Crazy Love

It always feels good when you can finish a bible study and feel like you can take something away from it. Recently there was a bible study I had been attending in the a.m. and it was based off the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

We had some really deep discussions every week and to top it off we either had Bojangles or Chick-Fil-A for breakfast. It is one of the better bible studies I have been to. Francis Chan and his team really articulated the idea of getting closer to God in such a way that anyone on any level could understand.

If you ever question the "Christian Life" then this book is for you. If you ever feel convicted when you pass that homeless guy that is asking you for some change, (and yes I know how that system works but there are ways around it) I recommend this book. If you just want a book to read over the summer then I recommend this book. Kind of get the theme here. If you don't have the money to get it borrow one. If you live in my area I can make that happen for you.

I leave you with a question Chris Tomlin poses in the foreword.

"...in Acts 11, at the end of verse 26, it says, 'The disciples were CALLED Christians first at Antioch.' What I find interesting is the simple thought that the Christians didn't name themselves. But rather, they were called(or named) 'Christians' by those watching their lives. I wonder if it would be the same today. Could someone look at your life or look at my life and name me a Christian? A humbling question for sure."

Better Pic of Batman

Man-Hole for Genders Wars Baquet

Me painting Batman

Care(De-Stress) Packages

One of the cool things I have been able to play a significant role in has been assembling together care packages or as I have officially dubbed them the DE-STRESS Packages for our college students here. Its amazing some of the things that were picked out for them. Stuff I have never seen given in a package. Can not reveal too much but lets just say I would want one if I were still in school.

Exams are fast approaching for everyone and people are in crunch mode. I was talking to one of my friends and here is his schedule for the next couple of weeks:

Pass Exams to get his Masters Degree
Graduate
Get married
Find a job
Move to a new place

What a schedule! And I am sure if I line him up with many of you that yours is just as CRAZY. Its good to know that it will only be for a short while then SUMMER will be upon us. I pray that you don't get overly stressed and that what you study comes to remembrance when you need it to.

Side Note: What does you schedule look like in the coming weeks? Post a comment.

Marcus

Lancaster

It was good being home this weekend for Easter. Some highlights were spending countless hours on the PlayStation without a care in the world. Laughing it up with the family. And going back to the old stomping grounds of the home church and being a servant. We had sunrise service like many churches and I helped with prepping food and did cleanup by myself. It honestly felt good to serve.

Marcus

Guest Blog

Check this girl out. This is a friend of mine and she was recently on a mission trip where she really saw God work in mysterious ways. Here's her story.

Guest Blogger: Leigh Hall

This is what He has done! Know that I had nothing to do with it.

I've been learning more and more everyday to totally let go of myself through continuous prayer and let Him Live through my steps, breaths, touches, looks, everything, because I now know more than I did a day ago that I can do nothing without Him. Ha! It brings on a whole new meaning when communion comes into the picture. I will never forget my lesson learned in Guatemala last year (see "Guatemala Supper" blog). There's no excuse to live a totally human life after you've gone through it... if you really understand what you're doing.

The reason I went to Beach Reach this year is because I used to be the Spring Breaker-type we went there to reach. I grew up in a Christian home and didn't realize God was my confidence until I walked away from Him. Because I did so, He walked away from me. I blamed Him and rebelled even more. I then found confidence in nothing but alcohol. I relied on it to go to social events, work and even class. Unbelievable, I know. But, it never measured up to the satisfaction I had in Jesus. Since then, I gave up on myself and turned to Him. Being alive is a blessing after that. I have my struggles, but that is why I'm broken for these college students!

Here is my living proof of Romans 8:28. I was walking on the strip of Panama City with Christiana Bredeweg & Ashley Wagster (two close friends). This night had been more difficult to reach people, because it was our last night and either no one was out or the ones that were were totally slaughtered wasted beyond the ability to carry on conversation. I've got a "thing" for the moon, and as I had been praying and preparing my heart earlier that day I was reading through Psalm 63 with verse 3 as a prayer for my own heart and verse 11 for the lost (read it now).

We were walking down the strip and I was noticing how these dark clouds were rapidly trying to cover up the moon and started talking to God out loud saying, "He thinks he can cover the radiance over this city?... I don't think so!..." Ha! As I was carrying on, Christiana was just laughing, but she knows my thing with the moon, so she let my acts of insanity get by this time. We kept walking, knowing we couldn't be defeated by the darkness! The conversation was brought back as Christiana noticed the clouds were no longer covering any of the moon and she said "The clouds have stopped!" Immediately, I just about fell on my face remembering the NASB version of Psalm 63 verse 11 when it says "...and the mouths of liars will be stopped."

Just then, there was a girl, Amy Evans, who decided peeing on the side of the road would be quite convenient. My heart burst for her, so I grabbed her friend, Brooke, and told her to go help her, as a guy was walking up about to do who knows what to her. Brooke got her and we called in to get them a ride home. As we were waiting, we began walking toward the landmark I had told the van to meet us at. The girl had no shoes on, y'all! ... In that moment, I couldn't help but let go of myself and give her my shoes. We stopped for a moment as I tried to get her skirt zipped up, something her"friend" didn't feel was necessary several stumbles ago. Those kind offriends were too common down there. I asked Amy if I could pray for her and she was fine with it. As we kept walking, I said something along the lines of, "Father, I praise You for Amy and the chance to meet her. I pray thatin this very moment You would wake her up! Make her sober to hear the words of Your Truth. Make her know and understand that You value her and Love her beyond what she could imagine and draw her to come and know You and Love You and Live for You, Father! I love You. In the name of Your Son, I pray.. . "

He showed Himself to Amy that night in a way that no one can deny! Immediately she was awake! She was Sober! She was walking and ready to hear the gospel! She wanted to stop and tell Him! She was ready to confess herself a shameful sinner, that she believed in Him and His Son who died for her and that He was the change she needed in her life. She was ready. She asked me for help, and we prayed. This was no scripted prayer. It was a prayer from the words of the Holy Spirit who knew her heart far more than I ever will! As the praying came to an end she was hugging me with everything she had and wouldn't let go. She was saved! And hearing her say that she just couldn't explain the happiness she felt inside was what the Lord used her to tell me this was real! That He was real and THIS REALLY HAPPENED! ... I looked up at the moon and the clouds were totally gone! ...and they were calling for rain.

Wow... is all I can say to my Jesus! This had NOTHING to do with me. Nothing.

In being prepared through "Share Jesus... " & "M.A.D." & various situational testimonies, I had no excuse (in not sharing my faith) to begin with. But now, because of this event, I cannot shut my mouth about Him and what He CAN DO! With this living proof and others who saw it, I now know and fully trust with all of my heart God is stirring up a revival in His children! Right now! And whatever we are willing to allow Him to do for the WHOLE WORLD through us, is what He WILL DO! So, I don't know about you, but I'm gonna keep takin' off my shoes and praying for people, even if it means walking on broken glass! I never thought I'd get to the point where the pure pleasure in the gift of Christ would feel so good, Iwouldn't even be curious to consider a minute without Him!

Leigh Hall
Look at What He's Done...

Gender Wars 2009

Hey I am pretty excited to debut the new Gender Wars one sheet. Gender Wars is our end of the year banquet for missions. We raise money between the sexes and whoever loses has to host the night by putting on a serious of funny/entertaining skits. Guess who lost? The guys. Not sure how many in a row that is but I believe it is a record. The argument is that the ladies can not put on a better show. I have not seen the ladies put on a skit before but I am sure if we had a skit showdown they would find a way to win. Here is the one sheet. The theme this year is Superheroes and Villains. Not sure who I am going to be but I am leaning towards Spiderman.

Worship Switcher-Roo

This past Tuesday we had our weekly worship experience right before EASTER. It was a little different than what I have seen in the past and I really enjoyed it. We started out with acoustic only then had the message and then after prayer BAM! LOUD MUSIC!

For me something that small of a change was good to see. If you are a worship leader don't be afraid to switch things up a little. You'll find that it becomes easier the more you do it. I believe it forces authentic worship because its not what the norm is. Don't get me wrong having a consistent pattern week to week is cool but switching it up to me makes you think. You are not blindly worshiping but truly worshiping God.

RECYCLE

While reading Collide Magazine the other day an article by Tim Stevens called; You Can Be Innovative Without Being Original, really resonated with me.

It is long so I won't bore you with all the details I just want you to look at a section of it.

"Artists—keep making great art! Video professionals—keep creating visual wonders that inspire and motivate me. Musicians—don’t stop writing lyrics and songs that draw me close to God.
But for everyone else—don’t apologize for being a recycling expert. Find the best of the best and use it to make a difference in your community!"

I think this principle can be applied to any leadership position. If there is something that works in one place and you believe it can work for you then don't feel bad if you use the same exact methods. RECYCLE.

For more of the article check out:

You Can Be Innovative Without Being Original

FREE EVENT

This Sunday, April 5th, if you want to go to a free event Shandon is hosting a night time worship experience for all. If you are in the area you should definitely check it out. If anything its free. So check it out.

Music

Its amazing how music can speak to us. Right now MY BRIGHTNESS by Charlie Hall is speaking to me. I don't know Charlie Hall that well other than I shook his hand; and that's because of a friend. I am digging this song though.

So my question is what songs speak to you?

GIVE

For the past couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to meet with a group of guys on Wednesday mornings. We eat, talk, and have really solid discussions about this book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. We went over Chapter 7 today and, like the whole book, it really has made me think through my thought process on some things. One in particular is this idea of GIVING. One phrase that sticks out to me goes like this:

When it's hard and you are doubtful, give more.

Even for me that's hard; and I consider myself a person who gives of his time a good bit.

Francis goes on to say on the next page...

Pride tells you that you've sacrificed more than others. Fear tells you it's time to worry about the future. Friends say you've given enough, that it's someone else's turn now. But Jesus says keep on and you will see more of God.

What I want to do is encourage those who are giving to the point where you feel you are running on fumes to give a little more. TRUST ME its worth it.

There is this awesome quote which I can't take credit for, Dave Ramsey deserves it, but he says "GIVING is in our DNA." And its so true. We are meant to GIVE. And you know what I am talking about because when you do give whether its of your time, money, wisdom, etc it feels good. REALLY GOOD. So I pray you are able to give more abundantly than before. And when it becomes hard remember YOU WILL SEE MORE OF GOD in you own life when you do.