Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
It’s not easy to post when we’re in the middle of teaching, but I wanted to share a brief word about this new adventure together Rebekah and I are enjoying.
I’ve led conferences and retreats before; Rebekah has been keynote speaker and conference leader many times too. But this is the first time we’ve been asked to do something like this together.
I’m especially grateful to have been included, because this is a retreat for preachers. Not ministers and their spouses, but just preachers. Our topic is “Rest, Reconciliation, and Restoration.”
I’ll share more details after we’re done. But for now it’s a blessing to be here, in this beautiful location on North Carolina’s Emerald Isle, and to have this opportunity to be an encouragement to all these “ministers of word and sacrament.”
Just one note on content. Tomorrow I’m teaching a session on “Restoration.” What I’m coming to realize (as I go over my notes one more time), is that spiritual restoration involves bringing us back to the intention of Creation. And, unlike restoring a piece of furniture “back” to its former glory, this kind of restoration is a restoration “forward,” to a kind of glory we hadn’t experienced before, one where we engage the purpose for which we were created. It’s a restoration because we resting in – and are being reconciled to – God.
Peace and restoration, from this little slice of heaven – DEREK
(images from Trinity Center on Emerald Isle)
Derek and Rebekah, I can’t think of anything better than the two of you co-teaching a retreat, a class or anything. You have always been great at restoration and finding rest. From my point of view you have always made sure you and Rebekah has taken time to re-new and re-group. Have a wonderful vacation. Seeing Frank and Sylvia was great. It was so good to see them and visit. hugs, sandee
I can relate so much. The verese 2 Corinthians 5:17 is what my life verse is that I am holding to. I have shared how this verse impacted me also in teachenarysjourney.com
[…] leading the pastors’ retreat together (see “Times of Refreshing,” and “Rest, Reconciliation, and Restoration on Emerald Isle“) turned out to be the perfect way to start our summer vacation. It was a transition point, […]