The Prodigal Life

I used to think intimacy with the Father was just a necessary part of mission. It was a requirement to do evangelism and ministry well. But over the past two years things have become very different. I have learned something that saved my life--that I cannot devote myself solely to intimacy with God or to missions... I must devote myself whole-heartedly to both. They are equally central to my faith, my relationship with my Father. They cannot exist well independently of each other. For some, intimacy with the Father comes easily--they are passionate about the inward journey and excited to pursue personal spiritual life. For others missions is natural, exciting, life-giving, and the center of faith. Even last year I would have fallen into the latter category. I was passionate about sharing the Gospel and wanted everyone to know the Good News... but I didn't understand or value my need for intimacy with the Father. More importantly I didn't realize that true evangelism comes out...

Don't forget the LORD. Obey Him and do not bow down to any other gods. Don't forget the Lord. When things are going well and life is good, remember it is God alone who provides all the good things you have and all the peace you enjoy. Don't forget the LORD. When times are difficult and you wonder if God is listening... if He is present. When you cannot see where He is moving and you are hopeless, don't forget the LORD. In the good times praise the Lord for His blessings. In the difficult times remember all that the Lord did and thank Him for His faithfulness. But to forget the Lord is to walk away from the very one who loves you, who sustains you and keeps you.  Be careful that you do not worship false gods. Don't think they are always easy to spot either. They may be golden trinkets that cannot listen to your cries or answer you... or they may be yourself, your own success. They may be riches or fame; it may be peace or security. They may even come in the guise o...

My name is Jen... and I am a functional Atheist. Not the kind that doesn't believe in God; Not the kind that denies the existence of a "higher power". The functional kind... the kind that acknowledges and believes in Him in some areas of my life but functions as if there is no God in other areas. I become so involved with the stress and busyness of everyday that I forget Him. It sounds strange... even impossible. Functional atheism means I have a high pressure of creeds and an anorexia of deeds. It means I acknowledge Him with my lips and ignore Him in my hour to hour life. How could I forget God?  What does it look like? Well, it's simple. It looks like me spending time with Jesus in the morning  and acknowledging my great need for Him both personally and in ministry, then closing my Bible and going about my day, thinking, "If only I could find the right method, process, or system... if only I can execute this exceptionally... then ministry would just take off...

Katie and I sat in the unseasonably warm February sun. The usual Thursday bustle of campus life went on around us, with the occasional wave or greeting by passing students. I always enjoy meeting students where I feel like a part of campus life. It helps me remember that I'm here for all of them... not just the ones who are already involved in Intervarsity. "I know I'm supposed to be sharing the Gospel with my friends and I really do want to... but I say I'm going to do it, then life gets in the way. And what does it actually look like? Everyone says we're supposed to do it but nobody says how!" explained Katie. Katie is a vibrant senior who truly loves life. She's the kind of person you'd jump off a cliff with because it would be a party the whole way down. Her smile is contagious and she seems to know everyone on campus. "Draw a circle and write your name in the middle" I said. Katie looked at me with a puzzled look then obliged me. ...