Refreshing Renewal by State Bishop Rick Whitter
Article Excerpt
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The function of our church and our relationship with Christ requires seasons of refreshing. We work hard. We serve the Lord with diligence. Our ministries operate, at times, under lofty expectations and high pressure. Even Spirit-empowered and anointed leaders who give freely of themselves will find themselves in need of a fresh outpouring of a replenishing and resuscitating Spirit! Acts 3:19 mentions “times of refreshing that come from the Lord.” Oh, how we need this!
But let's recognize renewal is not automatic. Refreshing doesn't come to one's spirit without intentionality. In fact, the busyness of life and ministry can keep us assuming that we are refreshed when, in reality, we are bone dry! Jesus taught this when He called His disciples to come away with Him. They needed time to rest and reflect and pray and – be refreshed.
Spring is the time to be renewed! Allow me to encourage every reader to be strategic about renewal. Time in prayer, contemplation, and meditation are life-giving. The company of loved ones and old friends can be refreshing. A relaxing hobby or a little fishing trip can work wonders for the weary soul. You must find what works for you, but whatever it is, do it.
Just as Spring is cyclical, our times of refreshing should also be cyclical. It may look like this: Daily, practice a quiet time alone with God. Take a Sabbath day weekly. Engage in a hobby at least monthly. Take a vacation annually.
But there is a problem. Almost everyone I know would say that there is one element that prevents these times of renewal: not enough time! I contend that the problem is not that we don't have enough time. The problem is that we don't manage our time wisely. If we are honest, each of us has enough time to take care of our spiritual and emotional well-being if we will steward our time well.
Jesus spoke of new wine, new life, and new beginnings; you and I are not exempt from these spiritual principles. Please accept this warning from someone who has experienced it. If you do not take time to be refreshed, you and others around you will pay for it. You will find yourself depleted and empty. You will lose your joy. Work will be harder. Your productivity will be reduced. Frustration will be high.
Don’t wait until these signs start to manifest. Take time today to plan your seasons of refreshing….
Check out this article, Refreshing Renewal by Bishop Rick Whitter in its entirety by clicking here. It is one of the articles that can be found in The Virginian’s Spring issue.