By Nathalie Flores
CAPITAL FELLOWS SEASON 13 IS BACK!
And you know what else is back? Roundtable!
This is one of my favorite nights of the week, and honestly, one of my favorite things we get to do together as Fellows. It’s one guaranteed night of the week that we’re all together, enjoying a wonderful meal, worship, and food for thought from our fearless leader John Kyle.
So far in the Capital Fellows year, we’ve been learning a lot about who God is and who He has called us to be. We’ve learned that God is sovereign, of his grace and righteousness. We’ve learned that he has called us to think and serve, not only in the church but in our everyday lives, even while at work. We’ve learned of the power that prayer can have over our lives and what it looks like to be joyfully obedient.
All of this digging into God and his Word has made me fall in love with him all over again. This past Monday, at our very first Roundtable of the semester, this is exactly what we talked about: what do we like most about God?
Beautiful words were thrown out: he is Emmanuel, he is faithful, a redeemer, unconditional, steadfast, forgiving, persistent, sovereign, refuge, graceful, he sustains all things. We could’ve spent hours talking about the countless ways God has met us where we are, no matter the circumstance.
Then came the question that really hit me hard: What does God love about you?
Wow.
As someone who struggles deeply with self-confidence and image, in a culture grasping to find identity, I was at a loss for words. I was at a loss thinking about this concept, that there are things about you and I, things that we love, do, or say that God delights in.
God loves when we laugh. God loves when we pull out our phones to snap a photo of the sunset He created for us. God loves when we serve one another. God loves when we rave about how amazing our dinner was. He loves when we read a good book, cry over a movie, listen to a song way too many times because the lyrics just flood our hearts. God loves when we get excited about mastering a new skill, using a new pen or opening up a brand new journal.
God loves the tiny celebration you do when you figure out how to use the printer at work. God loves when you get excited about a win in Catan. He loves when you learn a new word, pet a dog, or high five students in your Sunday School class. He loves when you go on walks and runs or when you’re still and resting. God loves when you find a new worship song or bible verse to meditate on while on your morning commute.
God loves you.
It isn’t the most complex, deep theological thought out there, but the simplicity of it is what I find so striking. There are so many obstacles that stop us from thinking about and celebrating the wonderful aspects of our personalities, who we are, and what we bring to the table. But not for God. He delights in us and the way he has made us, fearfully and wonderfully made.
John Kyle left us with this verse, and I’ll leave it with you as well.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
As he encouraged us Fellows, I also encourage you to think of the things about you that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent. He knows fully who you are, and still then you are fully loved.
Pictures from the Week
Become a Capital Fellow!
We are currently accepting applications for the 2020-21 program year and would love to hear from you!
Capital Fellows is a leadership and vocational development program for recent college graduates. It's a 9-month program that includes a paid job in your field of interest, service in the church and city, a personal mentor, vocational coaching, life with a host family, and customized seminary courses to help you grow in your walk with the Lord in all areas of life.
Capital Fellows is a unique and powerful way to launch your career, find Christian community in a vibrant church, and to get started in post-college life in the Washington DC area. To apply click here.
Benefits of The Fellows Initiative
You probably already know that Capital Fellows is one of 31 fellows programs in The Fellows Initiative network. But, did you know that the sponsors of TFI offer great benefits to Capital Fellows alumni? For example, Reformed Theological Seminary offers a 33% tuition discount for 5 years, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary offers a 40% tuition discount! You can learn more about TFI's sponsors by clicking here.
If you know of a graduate school, seminary, employer, or other organization that would be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact TFI by clicking here. Thanks!
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