Bible Shorts

One of my favorite annual events, before the Oscars are aired on television, is to find a movie theater featuring that particular year’s “live and animated shorts” (a short is a film less than 40 minutes long, as compared to a full feature movie whose length may be two hours or more). It is possible, in one two hour showing, to view five to six shorts ranging in length from a few minutes to 40 minutes.
I have coined the phrase, “Bible Shorts”, for this retreat and/or bible study topic. I am using the title to refer to the books of the Bible that are one to two chapters in length and can be read in under 40 minutes (the approximate length of a television drama minus the commercials). Thus, we will study the short books of the Bible such as Haggai, Obadiah, Philemon, Jude, 2 John and 3 John. Why not turn off your TV, pop some popcorn, grab your Bible and some colored pencils, and join me for a more than entertaining survey of the Bible Shorts!

Available in one, two, or three day formats

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

This retreat/bible study topic is a blend of the Old Testament book, Hosea, and two overarching topics—Idolatry and Love. The greatest commandment of Scripture is a daunting one- to Love God with all of your heart, soul and mind. Yet we often replace the One and True God with other gods in our hearts, just as the nation of Israel did. Why do we have idols? What causes idolatry? What message of love did God speak through the prophet Hosea? How do we love God’s way in a world filled with such pain? And, What’s Love Got to do with It?
Find out the answer to these questions and so many more as we study the book of Hosea in depth!

Available in two or three day formats

Living above the Sun

Ecclessiastes is one of the more difficult books of the Bible to understand and perhaps because on first blush it seems full of hopeless despair. However, hopelessness is often a byproduct of living life “under the sun” without an eternal perspective. Please join me in mining this book of wisdom for how to live “above the Sun”.

Available in two or three day formats

The Gospel in Shoe Leather

This topic is a study of the book of James in the New Testament. James’epistle is filled with many “tests” of the authenticity of our faith. It emphasizes the message that true faith in Christ will reveal itself in how we treat people around us–friends, family strangers and even enemies. I’ve heard James’ letter is “the gospel in shoe leather” because it is a practical message of putting our faith into action. James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”

Available in two or three day formats

Your Personality Puzzles Me

Romans 12:18 tells us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Paul recognized that peace is not always possible, but when it is, it is our responsibility to live in harmony with others. The key is to first understand our own personality, so that we can then understand others, and ultimately live in community with one another. God fashioned each one of us with a unique style. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. This workshop retreat will address these differences so they can be celebrated and bring unity to the home, workplace, and the body of Christ.

Available in two or three day formats

The Names of God

“Some boast in chariots and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” (Psalm 20:7) People and products sadly do not often live up to their names. How hopeless and insecure we feel when we can’t place our trust in the meaning of a name! But God always lives up to His name. In biblical times when God’s people had a special need, God revealed a name that would identify an aspect to His character to provide the solution to the problem at hand. Knowing the names of God will deepen your faith so you can have confidence to face any situation because you will have assurance in His name.

Available in two or three day formats

In The Margins of My Bible

If you were like us, you grew up hearing these words: “Don’t write in your Bible!” Thankfully somewhere along the way, we learned it was okay to jot down a few notes in the margins of our Bibles to help us remember lessons for life. Now after decades of recording thoughts and prayers in those margins, we have discovered we have a treasure trove full of valuable insights for pursuing a Godly life. We often refer to these gems as the “gentle rebuke of God’s Word”. This retreat is a “Potluck” of sorts, as we will bring to you a variety of topics that have stemmed from the precious words written in the margins of our Bibles. (Note: This retreat can be easily adapted to your individual theme.)

Available in one, two, or three day formats.

Number Your Days – Consider Your Ways

Every decision you make on a daily basis stems from a core value rooted deep in your heart. During this retreat/workshop you will be challenged to examine your days and how you spend your time, including long and short range goal setting plans. Because your heart is the wellspring of life, you will also be guided through the valuable lessons taught in the little known but very practical book of Haggai.  During these sessions you will focus on your “heart altar” and see if any repair work needs to be done so you can live out your days in a way that glorifies God.

Available in one or two day formats.

Joy Makers/Joy Takers

The world chases happiness; the Christian pursues true joy.  But sometimes, even for the faithful seeker, joy can be elusive.  When we lose our perspective or become overwhelmed by our circumstances, our joy can dissipate right before our very eyes. In this retreat based on the book of Philippians, we will look at what brings us joy, how to keep that joy, and what to do when joy is in danger of being taken from us resulting in a defeated lifestyle.  Jesus calls us to the abundant life – this weekend will help you live out that call (no matter the situation) with great joy.

Available in one, two, or three day formats.

From Worrier to Warrior

Who of us has not experienced serious concern, okay admit it, WORRY, over life’s circumstances, real or imagined? In addition to defining worry as “tormenting oneself with disturbing thoughts”,  Webster adds this thought:  “to move with effort”.  Living a life as a WORRIER requires far more effort than living as a WARRIOR.  While it may seem impossible to lay aside the burden of worry, there are biblical and practical ways to “be anxious for nothing” and learn to rest in God’s sovereignty.  These sessions will aid the natural “worrier” in becoming a prayer “warrior”.

Available in one, two, or three day formats.

Walk the Talk, Dress the Part

This retreat topic keys in on three specific areas of life that Satan often targets- our walk, our words, and our spiritual wardrobe. By examining the truths Jesus used to refute Satan’s assaults in Matthew 4, our lives can be strengthened by a worthy walk, faithful speech, and spiritual clothing that requires pulling some things out of our spiritual closets, and putting on some biblical clothing that adorns the doctrine of God in every respect.

Available in one, two, or three day formats.

A Way with Words

Words matter. With over 500,000 words in the English language, great is the potential to utter sayings that could wound another.  Proverbs 10:19 says, “Where words are many, sin is not absent”. Gossip, slander, malice, grumbling and complaining, these are examples of ways we can wound others with what we say.

So too, ample opportunity exists for us to utter sayings that woo the heart of another. Another Proverb tells us the “right word at the right time is like a custom made piece of jewelry” (25;11). Words of love, words that are kind, words that offer patience and affirmation reflect a humble and understanding heart. In this retreat, we will look at biblical ways to transform our speech so we build up with our speech instead of tearing down with our tongues.

Available in one, two, or three day formats.

Wholly Devoted

Living a life “wholly devoted” to the Lord almost sounds like mission impossible, unattainable and unrealistic. Surely God was just suggesting devoting ALL while knowing we would still firmly grasp some measure of self-devotion in this lifetime. This workshop retreat, based on 1 Kings 8, will address issues of the heart such as idolatry, forgiveness, and defeating the sin cycle and will offer practical ways to guide the distracted heart to becoming a devoted one.

Session topics include:

1. Keep Track or Lose Count?
2. I Thought You Would Call Me Father
3. Multiplying by 7
4. Holey or Wholly?

Available in a one, two, or three day format.