Be at Rest

So many things going on. So much to do. So many responsibilities. An event here, an event there. Taking care of kids, studying, working, planning. The list goes on and on and so often we can be caught up in the laundry list of tasks, opportunities, events and responsibilities that life throws at us. What I want to remind us all of this week is that in the midst of the storm, there is always the peace of God.

In Matthew 8, when Jesus spoke to his disciples in the midst of the storm, he wasn't frantically trying to muster up faith within them or calm them down. Interestingly enough, he really wasn't even interested in stopping the storm; if you'll recall, he was asleep. Asleep! In the middle of massive storm! How?! Plain and simple, he knew in whom His trust was placed: the Father. Jesus gave us a clear example of having peace in the midst of the storm, but we also see in his life that the priority was already set for Him to be at peace when the storm came. In the midst of everything he continued to pray, seek the Father, and know His will. That's the challenge that lies before us as 21st century, believers in the American church. We must learn to put aside the distractions and look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

As you go about the task and responsibilities and even the fun things in life, don't lose your focus. By maintaining your focus the promise of the word is that the peace of God would guard our hearts and minds. Why? Because we rest in knowing who He is and who we are in Him. That scripture (Philippians 4:6-7) begins by telling us that if we would '... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God...', then the peace that passes understanding would guard our hearts and minds by Christ Jesus. Making our requests known to God with thanksgiving in this verse shows that we realize that all we have need of is in Him and that if we're in Him, we'll ask the right questions, desire the right things and line up whatever in our lives is out of step with His will, according to His word.

In the midst of any storm that comes, whether it seems to be good or bad, be at rest. Not because you sit down to do nothing, but because you cease from your works to lay hold of His. In so doing, the peace of God will truly guard your heart and mind.

Preparing for Worship (by Debra Walters)

In order to be adequately prepared to worship, we must look at praise and worship as a lifestyle, not as a genre. We worship in many ways: through relationships, through our giving, at work, and through our actions. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

The praise that emerges from our actions should match, if not exceed, the praise that comes out of our lips. Our lives should continuously be a song of praise. That song of praise is a reflection of a heart of gratitude; gratitude for life, forgiveness, and for each new thing that God does daily in our lives. (Matt. 12:34b “Out of the Overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”) By reminding ourselves daily of the goodness of God, our hearts will be filled with gratitude and ready to worship at any time. Focusing on Him, instead of on ourselves, helps us achieve that heart

We must make a conscious choice to worship, understanding that we have a big God who wants our worship. We have to recognize that praise does not depend on how we feel (which changes), but on who He is (which does not change). Therefore, our praise should always be great because He is always great.

What are some reasons to worship? You are alive and you know Him. That is reason enough. As I see others navigating life confused and unable to understand God, I am thankful that I know him. Last night, as we were taking a drive, Eric and I were discussing our family’s events of the past year (the birth of our son and loss of an income). At one point I asked him, “Can you imagine going through this without God?” NO WAY! God is the only reason we stand. (Psalm 103 “Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits.”)

Should preparing our hearts to worship take three days of soul searching and reflecting? No. Is it an uber (super or ultra) spiritual experience? No. We should live in such a way that at any time we can go on and on about the faithfulness of our Daddy. Let’s live a life so simple and distraction-free that we can remain aware of who God is, being ready and willing to humble ourselves and pour out our lives in praise. Understanding where we could be and who we would be if it were not for His grace. That is reason enough to shout, cry, jump, and just all-out express ourselves!

Let’s prepare our hearts not just for Sunday worship, but for continuous worship. What we do publicly on Sundays is just a small spec of the life of worship, not the epitome. If we learn to live a life of worship, our job on Sunday will be as natural as breathing.

Self-Discipline

The topic of self-discipline is not high on the priority list for most of us as believers, but it's one of the keys to fulfilling the purpose of God. Often times we hear that topic mentioned and most of us immediately think of an army drill sergeant, a combat soldier, a world class weightlifter or gymnast, etc. Our thoughts are correct that these are people with great self-discipline, but we need to receive that same spirit when it comes to the Kingdom of God. The reality about most of us is that when we choose not to walk in self-discipline, we are left to be disciplined from an outside source.

Consider a child who disobeys. Due to immaturity and the sin nature a child needs to be disciplined and corrected on very basic issues that we all would agree on: respect others, obey God, obey those in authority, don't steal, don't write on the wall with crayons :-), etc. Without this external discipline, children won't get to the point of self-discipline in these areas. Over time our expectation is that through external discipline, children will come to self-discipline. Come on, how many of you really expect a co-worker to throw a tantrum with the boss, take a highlighter and start writing notes on the wall or show up to work an hour late because they were enjoying a TV show and some really good cereal. Clearly, self-discipline is much more than a 5am workout, boot camp, a weightlifting regiment or being obcessive compulsive about everything. It encompasses every area of life and includes things like making the decision to do the right thing, accomplishing necessary tasks, remaining faithful to the commitments you've made, and most of all obeying the word of God. Jesus made a powerful statement in John 8:31-32:
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My
disciples indeed.
32"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (NKJV)

By calling the 12 disciples what he did - DISCIPLES, and then saying in Matthew 28:18-20 that they were to go and make disciples (you and I), discipline was forever established as a characteristic that followers of Jesus Christ should have. Jesus knew that He was going to pour out the Holy Spirt which would empower us to do all that he had called us to do, so when He spoke those powerful words in John 8:31-32, He didn't ask us to do an impossible thing. What he was calling us to do was to bring our flesh under subjection so that we could abide (continue) in His word in order to be true disciples and then come to know the truth and it would make us free. Free to do what? I dare say that the 'what' is His will.

Realize today that God's purpose is there in each of our lives, but the step of self-discipline must be taken to fulfill it. Never allow yourself to be one who needs a lot of outside maintenance. Choose to be low-maintenance and high impact. God has given us his Spirit to guide us and direct us in all things and thankfully if we ever get off track, we have the family of God to help keep us on the straight and narrow. Rejoice that God can provide outside forces such as brothers, sisters, leaders, pastors, etc. in order to help you maintain discipline, but always look to be self-disciplined by the power of Holy Spirit. Greater fruit always comes when we choose the path of obedience and discipline without having to be nudged back onto the path by others. We accomplish more when we don't have to spend a lot of time being corrected. Better to hear the word and obey the first time than to walk in error and waste time that can never be recaptured.

My word in short: embrace the grace to be self-disciplined.

Returning Soon

Sorry I didn't put out any fresh material this week; I was on vacation with my family in south Florida. Look for more encouraging and challenging words next week.

Have a great day!