Every year it's exciting at CRC as we look to see how the Lord will move in and around the circumstances of our everyday lives through different speakers and projects that we have planned. Proverbs says, "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." It also says, "Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." And so that is what we do as we begin this New Year at CRC, we dedicate our lives and goals to God and ask Him for His guidance and wisdom. We ask that His will would be done and that He would be glorified by all the retreats and activities that go on here.

     These are prayers that God loves to answer. Ps. 37 tells us, "Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it."

    We plan, but we also act. C.T Studd, a famous missionary to China and the Congo said, "Only one life, twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." He also said, "Some want to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." Life is short - no matter how we look at it - so how will we spend our lives? How can our gifts and plans exalt Him? If we spend it for Jesus we will never be disappointed.

     In 1 Corinthians 4 Paul talks about being a 'fool for Christ.' He was a fool because in one sense, Paul was not circumspect about his life anymore, for he no longer counted the cost for the consequences of his actions. The price he had to pay to follow Jesus did not matter; only doing the will of the Lord. Paul's love for Christ compelled him so much that he admonished the prudent Christians in Corinth as beloved children to be imitators of him in his passion for God, 'For the kingdom of God does not consist of mere words, but in power.' Sometimes, we can live our lives so safe, that we don't ever really live...for Him.

    How is God moving in your life these days? Are you stepping out as He leads you to talk to someone, or are you playing it safe? Are you growing in your faith and obeying His will for your life? From experience I can say that following God has not been the easiest thing, but in His will there is peace, joy and fellowship with Him. With Christ we have purpose and fulfillment; it's the greatest adventure you will ever have. It beats Disneyland, money, prestige, or any glory that this world could offer. John 3:8 says, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Our prayer today is that your love for God would be so full that you will go wherever He leads. You can trust Him!

Abiding in Jesus,