October 2024

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

-Mark 1:35

A friend of mine has a house out in the country near the city of Ashmore which he has set aside as a spiritual retreat center. The first time I went out there to be alone with Jesus was in April of this year, and I didn’t realize how much I needed it. I spent time hiking, reading Scripture, praying, journaling, and having communion with the Lord. I was reminded of how good God is, and of the incredible blessing we have of calling Jesus our friend. Jesus taught me how to “love in the dark”; how to endure what ancient Christians referred to as a “dark night of the soul.”

As I write this devotional, I am once again at that retreat center in Ashore, preparing to embark on another 24 hours with Jesus. I look forward to a time focused around the idea of being a wounded healer; one called to ministry while at the same time being a broken human being in need of healing just like everyone else. Let me say now that I am grateful for a church that grants me time to get away for a while and pray.

Reading the gospels, we do notice that often times Jesus went off to solitary places in order to connect with his Father in prayer. This is good practice not just for leaders, but for all believers. When was the last time you took some time to be with God, away from the business and the noise of the world? These times help me remember what a joy it is to be one of God’s children, and provide me with energy to continue on.

I would strongly encourage you to set some time to be apart with Jesus; to take a vacation with your Lord. Take the Scriptures, take a good devotional book, and perhaps bring a journal along. The place I go has poor wireless service, and that’s a blessing, too. It helps to keep the world at bay so I can devote time to God. Perhaps the Great Banquet can be that weekend for you. The Women’s Retreat is October 17-20. Regardless, I pray that all of us would remember that the Lord God is so very good, and loves spending time with us.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matthew