Saturday, February 03, 2007

07SR Testimony Time

Although I will have missed both of testimony times due to RR training, here is what I would've liked to have said:

As would be expected, each SR is very different from the last. The 07SR was no exception. I came in, expecting to cry after every session and feel trapped in my sin. Joyfully enough, this year was a time of calm and deep reflection. I still found glaring errors in my heart, to be sure, but I felt spiritually mature enough to quickly deal with them. I felt nearer to my Savior and more and more willing and eager to give up my fleshly struggles to Him and Him alone. As for "Spurgonial" wisdom, I was very struck by the similarities of his struggle with Modernism and ours with Post Modernism. He was not willing to let false teaching grow as a tare craftily hiding within the wheat. He pointedly saw the sin of many churches and so-called-believers of accepting the teaching of wrong authority and a disbelief in the supernatural. He fought violently against its claims even when others refused to listen. I'm reminded of how he said being called a bigot is nothing compared to allowing heresy to thrive. He never allowed his church to adapt to the times and the world. His church was only based on preaching clear, plain truth from the Word of God. Nothing else matters. Snow Retreat taught me the importance of stepping up for the truth, not just believing it and sitting quietly. As amazing as Charles Spurgeon was, he was only something because of Christ's work in his life. He looked only to Christ. As I shared with my cabin group one night, his dedication for looking was illustrated by a devotion in his book. I apologize if it's a bit long, but it has become the cry of my heart and I wish to share it with you:

..."We ought to be doubly prayerful, doubly earnest, wrestling more at the throne than we have been wont to do. Action should then be prompt and vigorous... You have a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God's countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty indevotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your wont. Now... is the time to bestir yourself; now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit helpeth your infirmities. Spread your sail; but remember... 'I can only spread the sail; Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale.' Only be sure you have set the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ."



If we don't put up our sails and surrender our trust and direction to Christ, we won't get anywhere in life. We are only yanked and pulled about by the tide, which I suppose you can view as the world and sin. I am very excited to put this submission into practice for the honor and glory of my King. And so, I am very thankful to have spent my last snow retreat in the study of such love and loyalty. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this and all other retreats possible. Whether you've been to 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 SR's, prepare your heart for the next even now. And, pray fervently for application of the truths you learned. Read God-honoring books after you are faithful in quiet times! I can't wait to read a Spurgeon sermon! May we all raise the sails and find ourselves being driven by God's powerful wind closer to eternity with Him!

Contending for Christ, Natalie Ann

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NatNannyNad at 9:18 PM

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