Invitation to Service 1

Mark 1:35-38

About three times a year we have what we call “Pajama Day.” This is a day of rest for the family. All rules are suspended and anyone may spend the entire day in their pajamas if they choose. It is a break from the daily work and efforts. It is a time to rejuvenate and re-energize ourselves. The Monday after Easter Sunday was a Pajama Day for us, allowing us to recover from the stress of effort leading up to Easter.

In this passage from Mark we see Jesus taking a slight respite from his ministry. Where has he gone? What was he doing? Why did he do this? What is he prepared to do now?

God has created the Sabbath and holidays to be a time of rest for his people. We all need to take some time away from the toils of work and daily living so that we might have some time to rest, but also so that we might spend some time in spiritual reflection. It is a time to allow our energy to build up again so that we are ready to continue working in service to God’s kingdom.

Jesus went off to pray, alone, so that he might not be distracted by the needs of others. But when he was finished he was prepared to continue his ministry with renewed strength and focus. He has set an example for us.

We are to take time to be alone with God. Take time to be in spiritual reflection, communing and conversing with your Lord. Allow God to give you new energy and clarity to face the challenges that are still before you.

DAILY CHALLENGE: In my time of reflection the 10/2 Grow ministry came into my thoughts and prayers.

This past year has offered a number of challenges for the 10/2 Grow. For some reason, which still has not been explained or corrected, our ISP has blocked the sending of the 10/2 Grow, which we have managed to work around. We suffered a set-back with the April Fool’s Day virus, and work and schooling has presented other challenges.

And so, I ask each recipient of these 10/2 Grow devotions to do two things this week:

1. Pray for the 10/2 Grow ministry. Pray that God will continue to inspire and direct this ministry. Pray that each person receiving the 10/2 Grow (including yourself) will be blessed by the messages and that the kingdom of God may be built up through them.

2. Invite and encourage at least one other person to sign up for the 10/2 Grow so that they also may take 10 minutes each day to grow in their faith.