From 8 to 86 - this was the range of ages of those who attended the North Mississippi Ladies' Retreat last weekend. Seventeen congregations were represented. What a wonderful experience it was! Celine Sparks was our speaker and she did a superb job explaining God's Word to us. Simply --humbly -- lovingly -- her lessons came from her heart. One can tell by listening to her just how much she loves the Lord ... His Word.
I am so thankful for her willingness to share. And I am so thankful for every individual who attended the retreat. It is always such an encouraging and uplifting event! It is good for the soul.
I know some people might think of events like these as simply a way for a bunch of ladies to get away and be frivolous and have fun. Maybe they think it is all fluff with no stuffing ... no real spirituality involved. Not so .. Not so at all.
We worship God while we are there. We lift our voices in praise to our Savior and Redeemer -- reverently -- joyfully -- with sweet adoration. We pray to our Heavenly Father -- some of the most beautiful heartfelt prayers I have ever heard have been uttered at Tishomingo State Park. And we study God's word. We learned what a beautiful walk we can have with Christ. We gain encouragement from the lessons we hear ... we learn how to do better .. to be better.
Do we have fun? Do we even act silly with our skits? Yes, of course we do. Is that important? I think so. Doesn't the Bible say "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) Sometimes we need a break from the every day trials we face.
Don't you think Jesus laughed? I do! Although the scriptures never record Him laughing, I certainly think He did. Can't you just imagine the wonderful friendship He had between the apostles?
Christ was all human and all God at the same time. It was God who gave us our emotions. We are made in His image. Christ spent too much time speaking of joy not to imagine that He enjoyed life while He was here. Just picture Christ smiling and laughing with the children. Certainly they wouldn't have wanted to be around Him if He had been somber all the time.
So it is good to get away from our ordinary routine from time to time. It is good to enjoy fellowship with our sisters who also love Christ. Still, this is not what a Ladies' Retreat is all about. It's about loving God and loving each other. We glorify Him while we are together. We lift each other up and encourage each other while we are together.
Sometimes we share our heartaches with one another -- or ask sisters to pray for us because of what we are going through. We learn ... we learn from the scripture. We learn how to love God more ... how to follow Him more closely. We learn about how much He cares for us.
You see, it was always in God's plan to establish the church. Christ built the church - He purchased it with His own blood, so that we would have a spiritual family to lean upon and to help one another ... so we would have someone to weep with AND someone to rejoice with. Christ wanted us to "stir up each other to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24). Ladies' events accomplish these very things.
It is my strong belief that events like these, as well as so many others, keep churches strong. Yes, it is important to have youth activities. It is important to send them to youth rallies and Bible camps and leadership training series.
But when not attending these events, who are these children with? Who sings "Jesus Loves Me" with little children upon their laps? Who encourages the teenager to remain strong when they are teased at school for standing up for their beliefs? Who helps them learn memory verses or speaks with them very plainly about applying Biblical principles to the situations they face every day?
I think we know what a huge role mothers and grandmothers play in a young Christian's life. The children may not (some defy the odds; but not most) -- the children may not grow to be strong and faithful Christians if the mother loses her faith or becomes discouraged.
Even the men who serve Christ faithfully from week to week lean upon the strength of their wives from time to time. Living the Christian life and raising a Christian family is a joint venture after all. Younger ladies come and learn from older ladies at the retreat. They learn about the joy of being with one another. They learn about the joy of serving Christ. Younger ladies see the strength of the older ones and gain strength for serving Jesus even through tough times.
These events serve a special place in the Lord's church. They are not for everyone and they are not an issue of salvation. But they do glorify our God in heaven. The early church fellowshipped with one another on a daily basis -- with gladness and singleness of heart. And the Lord added to them daily. The church grew by leaps and bounds. Did the fellowship have something to do with that?
We've lost the art of fellowship in these modern times. Ladies' events and youth events, men's programs -- all these efforts are a way of bringing fellowship back into God's family. They are ways to help build up the church - to help us become a family and love one another the way God's wants to -- the Jesus commanded us to do.
Christ wanted us to love one another so much so others would know we belonged to Him ...... so that they would want to be a part of the family of God -- from 8 to 86.
Christ above all things,
Robin
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Seventy Seven Times
We heard a great lesson tonight about the apostle Peter. Our guest speaker, Brandon Elliot had many great points - one was that Jesus never gave up on Peter. Another one was we are all human and make mistakes. And yet another was that Peter kept trying to do the right thing.
I'm thankful to Brandon for sharing those thoughts with us. Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters. Tonight's lesson actually falls right in line with some things I've considered lately.
You see recently it occurred to me how thankful I am scripture records the conversation between Peter and Jesus regarding forgiveness. Do you remember that? The conversation occurs in Matthew 18:21 -22:
"Then Peter came up and said to Him, "Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (ESV) I'm sure Peter thought he was being rather generous when he said seven times. I have a feeling Christ blew the apostles away when he said seventy seven.
I'm thankful for this conversation because it helps me understand the mercy of our Lord. He is such a loving and forgiving Savior. He wanted His disciples to be like Him -- to learn from Him and love like Him and follow His ways.
Christ didn't want Peter to put a limit on forgiveness. Now that's something to think about.
It's something to think about especially in the context of all the ups and downs Peter had in his life. So many times he tried to do the right thing -- but he would mess up. Jesus would correct him -- and (praise God), Peter would try again. Jesus didn't give up on Peter. And Peter never stopped trying. That is what we have to be willing to do ... keep on trying.
It is also something to think about within the context of the conversation between Peter and Jesus when Christ predicts Peter's betrayal. Consider Luke 22:31-34:
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Peter said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." Jesus said, 'I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." (ESV)
It probably made Peter feel very sad to hear Jesus say these words to him. Really -- think about this .. Jesus says, Peter - the devil wants you. But I have prayed for you. He encourages Peter by saying - when you have turned again strengthen your brothers.
Peter response is quick - in essence he says, Uh-huh - not me, Lord. Satan is not going to get me. I will follow you. Even if it means I must die I will follow you." It is then that Jesus makes His fateful prediction of Peter's denial. I'm sure Peter didn't believe it would ever happen. Peter wanted to be faithful. After all, Peter was the one who drew his sword in defense of His Lord. He was ready to fight .... but then within a few hours the rooster crowed -- and well, we all know what had already happened in between.
But Christ told Peter "seventy seven times." And He said -- "I have prayed for you." AND He said "when you turn again, strengthen your brothers." Christ loved Peter. He believed in him - in his potential to do great things for the kingdom of God.
Yes, that seventy seven times is something to think about ... when Peter himself acknowledges the power of the devil and warns us -- "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Jesus forgave Peter's stumbling many times. He never gave up on Peter. And Peter learned from his mistakes and became a strong and powerful servant of His Lord Jesus whom he loved so much.
Seventy seven times? Yes!
Did the devil want Peter? Most certainly.
Do you think Jesus really prayed for Peter? Absolutely.
Did Peter turn again to Christ? Oh yes he did.
And finally did he strengthen his brothers? Definitely.
That conversation about forgiveness -that seventy seven times -- is something to think about in so many ways. It makes me think of myself and all the times I've stumbled. It helps me realize the love of Christ.
While this conversation is ultimately about us forgiving each other - over and over again (and that is a very important lesson pertaining to our salvation) it still shows us the forgiving nature of our Lord and Savior. Look at how often He forgave Peter -- and the other apostles for that matter.
Again, it is something to think about in the context of the power of the devil ....how badly he wants us .... just like he wanted Peter. Christ is our Savior and our friend. Just like He was Peter's friend. Christ didn't give up on Peter and He will not give up on us either - if we are willing to "turn again." And when we do, we must not forget to "strengthen" our brothers (and sisters).
I'm so thankful the merciful generosity of our Savior .. that we are given the opportunity to repent and turn to Christ ... to learn from our mistakes ... to know that He loves us enough to forgive us as long we are willing to follow Him. And yes, I'm thankful for that conversation that took place so long ago....
I'm thankful Jesus said "seventy seven times."
Aren't you?
Christ above all things,
Robin
I'm thankful to Brandon for sharing those thoughts with us. Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters. Tonight's lesson actually falls right in line with some things I've considered lately.
You see recently it occurred to me how thankful I am scripture records the conversation between Peter and Jesus regarding forgiveness. Do you remember that? The conversation occurs in Matthew 18:21 -22:
"Then Peter came up and said to Him, "Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (ESV) I'm sure Peter thought he was being rather generous when he said seven times. I have a feeling Christ blew the apostles away when he said seventy seven.
I'm thankful for this conversation because it helps me understand the mercy of our Lord. He is such a loving and forgiving Savior. He wanted His disciples to be like Him -- to learn from Him and love like Him and follow His ways.
Christ didn't want Peter to put a limit on forgiveness. Now that's something to think about.
It's something to think about especially in the context of all the ups and downs Peter had in his life. So many times he tried to do the right thing -- but he would mess up. Jesus would correct him -- and (praise God), Peter would try again. Jesus didn't give up on Peter. And Peter never stopped trying. That is what we have to be willing to do ... keep on trying.
It is also something to think about within the context of the conversation between Peter and Jesus when Christ predicts Peter's betrayal. Consider Luke 22:31-34:
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Peter said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." Jesus said, 'I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." (ESV)
It probably made Peter feel very sad to hear Jesus say these words to him. Really -- think about this .. Jesus says, Peter - the devil wants you. But I have prayed for you. He encourages Peter by saying - when you have turned again strengthen your brothers.
Peter response is quick - in essence he says, Uh-huh - not me, Lord. Satan is not going to get me. I will follow you. Even if it means I must die I will follow you." It is then that Jesus makes His fateful prediction of Peter's denial. I'm sure Peter didn't believe it would ever happen. Peter wanted to be faithful. After all, Peter was the one who drew his sword in defense of His Lord. He was ready to fight .... but then within a few hours the rooster crowed -- and well, we all know what had already happened in between.
But Christ told Peter "seventy seven times." And He said -- "I have prayed for you." AND He said "when you turn again, strengthen your brothers." Christ loved Peter. He believed in him - in his potential to do great things for the kingdom of God.
Yes, that seventy seven times is something to think about ... when Peter himself acknowledges the power of the devil and warns us -- "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Jesus forgave Peter's stumbling many times. He never gave up on Peter. And Peter learned from his mistakes and became a strong and powerful servant of His Lord Jesus whom he loved so much.
Seventy seven times? Yes!
Did the devil want Peter? Most certainly.
Do you think Jesus really prayed for Peter? Absolutely.
Did Peter turn again to Christ? Oh yes he did.
And finally did he strengthen his brothers? Definitely.
That conversation about forgiveness -that seventy seven times -- is something to think about in so many ways. It makes me think of myself and all the times I've stumbled. It helps me realize the love of Christ.
While this conversation is ultimately about us forgiving each other - over and over again (and that is a very important lesson pertaining to our salvation) it still shows us the forgiving nature of our Lord and Savior. Look at how often He forgave Peter -- and the other apostles for that matter.
Again, it is something to think about in the context of the power of the devil ....how badly he wants us .... just like he wanted Peter. Christ is our Savior and our friend. Just like He was Peter's friend. Christ didn't give up on Peter and He will not give up on us either - if we are willing to "turn again." And when we do, we must not forget to "strengthen" our brothers (and sisters).
I'm so thankful the merciful generosity of our Savior .. that we are given the opportunity to repent and turn to Christ ... to learn from our mistakes ... to know that He loves us enough to forgive us as long we are willing to follow Him. And yes, I'm thankful for that conversation that took place so long ago....
I'm thankful Jesus said "seventy seven times."
Aren't you?
Christ above all things,
Robin
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