Otter Creek Community Church

Desiring God doesn't happen naturally!

John Piper writes in his book When I Don't Desire God, "To be satisfied by the beauty of God does not come naturally to sinful people."

We must pay attention to and guard our time!
Each of us must steward our time while by creating a budget for our time!

Jesus understood that time must be properly budgeted for the gathering of our inner strength and resolve in order to compensate for one's weakness when spiritual warfare begins.

Two very familiar reasons why sacred time doesn't happen:
1. Too busy, right now
2. I'll make up for it later…

At the center of Mark Chapter 6 is one the great miracles of the Gospels… the feeding of the five thousand

· Conservative estimates (15,000-20,000)
· Unique miracle because it’s the only miracle recorded in all 4 Gospels
· The miracle revealed that Jesus is: 1) Jesus is compassionate and 2), Jesus is the supplier of needs

Don't be afraid to be alone with Jesus, v. 31
· Jesus knew the importance of hard work better than anyone did
· “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
· Jesus and His disciples were constantly busy
· Jesus offers respite for those who follow Him

· Sacred rest doesn’t just happen; steps must be taken
· Remember: "Meditation requires adequate amount of time, silence, and privacy."
· For that… Jesus suggested that they go to a desolate place
· A desolate place (solitary/secluded/uninhabited) serves an important place for spiritual formation

Question:
When was your last sacred opportunity with God? What did you do?

Additional scripture ref.:
Mark 1:16-18; Mark 1:19-20; Mark 2:14; Mark 6:1-29; John 9:4; Gen. 2:2-3; Luke 1:80; Mark 1:1-8; Matt. 4:1; Acts 8:26