It’s my guess that 2023 will bring you as many demands as 2022 did. Most of us have had numerous expectations laid upon us and been given many things to do each day. Technology, which is supposed to save us time, seems to only give us the capacity to do more and more and to give others a reason to expect more from us. Carl Jung once said, “Busyness is not of the devil. It is the devil.” And Eugene Peterson called busyness, “the enemy of spirituality.” What can enable us to stay grounded in the midst of such busyness? What might help us to reflect on our busy lives and consider how we might manage or rearrange our schedules?
The first chapter of Mark’s gospel tells us that at the beginning of his public ministry in the village of Capernaum, “people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. The whole town gathered near the door. He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons.” In other words, from the onset, Jesus was a busy, busy guy. Yet early the next morning no one could find Jesus. It was because he’d gotten up early to go off by himself and pray, which was something he apparently did all the time. Luke tells us that Jesus would withdraw to deserted places to pray (5.16), and the insinuation was that Jesus did this often.
As we begin this new year, consider how withdrawing to a deserted place to pray might help you. Perhaps it will give you the time to reflect on your schedule and help you prioritize what is most important in your life. Or perhaps it will help you stay centered in Christ as you move throughout each day. God empowered Jesus to be with people because he made space for God in prayer. I hope that through prayerful solitude this year, God will give you the energy needed to love and serve others around you each day.
This Week:
A weekly Bible Study led by Bobby Kirkpatrick will begin on Sunday, January 22nd, from 5-6 pm in the Coffee Café. Anyone is welcome! We will begin with the gospel of Luke and hope to continue this weekly practice of meeting for study together. Kids’ Zone will meet at the same time in the gym building for ages 2 years old-5th grade. If you would like to attend the Bible study but need nursery care for children under age 2, please contact [email protected] so that we can make sure to arrange it.
One of our missionary families (names not listed online for security reasons) will be our featured guests for Mission Sunday, January 22nd. If you would be willing to host their family of 8 for a meal while they are visiting that weekend, please contact Grace Kirkpatrick. We need hosts for Thursday evening through Sunday evening; contact Grace to see which slots are still available.
Junior High Bible Quiz is coming to our campus on Saturday, February 4th, and the youth group needs your help to make it happen. Josiah is recruiting scorekeepers, judges, and people to help serve breakfast and lunch. All in all, we will host about 120 students and adults. You’ll be needed from 7:30am – 2:00pm that Saturday. If you don’t know about Bible Quiz, you can go to the Student Ministries webpage to read a quick rundown. In short, it’s the best thing going for Junior Highers! Contact Josiah ([email protected]) if you’d like to help.
All women are invited to join a Bible study that will begin on February 8th in the Coffee Café on Wednesday mornings at 9:30. The study, based on the book “Matchless” by Angie Smith, will meet through April 5th, taking a week off for spring break on March 15th. You can order a copy of the book here. Contact Kody Shepherd for more information. Nursery care will be available by reservation only, so contact the church office by January 31st with the name and age of your child if you’d like to bring your child.
May the Lord empower you this week for faithful living!
Peace,
David Bridges