Time of Refreshing

Pooped... do you feel that way?  In all the hustle and bustle of this season, we ladies can get so overwhelmed and worn out with all we have to do.  Shopping for just the right gifts for those special people in our lives, cooking that perfect meal, keeping up with our housework, taking care of our children, and continuing to work whether it be at home or in the world.  There's so much to be done and sometimes our attitudes become less than Christ-like.

Tonight as I finished up a project and met a deadline, I sat back to reflect on all I had accomplished and all that still  needed to be done.  In no time at all, God brought a scripture to my mind.... "Be still and know that I am God."  Be still.  How?  When?  There's so much to do!  But without quiet moments with Him, it doesn't matter what I accomplish, my attitude and demeanor will not be reflective of Christ.  I won't find joy in the things I do, they will all just be mundane tasks to complete and roles to fill.

Amazingly, God sent a devotional my way tonight via an email from "Our Daily Bread".  I am reposting it for you to read.  I needed to read this tonight and remember to take time to be refreshed during this busy time of the year.  What about you? 

Repent . . . , so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. —Acts 3:19

What do you find most refreshing? A cold drink on a hot day? An afternoon nap? Listening to praise and worship music?

The biblical theme of refreshing has a variety of physical and spiritual meanings. In Scripture we read of refreshment by resting on the Sabbath (Ex. 23:12), with cool water after physical activity (Judg. 15:18-19), by soothing music (1 Sam. 16:23), and with encouraging fellowship (2 Tim. 1:16).

The apostle Peter describes a time of spiritual refreshment that took place on the Day of Pentecost. He exhorted his listeners to repent and respond to the gospel “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). The apostle’s statement was especially meaningful to the Jewish audience with its reference to the millennium when Messiah would rule. But the good news of spiritual life would also be extended to the Gentiles (Acts 10).

Even now as believers we can experience a time of refreshing by quieting our hearts in a devotional time of prayer and Bible reading. When we spend time alone with the Lord, we can experience His peace and joy which renew us in spirit. Aren’t you thankful for these daily times of spiritual refreshment? —Dennis Fisher

A Prayer: Lord, I need my spirit refreshed and

renewed today. Speak to me through Your Word that I

might hear Your heart, and help me to share my heart

with You in prayer. Amen.

When we draw near to God, our minds are refreshed and our strength is renewed.

Thank you, Lord, for this timely reminder!

Blessings and refreshing to each of you,

Mandy