Do as I say or as I do?

But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45

Jesus' disciples, namely James and John, decided to "tell" Jesus what they wanted. They desired prominent positions with Him in eternity. Jesus reminded them that they were neither called nor prepared to those positions. Jesus would go on to explain that the way leaders act in this world, "lording" authority over people and stepping over anyone and everyone to rise above is NOT the way of a follower of Christ! True "servant-leadership" in the Body of Christ is about stepping into a God-given and equipped role and sharing that vision and serving in that capacity with compassion and commitment for the people. Great leaders go to great lengths for those in their authority. The way a leader lives has more impact than what a leader says or does. (Titus 1:5-9). Christ followers are all leaders in the way we live. The world is watching. . . a world in dire need of a Savior. What are we showing them?

Win, Lose, or COMPETE?

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

We really have it twisted in this world....We celebrate the CHAMPIONS with parades, parties, and oversized trophies. On the other extreme we give EVERYONE an award for simply participating! I may be wrong, but it is the WAY we compete that matters, not necessarily where we finish. I believe that is what Paul is saying in the verses above. Let's face it, there are times when we just face stiffer competition and we will lose the match, the game, or the challenge, yet if we COMPETE to the best of our ability then that's all we can do! Compete in such a way as to achieve the goal . . . for the CHRISTian this would be to carry out God's will for ones life. Paul knew his role: Preach the true and living Gospel. What is your role . . . my role for God? If I do my part and you do your part, then God's agenda will be accomplished. I cannot do what you can do and we all cannot be first. Simply COMPETE to the best of our abilities. COMPETE!!!!!

A Valued Asset

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.(Ephesians 2:8-10)

I will always remember early on in my CHRISTian walk when I was told, "We are saved to do good works for God: we do not do good works for God to save us!" Paul is so very clear here in his letter to the Ephesians. God saved us, we had nothing to do with it! He called us and He saved us. Like Paul in Acts (Acts 9:1-15), somehow He got our attention and we responded. Now that we are saved by GRACE, we are to not only graciously honor the Lord with our actions, but be deliberate to do so in a way to show Christ to others that they may too "see" and experience Him! But are we doing that? Do we value God and people as much as He values us?

Truth

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.(John 1:1)

Since BEFORE anything was, God was and is . . . God, the Father, God the Son (the Word)and God the Spirit! God is a Spirit and that Spirit rules from heaven (the Father)and resides within every believer today (the Holy Spirit). The Son(the Word) which dwelt among us (John 1:14) was also with God "in the beginning" (Genesis 1:1-3)as God "spoke" the world (words)into existence! These words make our faith unique. While many believe in "a" God or God, not all believe that Jesus IS God and always has been God. We hold to this faith. (1 John 4:1-6) His sacrificial death upon the cross and resurrection from the dead frees us from sin and eternal death. Do not be swayed by the cultural pressures to believe a more casual God or less restrictive God. He does not change by the times. He is still Holy God and we are still accountable to His words. When Jesus came in the flesh the apostle John says the world did not recognize Him or comprehend Him. So it is today! Stand upon your faith!

Less Fear, Less Anxiety and More Trust

Fear seems to be everywhere today. We fear predicted storms and rush to prepare only to have the storm "miss". We fear certain cultures because of a few "bad apples". We get a pain in the body and fear the worst. The phone rings at a late hour and immediately we fear the worst. We worry when our kids go off to college or get married. We hear a bump or feel a jiggle on a plane ride and immediately we try to remember what the stewardess said about emergency evacuations. Fear . . . . Anxiety . . . Uncertainty . . . Yet we believers have THE Answer in our relationship with the Risen Savior! Despite the anxious moments, God IS in control!

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions;[a] if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” (John 14:1-4)

It's not that I never get anxious or worried. These past few months I have experienced a lot of both. However, it is increasing my time with God and my trust in Him. Am I where I need to be? No. Am I trusting Him more and more each day? Well, that is my prayer!

Ever Tell God "NO!"?

Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’(Jeremiah 6:16)

Ever tell God, "NO!"? C'mon, be honest . . . We do it all the time and don't even realize it. From the simple thing like breaking a promise we made to eat better or exercise more often to not tithing properly. We do not see the real consequences at the time, but when we do, we realize it quite clearly! Here in Jeremiah, God was very clear about the "calamity" that would come from consistent disobedience. The Jews would be overtaken and taken into slavery. Have you and I ever been overtaken by our choices that we becomes enslaved in our sin and so,far from God that we don't know where we have ended up? Thank God for grace today! Because of the Savior, we can quickly repent and get back on track . . . and say to God, "We will walk in Your path!" Because of the Holy Spirit we are able to be convicted of our choices. We are redeemed and can be redeemed daily!!! Take time to evaluate choices today. Are we agreeing with God or arguing with God? Do we truly trust Him to make our paths straight! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Know It All or Know Him WHO Knows It All?

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:20-31)

Some are saying the recent solar eclipse across the U.S. is a "sign"! Scientists sought to explain it away through wise and learned astrological methods. Some seek a sign...some seek after wisdom . . . have we not heard this before? Yes, Christ IS returning soon! When? No one knows notr can anyone predict (Matthew 24:36). Yet we can tell by the "signs" of the times that it is sooner than it is later! (2 Timothy 3) Like Paul, I do not claim to be wise in the least. All I know is what God has allowed me to obtain and I trust He is indeed in control. I trust Him at His Word . . . Do you?

Servant-Leadership or Selfish-Leadership?

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

We hear it all the time within our church walls and as we chat among believers. However, do we really live these words out, especially in the secular world? Do the non-believers see us as their fellow servants, even their servants? Do we go beyond the call of duty to serve those even under our pay scale or do we simply "suck up" to the bosses to look better ourselves? Do we find ourselves only doing good deeds and sacrificing for those who can help us get ahead? This is not servant-leadership: it is selfish-leadership! Jesus took off His rabbinical robes, got in His knees, wrapped a slave's towel round His waist, and performed a servant's (slave's) duty for his students. Wow!!!!!!! What manner of man is this!?!?! Would to God that every believer would be as such so the dying world could embrace the Serving-Savior!

Never Give Up!

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.(Genesis 39:21)

Just a simple message today for anyone who is striving to honor the Lord yet still finding life a bit difficult. Maybe it's a new job or even the challenges of a job that you have been working for years. Perhaps it is a rebellious child causing heartache. It could be a health issue or simply a challenge to change habits. Nevertheless, take some comfort in knowing that as long as we are pushing to bring honor to the Lord and His very name, He will be with us and one day we will be glad we made the sacrifices. His mercy endures and His favor is everlasting. Read about Joseph and all his struggles. Whether he found himself in a deep in a dark well, in slavery, in jail, or in the throne room of Pharoah, He never gave up on God and God remembered . . .

Why Are We Struggling?

Negative talk. . .hardships . . . things happen that we do not like or do not expect to happen. God knew about them. While we may not invite them, we must encounter them! With God's help, we can and will get through them and if we follow His plan, all to His glory and our good! While many May quote Psalm 23, we find it hard to live out . . .

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.(Psalm 23:4)

Going through challenges and hardships can adversely change the way we live, the people we associate with, and our plans for the future. Yet we must find our strength and solace in Christ. This is how we grow in our "relationship," with Christ. It's when religion becomes a relationship and not a habit! Peter knows a bit about suffering for Christ. Read carefully . . .

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” As I Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.(1 Peter 4:12-19)

If we struggle . . . if we are to suffer . . . suffer for and because of Christ, not because we are against Him!

U. N. I . T. Y. ???????

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

One thing we as a Body need to reflect to this dark and daily worsening society in which we live is UNITY. U. N. I. T. Y. If we indeed are CHRIST followers and ONE as Paul describes above, than why do we hear and see so much DIS-unity from believers? What are we being taught? What and Whom/whom are we following? Walk in lowliness. Be gentle of Spirit. Show patience and self-control. Allow grace to reign in our hearts and actions. Be slow to become angry and bitter. Do not the sun go down on our anger. Seek reconciliation quickly. Bear with one another. Remember Who our Father is and honor Him! After all, there is only One Lord and Savior to Whom we are called and accountable!!! These are not simply suggestions family . . . these are things we are COMMANDED to do as disciples of Jesus Christ. As I close out the summer as far as jobs are concerned and go back to the classroom and coaching (disciple) clinics, my prayer is that I for starters can live a life so worthy of God that others will question their beliefs. I also pray that we the Body can become more unified under God's principles and pull away from the Prince of this world and his schemes to divide us!

Racism Has Only One Cure....

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.(Acts 8:2-8)

Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh to share God's Word. He did not believe they deserved grace. The disciples did not want Jesus to go through Samaria. Yet, when salvation was offered in both places, we read in God's Word that the people accepted His grace and repented. People were saved and baptized and began to follow Christ. After Stephen's death, the Christ followers were scattered, fearing the persecution led by Saul (Paul). Philip was led to Samaria, the same city Jesus visited in His journeys. (John 4) The Jews and Samaritans were still at odds spiritually and culturally. There were racial tensions between the two peoples. Yet this did not deter Philip from going. He did not let race, color, culture or anything else get in the way of his obedience as a Christ-follower. Wouldn't it be RIGHT if we too would be as obedient to the Word of God rather than the customs and teachings of man? Yes, we are TAUGHT prejudice and discrimination. We are TAUGHT racism. We are encouraged to PRACTICE hatred toward others. We CHOOSE sin! Just as we CHOOSE any sin, we can CHOOSE to REPENT and CHOOSE to follow Christ. There is no half-stepping allowed. There is not partial CHRISTian or Sunday CHRISTian. It's one or the other. One is racist or a CHRISTian. One hates and distrust certain people or loves as God loves, showing grace and mercy to all. One follows the teachings of CHRIST or the teachings of their culture. What are we today? Make a choice. Take a stand. But know this . . . GOD IS THE FINAL JUDGE!

A day for Jehovah-Nissi

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. (1Thessalonians 5:1"-25)

We live in some challenging times. One day we see someone heading into church and the next day we see them in a violent protest; screaming, cursing, insulting, beating ,and even murdering. While we realize these folks are not actual Christ-followers, we who are cannot sit idly by as if nothing is happening! We cannot hide in our CHRISTian closets and wait for Jesus to return. We are to take lead and not follow the culture or the crowd. We are lead in love yet warn the unruly. We are to avoid all and ny form of evil and hatred. We are to sanctified (set apart) and hold fast to what is good...not what is popular, degrading, hateful, or cultural accepatable. Our leaders MUST address the subject biblically and challenge the sheep to be obedient to the Word of God, not the words of politically charged groups. Our entire mind, body, and soul must remain blameless before God . . . because we WILL be held accountable! Please . . . let's pray for one another that we seek to honor God and the brotherhood . . . the CHRISTian brotherhood! There is no color, race, culture, or party above the blood of Jesus. If we claim Him to be our Lord and Savior, then we reject anything that is contrary to His Word. The road is narrow indeed . . . wide and easy, popular and exciting, is the road to destruction. On which road are we traveling today? For Whom/whom are we marching, demonstrating, and shouting? Whose/whose banner are upholding?

15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner;(Exodus 17:15)

Itching Ears, Wandering Eyes, and Walking Feet

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. (Hebrews 13:7-9)

God's Word will always be His Word. There will be no changing it. Yet many today seek a way out of the responsibilities of the CHRISTian life. The promised "abundant life" (John 10:10) is not a guarantee of big homes, fancy cars, world travel, and luxurious living. It is a promise of an eternal relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is an eternity of fellowship with the Creator, Ruler, and Savior of the world! Too many today are offering joy and happiness in this world in exchange for the selfless and sacrificial life the Bible describes for the disciple of Christ. Jesus came to serve, not be served (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45). Hebrews 11 is a litany of CHRISTian service and sacrifice. By faith we live, not by material wealth and position. I have witnessed so many leaving bible-teaching churches for churches with more "fluff". Folks chase degrees, positions, titles, and offices more than chasing to please Christ. I have heard the Bible rejected because it did not fit comfortably within a lifestyle or circumstance. As I have stated many times in the past, the culture does not dictate to Christ, but Christ still rules and reigns over any culture! Any practice outside of His standards is sin! Where do you stand today? You are free to choose; political parties, club memberships, fraternities, social societies, protest groups, and the like . . . As for me and my house . . . But as for me and my house, we will Serve the Lord! (Joshua 24:15)

Will We Accept the Challenge?

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.(Philippians 4:4-9)

It's a crazy world for sure. Up is now down and down is now up. What was once known as right is now wrong and the things that were once surely evil and sinful are now justified as acceptable. Preachers are leading people into sin in order that keep their positions of notoriety and true believers are hiding and retreating for lack of courage. Paul reminds us to stay focused upon the Truths we have learned and know to be true. Stay encouraged and stay in touch with God. DO the things we know are right to do and do not back down. Be at peace with God, not this world. It is a challenge that I accept.....what about you?

Itching Ears and Wandering Eyes

Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ Therefore hear, you nations, And know, O congregation, what is among them.(Jeremiah 6:16-18)

There are way too many voices today....in our world and in our churches. Way too many opinions. However, there is only ONE TRUTH! God's Word does not change for the culture. We cannot pick and choose what to believe and make things comfortable for ourselves and they way we choose to live. As in Jeremiah's day, people are saying, "We will not listen!" In various social media, I witness "believers" and so-called Christ-followers excusing things such as gay marriages, homosexual activity, varying roles of men and women in church leadership, greed and selfishness and more. They mis-quote scriptures to fit the situation or simply ignore scripture calling it irrelevant for today. Many leave bible-teaching churches for assemblies that have better choirs, more charismatic preachers, better programs and the like. Is it not about the TRUTH of the Word anymore? I do not want today's culturural christianity. I want what God wants!

A Rough Road

I ask you to please read with a prayerful heart until the end.

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Israel Rejects the Gospel How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”(Romans 13:13-18)

It is a struggle to be called to mission work within one's known community. People know the past. They see the everyday struggles. They observe failures and rejection. They cannot quickly recognize the Spirit's workings. What they often fail to realize is the call and the pull of God to serve and to see people come to Him! This is our twentieth year of serving teens and families in the DC Metro area. We were called in 1998. We both left our jobs by 2003. We have experienced a whirlwind of emotions and experiences; mission trips, world travel, tejection of friends and family, embraces of strangers, threatened foreclosure of our home, deaths and illnesses, and hundreds coming to embrace Christ as Lord and Savior!😊 We often doubt. We often celebrate. We often love. We pray diligently. We plead. We share. We are often too transparent and at times too withdrawn. It is a rough road for the evangelist/missionary. But we refuse to quit until God says it's done!

Rest?

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (Mark 6:30-32)

I read recently that a good rest for ministry workers is three to four months. This time is used for reading, planning, time with family, and prayer. However, after twenty years of serving teens and families with The Sparrows' Nest Ministrie, my wife and I have never had more than a week away. Even those weeks were with family and full of activity and very little rest! Everyone . . . especially every Christ follower, needs a time to stop and rest, reflect, and plan. Jesus said so. He told His disciples after so much activity that they needed to get to a deserted place and "rest a while"! There was so much coming and going that they did not even have time to eat! I have been there. I have forgotten to eat, exercise and even rest. It has shown in my health and family life. Please pray that my bride and I can take advantage of at least a few DAYS of rest. God bless . . . .

Sabbatical

This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”[a] 2 I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write[b] to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare— 3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified...(2 Corinthians 13:1-6)

A time to reflect....what are doing? Why? For whom?

...

on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. (Genesis 2:2-3)

Everyone needs a rest now and then. In many European countries, a vacation is mandatory! No wonder their divorce rates are much lower than the U.S.! We in this country tend to work more than we rest. We give up vacations to make money. We bring our work home. We keep close contact with employers and clients while we are "away". We are always in work mode! Though God did not need rest, He did. He did it as an example for us, I believe. Though He did not stop working (He kept creation in balance), He took time to enjoy His labor. We need rest. However, we can never take a rest from God or the things in which He gave us charge...worship,marriage,children,finances,home,etc. We must learn to seperate the important things in life...God, family, THEN work (job). Like God, we are always at work but we need to take time to enjoy the labor!

Living Out God's Timing

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. )Hebrews 13:5)

Do we really TRUST God? We say it often....but do we LIVE it? If Christ indeed lived for us, died for us (Romans 5:8), rose for us and promises to bring us to eternal life with Him, then WHY do we live such compromising lives?

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

He alone is the foundation to how we live. He is perfect in every way and HIs justice is perfect. While the world may not treat us fairly and we may seem as if we are losing and evil is winning, we MUST trust God at His Word. If God can be patient with us then we too need to allow Him to work out His plan without circumventing and compromising it.