As we come to the close of another calendar year…
… many of us take some time off to relax, reflect and refresh ourselves. Being retired that is considerably easier for me as I have greater control over my time which was essentially why I chose a career path of being self-employed during my working years. Within that lifestyle and in my retirement I find it important to take time to reflect carefully on how I am living my life for God and others along with trying to realize goals set for myself.
One goal that comes to mind as I make note of the past year and set goals for the next is how to best fulfill my need for spiritual refreshment. The obvious place we need to turn is the spirit and this can be accomplished in many ways beginning with relationships. Paul acknowledges that in 1 Corinthians 16:18 where he spoke of the uplifting experience that can come from fellow believers. Naturally these times should be one of positive communication as negative conversations and actions only drag us down further.
Spiritual refreshment also comes when we are in the Lord or He in us. This happens when our spirit and the Holy Spirit work together to build up our individual souls. Examples of this are praise and worship gatherings or any time where you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. These experiences are often needed and should be sought out. Certain individuals can do this for us also such as Onesipherus did for Paul (2 Timothy 1:16). Your church, family and circle of friends should provide (as you do for them) spiritual refreshment.
When these gatherings occur whether it be two or a great many more then you have the ideal event as everyone comes away from the experience refreshed (Romans 15:32). All of this does not come without some effort and the primary effort is that of we seeking and needing repentance (Acts 3:19). Those who chose not to be repentant and continue to wallow in mud will never get clean and unfortunately the reality is that many will refuse or reject (Isaiah 28:12) this wonderful opportunity for SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: True spiritual refreshment and renewal of strength comes with repentance followed by rejoicing in the Lord.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Romans 15:32 “mutual spiritual refreshment”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for Your constant refreshment of my spirit.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- How do you relax?
- Do you take time to reflect on your past, present, and future?
- What are ways that most refresh you?
- Are your conversations and relationships positive and uplifting?
*** Gary Jerke *** Is a former State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
