Rest For Your Soul

Nature provides many analogies for spiritual truth. Jesus used many examples from nature to teach his disciples. He used the soil to illustrate the principles of receptivity (Matthew 13:3-8). He used wind to illustrate the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth (John 3:8). He used trees and their fruit to show us that what is in our heart will show in our lives (Luke 6:43-45). The fact that nature and God’s Truth are illustrative of each other should not surprise us, because God is the source of both. The author of creation is the author of salvation.

With this in mind, it seems to me that we can use nature to illustrate the need for rest. Just as God provided a season of rest for nature, so we would be wise to see God’s design for rest in our own lives. Trees and plants have seasons of dormancy, or rest so that when the rest is over, and spring comes, they can burst forth with vitality. When considering the soil, we see that a period of rest is beneficial. God commands that the land be given rest from the demands of productivity for a time to afford it restoration (Lev. 25:4).

In the same way, we were designed to have seasons of refreshing through designated periods of rest (Deut. 5:14). Rest was not only a command to obey, but a needed reprieve to enjoy. It is a needed relief from those things that burden us (Matthew 11:29), and a source of refreshing (Exodus 23:12).If we fail to get the required rest we run the risk of becoming physically and spiritually drained.

The world today is a busy place. So much to do and so little time. Our busyness spills over into our rest. Is it any wonder we are tired? Take a lesson from nature. God created all there is and then ceased from his work. He then commanded a Sabbath Rest for his creation. It  is not that God wants to steal our time and burden us with less time to get our work done. It is that we were created with a need for rest. We ignore it to our own detriment (Isaiah 28:12), but when we turn back to God seek His ways we find rest for our souls (Jeremiah 6:16; Matt. 11:29).

Get Away

The name Snoasis embodies our winter youth retreat. It is a combination of the words snow, and oasis. This year, we had our get away at Penn-York campground in Ulysses, PA.  While we had our retreat, much of the rest of the state was being punished by heavy snow squalls. Unlike other years, it snowed very little at the campground. There was enough snow, however, to enjoy the tubing hill. We got away from the snow, but we had a great retreat. The theme for Snoasis was "whiteout." Youth were challenged to be distinct from the rest of the world by refusing to compromise the truth of the gospel and to live as morally transformed people in an immoral society. It was nice to see the kids have fun and to get away for awhile. Hopefully, the getaway served to strengthen the youth to face their peers and stand as a beacon in a stormy world.

Snoasis

There were ninety-five people who attended the winter youth retreat at Penn-York camp sponsored by the Eastern Conference of The Evangelical Church. Our theme was "Faces of Faith." Roy Gearhart and his wife Janice ministered to us with Bible teaching, drama, and music. Activities included basketball, volleyball, tubing, pool, games, and socializing. The buzz of excitement grew as more and more youth arrived. It did not take long before the gym resounded with the bounce of basketballs and the game room clattered with the sound of the pool tables. Some joined together around a guitar and enjoyed choruses of praise, while others laughed and talked standing around the fireplace. It was after midnight before sleep arrived as a welcome friend and the first night came to a close.

Saturday began with devotions and a delicious breakfast, followed by spiritually focused morning sessions. The Biblical character of Peter and how he met Jesus was dramatically portrayed for us the first session, and the second session was filled with instruction on what it means to be connected and in sync with God. The kids spent the afternoon enjoying all the activities camp had to offer, and came back together for the evening session.

As "the rest of the story" of Peter was portrayed, youth and adults alike followed Peter and Jesus down the path of miraculous demonstration, denial, crucifixion, bitter regret, resurrection and restoration. It was exciting to see Peter's story replayed in the lives of individuals as they began to see Peter's life as their own. Peter's witness to Jesus as a miracle worker opened the door of possibility. Jesus can do anything. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, vibrated chords of faith, and tears of repentance were reflected on the faces of many as they identified with Peter's godly sorrow. Drama met real life as young people identified with Peter and came forward for spiritual restoration.

Some people look at the youth of today and can only shake their head. Though there is much to lament, there is also much to celebrate. Every year, Snoasis explores the hope and potential in our youth and seeks to accentuate the positive. Our young people need all the encouragement they can get, but the truth is, when we begin to see God working in our youth it is we who are encouraged. I know I came away from Snoasis seeing great hope for the church. The spirituality of our youth is not to be despised. Instead, when their faith and spiritual energy are strong, they can set the tone for the rest of the church to be revived (Job 32:9; 1 Timothy 4:12). As we packed up and left Sunday morning I was very tired, but very glad for snoasis. Its ministry to the youth is as vital as their ministry is to the church. Both carry the vision of great hope and possibility. Unless we invest in the youth of today, there is not much hope for the church of tomorrow.

Fire and Ice

My speedometer hovered between 35 and 45 MPH as my eyes strained to see the road ahead through the blustery snow. The dark wintery landscape was punctuated by flashing lights as police and rescue crews helped accident victims. I was traveling West on Interstate 80 in a fifteen passenger van filled with Youth from my church, headed to "Snoasis," our conference's midwinter youth retreat. I began to wonder if I would ever make it to Whitehall Camp where our retreat was to be held. I had contemplated turning back, but we were well over halfway there.

When we had started out, the sun was shining and the roads were clear. I was surprised to receive a call from one of the other churches saying the fuel lines were frozen in their vehicle and road conditions forced them to cancel. It was fairly warm and our roads were clear. We were traveling along nicely. When I reached the Interstate that all changed. The worse things got, the more I prayed. "Lord, protect us. Help us to be safe."

We finally made it to our exit. It was not far from there to Whitehall Camp, where our retreat is held. What a relief. The lights of the Camp were a sight for sore eyes. As we unloaded and went to register, I learned that several churches would not make it because of the weather. The frigid temperature was carried on a gusty wind. It was almost impossible to keep it from creeping in next to the skin. Our retreat theme was "Fire and Ice." We were sure getting the ice part.

As we began our first session, Mike Anderson, our speaker connected with the youth right away. He communicated in a language and medium they could understand and appreciate. He shared God's Word in a straightforward manner, without pulling any punches. Though the icy wind continued to blow outside, things were warming up on the inside.

On Saturday night, the thaw began. As we lifted our voices in worship I began to sense the presence of God in our midst. As I looked around, I saw that I was not the only one. The Word of God was attended by the Holy Spirit and hearts began to melt. The front of the room was set aside as a sacred space and an invitation was given to surrender hearts to God. About half of the eighty-eight who attended Snoasis answered God's call to that sacred meeting place.

Some gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. Others were called to a deeper surrender. Tears flowed from many who remained in their seats. Confession was followed by testimony as the fire of the Holy Spirit warmed hearts. The love of God was manifest as groups gathered around those needing support and encouragement. There was no hurry to leave, but God continued to minister to hearts in small groups and individually. It was a precious time. Ice had made its presence known, but those exposed to God's Word had their hearts melted by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to God.