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Be Refreshed
 Confession
time: I am a word person. Therefore, as I began thinking of this devotional, I
began with the word 'fun'. Have you ever focused on a very familiar word, and
researched its meaning? I enjoy doing that, and discover so much that way. When
used as a noun, fun means enjoyable, pleasant, pleasing, and pleasurable; also satisfying,
and delightful. It can be "a time or feeling of" and something that provides
enjoyment or amusement.
Here
in southeast Texas, summer does mean fun in the sun, along with lots of heat,
and liquid air-humidity. Sometimes
afternoon thunder-boomers pop up with bolts of lightning causing the ground to
rumble from claps of thunder.
Summer
is a time of lingering, of moving a bit more slowly because the heat saps our
energy and stamina. In order to sustain the outdoor fun, we must find
refreshing cool water to moisten our mouth. Ever take a cool drink and feel it go all the way down your
throat? Wow, that's nice when
you're hot and sweaty!
How
do you refresh when your spiritual life is parched? What restores you when all
around you is intense and taxing? Where do you go for a cool refreshing drink?
Do you find a place to linger lying down
in green pastures? Are you resting beside
the still waters? Do you have a place for restoration in the midst of the
challenges of busy schedules?
Sometimes
refreshing comes from a familiar place - like the Twenty-third Psalm. Perhaps you are alongside your minister
husband, and he's walking in a valley, where evil threatens. Have you slowed
down enough to recognize God's provision? You can be the refreshment in your
home, but first you must be refreshed.
David
realized that the Great Shepherd's rod of discipline and guidance was a means
of comfort. When we recognize comfort and recognize God as the source of that
comfort, we are refreshed and invigorated. I need that, don't you? Then
scripture referred to the Shepherd's staff: that instrument of protection from
assault and danger... Ministers and
their families walk a path strewn with rocks, potholes and potential danger.
There are times when we are assaulted-yet God has His protection already in
place. Even our enemies see God's provision-it
may anger them, but I think He takes pleasure in providing for us to His glory.
Read
Ps 23: 5b-6. When we view life
from God's perspective our pleasure IS renewed, we have fun in the Son! Life overflows with God's goodness, love, and
kindness.
When
the heat of the day drains us, God's refreshing is there. I pray for your
refreshment today. Blessings to you, Anita
Anita Onarecker Wood, Spring, Tx Author of Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge.
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Resources to Help in the Journey
Check out Kingdom Women Website and Resources click on ad.
August 26th and 27th, Richmond, Virginia. Don't Miss It. Click on the picture for registration details.
Check out W-3 by clicking on the picture.
Next Prayer Retreat October 1st and 2nd. Ocean View Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach, SC. Click the ad for more details.
A Women's Conference at Salmo Baptist Church in British Columbia, Canada. Featured Speaker: Connie Cavanaugh. Click picture for more details
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Diane Nix
Contagiousjoy4him.com |
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