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“I know Whom I have believed…” 2 Timothy 1:12

The plight of a preacher is that we so often rethink (or overthink) on Sabbath afternoon what we said that morning. One thing kept coming back to me all weekend; I think I said it but I keep wishing I could have said it better, or stronger, or with greater emphasis—

If you were not at CVC this past Sabbath I preached about 2 Timothy 1:12- Knowing God and knowing what He is ABLE to do IF I commit myself to Him. The one thing that I hoped and prayed everyone would be able to take away was- COMMIT- the conscious faith-in-action step of telling God that I am His along with everything I am, everything I do, everything I dream of being or doing. But I would NEVER make that kind of commitment to anyone unless I KNEW, or at least strongly believed, that the one to whom I am making that kind of commitment is SAFE.

To have that level of confidence I must gather data or information on which to base my decision. But information is significantly overestimated compared to knowing the One that information is about.

46 years ago I made a commitment to my wife. That a pretty big decision for anyone to make- basically giving your life to another person! I had spent time gathering information about her, I knew where she was born, how old she was, what her favorite football team was, and several other details. But those things I knew about her were not nearly as valuable as getting to know the person she was. The things didn’t help me make my decision to commit my life to her; knowing HER gave me the confidence to know that she was able to do for me more than I could ever ask or imagine.

If that can work for a wife, what must it be able to do for a God!? I need information before I’m willing to commit my life to Him. That information, if it is limited to head knowledge about Him won’t cut it. Good information, but not enough to make a commitment. But when I gather all those facts and use them as anchors to get to know the person of God then I start to see all that He is able and willing to do for me IF I am willing to make the commitment of my life to Him.

I don’t want to make a quick and hasty decision about God and I don’t want you to either. But I have to and need to be willing to put forth the effort to get to know Him SO THAT I can make a wise choice about who I want to give my life to. The data I’ve gathered, and the connection that I have found, coupled with the vast about of evidence He has given me of all that He wants to do for me, have provided all the proof I need that to commit my life to Him has been and will continue daily to be the best decision of my life. The second best decision was to commit my life to my wife!! J

Have a great day giving yourself a chance to gather the information about God so you can know HIM and what HE is able to do- then make that decision to commit to Him. You’ll never regret it!

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: "A wise man once said-- nothing." Unknown

PS Remember we are gathering food and money for the flood victims. Bring something by Campus Ministries THIS WEEK. Give a buck, or give up a Starbuck for a day and help a victim. Hosted by Nursing and Human Development.

PPS Intro to our mental health week.

Daily Quote: Life is tough but so are you!

This week a group of Social Work students will be sending out educational messages that can help increase a healthier state of mind. The purpose for this week is to spread awareness about mental health, our theme will be “EACH MIND MATTERS!” Be on the lookout for a daily email from us, it will include various mental health topics, resources and a quote!”

- Esteban C, Tito B., Jennie M, Victoria B., Sandy E.

PPPS Today is the last day to submit applications to work in Campus Ministries next year. Be sure and get yours in!!