#equippedforHisglory by: Deborah Ard

WOW! What a weekend I have had. And it’s all God’s fault!
Our women’s group at our church sponsored a women’s retreat called Refresh and Renew. This retreat was begun many years ago and we had not had it for several years after one of the ladies that led it passed away. Around this time last year Julie and I felt God calling us to step out of our comfort zone and co-chair the retreat for January 2018. As the name of our blog suggests, Julie and I desire to be “water walkers”…women who step out of their “boats” and walk on water in the name of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to trust Him and allow Him to use us for His glory. So speaking up and volunteering to lead R2, short for Refresh and Renew, was a huge step of faith for us. Both of us had attended R2 in the past but neither of us had been a part of the planning or carrying out of the event before. So how in the world would we be able to pull this off? Well not to spoil the ending, but we didn’t pull it off?

As I reflect on our weekend at R2 I am amazed to look at how God used the past year to prepare us for that one weekend. If you read the blog post from the summer you will remember that God sent me to the river last summer for a month and as a result of that time I became renewed and refreshed. From that time I became inspired to create the same atmosphere for the R2 retreat. Therefore the theme became “Water for the Soul”. And from there the weekend grew. God put everything in place. He worked out all of the details. He made sure the speakers each answered His call to speak. He brought all the volunteers, He made sure we had a stage, and He brought us food. He showed off! As I sat back in my chair and watched I was amazed at all He had done to bring His vision together. So we had not pulled it off…He did! All we had to do was be open to listen and yield to His guidance.
And that is how it is with all of us in big and small assignments He has for each of us. Whatever God calls us to do, He will equip us with what we need to carry it out.
What is God calling you to today? What is He asking you to do in faith? What is He equipping you to carry out for His glory? Whatever it is, know that He will be with you along the way and He will give you who or what you need to carry out His vision. Trust Him. Take the step. Be a water walker!
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21

#Prayer (These are just a few of the scriptures shared by our 5 speakers)

#LivingWater  by: Julie Wicker

Father,
Thank you for your living water that quenches our thirst spiritually and never runs dry Jo 4:14. Help us stand firm upon your word so when trials arise we will stand tall Matt 7:25. May we live without fear for the future knowing you have redeemed us, you call us by name we are yours Is 43:1. Teach us to pray like Elijah, confidently yet humbly bowed before you with an expectant heart ready to receive your rain of blessings 1 Kin 18:43-44. As we hear your call may we step out in faith into the waves Matt 14:29. Equip us to carry out your will, glorifying you all our days Heb 3:21. When we obey your commands, we experience your peace like a river, your holiness crashes over us like the waves Is 48:18. Holy, holy, holy are you Lord, the earth is full of your glory Is 6:3.
In the name of Jesus
Amen

During Refresh and Renew we talked about “Alters of Remembrance” Something that reminds you that God is going to do it again.

After worshiping to There Is A Cloud we passed out black River Rocks. Those of you that attended R2 we would love to hear where you have placed your rock, your Alter.

#WorshipWithUs    There Is A Cloud by: Elevation Worship

Jean Burden, Julie Wicker, and Deborah Ard