"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.”
~Colossians 1:4-5
“I’ve always known this isn’t home…” This phrase has been echoing in my head since I heard is last week. It is from a Bethany Dillon song and it struck a chord deep within my heart. I realized that although Jesus purchased eternity with Him, I still live as though satisfaction can be found on earth. I live as though there is something more that can be found around the next corner and the reason I haven’t reached it yet is because I have more to do or God is holding out on me.
In a sense it is true, there is something more, but it is HIM, Christ Jesus our Lord. I will not experience it until I am in His presence. John 17:3 tells us that eternal live is not just a heavenly destination. It is being reunited in a relationship with Christ.
Our culture tells us otherwise though. This summer I spent 2 months ministering in community. Since returning, I have found myself lonely in Lexington. One of my good friends moved away to grad school and life had changed while I was gone. My roommate is growing in relationship with a wonderful man, and I have found myself discouraged by what life could be and what it really is….I believe the lie that I am living it alone. The combination of a crazy schedule and sudden health problems have left me discouraged and tired.
Last week the Lord reminded me that I am not in search of anyone, but of Him and He is pursuing me in return. I read the above verse in Colossians and was convicted that the reason the Colossian church experienced strong faith and love for others was steeped in their understanding that life here is not what we are living for.
It is ironic that these feelings of longing are much like those of the freshmen I have been trying to reach. Only many of them still believe they can find perfection because they have yet to hear of the perfect one. As I relearn this pray for them to meet HIM.
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth..." ~ Hebrews 11:13
Monday, September 28, 2009
Calling to Himself a new family
What would it look like for the culture of the campus to change? This is a question my team asks often. Fall 2009 at UK launched with a new team of nearly 50 student lead Bible studies and servant teams in CRU (the name we use for our ministry on campus). God laid it on our hearts to trust Him to have 1000 gospel conversations during fall semester. That means that our team of students and staff would commit to share the gospel giving people a chance to respond at least twice a week through finals in December.
Since unveiling this goal, we have had 9 people, nearly 10% of the people we share with make a decision to accept Christ into their life. Starting with 7 freshmen in the first week and a half of school! Students and staff are now meeting with these new believers for follow up and helping them get involved in Bible studies. Praise the Lord!
Since unveiling this goal, we have had 9 people, nearly 10% of the people we share with make a decision to accept Christ into their life. Starting with 7 freshmen in the first week and a half of school! Students and staff are now meeting with these new believers for follow up and helping them get involved in Bible studies. Praise the Lord!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Video of Summer Project in New York
A friend made a video of our ministry in New York this summer. To watch it check out YouTube "Tribeca Summer Project 2009" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYbrD52_9yI). Enjoy! I will be posting an update and more videos soon.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
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