Greetings!
"I'm exhausted!" That was a common expression in our household. When Vicki and I were raising our four young sons, our favorite time of the day was when we could collapse into our bed at night. We were exhausted! Raising a family is very tiring!
Sometimes we can also get tired of our spiritual routines. Last week, we talked about how the good things God gives us can become stale. We can grow tired of doing good... in our marriage, our job, our church and can even tire of sharing our faith!
I have found 3 things that help keep my faith fresh. Last week I gave you the first thing... WORSHIP & PRAYER. My daily time with God to love on Him allows the Holy Spirit to tenderize my heart. I should learn to worship Him for Who He is, and pray with my understanding and in the Spirit.
The second thing that keeps my faith fresh is this: TAKING A REST. The Sabbath was God's rest day. He made this day for us. He wants us to find a place of rest in His presence for our Spirit, but also learn to rest our bodies. We go to church on Sunday to fill up our spiritual tanks and to lift up Jesus. It refreshes us!
Changing up the pace of life makes a difference. Often our ministry demands become rather hectic. On Saturday, I had lunch on our patio with our grandkids. It was a nice sunny day, and I loved those moments together. Then I did some work outside of my house. I swept my garage. I washed my deck. It was all refreshing to me!
A Sabbath is no longer just a specific day like Sunday (or Saturday for the Jews). Every day belongs to the Lord, but we need a rest day for spiritual and physical re-creation!
The third thing that keeps my faith fresh is this: TAKING NEW STEPS OF FAITH. When I decided to start sharing my faith daily, I was scared to death! (And I was a pastor and evangelist!) I knew God wanted me to defeat my fears. When we run towards our fears, we get new confidence.
As I write this, I am sitting in Zambia, Africa, preparing for one of our 5 Star Evangelism seminars. Before I started sharing my faith, I never even dreamed I would be in Africa! Because I took this step of faith, many more doors have opened. When you take new steps of faith, God's will for your life advances rapidly!
So with worship, rest and new steps of faith, let's keep it fresh... for the glory of God!