Why do we take the time from our routine lives to do this? Because somewhere deep within ourselves we know that what we have is not enough. Somehow we know that all the "stuff" that surrounds us is just that ~ "stuff" that gets in the way of what really matters. So, in order to get to what really matters we have to STOP and find quiet. We need to CLOSE our eyes so that we can really SEE; and hold our tongue so that we can begin to HEAR what God is saying.

We need to search the Scriptures to discover the real purpose for our lives. "I will lead her into the desert", God says, "and speak to her heart" (Hosea 2:16). It's hard to pretend in the desert; to play survivor. No, in the desert you either have what it takes to survive or you die. Here, you discover that it really isn't true that you can't live without your Blackberry, iPod or Direct TV.

The truth is you can't live without food and water! The desert exposes all of the lies that blur the distinction between niceties and necessities. You need God ~ not sex ~ to achieve the greatest joy and peace ~ and to have it eternally. You need to make Him first or risk coming in last! So, drink the New Wine of the Gospel, but know that if you do, the old wine skins (attitude, perspective, behavior) are going to have to die before a New Life is born.