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Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 145

2 Peter 1:1 "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Day 145 – Mark 6

“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:1

THE CONCEPT OF A “SPIRITUAL RETREAT”

Jesus had many more things to teach His disciples. The following text describes a concept that Jesus taught His disciples.

“And He said to them,
‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place
and rest a while.'”
MARK 6:31a

1. Ministries must be carefully mastered

Ministries that are not well mastered could prove the undoing of the most zealous of servants of God!

a) Plans for a very full and active Ministry
Jesus had His ministry carefully planned:-
i) There was personal ministry that met the needs for the present moment.
ii) There was the ministry of discipling that would meet needs for the future.
iii) Jesus developed a teaching/preaching circuit (Mark 6:6).
b) Plans also for spiritual retreats
i) Jesus Himself practised this principle.
ii) He would from time to time withdraw from the multitudes (Cf. Mark 4:36).
iii) He now formally told His disciples they must take time to rest up.

2. What are “spiritual retreats?”

Three features may be highlighted:-

a) It is a time set aside for actual physical rest (health could be badly affected otherwise).
b) It is a time set aside for reflection/discussion about the ministry (with Jesus).
c) It is a time for the soul to be refreshed through communion with God in prayer.

SPIRITUAL RETREATS ARE NOT A LUXURY

Retreats must be seen as a very necessary spiritual discipline. If planned well, it will prevent spiritual “burnt out” problems!