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."

Knowing and Being Known

It all started the morning of February 26 with Psalm 44:21, For he knows the secrets of the heart. That truth just cut me up. It ached. And the onslaught continued for many mornings afterward because of the living and active Sword "which pierces the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12) :

Romans 2:26b, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
Matthew 23:26, "First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean."
Psalm 69:5, O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.
Mark 4:22, "For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light."
1 Corinthians 10:12, Therefore, let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Psalm 90:8, You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Over these past months, these passages have provoked both intense pain AND incredible joy my soul because I've been reminded my God knows me THAT well. It has been a true realization to me as I've had shown to me some sins of selfishness I'd been harboring for a while and maybe didn't even realize it ("secret sin" can be that which is intentionally hidden and that which is unintentional, but it's all still sin).

So I've been on a road to being obedient in admitting these to God, myself, as well as brothers and sisters from whom it is right to seek forgiveness. In much the same way as mentioned above, it stings AND relieves to know I have those people in my life who know me well enough (in some cases, better than I know myself) to call me out when I'm being a jerk or worse. Jenny is one. Greg is another. Man, they call me on the carpet and they're usually spot on.

If you feel there is a disconnect with the Lord, you need to check your end by asking Him to reveal to you any unconfessed intentional or unintentional sin. Go to the Bible (perhaps a few of the above passages) asking Him to use the Word to convict you. It's uncomfortable, but growth and change always are. When that sin is revealed confess it to Him (use Psalm 51), knowing that when "we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and PURIFY us from ALL unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Ahh. It doesn't get more refreshing than that!

Pray for people to hold you to an unwavering biblical standard. We all long to know others deeply and be known ourselves. The Lord Jesus Christ does this for us. He gave us a letter in the Bible that can read our thoughts and intentions backward and forward, revealing our very hearts. He's placed the ability in godly men and women to apply that Word to do the same. Even David, the "man after God's own heart," was called out of his sin with Bathsheba by God's man, Nathan.

Thank God for His correction through His Word and His children! May you be blessed by His knowing your inmost feelings and intentions yet still loving you. May God place great men and women in your life by whom you can be known and know in return.

Casey, 1992-2008

Casey

1992-2008

Somebody Chose to Love Their Way into My World

Saw this in class today. It really touched me because I am the son of two of the most amazing teachers and coaches I know.

I saw many parallels to discipleship in this vignette.

Remember: It's all about loving your way into someone's world with a compassion that could only be fueled by Christ.

http://makeadifferencemovie.com/

Cloud of Witnesses

I've felt less like myself the past five days. Maybe due to a little extra stress. And some lack of sleep, though that part was certainly not of my choosing. Suffice it to say I've been "off" after having been on my game for quite some time. Today was starting out to be no different, so I prayed to God this morning to reignite whatever it was in me that was missing. To renew me. 

Boy, do I serve a loving, faithful, and steadfast God! Today was going to be all about research for an upcoming paper. Library. All afternoon. I wasn't looking forward to it. The despondent weather didn't help matter, just gave an excuse to be more melancholy. 

But then I ran into some friends at the library. Greg and Tyler, even though they may not have known it, ministered to me greatly in those afternoon hours. Because of  their power of presence, their laughter and their insight I feel like Jared again. My Savior God utilized my great cloud of witnesses to uplift me and care for me for a while. 

Oh, and someone put an anonymous card in my box at the church that said, "Thank you for making an eternal difference. You are loved." There was also a $25 gift certificate to my favorite restaurant included. :-)

Take a moment to call up a friend, facebook them, or write them a letter telling them how much they mean to you. My guys and that anonymous church member probably had no idea I was down in the dumps, but God used them mightily because they made themselves available. 

May we all be obedient and do the same for those the Lord has placed in our lives.