HEAR the Word Wednesday – July 2, 2008
The energy on June 13th was palpable as the 2008 Cascades Summer Staff gathered at Timber Ridge Lodge for the kick-off retreat to our summer of ministry together. Old friends reunited with hugs and exclamations of delight, while new faces tentatively introduced themselves. I imagine that all range of emotions was felt in those initial moments, but we were quickly brought together as we entered into our first time of worship for the weekend. In one moment, all of the baggage that we brought with us to camp was laid down as 80 voices rose as one–
Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
(Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding- Hillsong, Mighty to Save.)
This is what stands at the heart of it all, isn’t it? This is why Cascades Camp and Conference Center even exists. Because of the saving work of Jesus Christ, we have been given a new chance at life—a life where we are redefined by all that He is and all that He does. All fears, feelings of inadequacy, lingering sin, or lies about who we are have been erased because our God is mighty to save. In Christ we have been defined by a Savior that conquered the grave, the perfect author of salvation.
We as a staff experienced a powerful moment together nearly 2 ½ weeks ago as we sang that song for the first time. All of our fears, excitements, and expectations were laid down in return for a renewed focus on the meaning of it all. Since that point, this has become a song that resonates deeply with our desire to both experience the transforming work of Jesus in our own lives as well as share it with every person who steps foot on the grounds of Cascades.
Take a few minutes this day to reflect on the meaning of those words in your own life. How has knowing Jesus changed your life? In what ways is He calling you to a fuller understanding of His saving work as you continue to grow as His disciple? May we rest in full assurance today that we serve a mighty God who has redefined everything about us—Jesus has conquered the grave!
Blessings-
Beasley
