Cellular "Purity"
As technology progresses and the culture become increasingly mobile, we must stay current in knowing what students are facing. Students are facing temptations today more than ever. Jim Burns (a respected youth worker) addresses some of the temptations students will face...on their cell phones.
I encourage parents to watch this video and have open communication with their students about the issue of purity.
What are your thoughts?
Crazy Love
I've been reading the book, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I encourage you to pick it up and read it. One point that God has been speaking to me about is how fragile life can be. I think many times that I can control life. What I realize is that God has given me life and it can be taken away from me any moment. Me and Cassidy (my beautiful, wonderful wife) were talking about this at dinner last night. It was tough to discuss the possibility of one of us dying before the other person. As we talked, it became more apparent that we do not have control of our own lives and making God's name glorified is the purpose of our lives and marriage. How often do we make all of our decisions about us?
James 4:13-14 says, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
In chapter two of Crazy Love, these statements stood out to me,
"In about fifty years (give or take a couple of decades), no one will remember you. Everyone you know will be dead. Certainly no one will care what job you had, what car you drove, what school you attended, or what clothes you wore." Later in the chapter it says, "Friends, we need to stop living selfish lives, forgetful of our God. Our lives here are short, often unexpectedly so...to help us remember that in the movie of life, nothing matters except our King and God."
Life is short. Make it count for eternity.
Update on life
Life has been busy lately. I'm getting close to completing my Master's degree through Liberty Seminary. I just finished another class and have a week break until I begin the next! God has been good to me and I have been stretched to grow in my knowledge and understanding of ministry.
Me and my beautiful wife has the chance to spend time with some special friends this past weekend. God has blessed me with some close relationships in my life. We had a great time hanging out and catching on life. Next, we went down to a Disciple-Now weekend in Panama City Beach, FL. It was nice to be able to be a Bible study leader and not be in charge. I had some great moments with the students and pray they were challenged to live for Christ with all of their heart. One of the girls in Cassidy's group gave her life to Christ! One aspect of ministry that keeps me moving and focused, is people coming to know Christ! Also, we had some students and parents baptized at church this past Sunday! (while I was gone for the D-NOW). It is great to be a part of people coming to know Christ.
Overall, life is great. Marriage rocks. Student ministry is my passion.
I am blessed.