Last Minute Scramble

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February 2015. So…how are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions?
I have always been a resolution maker…and a resolution breaker. The word “resolution” comes from the word “resolve” which actually has something to do with finding a solution and solving a problem by deciding on a new course of action. I want to make a resolution to solve the problems of ME… and we know THAT isn’t something that I can actually accomplish, certainly not by will power, nor permanently!
So, I moved on to “prayer goals” which are a lot like resolutions except that we bring these to God asking Him to accomplish these desires in our life. Definitely a step in the right direction–realizing that I can’t solve the problem of ME in my own strength.
I’ve had decades to be convinced that I can’t accomplish transformation by my own mental fortitude and determination. So maybe it is time to die–in the Biblical way. Die to ME, die to my efforts to “self-help” and DIY.
Here is what A.W. Tozer (The Crucified Life) said: “The crucified life is a life absolutely committed to following after Christ Jesus. To be more like Him. To think like Him. To act like Him. To love like Him. The whole essence of spiritual perfection has everything to do with Jesus Christ. Not with rules and regulations. Not with how we dress or what we do or do not do. We are not to look like each other; rather, we are to look like Christ.”
Important for all of us, leaders or not!
New and exciting things have been happening at Retreat-in-a-Bag!
I am most excited to announce our new downloadable Retreat Guide. This is the first of (hopefully) many to come. This Retreat Guide gives you resources specific to the theme “Hidden Riches,” including theme verse, ideas and links to decorations we used, color photos, teaching sessions outline, quiet time study and skit (reproducible theme graphics are not provided). I have to say that our recent retreat with this theme was one of our sweetest retreats ever, as we compared our Christian life to a mining expedition where we search for hidden treasures. And the greatest treasure of all is to know the Lord!
In addition, our Retreat-in-a-Bag book series, consisting of three books, is now downloadable. Up until now, they have only been available for purchase as a hard copy. Now you can get what you need instantly from the Retreat-in-a-Bag website. Compared to the Retreat Guide just mentioned, each of these books covers general information for those planning a retreat from start to finish, but they include theme-related resources as well (graphic, quiet time, skit).
We have been adding content to our free downloadables – with new skits, quiet time studies and even a new downloadable form or two. So if you haven’t been to the website for a while, it may be worth your time to take a gander, especially if you are planning a retreat for 2015!
Sad to say, but if you have been in ministry very long, you know the hard truth that some of the deepest wounds in our hearts come from God’s people. The women you minister to have been hurt by those in the church, and you yourself have probably not escaped the hurts, intentional and unintentional, caused by those who call themselves Christians.
I am going to take a moment to recommend a book. Written by Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Billy Graham), Wounded by God’s People uses the biblical story of Hagar to show how a young Egyptian slave was wounded by God’s people, those she loved, respected and trusted. Like Hagar, when we are wounded in the church, our response may be to run away from those who hurt us, and even put distance between ourself and God.
This book reminds us that God cares. He sees, and He hasn’t forgotten us. He has a unique path for each of us, and sometimes He uses those hurts to prepare us for the next step. He wants to heal our hurts and renew and restore our purpose. He wants us to move forward, and Anne gives us steps to take that lead to healing and forgiveness.
This is a book you should make time to read.