FootprintsofFaith

Men of God Living Footprints and Growing in Grace

I just finished leading the combined men's retreat for the Westlake United Methodist and Westlake Lutheran congregations. You could feel the Lord's presence and the power of the Spirit working as we explored Ephesians 6:13-18--"Putting on the Full Armor of God--A Christian's Guide for Dressing for Success." God is so good. Men may not always be the first to want to get away for dialogue about faith issues, but when they do, mighty things can happen. I's love to say it was the stimulating presentations, but there was even more power in the small group discussions of Bible verses that expanded our appreciation for truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer and the cloud of witnesses that have nurtured and sustained us in the family of God.

It's easy for men to think about being warriors, but warriors for God are driven by love and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a blessed assurance that the war is already won, and that when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, we can lift each other up when we fall. We can encourage, tell the truth in love and serve with strength.

I think we realized together that a spiritual life on autopilot is not what we are called to live. Like the disciples, we should feel compelled to take a stand for our faith. We are Christians and as John Wooden said, "If I were ever persecuted for my religion, I truly hope their would be enough evidence to convict me." It's time to leave evidence, trails of testimony, shared spiritual wisdom, claimed verses and prayers for those we love. Many took time to write journal notes affirming their faith.

We ended with an appreciation for the great cloud of witnesses--the teachers, parents, pastors, faith mentors, and saints that have witnessed and nurtured our faith. These men and women believed in our faith when we had not yet believed what we were capable to do in the Lord. They deserve our appreciation and our prayers. They will be applauding as we finish the race. May we never forget to thank God and thank them for the gift of grace we are now blessed to receive.

There was great food, even better conversation and a new sense of renewal. I think the men of God will soon have a revitalized men's group meeting on Saturdays from 8:00-9:30. It's time to put our calendars where our priorities are. Join us. Join a men's group at your church, and know that together we are the men of God.

I end with the admonition of Paul in I Corinthians 16:13--"Be on your guard; stand firm; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." And with a chorus of heavenly hosts, they all said AMEN!

Enjoy the Sacred Silence and Bonding that Only Retreats Can Provide

I just returned from a wonderful weekend retreat with the men of the Westlake Village United Methodist Men's Group at the Casa de Maria Retreat Center in Santa Barbara. In past years, more men from our church have attended with our former covenant brothers. But this time, I was the Lone Lutheran and tried to make Martin Luther proud.

The event reminded me of the wonderful unity that exists in the family of God. The focus of the retreat was on being a Christian without being religious! We don't achieve salvation, we humbly accept God's grace. We don't earn it; God gave His son that we might have life. We don't arrive; God's Holy Spirit works in us to sanctify us over time making us more and more like Christ. God doesn't just give us eternity with Him; he gives us the gifts of the Spirit today!

Sometimes, it takes the sacred silences that a retreat can give you. There is time for reflection where you can see the impact of God on your own journey. You can listen for His guidance now. Next time you get the opportunity to take a retreat, take it. As Lili Tomlin said, "Even if you win the rat race, you are still a rat." We need to get out of the rat race and realize that the only true race worth paying attention to is the race that Jesus ran for us, a race we could not win. Praise God for God's grace in our lives and for time to appreciate it with our brothers in Christ!