Keys to Having the Best Life Ever!
What a great weekend! Two firsts in the same place at the same time! Last Friday night, our brand-spankin’ new youth minister, Nathan “Twig” McBroom, planned the first Central teen retreat at the brand-spankin’ new (not yet ready for prime time) Tallgrass Christian Camp. We had about 15 kids attend to learn how to show our Christian faith and put it into practice. It was a great time of bonding – and no one complained about not having hot showers in the morning!
Even though he probably didn’t realize it, as part of Twig’s preparation, he astounded me with his simple, yet profound wisdom (something we have grown accustomed to from those Texas raised boys). In his instruction packet he included a sheet called “Keys to Having the Best Retreat Ever!” I thought that we could take his simple, common sense tips and adapt them to our Christian lives. So, here we go…
Spend Time Alone in Prayer
What a powerful concept. There are literally hundreds of passages in the new testament alone on prayer. If it was the cornerstone of Jesus’ faith and relationship with His Father, how could we possibly ignore it?! (“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16; “…pray continually.” 1 Thess 5:17.)
Read Your Bible
It’s not just an instruction book. God’s word is filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, surprise, romance, adventure, and even a bit of comedy. What novel offers all of that. Not to mention that it is His last written will and testament, in which He tells us everything necessary to inherit eternal life.
Write Encouraging Notes
A little praise goes a long way…it keeps us going when we get discouraged. (“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24)
Get to Know a Mentor
Pick out one or more members whom you admire for their Christian walk and learn their “secrets” of keeping the faith. (“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb 13:7)
Have a Positive Attitude
After all, what can be better than having the God who created the universe on your side? (“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31)
Don’t Hate, Participate!
Get involved! Thee is lots of work to do. (“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22; “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…” Eph 6:7)
Smile
If you are happy and you know it…then your face will surely show it! (“Be joyful always” 1 Thess 5:16)
Make a New Friend
Share the Gospel. Spread the love. Befriend someone that Jesus would befriend. (“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Rom 12:16)
Tell an Elder Thank You.
There is no harder or more agonizing responsibility in God’s church. Give them the double-honor they deserve. (“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Tim 5:17)
Sing Loud!
It ain’t the quality of the sound, but the quality of the heart! (“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” Eph 5:19; “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13)
Get to Know a Visitor
Be hospitable. Invite them to lunch. (“Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Rom 12:13; “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Pet 4:9)
Get Your Sleep
Jesus promised us rest…take advantage of it. (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28; “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32)
Finally, Don’t Be Shy!
“Go ye…” doesn’t mean sit back and wait for them to come to you. Be proactive in sharing your faith. Jesus has saved us from a fate worse than death. – Shout if from the mountaintops!
Even though he probably didn’t realize it, as part of Twig’s preparation, he astounded me with his simple, yet profound wisdom (something we have grown accustomed to from those Texas raised boys). In his instruction packet he included a sheet called “Keys to Having the Best Retreat Ever!” I thought that we could take his simple, common sense tips and adapt them to our Christian lives. So, here we go…
Spend Time Alone in Prayer
What a powerful concept. There are literally hundreds of passages in the new testament alone on prayer. If it was the cornerstone of Jesus’ faith and relationship with His Father, how could we possibly ignore it?! (“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16; “…pray continually.” 1 Thess 5:17.)
Read Your Bible
It’s not just an instruction book. God’s word is filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, surprise, romance, adventure, and even a bit of comedy. What novel offers all of that. Not to mention that it is His last written will and testament, in which He tells us everything necessary to inherit eternal life.
Write Encouraging Notes
A little praise goes a long way…it keeps us going when we get discouraged. (“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24)
Get to Know a Mentor
Pick out one or more members whom you admire for their Christian walk and learn their “secrets” of keeping the faith. (“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb 13:7)
Have a Positive Attitude
After all, what can be better than having the God who created the universe on your side? (“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31)
Don’t Hate, Participate!
Get involved! Thee is lots of work to do. (“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22; “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…” Eph 6:7)
Smile
If you are happy and you know it…then your face will surely show it! (“Be joyful always” 1 Thess 5:16)
Make a New Friend
Share the Gospel. Spread the love. Befriend someone that Jesus would befriend. (“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Rom 12:16)
Tell an Elder Thank You.
There is no harder or more agonizing responsibility in God’s church. Give them the double-honor they deserve. (“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Tim 5:17)
Sing Loud!
It ain’t the quality of the sound, but the quality of the heart! (“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” Eph 5:19; “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13)
Get to Know a Visitor
Be hospitable. Invite them to lunch. (“Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Rom 12:13; “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Pet 4:9)
Get Your Sleep
Jesus promised us rest…take advantage of it. (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28; “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32)
Finally, Don’t Be Shy!
“Go ye…” doesn’t mean sit back and wait for them to come to you. Be proactive in sharing your faith. Jesus has saved us from a fate worse than death. – Shout if from the mountaintops!
posted by Carl Wheeler at 12:22 AM
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