Student Life Camp 2011 Thursday

It's hard to believe we are already in our last full day of camp. Our days are so busy that they do indeed pass quickly. Yesterday afternoon we played ultimate frisbee and I discovered that I am in fantastic shape and this 8,000+ ft altitude doesn't affect me at all. Sorry, I slipped out of reality there for a second. We had fun though, and afterwards I schooled several of our students in the game of miniature golf.

Last night's worship was a powerful time. JR Vassar talked about how we live in a culture that is becoming increasingly post Christian. The true followers of Christ will be seen by their devotion to Him, and simply the traditions that they follow. JR talked about how Jesus is the chief cornerstone and all who set themselves against him will be crushed. He quoted Tim Keller saying "When it comes to Jesus, you'll either have to kill Him or crown Him." A powerful truth that needs to be preached and re-preached. He also said that the only way to be neutral toward Jesus is to edit or censor your own version of Him. We must take a stand on what we believe about Jesus Christ - He is Lord or He isn't. We had two young ladies profess that they wanted to recommit themselves to living for the one who died for them. Our young men and women had some great insight - they are wise beyond their years. I thoroughly enjoyed our church group time hearing their thoughts and stories about what God is teaching them this week.

We left our church group time to a nice steady rain that was falling. I forgot how loud thunder sounds in the mountains, and especially in Estes Park which basically sits in a bowl surrounded by mountains. This morning JR talked about how we live in a hyper reality. What that means is that the exaggerated is presented as normative. Images, media, tv shows, and even the dream lifestyle have created an ideal picture of something that does not truly exist, and yet we continually strive for it. He also talked about how social media has allowed us to compare our lives - but in reality your life on your facebook page is often an edited digital life. This hyper reality creates a constant state of "I'll be happy when...." and leaves us always chasing after a lifestyle, a product, or an idea. Our consumerist culture attests to this truth. Jesus in John 6 tells the crowd that he is the bread of life, and to not labor for the food that perishes. We've been blessed by both Jeff Johnson and JR Vassar this week. I'm looking forward to a great day today and finishing camp strong before we return to Rio Rancho tomorrow. God has done and is doing great things!