DEAR MINISTER Pt.8

PERSONAL CONSECRATION AND RETREAT

As a growing minister, one of the things I learnt early from some models in ministry is the art of developing personal consecration and constant retreats.

One of my models in ministry said there are days he earmarked to be alone with God. He doesn't counsel or see anyone until later in the day. That's a personal consecration he developed for effectiveness in ministry.

I read another minister whom God used to change the course of history in his country of residence. In his book, he wrote on how he'll lock himself in the room for days until he get refilled.

Most of us love to quote Paul. Though he is long gone yet he's still preaching on various pulpits around the world. I doubt If anyone can preach a complete Gospel without referring to any of the Pauline revelation.

Paul didn't attain to that depth in one day. Listen to what he said, "Dear brothers and sisters,... I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus"(Gal1:11-12,17 NLT).

Till date, there's a debate on what Paul did during his three years seclusion. I believe those were years of personal retreat that birthed the revelations in his epistles.

When you see great men in ministry, check their personal consecration and retreat lifestyle. While others are playing away their time, they are busy with God.

It is not wise to dispense all the time without refuelling. Fight against that addiction to microphone. Rather, be addicted to his presence. That's where value can be added to your life and ministry.

It is not the number of invitations you get that validate your calling neither is it a determinant of whether you're on fire or not. There may be a flicker but once it burn out, those inviting you may relegate you into the bin of forgetfulness.

Your depth is measured by the strength of your intimacy with God in fellowship not the number of invitations you get. Conquer that microphone addiction.

There are times you need to suspend preaching and teaching activities to be alone with God. Don't preach yourself dry to the point of suffering a burn-out.

Going on personal retreat is not something you do once in a while, you must include it in your plans. You have to be intentional about it. Find a place and time for it.

If you want to remain fresh and green, If you want your words to be mixed with the power and fire of the Spirit, always go on personal retreats and develop personal consecration.