For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword,

and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit,

of both joints and marrow,

and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

 

 

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of things jockeying for position in my life right now. So many priorities, people, issues, events, and undone to-dos cluttering up my head and heart. A lot of struggling and hurting friends. A lot of important decisions to make. A lot of things I want to do. A lot of things I need to do. But I keep bumping up against my own limits. I don’t think I’ve been completely caught up and finished with my plans and workload since I was about ten years old.

 

Limits can be so frustrating, but they are actually God-given gifts that keep us from over-functioning and taking on tasks we were never meant to do. My life goal is to be able to say, "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which YOU have given me to do.” (John 17:4) There is one Savior, and it is not me. I can’t do it all. I was never meant to do it all. I wish I had a magic wand to solve all the problems and complete all the work I see. But we ignore our limits at the expense of our sanity, marriages, family, health, ministries, and souls. What has the Lord given ME to do?

 

Jesus tells me, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34) But how do I do that?

 

Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Which sounds crazy. But I have found that what I call “time tithing” has helped me tremendously. When I am overwhelmed by how much I have to do or how many check boxes are in my Day-Timer (yes, I am a dinosaur and I still use a paper planner.), I set it all aside and spend time in the Word, prayer, and journalling FIRST. Then I return to my workload and amazingly enough…the wheels are greased, the tasks are streamlined, and the day becomes fruitful. And far less frustrating.

 

Do you want to learn how to do that? Could you use some “time tithing” to sort out your crowded life? Would you be encouraged by some “soul decluttering”? Do you just long for some life-giving peace and quiet rest at Jesus’ feet? Come away with me November 1-3 for a Refocus and Refuel Retreat.

 

• 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, taking inventory of the state of our souls, and heart preparation to open our lives to Jesus. 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: November 1-3, Friday afternoon through Sunday lunch.

• Where: Cincinnati, Ohio. Your own private room and bathroom. Delicious meals. Beautiful quiet space to stretch out, gorgeous chapel, Autumn leaves, scenic neighborhood to wander, pray, process, and be refreshed.

• How much? $225 ($250 after October 18) which includes all housing, meals, and materials.  Space is limited and we cannot hold your spot until paid in full, so register soon!

 

If you’ve done something like this before, you know how God meets us where we are and gently leads us where we need to be. If you’ve never done anything like this before, do not fear! There will be plenty of guidance and freedom for you to experience the presence of Jesus. Spaces are limited and Early Bird ends October 18, so register soon at: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

 

This is for men and women--anyone who desires a deeper relationship with God! This is especially life-giving and replenishing for those who pour themselves out in ministry to others. Come and clear out the cobwebs through life-giving time with the Shepherd. Set aside this time to devote to the Lord. It will be time well invested. Hope you can join us!

 

"I have continued to attend the Refocus and Refuel retreats as they are one of the most valuable ways that I can spend my time throughout the year! I am reminded that while we often prioritize so many other things in our lives, focused and uninterrupted time with God and getting quiet to hear what He has to say is often pushed to the bottom of our priority list! These weekends are a gift to allow us to be intentional about prioritizing this most valuable time. God never fails to meet us as we choose to "sow" time with Him: "...for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7). It is well worth it!!”

 

Before the holidays are upon us, let’s prepare Him room! For more information: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

 

*****************

 

Can’t quite make it to Cincinnati for the Refocus and Refuel Retreat?

 

Join us any Tuesday from anywhere in the world for the Psalm One Bible Study. We are currently in 1 Peter, and you are welcome to drop in at any point. This study meets online (with in-person gatherings for the locals) and is for men and women, married and single, anyone who wants to know the Word and walk with Jesus—with resources along the way to learn how to “time tithe”. Everyone is welcome Tuesday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time whether you come every week or pop in every once in a while. Sign up to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

 

Grace and peace,

Linda