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I recently moved to a new church.  We are excited about what God is going to do with us here at Highland Park in Muscle Shoals, but we really do miss our friends in Scottsboro.  Starting over is not something that really is desirable. It’s fun sometimes, but it’s incredibly hard to do.  My only prayer is that God will use us more than he ever has.  The challenges and experiences at Calvary really have made me a stronger leader and a person who is ready to take these new challenges head on. I only hope God will bless us as we continue to follow Him whenever and wherever He may lead.

Could it be so bad (to follow all these dreams) I have (and use them for Your glory).

I remember having conversations with my good friend and fellow #1G fan, Matt Evans, about this very line on a ride home from school one night. We talked about taking your passions and using that to glorify God. As I sit here in my office and listen to that line is sparks a desire to make my passions count. I think God is much more pleased in us when glorify Him, when he is  a priority seen in our lives, via who we really are. Far too many times in the church, we feel that we have to fit a mold that others have made.  I have heard “he may be the next Billy Graham” from many pastors and others (not about myself mind you, but I’ve heard that used in descriptions of others).  Billy Graham is a great man of God who’s influence on America  for the sake of the gospel may never be duplicated; however, I don’t think God wants anyone else to be “the next Billy Graham.” God wants me to be a man who follows after Him completely and uses my passions for His glory.  

I guess the point in all my ramblings is to say, just be yourself. I will just be myself.  If not, then we are failing in keeping His commands – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”- Col. 3:17

As I walked among the tables, I saw youth workers from different churches talking with other youth workers from other churches.  It is so important that we find community with each other, that we can come together and bounce ideas off each other and pray for each other.  I hope and pray that there were some relationships that began last night that can stay connected help each other out as they seek to help students connect with Christ.  I just want to say thank you to all who made last night a success.

I received a copy of the study resource that goes along with the book to view and review.  Each chapter has a short video to go along with it (not the same video as the ones to preview each chapter found at www.crazylovebook.com) that are great leadings into the discussion questions provided in this resource DVD.  Personally, I found this study to really peek my interest in thinking through spiritual matters everyday and pushed me to pray like I’ve never prayed before.  I think this is a must have resource for all believers.  The Holy Spirit will use this to grow you.  The question is, Are you open to this kind of growth?”

There was a downside to this resource, however.  If you are getting this to do in a group setting, such as a small group that will read through the book individually and use this resource study guide during the sessions, it’s probably not the guide for you.  There are only a few questions for each chapter and they really don’t lend themselves to open discussion among a group.  Now, each chapter can be read, and along with this study guide, questions can be pulled from the actual book to discuss and passages to read/study during the group time.

 If you are going to use this study as part of a group session, you will want more than what is offered  here. But for individual study and used as one part of a group discussion on the Biblical aspects of Crazy Love, there is nothing better.   That’s how I will use it in the future.   So watch the chapter intros on the website, read each chapter, and then use this excellent personal study resource to further apply the truths Francis has pulled from God’s Word and shown in his book.  May God bless you as you seek after his crazy love!

Prayer changes things. God wants us to pray at all times.  Today, I have worked hard at continually praying throughout the day.  I want to challenge you to do the same.  Because, as The great MC Hammer once said, we’ve got to pray just to make it today

2. Share the Gospel with Patrick again

3.  Spend time in books of Ecclesiastes and John

5. Put emphasis on Invincible Conference

6.  Continue in giving plan

1.  First trip like this with my wife

2.  Comes at a perfect time ministerially, getting geared up for spring

3.  Comes at a perfect time educationally, I haven’t had any training since I finished seminary over a year ago

4.  Comes at a perfect time spiritually, I’ve got drainage that’s not related to the weather

5. Francis Chan!

6.  Getting to hang out with my state associates

7. Food and games at Jillians

8. Meeting other youth minister’s from around the southeast

9. Have I mentioned Francis Chan?

 I’m not going to have 10 things on this list.  It’s not a top 10 list.  So there.

Back to my original point – in comparing my effort in knowing Shakespearian lit and knowing God’s Word, God’s Word can come up way short.  A few minutes a day, a brief passage that runs in my eyes and out of my mind just wont cut it.  For me to be the person I need to be, the person God has called me to be as a Christ-follower, I must KNOW the Word.  It must come out of me.  

A verse that have been on my mind as I write this is “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good when you are evil?  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”( Matt. 12:34 ESV)  If I want my words to be “seasoned as with salt” (Col. 4:6), then I must KNOW His Word.  it has to come out of me. And the only way that will happen is if I spend time reading, studying, and praying through it.   May we all KNOW His Word.