Dear Youth, Parents, & Leaders,

As the new school year approaches, many things can be anticipated, but at the same time, many things are unknown.  A new school year holds much and outcomes can be numerous.  Of course, to paraphrase my friend Susan Combs, it's best to " Make it a great year!" with our choices.

One thing that is for certain is the security of our salvation as Christians.  Once we have admitted/repented of our sin, believe in Christ as Savior, and confess that He is Lord, trusting His sacrifice on the Cross as our way to eternal relationship with God, we are set!  Growing up in a church that did not preach eternal security offered me and many others much reason to question our relationships with God based on our performance.  While it's always a good thing to make choices that please the Lord out of respect and love for Him, not a one of those things makes us right with Him-- only the blood of His Son, Jesus.  We all desire some sense of certainty in life.  Not knowing where we stand with another is unsettling, but to know that we are firmly rooted in relationship with the God of the universe who loves us so much He literally gave Himself for us can (and should!) give us hope.  In this, we can know for certain, amongst all of life's uncertainties, that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)!  Praise the Lord :)

As you take in the last few weeks of your break from school (and hopefully a vacation from work), soak in every moment of rest for your bodies and re-energize your relationships with your family and with the Lord.  I am praying for you all that this school year will begin with lots of enthusiasm and will result in the Kingdom of God being made known in ways we couldn't even imagine!