Read 1 Corinthians 3:1–11.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (v. 11).

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Lord our God, nations rise and fall, people are born and die, and time flits by as a swiftly passing shadow. Constant change rocks our ability to cope, and sometimes the storms of trouble and temptation even threaten to sweep us to destruction. We need a foundation on which to stand, a foundation that cannot be moved.

You are that foundation, that Rock, O changeless Christ! People often try to build their lives on other things, but you are the only foundation that will never crumble.

We want to build quality lives on you, Lord. So many waves and winds threaten to move us away from you. We see errors and infighting even in the church, and we struggle to hang on. Be the head of your church on earth as well as the foundation of our own personal lives.

Help us live for you and keep us safe, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #053110. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

 Read Acts 2:1–13.

 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit (v. 4).

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Holy Spirit, you are one in majesty with the Father and the Son from all eternity. By your breath, human life began. The Scriptures call you “Comforter,” and we treasure the comfort you bring as you shelter us and draw us closer to Jesus, bringing to us the assurance of forgiveness, love, and joy.

We want to be holy, set apart for godly purposes. We want to be courageous witnesses, confessing Christ and sharing his story, as the first apostles did. Show us our sins and weaknesses, and teach us how to receive from you godly strength.

Then fill our souls so full of love for you that we never wander from you. Fan into flames of faith the fire you have kindled in our hearts. May our faith in you shine so brightly that even those who do not know you marvel at your strength at work in us.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus, our mighty, ascended Savior and Lord. Amen.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #051710. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

Read Acts 1:1–11.

This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven (v. 11).

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Lord Jesus, you suffered and died on the cross, but when your humiliation ended, you emerged from the grave radiant in glory. We do not see that glory today with our physical eyes, but we know you as glorious and magnificent, and we worship you with all our hearts.

Someday you will return in judgment, and the whole earth will see your splendor. How we wait for that day!

While we do not know the time of your return, we do know you have given us wonderful, rewarding work to do while we wait. May the Holy Spirit descend into our hearts with power, moving us to care for those in need.

Most of all may he empower us to share your saving message, filling others with the same eager expectation that encourages us.

In mercy, Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #051010. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

1. Women go to retreats be fed and nourished spiritually, as well as for the fellowship. Women love to be in the Bible, so enlist a speaker who is willing to help you lead your group into Scripture. (Can’t find a speaker like that? Then consider using one of CTA’s new free women’s retreat planning guides: Recipe for Life or Woman of God. Scroll down to find the retreat planners.) 







Women of God - Moments of Grace Devotion Book

2. Find a way to include a “Personal Retreat” time for the women towards the end of the retreat. This is an hour or more when they go off by themselves to have quiet time with God. They are in the Word and prayer and they can reflect on what they have heard at the retreat. Many women never have a whole hour of quiet for devotions and they relish this time without the normal distractions or busyness of life. (Both of CTA’s free retreat planners have built-in activities just like this!) 




3. Try to book a site where women can enjoy God’s creation—walking, sitting outdoors, or singing around a campfire. But be aware of costs. You don’t want to exclude anyone because the retreat is too expensive. Might you scholarship some women who might not otherwise get to attend? 




4. Include time for discussion! This could be during the presentations with pauses to talk with a partner or small group—discussion questions are included in both Recipe for Life and Woman of God.




5. Music! Food! Candles or decorations on tables! Mixers! Crafts! Chocolate!  




6. Prayer partners: If possible, have women who aren’t attending the retreat pray for specific participants ahead of time and during the retreat. They could also write personal prayer letters ahead of time which can be given to the attendees as they arrive. Participants will love knowing that someone is praying specifically for them and took the time to write them a personal note. 




7. Allow time for sharing at the end of the retreat—either with a partner, in small groups, or in the large group. Sharing helps everyone think about ways God touched them through His Word. Women love to hear how God is at work in their sisters’ lives. 




8. Keep registration forms simple and easy to use. Think it through! The part registrants send in should clearly include contact information so you can reach them before the retreat if you have questions. Pre-address it if you can so there’s no question about how to return it! The part the registrants keep should clearly list retreat dates, times, the retreat location/address, contact information in case they have questions ahead of time, and a list of what to bring.




9. Door prizes are always fun. No need to spend a lot of time gathering them if you use one of CTA’s retreat themes. Inexpensive, fun items are available for both Woman of God  and Recipe for Life. 




10. Bathe the retreat in prayer: for the speaker, that God would bring women, for the committee, all the details, the weather and especially that Christ would be glorified and everyone who attends would be encouraged.

Many thanks to Renee Gibbs and Amelia Fortmeyer for the valuable ideas and advice they contributed to this article!

I like to leverage the homework-free summer months to explore the Bible more fully with my children. They take a special interest in our family’s fully illustrated children’s Bible, and I’ve found that reading the stories together opens up many very teachable moments.

Whether you have children at home or not, it’s also important to walk through the doors summer opens for personal spiritual growth. I highly recommend that you find a retreat center in your area and take full advantage of it!

I’ve developed a habit of doing that once a year. It helps me rest, relax, and recharge. It also makes it possible for me to continue to do my best with the various life responsibilities Jesus entrusts to me throughout the rest of the year. Type “Christian Retreat Centers” into your Internet search engine to find a facility near your home.

Christian retreat centers are usually operated by religious orders, some by local churches or groups of churches. Most are simple, but comfortable. In general, they cost much less per day than a motel and are located in quieter settings, more conducive to prayer, Scripture study, and meditation. For people inclined to solitude, two or three days at a retreat center can create more relaxation than the two or three weeks of a typical sight-seeing vacation!

Groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights . . . ?

In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending Providence in our favor . . .

And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?. . .

We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” . . . I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed . . . no better than the Builders of Babel.

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Different people process information differently. In general, I need to write what I’m thinking before I get a clear grasp on most things. My prayer life is no different. How about you?

In love for our Lord, in obedience to his command and trusting in his promises, we assault the throne day by day. Often hour by hour or minute by minute! Have you ever tried writing some of those prayers instead of speaking them? For example:

• A chart with requests and the dates our Savior answered them is helpful in building confidence.
• A sentence or two of praise in response to the Scripture chapter you just read can bring thoughts together in encouraging ways.
• A paragraph of reflection can clarify sins that need to be confessed and forgiven; the pardon and peace of Jesus’ cross will then provide the insight and power to turn from them.

Today is the National Day of Prayer, but it’s certainly not the only day God’s people pray! If this aspect of your walk with Christ could use a lift, buy a small notebook or set up a section of your computer and see if writing might help. Or consider the various prayer journals CTA offers.

God bless you as you pray today–and every day!

Take heart, Christian. Your best alternative is to go to your Savior. If you are ashamed because of your lack of prayer, ask Him for forgiveness, then move on. He tells us in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Don’t allow the devil to get the victory in this area. Prayer works! E.M. Bounds said, “Only God can move mountains and only prayer moves God.”

Last week, my father-in-law was told by his doctor he has a tumor in his inner ear. His doctor made an appointment for him with a hear, nose, and throat specialist. We started praying when we heard the news. Just yesterday, he went to the specialist. The doctor looked in his ear and found no sign of any tumor at all! God is still in the miracle working business.

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.