Preparing for Rest

 

Preparing for Rest

Hebrews 4: ⁸ If Joshua had given the people the rest that God had promised, God would not have spoken later about another day. ⁹ As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day. ¹⁰ For those who receive that rest which God promised will rest from their own work, just as God rested from his. ¹¹ Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.

 

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“There has got to be more to life than this” I thought to myself. I went to work, ran into a bunch of conversations that were exhausting, came back to my apartment and flopped on the couch. “Is this it?” “Am I going to do this the rest of my life?”

 

• I was living to work and working to live.
• I had fallen into a rut and could not see much purpose in what I was doing.
• I worked hard trying to live but I still ran into problems.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, compares the old covenant to the new. He mentions Joshua as a representative to the old covenant. If Joshua provided the rest that GOD promised, then there would be no need for another covenant. BUT GOD spoke of a different rest.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my refuge in whom I place my trust.
• JESUS is who I can go to when I am not feeling rested.
• JESUS is my Savior and one day I will receive the rest promised to me.

 

After a trial, I feel relieved. I mean, I can breathe out and finally get rest from what I was worried about. This feeling also applies to following JESUS. As difficult as it is to live fore HIM, telling others about HIM and being an example for HIM, one day I will be with HIM to receive rest.

 

No more worries, no more troubles, no more fears, doubts or worries. Pure rest. This rest comes to those who believe that JESUS is the only one who can provide the rest. HE died for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead. HE went to prepare a place for us so we can rest from the work we do for HIM today. I look forward to this rest and will continue my “work” until then.

 

Challenge

• What work is the writer referring to?
• Have you ever wanted some rest but could not find it?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS so HE will give you what HE promised, namely rest from being weary?

Provided For

Provided For

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹⁶ May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul This is the way I sign every letter; this is how I write.

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

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Ready to do a presentation, I pulled out my ancient laptop. “Sorry, we don’t have that type of connection” were the words I did not like hearing, referring to the type of cable needed to connect to a projector.

 

“Search through your bag for a flash drive” were the words I felt. I dug through my bag and, to my surprise, had one I placed there years ago. I copied my presentation and gave it to the organization.

 

• What I needed was there all along.
• I thought my plans would be stopped, but a way was made.
• This small incident taught me there is always another way.

 

Paul specifically mentions he penned the letter that he collaborated with Silas and Timothy. He ends with a prayer for all believers in JESUS. He asks for peace, for the LORD to be with everyone at all times and for grace.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I forget that the LORD is the source of my peace.
• Grace and peace are always with me even when I mess up.
• I don’t have to look far for peace or grace because the LORD is always with me.

 

Grace and peace can seem elusive, but that is a lie. I mean, when trials last longer than expected, I may think GOD is withholding HIS peace. I may even start believing the lie that it may have been some sin that I did, or some action I did not do. BUT GOD is gentle.

 

HE simply whispers “Here, have peace” in the middle of the storm. When everyone else is worried, losing sleep and harassed, GOD can provide peace that is strange. HE also gives me unusual grace that covers sins I know about and those I don’t. I am so glad HIS grace is sufficient.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s prayer?
• Why do you need peace, the LORD to be with you and grace?
• Will you stop trying to acquire something that is with you at all times and thank GOD for being with you, giving you peace and for HIS grace today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please grant this reader peace today. Grant him or her the knowledge that YOU are there and have been all along. Please let the reader know that YOU will never, ever leave, nor forsake him or her. Thank YOU for YOUR grace. amen

Friend for Purpose

Friend for Purpose

Colossians 1: ²¹ At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. ²² But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.

 

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Desiring to move up in the company, I asked a bold statement. “What is wrong with how I do things?” Fortunately I asked the right person and soon I was surrounded by a few mentors who could nudge my decision making from a “doer” role into a “leader.” The transition was difficult.

 

• I wasn’t even thinking like a leader.
• I thought I was supposed to tell people what to do and they would do it.
• I was far from a “leader” because my thoughts were not on the same track as theirs.

 

Paul makes it clear that everyone’s thoughts and actions were far from GOD. Constant thought of evil and actions that were not of GOD, made everyone HIS enemy. BUT GOD had a remedy. HE made up with HIS creation through HIS SON.

 

My Observations

• My thoughts and actions were far away from GOD.
• By believing in JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection, I can learn a new way of thinking that is not on self.
• My past, present and future sins are all forgiven only because of what GOD did.

 

GOD made up with HIS creation on purpose. If HE did not do what HE did, we would all be lost. HE made a way for us to be holy, pure and faultless so we can be in HIS presence. HE cannot stand even the slightest sin, and needed a way to make us clean. JESUS is that way.

 

When JESUS volunteered to die for the sins of humanity, I can’t imagine the pain of GOD. But somehow, it was accepted and the deed was done. We became friends on purpose so was could have a relationship with GOD that is everlasting. I am glad GOD made me HIS friend.

 

Challenge

• Do you see yourself in the writer’s words?
• Have you ever thought that your sin is too large or repetitious for GOD to forgive?
• Will you praise GOD for what HE has done so HE can be your friend, guiding you into holiness, purity and faultlessness today?

Up Close and Personal Love

 

Up Close and Personal Love

1 Corinthians 13: ¹¹ When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways. ¹² What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God's knowledge of me.

 

¹³ Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

 

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Driving became very difficult because salt was all over my windshield and the car was out of washer fluid. I had to slow down because the road was partially covered with snow and I could not see very well. I used my best understanding of that road to navigate, but I  really did not know if I was in one lane or another.

 

• My understanding of life is blurry.
• My knowledge of life is only partial.
• My wisdom used in life is like a dim image in a mirror.

 

Paul concludes his explanation of true love. Many people think this love is something that humans can do and do well. Paul explains that we will not really know what we are doing until we see JESUS face-to-face. But what am I supposed to do until then?

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to place my faith in HIS promises that HE will always be with me.
• GOD wants me to place my hope in JESUS, who I will one day see fact-to-face.
• GOD wants me to grow up and understand that true love has already been shown to me through JESUS.

 

Imagine a house on fire in the middle of a hurricane and a child asking “Why can’t I watch cartoons right now?” I mean, this child is not even on the road, let alone able to drive. Now think of what the adult should do. Focus on getting everyone to safety with the best knowledge he or she has.

 

GOD has given each of us a second chance. When we were in the middle of our sins, we were doomed to die an eternal death. BUT JESUS took care of that. HE saved me and anyone who will believe in HIM. HE then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me. This act of love only gives me partial abilities. I need other people to complete the mirror. I place my faith and hope in JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about faith and hope being mentioned?
• What does it mean to speak and act as a child or an adult in terms of CHRIST?
• Will you stop seeking what you want as a child and seek what GOD wants you to do with your gifts HE has given you today?

Along for the Ride

 

Along for the Ride

Acts 27: ²¹ After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

 

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Being part of the team felt great. One person in particular was being groomed to run the entire company. He surrounded himself with a lot of people who would work hard and remain honest. I was on his team and was successful because he was successful.

 

• There have been people who protected me because of their success.
• There have been people who brought me with them because of their purpose.
• There have been people who raised me up from very low places.

 

Paul reminded the crew that they should have listened to his warning, but they did not and almost lost their lives. He then encouraged them even though there was no food and everyone was feeling low. He was told let them know they would be saved.

 

• GOD wants me to encourage people.
• GOD wants me to tell people “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM because HE has given me a purpose.

 

When GOD gives a purpose to someone, it benefits many. I have seen people encourage the lost and their lives were changed for good. GOD wants me to do the same. HE wants me to live my life with purpose, bringing those around me to HIM. HE will do just as HE promises. In HIM I place my trust.

 

• What is your purpose?
• Will you stay stuck on the problem or look forward to GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you encourage people around you and love those who are hard to love, so JESUS can save you and them today?

Confusion Explained

Confusion Explained

Acts 1: ⁹ Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

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“Can I help you?” was the question posed to me. Without letting me ask any questions another statement followed. “I see some confusion on your face and I am here to help.” Was I that transparent? Yes! I was frozen and did not know how to proceed. I was glad to have someone who cared.

• Many times I have been stuck and did not know what to do.
• Many times I was amazed at GOD for a moment, but stood frozen not knowing what to do the next day.
• Many times I saw incredible things GOD has done and did not know what to do next.

The disciples witnessed JESUS taken up into a cloud. Was this the same cloud JESUS used in the days of Moses? What will happen next? There were probably many questions on their minds. Two angels appeared and explained that the disciples should move on with their lives after seeing this marvelous event.

• GOD guides me after incredible events.
• GOD sends me after life-changing situations.
• GOD clears up my confusion because HE wants me to succeed.

When facing really difficult times, then out of nowhere, seeing GOD perform something incredible, it can cause confusion. BUT GOD is not the author of confusion. HE clears things up and guides those, who listen to HIM, on a journey towards abundant life.

GOD gives hope to the hopeless. “JESUS will return just as HE left” is the message of hope GOD gave to the disciples and all who believe in HIM. This incredible account fills many with hope and the everlasting water flows from all who accept the call. I am grateful for being sent.

• Have you experienced hearing from GOD but are now confused?
• Do you feel filled up one minute and empty the next?
• Will you let GOD clear up confusion and accept HIS journey HE has for you today?

Being With

Being With

John 17: ²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. ²⁶ And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

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Figuring out what was wrong with each person, I found out ways to avoid people. “That person was too mean” and “That person is too snobbish” I said about the “In crowd.” After my evaluation of many people I found myself alone. I mean, they weren’t friendly anyway.

• There were times when I chose not to join the crowd.
• There were times when I looked at the differences in other people as a problem.
• There were times when I separated myself because I could not find anything I had in common with the people around me.

JESUS continues HIS prayer for all who believe in HIM. HE asks the FATHER for HIS followers to be “with” HIM, to see HIM in HIS glory. But what does it mean to be “with” JESUS.

• GOD wants me to want HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways, especially when it is difficult.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM even when people around me do not.

Being “with” GOD means I stand for what HE stands for. HE sent HIS SON to save the world, yet the world turned their eyes away HIM. HE sees the disunity amongst humans and knows the hearts of mankind. HE draws those who truly believe in HIS SON so they can be “with” HIM in agreement. I am with GOD and I look forward to being “with” the SON in all HIS glory, someday.

• Do you agree with the way GOD handles things?
• Do you try make situations perfect so you can be with people?
• Will you allow GOD to change your heart so you can agree with how HE handles situations?
• Will you be “with” GOD today in faith instead of being against HIM with your own plans?