Before we left for this retreat, Pastor Dan admonished us not to expect the same thing from this retreat as from the others. I must say this retreat had a much different impact on me than our Fall 2008 Retreat in Ft Myers Beach.
This retreat was far deeper spiritually for me than the last one. It wasn't as emotional, as tearful. There was a quiet, peaceful awakening in my spirit. The best way I can describe it is that this weekend what the pastor taught about became rhema word to me. Not that anything he spoke about was new, just as the pastor himself said. It came alive in me in a different way than before.
I came to realize that God wants us to cry out to Him. It's not as if I had never heard or read that in the Bible before. I'd always been taught to pray silently, to myself. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 17:6 "I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray." I've always had a beautiful picture in my mind of God parting the clouds and leaning down to hear me as I pray. How much more complete is that vision if I'm actually praying out loud!!
I was greatly impacted by the session dealing with forgiveness. I made big mistakes in my life before I came to Christ and pray that one day I will be forgiven by those who were hurt by my actions. The word that struck me most strongly in the verses the pastor quoted was 'tender-hearted'. I am praying that through Christ I can become tender-hearted towards those who hurt me.
The fun times we had together were as always, wonderful!! I am blessed to have such a beautiful "Eternal Family". God shows me His love through each and every one of you!! I can't wait until our next retreat to see what God has in store for us......
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2 comments:
Pastor was correct when he told Us not to expect the same thing as the last retreat. GOD showed each of Us one more part of being HIS. The Fellowship and Love pouring out to each other. Doing what CHRIST asked Us to do Love One Another.
I went seeking a View that was like no other I have seen in my life , GOD provided this view and so many others. The Body of CHRIST joining together as One and the praise that flowed from each of the members was a Praise worthy of Our GOD. HE has smiled on Us once again and spoken to my heart and given me a message to share with all of HIS Creation. Belive in ME and cry out to ME and no that I AM with you.
In HIS service for ever
I meant know not no
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