Plan to work hard? Plan to recover!

Monthly theme: “Yes, with the help of God!”

Reading time: two minutes

This week’s calendar says you’ll be working hard.

Why not build renewal into next week’s calendar?

These next few days have potential to be spiritually draining. Our souls and spirits leak; we’re daily in need of baptismal, spiritual renewal, regardless of the month or season.

If you marked your calendar for a day of replenishment, time to pause from the work of proclaiming the good news, time instead to receive the good news, would you be refreshed?

Yes, with the help of God.

His Word of hope, peace and joy welcomed, thirsted for, eagerly sought, always fills, always quenches, constantly renews.

These next few days have potential to be hard on your family, relationally draining. Our marriages and families leak grace and joy, especially in times when the duties of ministry call us away.

If you marked your calendar for some extra marriage and family time in the week after Christmas—for time to replenish your relational bank account after the additional withdrawals of recent days—would your home life be refreshed?

When God’s children share the love and grace of Christ, received at the manger, at the Lord’s Table,

in celebrating the Incarnation – “God with us” – the Spirit imparts His gifts of joy, peace, and love.

These next few days have the potential to be hard on your body—up early for preparation. Up late for extra worship services. Hasty meals. Skipped exercise. Our bodies leak energy and vitality. A busy calendar physically takes its toll.

If you marked your calendar to catch up on rest (Jesus took naps!) for recreation and exercise, would your body feel the difference?

Even before Adam’s fall into sin, our Father designed and mandated the Sabbath rest for our replenishment.

Through sleep, good nutrition and recreation, He heals, renews and re-creates.

Take 15 seconds right now. Grab your calendar. Next week: “Sabbath rest.”

Thank you for your faithful service this week. Are you making a difference?

Yes, with the help of God.

Thanks for reading.