Our View

One week ago, we flew to Orlando, and drove to Daytona Beach for our annual Cru High School Leadership Conference. While we were in flight, above the clouds, I was reminded, again, to focus on listening - to His Words, to the speakers, to our staff friends, and also to each other as a couple during this time away from the responsibilities and work at home.

And now, back home again - thanking Him for many things that we heard, as we listened ...

Faith: Choosing God. Our choices often involve a yes, and a no. Giving up what is temporal for what is eternal.  (Pastor Jacks)

"I once thought these things were valuable,

but now I consider them worthless

because of what Christ has done.

Yes, everything else is worthless

when compared to the infinite value

of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

(Philippians 3:7-8a)

When we surrender - we gain Him. Don't hold onto our plans - hold onto God. (Darryl Smith)

"And so, dear brothers and sisters,

I plead with you to give your bodies to God

because of all He has done for you.

Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -

the kind He will find acceptable.

This is truly the way to worship Him.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,

but let God transform you into a new person

by changing the way you think.

Then you will learn to know God's will for you,

which is good and pleasing and perfect."

(Romans 12:1-2)

"The Scripture that rung me out regarding what I'm willing to offer up was this one: 'You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.'" (Psalm 51:16-17) (Thoughts from Holey, Wholly, Holy)

"I tell you the truth,

unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,

it remains only a single seed.

But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

(John 12:24)

Living in the midst of tension as a leader - the key is not a long list of things to do or not to do - but the key is to walk in the Spirit. (Sam Osterloh)

When we receive a "God-idea", we need to take it captive, living it and working it for His purposes. (Draw the Circle)

"We take captive every thought

to make it obedient to Christ."

(II Cor. 10:5)

These are just a few of the things that we heard as we listened, in view of the beautiful Atlantic: summed up in one word ... surrender. Carrying this back home with us, and desiring to view all of life with this focus.

Lord, continue to work out these truths in my heart and life in the very specific areas that You have grabbed my heart with. Thank You for the memories of listening to You along the beautiful aqua-blue waters of the Atlantic - and for the rest and refreshment that we received from You.