If you want to win the spiritual war, it matters that you can sometimes yell "RETREAT!" This is not to suggest turning tail and running away, but the kind of retreat that draws people who are learning the bible away for a weekend of teaching and reflection. Just such a weekend ended yesterday and I was honored to be a part of the "Jesus Retreat" that was the God inspired design of my friend Allen.
18 high school students arrived at our church only an hour after they had been released from school last Friday. Trading their weekend relaxation to learn about Jesus, and how He is present throughout the entire bible, is a miracle in itself. But God did not stop there. There were 8 bible study classes, 3 topical discussions, 6 worship times, with only 1 whole hour of break time - they were usually only 10 minutes. Based on the compressed and intense schedule, it could have been called "Boot camp for Jesus." I was amazed by the questions and energy level of the students who, while admittedly were getting information overload, demonstrated that they knew this was a chance of lifetime.
Seminary graduates and ministry leaders were on hand to help fulfill Al's vision that we explore every book of the bible to see where Jesus is revealed directly or His character is directly explained. The quality of information was matched only by the earnestness of the heart's who presented it. Imagine finding the energy, driven by your passion to really "get it," that allows you to focus on God from 4:pm till midnight on Friday, 8:00am till midnight on Saturday, and have worship for an hour on Sunday before going to your regular church services with your family. The place was many times thick with the spirit of God.
I think every person should have the opportunity to attend such a weekend so that minds can be opened to really see the flow of scripture. The historical accuracy and the many traps that people get into when wrestling with God before becoming a believer were also repeatedly explored.
I hope you seek out the opportunity to yell "retreat" so you have a chance at winning the spiritual battle that goes on inside each of us.
About Me
- Dave and Gwen Elvy
- We are 26 yrs married and it really does keep getting better. I thank God for her, and she finds new ways to put up with me!
Gwen being her happy self
She lights up around friends
My Lovely Bride
Making Life Real & Fun
My Dad (in memory)
Teacher / Craftsman / Thinker
Dad in front of some of his art
He valued crafting people more than wood
Our Good Friend Bobby Payne
We miss him so much!
Piper (his alias at our home)
Playing "cat and mouse"
California Redwoods
Trees that help reset your living
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing your web site with me. I've really enjoyed reading your posts and look forward eagerly to more ... whenever they might be. :-)
Seriously, these are all beautifully and thoughtfully written, thought-provoking as well!
By the way, poodles of all sizes are "hypoallergenic" - and Standard Poodles with a normal-dog hair cut are actually, well, like normal dogs! :-)
Also, it seems you've discovered one of my tricks with long drives - really seeing the road and surroundings and imaging stories about it, at least how it affects me. That's a big reason why I rarely have the radio on while driving because the changing scenery and traffic, even when it's very familiar, becomes fascinating.
Lastly, obviously I advocate staying in touch with family and friends, too. May we all always have somewhere to go, someone to reach out to, when things are tough - and when well, too.
Congrats on your blog site! Well done!
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