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. I learned as they did--God is full of surprises when you are open to His message.
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. There were some great men of God I value and trust from our church--Lou Fiore, John Bell, Kevin Barry and Joe Bulock. We grew closer and probably had more conversations than we have had in a year of after-service goodie times.
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. I think of Lou and Mary Ann Fiore, Lew Smedes, Lee Travis, my dad and mom, Bob Lawson, Pastor Craig Beeker, Mr. Bosco my youth Sunday School teacher, Mark Sanborn, Naomi Rhode and Glenna Salsbury, my son Sean and, of course, Lorie, my companion in life, love and faith. I thank God for their witness, their prayers and encouragement.
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!
