"I hope u still love me!"

Speaking on ministry with High School students. (and love as in brotherly love, phileo)

Today I was texting with a friend. I have been hoping/praying that this friend would go to Young Life's Windy Gap camp with me next week. I asked him if he was still thinking about going and he responded, "I can't. I hope u still love me!"

My response was that of course I still love him... you see I tend to think of love as a choice. First, I don't befriend someone so that I can get them to do something. That is not friendship, that is using someone. And trust me, I see enough of teenagers getting used and using eachother to try that. Second, I view love as something that is for the long haul. Sure, if the kid completely does a 180 and becomes a complete asshole I probably will give 'em some distance. Beyond that, if a someone gives me the time to choose to love them, I'm gonna be loyal. I think it is only right.

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So, not sure where all of that came from. That text just kinda stuck with me today. I am pretty excited to see what the rest of my summer will hold. Camp next week, then three days, then BOSTON! I can't wait for both of those. After that school will sneak up on me... boohoo.

Devotional Classics

So, I've been slowly working my way through the book "Devotional Classics" Edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith. Basically it is a selection of chapters from classics of Christian literature. I'm taking about one reading a week and slowly absorbing it and reading it several times through. (Good idea, huh?)

Todays reading was by Dallas Willard and entitled, "The Cost of Nondiscipleship" Several things struck me from the passage. The point piercing closest to my heart is the realization that when it comes to discipline and such, I'm a major slacker. I do not have an intimate relationship with the Lord. I certainly love God and serve Him with major amounts of time. Much like Martha I am busy fussing about the work rather than joining Mary at the Lords feet and enjoying intimacy.

What solutions are there? Honestly "forced discipline" seems the most viable option. I know that if I make myself spend time in the Word and in prayer intimacy will result. God is far more faithful than I can ever be and I must rest in Him.

To abide in Christ provides peace which cannot be found on/in anything else. Only Christ will do, all else is loss.

I suppose all I can ask of my readers (if there are any) is to help keep me accountable. Ask me what the Lord has been teaching me in His Word lately. Really, ask me!

Ciao!