Speaking @ OBU Chapel

I got the opportunity and honor today to speak at the weekly chapel service at my alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University (www.obu.edu) in Arkadelphia. Toward the end of last year, my friend Ian Cosh, called and invited me to speak. OBU has chapel every Tuesday at 10 AM and all students are required to attend. I was under no illusion that the students gathered to hear me...they were there because they have to be. But for me...to be asked to be there...this was so cool! Most of the staff (Sean, Rob, Melanie, and Emily) traveled an hour up I-30 to support me. As we pulled into town, they put the song "Eye of the Tiger" on to get me pumped up and ready! It was too funny...I love the people I serve with and am so thankful for their friendships!

There was about 1,200 students and faculty in JPAC...that is the largest crowd I have ever preached to. God led me to talk on Proverbs 25.28 and the value of self-control. I used the recent trials of Tiger Woods to challenge students to examine any broken walls in their life and shifted to Nehemiah 2.11-17 to see how to build the walls back. I pray that God used His word today. I confess that my pride wanted students to remember me...but God reminded me that I fail if people do not remember Him and His word more than me!

After chapel, we gathered up our Beech Street students to treat them to lunch. Krystal, Andrew, Mark, and Adam joined us...Duncan had a baseball game. We had a great meal at Little Italy...who would have thought that you could get that good of authentic Italian food in Arkadelphia, Arkansas!!?? It was sooo good!

Ouachita is a really special place for me. It is the place God gave me an incredible wife in Melanie...God shaped my call to ministry...God gave me tools to accomplish His calling...God gave me so many valuable friendships that are still a blessing to me each day! What a treat to be on campus and share in chapel!