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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 gives 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 HeartScan forms are now available in Campus Ministries. Become a part of our spiritual mentoring program. Many say it was the best choice they have ever made. Most faculty and staff are ready to participate so pick the one that you are connecting with the most and ask them if they will be your HeartScan mentor this semester.

PPS Faculty, staff and community students—bring a lawn chair and leave it in your office or your car so you can be prepared to join us tomorrow (and whenever else we have outdoor events like uGather tomorrow on the lawn!)