Retreat and Revival

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I've been through a revival and a vacation since my last post. I have felt like I need a vacation to get over those two events! Which is the topic of today's post Retreat and Revival. These are concepts that need to go hand in hand.

Like many in my profession I don't know when to take a vacation. Usually it is when my wife picks up the phone and makes the arrangements and tells me we are leaving town. Quite often I am on the verge of exhaustion which she can see but I can't. As believers we need to follow the example of Jesus in all things, this includes time off.


Matthew 14:23 (NASB95)
23After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.

If Jesus took off time then what makes us think that we don't have to? I believe that it was part of his regular discipline.  John 6:15b [Jesus], withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. Not just a day off but to be alone with God in prayer as the scripture tells us. I think that we have to schedule this time or it won't happen.

As I can attest to, without retreat revival won't happen. Without retreat the weight of ministry or work builds up to the overwhelming point. Take time to get alone with God and enjoy His presence.  

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