God's Provision

About six weeks ago I committed to going on a mission trip to New York City over Spring Break with Oklahoma City K-Life.  For those of you who don't know what K-Life is, K-Life is a middle school and high school student ministry that I help out with.  Anyway, I committed to going on the mission trip not really knowing where the finances would come from.

I decided to go on the trip because while I was praying about it, Matthew 28:18-20 was put on my heart.  Some of you may know this as the "Great Commission" where Jesus instructs the disciples to "make disciples of all nations."  As I thought about this verse, I began thinking, "Why wouldn't God want me to go on this trip?"  I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to go, so I committed.  The only problem was I wasn't sure how I would pay for it.

Ever since I was a little kid I saved all my money.  When my sister and I would get an allowance for weekly chores, I saved every penny I received.  Through the years I built-up a savings, but I had to cut into my savings this past year to pay for my trip to South Sudan.  To help pay the total cost of going, I raised support from friends and family.  I am so thankful for the generosity of those who supported me on that trip.  I still had to use a large portion of my savings though to pay for the rest of the costs.  I wasn't sure how I was going to pay for the trip to New York City knowing the money in my savings account would not be enough to cover all the expenses.  I wasn't going to raise support either since I had just done that a few months ago.  I just trusted that God would provide the money in His timing.

A couple weeks ago I wrote a check that covered part of the cost of going on the trip.  Last Friday, March 9, I found out a K-Life board member donated a very generous amount on my behalf.  After the generous donation by the board member, I still owed $300 as of this time last week.  I continued to pray that God would provide.

Last Saturday, March 10, my mom left a voicemail on my phone telling me she had some "Good news."  I called her back later that afternoon.  She told me there was an envelope in the mail addressed to me that came in the mail the day before.  When my mom saw who it was from, Mercy St. John's, she figured it was an insurance reimbursement for an office visit.  When she opened the envelop, she saw a check addressed to me for $323.  She suddenly realized St. John's reimbursed me for the vaccination shots I had to get before going to South Sudan.  That's not the craziest part though.

When I received the vaccinations during Fall Break last year, I asked if our insurance would cover the cost, and they told me it would not.  FIVE MONTHS LATER, I received a check they said would not come.  Not only did I receive a check they said would not come, but I received the check the week the money was due for the New York City mission trip.  I owed $300 for the mission trip, and I received this check for $323.

Is it any coincidence this money came the week the money was due for the New York City mission trip?  I think not!  God revealed his power in one of the most mighty ways I have ever experienced.  I received those vaccinations FIVE MONTHS AGO!  And they told me I would not be reimbursed for them.  God intervened though and prompted someone to send me a reimbursement check.

There is no way anyone can doubt the power of God in this situation.  There's no other explanation why this money would be sent to me at this specific time.  It was all in God's timing.

If you don't believe in God, or don't believe in the power of God, seriously consider the significance of this situation.  First, I wasn't even supposed to receive a reimbursement.  Second, the money (that wasn't supposed to come) came the week all the money was due for the mission trip and happened to be enough to cover the $300 I still owed.

There is no other explanation other than God revealing His power, provision, faithfulness, and incredible timing, all for His glory and my joy.

If you ever feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to do something you don't have the resources for, take a step of faith and commit to whatever it is.  God will reveal His power in ways you never could have imagined.  NEVER let finances keep you from doing something God is calling you to do.  He will provide all you need, in His timing... and don't be surprised if this happens to be at the last second.

God is real.  God is loving.  And God is active.

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Every Wednesday night I try to attend a Bible study on campus here at Oklahoma Christian University.  The Bible study is directed mostly toward athletes.  In previous years it was called "Character Class," but I think that name scared off too many people.  I think most students thought it was a reform class for students with major character issues.

Anyway, tonight's topic was about controlling the tongue and not swearing.  The speaker talked about how in today's society we're seeing more and more of a tolerance for bad language.  Today, it is not uncommon to hear a little kid in the 1st grade use the word "sucks".  Just a few years ago this would not have been tolerated.

One person in the group mentioned how society seems to be okay with just about every word as long as nobody uses the F-word.  If someone uses the F-word, then that person has crossed the line.  Just about every other word though seems to be acceptable.

Since when has it been okay for little kids to use the word, "sucks," not to mention everyone else?  I know a lot of you are thinking, "Kyle, seriously?  You're worried about kids using the word sucks?"  Honestly, yeah, I am worried about young kids using that word.  It goes deeper than that.  It goes much deeper than that.  The heart of the problem is what we're experiencing as a society.  We are slowly experiencing moral decay (and cue the sighs and rolling eyes).  We are experiencing a slow fade toward more and more ungodliness, including those who profess to follow Christ.

The speaker then asked those at the Bible study why we are seeing more of a tolerance for bad language.  I responded first and said the answer is simple.  I said we have wandered from studying Scripture.  Scripture is being studied less and less, and as a result, we are straying from the truth.  We are being more accepting of things that definitely would not have been acceptable fifteen years ago.  We are not allowing God's word to transform our lives, and transform the way we think and act.  Fewer and fewer people are actually studying Scripture to get more of God, and allow his Spirit to light a fire in our soul for Him and what He values.

Typically, if people happen to read the Bible daily, they tend to read a chapter or two, check it off their to-do list, and think they are "good" with God.  Or at least that was my case until 14 months ago.  Instead of studying scripture and seeing what the text meant during the time it was written, people are twisting Scripture to make it apply to their situation.  For example, so many athletes use the verse Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me."  When Paul wrote this he was not meaning the point guard at the free throw line will make the game winning shot for the conference championship.  Paul wrote this, meaning in every circumstance, whether having plenty, or having very little, he could be content in every situation because the power of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, strengthened him.  And Paul was placed in some pretty extreme situations (i.e. imprisoned, shipwrecked, abandoned, homeless, etc.)  Due to a lack of studying Scripture to get more of God and prayerfully value what He loves, we are being more tolerant of the things the world says are acceptable.

Another student spoke up after I finished.  The first thing he said was, "Well, I think that's the easy answer.  I think the problem is the ideas, rules, and morals during the 60's were so extreme that people have tried to correct that, and as a result, society has possibly overcorrected to the point of being too tolerant."

After the student finished talking I spoke up and asked him a question.  I asked him if he honestly thought the ideas during the 60's (and any other decade during the 20th century) were really that extreme from a Biblical viewpoint.

When I study Scripture it seems to me Christ calls us to live a pretty extreme life.  If we look at how Jesus and the disciples lived, they were incredibly extreme.  People absolutely hated those who followed Christ because they were so passionate about the faith.  Look at the way Paul lived.  Read the book of Acts.  In 2 Timothy 3, verse 12, Paul says this, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,..."  It's no secrete we, as believers, are called to live extreme lives.  That's why the books Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Radical by David Platt have recently been written.  We have strayed from living the radical life we are called to live as followers of Christ.

Like I said earlier, this problem goes much deeper than a young kid using the word "sucks."  Today, PG-13 movies would have been considered R-rated movies fifteen years ago.  There is less censorship on movies and music than ever before.  People are being glorified on television shows for living lives full of sin... and we think it's funny.

As I said earlier, the whole problem comes down to not studying Scripture.  We are not pursuing the heart of God to see what He values.  Until we return to God through His Word for direction, wisdom, and life transformation, we will continue to head down a path of moral decay.  Even today there are many churches that teach good morality, but refuse to preach from God's word.  There is no true, positive, life transformation apart from Jesus.  When we refuse to let the Holy Spirit transform us through Scripture, we eventually come up with books and T.V. shows titled, "Good Christian Bitches," also known as, "GCB."  It's this kind of stuff that makes Christianity a joke.

A friend and I have been reading the book Doctrine by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears.  In the tenth chapter the authors talk about the Church.  In one part they discuss why the church has struggled recently and why it doesn't look like the church in Acts 2.  At the bottom of page 306 and the top of page 307 it talks about how we can regain the mission of what the Church is supposed to be.  The authors write this, "The answer is a simple, humble, and continual return to Scripture to rekindle the love of God the Father, life of God the Son, and leading of God the Spirit in order that we be the church for the sake of the world to the glory of God."

The student who replied to my comment at the Bible study by saying, "Well, I think that's the easy answer", was absolutely correct.  The answer is that easy!  All we have to do is study the Bible in prayerful expectation that the Holy Spirit will rekindle our love for God and what He values, which will change the way we live.  It's that simple.

Carry His Name

Lately, I have been going through the book of Acts with a few friends.  The more I read Acts, the more motivated I become.  The passion the early church had for serving Christ was absolutely incredible!  Nothing else mattered except spreading the truth about how Christ came from His throne in Heaven to this fallen and broken world to save humanity from the death we deserve.  There was a sense of urgency among the disciples during this time.  They preached the truth with boldness and fearlessness.  They didn't care what others thought about them, they were living for an audience of One.  It didn't matter if they were going to be made fun of, if they were going to be rejected, if they were going to be brutally beaten, or if they were going to be killed.  I love Paul's attitude.  In Acts 20:22-24, Paul says this...

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.  I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.  However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture.  Paul was compelled by the Spirit.  While reading through Acts I have realized how Spirit-led Paul and the disciples were.  Their ministry was successful because they had an intimate relationship with the Spirit.  Everything Paul did was for the glory of God because he felt the Holy Spirit leading him.  He knew the importance of living for eternity.  Keep in mind, this is a guy who was persecuting Christians not long before.  And when the Bible says he was persecuting Christians, it doesn't mean he was just making fun of them.  He was ripping families apart.  In Acts 8:3 it reads this, "But Saul (the name of Paul before God intervened) began to destroy the church.  Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison."

The life Paul was living was beautifully interrupted by God's grace, which set in motion one of the best examples of what it looks like to passionately pursue Jesus.  This is the power of the gospel.  It doesn't matter what we have done, or the things we have said, Jesus still wants to have an intimate relationship with us.  Humbling for sure.

From the moment Paul's life was interrupted by Jesus, he passionately served the LORD.  Acts 9:20 says this of Paul, "At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God."  Paul didn't hesitate after entering a relationship with Jesus.  He immediately started sharing the gospel with others.  My question is, do we have the same passion Paul had?  Do we, as people who profess to follow Christ, have a burning desire for others to enter into the incredibly JOYFUL relationship with Christ?

Paul was not afraid to publicly preach that Jesus was the Son of God.  Paul wasn't afraid to enter the synagogues and preach about Jesus to the teachers of the law.  He was just an ordinary person like you and me.  He had no official title of "Pastor" or "Pharisee".  Every city Paul visited, he typically entered the Jewish synagogue.  He wasn't afraid of confrontation.  If there was false teaching, he would speak up and preach the truth.  He had a deep desire for everyone to know Jesus as the Messiah.  Heated discussions over truth were not uncommon to Paul.  Oh, and Paul was led by the Holy Spirit.

Another man who fearlessly preached Jesus as LORD was Apollos.  Apollos busts onto the scene in Acts 18.  Starting in verse 24, we begin to learn about Apollos.  Scripture says, "He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures."  Apollos wanted to go to the province of Achaia (lower part of Greece) to the city of Corinth.  He went there to preach the truth to the Jews who did not believe Jesus as the Messiah.  In Acts 18:28, Luke writes this of Apollos, "For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."  Apollos didn't just casually say, "Yeah, you all may want to take a look at these Scriptures.  I think there's some truth in here that may help you.  Here's a copy of the Scriptures.  I'll be praying for you guys."  No, he "...vigorously refuted the Jews."

Acts 19:8 reads this, "Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God."

Paul, Apollos, and many other disciples during this time were not afraid to preach truth to those who did not believe.  I feel like we have strayed sooooo far from that.  Today we're told to respect other's opinions and not "step on other people's toes."  If we offend someone, then we have definitely crossed the line.  I personally think this is ridiculous.  Don't get me wrong, I believe we should respect others.  If people are not willing to argue the truth, then we need to respect that.  But if people are willing to argue the truth, then argue it.  We're talking about LIFE and DEATH here.  Eternal life and death.  It doesn't get anymore urgent than that.  If we truly love others, then we need to share the truth with them before it's too late.  There should be a sense of urgency among followers of Christ today to preach Jesus as the Son of God.

St. Francis of Assisi said this, "Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words."  Yeah, this sounds great, but what if we actually lived this way?  What if Paul and Apollos lived this way?  What if Paul hardly ever used words to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God?  Where would the body of Christ be today if Paul didn't have the boldness to argue persuasively about the Kingdom of God?  I'm guessing you (if you profess to follow Christ) and I wouldn't be Christians right now.  We have to use words to preach the gospel.  We have to preach the gospel always through word and deed.  The Holy Spirit's work through Paul is one of the main reasons the story of Jesus as LORD continues today.

Remember, Paul was just another ordinary person.  He wasn't a pastor or teacher of the law, he built tents for a living.  So many people who profess to follow Christ think, "Well, I'm not a pastor so it's not really my job to preach the gospel."  They think they don't have the qualifications or credentials to preach to others.  Some may think, "Well, I don't want others to think I'm too 'Holy'."  Others may have the idea that they will be viewed as above everyone else if they preach Jesus.  If Paul had this attitude then we would all be in trouble.  Thankfully, Paul didn't care what others thought of him and lived solely for God.  His only mission was to faithfully serve Christ, no matter what the cost.  We are called to do the same.

My prayer for us as followers of Christ, is that we would develop an intimacy with the Holy Spirit, and would boldly and fearlessly share the gospel.  Just because you may be in high school or college doesn't mean you can't be mature in the faith and boldly preach Jesus as the Son of God.  God is no respecter of age.  Don't be afraid to argue the truth with others.  It just may lead to their eternal salvation.

What God Calls You to Do, He Equips You to Do

This Christmas break I had the opportunity to go to South Sudan with my cousin, Jennie.  First, I want to apologize to those who supported me on this trip.  In my letter I told you I would update my blog on how the LORD is working in South Sudan.  Once I returned from the mission trip I failed to make time to blog about some of my experiences in Africa.  So, to those who supported me, sorry for not being more timely in updating you on how the trip went.  I also want to say I will blog more on my experiences while in South Sudan, but it would be impossible to share them all in one blog post.  Well, it may be possible, but I doubt any of you would read it because it would be a very long post (much longer than this one).  So, I will be sure to blog about my experiences as the LORD puts them on my heart to share.  Anyway, onto the trip...

South Sudan is located in the Sahel region of northeastern Africa.  The countries that border it are Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Sudan.  South Sudan is the world's newest nation.  They gained their independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, just six months ago.  It is a country that has been devastated by civil war the past 30+ years.  Many of the people in what is now South Sudan have placed their faith in Christianity and wanted freedom from the extremist Muslim Arab North.  Many families have been ripped apart because of the violence.  Literally, millions of children are orphaned in Sudan and South Sudan because their parents have died due to war, disease, or famine.  It's a country that has endured more pain and suffering than most of us can imagine.

I met Jennie in Washington D.C. on December 16th.  We stayed at a couples house who Jennie attended college with.  That night we had our last American meal at a Mexican restaurant (how ironic, I guess that's not really American haha) and then we drove around the National Mall, looking at all the monuments lit at night.  After playing "Tourist" for a couple hours, we went back to their house and got ready for bed.  That night there were definitely butterflies in my stomach.  I was nervous about going to Africa, especially South Sudan.  I knew violence was still prevalent throughout both countries, and I knew rebel groups were still creating problems in South Sudan.  I was also aware of the danger of disease.  Before going on the trip I had to get vaccinated for many diseases, including Yellow Fever.  I also received a 37 page packet warning me of the dangers of traveling to this area.  While I was getting ready for bed, I saw a framed scapbook page hanging on the wall of the room I was staying in.  The guy we were staying with had been to West Africa a few years before and the pictures in the frame were from his trip.  Along with the pictures was the Bible verse, Joshua 1:9, which reads, "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  Reading this brought me so much confirmation and comfort; knowing God was going to be with me the whole way.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

The next morning we woke up and went to Washington Dulles International Airport.  As we stood in line at the check-in counter butterflies started fluttering in my stomach again.  I was dressed in a red hoodie with black sweat pants.  All the Sudanese people around us were dressed up in their finest clothing, including the very tall Sudanese diplomats dressed up in their suits and ties.  It began to cross my mind that I was about to enter a culture that was completely different than anything I was used to.  We made our way to the terminal and found a place to sit down.  The thought went through my mind, "Well, there's no turning back now."  We boarded the plane and I found my seat next to two Americans headed to Malawi for Christmas break.  They were two college students who were very experienced travelers.  As we talked, they asked where I was headed.  I told them where and why I was traveling.  They were so excited to hear I was going to South Sudan.  They told me they would love to visit there at some point.  This got me excited and relieved the butterflies I was feeling.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

We arrived in Juba, South Sudan the next day after catching a connecting flight in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  The good news was we arrived safely in Juba, the bad news was our five bags did not.  Because a lot of people were returning home to South Sudan for the holidays and bringing lots of Christmas gifts, Ethiopian Airlines got way behind on delivering bags to South Sudan.  While I sat outside the airport trying to grasp the fact that I was in a third-world country with only my Bible, a few snacks, credentials, one change of clothes, and my vitamins and malaria medication, my cousin was busy trying to see when we could expect our bags and trying to find someone who would give us a decent exchange rate.  When she returned, I asked her when the Ethiopian Airlines airport administrator thought our bags would arrive.  She said they were expected to arrive in 2-4 days.  Typically, this would make me a bit worried (okay, a lot worried), but at this point I felt the power of prayer and realized God was in control and would provide for our needs.  If I wasn't 100% sure that God called me to go on this mission trip, I would have bought a ticket for America right then.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

We spent a couple days in Juba at a women's drop-in shelter called Confident Children Out of Conflict.  It's a center that provides girls 18 and under a safe place to hang out during the day since the streets can be dangerous.  For those two days in Juba I wore the set of clothes I packed in my carry-on backpack.  Wearing the same thing two consecutive days, especially in Africa, is not the most clean thing to do.  The whole city is very dusty and dirty, so it doesn't take long for clothes to be covered in dirt.  I also didn't have any of my toiletries, so being clean at this point wasn't really an option.  If you know me well, you know I like to be very clean.  I often take two showers a day and always wash my hands before I eat.  Wearing the same nasty clothes for two days could have given me a bad attitude, but I was able to relax and trust that God was in control.  I fully know the reason I was able to relax and not worry was because there were so many people back home praying for Jennie and me.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

Two days later we received our bags.  The next morning we traveled to a Children's Village/orphanage in Yei, South Sudan.  It was a 100 mile trip from Juba to Yei that took 6 hours and 35 minutes.  The dirt roads are incredibly bad and the 15 passenger van loaded with 18 people was not moving very quickly due to all the luggage placed on top of the van.  At one of the stops, my cousin informed me that the lady in front of her was vomiting.  Once again, if you know me well, you know I don't handle vomit very well.  Naturally, when we started moving again, I would glance over to see if she was sick.  It was one of those moments when you put your hands over your eyes, but you peak through the gaps between your fingers to see if it's true.  As we kept traveling, the bumpy roads continued to upset the women's stomach, and she continued to get sick.  Once again, a calming peace came over me and I was able to relax.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

We spent five, great days in Yei.  It was amazing hanging out with all the kids!  There are about 120 kids at the Children's Village.  Every kid just wants to be held and loved.  I was blessed to meet some incredible people who encouraged me in my walk with Christ, and taught me some great truths about God's word.  We celebrated Christmas day by having all the kids open gifts, and then we had church.  After church we had Christmas day lunch!  Christmas day lunch was a huge treat.  We had rice, cabbage, fries, goat, lamb, intestines, and goat hair that had accidentally fallen into the meat while it was being prepared. While I was eating Christmas day lunch, a child had fallen off a bench and began crying hysterically.  The child had eaten a little too much and couldn't catch his breath, so he started vomiting about fifteen feet from where I was sitting.  One of the older guys at the village tended to the child.  I looked at the child, looked at my food, and started eating the rest of my Christmas day lunch.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

The next day we left the Children's village and went back to Juba.  As we were leaving the bus park a lady a couple rows in front of us started feeling sick.  We pulled over and she got a couple bags from someone on the street.  We left Yei and began the bumpy trip back to Juba.  The lady was sick for at least half the trip.  Once again, I felt the calming peace of prayer come over me and I was able to relax.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

Some of the other situations where I felt the power of prayer and God's hand upon me...

1. Having a peace during the whole trip knowing God is in control
2. Processing all the poverty in the region
3. Never getting sick from the water or food
4. Having a great attitude about some of the inconveniences that come with being in a third-world country i.e. bucket baths and latrines
5. Not running into any problems with the authorities i.e. extra and unnecessary visa charges
6. Not worrying about safety, and many other situations

In this blog I know I focused on some of the things that didn't go according to my plan.  I want to be clear that this trip was amazing!  The reason I pointed out some of the difficulties was because I wanted to make the point that God provides for our every need, especially when He calls us to tasks that stretch our faith.  I knew without a doubt God was calling me to go on this trip.  One of the things that He taught me was that no matter where I go, He is always with me.  When obeying God's call, He will provide for every need that may arise.  He may put you in situations that require you to lean on Him more than you usually would, but that's the point.  Everything He does is designed to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him.  There is NO WAY I would have made it nine days in South Sudan without God strengthening me the whole time.  I have never felt the power of prayer like I did on this trip.  When situations came up that would typically put me in a bad mood, the Holy Spirit gave me a great attitude about it, and strengthened me to press on.

I want to encourage any of you who may feel God's call to do something that seems impossible, or more than you think you can bear.  If God is calling you to a certain task, do not ignore it.  There is something incredible He wants to do through you, and probably something He wants to reveal to you, all designed to bring you into a deeper relationship with Him.  What God calls you to do, He equips you to do.

Seasons of Life

I have always been told there are seasons, seasons of life.  Typically, we are raised in a home under the supervision of an adult.  We then leave the home to begin working, or further our education.  After that, we are all in the workforce trying to make a living (hopefully).  Life can get stressful trying to pay bills, and possibly support a family.  We eventually grow old, cherish time with family and friends more than ever, and eventually end our lives here on earth.  Again, this is typically speaking.

There are also seasons within those broad seasons mentioned above.  We could have a season of the 1st grade, or a season of practicing a hobby, or a season of moving to a new school.  There are countless seasons in life.

On December 4th, 2008, I signed to play golf at Oklahoma Christian University.  I didn't even know about Oklahoma Christian until November 30th, 2008, only one month before I signed to play golf there.  I was playing a practice round with a friend in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and he asked me, "Have you thought about playing college golf in Oklahoma?  Oklahoma Christian has a good team."  I replied quickly by saying, "Psshh, no.  There is no way I am going to school in Oklahoma.  I want to go farther south like Texas, Alabama, Florida, or Georgia."  What-do-you-know, I attend school in the heart of Oklahoma.

This was a new season for me.  I was leaving Republic, Missouri, a town I had lived in my whole life.  I went to college only knowing one kid who I had met only a few months before.  We met at a golf tournament during the summer, and we talked for maybe 10 seconds before he was about to tee-off.

I was looking forward to school, college golf, and meeting new people.

At first, it was tough meeting new people.  Everyone seemed to know each other, and the school seemed very "cliquish," but God placed some people in my life who have been, and are, absolutely unbelievable.

I'll be honest, the first two years of college were not fun at all.  First, my golf game was (and still is) absolutely terrible.  I have had some better rounds lately, but I still have the worst scoring average on the team... slowly improving :) .  Academics have gone really well the past two years, but that hasn't been fun either.  I always questioned why God brought me to Oklahoma, especially Oklahoma Christian.  I love major universities.  I love the excitement of big football and basketball games on Saturday.  I love walking across huge campuses with gorgeous trees, and stone structured buildings that date back to the late 1800's.  I love large universities.  I always questioned why God directed my path to Oklahoma Christian.  It's a school that is located in the center of Oklahoma, has about 2,300 undergrad students, no football program, midnight curfew for freshman, room checks, and a golf team that could easily compete with the majority of NCAA Division I golf programs.  The main reason I came to Oklahoma Christian was because of the golf program.  In my two-and-a-half years of being here, I have played in a total of 2 golf tournaments.  Both tournaments were in Oklahoma City, which means everyone on the team gets to play because it is a local tournament (In golf, typically only the top 5 play and travel to tournaments).  The past two years I doubted whether or not I was supposed to go to OC.  Until now.

I can honestly say I am 100% content and happy where the LORD has me.  I am beginning to see why God has placed me in Oklahoma.  I go to a school that has a great business department, especially accounting (my major).  I am blessed to have the opportunity to attend a university that is based on Christian values.  One of my classes, "Christian Family," is a class that prepares us for the upcoming seasons in our life, and teaches us how to live each season in accordance to God's word.  I don't think there is any class that is more beneficial and more applicable for my future than my Christian Family class.

The people I have met, the opportunities I have been given, the things I have learned, have all been incredible blessings from God which I am just now beginning to see.  The people in Oklahoma are some of the nicest people I have met.  I have friends at school, friends at K-Life (middle school and high school student ministry), friends from other universities, and friends from golf.

I feel like I am growing more spiritually than I ever have.  I have been blessed with AMAZING friends who desire to pursue Christ and all He has for them.  The community and fellowship with my friends has been so encouraging.  To have friends who enjoy discussing God's word and encourage me to live-out God's love is unbelievably comforting.  I love where I am right now.  However, I know this is just a season.  I know God is shaping me into the man he wants me to be, and preparing me for what He has planned for my life.

We serve a great and mighty God who sees the bigger picture.  Sometimes, our lives might not make sense.  We have to hold onto hope and trust that God is in control.  He has a much, MUCH greater plan for our lives than we could ever dream of... seriously!  Living for Christ's name is anything but boring.  When we follow God's call for our lives, He will take us places we never dreamed we would go, he introduces us to people we never thought we would meet, and he teaches us things we never believed we would learn.  We are clay in the Potter's hand.  Allow God to chisel you into the person He wants you to be.  If you are bored, want something to do, and/or want to fill a void/emptiness in your life, try chasing after Christ.  Open the Bible and study it.  Once you are led by the Spirit, you will no longer be left empty (John 4:14).  God will lead you from one season to the next for work that can only be done through the power of the Spirit, with the fellowship of other believers, all for the glory of God.

The seasons of life may change, but our God remains the same.

Quiet Time Moments

I thought about not taking the time to write this since I have to get up in four hours, but I really felt the need to share it.

Tonight, after I finished studying for my accounting test which is tomorrow morning, I spent some time in prayer (something I am currently working on.... my prayer life is definitely lacking).  As I was praying, the Holy Spirit put on my heart the K-Life small group memory verse for the week.  I opened my Bible and turned to Ephesians 6:16-18.  It reads this, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  The part that really stood out to me was verse 17 where it talks about the word of God being the sword of the Spirit.  

If the Bible is the sword of the Spirit, why would we go to battle without it?  We would be defenseless.  A shield can only do so much.  A sword is necessary for survival.  It can block attacks from the enemy, and it can pierce right through the soul.  The Bible is 100% needed if we are going to succeed in living our lives for Christ.  We have to know the Word.  The only way to know the Word is by opening it and studying it.  This requires time (more than once a week at church).  Open and study it every day.  It's necessary.

The Cost of Following Christ

Ever since the Passion Conference in January, the Lord has really been working in my life.  I have grown more in my faith the past five months than I think I ever have in my entire life.  I am so thankful the Lord has been molding me and shaping me.  It's hard to describe the transformation that takes place when God reveals himself in mighty ways.  God has completely changed my heart and my thinking when it comes to viewing this life.  I still have a long way to go, but I'm thankful for the change that has taken place so far.

Recently, I finished reading the book, Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper.  WOW!  What a powerful book!  There are many things that Piper says that may seem "radical" or "ridiculous" to most people.  But, everything he says is Bible based.

When I went to the Passion Conference I became a fan of the Christian rap artist, Lecrae.  Many people might think, "Christian rap artist?  Really?  That's ridiculous."  But before you go bash Chrstian rap, I would highly encourage you to listen to Lecrae's lyrics.  His Spirit inspired music is filled with scripture and truth.  There are so many songs that I think, "YES!  That's what it's about!"

There are many leaders in the Christian church who I think really get it.  One of the common themes I have seen is suffering and surrendering to Christ.  A few of the people that have great things to say about these topics are John Piper, Francis Chan, David Platt, Louie Giglio, and Lecrae.

The Bible is very clear in what we are to do as believers and followers of Christ.  In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells the disciples what they are to do.  Keep in mind these are Jesus' last instructions to the disciples.  (Must be pretty important if this is what Jesus wanted them to remember)... "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

This passage is known as the Great Commission.  Every time I read this I think, "Kyle, have you obeyed these instructions?  Are you making disciples?  Are you letting others know about the hope, freedom, peace, joy, and most importantly, love, found in Jesus Christ our Savior?"  We are placed on this earth for one reason, and one reason only.  That is to glorify God in all we do, and let others know about his love and mercy.  I agree with the Christian leaders I mentioned above.  As Christians, we have lost sight of what it means to be a follower of Christ.  We have become too wrapped up in the busyness of life and it seems like we just go through the motions.  Unfortunately, I feel Christianity has become something we do on Sundays, instead of a relationship we have with our LORD every second of every day.

Lecrae says it perfectly in his song, "Go Hard"... "Aw mayne we ain't focused on the war we just kickin it.  Worried bout our image and our space up on the internet."

I'm afraid Lecrae is right.  And I know I'm guilty.  We aren't focused on the war (spiritual war).  We aren't focused on making disciples.  We are self-absorbed.  John Piper would refer to this self-centered living as a wasted life.


Chapter five of Piper's book, Don't Waste Your Life is titled, "Risk is Right - Better to Lose Your Life Than to Waste It".  In this chapter he talks about risking our lives for the sake of Christ.  On page 85 Piper references what Paul said in Acts 20:23, "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me."  Paul knew that his work for Christ would bring about persecution.


Paul was not afraid to risk his life for the sake of Christ.  In Philippians 1:21, Paul says this, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."  Paul had no fear of suffering so Christ might be known among more people.  People wanted to literally kill Paul for preaching Christ's name.  Paul didn't care.  He obediently followed where the LORD led him, even if he might be killed.


Many of you might disagree with me or say I'm crazy, but I believe we are still called to this type of living today.  As Christians, we have become too comfortable.  We sing songs with words like, "Jesus, I believe in You and I would go, to the ends of the earth, to the ends of the earth." (To The Ends Of The Earth by Hillsong United).  And other songs like, "My whole life is Yours.  I give it all.  Surrendered to Your name.  And forever I will pray, have Your way, have Your way." (Arms Open Wide by Hillsong United).


We sing these lyrics, but do we really mean them?  Would we really go to the ends of the earth for Christ if we felt called to?  Do we really wish that Christ would have his way in us?  Would we really give up everything to go serve Christ on the other side of the globe, even if we knew it would cost us our life?


Why are we scared to suffer for being a Christian?  When we open up the Bible it is clear that we will be persecuted for being followers of Christ.  In 1 Peter, Paul addresses the scattered and persecuted church.  In 1 Peter 4:12 he says this, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."  In Piper's book, Piper also referenced John 15:20.  In this verse, Jesus says this, "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.  If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."  I think the verse speaks for itself.  We will be persecuted for being Christians.  Why then are we surprised when people make fun of us for being Christians?  Or why are we surprised when people physically hurt or murder Christians? (Not really seen in America, more in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia)  We should know this is part of following Christ.  Persecution for serving Christ is not something to run from, but something to rejoice in (1 Peter 4:13-14).


There is someone who I recently have come to admire and respect a lot, more than I ever have before.  I'll be honest, I used to think she was crazy for placing herself in situations where she could very easily get sick from poor living conditions, or get killed by those who are strongly opposed to Christianity.  My cousin, Jennie, is one of the most fearless, faithful Christians I know.  She is one of the most happy, joyful persons I know too.


Jennie spent most of her childhood as a missionary in Mozambique, Africa with her family.  They came back to the States and Jennie went off to college.  After she graduated from college, Jennie felt called to serve in Yei, Sudan at an orphanage.  A lot of us wondered why she would want to place herself in such a dangerous situation.  Jennie didn't care though.  She knew God was calling her to reach out to these kids who needed to be loved.


Jennie has definitely experienced what it means to follow Christ no matter what the cost.  Many times she has been sick; illnesses she wouldn't have had, had she been in the States.  Some of these illnesses have placed her in the hospital for many days.  Once again, Jennie didn't care.  Yes, I'm sure she wished she had never gotten sick, but she had an amazing attitude about it!  She knew God wanted her in Sudan, and nothing was going to stop her from serving Christ.


The most we have ever worried about Jennie was a few years ago when she almost had an encounter with a rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).  The Lord's Resistance Army is a group that has risen up against the government.  It is not uncommon for this group to abduct and rape civilians, including children.  I'm not completely sure, but I think the LRA came within a mile or two of the orphanage.  Jennie told her family to pray, and then we lost contact with her for a few days.  We weren't sure if Jennie and the orphanage were okay, or if the LRA found them.  Only by the grace of God, the LRA never made it to the orphanage.


At this point, everyone in our family wanted Jennie to come home.  We all thought it was too dangerous for her to be there.  All the sicknesses and the close encounters with the rebel groups never made Jennie waiver in her calling to serve in Sudan.  She knew she was where God wanted her, even if it was dangerous.


Like I said earlier, I have always thought Jennie was crazy for placing herself in such dangerous situations... until now.  I completely understand where Jennie is coming from.  Her faith is so strong that she will follow Christ wherever He may lead her, even if there is a good chance she could lose her life.  Jennie, I am amazed at how obedient you are to where the LORD calls you.  You have inspired me, encouraged me, and have shown me what it means to be a servant of the Most High.


Jennie has finished her time in Sudan, and is now faithfully serving the LORD here in the States.  She has a heart for human sex trafficking victims, and is working to help those who have been enslaved to such ugly treatment.


Jennie's birthday was yesterday.  I'm so thankful I have an amazing cousin who faithfully and obediently serves the LORD no matter what the cost.  Jennie, next time you take a trip to Sudan I would love to go with you!


Jennie lives out the call of Matthew 28:18-20.  She has experienced the hardships that Paul talks about in his letters.  She knows what it means to suffer for Christ, and there is no greater joy than that.


Jennie, I love you.  Thank you for sharing Christ's love to so many.


I'm preaching to myself when I say this, we need more people who are willing to serve Christ and go where He calls, no matter what the cost.  As Lecrae says in his song, "Go Hard", "Lord kill me if I don't preach the gospel.  I'm still in my 20's, but I'll die if I got to"..... "But it's people out here dying and none of em heard the message."


We are here to serve God and glorify Him.  There is no greater joy than humbly serving God.


Here are a couple pictures from Jennie's time in Sudan.