By Scarlett Birge, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – “Jesus wants to meet you right where you are,” Dr. Shane Garrison, vice president for enrollment services and professor of educational ministries, said at Campbellsville University’s Sept. 16 chapel service as part of the Campus Revival Week.
Garrison spoke on “sacred diversion” while he read from Luke 18:35-42. He told the story of the gospel in which a beggar’s life was changed through Jesus.
“No one likes being diverted. No one likes being rerouted,” Garrison said. He spoke of how he tends to want to plan everything out down to the last detail but that God’s plan isn’t always what we expect.
“It’s a holy interruption. It’s a divine appointment,” he said about spiritual interaction. “There’s an opportunity that is arising for you.”
He spoke of Campbellsville University’s connection to the Lord and how it is a part of campus. “Here on the campus of Campbellsville University, there is a history of opportunity arising. Jesus has been present here for over 100 years. This is a place where God’s presence dwells.”
Garrison said God gave his only son so that the greatest message of God’s love would be shared with all who would receive it.
“Sometimes when you feel the Lord drawing near, when you feel Jesus is calling in your heart, you can hear from the crowd ‘be quiet,’” he said as he continued to read from the scriptures. He said we are given the option to follow the masses and be quiet or we can be like the beggar in the story and seek the Lord.
“When you sense the spirit’s voice, when you sense an opportunity is rising for you to encounter Jesus, don’t go quiet,” he said.
“Engage the Lord, listen and draw near,” Garrison said while recalling the book of James.
Giving a heartfelt plea to the Lord is part of humbly accepting opportunity Garrison said. Everyone who reaches out to the Lord is heard he said.
“He can transform us from the inside out,” he said. Garrison invited everyone to text “prayer” to (270) 908-4919 to reach out and talk more about what it means to know and believe in Jesus.
Garrison spoke Sept. 14, 15 and 17 at the chapel.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 11,900 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.