Come Aside By Yourselves to a Deserted Place

Francis J. Roberts wrote a book entitled "Come Away My Beloved" and challenges us to stay in an intimate relationship with Jesus. On Page 178 using Mark 6:31 he writes a conversation where Jesus says, " 'When I said, "Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price' (Isa 55:1), I was not challenging you to fevered service but to contemplative fellowship and collective communion. Only thus are souls made strong, hearts made pure, and minds refreshed."

Have you given much thought to or have you purposed to find a place where you can go to Jesus and rest awhile?

Years ago, under Dan Cooksey's instruction I learned a principle I call "I DO." It simply means Jesus calls us to Intimacy, Dependence upon Him, and Obedience to Him. By often saying "I DO" to the Lord and reminding myself that my purpose as a Christian is to live out "I DO" in every aspect of my life I begin to participate in contemplative fellowship with Christ.

Roberts continues with "Your busyness wearies Me. Small wonder you are yourself fatigued! Your fretfulness grieves Me. I long to take it from you and give you instead the balm of Gilead...I will endow you with life so dynamic that you will serve Me before you have time to even think about putting forth the effort to do so..."

I pray you will use some time each day just to rest in Jesus, contemplate His call to you, choosing thereby to use your life for intimacy with Him. I am certain that doing this will lead you to an easier obedience to Him and clearer dependence upon Him for all things in life. He challenges us "to contemplative fellowship and collective communion." What might that look like if you put it into practice in your everyday affairs?