And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone...(Matthew 14:23 ESV)

This past Friday, I had to go on a retreat for my Spiritual Vocation's class. It was one day of withdrawing from the world of internet, school papers, homework, ministry, people, facebook, phones, and work. The purpose of the retreat was to reflect and enjoy God's goodness. The retreat took place at the beautiful Hilltop Renewal Center (http://hilltoprenewal.org) in Idyllwild, CA. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. It was a beautiful three-story house with wonderful people, BOOKS, and God's beautiful creation. In my room, there was a painting of Jesus washing Peter's feet; which I felt that I was being served by God the whole time there. I got to walk up some trails, sing some praise songs, read a couple books in the library, nap, eat great food, and ENJOY GOD!

I am so excited to preach on Sunday. I need to really be dependent on the Spirit of God this week (which I should be dependent on him always) because I am standing before God declaring his all-powerful word. Who am I? I just want to please God. I just want to be happy in Jesus. I just want to lift up the savior and the glorious gospel. The gospel is so glorious, the reality that Jesus has conquered my sin through the cross and has given me a new life through the resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit. The reality of the Coming of the Lord and the restoration of all things because of the promises of God's goodness in Jesus Christ: the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God (1 Cor. 15:3-5).

Father in Heaven,

Please help me. I just want to please you. You have already given me everything I need in your Son. I just ask you that you would use me, because I'm weak and scared. I don't want to be preaching for the praise of man, but only for your glory. Please work this weekend in your church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Please do miracles. The greatest miracle you performed was the Resurrection of your Son. Please do miracles of the new birth this weekend. Please cause your saints to be refreshed in the gospel. Please cause my heart to labor and preach in love (1 Cor. 13). Help me marvel at your glory and see your greatness in your son. I love you and my heart's desire is to please you. Please rid me of all my sin and sinful desires! May my meditation be pleasing in your sight, my Lord, Rock, and Redeemer. I need your grace this week and everyday Lord. Help me be satisfied in you alone. Whom do I have in heaven besides thee O Lord? There is nothing on earth that I want except you. Only you can satisfy my thirsty soul. I love you God. I thank you for what your doing in my life. I thank you for your lavish grace that I do not deserve. I thank you that you loved me when I was unlovable. I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. I thank you for my hope in Jesus Christ. I thank you that you conquer evil and will conquer evil. Open our eyes Lord and cause a season of refreshing. We are so lukewarm and we need you Lord. I don't want to settle for average, but excellence and the glory of your name. May your glory shine and MAY NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANOTHER. Hide me and keep me from the evil one.

In the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love the gospel. I love God's reconciling work. I love that my God came to this earth in the person of His Son to die a bloody death for me. I love that I was a condemned sinner, but Christ came to be condemned for me. I love that I am no longer a slave to the power of sin, but I am a slave to Christ, enslaved now to righteousness, leading to eternal life. I love that I am raised with the resurrected Christ. I love that I am a child of God. I love that I am declared righteous before the Heavenly Father because my Lord Jesus lives! I LOVE THE GOSPEL!!