DAY OF REST, APRIL 11, 2010

Submitted by Wheeler on Sun, 04/11/2010 - 14:18 – No comments

Webster's Dictionary gives the definition of rest as: A cessation of all work, activity or motion. To stop work, place or lay.

Why is it we do not seem to be able to "Rest" anymore? We are told in the book of Genesis, Chapter 2 that God rested after the work of creation.

Genesis 2: 1-3; Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which had made.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 2:1-3 KJV

It is so important for us to take time to rest from our work as well. I work a very demanding job, and I have to take time to rest on the weekend. My day of rest is Sunday right now. We do go to church, but we do rest. I enjoy the afternoon of quiet and sharing here on Solomons Porch. Our minds and bodies need rest from the things of everyday. I try not to think about work at all on my day of rest. I can hear the phone ringing in the office, but Iet the answer machine get it. I will be back there on Monday soon enough.

I believe that God expected us to rest as He did. There are very good reasons for taking that time. We also can reflect on Him and what He has done in our lives, and what He wants us to do. Get out the Bible, spend some time in His Word to rest and still gain insight for the week ahead. This will also help you to start your new work week with a renewed mind and spirit. You will have a better outlook as the work week begins for you. We all have different times that this may be, but we can all adjust the rest time to our particular lifestyle. I want to share a beautiful song of rest with you from my little book I got from Scotland. Father, lead me, day by day, Ever in Thine own sweet way; Teach me to be pure and true; Show me what I ought to do. When in danger, make me brave; Make me know that Thou canst save; Keep me safe by thy dear side; Let me in thy love abide.

When I'm tempted to do wrong, Make me steadfast, wise and strong; And, when all alone, I stand, Shield me with Thy mighty hand. When my heart is full of glee, Help me to remember Thee, Happy most of all to know That my Father loves me so. May I do the good I know, Be Thy loving child below, Then at last go home to Thee, Evermore Thy child to be. John Page Hopps, 1834-1912

I pray you have a week of peace in whatever job you do. As you work, remember to do your job as unto the Lord. I beleive this will help us to have rest and peace in all we do.

Please feel free to contact me anytime for Prayer needs or concerns. My email is: nadinewhlr77@gmail.com or NWheeler1971@aol.com

Take a day of rest this week, spend it with God. Read the Bible and listen to what His Word says to you. May God bless your week ahead.

Nadine Wheeler

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL IN LIFE?, JANUARY 26, 2012

Submitted by Wheeler on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 17:06 – No comments

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Anyone familiar with business management knows about setting goals--attainable, measurable,challenging goals. Christians who are passionate about growing spiritually also can benefit from setting goals. Good spiritual goals encourage us to move forward. They deal with the future.

January is a time many people assess their past year and make plans for their new year. As we do so, we can be sure some things will change. We can expect change because we live in a changing world. Everything around us changes, and we change too. Too often Christians accept spiritual mediocrity rather than follow the Holy Spirit into spiritual excellence. Paul had many good things to say about how the Thessalonian Christians had lived. Yet Paul knew also they could grow even more in their faith. He wanted the Thessalonian believers to excel spiritually.

All Christians are to strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Paul knew the Thessalonian Christians as a rule already were doing this. He wanted to encourage them to please God even more. In no way was Paul demeaning the spiritual strides they had made. Rather he urged them (and us, by virtue of our studying this passage) to move forward to greater examples of obedience to the Lord's commands. For most Christians, a lack of obedience to Christ and not a lack of knowledge is what hinders our spiritual growth.

Christians should consider four factors in seeking to learn the will of God: (1) listening to the Holy Spirit as they study God's Word; (2) asking for counsel from mature, godly Christians; (3) using some God-given common sense; and (4) obeying God's will once they've discerned it. In verse 3, God's will is for us to be sanctified. Being sanctified involves being set apart and dedicated to God. A sanctified life is one dedicated to reflecting God's character and commands. Any Christian who desires to excel in his or her walk with the Lord must take this command seriously.

What is your goal in life? As Christians, we can set a goal of developing a lifestyle that would commend the gospel to others. We might not realize it, but someone is listening to what we say, watching how we act, and taking note of how we work. People need to see the gospel fleshed out in Christians' everyday lives. Will we show them God's love?

I hope you take time to read the scripture for this devotional. It is time to set a goal in our walk with the Lord. I am sorry for not having a devotional for 2 weeks, I have been healing from a flu virus and was not well at all. Praise the Lord, He is faithful and His Word is true as I am up and going again.

I hope your week ahead is full of joy and God's blessings. Please feel free to contact me through the email address: nadinewhlr77@gmail.com

Remember Jesus loves you and so do I.

His Servant,

Nadine