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Key Bible Verse: Then Jesus said, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest"(Mark 6:31). Bonus Reading: Psalm 23:1–3

A church leader was concerned that Vance Havner, a celebrated preacher, was taking two months off that summer. "Don't you realize that the devil never takes a vacation?" he asked. "True," Dr. Havner replied, "but who wants to be like the devil?"

Like Jesus and His disciples, we must have regular rest, refreshment, and reflection if we hope to maximize our faithfulness and fruitfulness. By taking a break, we follow God's example. He rested after six days of creative labor and instructed us to imitate Him. The Sabbath commandment teaches us to rest from our normal routines before we return to the work God has given us.

The right vacation—not one spent frantically sprinting from one tourist attraction to the next—offers a custom-made opportunity for this. "Disneyland" vacations won't facilitate soul rest.

A Boston travel agency attracts customers with the slogan "Please—Go Away!" If we want long-term spiritual health, this is sound advice. Escape to a place where you have freedom to relax. Regular, restful vacations clear the haze from our heads, provide fresh perspective on our priorities, and reenergize our passion for pursuing God.

—Paul Borthwick in Discipleship Journal

My Response: I'd characterize my vacations as …

Thought to Apply: People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness. —John Wanamaker (merchant)

Adapted from Discipleship Journal (1-2/02) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Eternal Father, I know it's not Your plan for me to feel driven. Please reveal to me Your perspective on my time.

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