SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL : TOPIC – RETREAT
READ PREVIOUS CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONALS HERE
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (July – Dec., 2021)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday, September 6, 2021
TOPIC: RETREAT
Read Mark 6:30-32
MEMORISE: For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not (lsaiah 30:15)
EXPOSITION
There are times “No retreat, no surrender” can work for you. But most times, the best or wisest thing to do is to run for your dear life. On many occasions, our Lord Jesus retreated, not as someone quitting the stage, but as a wise fighter who knows when to withdraw a little, for more strength and energy.
‘Retreat’ in this context is not quitting the fight but taking rest, to refire. Not just a rest, but to go into the desert, being alone with God, i.e. trying to isolate oneself from the hustle and bustle of life to rest in the presence of God, for renewed energy and strength. This is very important, especially for those the ministry and business of the Church.
When Jesus noticed that the disciples had put in a lot of energy to meet the ministerial demands, He made them withdraw into solitary place for rest. Many ministers are deceived today because they base the success of their ministries on how busy they attend to people, even if that means not spending time with God. They want to attend to more people to show their effectiveness and eficiency at the expense of their rest and relationship with God.
Many are times, when God is expecting His servants to be in His presence, receiving, but they are elsewhere ministering to people. Such ministers love to give to people than they receive from God. This accounts for the level of shallowness we witness today and the uselessness of many ministers and leaders. Learn how to withdraw back to God after all the busyness of life and the ministry. Jesus never allowed that opportunity to elude Him. No wonder He was always renewed and refreshed. Let the Holy Spirit guide you on how and when to retreat for refreshing and renewal
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, make me wise as to how I spend my time; let me spend the bulk of my time with You.
2. I refuse to kill myself untimely for not having enough time to rest and wait on the Lord.
3. Let us pray for ministers of God who are silently suffering from burn-out; that God should cause the refreshing time to visit them for restoration.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Psalms 109:19 – 115:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 11:22