Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

I forgot how sanctifying public transportation can be. When I was a ministry associate at BYX I traveled most every other weekend (usually by plane, sometimes by car) to a different university. Those times sitting in airports waiting, riding in planes, driving for hours... those were some of the greatest, most focused times of spiritual growth I've experienced in the past three years.

Granted, I didn't spend ALL the time alone. I talked to some folks too. I mean, there was that flight to Jackson when I chatted it up with R&B singer Brandy, not realizing it was her until a little girl asked for an autograph at the baggage claim. But when it comes down to it, I'm more of a Neal Page (Steve Martin) than a Dell Griffin (John Candy) when it comes to planes, trains, and automobiles. Chalk it up to temperament.

I don't travel nearly as regularly anymore. Just my short commute to NBC. But the other night I decided to take the train from Fort Worth to Plano to see one of my best friends. We've been meeting up semi-regularly for dinner since we both graduated from OU and moved to the DFW metroplex...it's just that we live on opposing sides of the 'plex, so getting together takes some commitment. This time it took the form of a two-hour train ride to and from. But it was a refreshing time of sitting with Jesus, Martin Lloyd-Jones' Spiritual Depression, and my iPod. Melancholy's thrive on introspection and there's fewer better places to do so than solitary plane, train, and automobile rides.

I'm glad I don't have to ride the TRE or DART every day. But my little journey the other evening yielded amazing results: I got to spend some great time with God, I met a delightful older Christian couple (who'd spent the day touring the art museums in Fort Worth) and got to share with them about the ministry of BYX and my thoughts of discipleship. And, of course, there was Steve-O, who is that side-by-side friend from whom I receive such great encrouagement and love whenever we meet or talk.

Sufficeit to say, I'm very much looking forward to my next train ride. And who says I have to have a set destination? What if I just went for the round trip? Five bucks ain't bad for some focused time with the Lord. And intense people watching.

iPhones May Be the Closest We Could Ever Get to Green Lantern Rings

At the risk of sounding culturally irrelevant (not a large risk, mind you: I bought the new Coldplay album the day it came out...on iTunes!), all these new phones scare me.

Mostly because I fought email addiction in college. And won. But it was bad for a while, folks; we're talking every-two-minutes-or-less checking of the inbox. Perhaps you've experienced this or it's sister Facebook addiction where you click that 'friends' button every two minutes or less just to see who "is hating the 100-degree heat,' or 'is trying to study,' or, a personal favorite from Anonymous: "stepped on a baby kitty and hopes that it doesn't go retarded!! poor baby"

Really?

My inclination to all things electronic has become even more apparent to me in marriage. The other evening my wife and I were watching a movie during our weekly date night at home. I was into the movie, I was digging the alone time with my baby...and then the email notification on my Mac (2 points for relevancy) went off in the other room. Like a trained seal I sprang up from my couch, my wife, and Robert Duvall to see what kind of message comes into my email on Thursday evening.

It was a Facebook update (the forces combined!). Someone commented on my photo. Naturally I was compelled to respond IMMEDIATELY, lest I be considered culturally irrelevant. (Who wants to see a response the next day? "That joke was soooo last night at 9:45")

It made me start thinking about how tied to technology I have a tendency to be. I have started making some slight changes (see linked article below) and it hasn't been easy, but my wife's been patient with me through the process.

Now can you imagine this scenario if I had email/facebook on my phone?!?!? I could do anything! Anytime! Anywhere! I wouldn't have even had to get up and walk to the next room.

Kinda like a Green Lantern power ring, which gives its user great power over the physical world and can accomplish almost anything its user imagines. This ability is increased

or limited only by the the wielder's will power, imagination, and savviness with the ring. The ring can give instant analysis of any situation, object, substance, or threat. It connects its wearer instantly with any other member of the 7,200-strong Green Lantern Corps. It allows the wearer to fly. It even has to be charged every now and again or it'll run outta juice. (Now, the power rings are even starting to come in other colors of the "emotional spectrum"...like blue for hope, or red for rage).

I'd never stop using a Green Lantern ring if I had one.

And I know would take some Green Lantern-strength willpower to tear myself away from a phone that can connect you to anything or anyone. So for now I'm playing it safe and trying to be wise in readying myself to recognize when a technology is taking over my relationships or ministry.

And maybe, just maybe, I'm holding out for the iPhone that enables its user to fly. Now THAT I'll stand in line for!

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Pray for us all as we continue to exert control over the miracles of technology, ever vigilant against those miracles becoming strongholds used by the eneamy to distract us from Christ and His Kingdom work.

Here is one Christian philosopher's helpful ruminations; I commend them to your consideration and discernment.

Student of the Human Heart

"If we will observe the relationships that go on between human beings, we will receive a graduate-level education."

--Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p. 74.

The study of "non-verbal" books, as Richard Foster would call them, has been a theme of my life. I am fascinated by the human condition; that is, why we do the things we do, our facets, our personalities, our fallen state, our contradictions, our desires, our inherent need of a Savior, etc.

Foster is correct in that being observant of the lives surrounding us as well as those found in history and literature provides incredible insight. Great wisdom can come from experience tempered with a Biblical worldview.

I find support of this type of study in the wisdom of Solomon. From Proverbs 24:30-34:
I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
(emphasis mine)

In the same vein, the book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon's own confessional autobiography in which he shares his personal reflections on life and all he has observed and experienced; the godly and the fallen. Great impetus for us to make the study of the human heart a top priority to practice.

I am reminded as I write of an earlier blog very much in spirit with this. Linked here are a few meditations of mine on how learning from others' poor examples has allowed me to avoid some pitfalls of my own: Mistakes Not Taken, Scars Not Received

Following the Leader

The Institute for American Values released a study on June 11 entitled Is Religion an Answer? Marriage, Fatherhood, and the Male Problematic. The findings conclude church involvement and devotional activity “increase the odds that fathers will get and stay happily married to the mothers of their children and foster higher levels of involvement and affection with children.”

This should come as no great shock to the Christian male or family. The Family of God SHOULD naturally foster through its ministries –from baptisms, to Father’s Day sermons, to men’s ministry – a moral responsibility that calls men to sacred character.

The “Male Problematic” as defined in the Institute’s report (father’s shirking spiritual leadership and responsibility) has been plaguing us since Norman Rockwell painted his famous and prophetic, “Sunday Morning” piece for the cover of the May 16, 1959 edition of The Saturday Evening Post.

I sense many of you are with me in my stance that I’m not going to take this slouching and hiding like the central figure in Rockwell’s painting. No longer. Not this generation. Not this church. Not these men.

As the Body of Christ at NBC, it is the heart of our leadership to see men grow into who they are made to be by their Creator: strong leaders who stand on Scriptural principle, who are spiritually fit and able to fight for their church, their families, friends, and their God. Part of this training up of sturdy men, husbands, and fathers is facilitating a place where men can be who they were meant to be.

This Fall promises to be exciting for the Men of NBC. Our Men’s Ministry Council, comprised of myself, Ronnie Staats, Jared Starr, and Austin McKnight, are meeting, praying, and sensing a very strong and unified direction for the NBC Men’s Ministry.

We have adopted a quote from our Pastor’s recent Father’s Day sermon to wave like a banner over our men’s ministry: “As the man goes, so goes the family; as the man goes, so goes the church.” The response to the invitation that June morning for men to commit anew to serving God and leading their families was very powerful. Seeing that many men at the front of the church, kneeling before God, praying together… it was a glimpse of spiritual champions fed up with emasculated manhood. It was a final confirmation that the Spirit is indeed moving in the hearts of our men. Personal conversations with some of you men have only led to a stronger sense of this in recent days.

Beginning in September we will initiate Men’s Fraternity, a radical call to help one another explore the critical issues we all face by standing side by side, back to back, and doing spiritual battle together. Trying to go it alone doesn’t work so we’re going to challenge one another in the coming year to walk with other men in following God’s leadership in our devotional lives, families, friendships, and church. I think it’s really just the beginning of something quietly epic.

This might not be for everyone though; as with any true and great spiritual undertaking it will require sacrifice and vulnerability. In Men’s Fraternity we will tackle issues regarding wounds of family and loneliness, among others. Through time together and in small groups of 4 to 5 men, we’ll call one another to drop the pretenses of the “male problematic” to get real about the baggage our mutual enemy uses to make us ineffectual in the fight off faith. Through fellowship, accountability, brotherhood, and unity, we will walk together to spur one another toward love and great deeds, a Biblical view of manhood guiding and igniting the warrior’s spirit granted each of us by our great King.

Don't Run Red Lights Because You're Afraid of Facing Yourself for a Minute

"We are all in such a hurry, we want everything at once. We believe that all truth can be stated in a few minutes. The answer to that is that it cannot, and the reason why so many today are living superficial Christian lives is because they will not take time to examine themselves."

--D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, 'Spiritual Depression' p. 12

Jared's JLA

From Jared and Jenny's wedding program comes these scribblings about the men in our wedding whom God has used to make me into who I am today.

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Greg McElroy
Pastor, Mentor and life-long friend

If ever I (Jared) had an older brother in this life it is Greg McElroy. He has been a part of some biggest days in my life. Greg was there to walk with me when I first wrestled with God’s call to ministry. A few years later we were licensed to the ministry together. He was with me to buy Jenny’s engagement ring, and consequently I got to be with him that same day when Kelli called to tell him they were expecting Elijah. God even used him to point me toward Normandale Baptist Church, where Jenny and I have found a church home and place of ministry.

This man has discipled me in a most profound way. He has been my voice of reason, my guide, and my best friend. Greg invited me into his world and showed me how to invite others into mine. Because of him I am a better disciple of Christ. I will be a better husband, father, and minister because Greg McElroy loved me and invested in me. I love this man deeply. I am incredibly proud to have him here today, the biggest day of my life yet.

Tyler Wilson
Best Man - BYX Little Bro

Tyler is the first man with whom I had the privilege of doing one-on-one discipleship. I saw so much of my own heart in him that I felt compelled to make a difference in his life. What I didn’t expect was how great a difference he would make in mine. Much in part because of how God moved in our time together do I now find myself a pastor of discipleship. God used the two of us, through times of laughing, crying, talking, praying and serving together, to reveal to us both the directions and purposes of our ministries. I wouldn’t be where I am if not for Tyler Wilson.

It has been a great privilege to grow with him in BYX and now see my little bro maturing into his own man and minister. It is with great love, humility, and joy that I have him stand by my side today as best man.

Steven Hardebeck
Groomsman - BYX Brother, College Roommate

Steven is a fighter whose indomitable spirit inspires the men around him to stand firm. He’s the man in my life who has stood by me in some of my finest moments and those where I felt most defeated. We have both been through very joyful and low times together in our spiritual walks and friendship. But through it all God has moved our hearts to continue the fight for each other.

Steven just doesn’t give up. He is my model for standing in the gap for a brother…the embodiment of a friend loving at all times and a brother born for adversity (Proverbs 18:17). It is one of the great joys of my adult life that our sincere friendship and love for one another as brothers is continually grown and strengthened by God.

Steven also stands with me today representing the fine gentlemen of 725 Schulze: Tom Crawford, Matt Courtney, and Blake Isernhagen. I had a most incredible house of men with whom to live and share my college life.

Joe Thomas
Groomsman - BYX Brother, Creative Consultant

There are those blessed few friends whose presence in your life has all the impact of a comet pulled from orbit. Upon meeting Joe Thomas I knew I was in for a friendship unlike any other. Always up for any adventure, he reminds me to laugh well and often; usually just as much at myself as at the inconsistencies and strange truths of life. He knows me well enough to call me out when I’m being less than the Jared he knows. A constant creative force and perceptive as anyone I’ve ever met, he’s the first person across whose desk I pass any creative ideas or writing because I know his input will help it defy some gravity.

But just as important as all that is Joe’s unfaltering loyalty to his friends. The champion of celebrations, seizing the moment, and his friends’ well being, he can be depended upon to be there for you and be all for you. I love this man for his warmth, versatility, and devotion to God and Spirit-led relationships. Joe’s bright friendship has changed me for better and for good.

Chris Lorenz
Groomsman - BYX Grand-Little Bro, Cell Group Member

One of the finest men I know, Chris’ character speaks volumes. He will sit and listen with earnest heart while you spill your guts. He’ll then encourage you with truth and a much-needed hand on your shoulder.

Chris has grown so much in the time I’ve known him. From a boy with lots of questions to a steady 1 Peter 3:15 man “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in” him, he always responds with his characteristic gentleness and respect. He is able to do so because of his persistent chasing after God and his unabashed application of truth to life’s situations. His honesty, truthfulness, and genuine love of his brothers in Christ are second to none and a great influence.

Austin McKnight
Usher - Brother In Christ

Austin is one of the bravest, most insightful young men I know. In the time he and I have been meeting for discipleship he has become a close friend and treasured younger brother. In him I have a kindred spirit with whom I share many interests, points of view, and a passion for the Gospel in engaging culture as an intelligent Christian.

His pure heart, discerning empathy and great potential are continual encouragements to me in ministry and my relationship with Christ. I see in him the character of Proverbs 20:5. It is a privilege to be a part of his journey as he grows into a guardian, teacher, and sage drawing out purpose from the deep wells of the human heart.

Austin desires to be a force for Christ in the academic arena. And from what I’ve seen so far, he will be some day.

Derek Ensminger
Usher - BYX Cell Group Member, fellow OU Tour Guide

Derek became a great friend to me through BYX and our working together long, sweltering summers at OU Recruitment. I knew when the opportunity presented itself that I had to have him in my cell group. The year and half we spent together with Kevin and Chris was one of the best experiences I carried from college, and the Lord used that time to fortify my friendship with him.

Derek is a man whose heart beats for the lost to come to know Christ. He goes after those in darkness, serving as a son of light (John 12:36) in meeting them where they are and representing Christ. I see his compassion and boldness and am led pray those attributes increase in me. I look up to him a great deal.

Kevin Gaddis
Usher - BYX Cell Group Member

One of my favorite guys to ever pledge BYX. I loved having him in cell group because his passion for seeing someone come to Christ profoundly impacted our group and fraternity.

Everyone knows Gaddis is a genius. But what truly sets him apart and makes him special is how his godly heart guides his intellect. Kevin truly loves the Lord and people with an honesty that motivates those around him to do the same. This was certainly how he inspired me in our time together as a cell group. Much like our NBC mission statement, Kevin lives to know Christ and make him known.

How It Happened

In great anticipation and expectation of my upcoming wedding on June 7, I wanted to post the following story from our wedding program.

Jared Musgrove and Jenny Thompson met amid a flurry of church activity the morning of October 15, 2006 as first-time visitors to Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Walking to the sanctuary they chatted and discovered their Oklahoma connection, Jenny's beauty making it easy for OU-grad Jared to quickly ignore the fact she was an OSU alumnus.

They sat by one another in the balcony during the service, both walking away afterward hoping to see the other again. Soon after this first meeting, Jared was led by the Lord to join Normandale Baptist Church and Jenny stayed at Travis for the time being. A month and a half went by in which they were increasingly on each other’s minds, but were unsure as to how they would get back in touch.

Hopes were realized when Jared finally tracked Jenny down and asked her to coffee early that December. That first date was an evening from which both walked away with a sense that the other was someone unlike any they’d ever met. Jared went home intent on a second, third, and fourth date. Jenny went home and stated to her friends that she “could marry a man like that.”

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The Sunday afternoon of September 23, 2007, Jared led Jenny to the first-row balcony pew at Travis Avenue Baptist Church where they met nearly one year before. They sat in the empty sanctuary, reminiscing and laughing at how the Lord had had grown and deepened their relationship since that day.

“I have something I would like to read to you,” Jared said, taking a piece of parchment paper from his pocket and unfolding it. Jenny did not think this out of the ordinary as Jared often wrote something and read it to her on an occasion or in a place of significance to both of them.

Jared began to read, “Beautiful the marriage of Christians…..”

Jenny admits not hearing much of what was read after that third word. Jared was just hoping his voice wouldn’t quake and give him away. As if the third word hadn’t already.

He finished reading, looked into Jenny’s eyes and said, “Jen, that is what I want for us. I want us to be all of this. I love you.” He got down on one knee in front of her, brandished a small black box, and, opening it, said, “Jennifer Marie Thompson, will you marry me?”

Jenny’s “YES!” was instantaneous and breathless. Jared couldn’t stop smiling as he shakily took the ring from its perch and began to slip it onto Jenny’s right ring finger.

“Um, Jared, other finger.”

“Oh. Right.”

Nerves, you know.

After the ring had been applied properly, they kissed and held each other. In the dimly lit sanctuary, they prayed together over their future, committing it to the Lord and giving thanks for each other and God’s faithfulness in their lives and relationship. The Lord authored a beautiful story for the two of them and at this moment their whole hearts melted in gratitude, loving Him and each other all the more.

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"...Not Many Super Anythings Anymore"

This is a little on the fly, but I thought the recent continuation of a conversation on the deeper side of superheroes between myself and Sir J. Austin McKnight had the beginnings of some good thoughts and was appropriate (and fun) to post here.

I will likely follow this up with a more in-depth blog on the subject at a later date...

Austin McKnight wrote There would be real Jokers and Lex Luthors in the world, but most of them suffer from the sin of laziness. No Hitlers recently because people are lazy. I count it a good thing... as long as the heroes aren't suffering from laziness as well. There just aren't many super anything anymore.

Jared Musgrove wrote
I agree with you, but would like to believe if an evil like that ever came about, we'd oppose it. Preferably with capes on, but that's just me 

Seriously though:"There just aren't many super anything anymore."
That's sadly true. No one holds standards of excellence anymore. In anything.

Austin McKnight wrote
Somedays I feel I have excellent standards, but really, no. These guys in movies and the fictional people in books and comic books are not just in our imagination. According to Platonic thought, we can only conceive of what is possible. That means that the heroes and the villains are both possible.

Jared Musgrove wrote
Oh, totally. We've seen them before. Of course, not a Superman or Batman, or Joker or Lex Luthor, but we've seen Hitler and Sadaam. The real world sadly knows little of some of its greatest men, the real heroes.
We latch onto Superman because he's a snapshot of what we'd like to think we'd do if we had the abilities (in the form of powers). We would like to think we'd make a choice to help and protect people from evil...to fight it and vanquish it. It's a very primal instinct and we've been displaying in through story since the beginning of time (Hercules, Odysseus, etc. Superheroes are just our modern mythology) When, in reality, believers have these abilities not in flight or heat vision, but in Christ and by the power of the Spirit. If only more of us really worked on refining our God-given abilities to be more Spirit-driven to the point of being epic.

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Adding to this and keeping with the theme, I read this phrase from the novel, The Last Days of Krypton by Kevin J. Anderson, which focuses on all that led to the planet's destruction:

"Everyone had been forced to be 'average' for too many generations. One cannot constrain an ever-growing thing without consequences. If society inhibited the bell curve too long, radical spikes would appear at either end. Some anomalies took the form of unorthodox geniuses like Jor-El (Superman's Kryptonian father) and Zor-El (Jor-El's brother), while others were heinous criminals who demonstrated their 'genius' through violence and destruction rather than creation. Like the Butcher of Kandor. Like Zod."