th (1)Have you ever been on a retreat? There are all types of retreats.  There’s business retreats, family retreats, planning retreats and the most common, spiritual retreats. It is a time to get away from your normal ebb and flow of life and focus on the Lord.

Jesus was a believer in retreats.  Luke 5:16 says,

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” 

Our lives are so busy.  Sometimes we meet ourselves coming and going we have so much on our plate. It is important to have time alone with the Lord to settle our hearts and step into His rhythm of life.

It is also important to retreat corporately. Gathering as a group for the purpose of strengthening our faith is vital.  We sharpen one another as we share our insights, pray for one another, dive deeper into the Word of God and unite in corporate worship [Proverbs 27:17].  Jesus believed in the corporate retreat also.  Luke 9:10 says,

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then He took them with Him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida,”

The disciples had just returned from work.  They’d been on a business trip for the Kingdom.  They’d been with crowds of people doing what Jesus called them to do. How weary are you after a business trip? How tired are you have you go, go, go without a break for days on end?  Jesus knew they needed to be renewed and strengthened and so do we.

This weekend I have the privilege of speaking at the Wesley United Methodist Church Women’s Retreat.  It will be my seventh or eighth year with them, I’ve lost count.  I have grown to love this group of ladies like family. They are a passionate bunch and it shows in all they do.

When was the last time you went on a retreat, either personal or corporate? Is it time? Jesus already has His bag packed and He’s ready to go. What about you?

I will meet you back here on Monday, March 4th.  Enjoy your weekend!