Retreat and Go Forth!
Published: Fri, 11/06/09
Dear ,
Before I cover this week's new message, I must correct something from an old one - "You Are Someone's Answer". In the email I sent out, I quoted a scripture from Proverbs and stated it was Proverbs 21:17-21. But a reader named Kathy-Anne pointed out that the text didn't match the scripture reference. And she was right...I made a typo because it should have been Proverbs 22:17-21.
Boy did it make me feel good to know that someone is going to the bible to look up the scriptures herself! I urge all of you to do this with any teaching you receive. Not only does it reinforce what you learn and but if you spot errors, you can correct the teacher. We are human too and we all need to help each other along the journey. So thank you, Kathy-Anne!
Now, on to today's message - I got the title because I am speaking at the Women of Vision retreat on next Saturday (November 14) and I have been meditating on the term "retreat."
In my meditation, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that many people, especially women, use food as a form of retreat, a retreat from negative emotions or stress because they have come to associate food with rest, refreshment and renewal.
But this is an inferior way to retreat. And overeating eventually leads to more problems.
But this is an inferior way to retreat. And overeating eventually leads to more problems.
Father wants us to enjoy food but he also wants us to use it as it was intended - in moderation and to heal, energize, and nourish our bodies.
When we need a retreat, he wants us to retreat to Him for rest, refreshment, and renewal! Here are a couple of scriptures he gave me related to this (the bolded emphasis is mine):
John 7:38 (KJV)
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Father showed me that the real danger of excess in anything, whether eating or drinking or practicing addictions, is that they dull the ability of the person to hear his voice.
The Holy Spirit speaks to you all the time, but if you are burdened with worries, doubts, fears, overindulgence or addictions, then you cannot hear him.
And if you can't hear him, then you can't be led by him or apply his wisdom to your life.
And if you can't hear him, then you can't be led by him or apply his wisdom to your life.
That is why so many believers are not living victorious lives. They have static in their lives that is preventing them from receiving the Holy Spirit's broadcast.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross gave you free access to your Father. You need to build times into your day to retreat to him to pray and to meditate on his word. Doing this will renew, refresh and regenerate you so that you can face the challenges of life.
When your belly is full with the living water of the Spirit, then you will not only be refreshed yourself but you will pour out rivers of living water to others. You will supply refreshment to a world that is thirsty for answers, love and significance.
So today, resolve to retreat in the excellent way and go forth, full of the Holy Spirit into the purpose and plans our Father has for you!
Be blessed in health, healing, and wholeness,
Kimberly Floyd, C.W.C.
Certified Wellness Coach
Author of the 'Take Back Your Temple' ebook
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