Blog Post No. 27 - Reading Time: 4:45

Well, I’m taking off this week, so this will be a late post and as brief as possible. I hope everyone enjoys a great week, celebrating our nation and our freedoms. Sometimes it’s hard for me to hold my eyes on the good things we enjoy each day. It’s also hard for me to keep my mind on all the virtues of life and the glory of creation. Why? Because my mind always drifts to those who suffer, those who don’t know the Lord, and those who never mature in the things of God.

What I’ve just said could lead to a very long blog and a close examination of my own heart, but I’m just stating a fact that is part of what I deal with on a daily basis. Because of this I am driven to keep moving forward and sometimes fail to rest in the Lord. I see every day as a day to advance God’s kingdom. So I’m either studying the Word, reaching out to someone, serving others, praying in private, or working on the renovation of our old church building.

You Never “Get Away From It All”

A few years back I tried taking several three-day get-aways throughout the year. Everyone seemed happy for me, but I just kept feeling more and more behind. My first question on a day off is, “What should I be doing with this extra time?” I can’t use the term “workaholic” because that would imply I get a lot done, when actually I don’t. I struggle each day with a sense of worth based in my personal accomplishments and it always leaves me feeling worthless at the end of the day. I always feel that so much more should be accomplished for the kingdom of God.

Sometimes I push this urgency onto the members of our congregation. I’m kind of trying to stir them up to prayer, fasting, and the study of God’s Word. Again, why? Because I feel that if they really got into the Scriptures in the way I do, they too would be stirred into greater action also. Complacency is the death of so many good things.

Times of Rest

Jesus himself called his disciples away for times of rest and refreshing. I do this in a way that may seem strange to others. I retreat into the presence of the Lord and the pages of the Bible. Private time with the Lord seems to refresh me more than anything else I can think of. Often vacations are tiring, relaxing is boring, and entertainment is unfulfilling.

And what is more, after so many changes in life, so many responsibilities to see to, and so much drama in people, I finally have a place where I can approach God in solitude and relax in his refuge. I want to take advantage of this as much as possible. Similar to what Paul felt:

“⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because
 of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
 for whose sake I have lost all things.
 I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness
 of my own that comes from the law,
 but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness
 that comes from God on the basis of faith.
¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection
 and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Philippians 3:8-10 (NIV)

I could share much more about this, but I am really just saying that time off from normal activities to me never means time off from God nor pursuing his presence.

Feeling Refreshed

Here’s a little secret I’ve learned over almost 40 years of ministry: How do I know I’ve had enough time off? When there is a yearning within me to get back at it and make a difference in the lives of others. When that servants heart rises up within you again you will know that God has once again amply supplied you with what you need to serve others.

Maybe I’m strange, but I feel pursuing God is much more fulfilling than pursuing pleasure. Again, it may be because I see things a little differently. I’m always having to guide my eyes away from the intense needs and suffering all around me and focus again on the abundant supply that is only found in God’s presence.

Maybe it’s the same for you. At least take a little time each day to be alone with the Lord.

“He who was seated on the throne said,
 “I am making everything new!”
 Then he said, “Write this down,
 for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

It’s not time off that makes things new again. He does that!

Until next Monday, may the Lord bless you! Pray for us!

Pastor Brian Jenkins

Calvary Assemblies of God

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