Fall Retreat

Last weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to go to CRU fall retreat. It was an absolutely great weekend full of worship, sermons, outdoors, and of course, signs. I had the privilege of planning the weekend with Casey Hogue, and had a great time doing that, although that meant the weekend was a little hectic for us. In spite of not getting a ton of relaxation, sleep, or quiet time, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact, I learned a good deal this weekend.

Adam Penning, the Cru director from University of Wisconsin, joined us for the weekend as our speaker. His theme was "the Center," and he gave great talks on attributes of Jesus. First, he went through the story of Mephibosheth and how David showed him hessed, loyal love. This love is the same kind of love that God has for us. He will always love us, no matter what we do.

On Saturday, Adam discussed the grandeur of God and the intimacy of God. God is bigger than anything we could every imagine. Jesus even claims his deity in John 8:58.

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM."

On the other hand, as Adam discussed Saturday night, Jesus is more personal than anything else we could imagine. He is one who sympathizes with us and one who we can follow for a right path.

Overall, It was a great set of talks. It was really nice hearing different attributes of God and how we can fit into His love. I was talking to a friend earlier this week about how we could hear these talks every week just to be reminded of how great God is. I definitely need that. It's so easy to forget the weight of the gospel when I'm more worried about studying for a quiz or sitting through a Monday night dinner. The gospel is the only thing that matters, and I don't live like that.

This brings me to Sunday morning of fall retreat. Adam talked about living sold out for Christ, whether in the ministry or in the workplace. There is no point in storing up treasures here on earth. All of that is not going to matter. What is going to matter is what Jesus says to us when we approach his throne and he says "My good and faithful servant" or "You fool! What were you doing with the gifts I gave you?" I know I don't want to hear God call me a fool. I want use the gifts God has given me. This definitely convicted me.

For those of you who don't know, I can graduate in December if I want to. I'll be done with my major requirements but I want to stick around and experience my entire senior year. That's great and all, but there is also this thing called the World Race that has a trip leaving in January with an awesome set of countries. Now I'm torn as to whether or not I want to stay at USC for an extra semester or leave for the World Race in January. On one hand, the World Race would be a great challenge but God would do crazy things in my life. On the other hand, sweet things are happening at USC that I would love to be a part of, but if I stay am I using the gifts God has given me?

If you asked me a few weeks ago what I was doing next semester, I would say sticking around USC, but that I really wanted to go on the World Race. However, after experiencing how I can be of use to CRU and AGO this last month, I feel more called to stay at USC for an extra semester and pour into the community here. These last few weeks have totally tired me out, but I have been loving it. So unless God completely changes my mind in the next 3 weeks, I will be sticking around USC in the spring.

That being said, there are two things that I've been thinking about today. First, after this tiring weekend, I have been listening to "Desert Song" by Hillsong. The first two verse and the chorus are so choice:

Verse 1:

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in the hunger in me

My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:

And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:

And I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice

I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

Even when I feel dry or stressed out or in the middle of a trial, God is right there and is providing for me. He's not going to leave me, even if He feels a million miles away. And that gives me a reason to sing and bring praise.

Secondly, I read Psalm 62 today in my quiet time, and it is so applicable to my life all the time, but especially right now. It's a good reminder of what I need to put my trust in. The whole chapter is great, but I have been praying about verses 1,2, 11, and 12.

¹ My soul finds rest in God alone;

my salvation comes from him.

² He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

¹¹ One thing God has spoken,

two things have I heard:

that you, O God, are strong,

¹² and that you, O Lord, are loving.

Surely you will reward each person

according to what he has done.