Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:27-32

Dear God, I’m trying to imagine the first people who sat down to make these new types of church retreats they were starting. Whomever came up with Emmaus Walk did a good job. A time where Jesus/the Holy Spirit uses a time set apart for revealing the scriptures and Jesus’ true nature to someone. The same can be said of ACTS Retreats. In the same way that the book of Acts is about the evolution of the early church, ACTS Retreats are about a person of no faith being exposed to Jesus’ power, grace, and glory (much like Paul), and current believers to work out their faith to a deeper understanding (much like Peter).

Retreats are good things. I’ve been on many in my life. I’ve had four or five that totally transformed my life. The four that come to mind are the FCA Leadership Conference that taught me about discipleship when I was 17, the couples retreat at Laity Lodge when I was 24 that helped me reconcile myself to the life you had put me in, the study retreat at Laity Lodge in April when I was 30 that revealed to me my need for scripture and started these prayer journals, and the retreat at Laity Lodge when I was 45 that helped me let go of trying to recapture a life I had loved but was now gone, and start to build a new life that was different but still good. Yes, you have taught me a lot when I can get away with you.

Father, help me to continue to discipline myself to find those moments with you when you can take me to the next level of my growth in you. I am not there yet, but at least I know that I’m not there yet. I will try to stay the course and see what you do to me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen