This was the theme of this year's Interpraise. Interpraise is a gathering of Christian students from all different fellowships and churches on the Berkeley campus. It was started many years ago with a vision to bring a greater unity to the Christian body at Cal. I think I figured out that this was about my 22nd Interpraise that I have attended. However it was the first that I was asked to be the main speaker for!
It was a wonderful and joyful experience, except for the 90+ degree weather we had those couple days. =)
I can't remember another talk or sermon that I've prepared that has impacted me so much personally. David's prayer in Psalm 27:4, his one desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord, and to seek him in his temple grabbed my heart and made me realize that I had lost sight of that one thing. Other things had become my one thing. And by one thing I mean the thing that is at the center of your thoughts, actions, and feelings.
It's so easy for other things to slip into our hearts and minds and forget the simple fact that if God loves us, which he does, then it is in that relationship that we find our worth and acceptance and not in anything we can do. This actually gives us so much freedom because we don't have to be anxious about our circumstances or how things are going to turn out because whatever happens we are secure in the Lord.
My prayer of late has been: Lord please help me keep You as my One Thing today!
As I challenged the students at Interpraise I'll also challenge you: what has your One Thing been lately? Has it been the Lord? Do you want it to be? What's standing in the way?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
College Life Winter Retreat
Two weekends back (2/6-2/8) we took our annual trip with the college kids up to Bear Valley Ski Resort for fun times in the snow, a break from Berkeley life, and as usual, an awesome meal from the Lee's.
The group was a little smaller this year, due to some last minute illnesses, but the snow was awesome, and the size of the group allowed for a more family-like atmosphere, as well as less hassle getting everyone moving in the same direction.
We got up on Friday evening, with a stop at In & Out on the way up of course, and spent Saturday on the slopes before the awesome dinner at the Lee's. Throughout the weekend we talked a bit about what the Lord has on His mind for us in terms of friendship, really acting out being the body of Christ to one another.
I continue to pray that the time spent together will produce lasting fruit in all of our lives, and in our relationships with one another.
The group was a little smaller this year, due to some last minute illnesses, but the snow was awesome, and the size of the group allowed for a more family-like atmosphere, as well as less hassle getting everyone moving in the same direction.
We got up on Friday evening, with a stop at In & Out on the way up of course, and spent Saturday on the slopes before the awesome dinner at the Lee's. Throughout the weekend we talked a bit about what the Lord has on His mind for us in terms of friendship, really acting out being the body of Christ to one another.
I continue to pray that the time spent together will produce lasting fruit in all of our lives, and in our relationships with one another.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
"True Love: Fact or Fiction?"
This was the title of our latest WB (Weekly Bread) meeting with the college students. We've started an almost weekly gathering on Fridays with the students to talk over issues that concern college students. The format varies, but the goal is always to engage God's Word to see what God has to say about the issues and then look and see how they are playing out in our lives.
We had a few married couples come and join us this past week to share about their experiences of how God brought them together, their views on love, and answer any questions people had.
It was fun for Audrey and I to remember all that God has done in our lives over the past two and a half years and thank Him for it. I hope Valentine's Day was a chance for you to remember God's love for you as well in whatever way He has shown it to you!
We had a few married couples come and join us this past week to share about their experiences of how God brought them together, their views on love, and answer any questions people had.
It was fun for Audrey and I to remember all that God has done in our lives over the past two and a half years and thank Him for it. I hope Valentine's Day was a chance for you to remember God's love for you as well in whatever way He has shown it to you!