Singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Chris Rice has a song entitled, “Eighth Grade.” Premise is simple: take a trip back in time with me to the eighth grade. Where “the worst thing I could mess up is dipping yesterday’s corndog in last week’s ketchup.”
Not too sure if I share Chris’ optimism & happy recollections about the 8th grade. Sure it had it’s moments of carefree living & happy-go-lucky youth. Right between zits & pre-Algebra! I have some great memories of friends & hanging out with little thought for the future. But unfortunately, where & when I grew up there were race riots, civil rights problems & drug issues. It was at the end of the Viet Nam war & Nixon had just resigned over Watergate. Not the rosiest of eras.
I’ll say this though; I had begun to learn more of following Christ. I began to find out about being a true disciple of Jesus. Of course, naturally that’s when the Devil made all hell break loose to stop that. Beautiful part was God was bigger. He still is! While I had twists & turns & challenges, God had plans. He already knew what I would be & His plan for me before I even took that first breath in the Helena hospital. Before I screamed, as the doctor popped my little hiney, He knew what all the bumps & problems would make.
What about you? What were you doing in 8th grade? I’m sure it was a different time & place, but what was life like for you then? No matter the good or bad, God has always been up to something in your life. How aware are you about that activity? Are you clued into His purpose & seeking His will for your path?
"I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 33:11-13 NLT
In the O.T. book of Jeremiah we find a stark, difficult time for God’s people & the prophet. As they looked on with fear & a very bleak outlook for the future, God spoke up. He reminded them that He was ultimately in control no matter how things appeared. He had a plan. Only there was a little catch, they had to trust Him & follow His purpose to find the fulfillment.
Same stands true today. God has a calculated outcome in mind for you. Not to do you harm or be a cosmic killjoy if you follow Him, but rather to help you understand what life really is!
How bout it? Are you looking for Him wholeheartedly? We have an opportunity to do just that together. We will be joining in a study called ‘Chazone’ (Hebrew for Life Purpose). Sign up & join a life group. Check out all the sites & contact info & connect.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
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ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
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