Saturday, August 4, 2012

the aftermath of camp.


To the Campers and Staff of Pioneer Bible Camp and Worldview Academy, and anyone else who's attended any sort of camp/retreat/conference this summer. 

You learned so much, didn't you? You had conversations that reminded you of what it all comes down to: We're sinners saved by the love, grace and mercy of our creator who sent down His son to take the punishment for our sin. 
The fact that we're dirtbags washed in the blood of the Lamb of God and then wrapped in the biggest stinking fluffy white robe of Christ's righteousness was again brought to the forefront of your mind.
You were shown the power of the gospel, and the need to share the greatest news you could ever possibly fathom with the world was something you felt quite strongly.
You were challenged, and made decisions to start being a disciple of Christ. 
You were pushed to depend upon God in new and old ways.
You had some amazing fellowship, times of learning, and time in prayer.
Or maybe you learned about these things for the first time ever. 

Either way, it was solid, all-out amazing. 
But the mountaintop is no longer where you're residing.
We return to the mundane routine, and most of us prepare to go back to school and such, and it can feel like such a letdown, and you're feeling more alone, and not as 'spiritually high', and the decisions are beginning to prove themselves to be a little more difficult than you maybe expected. 

But guess what?
You are NOT ALONE. You've got an extensive network of brothers and sisters in Christ. Reach out to each other. Hold each other accountable. Watch out for one another. We are the Body of Christ. 
Pray for one another. I'm praying for you. I'd really like to pray specifically for you too, and maybe meet with/chat/encourage you. 
And NO MATTER WHAT, you've got God. And more importantly, He's got you. Use that bible of yours and look up John 10:29. If you've trusted in Christ, that verse is about you. 
What now? 
Here's some real good instructions. 
Colossians 3:12-17. (yeah, I'm expecting you to look that one up too.) 
But guess what else? We can't do that. Not on our own. But like I said, we're NOT ALONE. 
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 and Philippians 1:6. God is faithful NO MATTER WHAT. He's going to complete the good work he started in you, and He's got a good and perfect plan for you.

Rest in the peace that passes understanding from our Prince of Peace.