Today we are all looking for something to heal us, something to make us whole. What can we find to bring us hope when we have trouble seeing what is in front of our eyes. We come to Buffalo State from our unique walks of life that have shaped the way we see things, however as we continue to grow, we look for something that can shape everything around us if we let it shape us.
Lord, they come to you in their distress; when you disciplined them, they could barely whisper a prayer. As a woman with child and about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were in your presence. O Lord. We often hear the echoes of this world pinning us to the ground; all of our failures have been revealed by the sharp pang of loneliness that we often experience. We're all looking for love but how often can we find it today? If we look to God, will he show us an answer, will he listen to our pain? Does he even exist?
Within the Buffalo State chapter of the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship, or IVCF (IV), often works to help build community and promote spiritual growth as we work to understand our purpose as people working to live out our lives as better people and more productive Christians.
During the last weekend in February, IVCF spent time in retreat at Whispering Pines, the camp used by college organizations for celebrations and gatherings. In times of need, we often look to each other for support, but over the weekend we looked to build friendships that opened up opportunities to love one another and to experience the love of Jesus Christ. We were able to work in teams to demonstrate teamwork and creativity that helped us display themes by laying out mosaics in frosting and candy pieces as well as designing musical numbers based on music from the 1980's.
In silly games we formed new friendships and in serious bible study, we explored what we could discover about the true challenge found in the letter to the Colossians. Using the OIA method, we were able to experience bible reading in a deep way. We tackled the passage by looking to become aware of our own observations, interpretations, and applications of the passage. At times, it is easy to admit we know everything about God, but when we become aware of what has been written and how it applies to life. Everything becomes renewed and shaped by new understandings of the world and how to live with Christ beside us.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
As we learned to trust in God, we learned to trust ourselves and each other. When we can trust in the love of God, we can see the new ways that God has created for our lives.
Labels: Buffalo-State, Christian, God, IVCF, Jesus
|
