Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
A new year. A clean slate. A clear vision. A renewed mind. An obedient heart.
What do you want to bring with you from 2023?
What do you want to leave behind? Do you want to set a bonfire to burn away some aspects of 2023?
What do you want to be different in 2024?
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
The problem with being a living sacrifice is I have a tendency to crawl off that altar and take matters into my own hands. That doesn’t always go so well. God and God alone knows what 2024 holds for me. I don’t want to do this on my own with my limited understanding and mixed motives.
I don't know about you, but my new year's resolutions don't always create lasting change. I want to start 2024 with surrender. There is true freedom in beginning a new year with open hands, ready to release my burdens and illusion of control, ready to receive from the Hands of the One who knows me far better than I know myself. He alone knows what is good and acceptable and perfect.
All to Jesus I surrender; all to him I freely give
I will ever love and trust him; in his presence daily live
I surrender all, I surrender all.
All to thee, my blessed savior; I surrender all
(Judson W. Van DeVenter)
May we begin 2024 with open hands.
Grace and peace,
Linda
Psalm One is here to help you grow and be strengthened in your walk with Jesus. Everything (except the pastors’ wives events) is for men and women, married and single, anyone who wants a closer relationship with God…
Begin 2024 with a clear mind and a full tank. Could you use a fresh reboot? Come away for the January 19-21 Refocus and Refuel Retreat to rest, revel, relax, recollect, reconsider, revive, return, recommit, remember, receive, recover and rejoice. “I have stilled and quieted my soul” (Psalm 131:2) For more information and to register for this Cincinnati event: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel
Who’s invited? Men and women, anyone hungry for a deeper connection to Jesus. 48 hours to let the whirlwind cease, to let the noise subside, to let the dust settle, to be able to discern the important from the urgent, to keep what is valuable, to let the chaff blow away.
What do we do? The weekend begins with time in the Word, considering state of our souls, and heart preparation. We end with time in the Word, reflecting on what God has been whispering, and prayer as we return home. In between these gatherings, we are in complete silence except for great conversation and lots of laughter over meals and meeting with me for spiritual direction, prayer, or just a listening ear if desired.
When: January 19-21, Friday until Sunday.
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio. Your own private room and bathroom. Delicious meals. Beautiful quiet space to stretch out, gorgeous chapel, scenic neighborhood to walk, wander, pray, process, and be refreshed.
How much? $225 ($275 after January 4) which includes all housing, meals and materials. Space is limited and we cannot hold your spot until paid in full, so register now!
The Psalm One Bible Study. Could you use time in the Word and encouragement to keep your head, heart, and hands following hard after God? Join an encouraging, joyful community of men and women from all over the US and sometimes the other side of the planet Tuesdays at 7:30pm ET. Those who are local get together for meals and in-person fellowship. Sign up to stay in the loop to receive the links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study The Bible study resumes on January 16.
Soul Care Retreats for Pastors’ Wives:
A large part of what I do within Psalm one is to come alongside pastors, missionaries, and their families. Ministry is a great privilege, but it also has unique stressors. Where can a ministry wife who is trying to juggle ministry, marriage, children, career, home, and so many other hats go for a safe place of friendship, support, fun, and a listening ear? Our soul care retreats have become a lifeline and a shot in the arm for these amazing women who love Jesus, the church, and their families.
How can you help?
· Invite a pastor’s wife from your church. https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives
· Help us provide scholarships and blessings. https://www.psalmone.org/donate Please designate donation for “Ministry to Pastoral Families” on the drop-down menu or your check.
· Pray for those on the front lines of ministry. Respond with “Prayer Team for Ministry Families”
For pastors’ wives:
Scroll down for info and to register: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives. This is for any woman married to a full-time pastor, no matter which multiple hats she wears. You may be pastoring, teaching, counseling, working elsewhere, raising kids, or using your gifts in a myriad of ways. This is a relaxed getaway for you to be heard, refueled, and encouraged with others who understand the weird and wonderful world of ministry life.
· Cincinnati, Ohio: February 9-11, 2024
· Green Lake, Wisconsin: April 19-21, 2024
Thursday night “Sisterhood of the Fishbowl” Pastors’ Wives Encouragement at 7:30pm ET. Join us for laughter, sharing, mutual support, prayer, time in the Word, and genuine friendship with others who understand the wonderful, weird, and woolly life in the ministry. Sign up at https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives to stay in the loop.
Hope to see you somewhere along the way!