Newsletter

May 2011 Newsletter

Rest & Renewal by Eleanor Lewis

Rest and Renewal... like spring follows winter, our bodies and spirits need a time of rest and renewal. Yesterday I returned from leading an International women's conference in Germany. Using the new Invincible Love, Invisible War study we covered the story of the entire Bible in one weekend! (I don't believe in small projects!!) It was glorious, for as we look at the big picture of His Word, we see a big God!

His message of love from Genesis to Revelation shows our need to 'repent and return to Him, so He can rebuild and renew us.'

His message of holiness causes us to cry: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Ps 51:10). When we repent, God cleans our hearts, minds and consciences. He renews or makes us new by repairing and restoring what is broken and fixing our spirits steadfastly or securely on Him! In other words, renewal starts with repentance and returning to God as only then can He rebuild, restore and renew us.

It is spring. The trees are in blossom and the earth is coming back to life. Weekend retreats help bring us life as we focus on Jesus alone. It restores the soul to sing praises to the Name above all names and be reminded that God alone is sovereign. He is in control so we can rest in Him. However, after a retreat we often go back to life as usual bombarded with the cares and concerns that move our eyes once more to what saps life instead of to the Savior who gives it.

One time when life seemed overwhelming I went to the Word for peace. I read in Isaiah 26:3 that the steadfast of mind God will keep in perfect peace... I thought, 'Well, Lord, my mind is steadfast or fixed on you... I'm praying and thinking of you constantly, so where is the peace?' It was like He said, 'read on'. I read the whole verse: The steadfast of mind God will keep in perfect peace, because you trust in Him." That is when rest and renewal will come. When we repent and return to God and trust Him to rebuild and restore us. I hope this Spring your soul is experiencing renewal just like the trees and flowers!