3 Rs in ONE'S SPIRITUAL LIFE

Yesterday's sermon had me remembering 3 Rs---Repent, Return to God and be Refreshed (Acts 3:17). Sometimes we get so caught up in the busyness of life that we live overwhelmed and need refreshing. Times of refreshing can come---when we set aside expectations set by ourselves and others in repentance and turn to the Lord.

This time in Memphis.
This time in the eventide with my personal vespers.
This time for worship.
This time inside in my prayer chair

Last summer I also sought refreshment according to God's formula.

Last time in Maine. 

Last time at mid-day, not in the eventide.

Last time, as always, for worship. 

Last time outside in a place for quiet meditation within a sanctuary of God's handiwork. (Psalm 96:11-12)

I felt as if I had ascended the hill of the Lord and was standing in His holy place. (Psalm 24:3)

I'm not young per say but times of refreshing are needed at any age mostly inside my own home but  this sanctuary, in Camden, ME, also filled the bill. It was worth the visit,

CHOOSE: VESPERS

Vespers. Vespers around a campfire.

A church camp routine, a least at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, KY.

Prayers and singing. 

Think, Kum Ba Yah (Come By Here) in the 60's.

For me, knowing God became experiential during vespers at that camp, not just cognitive knowledge. 

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Not just a mountain top or lakeside experience but one that has stayed with me for all these years.

I have not forgotten the experience but somehow the word, "vespers" has been lying dormant in the dim recesses of my mind. I am grateful to have recalled it recently and now choose to introduce it to my "grands" when they come for Thanksgiving. 

Maybe we will even sing "Kum Ba Yah" around our fire pit.