%% generate tags start %% #books #religion/christianity %% generate tags end %% #books/christian #religion/christianity/books #book ![[Encounter.png | banner]] ## Overview The book is about seeking god by having a retreat and it break down the process into 3 parts: ascending, encounter and descending. It also break down the journey into 30 days to help reader absorb it little by little **Ascending**: focuses on deepening one's encounter with God through various activities and practices, guiding readers on a transformative journey of personal growth and spiritual exploration. **Encounter**: fostering a deeper connection and understanding of God's presence and grace. **Descending**: encourage people to live out their encounters with God in practical ways, emphasizing the importance of sharing God's love, serving others, and being a witness to His transformative power in our daily lives, motivating readers to actively live as disciples, impacting the world around them through acts of love and service. ## Ascending The ascending part of the Encounter devotionals focused on deepening one's encounter with God through various activities and practices. > [!info]- Key scriptures > Acts 8:27-28: > "So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means 'queen of the Ethiopians'). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah." > > Exodus 32:19: > "When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain." > > Acts 9:5: > "'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied." > > Luke 2:46: > "After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions." > > John 19:17-27: > "Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. [...] Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, 'Woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." > > Matthew 4:1: > "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." > > 1 Kings 19:19: > "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him." > > 2 Samuel 24:24: > "But the king replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them." ### Reflection This section was a truly transformative experience for me. It provided a roadmap for deepening my relationship with God through various practices and encounters. The selection of key Scriptures was powerful and relevant, helping me gain a deeper understanding of the stories and lessons from the Bible. I particularly appreciated the focus on personal encounters with God and the reminder that God can meet us in various "geographies" of life. The ascending part reinforced the importance of perseverance in faith, the power of questioning and wrestling with God, and the need for genuine relationships with fellow believers. One question that I have been thinking about is "In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness and provision throughout your journey?". As I reflect on my spiritual journey, I can't help but acknowledge the unwavering faithfulness and provision of God in my life. Time and time again, I have seen His hand guiding me, providing for my needs, and leading me through both challenges and triumphs. A Scripture that resonates with this reflection is Psalm 23:1, which says, ==_"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." _== This verse reminds me that God is our shepherd, and as His sheep, He takes care of us, ensuring that we lack nothing. His faithfulness and provision are evident in His guidance, provision of resources, and His constant presence with me, even in the darkest moments. Another question is "How has your encounter with God transformed your perspective on life and influenced your priorities?". Through my encounter with God, my perspective on life has been transformed. One Scripture that aligns with this reflection is Romans 12:2, which says, ==_"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will."_== Previously, I might have prioritized worldly pursuits and external achievements. However, as I deepen my encounter with God, I have come to realize the transient nature of earthly possessions and the eternal significance of a relationship with Him. This transformation of perspective has led me to prioritize qualities such as love, compassion, and serving others, aligning my actions with God's will. By focusing on what is eternally meaningful, I find purpose and joy in my daily life. ## Encounter This section of the book focuses on various recipes or activities for deepening one's encounter with God. The recipes include: 1. He Walked with God: Taking a walk with God and engaging in conversation with Him during the walk. 2. Holy Hospitality: Sharing a refreshing meal with God, setting aside time to eat and pray. 3. Standing on the Promises: Meditating on God's promises and reflecting on their significance in one's life. 4. Face to Face: Designing and planning a personal space or "tent of meeting" for encountering God. 5. Be Still: Practicing silence and stillness, creating a space for listening and reflection. 6. After God's Heart: Praying to align one's desires with God's desires and seeking to care about what God cares about. 7. Born for Adversity: Reflecting on past trials and expressing gratitude for God's faithfulness in difficult times. 8. A Three-fold Cord: Examining the role of God in close relationships and inviting Him to strengthen them. 9. What Are You Doing Here?: Reflecting on one's purpose in life and seeking God's guidance and direction. 10. Find Your Rhythm: Examining the rhythms and rituals of daily life and aligning them with God's patterns. 11. Take A Nap: Resting and rejuvenating the body and mind as an act of self-care and trust in God's provision. 12. A Prayer of Examen: Engaging in the practice of "prayer of examen," reviewing and reflecting on one's day in conversation with God. 13. Lectio Divina: Practicing the ancient spiritual reading technique of "Lectio Divina," engaging with Scripture in a contemplative manner. 14. Set a Stone: Finding a stone or object as a symbol or reminder of the encounter with God during this time. Each recipe provides instructions and prompts for engagement, encouraging individuals to personalize their retreat experience and engage in meaningful encounters with God. ### Review This section has been a profound and transformative journey for me. The inclusion of various recipes as spiritual metaphors has been a unique and engaging approach to deepening my connection with God. Each recipe has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and actively pursue encounters with Him. The integration of key Scriptures has provided a solid biblical foundation and has helped me better understand the principles being taught. These recipes have sparked deep introspection and have inspired me to apply the lessons learned to my everyday life. > _Jeremiah 29:13 - =="You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."==_ ## Descending This part focuses on applying and sharing the spiritual experiences and lessons learned during the ascending part. It explores ways to practically live out and express one's encounter with God in daily life. Key themes include spreading God's love, serving others, and being a witness to His transformative power. > [!info]- Key scriptures > Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." > > Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." > > Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." > > 1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." > > Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." ### Review This section provides practical guidance on how to live out the truths and encounters with God that were explored during the ascending part. The emphasis on spreading God's love, serving others, and being a witness resonates deeply with my desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. It also serve as reminders of our call to discipleship, our responsibility to share God's grace, and our purpose in serving others with the gifts we have received. The practical applications presented are both challenging and encouraging, prompting me to live a life of worship and service. I am equipped and empowered to step out into the world with renewed purpose, knowing that the encounters I've had with God are not meant to be kept to myself but shared for the transformation of others. It has been a transformative journey, and I'm grateful for the wisdom and guidance provided by the book.