Lessons from the Heart
Renew and refresh
By Pastor Chuck Rockey

Rockey

As we sit in our air-conditioned homes and look out our windows the world somehow looks different than in times past.

We no longer have open windows in our homes to let the cool breeze of the summer evening filter through the house. We no longer have the scent of fresh cut hay wafting through the screens to tantalize our noses. How long has it been since you've sat in the backyard on a cool evening listening to the cicada make their familiar raspy call from tree-to-tree.

Our family life is different, too. We no longer have the family sitting around the table deep in conversation; we have the juniors of the home sitting and playing computer games. The ladies of the house no longer have their favorite neighbor to share good news with. Our time is spent in front of the TV or other entertainment devises. Our days are spent trying to pack one more project into a contrived time frame that is self-imposed. Our alone time with God is so nonexistent that we only want to attend our worship service for approximately one hour on Sunday and then we are good to go the rest of the week.

So I ask, how many of us have taken a blanket and a picnic lunch down by the creek side to spend an afternoon in rest and relaxation with our families?

You see we need the alone time with nature to prepare us for the days ahead. Jesus often went into the mountains to pray. It was during these times that his spirit would be renewed again and again. It was during these renewal times that he prepared himself for the challenges ahead (Matt. 14:23 NIV).

It is during these times of refreshing that we become stronger in the faith and our mission becomes even clearer each day.

(Gal. 6:9-10 NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Stay strong in the Savior. Take the time to go to the mountain and listen to the small, still voice.

(Rom. 12:2 NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

If we stay in the flux of society we will become deaf to the leading of Christ. It is through the constant renewing and refining that Christ puts upon us that we stay faithful and mature workers for the eternal kingdom of God.

Chuck Rockey is pastor at Burlington United Methodist Church.

Pray for our nation to seek God

Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" Matthew 4:7 Pd. Adv.