Back to College

I finished a note that will be included in Lord of Life's newsletter to our college kids. It is a word to our college kids, but I believe it is a good word for all of us:

The Ressler family celebrates a milestone this year. Our daughter Abby will start her first year of preschool. We know that she is very excited to start school. She talks about it almost everyday. Over the course of the last month we have been getting ready for the big day. She is more than ready. The big question will be if mom and dad are ready.

While our family waits for the beginning of the preschool year, it is likely that you are already back on campus by the time receive this. You are well into your coursework. Even as I write this I am watching the start of the college football season. But the year - for the most part - is before you. The possibilities are before you. Are you ready?

I know there are many temptations that are faced on college campuses. I have been there. It is one of the most difficult places to live for Jesus. Even if you attend a Christian college you are not immune from the temptations. College campuses can be very ungodly places.

As your pastor I want to give you encouragement from Jesus. He says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 The promise is that when you align yourself with God and seek to follow his direction and will for you, he will take care of all the details. Even when it may seem that no one else around you is living for Jesus, God's promise is that if you continue to seek his direction, go against the flow, and follow his guidance he will prosper your steps.

While facing the temptations you face, there may be no more important time in our life to develop the disciplines of discipleship to seek the will of God. This includes daily devotion and weekly worship to keep you strong in faith and courage. Romans 12:2 says, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Regular and consistent time spent with the Lord is vital to be renewed and refreshed to face the challenges in life. It will help you not only to know the right thing to do, but give you the strength to do it as well.

Make weekly worship a priority. Honor the Sabbath as God as commanded you. By doing so it will help to keep your paths straight. If you have not done so already discover the opportunities on campus or off campus to gather with other Christians to praise the Lord and be encouraged by his Word in community.

And as much as you set aside time to study for your classes, make sure to set aside time to be in the Word of God in quiet personal time. His Word is a light unto your feet and light on to your path (Psalm 119:105). I am always amazed how God's Word speaks to me in my daily devotion and gives me the just the right encouragement I need. So make sure to make the time to allow God to speak to you.

You should also know that if there is a time when you do stumble and fall, we serve a loving and forgiving God. God gave his only Son Jesus as a sacrifice that there is not sin big enough that his blood does not cover and the family of God will always be waiting with a hug no matter what.

Finally, know there are a lot of people back at Lord of Life who care for you. The whole purpose of this letter is to let you know that. You are constantly in our prayers. Please email us and let us know how you are doing. We would love to hear from you. You can email me at pastorpr@gmail.com and if you would like to sign up for my weekly email, visit visit my blog at pastorpr.blogspot.com to sign up. Talk to you soon.

In Jesus,

Phil Ressler
Pastor
Lord of Life Church
LaFox, IL
web: www.lolchurch.net
blog: www.pastorpr.blogspot.com