eRFC

How It All Began

2005-07-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Late in my sophomore year at the University of Arkansas, a tradition began where every Thursday evening at about 5:45 several of us in the Razorbacks for Christ campus ministry would meet at the student Union for supper. We needed a break from the food in Brough! I began to send out weekly email reminders of the get-together to the ever growing RFC email list, and continued to send the reminders at the beginning of the fall semester the next year. To make the email more than just a reminder and in turn to make it worth everyone’s while to actually open the emails, I began to include Bible verses and encouraging thoughts which eventually became known as, the “mini devo.”

At the end of my two years as an intern (2000-2002) I mentioned that I planned to put all of the emails together into a booklet of some sort, and a few people responded that that was a swell idea. Well, I got busy and never got around to making the booklet. And so, this blog is an adaptation of those plans, an archive (a gradually growing one) of the emails I and others sent to encourage each other.

Reading back through the weekly emails, it is fun to reminisce about the things that were happening in the lives of us RFCs, and also to see how the emails, my writing skills, and my relationship with God and personal theology developed. And sometimes reading back through the emails I wonder, what was I thinking?! I think some of those instances can be attributed to the fact that many of the emails were sent between 2 and 7 in the morning! It was a beneficial experience for me to write these and often RFCs dropped me notes to let me know how much the emails meant to them. So, here they are now for all who are interested in re-reading them and hopefully being encouraged again. (Actually, here they will be, as I gradually get them all posted. Check back often.)

One of the coolest interactions that occurred among RFCs via email was sharing lists of thanks to God. So, in RFC style, here are some things I will not take for granted:

1. Blogs, what a cool new way to express thoughts and connect with each other.
2. My internship with Christ Journey here in south Fort Worth.
3. Opportunities to meet and encourage people at the local gym.
4. The local gym.
5. Dr. Pepper.
6. The privilege of witnessing transformation in the lives of others.
7. The privilege of witnessing transformation in my own life.
8. The support, encouragement, and fun I get from being with friends and family.
9. God’s abiding presence.
10. God’s love, grace, and mercy.

Howdy [what is better]

2001-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Howdy!

Are you'ns having a good day? I hope so. Well, the Thursdays are quickly dwindling away. After today, there is only one or two left depending on your finals schedule. One for me! Ha! Anywho, remember that tonight we'll be eating dinner in the Union at 5:45ish. My flex dollars are long gone so I guess I'll have to fork out some cash or grab a quick bite at Brough before heading to the Union. Hope you can come.

This weekend there are two big things happening: There's a trip to Cotter for Staci's b-day/canoeing and there's also hoop-o-rama on Saturday morning. I think hoop-o-rama starts at 9am.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

So many times, this time of year especially, we get distracted by all the things we feel we need to get done. We get distracted by tests, projects, and end of the year activities and fail to choose "what is better." We decide that we have too much studying to do to go to church/devo/Bible study/prayer group, read the Word, talk to God, or give our time to that person who needs an ear. We focus on what is seen rather than what is unseen. We forget that if we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, all these things will be given to us as well. (Matt 6:33)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil 4:12,13

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John:15-17

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:3,4

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make you righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:3-6

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around you neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:1-8

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

In Christ,
Mitch

Thinkin'

2001-04-19T01:31:00.000-07:00

Buon Giorno,

I know I said I'd probably start using the new email list this week, but I'm afraid that not everybody has replied to the message they should have gotten from Yahoo. So, this is your last chance (probably) to get a Thursday email or any email without joining the new more user friendly list. :)

Well, there are only a few more Thursdays left. Hasn't this semester flown by?! I hope that you can join us at the Union at 5:45 as we celebrate the 4th to the last Thursday of the Spring semester of 2001. I'm sure that good times and mediocre food will be had by all. I've got a pretty busy day tomorrow, but I'm hoping to get some "4th Thursday to the
Last" t-shirts printed up. If you want one please bring $40 with you when you come to the Union. Naw! I's jes kiddin'! It's just a regular Thursday like all the rest, but I hope you can come.

Additional reminders:
The softball team will be playing their first playoff game on Monday at 9:30. If you want to come to the golf scramble this Saturday, be at the student center at 7:30 in the morning, that's right, 7:30.

Alllll righty then. Tonight in class, a verse that stuck out to me was 2 Cor 10:5

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

This, I think, is a verse that when applied to our lives stresses the importance of knowing God's Word so that we will always be able to explain why we believe what we believe, why we do what we do, and so that we will have scripture to back us up when we point out something that someone is doing wrong. When Paul speaks of taking captive every 'thought', I think he means every wrong idea that other people have about God's Word.

(Disclaimer: Just b/c I think something, that doesn't mean it's true. It's up to you to study and decide for yourself.)

While he may be speaking of ideas rather than inner thoughts, whenever I read "we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," I can't help but wonder if my thoughts are obedient to Christ. Over and over the Old Testament says that God is a jealous God. There are many pure and wonderful things that God has put on this earth that are perfectly fine to think about. Perhaps, however, it’s possible to think of good things too much. Perhaps even thinking about good things can distract us from thinking about God and thus make him jealous. I dunno. It's something to think about, but not too much. ;)

A challenge and prayer for myself and you is that all of my and your thoughts and ideas will be from God and have to do with glorifying Him.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23,24

"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night." Psalm 63:6

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make know among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:1-4

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

"I will not enter my house or go to my bed—I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." Psalm 132:4,5

"Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Phil 3:19-21

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Phil 4:4-8

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." Hebrews 3:1-6

Question(s): How do you go about making your thoughts obedient to Christ? What helps you to focus on God rather than the things of this earth? When thinking about good and pure things, how much is too much? What do you do to balance all the earthly and eternal duties you have on your plate? Can they be meshed together? How can one use the duties of this life for God's glory?

Maybe you've got some answers that could help me and others on the list out. I look forward to some good discussion both over email and around the table at lunch and dinner tomorrow.

Have a great day!
In Christ,
Mitch

Back in the Day

2001-04-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in my shorts in this stuffy dorm, I'm reminded of the hot summer days of my childhood. I'm reminded of my little, round, blue plastic swimming pool from Wal-Mart (or maybe Target or K-Mart). You know, the one with the dinky little slide that curves around one side and colorful fish printed on the bottom. Those were the bomb til they warped or til it rained and a bunch of pine needles and gross stuff somehow got in them. I'm reminded of one particular hot summer afternoon, standing in the middle of my little pool in the middle of my driveway in nothing but my scooby underoos with my little boy pot belly sticking out, the best tan of my life, and buzzed sandy blond hair. Ahh, those were the days. No grooming required and very few articles of clothing required as well. My summer days consisted of annoying my big brother, playing outside, going to the neighborhood pool, and going to the grocery store with my mom. Homework on school nights might be an addition worksheet, a spelling assignment, and reading a story with one of my parents. Those days were definitely WORRY-FREE days of DEPENDENCE on my parents, TRUSTING what they and just about anyone had to say. Like Mark talked about tonight, let's try to be more like the little child that Jesus called to him.

Another attribute, Mark, that I just thought of is that kids are NOT JUDGEMENTAL. A kid will say ‘hi’ to an ugly or smelly or old person just as quickly as they'll say ‘hi’ to a nice looking, clean person. Color of skin, hair style, fashion, financial status, and popularity matter not to a child.

Ooh, I just thought of another: EASILY SATISFIED. The kids that I got to spend so much time with in Romania are playing in my mind right now. All they needed for lunch was a couple of slices of bread and all they needed for a day of fun was a little attention and a hug, a menga (ball), and a dirt field for soccer. They didn't even need that much! They just needed a tiny carport and some rusty bars in the shape of a soccer goal! Having fun with me didn't ever require that we understand a word we said to each other. God bless those kids.

Praise be to God for the example that the Karnes family is! ...the Christian leader, husband, and father that Scott is; the Christian leader, wife, and mother that Denise is; the dependent, trusting, and worry-free lives that Davis and now Bailey live! I pray that God blesses them and that someday he blesses me and you with families that are as blessed. I pray that I and my wife and children can glorify God by being the example of a true Christian family that this world desperately needs more of.

Well, before I leave you with some verses, let me remind you about supper in the Union at 5:45ish.

Hope you can come to spring retreat this weekend. It's always awesome. Remember to carpool so we don't have too many cars. Apparently we have shifts leaving on Friday afternoon at about 3 and about 6. Also remember to eat before you come Friday and to brings snacks if you think you'll need a midnight snack. Please be praying about this weekend...for Wilson's devo, for all of our speaker's speeches, and all of our activities.

Ok, time for some verses and I'll let ya go:

"And he said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:3,4

"My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore." Psalm 131

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." Isaiah 66:13

Check out Matthew 21:12-16, then Psalm 8, then Matthew 11:20-30.

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11

"And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:7,8

Have a great day!
In Him,
Mitch

Back in the Swing of Things

2001-03-29T03:15:00.000-08:00

Well, sadly, spring break is over and it's time to get back in the swing of school things. If you're having a hard time gettin back in the swing of things, I know of the perfect place to go for a break. That's right, the Union for supper at about 5:45 tonight!

Rightly so, missions has been a big topic this semester. The word on the street is that the spring break missions to Dallas and New Orleans went well and that there are two more opportunities for missions this weekend. The first is a Sunday morning trip to Mt. Judea to help with the morning services at Jacob Hudson's home church. We'll be leaving from the student center at about 8 in the morning. When we get there, we'll have Bible class, worship service, a potluck lunch, a short devotional and then we'll get back here to Fayetteville mid to late afternoon. I'll be teaching class on Acts 8. It'd be a big help if you could read it ahead of time and be ready to discuss. Nick Ruple will be preaching and Wilson will be leading singing. Please be praying for us and for everyone leading and going this weekend.

The other opportunity is a short trip to Cave Springs to help with their Sunday evening services. If you're going to Mt. Judea, don't feel like you can't go to Cave Springs too. The plan is to get back in time to go to Cave Springs as well. I'm not sure who's doing what in Cave Springs, but please keep this trip in your prayers as well.

God is faithful!!! Lately prayers have been answered and doors have been opened concerning missions this summer! We now have teams going to Prague, Czech Republic; Cluj, Romania; and Cosenza, Italy. We also have RFCs going to Africa and the Ukraine and helping with summer camps and going other places as well. Please keep all these places and people in your prayers. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b

Well, for this week’s mini devo, I just thought I'd throw out some more verses for you to chew on dealing what we talked about tonight in class about not being yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-7:1). Some will have to do with guy/girl relationships and some will have to do with everyday friendships:

[speaking about the nations the Isrealites would drive out] "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you." Deuteronomy 7:3,4

"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Proverbs 12:26

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in here and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:10-12,28-31

"Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. 'I hate divorce,’ says the Lord God of Israel, ' and I hate man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,' says the Lord Almighty."
Malachi 2:15,16

"I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with any who claim to be fellow believers but are sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such persons do not even eat.
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked person from among you.'"
1 Cor 5:9-13

"Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame." 1 Cor 15:33-34

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view."
2 Cor 5:16

"For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no on deceive you with empty words; for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them." Ephesians 5:5-7

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let you conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5,6

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so they you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thess 4:11,12

"Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

After reading back through these verses, I realize that they don't provide a simple, works-for-every-situation formula. However, our competence comes from God and he has given us the ability to discern the implications of the situations we find ourselves in or perhaps allow ourselves to be in. It seems to me that the simple goal is to be in the world and to be a light to it while at the same time not allowing ourselves to be corrupted by it. I think the last verse about walking as Jesus did sums it all up. Jesus definitely spent a lot of time around "sinners." Yet, when he was around them he was changing their lives for the better and was at the same time keeping himself pure.

Have a great day!
In HIM,
Mitch

Sup? [heaven]

2001-03-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

Sup?

It's time for your weekly reminder about supper in the union at 5:45. I, sadly, will most likely not be able to make it this week. I know it seems sacrilegious for me to miss the thing I unfailingly remind you of each week, but something's come up. ;)

There's been a lot of great discussion over the ole email list lately. Keep it up. A good friend of mine who recently sent an email to the group once said that he had previously refrained from writing because he didn't want to steal my thunder. The thing is, the thunder is not mine in the first place. God is the lightning that creates the thunder and it doesn't matter whose mouth it's comes out of.

I am SOOOOOOOOO pumped about missions!!! I wish we could just forego the rest of the semester and go now. Tonight at the mission meeting we learned of several new possibilities for places to go this summer. All of them sound really cool! However, none of them have given us a definite answer yet. Please be in prayer about these places as well as our already established trips to Prague and Cluj. There are also RFCs going to Africa, the Ukraine, and I'm sure some other places. Keep them in your prayers as well. Please pray that God will send His angels to assist all of our teams and fight back Satan and his demons who are sure to try to attack. More than that, please pray that God will place his hand on all our teams; that He'll keep us and our families safe, that all of our plans will go smoothly, that people will be touched, and that His will will be done.
That's something I pray about far too infrequently. How often do I ask God to send His angels and to place His Hand on this campus, city, country, world? Imagine if we all started praying that! I think God has limitless power that He's ready to unleash...all we have to do is ask.

This week has been a very prayerful week for me. Truthfully, I haven't spent near as much one on one time with God as I should. However, I have had the privilege of praying with a friend(s) just about every night this week. Tonight in class, Mark mentioned the peace that comes after a group prayer. It is so true! It is definitely a peace that surpasses all understanding, because I can't describe it. It is such a blessing to have a friend or two in whose presence you are comfortable spilling your soul to God. It is also such a blessing to hear a friend spill their soul to God. I truly hope that you have a friend/friends/group of friends who you pray with somewhat regularly. If not, find one. Don't wait for someone else to initiate it. It may be a little awkward for the first few times. After a while, though, it will be the highlight of your week!

Tonight in class, Mark also talked about how we long for our spiritual dwelling (2 Cor. 5:1-10). In addition, Wilson talked about heaven in a recent email. I must admit that I also have some reservations about what heaven's going to be like. The no tears thing is a weird thing to think about, and (of course, I would be the one to have to bring this up...I might as well, I already talk about it all the time) so is the no one being married or given into marriage thing. Even if we aren't married anymore when we get to heaven, I at least hope that my future wife and I feel some kind of special bond due to all the things we went through together in this life. That having been said, what heaven is going to be like is a cool thing to think about but is definitely something we don't need to worry about. Whatever it's going to be like it going to be AWESOME! I can't wait to be set free from the worries of this world, my self-consciousness, my struggles with sin, and to never have to say good-bye again. I can't wait to see God and learn all about Him. I also think that if we don't have some kind of a longing to be done with this life that maybe we love this life a little more than we're supposed to. However, lately, whenever I've read this and other passages, I've thought to myself: Who am I to ask to go home now? I've only been on this earth 20 years and in those 20 years I have accomplished very little for God. I know that I can't earn my way to heaven and that God's grace is able to cover me whether I ever win a soul or not, but I can't help but think that God put me here for a purpose and that whatever that purpose is, I haven't accomplished it yet. In addition, if Jesus came back today, many of my and your friends and loved ones wouldn't be going to heaven with us. Maybe I should be thankful for each new day because it's another chance for me to reach the people I need to reach. I know He was put on Earth for a much more important purpose than me, but I think Jesus said it best:

"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!" John 12:27

I can't wait to go to heaven, but I don't think my time has come yet. However, what I think doesn't matter. He could come back anytime..."So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." (2 Cor. 5:9) Let's do that: Whatever we do, whether in word or deed, let's do it all for the glory of God!

Here are some more verses to chew on:

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
James 5:16

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Phil 4:6,7

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:19,20

"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
John 12:25

Have a great day!

In Him,
Mitch

He Wants

2001-03-01T04:58:00.000-08:00

What it is?

Remember, tonight we're eating supper in the Union at about 5:45. Also, remember that it's not too late to sign up to go to Mt. George this weekend for the "mini" mission. Please be praying for this weekend, the spring break missions, the summer missions, and our daily missions right here in NW Arkansas.

God neither needs nor depends on me for anything. "All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." (1 Peter 1:24) Yes, I am small and insignificant—a speck in God's endless universe—and everything is "meaningless." (see Ecclesiastes) BUT.....

While God neither needs me nor depends on me, He WANTS me. That's right, li'l ol' me. Think of the story of the prodigal son. When the son returned home after squandering his inheritance and his father saw him coming over the horizon, his father RAN to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (see Luke 15) Our salvation is so important to God that whenever one of us comes to Him, He throws a party. Is that not cool?! Makes me feel pretty important.

While we are small and insignificant, it doesn't change the fact that we are His creation; He wants our all, He wants relationship with us, and He loves us beyond comprehension. Whenever I read Paul's writings, I enjoy how he makes comparisons to help the reader understand things better. For example, "If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!" (2 Corinthians 3:9-11) I think the same kind of comparison can be made to give us a glimpse of just how much God loves us.

What do you love? Your friends, family, possessions, popularity? How far would you go to keep, care for, or sustain the people or things you love the most in this world? I love my two brothers more than anybody else on this earth. I can't wait for you to meet them, whether in this life or the next. I know you're gonna love 'em too. I would come to their side with a quickness if they ever needed help. I love them so much that I can't stand the thought that one day they might not be here anymore. The people I love the most, though, I don't even have yet. I don't have a wife yet and I am not anywhere close to having kids, but I already feel so much love for them in my heart that I know I'll do anything for them. If I can love my brothers and my future wife and kids as much as I do and if you can love whatever it is that you love as much as you do—so much so that we're willing to do anything for them—if we, who are sinners, imperfect, and evil can love as much as we do, imagine how much unimaginably and immeasurably more God must love us: because He is Love. Does that not blow your mind?!

Not only is He willing to do anything for us, He has already done everything by sacrificing His Son and raising Him from the dead. And He hasn't stopped seeking insignificant us. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

The beauty of God and His Word and the way everything was, is, and is being perfectly woven together to fulfill His will never ceases to amaze me. He is the Master of Paradox (and many other literary terms):

Rejoice in suffering. Boast about weakness. Humble yourself and He will lift you up. Be a living sacrifice. We are saved through faith and not works, but faith without works is dead. Death brings life. God is One and yet made up of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is everywhere, yet each of us is His temple. We are fragile jars of clay, yet God loves us and wants to live in us.

Only the "author and perfector of our faith" could come up with stuff this good!

Well, I guess I'll let you go. Thanks for reading.

In Him,
Mitch

Union [count your blessings]

2001-02-22T02:05:00.000-08:00

Sup y'all?

Hope you're having a great day. Remember, we're eating supper at the Union at 5:45ish. Please come if you can.

Thanks to everyone who’s been contributing to the email discussions lately. Remember, this list is definitely NOT something reserved for only my use. Feel free to use it anytime you have something to say or announce or request. Also, thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion in class tonight. I really appreciate it. Please also remember to study the Bible and check things out for yourself. Like on Reading Rainbow, "Don't take my word for it." In the words of my dad, "Communication is a fragile thing." I always want to make that clear when I teach. I believe I've got a pretty good understanding of the truth and the word, but I often have a difficult time putting what I believe in my head into intelligible sentences. I think I'm getting better. Thanks for being patient with me. Thankfully I've got God whose power is made perfect in weakness helping me out!

Tonight we talked a little bit about how our motives can affect whether or not we're reflecting God's glory or seeking our own glory. As we talked, I mentioned how I always like getting compliments after I speak. However, if my motive for speaking is getting compliments rather than speaking God's word and teaching others about him, I'm doing it for the wrong reasons. I can honestly say that my motive is not to get compliments. Rather, they are a great encouragement. Thanks for being such great encouragers! I truly hope that when I teach, y'all feel like you've grown or that you've at least been encouraged.

Lately, I've realized how much I've been blessed. God has blessed me far beyond what I need! A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over has definitely been poured into my lap! (see Luke 6:38) I have a loving family and very giving parents. I have a computer on which I can type emails and on which I can do my graphic design homework so I don't have to go to the computer lab. I have a 4-wheel drive vehicle which is great for getting around in bad weather and which was jam-packed full of stuff when I moved up here in the fall. I've been blessed with such health that my goal is to gain weight rather than to lose it. When I'm thirsty all I have to do is grab some juice or a Dr.Pepper out of the fridge or just walk around the corner to the water fountain. When I'm hungry all I have to do is walk across the street to Brough. If Brough is closed all I have to do is drive to Taco Bell which is open until 4 in the morning. If it's closed, all I have to do is drive a little further down 6th Street to the 24-Hour Wal-Mart Supercenter with "everyday low prices." And you know what's ever better? Even if the prices weren't all that everyday low, I could still afford what I need. I have a scholarship to the University of Arkansas and a brain capable of earning the grades required to keep it. I have you guys as friends and can think of no place I would rather be (except Heaven or maybe Cluj, Romania). Above all those wonderful things, I have the Spirit of God inside me and the blood of Christ continually cleansing me. What did I do to deserve all this?! Absolutely nothing. Thankfully, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me so much that His desire to give never ends!!! WOOOOOOW!!!!!! I have been so blessed! I know you have, too. Think about it.

However, with great blessing comes great responsibility. For, "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48b) That's tough stuff. That says to me that I've got a lot of giving and living for God to do.

Here are some verses to ponder:

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and things that are not—to nullify things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let Him who boasts boast in the Lord.' "
1 Corinthians 1:26-31

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Well, it's one in the morning so I should probably start studying for my Philosophy of Art test. You crazy kids have a great day!

In HIM,
Mitch

[Note: In no way was this counting of my blessings meant to make anyone else feel less blessed. I know not everyone has been blessed equally or in the same ways. But I know we all have plenty to be thankful for. As I said in the text of the email: think about it.]

Distractions

2001-02-15T01:16:00.001-08:00

Howdy!

Supper...Union...5:45...be there.

Campus Encounter...Stillwater, OK...leave sometime on Fri...get back sometime on Sun...come.

Thank you for reading my emails and encouraging me to keep writing them! Who I am to think that about a hundred people care to read something I have to say every week? Please keep encouraging me. I need it.

Wake Up!
Grow Up!
Watch Out!

What's that smell? That's fried pussycat (just kidding...that's a line from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation). Naw, man, that's not fried pussycat, but we do all have a fragrance about us. Hopefully that fragrance is the aroma of Christ manifested in our love for others, whether or not they love us first and whether or not they love us at all.

Evangelism and reaching out has been a big theme in the RFCs since I've been here and especially lately. And rightly so, it is Jesus' command for his disciples in the Great Commission. What does it mean to wake up, grow up, watch out, and spread the aroma of Christ? It means getting past the petty distractions of life and stupid arguments. It means shedding our earthly, limited perspective and taking on a godly, eternal perspective.

What is keeping you from doing what God wants you to do? What drains your time or consumes your mind? For me it's worrying about finding a girl. I don't think the worry is caused by a lack of faith that God has someone for me somewhere down the line. Perhaps it's a lack of patience. I want her now! Why can't I be satisfied with just having God? I know and believe He's all I need. Why don't I think and act like I believe it?

For some of us the distraction is schoolwork. For some of us it's work work. Some of us are hindered by rocky friendships. (Like I asked last week, Are we treating each other like brothers? This week I ask, Are we forgiving each other when we don't treat each other like brothers? If we can't love our own family, how can we love those who are outside of it, much less God "whom we have not seen.") For some of us it's timidness or thinking we don't know enough yet or thinking that we're too sinful. For some of us it's worrying what will happen to our friendship if we try to bring God into it. Personally, I'd rather lose a friend because they reject the Word than to lose them because they die without ever getting a chance to reject it. I think what hinders us is a combination of these things and for the most part a lack of the right perspective—the perspective that many of the people we walk by each day desperately need God.

I was not put on earth to get married! I was not given life to get an education! I was not created to get a job! I was put on earth to love God, to glorify Him, to obey his commandments, and to spread His Word and his love—His aroma!!! The other things are not the focus. They're blessings that come along the way (and they are definitely not to be taken for granted).

I wanna "throw off everything that hinders"! I wanna be satisfied with just me and God!

"O God you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be SATISFIED as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 63:1-8

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"
Phillipians 3:12-14

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it sins."
James 4:17

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Romans 7:24

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
1 John 2:15-17

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."
1 Peter 1:22-23

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that God is good."
1 Peter 2:1-3

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7

Thanks for reading. These lessons aren't just for you. They're lessons I need to and am trying to take to heart as well. Hope you're ready to throw off all of the distractions and sins that hinder. Have a great day!

In HIM,
Mitch

Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2001, 3:26pm
From: Nick Ruple
Subject: RE: distractions (You can send this to everyone if you want)

Mitch,

Your emails are extremely encouraging to me. A devotional on the screen. I laid awake last night and thought about a lot of the things you said. I took a lot to tell everyone what your distraction is. I think mine might be how bad I want to have a band. I pray that God will keep me from putting my trust in my music or all the stuff I buy off eBay. That I won't get too materialistic. Your email was a shout from the mountaintops, and all of us in the valley can hear you. I was wishing last night that there was a switch that you could pull and your life would automatically be turned over to God. I would have pulled that switch many times in my life. But it doesn't work like that. With each minute comes a decision of whether or not to pull the switch. Let's not get worn down. Let's look for strength from Jesus. Let's look for strength from each other. Heaven is not the only goal. Every day is a battle in itself. We need to give support. Sincerity. Respect.

Loud love,
==Nick==

Sent: Monday, February 19, 2001, 10:48pm
From: Nathan George
Subject: Latest Discussion

hey everyone,

you know i know that God does so many things for us in our lives and he strategically puts us in places for us to meet certain people so that we can touch one person or a thousand persons and also to be touched by others. i have been so blessed in my life to know that there is a God and that he is the God that created the world and that there are no other gods (emphasis little "g") before him. i think that God also gives us tasks through the Holy Spirit. He doesn't just put us somewhere for what we can get out of it. lately i have been looking inside myself and trying to figure out why God put me here. not just here on earth, but here at the university. i haven't figured it out yet but i know that it isn't just for my benefit. start looking inside yourselves to see why God has you where you are at, or if you are where God wants you to be. also know that God doesn't just come right out and say "hey billy bob (or whatever your name is) you aren't where I want you." you have to search for him and he will be there. i need to do more searching myself instead of worrying about how little money i have or if i am in the spotlight enough. But like nick said. let's strengthen each other and instead of making mitch give a weekly devo via e-mail, we could have a day to day e-mail discussion. i like it. i know you are all busy. thanks for listening.

nate

The Time Has Come

2001-02-08T01:23:00.000-08:00

Howdy y'all,

The time has come...

The time has come for a LONG email...

The time has come for a lot of things, and one of those things is supper at the Union at 5:45. Come if you can.

The time has also come for Tea Room. It's this Friday night at 7 in Fulbright Dining Center. It's never too late to sign up to come and it's never too late to sign up to show off one of your many talents. Dress smartly. :) (whatever that means...ta heh ta heh) It's also never too late to sign up for Campus Encounter next weekend.

Oh! Before I forget. I don't know if y'all have met him, but Lonnie has come to Wednesday night church the past couple of weeks and he gave me a prayer request tonight. He said his dad has colon cancer and Lonnie can't stop worrying about it. He asked that we pray for him and for his dad. I promised that I would have all of y'all pray for him so please do. Thanks.

The time has come for mission preparation. If you’re interested, please come to our meetings. The spring break teams meet at the student center on Tuesdays after devo. The summer teams meet at the student center at about 8:30 after Wednesday night Bible class. Personally, I am pumped about going back to Romania or wherever God wants me to go this summer and I'm pumped about the possibility of forming a more long-term mission team in the next few years.

The time has come...

The time has come for a "mini devo."

The time has come, like Travis said at devo Tuesday night, for us to GROW UP. The time has come, like we talked about tonight in class, to start taking disciplining and holding each other accountable more seriously. Is it not amazing how perfect God's timing is?! This lesson couldn't have come at a better time. Lately I've been hearing about RFCs who are disappointed with the behavior of other RFCs. It hurts me so much to hear those things and to see friendships disintegrate. I don't know how widespread this is. Hopefully it's just in a very small circle of the RFCs. The main concern of the people that have been talking to me is that they wonder what people think when they see us hanging together in Brough, the Union, restaurants, in each other's rooms and wherever else we hang out together. They wonder if the way we behave and the conversations we have are the kind of things representatives of Jesus should be doing?

I must admit that the conversations and behaviors others are concerned about haven't bothered me much. Maybe they should bother me more. I've probably taken part in them myself. If I have, forgive me, and if I have and continue to do so, please point it out. I'll try to remember, and we all need to remember, that we're holding each other accountable because we love each other and not because we think we're better Christians than anyone else.

Are we truly loving each other unconditionally? Agape? Are we treating each other like brothers and sisters?

Brothers, do we treat our sisters like sisters? Do we focus on their outer beauty too much? Do we focus on their inner beauty too little? Sisters, are you treating us like brothers? Brothers, are we treating each other like brothers? Sisters, are y'all treating each other like sisters? The RFCs isn't a social group, it isn't a group of mere friends; it's a family of soldiers with our eternities and the eternities of many others at stake.

What's the line between gossiping and expressing concern? Should I be hearing about disappointments in the way others are behaving or should those who are disappointed go straight to those they're disappointed in? Very tough questions.

Instead of the usual few verses for the week, the time has come for a pamphlet this week:

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:48

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to then, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to
listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
Matthew 18:15-17

"But make up your minds not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."
Luke 21:14,15

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep you spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath."
Romans 12:9-19

"But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love."
Romans 14:14b-15

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside."
1 Corinthians 5:12,13

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4:29

“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Ephesians 5:4

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive a the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:13

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."
Colossians 4:5

"Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."
1 Timothy 5:2

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
2 Timothy 2:23-26

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry..."
James 1:19

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!"
James 2:12

"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
1 John 4:19-21

"The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him."
2 Corinthians 2:6-8

"Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
2 Cor 7:8-10

I could go on typing verses all night, but...the time has come...for me to study some economics.

Have a great day!

In Him,
Mitch

El Union [fellowship]

2001-01-25T02:01:00.000-08:00

Holas mis amigos,

Well, I hope everyone's weeks are going well. If not, I know something that'll make it better: a scrumdidilyumpsious meal from the wonderful establishments in the Union. If you want to come, be at the Union at about 5:45 tonight. After some great fellowship at the Union it'll be about time to head to small groups or as I prefer to call them "mini" groups. :)

Hasn't the semester started off great? Devo was awesome last night! Brian you did a great job! Also, Mark did a great job with his brief synopsis about the history of Paul's relationship with Corinth tonight in class. It's my turn to speak next week and public speaking is always a nerve-racking thing for me so please keep me in your prayers. I'll be sure to have plenty of Dan Marino trivia for you. Also, please be praying for the mini missions to Cotter, Dayton, and Huntsville this weekend. And remember it's not too late to sign up.

I think it's a wonderful blessing how much fellowship with each other we in the RFCs get. It's definitely something to be thankful for and something not to be taken for granted. I know I'm gonna miss these times when I'm out of school.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42-47

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
Romans 1:11-12

Have a good'n!

In Him,
Mitch

Christmas [a challenge]

2000-12-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

Frrreeeeeeeeeeeeedom!
Man, does it feel good to be done with tests!

Hey everyone,

I'm just writtin' to wish y'all a merry Christmas and to give you a challenge for over the break. Actually, the challenge is for me as well. (Some of you heard this Sunday morning.) Over the break I want to try to bring spiritual topics up with my family more. And I challenge you to do the same. I wanna ask my brother why he's studying to be a doctor. For the money? To help people? To reach people? For God? Some of all of the above? I wanna know why my sister-in-law is in law school. I just wanna know why each of my family members are doing what they're doing. And I wanna ask myself the same questions as well. Why am I studying to be a graphic designer? How can I use it for God? Is that enough? Will it help further the Kingdom? I want what I, and what my family does, and what you do to please God and to spread his love to others.

Before we leave for every Thanksgiving, Karnes challenges us to be a light to our families during the short time we're home. He always says to get out our Bibles and start reading them in front of our families. I think that's a good idea. If you're from a Christian family, I think it'll be an encouragement for your parents to see that they raised you right. If you're not from a Christian family, maybe it'll make them start wondering why you do what you do.

So, that's my challenge...to be a light to your fams over the break...to challenge yourself and your families to do everything for God.

Well, have a merry Christmas everyone!!!! It won't be long now before it'll be time for ski trip!

In Him,
Mitch

Howdy [talking to God]

2000-12-07T04:48:00.000-08:00

Howdy pardners,

Well, it's the second to last Thursday before the semester ends, a few weeks til the millennium ends (that's right, it hasn't ended yet...think about it...A.D. is an abbreviation for a Latin saying meaning "the year of our Lord," that is the year our Lord was born. The year in which Jesus was born was the FIRST year of our Lord not the ZERO year of our Lord. Plus, historians now think that a mistake was made way back when and that Christ was actually born in 4BC or maybe 6 I can't remember. So, the real millennium actually passed several years ago), and one of the last chances for all of us to get together before the break. What does all this mean? You need to come to the Union for supper around 5:45 tonight.

Don't forget about Bible studies and prayer groups. There's an intramural bball game tonight at 7:30 if you can come. Friday night we'll have our Christmas party at 7 at the Pope's. I guess there will be maps at the student center.

It's a hectic time in the semester with a lot of deadlines and tests...just remember that even if you don't do as well on a test as you'd like, God still loves ya and you're still goin' ta heaven.

Tonight in class we talked about what stuck out to us as we studied the life of David this semester. One thing that stuck out to me is how close a relationship David must have had with God. Some of y'all mentioned how he trusted God in good and bad times, how he expressed happiness, sadness, and anger in his psalms, how he questioned God, how he at times yelled at God. In his psalms, he TALKED TO GOD. He didn't pray like I too often pray: like someone praying to thin air, like someone merely rattling off lists of things he wants and things he's thankful for, like someone whose intellect is in it but whose heart is far away (sometimes the intellect isn't even there!) He prayed like someone who truly felt the presence of God, he talked like he was talking to a person sitting right beside him. He didn't follow any set format, he said what was on his mind. To pray the way he prayed, to say the things he said, and to say them the way he said them, he must have felt extremely close to God. I want that closeness.

All right, I wanna leave ya with some verses and then I'll let ya go.

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Psalm 63:1-8

“Now faith is being certain of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1

Let's shift gears to another topic from tonight. Shift geeeears!

“...Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive you brother from your heart.”
Matthew 18:33-35

“For God does not show favoritism.”
Romans 2:11

“There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:22

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:1,9-13

Have a great day!!!

In Christ,
Mitch

Suppa [making plans]

2000-11-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Just sendin' ya your weekly reminder about supper in the Union. Instead of 5:45, I'm going to try to get there around 5:30...the Gregson Bible study has been moved up to 6:30 because of the RFC co-ed intramural basketball game a 7:30 in the HPER. Come on down and watch if it doesn't conflict with your Bible study. Girls, don't forget about your retreat this weekend. I'm sure you'll have a big ole time.

Class was awesome as usual. Thanks for your email, Laura. Sorry but I don't have a 'mini' devo for you this week. I do have some verses for you:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1Peter 1:3-9

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.”
James 4:13-17

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my future and Gods plan for my life. I think we all are. It's something that goes along with being in college. I've had some new ideas recently for future possibilities and thinking about them has gotten me really pumped...I've seriously been filled with an “inexpressible joy.” I think it would be awesome if God would fulfill the ideas I've been brainstorming. But, I have to remember that He's the One making the plans. And, that whether he fulfills my ideas or he has something else in mind, either way, he's got great plans to use you and me as instruments for His glory. Let's all challenge each other and pray for each other that we can all put our lives in God's hands and see what great things He can do.

I guess I did include a mini devo after all.

In Christ,
Mitch

Suppa Time [bringing good out of bad]

2000-11-09T03:20:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all,

How are things? Great, thanks for asking. Just writing to remind you about supper in the Union this week at 5:45...that's right...5:45. Then don't forget about all the Bible studies and then the girls' prayer group at the student center and the guys' on Old Main lawn or in Old Main if it's raining. Both are at about 9.

Don't forget about the Hay Ride on Friday night. Eventually there will be maps at the student center. Ladies, don't forget about y'all's retreat next weekend. And to everyone who hasn't signed up yet, keep pestering your parents to let you go on ski trip. :)

Good job again tonight, Kaelin. I hope I'm not taking anything from you that you've planned for the next couple weeks but I'd like to point somethin' cool out about David and Bathsheba. It think it's cool how God takes bad things and brings good things out of them. David sinned multiple times when he got involved with Bathsheba. He lusted, committed adultery, caused Uriah to sin by getting him drunk, and then "murdered" Uriah by sending him to the front line of the army where he was sure to be killed. After Uriah died, David and Bathsheba married and as a result of David's sins, their first child died. However, their second child lived. Their second child was, guess who, Solomon. I think it's cool how out of a marriage that resulted from sin, God brought the wisest man and one of the richest kings of all time.

I think God still does the bomb diggity stuff like that today. A couple of weeks ago, I stayed up almost all night working on a project and then slept through the class it was for. When I went to apologize to my prof, I found out that the class had been cancelled. Cool, eh? He does it with bigger things, too. Maybe you were broken up with. It feels terrible, but maybe God has other things planned for you before you and your special someone come together. I sure hope so. :) Or, maybe the U of A wasn't your first choice for college, but now that you're here you wouldn't go somewhere else for anything. It's cool to think about, ain't it?

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
Psalm 18:30-36

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:8-11

“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

In Him,
Mitch

Thursday [art dept. prayer request]

2000-11-02T04:27:00.000-08:00

Sup y'all,

Hope your Thursday has been grrrreat. Hope you're ready for some scrumdidily-umpsious food at the Union tonight at 5:45. I, however, will be absent from the Union this week. My parents are coming into town so I'm going to be eating dinner with them. Please pray that they'll travel safely. I know y'all will have a good ole time without me.

I will however be at the guys prayer group around 9 on Old Main. Again I want to recommend that you check either the girls or guys group out if you haven't been before or give it another try if you have been before. The prayer group was a little out of wack last week, but we had more important things to tend to first: Leanna's baptism. Amen? AMEN!

Please be praying for our new brothers and sisters and for our Bible studies and prayer groups and classes and devos and for the girls retreat and for the ski trip and for next semester and for the summer missions. It's never too early to get started.

I have a prayer request myself. Be praying for the Art Department. It's a common thing across the country for art departments to get the shaft when it comes to funds and it's happened here as well. I know there is less and less demand for most of the fine arts, but the areas of graphic design and photography are growing fields and deserve and need support. About 60% of the UofA's fine arts students graduate in Graphic Design yet we only have one design teacher and only about 15 computers. However, the deans of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences say we can't hire another teacher or buy new computers because they just don't have enough funds. Well, I have a hard time believing that. The Graphic Design: Symbols class for next semester has at least 23 people interested in it, but the deans say only 13 can be allowed in and another section can't be opened up because of a lack of funds and because it would be too much trouble to rearrange some schedules. Thankfully I made the list for the class, but that doesn't mean I will in the future. And think of the students who didn't get in...this could really mess up their plans for classes and for graduating. Well, a bunch of us design students are going to write the chancellor and a couple of deans some letters and may even pay them a visit. So, please just be praying for the Art Department and more specifically for graphic design. Please pray that our letters or visits or something will cause some much needed changes. Please pray for our professor, Marilyn. She's frustrated because she's been asking for more funds and more computers and for another teacher for the last couple of years but has seen no results. She has great passion for what she's teaching and wants us to be as best prepared as we can after we graduate and could definitely use some of God's comfort. Thanks. I can't wait to see God display his power!

I really liked the story tonight in class where a sign that God had gone out before David's army would be the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry streets...I mean trees. ("And to think that it happened on Mulberry Street" was a children's book my mom read to me when I was little.) As Kaelin pointed out, it was a sign to David that God was in control and was the One winning the battles. It's pretty amazing what God can do if we just give him control. What's really cool is that he doesn't take control...he only takes it if we want Him to and are willing to give it up. He gives us free will to make decisions so that we can realize that we can't make the right decisions without Him. Think of how great the RFCs are right now........okay, now, imagine how amazing we would be if we all gave complete control over our lives over to God! Dude! I'm being kinda selfish this week...I've got another request. Please pray for me that I'll let God take control and let His will rule my life and let Him make me what He wants me to be and send me where He wants me to go. Thanks.

“For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39

“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
2 Corinthians 1:8-11

“Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39

“...may your will be done.”
Matthew 26:42

Adios,
Mitch

Good Times [making time]

2000-10-26T03:22:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

Hope everyone is having a great Thursday. The surprise party for Kaelin was a big success. ;) Good times were had by all. Wasn't class awesome? God was definitely speaking to us through Kaelin.

Some of you have probably already heard, but this Friday night some of us are going camping at Devil's Den. Everyone is welcome to come. No one is really in charge of this, though. So...you're responsible for bringing you're own food and tent. Maybe you could get together with a few other people and go in together on food and a tent. Let me know if you plan to come so I can let those who will be the first few to get there (but who are not "in charge") know how many camp sites to snag. We'll be staying in the same area as usual...turn left before the bridge and look for a campsite of RFCs.

If anyone didn't hear tonight at church, the Halloween party is going to be at the student center this Saturday night at 7 (I think...maybe 6?).

As usual, we'll be eating supper at the Union at 5:45 this evenin'. I don't know about you but I just can't get enough of this crazy little thing called fellowship. Afterwards it'll be about time for Bible studies and then don't forget about the guys' and girls' prayer groups. The guys' prayer group is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's a great way to grow closer to God and to grow closer to your brothers/sisters. It's also a great time of release. And in the guys group it’s a time to release...well, all I'll say is sometimes it can get a little windy. (Get it?) Both groups start at around 9. The girls meet at the student center and the guys meet on Old Main Lawn.

I know it seems like there's a lot going on every night...so much that there's not much time left over to do homework, but still, try to come. I believe that God will reward you for sacrificing your time that he'll strengthen you through all the fellowship your getting and that he'll take care of you and help you get your stuff done. Like Kaelin said last night, you may fail a test but you still get to go to heaven. :) And life isn't about studying and getting good grades...it's about serving and praising Him and spreading His Word. However, there are infinite ways of serving God...so don't go and fail school just because of this email. You can also serve Him by using the brain He gave you to take advantage of the education He's providing for you.

Man, I'm on a roll! But this email is getting pretty long, so I'll let you go soon. I'll have to tell you more about my philosophy about balancing school and grades and about life in general some other time. :)

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness;’ and again, ‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’”
1 Corinthians 3:18

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?”
Matthew 16:26

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2

L8r dudes,
Mitch

Email List 2 [refuge]

2000-10-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

!Holas mis amigos!

Hey, I added a couple of names to the list and took off one that I put on the list by mistake...so, save and reply to this email until it gets updated again. Again, let me know if there is anyone who wants to be added to the list. If anyone wants to be taken off let me know.

Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and compliments for the Wednesday night Bible class. I know God worked through the prayers, and the compliments really boosted my confidence. Thanks! Kaelin will be taking over next week so be prayin' for him.

Wasn't retreat AWESOME!!!? Marshall it was AWESOME to see you get baptized! Brotherrrrr! I don't think I've been more on fire since Elizabeth and Lexi and Cathy got baptized last year. Allen Diles was awesome, Nathan's singin' group was the bomb. Good times, good times. It was the kinda weekend that you just never want to end. Amen?

Well, it's about that time. Remember, we'll be eating supper at the Union at 5:45. Please come. :)

Now for this week's verse. Actually I better look one up. I didn't forget any of the ones I had planned for class tonight. Here's a little something to continue the idea of God being our refuge and our protector:

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen"
2 Timothy 4:17-18

One more verse (not about refuge):
"God gave him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Well, have a great Thursday and c-ya at the Union.

In Christ,
Mitch

Email List [zephaniah 3:17]

2000-10-12T04:21:00.000-07:00

Hey party people,

I've finally updated the RFC email list and it's HUUUGE!!! If you’ve never gotten an email from me, I either got your address off of the info sheets that were up in the student center a couple of weeks ago or by typing in your last name and figuring it out. If you don't want to be on this list, let me know. If you're not even in the Razorbacks for Christ and I got you mixed up with someone else....sorry....let me know. If you know of anyone I've left off of the list that would like to be on it, let me know.

I mostly use this list to remind everyone of supper in the Union on Thursday nights at 5:47. I also use it to update everyone on the next phase in our diabolical plan for world domin....er.....ah.....world peace. :) It's also good for letting everyone know about other events, prayer requests, forwards (but please, limit the number you send) and anything else you want to say. I guess if you plan on using this list, save this message and reply to it whenever you want to email all of us.

Our guys intramural soccer team will start playing soon. Hopefully either I or someone else on the team will let y'all know when we're playing...we love it when you come out to hoot and holler for us. I don't think we got a co-ed soccer team signed up and that's A BUM DEAL! I could be wrong though.

Well, it's about time...no Thursday email would be complete w/o this:

Supper....union....5:43....be there.

The verse for the week is once again something I forgot to say in class
last night:

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

(Cool, huh? He sings to us too!)

Well, I guess I'll let you go. Hope you have a great Thursday. And, man,
I can't wait for retreat! Good times, good times.

In Christ,
Mitchell P

El Union [matthew 23:25-26]

2000-10-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy y'all,
Here's your weekly reminder: supper, Union, 5:45. Also, there's a guys flag football game at 7:30. Please, come and watch if the time of your Bible study allows.

This week’s verse:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”
Matthew 23:25-26

Have a great day!
Mitch

Thursday Night [ecclesiastes 4:9-12]

2000-09-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

Hope you're having a night. Thanks for all of your compliments tonight. I just wanted to tell everyone that there is a guys flag football game tomorrow (Thursday) night at 6:30. Please come and watch if you can. Of course, we'll be eating at the union. Since the game is as 6:30 (it really is this week), I'm going to try to get to the Union around or maybe a little before 5:30.

Hope everyone has a great Thurs. Here's your verse for the week. I meant to say it tonight in Bible class, but forgot:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

In Christ,
Mitch

Thursday [ephesians 4:11-13]

2000-09-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

My esteemed colleague, Mister Corey Keen, has just informed me that the flag football game is at 7:30 (not 6:30). Hope you can come.

This week's verse(s):

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13

Later,
Mitch

Union, Weekend [romans 8:28]

2000-09-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Howdy y'all,

I'm just emailing to remind you about supper in the Union at 5:47. Let's all get together and enjoy a meal prepared with love by the Union staff before we head to our Bible studies.

For anyone going to the Little Rock game this weekend, you're invited to my house for lunch this Saturday afternoon. We'll meet at the student center and try to leave by 9:30, have pizza at my place and then relax for an hour or two before we head to the game. Afterwards you can either caravan back up to Fayetteville with us or head to your place of lodging for the night. Let me know if you're going to be meeting us at the student center on Saturday morn so we know to wait for you.

I guess I'll go. Have a great day. I'm gonna leave ya with a Bible verse:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

In Christ,
Mitch