"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11 KJV

Have you had a chance to get away for a weekend? Have you been able to spend some big chunks of time looking to the Lord? I went on the Women's Retreat with my church this weekend, and I was refreshed. Do you ever get an opportunity to do this? I hope you can say yes!

It is so important to get away with the specific purpose of seeking God. We can get caught up in the daily grind of our schedules, and our children's schedules, and our husband's or friend's agenda. In our society where God ways are not cherished we need to relax in His presence. We need a good soaking in His presence. We need to be doused in the worship that is led by the Holy Spirit.

Everything in life on Long Island and other places gravitates around moving fast. Texting had become so easy for me, that I don't like making phone calls. I am not even aware that I speed when I drive.

Maybe you can relate? I'm sure you can. Relationships, in order to be healthy don't work on the 5 minute plan. A pat on the head doesn't satisfy a child. We were made for touch, and good words, and kindness.We need time with our people. We need time with God.

 If you have never had a regular prayer time, start with 5 minutes a day. Be faithful to your 5 minutes, but if you're not, don't worry, just start again, and again and again if you need to. Don't give up and don't give in to discouragement.

These godly people mentioned in our verse today didn't become godly overnight. It took time. It takes time for us too. Change doesn't come quickly, not because God is slow, it's because we can't handle God working too fast in our lives.

We need to feed our bodies healthy food so that we can function at our optimal ability. Without certain vitamin and nutrients our body is sluggish and compromised. This is true of our spirits. Energy in, energy out. We begin to flow to our best ability. Some stress is eliminated on our digestive systems and we relax.

Take a deep breathe in, and hold it for a second. Breathe out. Doesn't this help? Good, now do the same for your spirit. I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise will continually be on my lips." Psalm 34:1 NKJV Say this verse a few times, and really think about what it means. Let it sink into your heart. Maybe you need to say it all day, or another verse that means something to you.

Can you eliminate some poor choices in what you read, look at, or listen to? Feed your spirit truth, which can be found in the Bible. Strength will be the reward. Start with one thing you feel isn't feeding you according to God's standards. 

This is why the Bible teaches us to come into His presence everyday through prayer. Read His Holy Word, and let it sink into the deepest inner resources of your being. Don't be distracted with other things on Sunday. Get to church, or Bible Study or that Prayer Meeting. Be faithful to God, and your life will not be the same.