For some, it can be very helpful to do something active while meditating on Scripture. This is one reason why many find the Walking with a Text activity beneficial. In this meditation time, rather than walking, choose a crafting activity that you can do almost without thinking. If the craft requires significant focus or concentration,...
Author: Josh & Rachel
Part 9: Reflection
This is the final part of our Let the Thirsty Come retreat series, which highlights different aspects of spending extended quality time with God. What makes a time of reflection fruitful? The retreat series began with thoughts from the parable of the prodigal son. In this final devotional of the series, Josh returns to that story to...
The Christian’s Debt of Love
Clearly, God is to be loved, and He has a rightful claim to our love. However, the unbeliever does not acknowledge the Son of God, and therefore cannot know the Father or the Holy Spirit; for “he who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him,” nor the Spirit whom...
Humility: The Glory of the Creature
“They shall cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory, and the honor and the power: for You created all things, and because of Your will, they existed and were created.'” — Revelation 4:11 When God created the universe, His primary purpose was to...
The Joyful Duty of Daily Praise
The English language of the sermon has been updated and simplified. As the sermon is fairly long, if you are short on time, we recommend reading sections 3 and 4. I will extol you, my God, O King; and I will bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you; and I...
Color-Coded Thanks
This activity is a type of prayer journaling that helps you express your specific needs to the Lord and recount the ways that he has answered prayer. While it can be done as part of a spiritual retreat, it is even better as a regular journaling practice. Recording Specific Prayer and Specific Praise You delivered...
Creative Praise
Choose one of the following activities to creatively express your love and thanks through art. A Picture of Safety You are good to me and I am secure in you Choose a psalm and spend some time meditating on it. What pictures or metaphors have been most helpful for you understanding you are secure in...
Written Praise
Choose one of the following activities to focus on journaling or writing your thanks and praise through written prayers, liturgies, poems, or song. God is Mighty to Save You save your people from trouble Choose a psalm and take some time to meditate on it. Afterwards, write your own prayer, poem, or song thanking God...
Active Praise
In these activities, we use our actions and posture of our bodies in order to help us dwell on God’s beauty and express praise to him. Choose one of the following activities to physically express your love and thanks. Walking with Awe and Thanks You are a glorious creator and provider Choose a psalm and...
Part 8: Thanks and Praise
This is Part 8 of our Let the Thirsty Come retreat series, which highlights different aspects of spending extended quality time with God. Do we treat praise as a religious obligation, or like paying our taxes — giving what we are obligated to? In Psalm 145, we find a different picture! This month’s devotional encourages...