Category: Rest

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Hush Now!

I couldn’t sleep on Friday night and I was up at 2 a.m. praying.

Those of you who have been reading my blog for any length of time know that this is something that happens occasionally. I find it is one of the best ways to go back to sleep, praying for those I love.

But this particular time, my prayers were more intense. If I’m honest, I found myself doing some complaining and questioning why I haven’t seen a change in a couple of situations. The Lord let me prattle on for a few more minutes and then very distinctly I heard, “Hush now. Be still”.

Those words weren’t harsh or rude. They were comforting, corrective, calm and reassuring. Like the words of a parent who has picked up a crying child to comfort them, these words touched my heart.

And then the Scripture verses that I have committed to memory over the years came flooding in.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 NKJV

“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3 NKJV

And then, in my heart the Lord took me back to that quiet place, the place I love to camp out.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLT

“My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me. 2 He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 NLV

Now, unless you think I’m going through some great trial – it’s not that at all. There are just some things I have given to the Lord in prayer that I still haven’t seen answers to yet. I’ve gotten a little impatient in the waiting.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

I’d like to encourage you. If you hear the Lord hush you – telling you to be still, I want you to remember the rest of that verse. Be still AND know that I AM GOD! Go to a green pasture and rest while God does what only God can do.

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Heart to Heart

So many times life gets in the way of truly living!

We get so caught up in all the activities, things and people demanding part of our time. Life happens and it can be demanding. There is a tendency to focus on ALL that HAS to be DONE. Too much pressure and not enough time.

Do you think that God doesn’t know that? He does!

Do you think He was caught by SURPRISE by the events that are clamoring for your attention? He wasn’t!

Problems have surfaced like the waves of a tsunami and you feel like you are about to be washed away. He is the one who speaks to the winds and waves and says peace be still!

“Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’ Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4 NIV

I love verse 4 in the King James version:

” Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.”

Commune with your own heart and be still! Search your heart – let God bring peace – Be still!

“Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. 8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil.” Psalm 37:7-8 ERV

Be still and listen!

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

Thank you Lord for having the answers to all my questions and having the solutions to all my problems. I want my heart to commune with You – heart to heart. Remind me that You, the Lord All-Powerful is with me”.

I CAN PUT MY TRUST IN YOU!

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Encourage One Another

Another morning up before the dawn but one thing is for certain dawn will come. God set in motion the rotation of the earth around the sun. The sunrise will start each morning and the sunset will close each day.

Tides will ebb and flow. Fall follows summer and then comes winter and the new life of spring. All are part of the Father’s grand design.

And each morning brings a new opportunity to be encouraged in God’s word.

“We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised. 24 We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works.” Hebrews 10:23-24 ERV

“ So when God wanted to prove for certain his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls…” Hebrews 6:17-19 ERV

Years ago I used to sing a song written by John W Peterson, It Took a Miracle.

“My Father is omnipotent

And that you can’t deny

A God of might and miracles

It’s written in the sky.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place

It took a miracle to hang the world in space

But when He saved my soul cleansed and made me whole

It took a miracle of love and grace.”

The greatest miracle of all is the Father’s amazing love extended to each and everyone of us. His plan for our new birth – restoration full and complete.

I certainly enjoy the proofs that He gives us each day to let us know He’s still here, still reaching out, still loving. His love never fails and we see that in the consistancy of His creation.

“Our Lord, you are King! Majesty and power are your royal robes. You put the world in place, and it will never be moved. 2 You have always ruled, and you are eternal. 3 The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic, but you are more majestic, and you rule over all. 5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93

God’s promises are certain. Nature is proof of that. He cannot lie. He will not break His word!

His word gives hope and that hope encourages us and holds us steady in life’s storms, just like an anchor. Then we are instructed to encourage others who appear to have no hope.

We can point them to the One who never fails, who never gives up, whose love is everlasting and who is faithful to a thousand generations. Yes, let’s encourage one another with God’s word!

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Fill Your Day With Praise

Dave and I like to watch flashmob videos on YouTube. Last night, right before we went to bed, we watched one of my favorites.

It starts with one man in a tuxedo, standing in the middle of a city square. When a little girl puts some coins in a hat on the ground, he begins to play his stand-up bass. In just a few minutes, he’s joined by more musicians and finally a choir.

They were playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. Not only is it a beautiful melody but my heart began to sing the lyrics which were written by Henry van Dyke in 1907.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You
Op’ning to the sun above

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Your works with joy surround You
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays
Stars and angels sing around You
Center of unbroken praise

Field and forest, vale and mountain
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!”

What a wonderful way to fall asleep and wake again. Praising the Lord with all my heart!

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. 3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. 4 He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity. 5 He fills my years with good things and I am made young again like the eagle…19 The Lord has set up His throne in the heavens. And His holy nation rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you powerful angels of His who do what He says, obeying His voice as He speaks! 21 Praise the Lord, all you armies of His who work for Him and do what pleases Him. 22 Praise the Lord, all His works in all places under His rule. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Psalm 103 NLV

For a few brief moments in that city square it was if the whole earth was praising the Lord. The orchestra, the choir and those listening were caught up in one special moment of praise, whether they realized it or not.

Praise is our opportunity to recount the many wonderful things the Lord has done for us.

“Your thoughts are of great worth to me, O God. How many there are! 18 If I could number them, there would be more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18 NLV

We are always a part of God’s thoughts. From the beginning of creation, we were part of His plan.

Our Good Shepherd leads us, guides us, brings us to a place of rest and protection. He is with us always and when life on earth is over, eternal life with Him in heaven will begin!

Let that fill your day with praise!

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Don’t Be Afraid in the Darkness

I feel this is the message of Psalm 23. Yes, I am still in Psalm 23.

Do you have a loved one, a dear friend, that maybe you haven’t seen in ages and then you get together and catch up on all that has been going on in your life and theirs?

That’s where I have been the past several days by camping out in Psalm 23 with my dear friend, Jesus.

I’ve heard the Shepherd say, “Come lay down in the pasture. Get a cool and refreshing drink. Sleep, rest. Be still. I am filling your life with goodness, up to the very rim and more – I’m running your cup of life over with My love”.

Then my heart has said, “Lord, there are dangerous things happening all around me. Hurtful, heartbreaking situations, physical dangers and emotional unrest”. Then comes this reminder.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:4-5 NLT

King David, before he was king, was a shepherd. He cared for his sheep, and he let his experiences be life lessons to teach him about the loving care of the Good Shepherd.

The Lord knows a lot about dangerous and frightening situations. Just ask Noah (the ark builder), David (the giant slayer), Daniel (the lion tamer), Peter (the water walker), Paul (the shipwreck survivor) and oh yes, Jonah (the fish bait).

These were all everyday people – there was nothing special about them except their willingness to obey God.

“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. It is the same as the mighty power 20 he used to raise Christ from death and put him at his right side in the heavenly places. ” Ephesians 1:18-20 ERV

The last few weeks I have had several people very close to me face some pretty tough stuff. As I was praying for each of them the Lord kept bringing me back these verses in Psalms and Ephesians.

In the darkest valley, don’t be afraid. Know the blessings God has for you. Know the mighty power of God.

“I, I am the one who wipes away all your sins. I do this to please myself. I will not remember your sins. 26 But you should remember me. Let’s meet together and decide what is right.” Isaiah 43:25-26 ERV

The Lord wants us to meet with Him, in the quiet places, away from the distractions where we can remember His power, His strength, His unfailing love. He wants us to be worry-free, completely trusting Him and filled with joy because His love never fails.

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Time for a Cuddle

Here I am – back in my quiet place. You know the one – the one in green pastures beside still waters!

“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10 That’s what I am hearing this morning.

Be still! I remember when our youngest daughter, Kaci, was just around a year old. She awaken in the middle of the night and I got up with her and took her to the living room to rock her. She shared the bedroom with her sister and I didn’t want to wake her too.

When I got to the living room I sat down on the couch and began to rock back and forth, thinking the rocking motion would lull her back to sleep. She really wanted none of that. She began to lean her body in the direction of the family room and kitchen. (You know that kind of lean, the one little kids have when they want you to take them somewhere, their body language before they can talk.) I told her softly that there really wasn’t anything in there and she just needed to cuddle in and sleep. Her body continued leaning so I got up, with her in my arms and walked into the family room, then to the kitchen, through the dining room and back to the living room – all the while being led by the leaning of a child.

Once back in the living room we sat down on the couch again. As I began the rocking motion that I had tried to comfort her with just minutes before, she settled in and went to sleep. I looked at her smiled and thought, “This is where we started, why couldn’t have we done this the first time?”

With that I heard the Lord minister to me; “How many times do I take you somewhere and you only insist on leaning/leading to another place? I patiently give in to your will and then we go full circle and end up back where I had you at the start. I take you back and there you find peace.”

Wow! Lord what a graphic lesson. There have been times when I thought I knew best – I thought I want to be any place but here and so I good from place to place, room to room and come back to find “Be still and know that I am God!”

This doesn’t mean we take a fatalistic approach and just give up on our dreams and desires. What it does mean is that we can trust God with our dreams and let Him bring them to pass.

Thanking God today for His mercy – for allowing me to come back to the place of peace where I can “Be Still and Know that He is God!”

Just cuddle into the Father’s arms and find rest!

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Camped Out in Love

This morning the Lord took me to one of my favorite spots and told me He wanted me to camp out there for a while.

It means so much to me when that happens – having read and pondered these verses for so many years, and then to have the Lord say but there’s more for you to see, to experience, to enjoy!

“Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:6 CEV

I want you to look at these words – kindness, love, always be, each day, forever.

If you’ve ever been tent camping you know the importance of having the tent poles secure. They are what hold up the canvas, keep you for getting wet in a rain storm, keeping your bed covered at night and giving you a place of comfort.

The Apostle Paul said that are lives are like a tent.

“Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever.” II Corinthians 5:1 CEV

It’s God’s kindness and love that secure our tents, each day, they are our support. They are always with us, every day of our lives. And when we are finished with our temporary tents on this earth, He promises to bring us to His home that will last forever.

I hope that has the same impact on you that is has on me!

His kindness and love are with me EACH DAY of my life. Always! It’s not something I have to wonder about or hope for. It’s a promise of God, it’s unbreakable, it will stand forever.

Those words have meaning – they are powerful, they bring strength and support even in the darkest times.

Kindness, Love, Always Be, Each Day, Forever

The older I get the more I appreciate or treasure the word of God. I have more life experience to prove His faithfulness.

“Even when you are old I will be the same. And even when your hair turns white, I will help you. I will take care of what I have made. I will carry you, and will save you.” Isaiah 46:4 NLV

I really enjoy camping, I do. So, for the next few days or maybe even weeks, you’ll find me sitting in my tent of life, supported by the poles of God’s love, kindness, each day enjoying His presence.

You’re invited to camp out with me!

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Labor to Rest

Do you know that Labor Day was God’s idea? You didn’t? Let me explain.

All through Scripture the Lord has given us instruction to rest. It started in the Garden of Eden. “And on the 7th day, God rested.”

When the children of Israel left Egypt, they needed rest. They had been enslaved for 400 years, making bricks, under the rule of a cruel pharaoh and his task masters. When they crossed the Red Sea and started toward the Promised Land one of the first things God did was given them a set of rules which would make life easier.

Love the Lord with all their heart. Don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t covet, don’t commit adultery. And honor the Sabbath – rest! God rested and so should they. Rest was an outward sign of an inward trust. It was a sign of putting God first, a day set aside to focus on Him and all He had done for them.

The writer of the book of Hebrews said they failed.

“We should do our best to enter the place of rest, so none of us will disobey and miss going there, as they did. 12 God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts. 13  Nothing is hidden from God! He sees through everything…14 We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. This is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4 CEV

The Israelites failed to believe God’s message. He promised to be their provider, their defender, their God but they chose to make gods of gold. When He showed them the fruitful land He had for them, they choose to look at the giants and backed away in fear. They didn’t rest in who God is and what He had promised.

Hebrews tells us that Jesus understands every one of our weaknesses – our fears and our failings. But we aren’t left to be overcome by our circumstances. No! Instead, we are told to come bravely and find help, we are told to come and rest in who God is.

It takes work to rest. We have to develop strong faith, not in ourselves, but in God and His word. Instead of seeing the giants, we need to trust the promise of provision. We work to make God’s word come alive in our lives.

Jesus said this: “Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. 29 Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLV

We learn from Him; follow His teachings and we will have rest!

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Don’t Rush – Rest!

How often have we all driven down the highway and seen those signs, “Rest Stop Ahead”? Most of us just keep driving. But it’s important to rest!

So many things vie for our attention. Demands come from career, from family, from current events and also from our own desires. Things happen so quickly it seems and we are caught up in another crisis and if not a crisis, just caught up in life. When life gets hectic like this, we react to circumstances instead of planning a course of action.

There’s no peace in that!

And if there’s no peace then we also know that we haven’t given the Lord permission to direct our steps. We need to be led by His Spirit so that we make wise and deliberate decisions; decisions that bring peace and joy.

I encourage you to stay focused today. Focused on God’s word and His promises.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV

The Apostle Paul was giving final instruction to the christians in Rome and this was his instruction.

“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 ERV

Check your heart in every situation. Are you at peace or is there turmoil? If there’s peace, then proceed and trust the Lord’s leading. If not, then wait – pray and don’t be in rush!

“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. 6 You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. 7 I praise you, Lord, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. 8 I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. 9 With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.” Psalm 16:5-9 CEV

“Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help.” Psalm 27:14 ERV

Enjoy your day and let the peace of God which bypasses our understanding guard your heart!

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Rest Again and Again

I want to speak to you this morning on rest, re-charging, re-energizing, Again!

This is a message I repeat frequently because I need it frequently. This morning I just sat in the quiet letting the Father bring rest to my soul and strength to my body. I hate getting up tired.

We all get busy and tend to burn the candle at both ends but what do we do to rest? Do we veg out and watch TV or maybe relax with a yoga class or have a glass of wine? Maybe we think that resting is going to bed earlier and getting more sleep – whatever you think will bring rest, does it really?

Weariness can come from being overactive, but it can also come from worry or anxious thoughts.

“The Lord protects defenseless people. When I was weak, he saved me. 7 Be at peace again, my soul, because the Lord has been good to you. 8 You saved me from death.
You saved my eyes from tears ⌞and⌟ my feet from stumbling.” Psalm 116:6-8 GW

Look at what God’s word has to say.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV “

Waiting on the Lord – waiting on God will renew our strength. It will give us rest.

Jesus was a prime example of this. He would minister all day and night and then he would send the disciples away and He would go to a place to pray – He would wait on the Father. After leaving these places of waiting, Jesus would go about ministering to folks, rested and renewed.

“Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons out of people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. 35 The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. 36 Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. 37 They found him and said, “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus answered, “We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here, and I can tell God’s message to those people too. That is why I came.” Mark 1:34-38 ERV

It’s time to rest, again. If you are feeling tired today – worn out, exhausted take time to WAIT on the Lord. He will renew your strength!!

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