The Bible applies to everyday life

The Bible applies to everyday life

The day before classes began my freshman year at Bradley University (Fall of 1990) I met with Dick Belsly who was director of Campus Crusade on campus. Dick knew I grew up in a Christian home and in the church. He asked me when was the last time I shared my faith. I answered “Umm… I haven’t.” Dick asked “Why not?” and I answered “Well, you see, I’m kinda shy and I just don’t really talk all that much.”

Dick then opened up his Bible to 2 Timothy 1:7 and had me read aloud “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.”

He then asked me, “So, Mike… Where does that timidity or fear come from?” I answered “Not from God.”

Dick then took out a 3x5 card and a small pencil and handed them to me. He then said, “Mike I’m not a name it and claim it kind of guy, but I want you to write down your response to this verse on this card.” I wrote, “I would like to have a spirit of boldness.”

That event changed my life. It was through this interaction that I finally saw how I could apply Scripture to my life instead of seeing it as a list of things to do or not to do. To this day (17 years later), I keep that card marking 2 Timothy 1:7 in my Bible.
Another example of how the Bible applies to everyday life is an article from the Associated Press I just read this morning. It is about a pastor teaching on the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30. He decided to give his congregation a chance to put the parable of the talents into action by giving each adult $50 and each child $10 and seven weeks to double the money to give to the church's missions programs.

It is really amazing to read this article and hear about the creative ways people took it to heart. The article mentions that the initial gain over the money give out was $38,000 and it is still growing.

Though the article is a much longer than you typically find in a newspaper, it is worth the read. It can be found here:
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/pastors-challenge-shocks-congregation/20071220192509990001

Engagement -- Two Years ago today

Engagement -- Two Years ago today:

December 17, 2005
(Leslie and I the night of our engagement)

Leslie and I got engaged two years ago today. The day was designed around a scavenger hunt that took Leslie to special places form our relationship where a friend was waiting with a rose and a clue to the next location.

The trek took much longer than expected. From everything to a broken down car, to one special clue giver coming in from out of town who couldn't make it in time, it took over 7 hours to make it to the final location where I was waiting (it was planned to only take 4 hours.) The final location was the church where the Indianapolis Campus Crusade Day of Prayer was in October of 2004 where I had first laid eyes on her. She was asked to bring in her 11 roses that she had received at the earlier stops. As she entered the auditorium, the clue asked her to find the exact seat she sat in back in 2004. A tea light lit the base of each of the 39 photos from their relationship that lined the path to that exact seat.

I sat on the arm of the chair in front of her and asked her how the day was. I then pulled my Bible out from a concealed location and shared insights from a couple of verses in Proverbs 31 about how Leslie is worth more than a valuable treasure (vs. 10) and how she surpasses all other women (vs. 29). I then turned to 3 different passages that I had shared with her when I told her for the first time I loved her (Jeremiah 29:11, John 15:13, and 1 Corinthians 13). I then said that in our relationship covenant there were two things I had desired to change, but it required something first in order to change them. I then grabbed a ring box from a concealed location and turned around and got on one knee while opening the box to reveal a beautiful half-carat diamond ring. I then said "Leslie Lehman will you marry me?" With a slight pause and deliberateness to her gaze, she said, "Michael Rebholz I love you and yes I want to marry you." I pulled the ring from the box and lifted her hand and said, "May I?" With a nod, Leslie gave her acceptance and I placed the ring on her finger. She then leaped into my arm and sat upon my knee and then had a lengthy embrace.

I then turned to Leslie and reminded her I desired to change two things in our covenant. The first was to pray with one another. We then took a few minutes to pray. I began and Leslie closed after an extended prayer while I began to weaken under the weight of Leslie sitting upon my knee with it on a hard floor. She then knelt on the floor to finish her prayer. I then said that the second thing I wanted to change was that we had committed not kiss until engagement. I asked, "May I kiss you?" Leslie answered, "Yes." And Leslie and I had our first kiss.

(Leslie and I December 2007 - our first Christmas tree)

Christmas Photo Greeting

We wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. May God bless your new year.

Love, Mike & Leslie Rebholz



If you would like to print out a high-resolution copy of this image, it can be dowloaded at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mrebholz72/ChristmasGreeting/photo#5140933613829219698
or click the image above.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Leslie and I wanted to wish everyone a 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Wonders of Worship

Volume 2, Issue 11
Wonders of Worship

Worship, that word I (Leslie) associate with Sunday church service/hymns/Christian music. Recently, through a book I’m reading, God has given me new perspective on this spiritual discipline. It goes beyond singing hymns in Church on Sunday or listening to my Christian Music on my CD player when I workout. Worship is not just an “act” or duty. Worship is a form or hospitality like God is the Guest of Honor (at church, in my life, my thoughts, my circumstances). In Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, the author, Donald Whitney, writes: “To worship God is to ascribe the proper worth to God, to magnify His worthiness of Praise, or better, to approach and address God as He is worthy…He is worthy of all the worth and honor we can give Him and then infinitely more.” Simply put, worship is focusing on and responding to God. How revolutionary to think I am to worship God not just during Sunday church service but every day in my life. Through the mundane, routine, seasons of life: good, struggles, wilderness. In other words, the manner in which all things done in obedience to the Lord, the everyday, are acts for worship. Worship includes the focus on mind and heart not just words and actions. Are my thoughts preoccupied with God, thinking of Him? Scripture says in Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord!” “People become like their focus. We emulate what we think about.” I am learning that when I find myself in situations I don’t like I must ask myself “Where is my focus?” Is it in the mud (what I see, feel, or what the culture says is true) or the stars (hope in Jesus, the truths of the Bible)? I choose to respond by worshiping God.

A.W. Tozer “If you will not worship God seven days a week, you do not worship Him on one day a week.”



(At right: Mike and Leslie had a fun evening serving at their church’s fall festival. Can you guess what they’re dress as?)






A hardship turned testimony
Laura, the lead singer for Blue Sky Nine this last season, shares her tragedy from stage. September marks one year ago that her dad age 52 died suddenly of heart failure. God is using Laura’s story, talking about her grief and her dad in a powerful way to relate her faith to others.


Prayer Requests:
God would give us grace and strength to walk through the months ahead as we raise support
PRAISE!!!
Giants of Silence India tour Highlights
21 concerts in 25 days
10,000 people exposed to the gospel
15 shows with comment cards indicating 800 people accepted Christ!

Worship God A-Z
Adoration
Blesses
Creator
Defender
Eternal
Freedom
Gracious
Holy
Immanuel
Judge
King
Lord
Mighty
New life
One and Only God
Perfect
Quintessential Deity
Refuge
Savior
Truth
Ultimate sacrifice
Victory
Worthy
eXalted
Yield to
Zealous

“… sermons last only an hour or two; your life preaches all week.” -Robert Murray McCheyne

Partnerships Part 2

Volume 2, Issue 10
Partnerships Part 2

Partnering with strategic ministries to communicate God’s love through music and the performing arts.- is Keynote’s Vision statement. Keynote is one small part of the global movement called Campus Crusade for Christ. Reaching students is only one part of who we are and what God is doing. We thought we’d give you a bigger picture of the ministry by sharing a few snapshots of Keynote’s partnerships.


Locally: In our Neighborhood
On Thursday, Sept. 20 Keynote and IMMI (Indiana Mills Manufacturing Inc.) co-hosted the Westfield Chamber of Commerce for their annual business showcase luncheon. At least 25 local businesses had display tables set up in our (Keynote & IMMI) new building, called East Street Studio. Keynote’s very own, David Pendleton performed his ventriloquist act and Dr. Steve Douglass- Campus Crusade President- was the featured speaker. What an amazing opportunity to have members of the community not only attend an event in our new facility, but to also hear from our president. We praise God for this opportunity as we have begun to establish relationships within our community.

Internationally: A Central Asian Republic
Recently four of our staff returned from a trip to a central Asian republic. Over a year ago we sent two of them over with a truckload of equipment to install a recording studio to be used by the ministry their. This time the team provided recording studio training/sound engineering, and Keynote core (level 1) training (including communication drills). The studio is already being used 12 hours a day and there are three guys who already know how to use the equipment. The studio has already served as a tremendous resource to Christian musicians in the region and it has become an effective outreach tool to connect with influential unchurched/Muslim musicians in that country. The studio and staff now have relationships with about a third of all the musicians in their country and everyone who comes to their studio hears the Gospel first!
(Above: Keynote team while in country. Below: Chris and Dave giving instructions in the control room of the studio.)

(Above: Inside the recording studio. Below: Ed teaching a class with the help of an interpreter)
Prayer Requests:

• We would approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
• We would be sustained not by externals that vary but by constant sustaining power of Jesus Christ.
• For us to not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Buses for Sale!!!

Buses for Sale!!!

Keynote is selling two buses. These buses are currently being used for touring bands, and are well-maintained. They are ideal for bands, or other traveling, performing groups, as well as churches and other groups looking to send out small groups on either short-term trips, or long-term trips.

I have driven and toured in both of these buses and can say that it is one of the best ways to travel for tour.

For further information about these MCI buses, please visit:

http://www.keynote.org/buses/

Partnerships N' People

Volume 2, Issue 9
Partnerships N’ People

Partnering with strategic ministries to communicate God’s love through music and the performing arts.- is Keynote’s Vision statement. Keynote is one small part of the global movement called Campus Crusade for Christ. Reaching students is only one part of who we are and what God is doing. We thought we’d give you a bigger picture of the ministry by sharing a few snapshots of Keynote’s partnerships.

YOU: our ministry partners
It is because of you our faithful ministry partners that we are able to serve in full-time vocational ministry. Your generosity, sacrificial giving, support, prayers, and encouragement – fulfill our calling and propel us forward. Our desire is to be a window to what God is doing in the world. It is a privilege to share with you that God is at work, even in the dark places. THANK YOU for your investment in Kingdom work, saying YES to His ministry. May the Lord richly bless you as you have brought God glory through partnering with us.

BRAZIL
Last January, Keynote sent a team of four of our staff, to Brazil to lend support to Janié who began a music ministry within Campus Crusade there. There the staff taught classes to the musicians to help them prepare to go on tour. Janié a native of Brazil spent about 8 months in the states with us at Keynote receiving training. Her vision of starting a music ministry in Brazil is really beginning to take off! This is the first band, and she is excited about how God is working! She said, “I see God calling people in their heart. A lot of them are interested in staff (Campus Crusade) or internship with me – more than I thought, more than I imagined! It’s God’s work!”

We want to know how we can lift you up in prayer. Please email or call us. We would love to hear from you! We count it a privilege to pray for you.

Prayer Requests:

• For team traveling to provide training to another country (Sept. 13-27).


• For Giants of Silence as they tour in India Sept. 19– Oct. 16th.

On August 19th we celebrated our first wedding anniversary! Praise, we are truly blessed by the gift of each other. The Lord continues to teach us and humble us.

A Canvas of His Creation

Volume 2, Issue 8
A Canvas of His Creation

“Nature is God’s greeting card to us.”-reads a church billboard near our apt. We have passed this billboard several times, only NOW to really grasp its meaning. We just returned from 3 weeks in Colorado. The first two weeks were for the every other summer Campus Crusade U.S. Staff Conference in Ft. Collins, CO. The last week we took our very first vacation as Mr. and Mrs.! What an adventure driving over 3,600 miles! The 500 photos capture only a portion of all we saw!

In our last newsletter we shared our roles at the conference and how it would be a hectic two weeks. We want to share with you what God poured into us during these weeks. The worship was POWERFUL and moving. (It’s not that often you are in a gymnasium with 5,000 people who love Jesus singing Praise songs.) Guest speakers included Chip Ingram (Walk Thru the Bible), Women of Faith Speakers, and Dan Allender (Author and speaker).

The timing of this conference was truly a Godsend. A time to step out of the day to day grind, to serve, to be in fellowship with others, and in the beauty of the majestic Colorado Mountains.

Some key points/ reminders that have an impression on us:
-If God isn't working in me, how will he work through me?
-Trusting God…when things don’t make sense (John 11:1-48)
-The extent of His power available to us. We must choose/claim it.
-Faith rests not on what I feel but on what GOD says.
-I can face the truth because I have a greater truth.

What struck us about this trip was God SHOWING us His character. Leslie is a visual person/learner, so she LOVES pictures: the stillness of the night while camping in Estes Park, (it rained both nights, but God protected us- staying dry); the colorful arch of a rainbow after a rain storm in the mountains; standing atop Horsetooth Mountain in Ft Collins viewing miles of His creation (see photos on rt.); the detailed carving of Mount Rushmore. There is so much to see and yet we only saw a small portion! To think, God already knows even before we are born, the details of our lives, the things we will do, every masterful detail is thought out. His creativity sparks a sense of “AH, amazing, what a big God we have!”

God had so much to show us just by “being still” taking in the scenery. In the midst of chaos, go-go do-do, schedules, analyzing…He gave us rest. How we all need that! It was funny while driving in the Black Hills of South Dakota we saw a real street sign that said “BE STILL RD!” God certainly does have a sense of humor!

Prayer Requests:

• Praise for safe travel to and from Colorado (July 12—August 5)
• We would continue to walk in God’s Power as we raise the remaining 25% of our support.

Be Still and Know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

For more snapshots of His Creation, visit our post prior to this or at:
http://rebholz.blogspot.com/2007/08/gods-creation-in-photos-ft-collins-co.html

God's Creation in Photos

God's Creation in Photos

Ft Collins, CO
Estes Park, CO
Colorado Springs, CORapid City, SD

You can see more photos from our recent trip to Colorado and home by clicking the picture below:

Colorado Trip 2007

Keynote's Summer Project ends on a good note!

Volume 2, Issue 7
Keynote’s Summer Project ends on a good note!

These stats include all 5 summer project bands that traveled.
1. 22,000 miles traveled!
2. 57 shows!
3. 5815 people exposed to the gospel!
4. 1065 people lead in worship!
5. 248 people indicating decisions for Christ!
The evening of July 2nd marked the closing night of Keynote’s 13th Annual Summer Project for the students who participated. We heard personal testimonies from the students as to how this experience has changed and affected their lives.
We wanted to share with you some of what was shared of the students hearts. How incredible to be a part of not only sharing the Gospel through band concerts but even in lives of the next generation of believers of Jesus Christ. “Blessed, broken and giving” was the reoccurring theme through the testimonies. Now to think these students will return to their college campuses this fall more empowered to share the Gospel, having grown spiritually, and desire to serve. It has been said that Keynote’s summer project is as intense as that of a “spiritual greenhouse.”

Student testimonies:
I have joy showing people how to fall out of love with the world and in love with Christ.
There is so much to do throughout the world and yet there is much right here in our country.
I gave up my summer because God gave up so much MORE!

Campus Crusade US Staff Conference
Every two summers, all of the missionary staff of Campus Crusade head to the campus of Colorado State University in Ft Collins, CO for our US Staff Conference. In our experience, there is nothing like having 5,000 Campus Crusade staff together for this conference. Keynote serves a unique role at the conference by providing worship teams for the various ministries that meet just prior to the all staff conference and then by providing the worship team for the staff conference itself as well as other support roles. It promises to be a busy few weeks for us as we leave for Colorado on July 12. Mike will serve by running sound for one of the worship teams as well as serving on the MediaShout team (a program similar to PowerPoint). Leslie will serve on the encouragement team which helps to take care of and encourage the busy Keynote staff. There will be close to 100 Keynote staff who will be busy throughout much of the conference and Leslie will have an opportunity to minister to their needs.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for safe travel to and from Colorado (July 12—August 5)
Pray that we can honor God through our service at the US Staff Conference
Pray for the 248 individuals who received Christ through our summer project—that they would grow in their faith and get plugged into a local church.

True faith does not so much attempt to manipulate God to do our will as it does to position us to do his will.
-Philip Yancey

Keynote's Summer Project Dress Rehearsals

Keynote's Summer Project Dress Rehearsals - June 11-13

Keynote's summer project bands are getting ready for their debuts. Each band has been preparing for weeks to be ready to go out on their two week tours. Each band will have a dress rehearsal in front of an audience so they can tweak any last minute things that need to be chagned and to encourage them in the process they have been going through.

We have a total of five bands this year. The dress rehearsals will be Monday June 11, Tuesday June 12, and Wednesday June 13. There will be two bands on the first two nights and one band on the last.

The concerts will be held on separate stages in Keynote's new Rehearsal Building located at:
18880 N East St, Westfield, IN 46074
(for a map, just click the above address)

Here is the schedule:

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Monday June 11
6:45 PM

Acoustic Rock

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8:30 PM

Modern Rock

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Tuesday June 12
6:45 PM


Rock/Pop

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8:30 PM
Praise & Worship

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Wednesday June 13
6:45 PM

Urban Gospel