Praying for a New Reformation

Delta has a ton of good stuff coming up---Student Life on March 9-10, Walk on Water the 2nd Tuesday in March, Six Flags in April, a summer mission trip to a Navajo reservation in New Mexico, our upstairs room about to be completed, etc. So many things are happening that I really believe will grow and unify our youth group, and grow our students closer to Christ. If you know me, you know that this is my great prayer---That students will know Jesus intimately. Intimacy with Jesus is so different from intimacy with another person. Andy Stanley defines intimacy this way---"Knowing someone fully, and being fully known by that person, without any fear of rejection". This is the intimacy that Christ offers.

I long for growth in our group, change in the lives of our students, for the church (not Riverside, but THE Church) to change, and for the world to change as a result. I read a book last year called "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne that has really challenged me on this. This book tells the story of a Buddhist monk, who as a young man, wanted to change the world. He tried, and failed, so he decided he would change his nation. He failed again, but believed with his experience, he could change his city. Again, he failed. He thought then that he might focus on just changing his family. Again, no success. As a very old man, he finally realized, that if he wanted to change the world, then he must first change himself.

This is where I am in life, and in my relationship with Christ. I have turned in my letter of resignation at the hospital I've worked at for the past 19 years, so I can have more time to devote to Christ and advancing His kingdom. It's a scary time for Carly and myself, but I know that if I want our students to be fully committed, then I must demonstrate full commitment. Not only must I be a better steward of my time, but I must pray more, love more, and care for my own body more.

I have come to view life as something bigger than just a struggle to pay the bills, or to get a bigger house or a newer car. God has called me, and all of us, to be a part of something legendary, to have our names written as a part of God's great story. I know I won't ever be a Moses or a David, a great leader that has his name recorded for all history as an incredible prophet or a mighty king. What I want to be is someone who was called, and followed that call with all of his heart. There are some folks that I've talked to about my recent decisions that swear I'm ruining my life---For Jesus' sake, that seems like a worthwhile endeavor, or a great prayer---"Jesus, ruin my life. Take away all of the distractions and let me follow You." This is where a new reformation will begin---inside of the hearts of Christians who love Jesus enough to not only die for Him, but to live for Him, as well.

Pray for Carly and I during this time, and for Delta and Riverside as we continue on this amazing adventure.