Today begins a 3 week (4 Sunday) sabbatical that Crestview has graciously given me. Having been in full time work here since 2000 and the regular preaching pastor since the fall of 2004, God has blessed me with a great church and people that are eager for His Word. We’ve seen such amazing evidences of God’s grace over these years. It really is humbling to be a part of.
About a year ago, I asked our elders what it might look like for me to get some extended time out of the pulpit for rest, refreshment and study. What emerged from those discussions was a priority to care for my wife, who selflessly serves our 3 children week in and week out, as well as cares for me. We are attending a retreat devoted to pastors and their marriages. That begins today.
Part of my time off includes rest with my family. We are picking up my mother and going to Florida for part of our time. My children have never been to a beach, so we are quite excited for some good R & R there.
Finally, I’ll wrap up my time at Southern Seminary in Louisville, working on some church stuff, including finalizing some work on the Hebrews series, getting out in front of a series on the book of Revelation in 2013 as well as other vision, planning and thoughts related to Crestview. I’m hoping to read some books that are a little out of my normal group as well.
Blogging might be hit and miss. I will continue to update my Tweets Through Revelation Series, so there might be a post in that regard as well as different applications I’m getting our thoughts that stand out.
If you have read this post, I’m guessing you have some degree of care for my world. Would you pray for me right now. Pray that my time in each of these things would be well spent. Pray my time would not just be physically restful, but a spiritual rest as well, drinking deeply in the truth of the Gospel and finding comfort in my soul.
Thanks.