I am headed out for a 24-hour “unplug” at Camp Otyokwah this morning. I’m hoping to unplug from the day-to-day world so that I can refocus on God’s kingdom. I want to dedicate some time to be refreshed and be challenged by the nearness of God. My supplies will be my Bible, guitar and pen/paper.
I’m taking two Psalms with me as “starting points” for my time in the Word.
The first comes from Centri-Kid church camp in 2005, where the pastor taught from Psalm 73. It has remained one of my favorite passages as it describes a life totally focused on God, a life that recognizes that the “nearness of God is my good”.
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalms 73:23-28 (NASB)
The second is Psalm 63, were the Psalmist describes a longing for God and the deep satisfaction that comes from finding Him. By the way, the “lovingkindness” described in this verse is the same word I blogged about a week or so ago.
O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalms 63:1-8 (NASB)
I would be honored and grateful if you would pray for me over the next 24 hours. Pray that I would seek God with my whole heart and with few distractions. Pray that I would find Him and be refreshed.
5 comments
Dale Schuler says:
November 4, 2009 at 9:53 am (UTC -5 )
Took care of the prayer already. Enjoy your time with HIM. I like to get out often on the 3 hr. times. I hope to do more of the 24 hr. times now that I have that time. I too love Psalm 73 and that exact passage.
Ken Hamilton says:
November 4, 2009 at 9:52 am (UTC -5 )
God – I come before you right now asking you to bless my brother. Asking you to speak to him in a way that he has never experienced. As he is face down before your holy throne, give him revelation, give him peace and refresh his soul as he seeks you. God you are our God and we will forever praise you. AMEN !
carol says:
November 4, 2009 at 8:39 am (UTC -5 )
In light of your blog “praying for you”…I have been guilty of telling someone I’ll pray for them, and if I don’t pray right then or write it down in my prayer log, I’m likely to not remember. SO….I HAVE prayed for you that God would enlighten, refresh and re charge you on your retreat with Him
Praise Him!
Carol
Tommy Settipani says:
November 4, 2009 at 8:31 am (UTC -5 )
Tom
Got your back ! Praying that God will shine His everlasting light and joy on you and give you peace and understading as to what Tom Houser needs to be doing for His kingdom!
Remember to love Him for who He is!
TS
Chrisi Hagan says:
November 4, 2009 at 7:52 am (UTC -5 )
Praying for you! I pray that the trip is safe, and enables you to feel refreshed and challenged!