For those who are able to take a breather over the July holidays, enjoy.  For those who can’t, I trust you will still find time to recoup physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Probably the greatest gift you can give to your family and your people is a happy and fresh you!

It’s been said that if your output exceeds your input, then your upkeep becomes your downfall.  Your “input” therefore is most important.  That’s why Jude encourages us to “build ourselves up in our most holy faith”.  No one can do that for you; you have to know how to dig your own spiritual wells, to resource yourself spiritually!  He goes on to say, “and pray in the Holy Spirit”.  Martin Luther knew the value and power of praying in the Holy Spirit: “Prayer is the single most important thing in my life. Should I neglect to pray for a single day, I would lose a great deal of the fervour of my faith”.  Jude then urges us to “keep ourselves in God’s love…” (Jude 20-21).  It’s our responsibility to do that! God’s love is always reaching out and available to us; we’ve got to embrace it, receive it and hold onto it.

One of the greatest lessons we can learn from David is that he knew how to encourage and strengthen himself in the Lord (1 Sam 30:6).  It’s this lesson that will put us in good stead for longevity in ministry. My plea is stay connected to the Vine (John 15:4) and keep tapping into the Spring of Living Water (Jer 17:13).

We so appreciate who you are and all you do for the King and His Kingdom.

Fondest regards,

Mark