fear or faith

food in my belly!

2008-02-21T18:26:00.000-08:00

Have you ever complained about your meal in a restaurant because it wasn't what you exactly ordered? Or maybe it was too cold? Maybe it was from some fast food joint and you opened the package only to see a bit taken out of the burger! Yikes! I know I have been found guilty of these types of complaints. But of course being a Christian I always place and "Thank-you" or "Please" at the end of it. :) Also, in times past I have been concerned if I did not get at least two meals a day. Well...this past week I have had a change of heart. This change of heart has come from two influences. One - we are taking a group of about 15 students to Haiti this May. As a result, I have researched the country and what we will be doing there.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. There is little food and clean water. So in studying this trip we are about to go on, I have become more concerned about my attitude towards my meals or how many times I get to eat each day. And secondly, I ran across a news article this past week that talks about an Haitian woman resorting to eating mud/dirt because she has nothing else to eat! If that doesn't change your attitude about your eating habits, then you need to check yourself into a monestary or something. No but really, this has caused me to be thankful for what I am given and not want more. I have been attentive to not wasting food or water. I hope we can minister to these people when we get over there. Maybe you too need to go out and buy some tupperware and be content with whatever you have. Please pray for Haiti.

Spring Lecture Series at MBU '08

2008-02-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

As many of you know we just completed our spring lecture series. For the ones who do not know what this is - SLS is a 3 day chapel event. During these 3 days a guest speaker comes to our campus and speaks during the chapel time to the entire student body. Our guest speaker, Richard Hight, really brought the house down! He is an award winning artist and sculptor. As he spoke he began drawing huge chalk drawing relating to his talk. On the third day he molded 100.00 pounds of clay into a bust of Christ as he explained the Gospel. Needless to say everyone's attention was on him all three days. Richard was a great public speaker - honest, serious, funny, heartfelt. Because of his honest heart, the students really opened up and seeked the Lord. What was one aspect of this series that stood out to me - you ask? Well, being that I love to study theology, I really enjoy a great expository talk. (John Piper is one of my favorite speakers if that tells you anything) But Mr. Hight did not bring that kind of essense to the stage. Instead he brought honesty and the simple Gospel. This is the point I want to talk about. The bible teaches that the Gospel is the only thing that truly changes lives. It is by no awesome speaker that persuades others with their great rhetoric. Paul talks about this in 1Co 2:4,"My words and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." Charismatic speakers can provoke someone to make a decision and feel an experience. But it is the speakers with a simple message about the Gospel, or ones that teach/preach the Word as it should be, that give a powerful message for God to work. This is the type speaker Richard is. And it showed on that stage. And students responded to God and not Richard. God moved and students responded. I thank God for His work among our campus. I am thankful to be able to serve such a great student body. Spartans! You are awesome!

Puerto Rico was incredible!

2007-09-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

This past June a group of 20 from Missouri Baptist University went on a mission trip to Aricebo Puerto Rico. We partnered with Aricebo Baptist Church located in the heart of the government projects. We stayed for a week helping with the church's mission. Each day our group split up. One half participated in children's ministry. This group worked with the neighborhood kids at the church through sports, bible study, and crafts. The other group departed the church each day to construct a home for a single mom and her daughter. I participated with this group mostly. During this entire week, we were hoping to bless these people with our efforts and selflessness. I believe we really impacted these people. But the real blessing was given to us through the people of the church and the children of the neighborhood.

How were we blessed? Most of these people had nothing. Many did not even know if they were going to get a decent meal for the day. But they found contenment and thankfulness in what they did have. Additionally, the faithfulness of the church members were to be exemplified. Their church building and facilities were not much. Many times they did not have enough money to pay for the cost of utilities. Many times they went without electricity and water. Nevertheless, this church body still persevered and continued to minister to the surrounding neighborhood. What faithfulness! What committment!

Loving the Saint Louis snow!

2007-01-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yea Yea you probably are sick of it because you have been around snow most of your natural born life. But for an import like myself, snow is great. A little known fact about me is I never saw snow (except in pictures) until I was 19 yrs old when I moved to Tennessee. So, as you can imagine I very much enjoy seeing the white flakes fall from the sky. Since we have moved to Saint Louis, it has snowed twice.

The first time it snowed, my family and I bought sleds and slid down a huge hill around our house. I even got up on a snowboard! Yea! You college bums bring it on! Brandon Gum this means you too! After the snow play we settled in the house to enjoy some good ol’chile.

I heard about the MBU students who sledded down the hill on the school’s old “pee” mattresses. It sounded like lots of fun. I wish I could have been there. (John Barnes – are you Ok?) Anyways, it sounds like snow days around here are fun. It is only January, so Mr. Winter bring it on!

Don’t be merely passionate!!!

2007-01-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

On the first of the year, I and 30 other crazy folks attended the Passion 07 conference in Atlanta, GA. If you do not know what Passion is then here is the link: www.268generation.com. Take a peek. Basically, this is a movement of thousands of college students across the US and the globe coming together to go and tell the gospel of Jesus Christ. And when I say global I mean there were 25,000 collegians in Atlanta representing every state and many different countries. I met and personally talked to students from England, Romania, and France. I was great to see thousands stand together for one cause – The Name and Fame of Jesus Christ!

Seeing that many collegians standing for the most important thing in life – Jesus, broke my heart. There are so many that believe this generation is a waste. They say this generation has had everything given to them. How in the world could they ever give anything back? They say you all are disrespectful and uncaring. Well, I say they are wrong!! I see a generation that has to be passionate about something. I see people that want real relationships. I see this as a gynormous recipe to bring revival to this land and the world. I see students that are capable of having much passion and great relational skills. This generation has the courage to go to the uttermost parts of the earth. I think you all are incredible!

This most profound statement that I heard at this conference is when John Piper said, “The opposite of pride is not humility.’ ‘Because when one thinks he/she is humble, then they are prideful about it.’ ‘The opposite of pride is self forgetfulness”. And “self-forgetfulness” is accomplished only by getting with the Creator of the universe each day and realizing that when you gave your life to Christ, you said, “Not my life but yours Lord”. We are merely servants for Christ. Paul says it best in Philippians 1:1 when he calls himself a bond-servant for Christ.

Another aspect I got from this conference is being passionate about something will get you nowhere. Many people are passionate. But if passion has an aim, then it is worth something! Passion with an aim can create change! Passion mixed with devotion to Christ can change the world! That’s why I think this generation is important. This generation has passion. You all are passionate people. Now follow after Christ with all of your heart soul and mind! Let’s go together for Christ!

One thing or nothing

2006-12-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite songs is ÂOne thingÂ by Charlie Hall. The song talks about life coming down to just one thing Â knowing Christ and making him known. Yea Yea I know it sounds like two things but go with me here. It just sounds better saying Âone thingÂ. I was reminded by this song the other day talking with someone who lives his life like the song says: Âlife comes down to one thing Â Jesus ChristÂ. His name is Chris. In talking with Chris he told me how Jesus saved his life at age 6. But he never really lived for him until age 19. At this point in his life he was angry at the church and all things God. Even though he gave his life to Jesus at a young age he was carried away from God through his own rebellion and certain experiences in the church. But at 19 yrs of age, he got on his knees on night and prayed ÂGod, if you are real, then give me all of you. Allow me to experience every bit of you.Â Wow what a prayer! It was all or nothing for Chris. Well, what did God do? He showed up! God began to reveal himself in ChrisÂdidn'tfe. He didnÂt say exactly how, but something happened and Chris was transformed.

So what happened? What happed to Chris that he would make a 180 degree change? Let me encourage you to look at this from a different perspective. Did God make a change or did Chris? Well, I would say that Chris made the change. It was an all or nothing moment for him. But instead of God giving all of himself to Chris, it was Chris that finally gave all of himself back to Christ. Christ already gave all of himself to Chris on the cross. Chris finally got it right. He saw that life was nothing without Christ. He finally understood that life is all or nothing for God.

Ever since ChrisÂ remarkable change at age 19, he has given his entire life over to Jesus. Today he is a nationally and internationally known worship leader. He and his band travel full time proclaiming the name of Jesus. Also, he has created a mission organization that is fully operational on almost every continent (he hasnÂt made contact with anyone on Antarctica yet). Through Chris, thousands of people have come to know Jesus as their personal lord and savior. Can you say wow?!

This story is not about Chris. It is about Christ. It is about how Christ can use one person to make an impact. All Jesus needs is your heart. In this day and time we have many influences playing for our hearts. Money, sexual pressures, power, addictions of any type are clawing at us demanding the control of our hearts. As a result, it is difficult to give it to Jesus. But if we do, we will be plugging into the author of life and purpose. It starts with you giving all of yourself to the one who created you and wants to live life with and through you. . Because life comes down to one thing: knowing Christ and making him known.

Go to Chris' webpage to find out more: www.chriswhiteband.com or myspace.com/chriswhiteband

Check out the Onething conference: www.ihop.org
Its free! You outta go.

Java Joe Coffee Cafe...

2006-10-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Whatever you call it, this beverage is one of the most popular drinks in the world. First, I must thank God for creating the coffee bean! It is because of this bean that I find some of my delight. I once heard that you know that you are a serious java drinker when you have your life scheduled around coffee breaks. Wow! How something so small (the coffee bean)can have a big impact is amazing to me. But it sounds like me.

I started drinking this stuff my sophmore year in college. My sister bought me a 1 cup coffee maker and my "addiction" started. What used to be one cup a day has turned into several cups a day. I guess I am headed for the "one cup of decaf before bed" syndrome soon. (AKA - OCDBB syndrome) I think that one of the best days in modern times was when the "coffee house" became popular! I love those places. The environment is great! People conversing with people while drinking their favorite coffee beverage. I just doesn't get any better than that.

If you have been living in a cave, then you need to hear that MBU is builing a coffee house on campus. Can I say that my office will be moving from the Field building to The Perk. Yea baby! Lattes all day. I can see Starbucks stock going down already. It is good to see that many MBU Spartans are as passionate for coffee as I am. I can only say one thing: Viva la latte! And I will see you over at The Perk.

Baseball Fever

2006-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

If I had to pick a favorite game to play and watch, it must be BASEBALL!! I guess it is because I love everything about it. From the player's point of view, I started playing baseball in first grade and did not quit until college. I love the feel of starring at the pitcher,guessing what pitch he will throw next, and then putting the ball ,with the "sweet" spot of the bat, into the right field gap (I am lefty). That kind of hit is almost as good as hitting a homer. And then when you get to "field" the ball and dive in the dirt in the infield, or in the outfield, and actually catch the ball is a great feeling of satisfaction too. A great day at the ballpark with the smell of bubblegum, seeds (you know what these are if you have played before), and grilled hotdogs is a good day!

And then from the spectator point of view, can almost be as exciting, especially in a big league park. A couple of weeks ago, my family and I went to Busch stadium and watched the Cards and the Padres play (the game that Pujols hit a bomb which landed in "Big Mac" land). Man, what a game! The first 4 or so innings was a bit boring. Not much happened except when the Bird mascot was shooting shirts to the upper deck with a huge sling shot. And then the game took a turn and excitement was in the air. The cards started hitting and then the blast by Pujols.

This was really a great game! But as my wife and I were sitting in the stands, during the "boring" part, we talked about how we were still having a great time. The smell of peanuts and hotdogs in the air (this does not include the big guy next to us who was downing beer like a fish.) Nonetheless, we watched the team, listened to the announcer, and saw people kiss each other on the "mega screen". And the seventh inning stretch came. Everyone in the stadium sang together "take me out to the ballgame" (except for the drunk guy next to us). But all in all, it was a great experience.

Let me encourage you to take some time away from your "usual" schedule and go to the ballgame. It may not be Busch stadium but it can be the local baseball team next to you. Wherever it may be, enjoy the Great American pastime while you can.

No Visibility in Chicago

2006-10-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to The Windy City? If you have not, you probably have seen this famous city in many films. In fact, you probably have Chicago filmed in one of your movies in your personal DVD library. It has been in blockbuster such as Spiderman II and Batman Begins. Recently, my wife and I had the chance to go to Chicago with a group of wild and crazy students from Missouri Baptist University. Melissa and I decided to do all of the usual tourist stuff. We went to the Navy Pier, shopped the Miracle Mile, and got to experience a nose bleed by going to the top of the Sears Tower. (Just kidding on the nose bleed thing.)

The most disappointing event of the trip was our journey in the Sears Tower - the tallest building in the world if you are counting the 200ft. antennas on the top. Most of the day threatened with rain, so when we arrived at the tower it was mostly cloudy and damp. As usual first time tourist, we decided to pay for the over priced tickets and take our chances at seeing the city from space on a rainy day. We entered the orientation room where we watched a short-film on the history of this sky scraper. Afterwards, we then walked amongst the crowd to the elevators. We waited in a long and stuffy line to get into a large elevator prepared to take us up 103 floors. After we were packed like sardines, the operator pressed the button and we were off into the wild grey yonder.

As the doors opened we were asked to step out and enjoy the sites from the Sky Deck. Excitingly Melissa and I walked out and planted our noses on the glass and looked out only to see gray in every direction. The visibility was zero! What a disappointment! What a let down! I began to get angry at the Sear's Tower people for letting us buy the tickets. Didn't they know that a huge gray cloud was going to engulf the largest building in the world? I bet they were laughing under their breath as they were telling us to come on up and see the sights. But I controlled myself from any outburst considering my Christ-like witness and the fragile times we live in concerning public attractions with high security. Reluctantly, we stayed for 5 minutes and proceeded back down.

As we exited the building, I thought about the experience. I could not help but think about what Jesus said in Matthew 6. In versus 19 and 20 he says, Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. In other words, the things of this world only provide temporary satisfaction at best. We were excited to see this great view and we were let down. Similarly, the world promises us exciting and satisfying things only to let us down in the end.

Have you had a similar experience? Maybe it was a new job and under delivered what you expected. Or it may have been a new boyfriend/girlfriend that did not seem to be all they should have been.Whatever the case may be, have no worries and take joy in the fact that this world can never give us what we really desire. I am glad my hope and truest satisfaction is found in Christ. These are the things that matter for eternity!As we continued to walk away, I became thankful for the disappointment. I was reminded about the thing that really matters. And it is not from this world.

JUDGMENT: A POSITIVE LOOK AT IT?

2006-10-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

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When you hear the phrase: "God's Final judgment", what do you think of? Let me guess. Maybe it is an old man with a long white beard holding a gavel telling people to go to Heaven or Hell at the end of time. Or maybe it is a big audible voice coming from the heavens telling people what they have done wrong at the end of the world. Whatever your mental picture is, usually it is understood to be a big negative event.(And yes, there will be negative elements about it) But allow me to encourage you to view God's judgment in a positive light.

Yes you better believe that God's Final Judgment will actually happen. There will be a place and time for the Creator of the universe to speak His judgment against humanity. To the Christ-followers, it will be a sorrowful time of sins being dealt with as well as a time of joy that they are a child of God along with the good things they have done. To the one's that are not Christ-followers it will be a time of regret and eternal judgment in Hell. It seems almost impossible to think about this in a positive light considering what was just said.

But the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians:10 says that the Christ-followers will be judged not only for the sins but also the good deeds. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad". Paul give credence to both the good and the bad. I will admit that it does us good to talk about the bad concerning the Final Judgment. This negative reinforcement motivates me to do good! But it seems that it is the negative things that I hear all the time about this.

What about some positive reinforcement to motivate me to do something positive? Well in searching Scripture, I found four points that motivates positively:
1. It encourages me to forgive others. God will have His vengeance. Therefore I am free to place judgment on others and forgive them.
2. It urges me to seek righteous living. In the end, all believer's acts and deeds will be shown.
3. It motivates me to be a witness and evangelize. The bible tells us that there will be an end! If we have the love of Christ in us, then we should let this thought encourage us to get as many people in the Kingdom as possible.
4. It gives me hope! The Final Judgment gives me hope to press forward. Someday Jesus will return and give us glorification. We will be fully what we were created to be!

IN THIS I HAVE PEACE!!

God in Chicago

2006-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

The weekend of September 23rd, my wife, Melissa and I went to Chicago. During our exploration of this great city, we decided to walk the "magnificent Mile". We took in all the shops, restaurants, and emergency vehicle's sirens. As we walk street to street and passed by thousands of anxious shoppers, something caught our attention. We noticed an old gothic church that was nestled amongst the buildings. It was somewhat off the beaten path but close enough to the hustle and bustle that "passerbys" could have stepped in to view inside.

As Melissa and I were walking by, I saw the doors open and thought we should take a look inside this historical piece of history.We anxiously walked up the steps to see the old architecture of this church. It was beautiful! Everywhere you looked was woodcarved designs and statues of the Faithful in scripture like Moses, Abraham, and Jesus. The ceiling was about 30 Ft high and all hardwood with artistic designs everywhere. I stared down the aisle and viewed the front of the church. It also was covered in hardwood and artistic carvings along with statues made of stone. But what towered over everything was the gigantic pipe organ displayed in all its grandeur. I had thoughts of the sky breaking open and angels coming out of the heavens as this instrument played.In observing this wonderful church, it was if this is where God stays. Is this where he eats and sleeps?

I could not help but think about the temple that Solomon built for God. In this temple, God did actually dwell. It was this temple that was the most elaborate and beautiful. It probably would have made this church look like a warehouse in the dumps of a big city. But in Chicago, this church was a prized part of the city. I wondered if many people came by to see the inside. Did observers seek solitude there? Did they even notice it was there? Did they really think God was in there?

In contemplation, I looked out onto the crowd of "passerbys" from the front steps, and was reminded that God is out amongst the people. God is in us if we are His children. Jesus was the deciding factor for God being among us and with us. His name is Emanuel! God with us! Paul talks about this in Acts 17:24 and 25, "The God who mad the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples build by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else". God now lives in his people! If you are a Christ-follower, God lives in you!

Moreover, God wants to do his work in and through you!So what's my advice? If you are willing to take it - LET GOD WORK IN AND THROUGH YOU! Be a bondservant for Christ as Paul speaks of in Philippians. Let the world see that God is not in great and beautiful buildings but is in great and beautiful people.

Faith or Fear?

2006-08-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

In the movie ,The Matrix, Neo is escorted, on a rainy night, by a group of countercultural misfits. Part geek, part chic, they act as though they are smarter than the rest of the world. Neo is controlled at gunpoint and taken to an old abandoned building under the promise of meeting the infamous Morpheus. Here he will be offered some pills from a dark stranger wearing reflective sunglasses and a black trench coat - and he willingly swallows one of the pills!
What would compel him to do so? He is driven by a desire he can no longer resist. An insatiable curiosity and a holy dissatisfaction with the norm push him to abandon restraint. He is motivated to take extraordinary risks now because he can no longer stay in the dull world or normal life... Of business as usual.
There are polite greetings. Then a most interesting dialog ensues.
Morpheus begins by describing Neo's plight as similar to Alice falling down the rabbit hole in Lewis Cazrroll's story. He comments that Neo has the look of one who accepts only what he sees because he is in a dream and about to awaken, which is ironically very close to the truth. Morpheus tells Neo why they brought him here. It is his chance to learn what the Matrix is; Morpheus asks if he wants to know.
Neo nods slowly, but without hesitation, as if realizing that this is a turning point in his life, marking a change forever. Thereafter, Morpheus opens a small silver box, takes two pills from it, and informs Neo that mere description is not enough; he must see it for himself to understand. Morpheus then leans forward, with a pill in each hand.
"This is your last chance. After this, there is no going back. You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to. You take the red pill, and I will show you how deep the rabbit hole goes." Neo slowly deliberately reaches for the red pill. He takes the red pill and the adventure begins.
This is an explanation about the movie explained well by Neil Cole in his book, The Organic Church. It reflects something else that is also real. There is a red pill of sorts that opens our eyes to a more vivid reality of the Kingdom of God. It is the truth of God's Word that we need in order to be set free and unleash the power of His kingdom on this planet. The Scriptures have always held the truth, but our mind has been blinded by a warped sense of spiritual reality, in many cases. This book could open our eyes to see the church, the Kingdom, and our role in both in a more vivid and real light.
Every person has a choice of what pill they will take. Is it the red pill (faith)? Or is it the blue pill (fear)? (No I am not encouraging popping pills.) The blue pill is filled with fear of the unknown and security in the present. The red pill is filled with faith in following Jesus and finding your only source of security is in Him. Allow me to add that there are many Christians who are choosing to take the blue pill after their first initial step of faith in Jesus. These people go forward in life only if the ground before them is sure and secure. And as they step onto new ground they may ask God to come along and hang with them. After all ,as a Christian, they must throw up a little prayer to ask God to bless them, right?
In living in Music City USA, Nashville, TN., I have personally heard and seen many who come to that city in hopes of a country music dream. They leave all they have and place their faith in the music execs on "music square". I have to give it up for them. Here are people willing to take a step of faith, the crazy kind, and try and make it happen. Wow! In many cases, they take bigger steps of faith then those who are Christians! These people are inspiring! And in the same way God always calls his people to a "crazy kind of faith". A faith that knows no bounds. A faith that makes ordinary living boring. A faith that explores the rabbit hole and finds a life worth living. A faith that reveals your god-given purpose in life. And a faith that is not rooted in empty promises from music gooroos but rooted in solid promises that Christ will never leave you.
Our most recent "crazy faith jump" was moving from the place we called home in Nashville, TN. My wife's family lives there and everything that we know since us calling it home in 1991. Now why in the world would we go to an unfamiliar place and leave our place of comfort and security? Simply put - because the Creator told us to do it. And the great part about it is that our heart's desires are being fulfilled. We are experiencing God in a better and different way than we ever have. We are being held up by the Great Provider! The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5 that we are justified by faith! It is by faith alone that we are justified in Him. Further along in 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul says we walk by faith and not by sight. Friend, if you call yourself a Christ-follower, then you have two choices: Either walk by faith or walk by sight aka fear. Which will you choose? Faith or Fear?

Let me ask you. Are you living a life worth living? Are you finding purpose in life? The only way to do that is by turning your back on fear and have a "crazy kind of faith" and make the plunge into a life of faith!