It Takes Courage to Step
Given the losses, frustrations and restrictions that have marked 2020, it takes courage to step into 2021.
In the Bible, we read about a young man named Joshua who found himself intimidated and overwhelmed by what was before him. God’s words to him may be instructive, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 6,7, 9).
You may say, “I’m no Joshua. I’m thankful I was never in his shoes!” But what condition and “shoes” are you in? What is before you in 2021? Might God be leading you in this new year according to who He sees you to be, not simply what you see?
Why step forward in faith? Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.”
Here is an invitation to step out in 2021!
Step into THE SPIRITUAL FORMATION & DIRECTION INSTITUTE, designed to:
· Take you deeper in knowing Jesus personally, relationally and intimately.
· Cultivate awareness and an experience of God’s transforming presence with you in how you live and how you lead.
Key Scriptures that influence the Institute’s design:
John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Philippians 3: 7-8, 10, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead.”
For Paul, knowing Jesus changed his life! This “knowing” is defined as personal intimate knowing of another. It isn’t knowing about someone but rather knowing relationally through ongoing and intimate connection with another. In Philippians, chapter 3, Paul tells his transformational story from radical unbeliever to intimate faithful lover of Jesus!
The Institute aids believers in growing, as Paul did, from knowing about Jesus to knowing Him more personally, relationally, and intimately.
Two students comment on their experience in the Institute:
“I count my time in the program as one of the most powerfully transformative chapters of my life. Through strengthening my connection with God, I was able to look deeply into myself and gain valuable insights into knowing who I was, no matter what. The process taught me how to love my wife and family more effectively, freed me from huge portions of fear and anxiety, and gifted me with incredible people to journey with. I am grateful!”
“The program provided me a safe and sacred community to grow deeper in faith and trust in God. It was God’s answered prayer to me to learn of and receive His love in my brokenness. Gratefully, God granted me opportunities to understand myself and my ultimate dependency on Jesus. The program facilitated God’s invitation to step into His compassionate loving journey of transformation along with other followers of Christ into my identity in Christ.”
The Institute is a two-year program. When you complete Year One there is an offer for you to take Year Two.
Year One: Learning How To TRUST God more fully
Year Two: Deepening Your EXPERIENCE with God by spiritual practices of relationship
The Institute happens at the Mt. Charleston hotel, The Retreat at Charleston Peak
There are 4 Retreats that make up the 2021 Program year: January 24-26, April 18-20, July 18-20, October 17-19
Retreats begin Sunday evening with dinner and conclude Tuesday at noon. We spend time together in teaching sessions, worship services, and time alone with God.
Jesus invites us to join Him in 2021 to know, grow and enjoy Him! I hope you consider the Institute as an opportunity to serve your life in Him.
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