July 31, 2025

Dear Central Church,

Have you ever stopped to think of all that Jesus accomplished in his life? He gave amazing sermons, he healed the sick, he offered sagely advice and spent time with a close circle of friends. The Gospels are filled with all the things that he did, and yet in the midst of all this they are careful to point out a rhythm that sustained him:

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

Author Dallas Williard writes, “Jesus was busy, but he was never hurried.” He points out the intentionality of Jesus to withdraw from the demands of his work and relationships and give attention to his relationship with the Father.

This week I’ve had a few moments to withdraw and spend time with the Lord. I’m at Golden Bell Camp in Colorado doing some advanced sermon planning and giving attention to my soul. For the last two days, I’ve been able to wake up and sit on the front porch of a cabin and look at Pike’s Peak. It’s pretty special, and I thank you for this time of retreat.

I thought about this Psalm in the beauty of this place:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. (Psalm 19:1-2)

I had the thought this week that I wonder if Jesus had as he lived on the earth, “My Daddy did all that!” The grandeur of the mountains, the beauty of the skies, the green that fill our earth…all this was created by our Heavenly Father!

We can’t escape the demands of our life and the responsibilities of our vocations, but I pray in our busyness we are not hurried. I pray that we always have time to be with the Father and recognize the beauty and the blessings he has given us.

I’m praying for you, for our church, and asking God to continue his good work at Central Church.

Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark