This Warrior is A Child 11/4/13

Good Morning,

I am drinking a cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee today, extra strong. I am only enjoying this coffee because I have a wife who forgets nothing. My sincere apologies for leaving all of you for a few days. I was up in the mountains of Pennsylvania enjoying a men's retreat. I will write more this week. I needed some time alone with God.

Luke 5:16 (NKJV)

¹⁶ So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
 

The word retreat can be described like this. "To fall back, regroup, reorganize, rest, run from trouble." Jesus often found a place to regroup, rest and pray. He often went to a mountain. Whenever Jesus is on a mountain in Matthew, pay close attention. Look what happens on the mountains: he is tempted; he preaches, he prays, he is transfigured, he speaks his last words to his disciples. In each instance, Jesus comes and remains close to God by retreating, by praying. So can you. We all need time alone, to retreat, regroup, grow closer to God. Then when we are ready He returns us back to the battle for His Kingdom and for souls. Some people wonder how most pastors, elders and missionaries keep going. Do they have secret access to the energizer bunny? No. They have to recharge and rest physically and spiritually. They are all just humans like everyone else. Pray for your church leaders that they find time to rest and pray.

I am pretty fond of a song sung by Twilla Paris. I find myself no matter how old I get, relating to needing God to patch me up, hug me and then send me back out into life. The lyrics are below. And like a little child who needs encouragement, a pat on the head, a band aid, and a kiss. I too run home to Daddy.

This Warrior Is a Child
Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
the warrior is a child

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
'Cause deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child

Even a grown man needs our Great Father. It is never a waste of time to retreat and just pray, rest and regroup. You just might have a mountain top experience! But no matter what, time spent alone with God only draws you nearer to Him.

James 4:8 (NKJV)

⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Draw me nearer Precious Lord... Amen

Marty