Category: Rest

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The Night’s Watch

Dave and I watch a couple of YouTube channels where the people are fulltime sailing families. They have different size sailing vessels, different ages of their children and sail in different waters but some things are the same.

They all need to provision before long crossings, the care they give their vessels and their Navionics, guidance systems, are all similar. The other thing, that is crucial, are the night watches.

Someone needs to be at the helm making sure they stay on course. They watch the weather for unexpected storms and the keep watch on the radar for ships that may be approaching. If the pass too closely it could cause problems for both vessels and it could mean there is danger of piracy.

Night watch is an important part of their safety.

The same holds true for us as Christians. The night watch is an important part of our safety.

Last night I felt I was on night-watch. Awake at 12:30, 2:30 and then finally up at 4:30. Each time I found myself praying over different situations and people I know.

“On my bed I remember You. I think of You through the hours of the night. 7 For You have been my help. And I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. 8 My soul holds on to You. Your right hand holds me up.” Psalm 63:6-8 NLV

Through the hours of the night – at times when things can seem their worst, the one standing watch can sing for joy, in the shadow of His wings.

Isn’t that what Paul and Silas did after having been beaten? It was in the darkness of night that the Apostle Paul received an encouraging word from the Lord while in a storm at sea. The disciples were adrift in a storm when Jesus came walking on the water and said, “Peace, be still”.

And of course, there were the shepherds watching their flocks by night.

“In the same country there were shepherds in the fields. They were watching their flocks of sheep at night. 9 The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people.'” Luke 2:8-10 NLV

“Don’t be afraid – I have good news”!

Do you feel like your alone on a night watch? Everyone else is able to rest but you’re awake and agitated. Storms are upsetting your boat, things are getting too close for comfort.

Follow King David’s example: remember the Lord, think about His help, and sing for joy! Your night watch will bring you peace.

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Time to Smile

The little guy in this image made me smile!

Three words went through my mind this morning as I was praying about what to share – rested, refreshed, relaxed. And then I found this little lamb and he was the embodiment of all three.

Have you ever had the opportunity to watch sheep while they are grazing in a field?

I have. In fact, it used to be a regular outing when our oldest was just a year old. I would put her in her stroller and we would go across the road to a fenced field that was being grazed off. She loved watching the ewes and the lambs.

They would make her giggle that little child giggle that seems to come from her toes all the way up her body and bubble out her mouth. I can still hear it.

A lush green field. The lambs, close to their mothers, would eat until their bellies were filled and then they would romp and play. Moments later they would be sprawled out in the grass, just like this one, sleeping soundly.

King David, who had been a shepherd, must have experienced scenes like this thousands of times and drawing from his experience and memories he penned Psalm 23.

“Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.” Psalm 23 CJB

Rested, refreshed, relaxed…even in the presence of our enemies!

Has life had you going in circles? Too many activities/responsibilities and not enough time?

The Lord has a green pasture and a lush patch of grass just waiting for us to come lay down and take our rest. Stretch out and enjoy His presence!

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Camping Out

This morning I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about and praying for my friends who are camp hosts in the mountains. This is a busy week for them. The campgrounds have been open for a couple weeks but this is the BIG weekend. Memorial Day.

As a kid I grew up camping with my folks. Different places we lived always had a lake or river close by and we would go for the day, the weekend or even a couple weeks at a time. It was great! Fishing, campfires, hot chocolate, card games, marshmallows and the stars. So peaceful and life was simple and unhurried. Awe yes, I love camping.

It’s a way to see God’s beauty, unspoiled. My favorite camp spot is Big Lake Arizona. That’s where I camped with my parents, my children camped with them and now my grandchildren have camped there with us.

It was the place, two years ago, where we sprinkled some of my Mom’s ashes. I’m thinking of her today and how much she loved seeing her family have a good time. I know she is enjoying heaven so much more than she did Big Lake, but it was a little slice of heaven on earth. She didn’t like to fish but never stopped us from going. Even after we were grown, she went with my Dad, it was the joy of being together.

Truly a favorite spot for my heart.

I also have a favorite place to camp for my spirit. It’s in the Psalms and my favorite campsite is Psalm 119. This is the place I set up my tent, take out my chair and rest.

“I deeply love your Law! I think about it all day. 98 Your laws never leave my mind, and they make me much wiser than my enemies. 99 Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers, 100 and obeying your laws makes me wiser than those who have lived a long time. 101 I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. 102 You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject your instructions. 103 Your teachings are sweeter than honey. 104 They give me understanding and make me hate all lies.” Psalm 119:97-104

With Memorial Day coming up many of you will be getting away for a camping trip or wishing you could. Why not take time today to camp by a stream of living water, rest in the grass of green pastures and enjoy the warmth of the Son?

God’s word is a great place to camp and enjoy the Creator!

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Are You Weary?

It seems I have been writing about weariness or the need to rest quite frequently lately. It must mean we have some weary readers out there.

Fatigue is real. Weariness is real. That’s why God so wisely instructed us to rest.

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 NLT

Resting on the Sabbath, the Lord’s Day, was given for our benefit. God rested and so should we. If asked, many people could come up with a number of the Ten Commandments – don’t lie, steal, murder, don’t have an affair, don’t swear, honor your parents – but one that is often overlooked is resting.

We get up early and stay up late. We fill our days with multiple activities, we pride ourselves by being the “masters of multitasking”. We can be fixing breakfast, answering emails, making lunches for the kids and doing our on-line banking all at the same time and we wonder why we feel overstimulated before 8 am. Then we lay down at night still answering emails or texts and doing one final internet search.

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalm 127:2 NLT

Setting aside time, dedicated strictly to the Lord, reminds us that He is worthy of worship. It is a weekly reminder that our blessings and strength come from the Lord. He is the one who supplies what we need. He gives us wisdom and insight. He provides us with health and goods. He is our source of joy, peace, kindness and understanding.

“ Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:15 NLT

We haven’t been in physical bondage like the Israelites were in Egypt but oftentimes we are enslaved to appointments, deadlines, obligations and responsibilities that God never intended for us to take on.

When we stop for that “day of rest”, we can focus on the One who causes us to rest in green pastures, beside still waters and restores our soul.

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” Jeremiah 31:25 NLT

Make time to rest – remember, that’s an order from God, Himself.

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It’s Ok to Rest

Yesterday was a full day. Early in the morning we secured everything in the RV and moved from one site to another.

Those of you who are familiar with RV life know that means everything has to be moved off countertops, closets secured, cabinets tightly closed, anything that will move or can fall during tow is in a secure position.

We weren’t moving very far, less than half a mile but still most everything had to be prepared like we were moving three hundred miles. So, around the corner we went, pulled into our new site and then had to reverse the process from an hour before.

Of course, that kind of moving reveals things that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned for a while. I pulled at the rags and cleaners and gave everything a good once over before putting things back in their proper place.

Dave was just as busy on the outside as I was on the inside. When we were done we were tired, but a good tired.

This morning I slept in longer than expected. I woke up foggy headed and sore. As is my normal routine, I had my morning coffee and prayer time and then began making a list of things to do today. That’s when the Lord stopped me.

“By the seventh day God had finished his work, and so he rested. 3 God blessed the seventh day and made it special, because on that day he rested from his work.” Genesis 2:2-3 CEV

It’s ok to rest!

I just about cried. It was as if He was telling me rest is a good thing and I should do it.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

I’m not writing this morning to have you feel sorry for me instead I want you to realize that those of you who have been pushing hard to get things done that it’s ok, and much needed, to rest. It’s important that we work with diligence but it’s just as important that we take time to be restored.

” If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29  Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 CEV

Father, this morning, I come to you on behalf of all those who are weary and unrested. Restore their bodies, their minds and their emotions. Give them peace, joy and strength. Let them find rest in the cool, green pastures of Your provision. In Jesus name, Amen.

Join me – I’ll be resting today and it’s ok.

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Take A Break

It may seem silly to be talking about taking a break first thing in the morning but hear me out.

Getting up and focusing on the Lord is break-fast for the spirit. Through the night our bodies have rested, our minds have released the pressures of the day before and the Spirit of God has restored our souls.

Making time to praise the Lord for His goodness engages our spirit with His and brings us to a place of strength and direction.

None of us know what the day will have in store. Oh, we may have an idea or a plan of things we want to accomplish but there will always be some unexpected interruption or distraction we weren’t expecting. Where do we find the strength and the grace to face those, will we have the answer for the day’s questions?

If we begin our day breaking from our own thoughts and seeking His, we will certainly be on the right track.

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLV

I find the best thing I can do is trust the Lord to lead me. There are times throughout the day when I hear myself say, “I’m just not sure what I should do” and that’s when I know it’s time for a break. A praise break – because the Father knows what my next step should be and He has the answers to all my questions.

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 ERV

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 22 Offer sacrifices of thanks to him. Sing with joy about all that he has done.” Psalm 107:21-22 ERV

“ I have better understanding than all my teachers because I think about Your Law. 100 I have a better understanding than those who are old because I obey Your Word.” Psalm 119:99-100 NLV

Throughout the day take a break from the concerns and worries of your day. Take a break and spend time listening to the Father. Take a break and thank Him for His endless love.

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
 you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalm 23:1-3 MSG

When your heart is troubled and your mind is overwhelmed, take a break and have your soul restored.

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In the Storm

Peace. Simply put: to be at rest. Some see it as the absence of confict but I want to show you that we can be at peace in the midst of a storm.

I’ve been reading in Luke for over a month now but the last few days I have been reading about the final days of Jesus life. He was celebrating the Feast of the Passover with his disciples. He told them that the broken bread and the wine represented what was about to happen to Him. He told them He would be betrayed.

Do you know their reaction? They began arguing about which one of them would do such a thing and then they began to argue about which one of them was the most important to Jesus.

Oh, my goodness!!! If I had been Jesus I would have left them all. But instead, Jesus began telling them that He was praying for them and gave them instruction on how to live once he was gone.

He took them to the garden where He went to pray. He told them they needed to pray so that they could remain strong. Jesus then withdrew, going a little farther and prayed for Himself. He knew what was about to happen.

In His humanity, He didn’t want to face the cross and the horrible death of crucifixion but in His divinity, He knew he was the only one who could be the sinless sacrifice. Only He could be the one to redeem us all and reconcile us to the Father.

“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” I John 2:2 NLT

He went through great conflict and turmoil in battling His mind and emotions but came to peace, He was resolved in His spirit!

When Judas betrayed Him with a kiss there was no ridicule or retaliation, when the soldiers were placing him under arrest there was no fight. He was at peace!

Jesus was living the words He spoke to the disciples hours earlier.

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

The Apostle Paul tells us this:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Are you in the middle of a storm today – do you feel like you’re about to be crucified? Perhaps you’ve received an adverse medical report or it could be your company is planning massive layoffs and your future is uncertain. Whatever you are facing rely on the kind of peace that only God can give.

In the midst of the storm, don’t be troubled, don’t be afraid; let the peace of God control the way you think and feel.

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So Much to Do

(First off, will everyone join me in saying thank you to Stephen and Tom for getting my website back up? Stephen helped identify the problem and Tom took that information and contacted the right people to get it corrected. Thanks guys, you both are wonderful!)

Last night after Dave went to bed, I stayed up thinking about things that still need to be done before Christmas. Still so much to do, not necessities, but things I want to do.

There’s baking for friends and family. Our youngest grandson is expecting cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning and I’m wanting to make goodie plates for friends. Still have two days of work so everything will have to wait until Tuesday.

Then I thought about Mary? What was she thinking, how much did she still have left to do those last few days before Jesus was born?

I’m sure Mary was a list maker. When the angels announced His birth and the shepherds tended to His manger the Scripture tells us that Mary pondered all these things in her heart.

“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. ” Luke 2:17-19 NLT

There were so many memorable events in Mary’s pregnancy, I know she must have had a plan for those days leading up to His birth. She knew her son would be no usual child. For before His conception, she knew He would be special, she knew she would give birth to the long awaited Messiah.

 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:30-33 NLT

Her first child, the Messiah, was about to be born but first she was going on a 100 mile trip. She had to pack, food needed to be prepared, laundry needed to be done. How long were they going to be gone? She needed “stuff” in case the baby was born before she got back home. No Mom or midwife to help! Can you imagine the evening conversations with Joseph as they stopped on their trek?

“Can you do this?”, she might have asked. “I’m going to need your help; I won’t have anyone else to assist me. We don’t know anyone in Bethlehem. What if the local Walmart is closed? Where will we get diapers and onesies?”

Yes, Mary was the mother of the Messiah, but she was also a teenager, first-time mother, and away from home.

Our preparations over the next week fail in comparison to hers. Our loving heavenly Father who sustained her and took care of every detail also has our days planned. He will sustain, protect and provide.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLT

Don’t let the concerns of life steal your peace!

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Abiding Peace

(The last two days I was experiencing some real technical difficulties and was completely unable to connect to my website. I was able to post to Facebook but that wasn’t the same as connecting here. I’m back and here is what I posted on FB this morning.)

Day 2 of technical difficulties and Day 2 of living in perfect and abiding peace!

What kind of things steal your peace? Computer problems, getting into a baking project and find your missing a key ingredient, a flat tire, a life-style change in the New Year, illness? These things can get to the best of us.

However, the Father doesn’t want anything to take our peace. The Bible is filled with situations where a message of “be not afraid” proceeded any other instruction.

The shepherds heard the angels say don’t be afraid. Mary and Joseph but heard the angel speak to them and the first words they heard were, be not afraid.

Do you remember when Jesus was sleeping in the boat while His disciples were in the midst of a storm at sea? They were bailing water, thinking they were going to sink. As experienced sailors they knew how disastrous this could be. And Jesus slept.

“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38-40 NLT

If we are in situations and begin to feel fear and anxiety start to build this story should be an example to us. Don’t be afraid.

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

Our peace is paramount to the Father. During the rest of the Christmas season let’s keep our focus and trust on the Prince of Peace who came to bring us the gift of perfect peace. 

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The Peace Giver

Last night sleep eluded me. That happens sometimes and I don’t really know why. Maybe it was that way for you too.

I wasn’t worried about anything, nothing seemed wrong but still sleep didn’t come. My heart was at rest even though my body wasn’t.

I realized, again, how fortunate I am to have a peaceful heart. I don’t need to count sheep; I am able to count blessings. The peace of God rules and it brings amazing strength to my soul.

“ I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.” John 14:27-29 NLT

What a wonderful gift! Peace of mind and heart. Jesus was speaking to His apostles just hours before His crucifixion and His concern was for their peace, He wanted them free from fear.

That Apostle Paul put it this way.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLT

There it is again – peace of mind and heart!

Our lives are bombarded with turmoil – we have an enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy but we have One who is greater, and He is the giver of peace! We can either give in to fear or we can take heart and overcome.

“ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Take heart.

Yesterday I had my annual physical and yes, I’m fit. However, I have an issue when my blood pressure is taken. At home it’s normal, at the doctor’s office it’s high. The doctor kindly said, “Let’s do that again. Let your heart rest”. I did and it came down.

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

Today, let your heart rest. Embrace God’s peace of mind and heart. Then let Him use you to spread peace to others.

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