Living Word

Have you ever had that experience where you just open up the Bible to a random page, read a random passage, and for some reason it applies so completely to your situation? I have had this happen a few times in my life. This last weekend was one of these times. I was on a retreat for the DCE club and I did not want to be there. I was trying to make the best of it, but I wanted to leave and be with other friends back in Austin. I saw the whole ordeal as an inconvenience. Well I opened up my bible and it happened to be Philippians 2:14, which says, " Do everything without complaining or arguing." At this point I'm thinking... "I hate you God" (In that humorous kind of way), you know when you read something that convicts you to your soul. Well while I was not happy with what I read I was convicted. That blasted verse resonated with me throughout the rest of the retreat. While it did not change how I felt about the retreat it did change the way I acted, not that I complained but that I tried a bit harder to have a good time instead of just wondering around and feeling displaced.

The word of God is alive and has relevance today. It is a double edged sword, cleaving the spirit with truth. I felt the cleaving of God's word this last weekend for sure, but in my every day life the word of God guides my life, not restricting me from having fun or enjoying myself but in keeping me within the boundaries God has laid down for my safety. It is truly a miracle that something written thousands of years ago can still relate such a sharp truth today.

Truly God still speaks through the Bible today. God's word is alive and just as powerful as it was in ages past. All we have to do open ourselves up and listen to what God is telling us and remember that what God says goes.

A seemingly set of random events

Well I've caught myself thinking lately about the seemingly set of random events that have placed me where I am today. Looking back two years I am a completely different person than I was then. And even more so looking back five years from when I graduated from High School.

Going from being a Computer Science major to studying to be a Director of Christian Education (DCE) has been a huge change in itself. The change was not expected but happened, and I know I made the right choice to change but the choice didn't seem to have a logical explanation behind it. Just that I know that God wants me to do this. So I am.

Next just the way I am living my life and what I do and who I hang out with... Completely different people than I have grown up with and with different likes than what I was used to. Before I began to hang out with my current friends I did not dance, nor did I like country music. Now I'm a dancing machine and can't get enough country music. Random. For some reason these people and I have formed a camaraderie that I would have not expected. God is great and brings great things in unexpected ways.

I am reminded of what the LORD says in Jeremiah 29:11 "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." I know that God has my best interests in mind, and even though my plans may not succeed that God's purpose is being served and his plans for my good are being brought about. It is comforting to know that I am being looked after and cared for by a God who is all loving and all caring. I may only be on this earth a short time but God thinks I'm worth it and that is enough for me.

Though things may seem random and all wily-nilly like they have a purpose, just have faith that God is working towards your best interest, because He is.