10.29.2009

retreat ministry

just had a weekend retreat and it got me thinking about my life and the importance of camp on my spiritual journey. there are so many people who have influenced my faith and have given of themselves for me. thank you to everyone who has taken time to influence me!

i thought of this as i had the chance to be part of 17 students' lives this weekend. retreats are great opportunities to connect with each other while we're disconnected from life's normal distractions. thank you to all of you - students, adults alike - for trusting me and allowing me to speak into your lives!

check out some highlights from the retreat...

10.12.2009

psalm 119

read through all of Psalm 119 today (it is a joyous chore!)...
i am struck by the Psalmist mentions of loving the Lord's commands, laws, decrees, statutes, rules, etc.
it almost makes me wonder, is he trying to convince himself he really loves the Lord's laws? have you ever felt that way? have you ever tried to convince yourself of something you ultimately knew was good for you, but had a really hard time acting on? surely we can all think of things we know we shouldn't do but we do anyhow because in the moment it feels/tastes/looks so good.

as i read Psalm 119 in the New Century Version, i finally came across verse 131 and felt more at ease. finally, the Psalmist was speaking my language. it reads:
"i am nearly out of breath.
i really want to learn your commands."
we all want to obey. we want to know the right thing to do. we want to follow God and reap all the benefits. we want badly to draw nearer and nearer to God and godly living. sometimes, we get in our own way. sometimes, we run after things that aren't good for us and flat out ignore God's commands.
and then, we are nearly out of breath - nearly to the point of having nowhere else to turn - we say, "ok God, i guess i'll give you a chance."
we cannot do this thing called "life" on our own. we need God's commands because they give us life. read Psalm 119 and see how many times the Psalmist links God's rules, commands, decrees - God's Word - to LIFE. God's rules give us life; help us live an abundant life.

so i conclude: Lord, help us - make us - to WANT to WANT to learn your commands.