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“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah was writing to God’s people who were in Babylonian captivity—because of their sins. As for them, so for me—I get to choose how to live my life—that’s the freedom God give me. But though I have that freedom to choose, I do not have the freedom to decide the outcome or the consequences of those choices. I have the freedom to jump off a bridge but I don’t have the freedom to decide if gravity will work or not. That was my reality check this morning.

God does not give up on me any more than He gave up on Israel. Captivity may have been the consequences for them of their poor choices, but God was still there using His prophet to remind them that punishment does not have to be permanent. “Learn your lesson and let’s get back to living abundantly,” was God message of hope through Jeremiah.

I can have the same assurance. Though there is some correlation between good choices and blessings, and poor choices and consequences, there is still my God who says, “I still have plans for you; choose My ways and we can keep moving forward, reject my ways and My plans will have to be delayed. But My mercy and My grace still offer you hope.”

I like the verses that follow this currently famous text. “You will seek me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.” Focus, focus, focus. “Work with Me,” says God. I still have plans for you. Don’t make it harder on yourself than necessary!”

Have a great day trusting God’s plans,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “God doesn’t send anyone to hell; He just honors their choices.”

PS The first WOW or Women's Only Worship is tonight Rees Hall Chapel at 9 o'clock. It’s a fun new way of experiencing Christ for women on campus in a cafe style worship vibe.

PPS Operation Christmas Child is coming soon. We’re looking for someone to spearhead this project. It would involve promoting the event, and delivering all the shoe boxes at the end. There is an organizational meeting September 15, so if you are interested let me know!! Last year we collected 204 boxes!! Can we beat that record this year?!

PPPS BCS majors-- join Amber, our Campus Ministries Liaison to your division, for a bow tie lunch with a blessing. Come to the division if you are a BSC major from 12-2 for lunch, a blessing, and a bow tie competition. Celebrate National Bow Tie Day!