august 31 come apart

 Come apart. Dr. Vance Havner said, “If you don’t come apart, you will come apart.”  Alone time. Down time. Rest and relaxation. The Army calls it R and R. We need a healthy balance between working and resting. The pressure of today’s society causes many of us to get so involved in the “necessary” that we neglect the other “necessary”, rest.  I laughingly say, “I’d rather wear out that rust out.” But if I wear out prematurely and put myself out of commission, I cut short my productivity.  Occasionally a preacher will say, “I have served the Lord 15 years without a vacation.” Is that good or bad? I will not judge this man of God. If he is bragging about his faithfulness, he is sounding his own horn and will possibly lose some of his reward.   Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. On the other hand, if he is not calling attention to himself but simply confessing his hard work he may be crying out for help. We like to think we are important. And each person is important. Satan tempts us to think things will fall apart if we take time off. Yet it is true, ”If we don’t come apart, we will come apart.” Did Jesus take any days off?  He was surrounded by folks who needed Him and called on him 24/7. That gets old fast. We do see Jesus getting away from everyone. Even Peter, James and John. Those who were the closeth to Him. He tried to get apart and people followed Him. Matthew 14:13 …he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. Satan did not want Jesus to be alone. Time in prayer with His Heavenly Father recharged His Spiritual batteries and gave Him guidance. Jesus fed 5,000 instead of sending them away or hiding from them. Then He tried to get away again.  Matthew 14:22-23 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23  And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Jesus constrained his disciples. Constrained. Greek anankazō  necessitate;-compel, to threaten.  Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Satan wanted Jesus worn out. Jesus finally forced the crowds and His disciples to leave Him alone. Alone with the Father. May you and I follow His example.