This
past week, the North American Christian Convention took place in Orlando, Florida.
This is their mission statement. “The North American Christian Convention
exists to provide ideas, inspiration, and identity to Restoration
Movement Churches, ministries, and their leaders.”[i]
Because
of my affiliation to ministry through my lifetime, I’ve been blessed to be able
to attend the NACC on more occasions that I can count. I have learned countless
principles, listened to a zillion sermons, sang even more worship songs, and at
the end of each convention returned to ministry with a renewed view of my role
and a closer relationship with God.
My
desire was to attend yet again this year for several reasons. My church
minister was the president of the NACC this year. The worship leaders from my
church led worship all week. The theme was “Refreshed.” And it was in Florida!
The
problem? I’ve already been on two trips this year and have another one coming
up in about a month. There was no way that we could afford for me to attend
this convention.
But
God placed some brilliant people in the path of the NACC this year. Each main
session was streamed across the internet for those of us who couldn’t attend to
watch. And now, after the NACC is complete, the sessions are available to view
on demand.
I was
able to watch and listen while sitting at my desk. I was able to hear the
wonderful sermons each morning and evening. I participated in the worship
services. I gleaned Biblical information from the wise leaders of our
brotherhood. And I was blessed beyond imagination.
The
theme for the convention was “Refreshed.” One of my thoughts landed at my
computer screen. Sometimes my screen freezes or loads slowly. I hit the “refresh”
button and the screen begins again loading images and words. It returns to
working the way it should.
In
our spiritual lives or in ministry, we can get into a rut. We can become
stalled. We aren’t finding joy in studying God’s Word. We don’t see others the
way God views them. Our attitude toward life is far from God’s view.
Perhaps
a discouraging time has taken place. Maybe there has been failure. Or perhaps
life just hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would.
Regardless
of what has happened, refreshment must be found. The “refresh” button must be
hit. So how can we be refreshed in Jesus? What steps can we take to be refreshed?
In my search for refreshment, I found five ways to be refreshed.
Spend Time in God’s Word
God’s
Word is living and active. Each day I find new and exciting thoughts that I know
I’ve read before, but for some reason, that particular section had great
meaning in that moment. You’ll be amazed at how God can work through His
Scriptures.
Psalm
19:7a (NIV) says, “The law of the Lord is
perfect, refreshing the soul.” God’s Word will refresh your soul! But you
have to read it. You have to study it. You must spend time in it to be
refreshed.
Rid Your Life of Sin
Sin
is a refreshment killer. It is separation from God. And if we are not in God’s
presence, there is no chance of refreshment.
Sin
can sneak in and take over areas of our life before we know it. We must be
diligent in asking God to reveal these areas of sin to us. Remember Psalm
139:23-24? It should be a daily prayer on our part.
We
see in Acts 3:19 (NIV) to, “Repent, then,
and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing
may come from the Lord.” Times of refreshment are just around the corner. It’s
time to repent.
Rest
This
may be the most difficult for us. We are so busy. There is so much to do. Especially
in ministry. But God gave the example in the beginning. Genesis 2:2 (NIV) tells
us that “God had finished the work he had
been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”
I
know you’re saying, “My work is never done!” Perhaps that is true, but you need
to rest. God gave the command to the Israelites and it is something we need to
consider in order to find refreshment.
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17 – NIV)
Refresh Others
When
we are a blessing to others, we will be blessed beyond anything we could have
imagined.
Proverbs
11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will
prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I love this verse. Not
because of the outcome, but because of something that I might be able to do. Refresh
others.
We
can have a tendency to be a little short with friends, family, or strangers. Our
comments may not be in line with Jesus’ teachings. Our actions may prove that
we don’t belong to Him. We must be careful of how we treat others. Proverbs
says we should refresh others. Have you done so today?
Allow God to Be in the Middle of It
God
wants to help. He begs us to come to Him. God’s Word proves this over and over.
But the verse I’m using is from Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV).
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy
the faint.”
Are
you weary? Are you unsatisfied? Are you feeling faint? Reach out to God. He
will refresh far beyond your comprehension. He’s just waiting for the
opportunity.
I
was refreshed this week by the NACC. Perhaps there is still time to be
refreshed by a worship service in your area. Maybe you have a close Christian
friend you can spend some time with to be refreshed. If not, spend time with
your faithful God. He is willing to refresh your soul. Why not take Him up on
His offer?
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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