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Greetings!
Thank you for your prayer support and interest in QuietWaters Ministries. This year started out very busy with the opening of our new QuietWaters Retreat. We are so encouraged to see couples and individuals coming to enjoy the new Retreat.
In our next issue of the Compass magazine we will have articles describing in detail our programs and the Retreat. If you do not currently receive the Compass magazine, please go to our website www.qwaters.org and subscribe today.
Also, would you please pass this Compass Online along to a friend?
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Blessings,
Jim
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 Privately to a
SolitaryPlace
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“. . . He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Matthew 14:13a (NIV)
As we have been developing our new Retreat Center we have focused on it being a private place – a place for quiet rest and renewal. We have created a chapel for prayer and meditation and many quiet locations throughout the Retreat. It is important for pastors, missionaries and other Christian leaders to get away to a private quiet place.
I’ve used the above verse in Matthew to encourage pastors and missionaries to withdraw from their ministry duties, just like Jesus did. However, I’m hesitant to remind them of the circumstances that led up to this withdrawal and what happened right after he withdrew.
As we draw back to look at a larger portion of this passage we find that it says, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Matthew 14:13a (NIV)
Do you remember what Jesus had just heard? He had just heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded. Right after burying John, his disciples went directly to Jesus with this horrific news. Although we believe that Jesus had foreknowledge of John’s death, He still had His human side that had just lost a friend and a fellow proclaimer of the Gospel. I don’t know about you, but I would be in shock, very upset, and grief stricken.
Jesus very wisely withdrew to a solitary place.
Too often in the middle of an upsetting experience, Christian leaders can’t or won’t take the time to get away. This is because they know that they are being called to the next responsibility, the next parishioner with a need for pastoral care.
Jesus had the same demands. Look at what happened next in His life. “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:13-14 (NIV)
He continued His ministry after a time of rest, yet He very wisely had withdrawn.
Let me encourage you to know when to withdraw to a solitary place. Even in the midst of your very busy pastoral or missionary life – withdraw. It may be only for a few hours or days, but withdraw. If you have the opportunity to participate in one of our counseling programs you can withdraw to that solitary place we have prepared for you – the new QuietWaters Retreat.
If
you are interested in attending a Leadership Counseling Intensive at the New QuietWaters Retreat, please call toll-free 866-5-Waters (866-592-8377) or email [email protected].
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GOD’S LEADING AND PROMPTING OF YOUR HEART
The Open Door Campaign
When we say that God has provided the new QuietWaters Retreat, we must remind everyone that although is has led us to this new place we must still secure the funding. God will provide this funding by prompting the hearts of friends like you to give generously to the Open Door Campaign. To help us Open the Door please consider a gift or pledge today.
To make an online donation to the Open Door Campaign CLICK HERE
Or mail you donation to QuietWaters Ministries, 9185 E Kenyon Avenue, Suite 150, Denver, CO 80237.
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The QuietWaters Compass Online is published monthly as a free service of QuietWaters Ministries, whose mission is to renew, restore, and strengthen Christian leaders and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of QuietWaters Ministries, its personnel or trustees. Material contained in this publication is not intended as a substitute for the professional assistance you can receive from a counselor, or health care provider. Requests for permission to reprint articles should be directed to the editor at the address below.
James L. Schlottman
QuietWaters Ministries
(303) 639-9066
© Copyright 2009 by
QuietWaters Ministries
Bethesda Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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10th Anniversary Year
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The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3
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