Why Regent University?

Simply put – God called me here. When my wife and I were still dating in 2005, I worked at a place I loved, lived near friends and family in Ohio, and I was all set to go to another university on a full-ride scholarship. Yet, there was a sense of unrest – God was whispering and I listened... In a matter of two months, we quit our jobs, got married and moved here to get a degree at Regent. There is no question that Regent was the right choice.

Why Online Learning?

As a direct result of earning a Christian education, I have a better grasp of my roles as a Christian, a husband, a lifelong learner, a friend, a follower, and a leader. Moreover, earning a degree is a very fulfilling yet difficult experience. I can’t imagine earning it without the support and encouragement of dedicated Christian faculty and the freedom (and expectation) to grapple with spiritual challenges in the context of the classroom.

Why A Business Degree?

Leadership is interesting, relevant and applicable. Leadership is everywhere but it is not understood by many people. Also, there is a critical need for good leadership everywhere. Last, leadership is essential influence, and without influence, one cannot change the world. The real question is, “Why not a leadership degree?”

Alumnus

Pray it Forward?

The following message was recently posted to the branch:

"What would happen if each family prayed and fasted for another family? What would happen if each student prayed and fasted for another student? What about Mothers for Mothers and Fathers for Fathers, or husbands for husbands and wives for wives? Think what could happen should men start lifting up men and women start lifting up other women to God? Then what about children bringing other children before the throne of God? What if Regent Village prayed and fasted for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on each home? What if we did this for a day, then regularly? Whatever is in your mind right now is what would happen, and more. Yes we would see a revival! I just felt impressed to put this out there." -- Philmore James

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This is a nice image—people lifting each other up to God in an unselfish desire to see others feel the power of God in their lives. Embracing the idea that we could start a revolution, previously dubbed "revival," for everyone to experience an outpouring of the Holy Spirit is wonderful. I have wondered these things as well. I think the reminders of the sinful nature of our humanity are so pervasive we may sometimes forget the power of corporate worship and prayer. Jesus proclaimed, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." I wonder how much proximity matters? It probably doesn’t.

This image of people praying for each other "naturally" brings wonderful thoughts to mind. I can imagine the transformation that would take place in everyday life. The exponential nature of one person praying for a few others ad infinitum is astounding. I am reminded of one of my favorite dramas, Pay It Forward, where Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) incites a movement in which one person picks three people for which to do one big unsolicited favor, and then instruct them to "pay it forward" to three others, rather than pay the favor back. Honestly, each time I watch the movie my eyes well up with tears as I think of how things could be. This movie, as well as the notion of revival, taps into my idealistic tendencies and altruistic desires.

So, who is going to start? Who will stand up and take the lead? Maybe it should be you. Maybe it will be? But in case it is not, here is a prayer for you—the one reading this post (of course, this assumes that someone will read my post).

Heavenly Father, we more than just welcome your presence into our lives—we need it. Lord, I humbly ask that you touch the person reading this right now. I pray that you reach into his or her heart and make your presence and love known. If it is in your will, let the power of your love convict this person to spread your love to others. Father God, please protect us, love us, and move us in your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The ball is in now in your court. Let us pray that this does not become one of those things that only happen in the creative minds of Hollywood. Better yet, let us do something about it right now. Pick three people right now for whom you will commit to pray—and then just pray it forward.

1 comments:

sarahc said...

i havent seen you in forever,
forever is way too long, any new brain teasers?