God’s Presence in Our Retreat’s Morning Devotion

After the anniversary celebration in May, our entire team went on a four-day retreat, but the Morning Devotion continued as scheduled. We moved the Morning Devotion to the retreat location and shared them online through recorded broadcasts.

God’s works are truly amazing, as His presence continued to manifest even during these unique Morning Devotion. Over the three days of Morning Devotion, we chose three different outdoor locations to gather. On the first day, the Morning Devotion was on the final chapter of John, where Jesus enabled Peter to catch 153 fish. Previously, we understood 153 to represent a large number, symbolizing how spreading the gospel draws people as an abundance of fish. However, this time the Holy Spirit revealed to us that 153 signifies God infinitely revealing Himself to His people. Further, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15-17, NKJV). Similarly, God perpetually asks us the same question, which we must face throughout our lives. As shepherds and co-workers, do we love the Lord more deeply, or do we prioritize superior lifestyles, comparisons, reputation, or debates about being right or wrong? So often, we fall short; we cannot fully love the Lord with Agape (divine love). Yet, the Lord still uses us. No matter how low we may feel, God’s love, His entrustment, and His sending remain infinite.

On the second day, we were by the lakeside and coincidentally read Psalm 113. The verses perfectly reflected the life of my wife and me. Amidst the breathtaking beauty of shimmering lake waters and majestic mountains, we, a group of people called by God, gathered to study His Word, pray, and worship. There were no walls, no lights, no sound systems, yet God was with us in the vastness of heaven and earth. After finishing the teaching from Scripture, C-Mo, pursuing God in prayer, led our team in washing one another’s feet, fostering reconciliation and renewal in relationships. Although we are weak and unworthy, God poured out His Word and His presence upon us. In that moment, it felt as if the Kingdom of Heaven had descended upon us. God’s works are exceedingly beautiful, filling our hearts with sweetness.

On the third day, we gathered in a grassy field surrounded by towering rocks. It had rained early that morning, leaving the ground slightly damp. We read Psalm 114, and after finishing the Scripture, we came to verse 5: “The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back” (Psalm 114:5, NKJV). I knelt down, and at that moment, the Holy Spirit reminded me, “If the sea can flee, why can’t I turn the wet grass into dry ground?” To our amazement, the ground indeed felt dry. I invited my team members to sit down and even asked some of them to lie on the grass to enjoy the fullness of God’s presence. We are so grateful for this miraculous experience that God revealed to us! Throughout the retreat, every detail was ordained by God, leading us deeper into His goodness, inspiring awe and reverence in our hearts.

Our Lord is omnipresent. Even when we are far from home, as long as we seek Him earnestly and open the Bible, He reveals Himself to us. Dear brothers and sisters, let us continue to follow God closely, for His presence is always among us!■【2025.06.01】