Retreat Preparation

It looks like God decided to dial up the cool weather just in time for this year's retreat. I am so thankful. Hopefully we will have clear skies and cool weather the whole time. As you get ready to head out take a few moments to read the following scripture passages and consider a few things.

1. Read I Samuel 17: Have you ever been truly afraid? Maybe it was a near miss on the highway or the time you received bad news from your doctor about yourself or a loved one. Have you ever been lost, out of work or rejected by those you thought were your friends? This world can be a frightening place, yet here we are. As one of God's children, He has been molding and strengthening you for your whole life. When troubles set in look back at the ribbon of God's will woven through your life. Think of all of the struggles He has already brought you through. Each one of these has been a time when the Lord developed in you courage, endurance and character. This will give you hope, knowing that God is in charge and will give you the strength to persevere.


2. Read Psalm 40: Isn't it aggravating to watch someone just going through the motions without any real care for what they are doing. We all, on the other hand, love the champion. Whether it's the athlete on the field, the soldier on the battlefield or the dad in the home, we honor the men who take great risks and give everything they have to achieve lofty goals. Think about your Christian walk. What does it take to be a champion for Christ? Does your heart chase after him as the center of your desire? Are you confident in God's provision? Do you seek him regularly and proclaim him to others? Do you seek his forgiveness and grant forgiveness to others?


3. Read II Samuel 6:1-23 and John 4:4-26: Think for a moment about what you consider worship to be. One man may consider it getting together and singing "worship" songs. Another may consider it to be listening to a sermon. Some see it when they serve others. Is it possible that we have put man made constraints on our worship? Even worse, do we worship a thing called "worship" and not God? Is God even concerned with our definition of it? Think about what God expects from us in our worship. What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth?