Here is a wild thought that I stumbled on recently. It’s nothing original to me, but rather a collection of reading and thinking. So here is the thought:
Solomon asked for wisdom more that provision. But God provided him with so much more; family, riches, influences…
Maybe I ought to be more concerned with the pursuit or prayer for wisdom and discernment than with money, food, or goals/pursuits and more.
What do you think?
All last week I was at The Journey conference at Pine Springs Ranch in Southern California, in the high mountains just south of Palm Springs. It was a great time of refreshment; becoming the people of God in community. Here are a few insights I picked up this time around about obstacles Post-Modern people must overcome on their path to salvation.
Where do you sense these being true with people you know?
As it pertains to the story of the prodigal son, here are a few insights and progressions from the story.
Where are these insights and images true in your life?
This week I will be at the Pine Springs Ranch in Mountain Center, California. It’s a retreat center tucked into the mountains just outside Idyllwild. This is the third and final Journey retreat of this year. I love driving up the hill knowing that I will be spending a week refreshing my soul with the people of God.
One of the big sayings at the Journey is to “Learn to be the people of God before we do the work of God.” That’s my goal this week. The rest is much needed. I have felt like my heart has needed a V8 for awhile now. These moments of escape should aid in that vertical re-alignment. My hope is to share what God is teaching my here later in the week. I would covet your prayers during these days.
Scott Elliott and I have suffered through another stay in Palm Springs before completing the last leg of the trip up the hill. I say that jokingly as we have stayed in a 4-star resort we priceline.com-d for near pennies (Seriously, if you ever need a vacation this time of year, mid-week stays at resorts are cheap). It’s his last session of the 2-year Journey experience as a participant, as well as a few other pastors and leaders from Big Valley Grace. I keep coming because I help out, but it’ll be bittersweet to see these guys complete the journey generation experience at Pine Springs. Then the journey will continue.
Well, time to put the computer up, get a shower, exit the resort life (ha ha) and head up the mountain to cooler temperatures. I am excited for what is in store.
I had a great time yesterday teaching a breakout session at the Synergy 2011 Small Groups Conference. It was a great experience, as it has been the last two years I did it as well. I love the opportunity to teach and encourage church leaders in any way possible. They are so receptive and eager to learn.
As always, I was also very impressed with the hard work of the staff and lay people of Crossroads Community Church of Manteca, CA. Ed Applegate, the small groups/spiritual formation pastor, has such a heart for discipleship and empowering people to activate their faith through service. It’s very encouraging for me to see. If you’re in Manteca and looking for a church, Crossroads would definitely be worth a visit.
James Bryant Smith was the main session speaker, a teacher involved with the Renovare Ministry. My breakout time was called “I Will Pray For You… No For Real.” Below are a few truths that I both heard and shared…
Paul was a great intercessor for the church. If you don’t believe me, check out the scriptures listed below:
I was able to end my session by praying this modern day Hebrew-style blessing over the leaders in my breakout: “May we be people of prayer, both in heart and deed, for the people which we have been given the divine privilege to shepherd and care for.”
All in all, a great day.
