Retreat Highlights - Thank You All!

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The Power of Two

The Power of “Two”

What a weekend!  The “Legacy of Faith Walker” Retreat was amazing and my heart and mind is still reeling from everything that happened.  God moved people and situations in ways I had never begun to imagine. 

The presence of the Holy Spirit was all over the meeting from the time we arrived on Thursday until we left on Saturday afternoon.   The scriptures tell us:

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  Matthew 18:20  - KJV

 Jesus in the “midst” – now that’s power!  Our Faith is a gift to all believers, but the Power of that Faith is determined by our fellowship with God.  This meeting reminded me why it is so important to be part of a part of  “God Worshipping Church Body”.  It is in the meeting with other believers that we can feel that “Power of God” multiplied over and over by the faith of each one there.   Meeting together is one of the sweetest times that we “fellowship” with our creator.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25 - NIV

When God’s people meet together in one accord to honor him, at least four things occur:

1.   Satan flees

2.   Boundaries fall

3.   There is “accord in the brethren”

4.   Hearts open

⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 15:5-6  NIV

It is now 7:23 AM on Sunday morning.  You can bet that I can’t wait for the opportunity to be with my Church family and worship together with them. 

I pray that each of you will be somewhere today where you are in “one accord” and feel the amazing power of the Holy Spirit.

I thank my God every time I remember you,  Philippians 1:3  NIV

The Power of One - Generational Impact

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." — Mother Teresa

  

As we have worked on the material for the retreat, I have thought a lot about people who have impacted my life over the years.  It occured to me that many of them had just briefly fluttered across my path but had profoundly impacted the person that I am and am becoming.  Thank God that most of those I recall were positive influences; but there have been others who managed to crush me with unkind words or actions.   

I don't want to be a "crusher", yet I am sure there are times that I have done just that.   Mother Teresa was right, I can't "change" the world, or even change "me" for that matter.  But there is hope in the transforming power of God. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)   17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

 A Faith Walker moves through life in a determined step to serve God and others; trusting and surrendered to God in every situation. As they pass people and situations in their daily life, they leave a message and imprint of a living Savior. This imprint impacts and changes the lives of those they touch each day. Many times it is an imprint that changes lives and destinies for generations.

Deuteronomy 30:
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live (20) and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Focus on Faith

Focus on Fat?

Dieting is a constant in my life.   It seems that I am always resolving to “lose at least  ten pounds in a month”.   Setting my mind to “loss mode” requires a total commitment  of measuring food, counting calories, food journaling (even an app on my I-phone!), water and more water, empty the grandkids snack drawer, empty the refrigerator, never open a Southern Living and turn off all TV food shows.  As long as I maintain my focus, success is eminent.  If the focus wavers…. it’s all over.  As for most of the world, my “Focus on Fat” is generated by a desire to feel better, stay healthy and look better.  

Isn’t it strange that I can spend that much energy and time on something as “temporary” as my body, when I was born with a desire for God and eternity already in my heart?   As much as I desire success in my “Fat Focus”; my heart yearns for the presence of God in my every moment.   I want the unwavering faith and joy that comes from a personal daily relationship with Christ.

Focus on Faith?

Hebrews 11:6 - King James Version (KJV)         ⁶But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

My greatest desire is to know God so intimately that everything emanating from me is a reflection of Him.   We are born with a desire for God and eternity already in our hearts.

"I will give them a heart to know me."   - Jeremiah 24:7

"Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord ..."     Hosea 10:12.

"God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."  - Psalm 53:2

"If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways, so I may know you and continue to find favor with you... Show me your glory."   - Moses (Exodus 33:13,18)

" Now devote your heart and souls to seeking the Lord your God."    - I Chronicles 22:19

This Godly intimacy is boundless in reward and benefits.  It is a relationship that brings freedom from pride, fear, indecision, hurt, pain; and freedom from the price of sin in our lives. 

" For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  - Jer. 29:11-13

" I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ... I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings..."     - Paul (Philippians 3:8-11)

The result of “Faith Focus” is diligently pursuing the relationship that God wants and demands from us which creates in us joy, hope and the abundant life that God wants for all of his children.    There is no secret to this type of “Faith Focus”.  It is as simple as seeking God with all our hearts, seeking God “first”, and seeking Him continually. 

" O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory... your love is better than life..."    -
David (Psalm 63:1-3)

" And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him he will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." -                 I Chronicles 28:9

So… where is your focus?  What comes first in your life?  What comes between you and God?  What are you seeking?  What are you persuing?  What really counts in eternity?

Deuteronomy 4:29 says,

“From there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.”

Rules, Religion and A Time To Be Radical!

Are you teaching your children “about” God; or are you demonstrating to them how to “know” God?  If all we give our children is a “rule set” for behavior, we will fail them.

It’s not enough to teach them to go to Church every time the doors open; give a tenth; be active in all church events, don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal! Rules and Religion will never work in our lives or the lives that we touch each day. We have to demonstrate in our own lives the qualities of Jesus, our "Radical" savior:      

      1.  His Servant Heart (“Love Washes Feet”)

John 13:    12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

2.  His  Love for others: 

John 13:    34  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

1 John 4:   20-21 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

3. Forgiveness was not option for Him or us

Matthew 5:24
Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 6:15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

4. The Sacrifice

      Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

      Philippians 2:5-8  Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery [or something to be held onto] to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

5. He was Fearless  

      Mark 4:40     He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

      Mark 5:36     Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

What if the qualities of Jesus my life goals instead of "life challenge"? The hard core truth is that our children will grow in what we show them, not what we tell them or the rules we create.  What are they seeing in you?   Who is your model? God sent Jesus to be the propitiation for our sin.   Believing and knowing God is life changing, and creates in our hearts a desire to model Jesus.   It is not about "rules" and "religion", it's all about being "radically" committed and surrendered.

"Your worth and purpose in this life do not depend on who you are, on what you have done, or on what has been done to you. Your worth and purpose do not depend on where you have been...Your worth and purpose depend on God and God alone--His will, His calling, His choosing, His love."  - Kay Arthur – His Imprint, My Expression

"I Am So Happy to See You"... (not)

“I’m so happy to see you”… (not!)

Have you ever said those words to someone while you were cringing inside at the prospect of actually having a conversation with them?   The first words out of their mouths are usually a complaint about the weather which quickly moves to a complaint about everyone else around them.  Then, there is always the “doom and gloomer”; ‘life is the pits and let me pull you right down in this black hole with me”.  And… the most obnoxious, “It’s all about me”!

Years ago, an associate walked into my office where I was having a conversation with my boss.  We both looked up when we saw him standing there and quickly stopped what we were doing to say hello and have a brief chat.  He left after a few moments and as we turned back to our work, I commented on what a great person he was.  My boss smiled and said  “Yes, he really is.  He is one of those rare people that you are always glad came into the room when they leave”.

That has really stuck with me over the years.  What impression or thoughts do I leave people with as I pass through their lives?  Do they see in me what I would desire; or, do they see the things that surface quickly during my hurried and stressful days?    OK… as much as the “whiners”, “doomers” and “all about me” people make me cringe;  at one time or another I am sure that I have been just like one or all of them.   Hopefully, time and spiritual maturity have made me “less” and the presence of the Holy Spirit in me “greater”. 

Changing our words, responses and relationships is difficult (if not impossible) when we are trying to follow “rules of behavior”.   The truth of the matter is that in a transformed life, the words or reactions that come from any Godly person should be a “Holy Spirit Spontaneous Response” as opposed to a “Fleshly Self-controlled Reaction”.     If you have times like these or battle with the “why did I say or do that” guilt syndrome, there is hope:

            Galatians 5:16-22

The Spirit versus the Flesh

 ¹⁶ I say then, walk by the Spirit  and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don't do what you want.  ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

    ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious:  sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,  goodness, faith, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. ²⁶ We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.  (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

I Think I Am Turning into A Blue Haired Lady!

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.”   Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV)

Sometime after the “Beatles”, my first 100lb Litton Micromaster, Avocado Green and Gold Kitchens, Boy Scouts, Booster Clubs and Empty Nest - Without warning or announcement, I have turned into a Blue Haired Lady. Oh, you can’t really see the blue; and won’t (as long as I can help it}, but it has truly happened. And you know, it’s not all that bad! OK…, I concede that wearing glasses to put on makeup, double checking locks at night, sleeping in to 5AM, no caffeine after 10:AM and dinner over by 6PM can be a drag.

But there is an “up side”!

•  Life is moving faster, so I find myself slowing down.
•  People don’t seem to listen to me as much, so I am more careful about the words I chose to say.
•  I know that “Good-Bye” can be forever, so every “Hello” is a celebration.
•  My brain doesn’t seem to work as fast, so it is more important for me to think before I do.
•  “Stuff” is inanimate and gives nothing. I’m so over “stuff”! - Living is all about the heart.
•  My tears flow less freely, my tongue bites less frequently, and it takes a lot to offend me. I  think this is why my passion and faith is deeper and less distracted.
•  Friends have become family. My children will soon become my parents (Maybe a little  while longer on this one!)

 "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."                  Psalm 90:12 ESV

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.                                                                                           Matthew 6:25-34 The Message

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.                                                                 1 Timothy 4:12

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than
silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.                                                                           Proverbs 3: 13-18 NIV