Kickin it with Bruce

6 Questions for Wisdom in 2010

2010-01-04T17:09:00.003-06:00

6 Questions for Wisdom in 2010
Ephesians 5:15-21

Ephesians 5:15
Verse 15 is the key verse which announces the theme of the passage. The Christian is to walk in wisdom, not in unwisdom. This is another check point for the Christian life. Here are six simple questions that scream out from this passage to help you access your life and plan for 2010.

1. Am I making the most of what I have before me? Ephesians 5:16

In verse 16 we see the first explanation of walking in wisdom. Paul gave this challenge: "making the most of every opportunity." King James translates it: "redeeming the time." The Greek word translated in the middle voice means "to buy up for one's self or for one's own advantage." It means to make the very best use of your time. Also, significant is greek word for time. It is not chronos which is simply time as it passes. Instead it is kairos which refers to strategic opportunities.
Do you see your days in college as the simple passing of time, or as strategic opportunities. Your schedule centers around you now more than it will at any other time in life. You may not believe that to be true, but trust me, it is. What are you doing with it?
Psalms 39:4 (NASB) - 4 "Lord, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.
Psalms 90:10 (NIV) - 10 The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
“fit the big stuff in first”.

2. Do I understand my playing field?
Know your opposition! Know the tendencies of your opponent! Do not be lulled to sleep!
Paul gives us a reason to use our opportunities wisely, he says, "because the days are evil." The word for evil means active opposition to the things of God. So here is the picture: every day, certain opportunities come along. Evil is actively at work, trying to turn those opportunities into something which will dishonor God and discredit God's word. By knowing this, you can be aggressive and alert to what is happening around you. You can be God’s representative and do something which will honor God and affirm His word.
How do you see the enemy/evil at work around you?

3. Am I discovering the “Lord’s will”? Ephesians 5:17
"The Lord's will" is a phrase which, in one form or another, permeates the Bible.
· God has certain things He wants to accomplish in the world.
· God has certain things He wants to achieve in our lives.
· God has certain laws He wants us to live by so that we can get the most out of life.
· God has certain ways He wants us to relate to others.
· God has certain responses He wants us to make to the crises of life.
All of these things can be summarized in the one phrase: "the Lord's will." How do we discover these things?
They are in God’s word. I believe obedience is the key component to discovering God’s will. You will not discover God’s will apart from spending time in his word and practicing obedience. The unfortunate thing is we make God's will about us. We think it is discovering our future. It isn't. It is about God, discovering his desires and lining ourselves up with them.

4. Is anything other than God, controlling my life? Ephesians 5:18
Paul took it a step further in verse 18. The focus here is not on the use of wine, but on the abuse of wine. To abuse wine, to get drunk, is not to walk in wisdom. Here’s the principle … nothing or no one else should control your life Our goal is to progress toward a Spirit filled life.

Notice the alternative (and you cannot do both at the same time): "Instead, be filled with the Spirit." John R.W. Stott, in one of his books, calls our attention to four points in this challenge.

· It is in the imperative mood. The imperative mood means it is a command.
· It is in the plural form. That means it is addressed to all those reading it.
· It is in the passive voice. The passive voice means the filling will be done TO them.
· It is in the present tense. The present tense shows it is to be an ongoing experience.

So here's the picture. The wise man is not to be captivated, motivated and activated by the spirits in a bottle but rather he is to be captivated, motivated, and activated by the Holy Spirit who dwells in our life.

5. Am I involved in a strong community of faith? Ephesians 5:19
Now look at verse 19. The phrase "to one another" means that as they sing these songs of praise they affect the others who are with them. They bring encouragement to the others involved. Notice that Paul went on to declare that these songs and melodies were directed to the Lord.
He was obviously referring to worship. That's when Christians get together to sing hymns and songs. Placed in the context of the passage, Paul was giving another manifestation of walking in wisdom. Those who are foolish try to live life on their own power, with their own agenda, without ever acknowledging the reality of God.
On the other hand, those who are wise recognize that they need other people and they recognize their need for God so they make worship a regular part of their routine. Christianity is always practiced in a community.

6. Am I grateful for the life I’ve been given? Ephesians 5:20-21
Paul gave on last suggestion in verses 20-21. Walking in wisdom means to properly relate to God and to others.
· How should we relate to God? “with thanksgiving”. We should relate to God with gratitude that recognizes His blessings in our lives.
· When should we have that attitude? Paul said: "always."
· For what should we thank God? Paul said: "for everything."
· How should we relate to others? We should "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Six questions for you to ask yourself throughout 2010. Happy New Year!

God said... and that is what happened

2010-01-01T19:29:00.002-06:00

This commanding statement is used 4 times in Genesis 1 in the New Living Translation (NLT). He spoke and light appeared.

Sky… “and that is what happened”.
Land, seas and vegetation…”and that is what happened”.
Sun, moon and stars… “and that is what happened”.

Birds & fish were created with instructions to multiply.

Animals… “and that is what happened”.

Then, he fashions humanity but scripture identifies something unique about us. We are “created in his own image”. We are the only creatures with moral reasoning and the ability to know Him. When God is done, he summarizes all he has done and proclaims… “and that is what happened”. He even proclaims it “very good”.

He really doesn’t need us, does he? He was able from nothing (the Latin term ex nihilo means out of nothing) to bring everything. I’ve never created anything from nothing, have you? I make a mean salsa but it takes onions, tomatoes, garlic, salt, cilantro, and jalapenos none of which I can speak into existence. Even the very words for this paragraph are given me by a language culture. But not God, He needed nothing.

I am fascinated even inquisitive, then, by verse 19, “ So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one.” (NLT, italics mine). I think we would agree that God was completely capable of coming up with names like, hippopotamus, chicken, elephant, jellyfish or whatever. But he didn’t. He asked Adam, humanity, to participate.

There is a truth in this verse we should not neglect. God’s creation has purpose, God’s people have purpose, and God has asked you to involve yourself. He didn’t need to… he chose to. This being the case, our participation should be taken seriously. Our decisions do matter. Not because we have anything unexpected to offer God, but because he has given a staggering offer to us.

… and that is what happened.

Questions from, "How do I love my brother when I don't even like him?"

2009-11-10T19:10:00.001-06:00

This Blog is dedicated to answering questions that are posted during our collegiate worship service. I attempt to answer questions during the message. However, if time does not allow, I will blog these answers.

To hear the message go to I-tunes and search for Nine30 college ministry or Bruce Venable.

To see the notes given during the service, visit www.youversion.com/groups/nine30. From here select “events” then “past”. Topics are listed.

These questions come from the service on November 8th, 2009 entitled “How do I love my brother when I don’t even like him.” The text is 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.

Is the love discussed in these passages an emotional love, or more akin to an eternal commitment in Christ? Most people, regardless of their relationship with Christ, believe they can love. If someone doesn't have Christ, can they truly love in the biblical sense?

Great Question! The word love in this text is “phileo” which means brotherly love or with tender affections. Remembering that Peter is writing to Christians undergoing various trials, this would make sense. In such a scenario, they must depend on each other to be able to stand strong. Additionally, there should be something unique about their unity that is attractive to the non-believing community.
Three other words for love come from the Greek. “storge’” is the love for family or deep friendship, “agape” is unconditional love that we experience from God, and “eros”, which is sexual love.

You certainly do not have to be a Christian to love. Within the wiring we receive from God in creation comes the capacity to love (brother, family, friends, intimately). I have known some non-believers, as probably you, that exhibit love in some very incredible ways. In Christ, however, there is a new standard. Because we have tasted of the goodness of the Lord, we can love unconditionally. That is the “agape” love you refer to in your question. It is a love without any strings attached.

In Matthew 5:43 – 47 Jesus raises the bar on unconditional love. Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV) 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

One other reference and I’ll stop. Hopefully, I’ve answered your question. These passages build a strong understanding that in order to love unconditionally; we must have experience unconditional love from God. 1 John 4:7-12 (NIV) 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

A second question was submitted. Why do those Christians who seem to quote Scripture the most, often seem to be the most unloving?
Boy, I wish I knew the answer to this one! But let me take a stab at it. My interpretation is that you have had a bad experience with someone. Sometimes Christians become overzealous with trying to “have all the answers” instead of trying to “love your brother or your enemy”. Unfortunately, the results can be somewhat distasteful to others. So a couple of suggestions:
· Remember that the “representative” may not represent the source very well, but don’t let that stop you from seeking truth. Jesus is the one who has given us the message of truth. He is truth. So, when the representative doesn’t look a lot like Jesus… go back to the source.
· Keep in mind that we (believers) are people on a journey. We are sinners trying to work out the kinks of living like our Savior. So, cut them a little slack.
· Don’t be that same type of person. If you are a follower of Christ, learn from others mistakes and God’s word on loving others. Determine that you will be a better representative.

God's Will = God's Will

2009-09-15T15:58:00.002-05:00

There seems to be a NO ACCESS policy in scripture when it comes to the future. We simply are not told what the future holds. God's pretty smart that way, knowing we'll obsess our way into changing it so it suits us.
What we do have is FULL ACCESS for today. God simply says to us, surrender today, let tomorrow take care of itself. Want to know God's will, do today what you know to be God's will. That is all you are responsible to do. Follow what you know today. Sound too easy, just try total surrender for a week and get back with me about that.
By following this suggestion, we develop TOTAL ASSURANCE that God can handle tomorrow. Biblical writers aren't worried about tomorrow. They believed that God could handle tomorrow just fine. They struggles were related to surrendering today.
Doing God's Will for today isn't a new concept... it's a forgotten one.

Summer Fun

2009-06-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

Summer's here! What does that really mean? For me, lots of planning. So far I've met with a groups to ramp up our personal one to one discipleship ministry, international ministry, a Dallas group to help smaller churches doing collegiate ministry, a Louisiana church to evaluate and make recommendations for their ministry. Tons of other plans to make and details to put in place for the fall. Not my favorite stuff to do... but neccessary.
Sunday nights reports from our International mission teams was awesome! Wow, God has moved in our ministry is some incredible ways.

Next week.... some vacation time!! Cannot wait!

What!

2009-02-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

God is teaching me so much these days that I probably need to write about it... I've not been good at blogging simply because of time... so, be patient (if you even read this). Perhaps I will work this in... peace

Thank you Captain Obvious!

2008-07-17T11:03:00.000-05:00

Don't you love it when someone says something to you that really doesn't need to be said. I mean it is so obvious that internally you think... "why did you waste the air it takes to form those words?" When I have been the "waster of words", I didn't always get the polite ignoring stare, or even the "daaaa, you're an idiot for saying" that humiliation exchange. My children loved to take me to the next level... "thank you Captain obvious"! Now, if you know me and my kids, you know that honest interchange is pretty common. I have to admit that I dish it as much as take it. But it is always a fun sparing match...
So, I'm gonna say something so obvious that you can feel free to join the chorus of collective responses. But before I do, let me tell you just three short experiences of the week.

1st - 1st and Goal camp is meeting. This camp is the brainchild of Tre' Scott. He enlisted Jeremiah Fincher and a host of other coaches to simply do a camp for kids in the neighborhood around the church. I think they are having a blast even though the turn out of kids is smaller than hoped. And in the midst of sports, they are sharing Christ's love in various ways. OK, nothing too unusual, right. But here's what excites me the most... it's being done here! I love it when we see that being "on mission" is a lifestyle and not a trip. Wowzer! That's big.

I met with our Challenge Mentors last night. Unbelievable! We won't have as many challenge groups this year but our mentors are some stout folks! Not to say that ones in the past haven't been. But as those people begin to serve in other areas or move away from Lubbock I committed to pray that God would raise up the next set of adults to work in this ministry. These guys/gals are beyond incredible and I'm more excited about this ministry than ever.

My wife has become the most amazing prayer warrior! She has always been an amazing woman, but the Lord has really excelled her growth and understanding in the past 2 years. So, when I have a need, I just ask her to pray about it. In just one area of life, let me share the results of her prayers... I said, we need to pray that God would raise up people to teach LIFE groups. Additionally, we need a class for internationals, a class for students who graduate and are working and not married, and we need a class for out of school young marrieds. This year we begin the year with 13 classes instead of 10! And I am in initial conversations with some that may be called to minister to internationals through a small group bible study at 11. I cannot help but believe that God is going to raise up the leadership for the other classes.

God is at work! And everyone said, "Thank you Captain Obvious"!

God started Vacations.

2008-07-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

Rita and I have been on vacation for the past week. It's been great to spend time together, see family, and hang out with friends. We began by driving from Lubbock to Fayetteville, AR where Chris (our son) attends college. He is now in his first apartment so we did the parent thing of purchasing the george forman grill, a juicer, some various items and plenty of plug-in air freshners! After feeding him much and often, we drove to Tulsa and caught a flight to Nashville TN. Rita's nephew lives there with his wife and family. It was fun, we hung out, went to Cooters... the Dukes of Hazard Museum... now that's a touch of class!
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With that excitement behind us we flew back to Tulsa and drove down to my dad's to spend the 4th of July with family. Good burgers! We picked Austin up at the Little Rock Airport Sunday night and drove to Monroe, LA, to attend a Collegiate Ministers Conference at the University of Louisiana @ Monroe. There's about 22 of us from various ministries that hang out and talk ministry stuff. A highlight is always the Tue. morning golf game where more cheating and trash-talking goes on than any impressive golf shots.

God started vacations. Genesis records that he created the world in 6 days and on the 7th, he rested. In teaching the people of God how to live, they are told to "remember the Sabboth and keep it holy". There is alot more to just resting in this but resting should be a valid part of our lives.

If there is a list of "important words" in your vocabulary... place "balance" on it. Then put it in your lives. Don't buy the lie of business is next to godliness... perhaps it is in the Sabboth that we can experience the "easing of our burdens" and replenishing of our soul.

Peru... Wow

2008-06-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

Ashley and I took a 12 day mission trip to Peru. You can see the photo's on facebook. But the stories are endless! Big thing for me was simply seeing a group of people hear the gospel and name of Jesus for the first time ever!! Because the International Mission Board (IMB) partnered with Wycliff Bible Translators, the Southern Conchucos Quechua people have a NT some films and Bibles in their heart language.

Pretty mind boggling to think that there are still tons of people around the world that have never heard... to think there are tons of people groups that have no scripture in their language. And we get confused on what we are supposed to be doing??

So, God is working in me to hone my focus, my intent in life, my preaching, everything. I'm so tired of "normal" church and not really sure what that means except that I'm ready for a God movement!

It's been a while!

2008-03-11T18:56:00.000-05:00

Time flies when you are having fun! Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your perspective, this part of life has been neglected. I'm not really sure this is ever read be anyone other than myself so it became an easy choice... after all I know my random thoughts! My time has been taken by a variety of things.

Mission trip is coming up on Friday! 150 students from our ministry doing trips coast to coast! Pretty sweet when you think about it. Panama City Beach and Los Angeles are the destinations. If it were not for great lay leaders and a fantastic associate we couldn't do both.

Marriage is in the air! 6 marriage ceremonies are on my calendar. This is such a cool time to be involved in the life of a couple. The marriage counseling time has been filled with some incredible views of God's work in people's lives.

Paradigm teaching is something fun but takes a ton of time to prepare. I really don't feel like we've hit our stride with this ministry yet. I anticipate God doing some cool stuff next year. I pray to become a better communicator of God's word.

As weird as it sounds, I'm in the thick of planning the fall semester. After being here 2 years, the vision is coming. I have a better since of where we need to go from here. Adding and training adults, students, web sites, etc... has to happen now to be ready. So much changes from year to year that it is a continual challenge to stay ahead.

One area I'm really excited about is ENDEAVOR. This is our new freshmen focused small group ministry for the fall. God has given about 30 fantastic leaders for this.

And there are various other things that eat at time. So, how do you organize your time? We only have a certain amount and since God ordained 24 hours per day, 7 days in a week, it should be plenty. Our management of it is what stinks.

For me, the uncompromisable element of each day... time with God in his word. I'm not talking about study time for Paradigm or other teaching responsibilities. I'm talking about "our time". Me and God. I refuse to miss it. Why? Not so the rest of my day goes wonderfully to a plan. It's not a magical formula of some kind. It doesn't always work that way, at least not for me. But when I spend that time with Him, I'm ready for whatever comes. He is the rock on which I stand to tackle any day, whatever comes.

My goal is simple! I don't want to begin a day by saying to God, "it's been a while".

Oasis

2008-01-16T14:19:00.000-06:00

Today is fairly typical. It is very busy (i.e. 3 meetings with students, 1 staff meeting, teach a Bible Study, lead a class on mentoring, answer emails, return phone calls, and take care of several administrative, budget and leadership issues along the way). Yesterday's work day ended at 8:15 PM, today's started at 7:30 and I'll cap it off with a basketball game that begins at 8:30 tonight.

But I'm not complaining. I love what I get to do. But experience has taught me the need for oasis. There has to be some time in the day where I drink. Today that came in two places.

First, as always or most always, I read the scripture, talk to God, hear from His Spirit and find refreshment. Secondly, I hung out with Senior Adults. I love them so much. They are so encouraging, so delightful. I taught them a Bible Study but the greatest joy was the fun bantering that went on over singing, etc... They were just so cool.

I was refreshed. You see, I know that they have my back. That 40-50 people pray for me, for university students, for my family. They genuinely love me... not for what I do, but for who God has made me.

So, today I drank from the Oasis of wisdom, kindness, and love.

Thinking Students

2008-01-10T23:33:00.000-06:00

I love students that think. Tonight after Paradigm a student grabbed me to ask a couple of questions about what I had just spoke on. The questions were insightful, authentic, and so on target. I guess some speakers would be a little taken back by that. In fact, one huge difference about the environment that I grew up in and now is the confidence today's students have in asking questions. I love it. It reminds me of the early church in Acts where the members studied the scriptures daily, for themselves to understand God.
Hopefully speakers, myself included, have their stuff together when the present God's word. But I find it incredibly refreshing that today's student isn't afraid to ask questions for clarification.
Thanks God for thinking students. Keep creating more!

Look Closer

2008-01-07T21:03:00.000-06:00

My first ski trip with the FBC, College group was amazing. Crested Butte, Colorado received 30 inches of snowfall during our three days of tearing up the slopes. I was just really glad to keep all major joints and limbs in working order (as much as they can be at 47).
The trip home took about 15 hours. Coming over Monarch Pass pulling a trailer with the Suburban wasn't the most enjoyable time but thanks to God's mercy, we made it. Small things like safe travel, good times, and beautiful snow can be overlooked. A closer clance reveals so many blessings from God.
Look closler.

Bruce is the new Abraham

2007-12-17T08:23:00.000-06:00

My right knee is incredibly sore! We are scheduled to go skiing in a few weeks and my only concern has been my knees. I didn't want to blow one out. Having skied once, I remember the soreness that ensued. But paintball!
Chris is in from college so we've been doing some fun male bonding things. We saw a shoot em' up movie which was fun. No chick flicks for us! No sir, we're men! So, paintball seemed the natural Sunday afternoon progression in our expression of manhood. After all, I can't let 19 year olds have all the fun... right!
We had a blast! Tramping through the woods shooting at people without the worries of real danger (or bullets) makes a man feel... well, like a man! But at 47 years old and with some extra pounds, I don't move like I used to. I proved to be a slow, but large target. I have the whelps to prove it! It was, however, the daring slide into a bunker that now has me hoping that my knee will be well enough to ski!
I wonder what's on at the movies... even a chick flick sounds like plenty of adventure for today.

Genesis 24:1
And Abraham was old, [and] well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

Gifts: Who signed the tag?

2007-12-12T00:00:00.001-06:00

As a kid, I used to look forward to Christmas. What gift will I get? All of my gifts under the tree said, "TO: Bruce FROM: Santa". I was mesmerized!

Even when I was privy to the skinny of the fat guy, I still anticipated the big day. Everyone likes gifts. And still, my tags read, "To: Bruce From: Santa". Those silly parents... don't they know I know? But it was still really cool.

At some point, I discovered that I enjoyed giving gifts even more than receiving them. That's odd! I remember vividly purchasing a gift for my mother years ago. (She's in heaven now). I was so proud of myself. I picked out a set of plates, cups, and silverware that was, in my eyes, perfect. Mom was so gracious to receive them. She acted like they were precious additions to our home. Not because she need a set of cheap, plastic kitchenware. "TO: Mom FROM: Bruce"

So, gifts are never "the thing" for me anymore. Sure, they are nice, and I really appreciate all the things that have been placed on my desk the past few days. But my greatest joy comes from the relationship I have with the who signs the tag. "TO: Bruce FROM: "You". Thank you! You are a precious gift in my life.

May the of festivities of this season reminds us of the greatest gift giver.

"TO: Us FROM: God"
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NASB) "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

Encouraged

2007-12-06T00:09:00.000-06:00

Today was nice. I studied a couple of hours, worked on administrative stuff a couple hours and then spent about 4 hours meeting with different students. It was cool hearing their perspectives on how God is working in our ministry. Things we've prayed for and worked toward, God has granted.
At the end of the semester, I'm as exhausted as students. We are all ready for a break. But today's encounters help me go to the break encouaged and not just tired. Everyone needs encouragement. I hope I've encouraged others as they have me.

the coolest party

2007-12-03T20:01:00.000-06:00

Saturday night we had the coolest party at my house. There were 19 students from India, 1 student from China and 14 students from the US. We build gingerbread houses and shared what American Christmas traditions were all about. We finished with letting them help decorate our tree by putting ice cycles on it. It was a blast.
I love my work. Not many people get to know people from around the world and see cultures come together. I think about the old coke a cola add that sang, "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony..." It starts with simple relationships... Caring for people.

Turkey Fry

2007-11-22T13:43:00.000-06:00

Oh yes... the fried turkey experience. I love cooking a fried turkey! Better yet, I love eating one. Ever had one? Taste just one and you'd swear off the traditional cooked bird.
Today's experience was pretty cool. I sat outside bundled up in winter gear, smelling the deep fry spices and watching it snow. Yep... snow! The neighborhood was serene. It is beautiful outside, cold, calm, with a soft drifting of snow covering the grown.
I thought about much while sitting there (besides eating). I'm a blessed man. Family, friends, job, church, ministry... you name it, I'm blessed.
And I thought about what I read in Colossians this morning. "He is the first born... everything that is made was by him". That's talking about Christ. So it goes to reason, every blessing I enjoy, He did it. Every snow flake, quiet moments for reflection, family, friends, etc... all because of Him. I'm thankful. I hope you are as well.

OH what FUN

2007-11-18T00:41:00.000-06:00

College Football is my favorite sport. I just love going to games! Tonight's victory of TT over OU couldn't have been better. Tailgate with students was fun in raider gate and the game was unbelievable. I had a couple of OU fans sitting next to me and had to remind myself a couple of times to be a good sport. I did pretty good... I think... :=)

Life can really be "just a lot of fun" and I'm thankful for that.

AMAZING

2007-11-16T11:56:00.001-06:00

Just being in Canada and being reminded of the "lostness" of the nation should depress me. But it doesn't simply because it challenges me. We can go there and love people to Christ so I'm challenged...AMAZING
Several of our MEN are getting it! There is a small group of guys that are stepping up to the plate to be leaders... not just in small group leading... but in outreach! They are giving of themselves and desiring to connect to the lost. This is the answer to a 17 month prayer! ... AMAZING
Paradigm last night was... AMAZING
GOD IS... AMAZING

Loving God and hanging out with the lost!

2007-11-13T23:27:00.000-06:00

The need here is simple. Students who love God need to come and hang out with people who don't know Jesus. I went with Amber, Anita, and Brandon to several communities today where we didn't know if Christians lived there or not. "Exploring" is simply going, praying and meeting people. Sounds simple but the results can be profound. We had several great conversations. None of them led to "sharing the Gospel" in it's fullness, but we know how to pray for these places.
Amber and Anita will be leading students to the Yukon to discover the needs there during this upcoming summer. Most of the communities in the Yukon have no church and perhaps not a single Christian. The need is overwhelming. I pray God will send some of us to work in this country.

My luggage and I rode seperate planes.

2007-11-12T23:57:00.000-06:00

It's been an interesting day to say the least... and long. But I've finally arrived and my luggage should within the next hour or so... hopefully. It's cold, I walked outside the mission center (built by Texas men) and there is a thin layer of ice on the parking lot. Fun stuff.
I had the privilege of worshiping with a group of church planters and strategy coordinators. It was incredible. Two words come to mind, vision and sacrifice. these guys had it and do it. I pray for the same...

Passion comes through Relationship!

2007-11-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

No...this isn't a blog about sex. But as I prepare for my trip I'm reflecting on how God ignited my passion for the people of Canada. It was simply through a series of relationships.

While in seminary, I worked a few weeks with Richard Blackaby whose dad is Henry, the "experiencing God" guy. They weren't "famous" at this point. Richard later came to be president of the Canadian Baptist Seminary.
Lou, my seminary prayer partner, moved to Canada to begin a church.
Robert, a co-intern after college, became a missionary in Quebec.
Tim, pastor from my area in Louisiana, is a church planter in Canada.
Randy, after being a recruiter from New Orleans Seminary, moved to the Canadian Baptist Seminary to be their director of development.
and the list has grown...

A few years back, I actually interviewed and was offered the position of National Collegiate Ministry Director for Canada(not bragging, just part of the story). After several weeks of prayer, I declined... puzzled but feeling confident about the decision. During the early days of consideration, I assumed that God had orchestrated these relationships for a reason. Surely I was to be a part of the team He was assembling up there! But I wasn't.
As it has developed, I get the privilege of casting the vision of the needs in Canada among students in the US and allow them to discern their calling.
So, that's why I go. I'll develop new relationships, rekindle some old, and share the vision with you... and then wait.... wait and watch for the passion to catch in some of you.

Getting Ready for Canada

2007-11-09T12:04:00.000-06:00

I leave on Monday to head to Canada. I'm pretty pumped! It should be cold and snowing which should be a cool change from Lubbock but that isn't what's got me excited.
The purpose of the trip is discovering places where Lubbock students can serve on mission. God gave me a heart for Canada about 10 years ago. Only 4 to 6 percent of the population even claim to be Christian. That means that more than 94% of the country doesn't know Christ.
I began to send students there every year when I worked in Louisiana. I feel led to do the same now. I know our students can go to another country, with no language barrier and join God in his work there.
So, I go. I'll keep you posted while I'm there (I'm told I'll have internet access at least some of the time). Pray with me... pray and ask God if you are to be one to go.
His!

A good tired

2007-10-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

You know what a "good tired" feels like? It is like when you are worn out but what wore you out is worth it. I've experienced this lots of ways most notably from times on mission trips. You spend lots of hours working, getting really tired but when you lay your head down at night, sleep is really good. That is how I feel on Friday's... a good tired!
Thursdays are great days. I begin at 9:00 A.M. with a bible study that I lead for some coaches at Texas Tech. These are great guys and I love being with them not just to lead but to glean from them. No one makes them do this, they desire it and their insights into scripture and walking the journey with Christ are refreshing.
At 8:00 P.M. we begin Paradigm which is a gathering of about 600 plus college students. The worship is amazing and I get the priviledge of teaching God's word. I'm amazed at how the Spirit of God moves and changes lives.
After a late night meal, I get home around midnight each week to begin a couple of hours of winding down before I can go to bed... but when I do... it's a good tired. A tired that is a reminder that God uses ordinary people to do His work. I'm honored He does, amazed I get to participate and find complete rest in His arms.

A new beginning

2007-09-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

The last year of my life has brought many new adventures. I moved to Lubbock, went on staff at a FBC (my 1st church staff positon), put a kid in college, experienced a dirt storm, saw Snirt (snowing during a dirt storm), attended TT football and basketball games and bought a convertible! It's been a fun ride... not just the car but the whole "new" adventure. Now I begin another new adventure, blogging.
It is my goal just to throw down some thoughts about what God is doing in my life. He's been so good to me and my desire is simply to use any avenue available for folks to learn about Him. So, thanks for joining me! It will be a fun ride.