Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Plan Your Pause, Place and Purpose

Dear Worshipers,

Sometimes getting to go out of town can be so exhausting you really need the break for which you have been preparing. Sarah and I are heading out of town for a few days to our District Pastors’ and Wives Retreat. This is an annual event that is designed to help ministry couples recharge and refresh.

We have been looking forward to this time since the drive back from the Ohio Amish country last year. This time with each other and the Lord has become very precious to us. Years ago we beganto realize the need to withdraw occasionally from our regular activities and spend some time in reflection and renewal.

I want to encourage you to find some similar opportunity. It does not have to be a big event, or a few days long. Maybe an afternoon walk through the woods, or a few hours spent in quiet with a large cup of java…and the Lord. Pull back and enjoy His presence. This kind of time is important, but one word of caution.

Oswald Chamber’s says somewhere in My Utmost for His Highest that we must be careful about these mountaintop moments. Those special times when escape the normal routine and commune with the Lord are good, but they are insufficient to cultivate our relationship with God. We need regular time spent with Him to “Maintain” our intimacy.

That is exactly what Pastor David was reminding us on Sunday, Do you have a pause…a place…and a purpose that you enjoy with consistency? If not, I want to encourage you again to make a plan for this. If you really want to become like Jesus, a plan for this kind of investment is essential.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott

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