As a kid I had attended a Catholic church but never knew Jesus. I had been baptized, and had gone through the ceremonies of my first communion and confession but never knew that I could have a relationship with God. When I turned 18 I stopped going to church, but my mind had tuned out long before that. Up until this last summer I was living as any other person in the world and running away from God.
As we get further and further away from this past Men’s Retreat, it is easy to forget the amazing things that Jesus did in the lives of the Men who attended. We wanted to make available the audio recordings of each of the main sessions to encourage you to continue on in steadfastness.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Session 1
Pastor Ted Leavenworth
Session 2
Scott Losee Elder
Session 3
Pastor Nick Mitchell
The words you are about to read are true. They will change your life if you let them. For they come from the heart of God. He loves you. And He is the Father you have been looking for all your life. This is His love letter to you.
On Septemeber 14th, nearly 100 men from Reliance attended the 2012 Men’s Retreat, held at the Idyllwild Pines Christian Conference Center. The men went up to focus on their relationship with the Lord and grow in their walks and the Lord showed up in a mighty way. Men were developing new friendships with each other, praying together, encouraging one another, and were making decisions to respond to God’s calling in their life. Best of all, three men gave their lives to the Lord.
(Excerpted from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost For His Highest)
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (NKJV, John 6:44)
When God draws me, the issue of my will comes in at once-will I react on the revelation which God gives-will I come to Him? Discussion on spiritual matters is an impertinence. Never discuss with anyone when God speaks. Belief is not an intellectual act; belief is a moral act whereby I deliberately commit myself. Will I dump myself down absolutely on God and transact on what He says? If I will, I shall find I am based on Reality that is as sure as God’s throne.
When you’re disenchanted with your marriage, the intimate husband-wife relationship you once celebrated is deteriorating, and marital bliss has proven an elusive cliché, disappointment reigns. Stripped of the illusion that marriage is easy and love is painless, it’s tempting to succumb to self-absorbed inaction. You may be asking, “Why should I be the first one to reach out?” Perhaps strained communication with your husband or wife has your confidence faltering. Or maybe your spouse’s callous inattention to your feelings has driven you to shield yourself with a haughty indifference. Realize this: Satan wants you to feel powerless to salvage your marriage.