“Come to Me”

(Matthew 11: 28-30, The Message) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

If you have come to the place where you are so tired that you’re saying it every day, and you’re dreading doing the things that you once loved to do, then you’ve gone too far for too long. 

When we think about strongholds in our lives, our minds typically go to the “big” things like anxiety, depression, or addiction (to name a few), but did you know that being overtired can also be a stronghold over you?  A stronghold is something that is part of your life that you cannot seem to bring under control.  Strongholds are lies told by Satan, with which we have come into agreement.  These things take hold of parts of (or even all of) our lives, and we have adopted them as our norm.  Becoming too tired is a direct result of overcommitting and lack of self control.  We have to learn, at some point, to use wisdom when we are asked to do things.  We have to ask ourselves, “Is this too much for me right now?  Can I fully embrace this commitment with a Godly spirit of excellence?  Am I saying yes to this because of my flesh or because of my spirit?”  The lie here (that becomes a stronghold in our lives) is that if we say no we are not being good friends, children, spouses, parents, employees, or even Christians. 

The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”  Every lie that Satan tells is evident when we recognize that if it is contrary to the word of God, if it keeps us from knowing and serving God with full and complete joy, then it is a LIE!  We have to expose these lies for what they are, and cast them down, as we have been given all of the power and authority by Jesus Christ to do! 

Being continually beat down, tired, sluggish and stressed is NOT part of God’s will for your life…nor for any of our lives.  It is bondage.  It keeps us from Him, it keeps our family lives in disarray, it tears down our physical wellness, and it slows our minds…leaving us vulnerable to spiritual and mental attacks from the enemy. 

So what do we do about it?  Well first of all, say no…and say it a lot, at least for a while.  Slow down and breathe.  Take time to enjoy things and people again.  Mediate on the word of God and ask the Lord to reveal the things in your life that have led you into bondage and allowed this stronghold to be built.  Then tear that sucker down!  Replace it with the good things that God intends for our lives, and make the Lord your fortress and shield against these kinds of attacks on your spirit. 

Remember 2 Timothy 1:7… “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  We have power over the enemy when we recognize his wiles and reject his lies. 

Today and every day, begin anew, with a refreshed spirit and a new perspective on how you intend to lead your life from this point forward.  We have to be our best selves if we want to make any sort of difference in this world. 

St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Do few things but do them well.  Simple joys are holy.”  There is something quite sacred about taking the time to experience joy, and to be clear and focused enough to do few things with great excellence.  The result is a tremendous testimony and a positive witness to the grace and blessings that come from God our Father.  Do not let Satan lie to you any longer.  You do not have to be so tired. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I cast down the strongholds of stress and exhaustion in my life and I replace them with joy and rest.  Thank you for making me whole, for giving me peace, and for helping me have the wisdom to see the lies of the enemy and the boldness to say no to the things that will cause me to become burned out and exhausted.  I embrace your perfect will for my life.  Amen.

Who Needs Sleep Anyway?

(Psalm 77: 2-9, ESV)  2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago. 6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: 7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? 8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

I have struggled with insomnia all of my life, it seems.  I remember as far back as four years old just lying awake, staring at the ceiling, heart racing, mind reeling.  I would think of all the things that were bothering me, or things that happened throughout the day, and even as a small child I would wonder what I could have done differently.  Over the years, that has never changed.  My sleepless nights have often been due to anxious thoughts and feelings.  The subject matter has evolved as I have matured, but the cause of my lost sleep has always been the same thing…anxiety. 

Anxiety is defined, in short, as excessive uneasiness, nervousness, and/or worry.  Sometimes it’s temporary, caused by one single event or problem, but other times our anxiety is a recurring condition.  When worries take over our hearts and minds, things start to happen with our bodies as well.  Stress and worry affects our digestive and cardiovascular systems, it disrupts sleep, it can affect our hormones, causing reproductive issues, and it can lower the entire immune system leaving our bodies vulnerable to a myriad of illnesses and ailments. 

Beyond all of that, the emotional and spiritual affects of anxiety can be crippling.  Not only does it hold us prisoner to our thoughts and emotions, but it also erodes our personal relationships with friends and family.  It even interferes with our connection to God.  We begin to feel far away from Him, imagining that somehow He has found Himself willing to leave us…and that’s just crazy thinking! 

So how do we combat this epidemic of the mind?  We have to take charge of our thinking…align our thoughts with scripture…with what we know to be true.

(Psalm 77: 10-12, ESV) 10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.  

God has proven Himself, and sometimes, because we are human and doubtful by nature, we have to remind ourselves just who our Creator is and remember all of His marvelous works.  When we truly put Him first, worshipping and honoring Him with our lives, we take the focus away from all of the things that keep us up at night, and we are able to reclaim our peace.

Philippians 4: 4-7 (The Message) says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I recognize anxiety for what it is.  I take charge of my thoughts and feelings, and rather than fret over things that are out of my control, I choose to celebrate YOU and all of the wonderful things that You have done.  Thank You for rest.  Thank You for peace.  I claim them both in faith.  Amen.

I’m Tired Now…

“Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-7)

When I was a child I never understood why the adults in my life were always so tired. Although I was not as active as some children, it seemed that I had never-ending reserves of energy, both physical & mental. Bedtime was torture to me because I was never tired and I would often stay awake until the sun came up, playing in my room or reading long after I had been instructed to go to bed. So when adults talked about how they were too tired, worn out, or just needed time to unwind for a bit, I simply didn’t get it.

At 35, I am still a young man but it is an undeniable fact that my limitless days are behind me. I’ve begun to realize that I cannot possibly do and experience everything I would like to do. Time, money, physical strength, and mental vigor are all limited resources that must be jealously guarded and wisely utilized. And there are times when no matter how careful I am, by the end of the day I feel like I’ve been running for three years, two months, fourteen days and sixteen hours.

I get it now. 

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul was writing to a church that had been through a lot. He describes their situation as one of persecution, hardship, and injustice.  But the awesome part is that the adversity they had faced had not worn them down and defeated them. On the contrary, their faith was flourishing, their love for each other was growing, and they were held up as examples of endurance and faithfulness. What an impressive report!

How were they able to do this? I can tell you it wasn’t by any human effort. We are capable of amazing feats of strength and endurance, but eventually we all reach our limit. Our bodies break down, our willpower fades, and determination falters.

The good news for us is that like the church of Thessalonica, God is there to provide us with rest.  When we have pushed as far as we can go, God is waiting to give us some relief. He will supply times of refreshing and rejuvenation that will allow us to continue running your race with renewed strength.

In the Old Testament, we see how God was careful to provide rhythms of life by establishing regular sabbaths, festivals, and times of jubilee. He wanted his people to have times when they could rest and recharge. And when our lives are over and we have accomplished all that we have been put on this earth to do, he has promised us eternal rest with him in heaven.

If you are tired, stretched too far, or just worn slap out, I encourage you to ask God for some of that rest that he promised us and he will be faithful to sustain you. You don’t have to do it on your own, and when you are finished with your work, there’s a heavenly hammock waiting on the other side!

PRAYER: Father, I pray for all those who are sick, heartbroken and weary from the circumstances of their lives. I pray that your Holy Spirit would comfort them, and fill them with your strength and power. Help them to find rest and refreshment…physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

Take a Chill Pill!

(Mark 6:30-32 HCSB) 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place…

Life is busy. Very busy. Mark 6 records  a season of faced-paced transition. Jesus commissioned the disciples, John the Baptist was martyred, crowds were following the disciples asking for prayer; healings were common, demons were cast out, and people were rejoicing over the wonderful works being done in their lives. The disciples were involved in all aspects of the ministry. Jesus trusted them to do his bidding, and they were working hard to spread the positive message of Christ. They were moving at a frenetic pace.

When they reunited with Jesus, he must have recognized their fatigue. He invited them to come away from the crowd in order to replenish their strength and spiritual energy. He encouraged them to rest for a while. Mark records, “they did not even have time to eat.” At the suggestion of Jesus, “they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place…”

Consider these important observations.

• Spiritual activity can be exhausting! I’m reminded of the Brownsville Revival phenomenom of a few years back. People traveled from all over the world to visit this powerful move of God. Yet, as the revival continued, many of those involved in the logistics of the meeting became weary. Families were negatively impacted by the immense investment of time required to produce such an extended event. It is possible to over extend our energies even when doing good things.
• Need never ends. There are times when the needs of the people must become the priority. Before Jesus and the disciples were able to rest they had to feed 5000 people, not counting the women and children. Every day has the potential to produce multiple opportunities to meet needs. Our human minds and bodies are not made for constant activity, especially when it comes to bearing the burdens of others. Even though it goes against our desire to help others, we cannot constantly be on call.
• Rest is essential. Our human minds and bodies are designed to work at their full potential when they are rested. Fatigue prevents us from thinking clearly, working diligently, and caring deeply. Jesus knew that! He often withdrew from the crowds to replenish his body and spirit. Prayer, sleep, nutrition, and relaxation are all vital elements to holistic living.
• Self-realization is important. In this instance, Jesus realized the energy level of the disciples and the need for them to take some personal time. It was He who called them aside for quiet time. With that said, no one knows you as well as you do! I know when I’m tired. I can sense when my mind is not functioning properly because of fatigue. Guilt is unproductive when rest is needed. We should not feel bad about needing to get away. Balance is the key.

What about you? Are you tired? Have you been trying to do too much? Have you over extended yourself on behalf of others? If so, take the necessary steps to correct it. Get some rest. Take a nap. Have a good meal. Treat yourself to some ice cream. Pet your cat! Take a chill pill! It will be good for you, and it will extend your ability to be effective.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for rest! Help me to take full advantage of the opportunities to replenish my spirit, soul, and body so I can always be at my best for you! Amen.

Nasty Bread…

(Psalm 127:1-2 ESV) 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Have you ever eaten moldy bread? I remember preaching a sermon a few years ago about the bread of life. In the sermon, I told a story about how I made a sandwich with moldy bread. Of course, I was not aware that the bread was moldy; I just didn’t see it because the mold was turned to the inside of the sandwich. Even though I could not see it, I almost gagged on the hairy texture of the mold. Needless to say, the experience left a bad impression and removed any desire to eat sandwiches for a while.

Psalm 127 describes a different type of nasty bread. It is the bread of anxious toil. The King James version calls it “the bread of sorrows.” The NIV speaks of “toiling for food to eat,” while the NLT simply describes the process of “anxiously working for food to eat.” The bottom line? We can get caught in a cycle of working with great anxiety just to provide the basic necessities of life.

Do you ever feel like that? In our society, it seems impossible to catch up; much less, get ahead. We work endlessly just to pay the bills. And this is true of every area of our lives; relationships, careers, house work, child rearing, etc. Our schedules stay full with things that steal our joy.

It would benefit us to consider the wise words of Solomon that remind us of some very important details.

• God is the builder of the house. He has a plan for each of our lives. We experience our greatest joys when we align our lives with His purpose. To try to build anything different than our Creator has in mind is vain labor and will not produce anything but nasty bread.
• God watches over the city. Just like God keeps His eyes upon the city, He watches over you and me. He never slumbers or sleeps. He is always aware of every detail. Why then, should I “stay awake” to worry about the things He is guarding?
• He gives His beloved sleep. Solomon knew the negative power of stress and reminds us that rising up early and going to bed late only produces nasty bread. Instead, rest in the fact that God is directing your path and rewarding your trust with divine favor. When you trust Him you will sleep better, and therefore, counteract stress.

If given the choice to eat fresh bread or nasty bread, I will choose the fresh bread every time! Likewise, when considering the spiritual, I want to make choices that will eliminate the nasty, and instead, produce the tasty morsels of godly favor. How about you?

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PRAYER: I’m hungry for the good things you have prepared for me. Build my house; watch over and guard me through the seasons of life; help me to rest in the assurance that You have good intentions to bless me abundantly. Amen.

“Everything the light touches…”

(Deuteronomy 6: 10-12)  10 When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

In life we have “sweet spots.”  You know, those times we all look forward to, when life is just a little easier, a lot more fun, and things seems to roll on by like a peaceful stream…birds are chirping, sun is shining, light breeze in the air.  Life is just cooperating with you!

During these times, it’s easy to take it all for granted…especially when you’ve been through some really difficult spells, because you’re just so relieved to be out of the wilderness.  However, we must remember that nothing we have or experience would exist if not for the grace and love of God.  He’s been merciful to us, and not without reason. 

1.  We have a commission:  (Matthew 28: 19-20) 19 ”Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  
2. We have a commandment:  (John 13: 34-35)  34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Times of rest and respite from hardship are a blessing, and it is during this time that we are able to be an even greater blessing to others than ever before.  Everything within our reaches, all that is accessible, every resource and belonging…it all comes from the hand of God.  Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” 

I can’t help but think of the scene from The Lion King when Mufasa and Simba are watching the sun rise over the Savannah from Pride Rock and Mufasa says to his little prince, “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.”  This is our reality when we are walking in the blessing and favor of God.  We have the world at our fingertips, and that is not something to be squandered or taken lightly.  So yes, rest…relax…breathe deep and enjoy the goodness of life while you are able to do so, but also share, bless, love and…well…do your job!  If you see need, respond.  Speak positivity into negative situations.  Use your testimonies to encourage the lowly.  Give of your time, your money, your listening ears, your gifts and abilities, and your energy to make “everything the light touches” (the kingdom) bigger…stronger…until the love of God, the light of the world, touches every heart and life. 

(Matthew 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

And isn’t that “end” what we long to see?  But until then, we have work to do!  And just as you would do at any job, take that much-needed break…then get up, with a renewed mind and spirit, and boldly share the love and word of God…using all of the excess and abundance as kingdom resources.  We can’t get lazy now, and we certainly cannot forget that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for provision and rest.  Thank you that through your grace and mercy I am delivered from the bondage of sin and darkness.  Let me be a light that shines bright for your glory, using every blessing in my life to spread that light.  Amen.

Who Needs Sleep Anyway?

Psalm 77: 2-9 (ESV)  2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago. 6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: 7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? 8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

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I have struggled with insomnia all of my life it seems.  I remember as far back as four years old just lying awake, staring at the ceiling, heart racing, mind reeling.  I would think of all the things that were bothering me, or things that happened throughout the day, and even as a small child I would wonder what I could have done differently.  Over the years, that has never changed.  My sleepless nights have often been due to anxious thoughts and feelings.  The subject matter has evolved as I have matured, but the cause of my lost sleep has always been the same thing…anxiety. 

Anxiety is defined, in short, as excessive uneasiness, nervousness, and/or worry.  Sometimes it’s temporary, caused by one single event or problem, but other times our anxiety is a recurring condition.  When worries take over our hearts and minds, things start to happen with our bodies as well.  Stress and worry affects our digestive and cardiovascular systems, it disrupts sleep, it can affect hormones causing reproductive issues, and it can lower the entire immune system leaving our bodies vulnerable to a myriad of illnesses and ailments. 

Beyond all of that, the emotional and spiritual affects of anxiety can be crippling.  Not only does it hold us prisoner to our thoughts and emotions, but it also erodes our personal relationships with friends and family.  It even interferes with our connection to God.  We begin to feel far away from Him, imagining that somehow He has found Himself willing to leave us…and that’s just crazy thinking! 

So how do we combat this epidemic of the mind?  We have to take charge of our thinking…align our thoughts with scripture…with what we know to be true.

10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.  -Psalm 77: 10-12 (ESV)

God has proven Himself, and sometimes, because we are human and doubtful by nature, we have to remind ourselves just who our Creator is and of all of His marvelous works.  When we truly put Him first, worshipping and honoring Him with our lives, we take the focus away from all of the things that keep us up at night, and we are able to reclaim our peace.

Philippians 4: 4-7 (The Message) says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

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Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I recognize anxiety for what it is, I take charge of my thoughts and feelings, and rather than fret over things that are out of my control, I choose to celebrate YOU and all of the wonderful things that You have done.  Thank you for rest.  Thank you for peace.  Amen.

They Beheld God

(Exodus 24:9-11 ESV) “9 Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, 10 and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. 11 And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank.”

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Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel were given an opportunity very few people have experienced. They beheld God!

Most scholars agree that what they saw was a real, albeit, obscured vision of God. Other passages of Scripture make it clear that no man was permitted to see God in His fulness. When God revealed His glory to Moses, He only showed His back because Moses would not have been able to behold God’s face and live to tell about it. What these individuals saw was a partial vision focused on the sapphire stone on which the feet of God stood.

Notice, they ate and drank after their vision of God. It caused them to experience peace concerning the future, and prepared them for the revelation of God’s plan for Israel. He was about to release detailed plans about preparing a place where His glory could dwell perpetually.

As I thought about this, I was reminded of times in my own life where I felt God’s presence. Obviously, I did not see God. But, I felt His spirit as close as if He were standing visibly beside me. It was as though I could reach out and touch Him.

God is still revealing His glory to mankind. We see Him in the various movements of life. Every challenge that we overcome points to His goodness. Every blessing provides hope for the future. Every breath is evidence of His constant presence.

It is so easy to focus on negative things; to lose sight of God’s involvement in our lives. But, God is calling us higher. He wants us to rest in the knowledge that He is near, and He is interacting in love with His own people.

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PRAYER: Lord, Your presence is heaven to me! Just to see you is the desire of my heart today. Reveal Your glory through the movements of life today, and allow me to rest in your provision. Amen.

Fly Away

(Psalm 55:6-8 ESV) “6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 7 yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah 8 I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.””

The Orchard Child Care children have adopted a dove that sits in a nest under the drive thru at church. They call her Mamasita!

The dove family has taken up residence there for the last 5 years. Like clockwork, when the weather begins to change from winter to spring, they construct their nest on top of the brick column in the corner. The location of the nest is perfect. It is shaded from the sun and the column provides a shield from the wind and rain.

Seemingly, the dove has nothing to worry about. Even so, the nest is located in a very busy location. It sits above the mailbox so there is a lot of activity. The mail lady drives her truck up to the box and creates chaos by opening a closing the mailbox doors. Then, the church secretary comes out and opens and closes the boxes. I usually go to the same location to retrieve my personal mail shortly after. Finally, the children come looking, and shouting their greetings to Mamasita. Safe, but far from peaceful.

This year has been a hard year for the dove family. Mamasita laid her eggs, but somehow one of the eggs rolled out of the nest and smashed onto the driveway. The second egg hatched, but the baby died shortly after. In the midst of such chaos, Mamasita sits peacefully in her nest.

When I observed her today, I couldn’t help but think of the words of the Psalmist who said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 7 yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah 8 I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”

The Psalmist acknowledges that we will have times when we want to simply fly away and be at rest. But, Mamasita has taught me to settle in, rest, wait and know that it will be alright. I’m safe in the Father’s care.

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PRAYER: Father, I will rest in your care today. I won’t run or fly away… I’ll simply wait in peace as you work your will for my life. Amen.