We had an activity in our church called Men's Crossroad Weekend 2014.
A life transforming, encouraging and enlightening event that every man should attend to. That's how I exactly experienced it.
Men's Crossroad Weekend is a three-day activity, gathering men (regardless if married or not and church members or not) to have rest from the stress of the world, reflect from each session message and enjoy each fun-activity prepared.
Men's Crossroad Weekend is a three-day activity, gathering men (regardless if married or not and church members or not) to have rest from the stress of the world, reflect from each session message and enjoy each fun-activity prepared.
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Why I came to attend?
As I know, we've been attending church service in GCF South Metro when the first Men's Crossroad Weekend was announced. The first time it was announced, I remember my heart was pounding, seems like there was something pushing me to go and attend, but I wasn't able to attend. However, God's time is the perfect; I patiently waited when God finally decided and allowed me to go. He chooses the third Men's Crossroad Weekend for me, He also used my wife as instrument to pay my registration fee. Praise God!
Curiously, I asked around about this activity, to get some information and background about the previous Men Crossroad Weekend. Upon payment and received my receipt, I suddenly became hesitant. The information I got was kind of vague and most that I got was that
there will be a basketball and of course Bible study and sharing. As I grew-up in a Christian community, this is things are common for me, thus, I expect more. What else? That question I asked myself since I don't have a clear idea on what will happen.
My excitement was lessened and I think it was part of God's plan. On the other hand, the holy spirit spoke and reminded me that this is it, the moment you've been waiting for. The hunger and thirst, your cup will be filled and overflow once again. No doubt! I put my trust to God and claimed this event will do something best for me.
My excitement was lessened and I think it was part of God's plan. On the other hand, the holy spirit spoke and reminded me that this is it, the moment you've been waiting for. The hunger and thirst, your cup will be filled and overflow once again. No doubt! I put my trust to God and claimed this event will do something best for me.
When I received my crossroad booklet and saw the program schedule, the first thing I noticed was the activity called "Rest and Reflection". It stuck me as "Wow!" it was like I'm lying slowly, feeling the softness and comfort of my bed from a 12hrs of overtime. Thank you, Lord.
So, I did attend for Rest and Reflection.
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| Men's Crossroad Weekend 2014 |
The Rest
It was really a total rest for me, physically, emotionally, mentally, everything. I feel like; I was recharged 100% full.
Location is very essential to this event. It really helped and contributed to each participant's rest and reflection.
Men's Crossroad Weekend 2014 was held in Center for Community Transformation (CCT), Tagaytay - A retreat and training center - couple of hours drive away from the city. It serves urban and rural poor communities throughout the Philippines,
in pursuit of its desire to see changed lives, strong families, and
transformed communities centered on the Lordship of Jesus Christ. For me, it is the perfect place for this kind of gathering. Nature ambiance, the weather is perfect and peacefully quiet place.
I intentionally requested my wife not to call or text me (unless very important) rather I'll call or text her. Maybe I took the rest and reflection seriously that I want to be disconnected for a while and focus to this event. Although, I miss my family during the day, but, I talk to them before I went to sleep.
The Reflection
Since I was disconnected, my mind is clear and focus.
I got to bond with my group and to the other participants. I was able to share my experiences as well as learned from theirs. I was able to listen diligently to the message of each speaker. I was able to reflect in everything, and most important part is I was able to Choose Life.
The daily devotional readings in the booklet also helped me prepared for this event.
Below are some of my personal reflection:
Below are some of my personal reflection:
Time to make a choice: Like any other men, I want everything in my life simple without complications. It is easy to say but in reality, of making decision; it is the hardest and complicated one; For I have to accept one and reject the other. Complication starts I want to be in a safe condition/state, wherein there is a compromise between chosen and rejected.
However, I've realized that in making decision, I need to seek God's provision of wisdom and by His grace, I can move forward without compromising my decision.
Choose Life vs Choose Life: Choosing between physical and spiritual life. What's happening in our world is very alarming, particularly in the middle east. It seems that ending one's life is like a common thing already. They are forcing people to join their faith, if not, they will be executed. Truly, end of times are very much visible everywhere. As Christian, I stand firm on my faith, I choose life after death.
The Path of Life: Noted from the booklet, God has already prepared a straightway path for us to choose. To go the other way is simply the end of our existence.
By Love And For Love: It was like a two street; a give and accept relationship between God and me. By His love, I'm saved, since I'm saved, I'm alive for Him. For His love, like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I'm able to tell my offspring how good God was, is and will be; for they would be able to choose life also and enjoy all the perks walking with the Lord.
Teach Your Children Well: Like father like son.
Basically, my son look up to me, if I didn't start it right for him at the very young age, there's no one to be blame but me. It's because I'm the head of the family and one day, he will be too. As his role model, I should be teaching my son to follow Christ and make sure he sees it to me.
Finally...
It was a very overwhelming experience when I saw men of faith think differently with one common goal. To be transformed by choosing life with Christ.
As I intentionally pursue my journey of choosing life with Christ, I pray that God will continue to grant me the strength to fulfill my commitment and overcome temptations, wisdom to choose wisely in making decisions and discernment to know His will.
I would like share to you one of the praise and worship songs that touched my heart and made me surrender everything to God.
"I Lift My Hands"
Chris Tomlin
Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me.
Read your Bible and pray everyday and you'll grow, grow, grow..
To God Be The Glory.
~ If this post somehow helped or inspire you, please share your thoughts in the comment section ~
Thank You and God bless.
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