A Place Of Rest

I watched a sermon a few days ago; one that was actually the launch service of the new church planted by a former pastor. In fact, this is his third (although it feels like it's number 4 for some reason) church launch since we've been in a church he has pastored.

The sermon, though, was on rest... particularly, the Israelite nation before crossing into the promised land, rested at Gilgal. It was an incredibly timed Word, as to what God accomplishes when we experience times of rest. In fact, it's amazing how much harder things are when one is not rested or does not experience times of rest.

My body was playing catch-up this weekend. I've had a nasty kink in my neck for a few days that wouldn't go away. I had three or four nights in row where I didn't feel that I slept all that well, and certainly didn't get enough. One night, while debating if I was going to put a show on Netflix while in the living room or in bed, I fell asleep on the couch! Realized this moment at 2:50 in the morning. I'm praying nobody noticed it in that morning's prayer, as it was difficult to not close my eyes as I typed. So, you can imagine... by yesterday morning, I was in no rush to get out of bed. In the afternoon, when my monster headache suggested taking a nap, I didn't argue. The body knows, and if you don't get the hint, you won't have much choice in the matter.

Needless to say, while the rest was good, I was neither effective nor efficient. However, if rest doesn't happen, one will rarely return to state of effective and efficient. We all need times of respite and retreat, so that we can go back out and engage and conquer. The enemy of our souls would like nothing more than to wear us down into oblivion. But God has plans to prosper; for a hope and a future. If we will but cast our cares upon Him and find rest in Him for our souls. Whether in the pew or behind the pulpit, may we each take that time.

Starting NOW!

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for those in need of a great rest. For Pastors and church leaders, like what unfolded a week ago, may they not find themselves "leading on empty", nor moving forward on past successes. Pray a refreshing and a rejuvenation experience, as they come to God with their burdens and heavy hearts and lay them at the feet of Jesus. May their be deep rest; whereby God would accomplish the miraculous, as they remember some things, as perhaps God has to take away a few things, as God may need to restore some things. For whatever needs to transpire, may they return energized and empowered, ready to do the work God has called them to, as they set out to accomplish great exploits for the kingdom of God.

Refreshed
Revitalized
Renewed...
By the strength of His hand
For the glory of God.

​- PNC

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