Refreshed

     Have you ever had it where a word continues to show up in your life over and over? It shows up in different ways, sometimes while you are reading, in songs or even in movies. The more you become aware of it the more you hear it. It’s kind of like getting that new vehicle. It’s really a one of kind to you, but the more you drive around in it, the more you start to notice other ones that are just like it. And soon you are seeing your vehicle everywhere. Yeah, it’s kind of like that.

     We know that when we hear it more and more, we need to pay closer attention to it. For us that word has been "Refreshed." This one word has been a part of our new vision for EAM for the past couple of years. Our vision is that we will be Renewed in our minds by God’s word, Refreshed in our hearts for others and Refined for ministry where God has placed us.

     Refreshed means to supply something necessary to restore one’s strength. It’s like drinking that cold glass of water or tea on a hot summer day. Maybe it’s a quick jump in the lake to cool off or even a hot cup of coffee and warm fire after a long winter’s day. Refreshment comes in so many ways and so often unique to the situation we are in.

     In times like these, it makes us wonder why God is bringing this word to us now. Words like stress, anxiety and fear seem to be what’s on most people’s minds. Yet this word just keeps showing up. Not just in our daily lives, but in scripture as well. We hope you follow along with us on this journey of Refreshment. We believe it’s something we are all longing for.

     We are going to encourage you to join us as we read through different passages that remind us that it is God who wants to refresh our hearts, our souls and our lives. While not every passage directly applies to what we are living in now, it can help remind us of God’s faithfulness as well as His love for all His people. Allow these passages to wash over you and bring you comfort, joy and a sense of refreshment in your lives and in this world.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he REFRESHES (restores in other version) my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. You (Lord) prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

     God’s love follows us daily. When we soak up time with God, he will refresh our hearts for Him and for others. It’s hard right now when we are told to stay away from each other. But as one little child said, “There is no social distancing from Jesus.” Join as we seek this word more and to experience refreshment in our lives.