Rest, Prayer & God's Love
"Rest, Prayer & God's Love"
Rest
Need a break? Most people do. In fact, if you ask people how they're doing they usually say,” I’m tired” or 'I'm busy”. Exhaustion seemed to be the general condition of life. But in the bible Jesus speaks to those whose exhaustion goes beyond the daily living. He offers hope for those whose lives have overcome them. Those who truly followed Jesus during His earthly ministry were an interesting bunch. Their lives were far from perfect. They knew they needed God's help, so they put their trust in Jesus and found the peace that they had not had for so long. And no matter how many people chose to accept Him, Jesus continued to give the opportunity to all who listened. God’s gift of rest for the weary and strength for those burdened by life is still offered today. Those who put their trust in Him will find rest and peace because God has promised to meet every need in our lives. But those who reject such a gift clearly reveal that they don’t believe He is who He says He is. Come to me all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest""(Matt 11:28) It is likely there are many in your life who need to accept Jesus offer of rest. You can help your friends and family members find hope and strength by showing them your true love for God. They simply need to see that you take your needs and problems to Jesus. When your life shows calmness that shows them the love and light of God shining through.
Prayers For God’s Glory
Have you ever felt as though you had to explain God's actions? For example, someone ask you, “If there is really a God why doesn't He stop world hunger? It's not uncommon to fear having to answer for God. Unfortunately this fear sometimes keeps us from telling people about our experiences with Him. But it doesn't have to be that way, God proved that in the bible. King Ahab and his wicked wife, Jezebel had led God's people to worship the gods of Jezebel. As punishment for their idolatry, God sent a three-year drought and famine resulted. But people refused to turn from their sin. God’s prophet Elijah finally called for a moment of decision. In the end the people knew there was only one God, mighty and powerful, and Elijah was His servant.” Answer me O Lord answer me, so these people will know that you O Lord are God and that you are turning their hearts back again"(I Kings 18:37). A lesson is found in Elijah's prayer. He asked God to show the people whom He was to glorify himself. Glorify means to make known or to reveal something or someone. Elijah’s prayer was important, “God let them see that You are real” He knew God could confirm His existence Himself. God responded to Elijah's prayer. Fire fell from heaven, the people believed in Him, and all the false prophets were destroyed. Elijah didn't have to prove anything he simply let God do it all. The result was a great spiritual victory. Sometimes we think we need to have all the answers when we really need to let God speak for Himself. After all He isn't dependent on us to prove Himself. He has many way of responding to people's tough questions. He might not send fire from heaven, but he will always answer prayers for His glory in His time and in His way. Often He will use you in ways you don't even realize. The next time you face the feeling that you have to answer for God simply ask Him to show you the best was to serve Him. He will take care of everything else.
Undeserved Love
Would you be willing to die in someone's place? Perhaps you might lay down your life for the people who love you: Parents, sibling or best friends. Now think of someone who doesn’t seem to like you at all someone who often makes your life difficult. Would you sacrifice yourself for that person? Though most people wouldn't want to die for an enemy, King David was willing to do just that. His son, Absalom had tried to kill him and take over the throne. Yet David cared so deeply for this son that he would have given his life to protect him." The king was shaken; He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went he said:"O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom!
If only I had died instead of you-O Absalom, my son, my son;(I Samuel 18:33) Romans 5:10 reveals that we all were once enemies of God. Like Absalom we were full of sin and rebellion. We didn't deserve God's love. Yet the Lord looked at us through the tender eyes of a father. Then He willingly died in our place, Amen.
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