Communion - retreat recap

How is communion with God is possible? Through His word - He has not abandoned us though Jesus is not physically here with us. He has sent a helper (a comforter, an advocate, one who interceeds, one who guides, one who directs).
How does He direct? Through His word. How does He interceed? Through prayer.

Those should be the two items of first priority in my life. Do I hunger daily for the Word like a baby crying uncontrollably for milk? Do I recognize that as my greatest need? When I see God's glory as that of ultimate relevance, everything else becomes meaningless.

"I did not really understand what the gospel was about so therefore there was no change in my life."

1. Growth in godliness. 1 Tim. 4:8
"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
It does matter how I live my life and what I do. Jesus was not a complainer (Is. 53:7, Mk. 15:5, 1 Pet. 2:23). He didn't demand "his rights." He was a servant to all (Mk. 10:45). Its not about my rights - God put me here to serve others (not Mk. 10:35 rather Mk 10:49).

2. Love my "family." Titus 2:4
"and so train the young women to love their husbands and children."
As a "younger woman" I must place myself in a posture of submission to the older women of the church so that I can learn/ grow from them. We don't have to learn everything the hard way - listen and learn from others. Be patient - change does not happen overnight. Don't rely on your own strength (Prov. 3:5, 1 Cor 1:7-9).

3. Serve the Church. 1 Peter 4:10
"as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as stewards of God's varied grace."
God, in his grace, does not give each of us the same gifts at the same time. He varies them so that we can effectively serve each other (note: its NOT about me!). I shouldn't be comparing my gifts to others because God in his sovereignty has given me exactly what I need right now. ! Cor. 1:2-3

4. Fellowship with Christians. 1 Jn. 1:7
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."
He is the light. There are no shadows or places to hide. It exposes what is truly there. A result of walking with Him is relationships with others on a deeper level. We're all in this together. I need to actively pursue others and mortify my desire to hide (Gen 3:7-10). The cross has destroyed my need to hide (from God or others) because I'm justified before Him and on equal playing field with others. There is no need to fear or be condemned by my conscience (Rom. 8:1-4).

5. Evangelize non-Christians. Mk 16:15
"and He said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation"."
God's desire is that the gospel is proclaimed wherever we go. How do we do this? By living a life worthy of the gospel. (Phil 1:27). Jesus has healed us - he has opened our eyes (Mk. 10:45-52). The truth of the gospel has transformed who we are. My responsibility is to live with that always in mind. My response should be an attitude of gratefulness (1 Thes. 5:18, Col. 3:17) that is drastically different from the "what's in it for me" typical complaining attitude of this world. What a great way to show the hope in Christ that passes all human understanding (Phil 4:7).

6. Attend to my work. Col 3:23
"whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."
The gospel affects every part of my life and everything I do must be for my Savior. His approval is the only one that matters (note that He has created me to work for His approval). I can't be haphazard in my work because he wants it to be whole-heartedly given to him (1 Cor. 10:31).

7. Care for my Physical Body. 1 Cor 6:19
"or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have for God."
He indwells me. He is always with me - wherever I go, He's there. He will not leave us as orphans. He hasn't abandoned us. I wouldn't let the church building fall apart. Why? Because it is a reflection of God. How much more focus then should I put on taking care of my own body as the temple of Christ? Mark 11:15-18.

Application:
Change is a process. Often we are unaware of the steps, but we have the promise that He will complete what He's begun. Don't be discouraged when "change isn't happening" for there is always a hand holding me up and a fire melting my heart of stone. The flame of the cross never burns out. It is never an old story - daily it brings life. Run to the cross. Cling to the life found in this death. Find joy in this upside down kingdom. But don't do it on your own. You must cry out "I believe, help my unbelief." Have hope that He is faithful and will bring you and present you faultless before the throne as you grow in godliness. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Cry with David "great is the Lord" in the midst of trials and uncertainty. Live to give. Don't value return of investment here in this life - eternity is what matters.