Since we are snowed-out (or is it snowed-in) tomorrow, I thought I'd share a little devotional thought with you. Maybe you can take some time to read the Scripture, reflect, pray about it and talk about it with your family (and facebook friends).

When I got back from our Chicago trip, I spent some time reflecting on the trip. I heard so many great things about the trip. Students were telling me it was one of the best weeks of their life. Sponsors were telling me how much they loved the week. So I thought about why it was such a good week. As I was thinking about this, I read Philippians 2 (a passage we studied on the trip). Verse 13 says,

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

This is such a cool verse. And I think the reason the week was so fulfilling was because the team was "acting according to his good purpose." When we line ourselves up with God's will, life is lived at its very highest. It doesn't mean it will always be easy. But it will be good. This explains why washing 80 sleeping bags, picking-up trash, helping at a tough school, and tutoring hyper kids was so great.

Take some time to read all of Philippians 2. In my opinion it's one of the greatest chapters of the Bible.

When do you feel the fulfillment of "acting according to his good purpose?" Describe how it feels.

When do you not? (maybe you feel like you've wasted a day sometimes)

Do you spend time with God each day? Does this change how you live each day?

What can you do to align your life closer to Philippians 2:13? (note: it might not always mean changing your whole schedule; it might mean changing how we work, play, go to school etc.,)

Spend some time praying (with others if they are with you). Thank God for allowing us to live a life full of true fulfillment. Apologize for when you don't live according to his purpose. And ask Him to help you live the highest life.

Hope you have a restful day. If you wanna see our Chicago video or read the blogs we wrote while there, click here.