Refiner’s Fire . . .

Young people in college are heading toward final tests and exams soon. Church activities are getting ready to step into holiday mode, loading the calendar. Folks are running harder than ever to get it all done. Let your pastor say two things. Take care of yourself and make time for God a priority.

God can get pushed aside in the rush of everyday activity when we let our activities run our lives. However, sometimes our lives are so busy we can’t afford not to start our days with a full complement of the presence of God. He gives us wisdom for the day. He gives us strength for the day. He directs the paths we take when we are submissive to Him. That simple key is important.

You may wonder why a daily encounter with God is important? There is the precedent in the Old Testament of the children of Israel being fed once a day in the wilderness for forty years until they entered the

Promised Land. With Christ, we learned one could have a relationship with God moment to moment. Yet even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to pray and seek God without interruption. It is wise that we seek God without all the interruptions that interfere with our lives.

The second thing your pastor wants you to do is take care of yourself. This isn’t a “be selfish” suggestion, it is a reminder to eat healthy meals, not snack foods for your meals. It is a reminder to exercise a little each day to keep your body from wasting away. If you are drawing breath you have a purpose on this earth before God. And yes, God does expect you to rest adequately.

You may ask how you can know this about God. Jesus did all these things. He worked hard, ate healthy, rested, and walked everywhere He went. He was a savior on a mission. We are His servants on a mission He started for us.

So as we start this busy season, keep yourself healthy and seek God first. You’ll be glad you did.

Dr. Stanley Spence