Category: Rest

Posted on

Do Something God!

The message I heard Sunday morning reminded me of this teaching I shared nine years ago. The truth of God’s word never goes out of date.

“Do something, God!” Is that the cry of your heart? Are you dissatisfied with the way things are now and have been for a while? Is there a situation that needs changing and you feel the Lord is moving too slowly?

Those words above are the starting thought of Psalm 68. Do something God – do something. The Lord understands our thoughts and our impatience. However, He wants us to be content no matter our circumstances, not because our circumstances are good but because He can be trusted.

“God, get up and scatter your enemies! May all your enemies run from you…28God, show us your power! Show us the power you used for us in the past…33 Sing to him who rides his chariot through the ancient skies. Listen to his powerful voice! 34 Tell everyone how powerful he is!  He rules over Israel. His power fills the skies.” Psalm 68:1-34 ERV

Look at this story of Peter after one of his arrests.

“He (Herod) arrested Peter and put him in jail, where he was guarded by a group of 16 soldiers. Herod planned to bring Peter before the people, but he wanted to wait until after the Passover festival. 5 So Peter was kept in jail, but the church was constantly praying to God for him.

6 One night, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two of the soldiers. More soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. Herod was planning to bring Peter out before the people the next day. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing there, and the room was filled with light. The angel tapped Peter on the side and woke him up. The angel said, “Hurry, get up!” The chains fell off Peter’s hands.” Acts 12:4-7 ERV

What I want you to see is the change in Peter? This is the same Peter who not only denied being a follower of Jesus but denied he even knew him when questioned by a young girl and some men around a fire.

Now he has been imprisoned simply because Herod was wanting to make points with the Jewish people by arresting christians. Peter isn’t pacing in his cell, he isn’t pleading his cause of false arrest, he isn’t even involved in an all night prayer meeting telling the Lord how unfair it is that he is there.

Peter is at rest – he’s sleeping! He’s learned to trust – he’s content. Peter’s confident that God is in control and by his side.

If your day started with the heart’s cry of the Psalms, “Do something, God!’ then calm down by focusing on the words just a few verses below this.

“Our God, you are the one who rides on the clouds, and we praise you. Your name is the Lord, and we celebrate as we worship you.” Psalm 68:4 CEV

Learning to trust brings peace. Trust takes us from fear to rest.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 CEV

Posted on

Sound Advice

No, I’m not talking about PA systems, surround sound, hearing aids or any other type of external amplification.

I’m talking about listening to the still, small voice that the Lord uses when He wants to get our attention.

Advice from a friend or an expert is good but direction from the Lord is better.

“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

Jesus is the friend that is always with us. If we listen, we will hear His voice and when we follow Him, He will lead us.

“ My sheep hear My voice and I know them. They follow Me. 28 I give them life that lasts forever. They will never be punished. No one is able to take them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NLV

“ The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:1-4 NLV

His leading is for our protection. We don’t ever need to fear when we are following Him. Even in a dangerous situation like the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. Even in the presence of our enemies, He provides for us.

“You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:5 NLV

The Lord is always speaking to our hearts. That’s how a shepherd calms His sheep, He speaks to them and His voice is soothing and calming. Giving them rest.

“23 The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand...39 But the saving of those who are right with God is from the Lord. He is their strength in time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and takes them out of trouble. He takes them away from the sinful, and saves them, because they go to Him for a safe place.” Psalm 37:23-40 NLV

Let me advise you to listen to the right voices. Some voices spread fear and distress. Some speak words of greed and selfishness. But there is a voice to follow that speaks peace.

“ So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. ” Isaish 55:11-12 NLV

Make sure you are listening to “sound advice”.

Posted on

Are You Weary?

” O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

This was the song on my heart when I got up this morning. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, written in 1922, just after World War I ended and the US was entering the “Roaring Twenties”.

But souls were weary and these words came as a refreshing reminder.

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured. 29 The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:28-31 CEV

Over the past few days I have talked with a number of people who are just “weary”. Not getting enough sleep, too much to do. Facing situations that don’t seem to be changing quickly enough. Financial difficulties and stress.

Weary.

“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. 6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. 7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river. 9 The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us. 10 Our Lord, keep showing love to everyone who knows you, and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you.” Psalm 36:5-10 CEV

So much in this Psalm reminds me of Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. Our Father is faithful and fair. His love is everlasting and we find shelter under His wings. He gives us a feast in the presence of our enemies and life-giving living Water for our refreshing. He gives us light for our path so we don’t stumble and fall and His loves gives us strength when we feel weary.

Oh yes, He is mighty God! Jesus said His mission was to tell the world about the Father.

“ My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too. 28  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 11:27-29 CEV

Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you worried? Come to Jesus and find rest!

Posted on

Praying or Complaining

I hate to admit it but some days it’s more of the second than the first. Let me explain.

Several years back I heard a teaching on prayer. The minister made a comment that I think I will always remember.

“If you go to the Father in prayer about something that is bothering you and you come away still worried about it, you weren’t praying you were just complaining.”

Some mornings I find myself complaining! Ugh!!

I think I am casting the care of the situation over on the Lord. But, when it keeps coming up and I am worried that the situation won’t change, I realize that all I have been doing is complaining about it.

Now I know none of you ever do this, telling the Lord you are rolling all of the care over on Him, He can handle it and then proceed to worry. Yep, I’m the only one so, this is for me this morning.

These are such great verses – resist the devil and he will flee. So, one more time I am handing my care over to the Lord and I will resist the enemy by praising God and not worrying. Every time a thought of worry comes up, I will replace it with praise, thanking the Lord that He is in control and the enemy will have to flee.

“So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. 7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.

8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and eat. 9 Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have.” I Peter 5:6-9 ERV

Be humble – admit that “God I can’t handle this so I’m giving it over to You! You are the One who has my best interest at heart, You are the One who can bring change that I can’t even imagine.

I will keep my emotions in check; I will refuse the devil’s invitation to fear. I will stand strong with my faith firmly placed in You and Your provision. I won’t complain. I will pray and thank You for being in control. In Jesus name.”

Here’s to a praise filled, worry free day!

Posted on

Greener Pastures

Did you have a busy weekend? Was it hard to find time to rest? Were there too many distractions or unsettling circumstances that caused you to fret?

Some days are like that. Some days it feels as if we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Those are the times that God reminds us to follow Him and His leading. He knows what we need better than we do.

This morning this blog is for you!

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 

4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. 5 You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. 6 For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23 NLV

We have everything we need when we are close to Him. Rest. Quiet. Strength. Right Living. Worry Free. Comfort. Peace. Goodness. Loving-Kindness.

Somehow, Psalm 23 seemed to be the perfect reading for the 23rd day of February.

Only seven weeks into the new year and already so many are loaded down by fear and worry, uneasiness and care. God never intended for our lives to be in such turmoil. Regardless of the circumstances we have His promise of peace and rest.

Look up. See the Shepherd. Let Him lead you to green pastures and still waters. Lay down and rest. Let Him give you the comfort that only He can provide!

Posted on

Peace, Sweet Peace

So this morning I thought I would give you a visual example of love and peace. I took this several years ago at my Mom’s in Arizona. This one picture speaks volumes to me about God’s love.

I use it as a screen saver from time to time.

The birds who come to my wash each day are a continual reminder of God’s provision and His love.

The Holy Spirit is compared to a dove as He settled on Jesus, filling Him with heaven’s power.

“ Then John said, “I saw the Holy Spirit come down on Jesus as a dove from heaven. The Holy Spirit stayed on Him. 33 I did not know Him then. But God sent me to baptize with water. God said to me, ‘The Holy Spirit will come down and stay on Him. He is the One Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I saw this happen. I am now saying that Jesus is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34 NLV

That’s power.

Jesus said this about birds.

“26 Look at the birds in the sky. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They do not put grain into a building to keep. Yet your Father in heaven feeds them! Are you not more important than the birds?… 31 Do not worry. Do not keep saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’” Matthew 6:26-33 NLV

Do not worry! That’s love. God has told us to bring Him every care, every concern, every need. By coming to Him we find help! He is our source of supply – because He loves us!

“ And my God will give you everything you need because of His great riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLV

Take this lesson from my little soft cooing friend – don’t toil, don’t worry, rest in God’s peace!

Posted on

In The Garden

Do you remember about a week back when I shared the teaching, A Mountain of Strength?

It was a teaching of how Jesus would separate himself from the daily hustle and go to the Mount of Olives where He would spend time talking with His Father. It was His place of solitude and strength.

I truly find strength in that very same way. Being quiet, being still. Shutting out the distractions and listening to the Father speak to my heart.

It’s wonderful to have time with family and friends. There’s a deep sense of compassion that arises during those times – times of learning their stories, the joys and the pain. It’s a time of strengthening the bonds of love that we share.

Do you know that desire for intimacy and fellowship comes from God?

“ And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:” Genesis 3:8 AKJV

From the very beginning God came to the garden to meet with mankind. A place of solitude.

I want to encourage you all to find that place. For me, it’s my living room in the early hours of morning. Cup of coffee on the side table, blanket wrapped around me, Bible in hand and quiet. We are God’s house.

” We are the house of the living God. God has said, “I will live in them and will walk among them. I will be their God and they will be My people.” II Corinthians 6:16 NLV

Looking out the window, I see the full moon lowering its position in the sky. It’s just another reminder of the faithfulness of God. The sun rises and sets, the moon follows course. Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. The seasons change; the heavens rotate but the love of God remains the same.

Jesus met His heavenly Father in the garden, God the father met Adam and Eve in the garden. We all need a “garden” where we meet with God.

One of my favorite old hymns says just that, “In the Garden”.

“I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.”

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. ” Psalm 23:1-3 NLV

This weekend Dave and I will be getting away, spending time together and time alone in a garden. I’ll be back to blogging on Monday. I pray that you make a special time where you are alone with the Father this weekend. Listen for His voice, sense His presence, tarry there and experience His peace and joy!

Posted on

Good News Good News

We all like to receive good news but here we are not even two weeks into the new year, and I feel that some of you are struggling with an Eeyore complex.

It’s hard to see anything good – you’ve become discouraged and hope seems to be fading. Before you allow that kind of thinking to take root in your heart, stop and read the good news that God has for you today!

Most of you know someone who has all the characteristics of Eeyore. Gloomy, downtrodden, anxious, negative with low self-esteem. Then there’s Pooh – an encourager, looking for the best in everyone, a messenger of good news and hope.

Today, I will take on the role of Pooh.

” Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. 11 It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12  God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13  Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16  Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:10-17 CEV

In the Apostle Paul’s day there were definitely class distinctions – the religious and ruling class thought they were better than the more common people. Slaves were treated poorly and deemed to be in the lowest class by society.

But God…

chose each one of us to be His own and it’s His UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that gives us our worth. We are priceless to Him. He gave His all, His very life, to bring us to new life because of His sacrifice.

God loves you; He has chosen you; He has forgiven you. Christ made you part of His body and He gives you His peace. Because of Him you are worthy to be loved!

“ Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.” Romans 5:6-8 CEV

Good News – Good News! Christ died for you and you are deeply loved!

Posted on

Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

Posted on

Peace on Earth

The life of Jesus began and ended with a message of peace and the instruction to “fear not” and be brave.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

In light of all that is going on around the world today there is definitely a need for the Prince of Peace.

Can you imagine being a shepherd, probably dosing off for the night when the entire night sky lit up? Talk about UFO’s – this was an invasion! No place to run, no place to hide and then came the message:

” All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.”

13 Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” Luke 2:8-14 CEV

Don’t be afraid – Peace!

This isn’t just a nice little story in a nice little book – these shepherds were real people, and they came face to face with talking angels. Ya, that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

But what is it you’re facing today – a bad medical report, a falling marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…

Then listen to what Jesus said

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. 27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:26-27 CEV

and finally one of my favorites

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ERV

This morning as you are looking out on your world, be still and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress