This week I happened upon this statement in reflection upon Satan’s tempting of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4.1-11): The evil one offers Jesus everything God the Father offers Him, but on a different timetable and with different requirements. Jesus remains sinless and validates His readiness to begin making Himself known as the Messiah.1
I believe we all would admit to some temptation to forgo God’s timetable and requirements for ones that are curated in our minds via our culture and circumstances. To live lives that look “better” on the outside or, perhaps, alleviate my alone-ness or my uncertainty about how to encourage others who are meandering life with SUCH different cultural circumstances than we had when we were 15 or 30 or 45. Or encourage, support, and equip my friend whose granddaughter is steeped in the cultural norms.
Where should I go for guidance and equipping, and encouragement for my tender heart? How about God’s Word?
You may have heard … we are planning a women’s retreat, The Unedited Life, for a Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27. Friday evening 5:30 to 8:30 and Saturday morning 9:30 to 1. We will meet at our church for both sessions. Supper Friday evening will be provided along with breaking fast options on Saturday morning. We will arrange childcare at the church according to requests with registrations. Registrations will be open in the next few weeks. We anticipate a fee of $30 to cover event costs. Scholarships will be available.
I wanted to get those specifics out to you now so you can begin to prayerfully consider arranging your September to allow this meaningful time with other women as we consider resetting priorities to align more closely with God’s desires for us and less upon what the current culture serves up.
If you have questions about the retreat or are willing to support the prep for this ministry event, please reply to this email.
With joy in the work of the Lord amongst us, Colleen
1Max Anders, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, p.147