Hello Advent Family,

We just got back from a great Advent Men’s Retreat in Marathon. We looked at the lives of some of the heroes of the faith and saw how God formed character in them in a variety of ways and circumstances. I often get asked from men when they get back how they can keep up the momentum from a weekend like that. I don’t think the answer is as complicated as we may think it is. Let’s look at a few words from Paul in Galatians 6 together today.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

The reality is that we need to keep doing the same things. You probably won’t listen to quite as many talks in your regular life but the key for me is intentionality. There are talks on a weekend like that but to me the real value is in talking about life and faith with each other. Taking a little time out of the business and chaos of life and intentionally talking with others about faith and life. That is something you can make time for every day. Retreats are great and are a nice boost or jumpstart but the real key is working on our faith lives each and every day. Try it and see what God does in and through your life.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave