the homosexual as is. We do not believe that all paths and lifestyles are equally good. Somewhere between hate and tolerance is the Christian call to show love and tell the truth at the same time. This is countercultural!

Do I dare try again?

2005-03-24T12:51:00.000-06:00

Dear bloggers,
My sincerest apologies to all who have glanced at my blog from time-to-time OVER THE PAST MONTH and received nothing new from me.:) I really like blogging but somedays it becomes a burden and I just don't do it.

One of my biggest distractions has been the purchase of a house. Tracey and I will close in late April but it has really taken a lot of my extra time that I might devote to writing.

I have discovered that I feel this mysterious pressure from outside of me whenever I don't write because I know people are checking my blog and finding nothing. It is hard to meet everyone's expectations.

Thankfully, I know you love me anyway. And your love for me in this very small instance seems to be a microcosm of God's love for us.
Whatever the burdens are in life, God's love remains constant. Whenever there are distractions that take away from him and his work, God still loves us, hoping that his love will obliterate the distractions so that we can see clearly again. And at the end of the day, when we didn't meet everybody's expectations of us, disappointed people, said the wrong thing, or feel unlovable, we can fall into the loving arms of a Father who loves us still because we are his child. And nothing can change that.

I think I'll try again...thanks to your love and God's.

Fantasia and Faith

2005-02-25T08:32:00.001-06:00

Remember our counter culture discussion a few weeks ago when I asked the question, "Can you be a Christian and pursue a career with American Idol?" Yesterday, as Tracey and I were driving home from Abilene we heard one of Fantasia's songs on the radio...something to do with being a "baby momma." (My apologies if I got this wrong.) Certainly, I understand her experience and her intention is to encourage other single women who have a child to care for. What saddened me was the language she used in the song...she used at least one word that I do not think would be appropriate for someone with her Christian background. I don't think we understand how much power the "American Idol" people hold over someone once they commit their lives to them.
Again, I don't think I'm trying to say that you can't pursue a music career of any kind. I just think you better be careful what kind of mold you allow yourself to fit in to. If a cross won't fit into their mold, they better be willing to change or you better find another mold. Jesus needs radical disciples who see their jobs as ministry.
Blessings! Good to be back with you!

Follow Me. Remember Me.

2005-02-08T09:59:00.000-06:00

I was in a church building over the weekend and was quite impressed with how the baptistery and communion table were set up. In the left front corner of the auditorium, an enormous baptistery jutted out from the all. You could walk right up to it and put your hand in the water if you wanted. Above the baptistery and etched in the wall were the words, “Follow me.” Symbol and language were married together. I thought it was a beautiful understanding of baptism. We are not saved to sit on a pew—we are saved to follow Jesus.
In the right front corner of the auditorium, a large area was set up with tables from which the Lord’s Supper could be served. And above the tables and etched in the wall were the words, “Remember me.” Again, a beautiful connection was made that captured the essence of the Table. It is all about Jesus. I hope this will help you in your reflections on baptism and Lord’s Supper.

A loved one lost

2005-02-08T08:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, our church family remembered the loss of a dear, sweet brother in Christ, John Estes. He died over the weekend, thankfully in his sleep and at peace. I remember meeting him during my interview weekend last March. He came up to me after I had taught my tryout Bible class. He was highly encouraging and I think we may have even hugged. We for sure started hugging once I started here. He was just so accepting of me--a young man he hardly knew. His daughter told me Sunday night that was always praying for Tracey and I.
I will miss his smile and joyful outlook. This was another reminder to me that death is part of life. It was so strange to stand over his lifeless body in the funeral home and think about the life that used to be in that body. College students, don't insulate yourselves from our older generations and death. Life is lived more fully when our worldview is influenced by death. Who knows when our time will come? We must decide what we will do with the time that is given to us.
Love you all.

Super Bowl Sunday

2005-02-04T15:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all who came to Counter Culture this past Tuesday. We had our largest group yet and had a good discussion even though we were spread out. I hope this coming week will be even better. I think I already have our question for next week and I just wanted to go ahead and get it out there so you could be thinking about and you can go ahead and comment on my blog if you want.

Remember one VERY IMPORTANT THING: it is essential that we say everything in love. Even though you may be speaking the facts, some truth, or just your opinion, it all must be shared in love. We all have beliefs and opinions and we want them to be heard. But Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." People will not know we are his by how smart we are or how well we can argue our point. How would it look to students in the Union if all they did was see us argue and get upset at each other. I'm not saying we were doing this, I just want us to be prepared. We must have good reasons behind our emotions if we want our opinions to be taken seriously!

So with all that said, here is next week's thought. (Remember this is called "Counter Culture"!)

Should the Sunday evening assembly time be moved so that it doesn't overlap with the Super Bowl? Think pros and cons. What role does Scripture, tradition and experience play in your opinion? Think about it...lovingly...and let's discuss it next Tuesday.

Weeping for the Lost

2005-01-25T10:15:00.000-06:00

This past weekend at LST, we spent some reflective time in our team thinking about the lost. It wasn't a manipulation to try and get us to weep, but it was encouragement for us to find ways to weep for the lost. The more we shared and thought about this, the more I thought about the campus here, not Argentina (as important as that is!). We talked about how hard it is to weep because we don't want to think about our friends and classmates and roommates dying without Christ. We are also so busy with many distractions that these prevent us from thinking about eternal things. I assure you that the greatest problem in college students' lives is not financial aid or GPA or who they are taking out on a date Friday night. Our greatest problem is sin.

This is part of the reason I have included prayer for missions on Tuesday night. We must learn to weep for the lost again if we are to care enough to reach out to them and offer Jesus.

Today, my grandma cried

2005-01-24T13:48:00.000-06:00

I called my grandmother today. I had intentionally not sent her a Let's Start Talking fundraising letter because I knew funds were tight and I didn't want her to have to give. Well, last week she sent me a really nice note and check for a lot to go towards the mission trip. I was overcome by her generosity and sacrifice. Lord, please bless her and reward her for her gift! But today, I finally got to call her and visit with her and thank her and all that good stuff.

At one point, she started talking about how she can't keep up with everybody's health because everyone has something wrong with them. She is 79. She then asked me to remember one of her elders in the church there who was fighting cancer. As she finished telling me this, she broke into tears as she said something like, "I believe God allowed pain in the world so that we would remember that this world is not our home." Now I'm not sure when the last time was you heard a family member cry, but when you hear your own grandmother cry over the phone, it leaves a deep impression on your heart. She is very aware of the nearness and certainty of death and it is so sad to see so many around you hurting and dying.

I'm not sure what it's going to take, but for all my friends and family who read this, WE MUST KEEP A DEATH PERSPECTIVE. Tracey and I listened to Tuesdays with Morrie and it talks a lot about death. We college folks tend to be insulated from it, but it still happens all around us and many have died from campus. Don't let Satan so distract you with temporary things that you lose sight of the eternal things. Reflection on death keeps us focused in life on what is most important, what is lasting, where we should invest the most time, money, and energy. And we follow a savior who says "follow me to a cross." Death is all around us. Let me help you. I need your help too. I love you all.

You can quote me

2005-01-18T16:15:00.000-06:00

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS! It is good to be blogging again. My apologies to James for not blogging over the break. I really wanted to but just did not want to enter the blog world. And, for better or for worse, my counter number is distorted because you've all been checking to see if I was writing yet again or not. But I finally went over the 1000 mark which is both humbling (that you would come check out my blog) and a tempting source of pride! :)

Here is the quote I thought of last week while driving to the Student Center returning from Wal-Mart.

"Jesus never turned anyone away, but he did occasionally hide from the crowds."

For me this captures a very difficult tension for anyone who is trying to live like Jesus. When he was around people, he gave them 100% of his attention. He was fully present and available to the crowds every time he was among them. But Jesus would also sneak into lonely places for prayer and quiet time from time-to-time and the crowds would comment how they had been looking for him. Jesus knew he could not be available all of the time or the crowds would drain him spiritually. I know it was the quiet time with the Father that helped him defend himself to Pharisees, teach his slow-thinking disciples and heal every person that came near him.
Do you understand the tension? Which side of the tension do you like more? Being around people constantly can produce burnout because you never rest, God isn't able to search your heart, and thus, you no longer grow. Never doing ministry for others means you have missed the meaning of the gospel--it's good news! You're supposed to share it! Be careful of each extreme and live in the tension.
Love you all!

Finals, Broken Glass and Eternity

2004-12-08T10:01:00.000-06:00

My first official semester as campus minister has passed! The students are done with finals and most of them are gone for a ridiculously long 5 weeks! Don’t you wish you got a 5 week break? I can recall many times in school when I jokingly or seriously pleaded for the Lord’s return during finals’ week.

I remember another time in undergrad when I was cleaning up a small glass tank we had used in an engineering experiment. For some reason, all my peer help disappeared at just the wrong time. I was on the ground rinsing out the tank and getting ready to pour the slippery substance out of it. As I tilted the tank, it was only two inches off the ground...but it slipped and the entire circumference of the glass bottom snapped off from the rest of the tank. Oh...I forgot to mention the tank cost a measly $500. The supervising professor’s blood pressure rose quickly as he wondered how the other groups would perform the experiment. As I got back to the dorm, I sat on my bed, told my roommate this story and then said, “Well, at least I’m still going to heaven.”

I write all this to say that suffering has a way of reminding us what is eternal. It gives us a perspective that allows us to see our temporary struggles through an eternal lens. And suffering produces within us a desire to see all things made right again. Come Lord Jesus!

Depraved minds

2004-12-07T11:16:00.000-06:00

I will not be able to do the quote or the source justice, but I heard something recently concerning the American over-emphasis on outer beauty. I think it was an actress or the mother of an actress saying something like this: Sexy is no longer in--seductive is what is "in." With that statement, a transition has occurred in our consumerist culture that I have felt, but until now, have not had the words for. Whatever those two words mean to you, I think the transition or the progression shows a strong tendency towards depravity. The American mind and heart are no longer content with whatever "sexy" meant. Now the marketer and the consumer are selling and buying seduction.

As Chris Cox and I visited the guys' dorms last week, there was one common theme on many dorm walls--posters of women. Our "family" grocery stores (surely not Wal-Mart and Kroger!) paint pictures of seductive women on every aisle as we check out and in full-view even to kids. With DirecTV, I've learned that it is dangerous just to "flip channels" even though it is a great male past-time.

Brothers, who among us can withstand this onslaught of Satan without the power of the Spirit that lives in us and the accountability we can offer each other. Let us prepare our minds for action as Peter encourages us. Let us be a band of brothers who helps each other.

Sisters, please don't sell out and give in to the cultural pressure. Inner beauty is still what God wants and desires. Inner beauty is still what the godly man wants and desires and needs. I assure you, God has preserved a remnant of holy men and holy women. What our culture is offering us is so unfulfilling and will not endure! Look for and hang on to what will endure.

A FINAL reflection

2004-12-06T16:01:00.000-06:00

No, this is not the end of all my reflections. Actually, I'm borrowing someone else's reflection and giving it to you this week as you go through finals. This quote is from my brother, Nathan Murray.

"No matter what happens between now and Friday, on Friday night sleep will come. On Saturday morning the sun will rise. Time will move on. Eyes will open and another day will have begun. If this doesn't happen, then time has ended and Home has begun. Be ready to go Home before being ready to take finals."

Thanks, brother! May his words put these difficult days in their proper perspective.