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We’ve taken several weeks for this lesson on rest, but it was for a
specific reason I waited until the end of the year to share the final part of this series Ten Biblical Reasons for Rest and Relaxation.It was to prepare you for greater things as Jesus said, which leads us
to the tenth reason rest is vital in receiving favor from the Lord.
Resting
physically and spiritually leads us into worship.When we spend time in worship it develops
fellowship and trust with the Lord, which enables the vision He placed in us to
be birthed or reignited.
Rest
allows our minds to think better and brings clarity to the vision that is
within our hearts.I’d like to walk you
through how the plan of God is established through rest, belief, fellowship
with Him and abundant favor!
Our
lesson will take us to the past in order to see the future.
O
Little Town of Bethlehem
With
Thanksgiving falling later in the season, it seems that Christmas has been
rushed having less time to plan and gather our thoughts.From what I’ve been hearing and witnessing,
people are keeping it simple this year due to their lack of time to prepare and
sheer exhaustion.
Feelings
of anxiety and stress over events forthcoming isn’t new to mankind.When
we think back on the first Christmas, how much rest did anyone really get?
Looking
through the hourglass of time past, I can image the streets of Bethlehem
bustling with travelers from the corners of the earth, making their way into
the city in obedience to pay their taxes.
Street vendors, innkeepers, herdsmen, trades personnel, iron smiths, shops,
and townsmen were about to experience their version of Black Friday.
We
first learn about this small village called Ephrathah otherwise known as
Bethlehem, in Genesis 35:19 where Jacob buried his favored wife Rachel.It
was later mentioned by the prophet Micah when he foretold that a Messiah would
come from a small town that was tucked away between much larger territories.
“But
you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah (referred to as House of Bread), are only a small
village among all the people of Judah.Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the
distant past.
And
He will stand to lead His flock with the LORD’s strength, in the majesty of the
name of the LORD His God.Then His
people will live there undisturbed, for He will be Highly honored (favored)
around the world.And He will be the
source of peace.” (Micah 5:2-5 NLT)
The
prophet had vision for greater things that he couldn’t understand, but hoped
for by faith.God gave Micah favor into
seeing what was to come seven hundred years in the future because of his
fellowship with Him.
Micah’s
prophecy of the birth of Jesus is one of the most vivid pictures of the Prince
of Peace to come as described in chapter 5 verse 5.
Over
and over throughout the scriptures we keep reading about this little town that
may have seemed rather insignificant, but in reality, it was a well-spring that
surrounding areas desired then and still do today. Besides being able to grow an abundance of olives
for the oil supplied to the temple, Bethlehem played a key role in the citizens
having to return to their birth place for the census.
The Birth of Living
Water
There
was one huge problem that we learn from scriptures – Bethlehem is indeed small
in size, therefore, when travelers came places to stay filled up quickly
sending them to surrounding areas.This
led to additional issues that had nothing to do with the little town.
Did
you know that Bethlehem’s natural aquifer is the mainstay for all sources of
water for Israel?It was then and is the
same in this modern age.Located near
the Dead Sea (which means Sea of Salt as mentioned in Genesis 14:3), its name
is true to what it produces.Nothing is alive
in this body of water, nor is it drinkable.
However,
during King Hezekiah's reign he had underground
water tunneled into Jerusalem in case they ever were under siege by the Assyrians
and they blocked the Gihon Spring water source.Their water could not be used for drinking, because it was contaminated
from the blood streaming from the sacrifices in the temple. For anything or anyone to survive fresh water
had to be imported from somewhere, and that place was Bethlehem.
The
fact is, they needed a place that geographically was higher and supplied a
clean water supply for the people, animals and vegetation.Bethlehem sits on an enormous aquifer and was
built specifically on a hill top to fit that need for where “Living Water”
could flow.
What
man would do through Hezekiah to sustain life for the human side, God would
provide spiritually supplying eternal Living Water through the birth of Jesus.
Both the prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah spoke of such things to come.
“And
in that day, it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of
them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea.In both summer and winter, it shall occur.”
(Zechariah 14:8)
“He
who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers
of Living Water.” (John 7:38)
Throughout
the years the aquifer would also provide natural springs of water for the
animals.Shepherds found that by staying
in a particular place in the fields during springtime, the sheep could feed and
be watered allowing their caregivers to tend to other important matters. A period of rest was surely welcome.
"The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures (of tender grass). He leads me beside the still waters (of rest). He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake." (Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV)
Almond,
fig and olive trees provided a wealth of free food for the herdsmen while
living in empty caves as King David did when hiding from Saul.This accounts for the stable being empty and
available for Joseph and Mary at the time of their “springtime” arrival (sorry
folks – not December, but that’s for another lesson).
It
also gives us insight to the plan of God for a Savior and what needed to be in
place for it to happen through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ.Everything revolved around God’s
vision and it being established in the earth resting on His timing.
Believe
and Obey Immediately
God
knows everything and that includes all that pertains to your life from
beginning to end!He knows where things and
people need to be so that future events can take place.All that will take place in this world revolves
around Jesus, from the very beginning to the last person who will ever walk the
face of this earth.We are woven in the
fabric of God’s plan to bring us back to Him.
Every
detail and event had/has a purpose from God.Nothing is by chance, fate or for no reason.
The
building of the Temple and all that revolved around it had to already be in
existence for the time God would send His Son to earth through the Virgin Mary.It may not seem like a big deal now, but even
the water system had to be in place for Herod the Great to build pools around
the outer parts of Jerusalem, in which later during Jesus’ adult ministry He would heal
a blind man giving “vision” physically and spiritually. (John 9:7)
It
was during that encounter that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, which was
designated as a day of rest from what God set in motion in the book of Genesis. He demonstrated how God created a day of rest (the Sabbath) for man as a gift for restoration, and that man was not created for the Sabbath.
The babe Messiah that was to be born in Bethlehem would
grow in favor to teach the differences between spiritual and physical blindness
when it comes to the lessons on “rest” and obedience to the Heavenly Father.
From
the living waters of Bethlehem came Living Waters of instruction on how to obey
immediately and receive healing favor from the Lord in every aspect of life.If we read the account of the blind man, we
learn that he believed who Jesus was by obeying His command. He received healing and worshiped Christ for
who He was – God the Son, the Anointed One.
“Yes,
Lord, I believe!” the man said, and he worshiped Jesus.” (John
9:38 NLT)
Finding
Rest Not Only at Christmas
When
we examine the biblical reasons for rest it’s easy to see how they all tie in
with one another, and relate to receiving the best from the Lord.
Taking
the effort to get away and rest from regular schedules is vital if we are to
have quiet time with the Lord so that we can hear from Him.As we grow in fellowship our hearts become
humbled, building our faith and trust in our Creator.
We
become valuable servants to God and those around us as we learn to walk in
agreement with Him.Our spirit is more discerning
to the voice of the Holy Spirit, teaching us to walk in love as we trust Him for
the outcome of each situation.
The
stress valve is released as we cast our cares on the Lord, trusting Him to receive
the grace (favor) needed for each situation.Our hope and joy are restored as we rest on God’s Word, worshiping Him
in spirit and in truth not only during stressful times, but in everything.This is what He is looking for in us; this is
what God rewards through kindness and favor.
“But
the time is coming – indeed it’s here now – when true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and in truth.The
Father in Heaven is looking for those who will worship Him that way.” (John
4:23 NLT)
With
all the clutter removed there is room for God to restore, rebuild and rekindle
the vision He placed inside us from birth, just as He did with Jesus.He was born to die, that we might live!
“The
thief (satan) comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.I (Jesus) came that they (anyone who believes
in Jesus, the Son of God) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to
the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP emphasis mine)
Tidings
of Great Joy
My
friend, let me extend to you the “tidings of great joy” message of the angel
Gabriel that was given over 2,000 years ago.
Everything you will ever need for your life is already in place, just as
God prepared a place for baby Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem.
However,
if you never spend time with the One who set things in order for you to receive
the grace on your life for His favor, you will never experience the best He has
ordained for you.Now where is the joy
in that?
Scriptures
tell of a Messiah that would come to save and set people free. A
King who would rule and reign forever, reconciling the breach between God and
man.
Their
hope was for a King that would deliver them from all bondage – spiritually,
physically and financially.
He
would bring freedom that could give them true rest as they trusted on Him to
deliver them from their fears and sin.He would restore their joy as they place their trust in Him resting on
and in His Word as Holy.
Mary
rested and had peace over what God had planned to happen through her.She received the plan by faith and because
she said yes to God, He showed her favor her entire life.
Immediately
after she heard what God wanted to do through her she worshiped Him, despite what
others would say or do to her.From the
very beginning Mary knew the plan.She allowed
God to do something miraculous in her life.He wants to do the same in you.
There
isn’t anything more God has to do for your miracle to be birthed. He’s waiting
on you to say, “Let it be done unto me”.
This
Week’s Challenge:
Let
God Birth a
Miracle in You
So,
there you have it – I’ve given you ten reasons for Biblical rest, but obeying
God is #1!An abundant life is what’s at
risk for not obeying the laws of God for good health, which includes getting
rest for your spirit, mind and body.
No
longer does mankind have to wait on God for a Messiah who would deliver us from
our fears and sin.Emmanuel has come to
live among us.His name is Jesus.Let us find our rest in Him.
We’re
heading into a new era - not only a new year, but a new decade!Are you willing to sit back and wait another ten
years for your vision to come to pass?
God’s
plan for something good was ordained from before you were born; only He can
reveal to you what that is so that favor can be released at the right time.
My
challenge to you:
From
this day on put your trust in Christ (read more about that here).Rest on His Word to guide you spiritually and
physically filling you with Living Water.
Stop
fretting and worrying, it will delay your hearing clearly from God.Focus on receiving 20/20 vision with clarity
and favor for the future.
Learn
to rely on time spent with God in fellowship for answers, wisdom, understanding,
knowledge and guidance from His Holy Spirit.Expect Daily Favor to surround you, and you will prosper in all things
as your soul does eternally rekindling the vision for your life as you worship
His Holy name.
As
we turn our thoughts and heart to Christ at this Holy time of the year, this is
my prayer:
“Let
the blessings of the Lord as given to Joseph rest in and on you, with the
precious things of the earth, including the fullness of His Daily Favor and
goodwill.May God who dwelt in the bush,
crown and distinguish you apart from others as you joyfully rest upon His
mighty promises.
May
God birth 2020 vision for your life so that you prosper in all things and be
in good health, just as your soul prospers eternally with His Miracle Living
Water.”
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to
have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on
becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible
Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not
specified.
How
much joy and peace did you actually get during our break in the series on
rest?Have you put any of it into
practice or did you find yourself caught up in the stress with all the
rest?
Does this picture look a little like how you feel? Maybe a revisit to last week's challenge might help first.
If not ... let’s get back on track in
preparation for the new year with God’s Daily Favor.
In our last session together we left off with Biblical reason #8 for partaking in a period of rest, so
we’ll pick up from there. You can read the beginning of this teaching series here: Part 1Part 2
and uphold me by Your generous
Spirit."(Psalm 51:12)
You
may be wondering, “What does my joy have to do with rest?”It actually has quite a lot to do with true
joy and here’s why.
When
we are exhausted it’s pretty difficult to find the joy in even the simple
things, like a blue jay fluttering about outside a window on a sunny morning or
watching your husband try to fold clothes the way “he” thinks you do it. A rather amusing sight actually!
Sleep is a precious thing. It is
necessary for good physical health as well as good mental well-being.
Unfortunately, many people find a good night’s sleep to be a rare commodity. Of
course, when you examine sleep according to the five senses, you just might
find a sleep solution that helps you get the sleep you need.I’d take that bunny trail, but that’s for
another time.
There’s
no way we can appreciate the grace of God that is given to us on a regular basis, let alone trying to seek out His daily favor for the challenges we may face for
the day!Our brains
just can’t get into gear with the lack of oxygen we get from a poor night’s
rest.
It
never fails (for me anyway) that when I’m at the heightened point of being
tired that all I want to do is go to bed.Nothing else matters.I can’t
focus, work, relax or even eat.
In
other words, I’m not a joy to be around during those times.When I allow myself to get that far without
rest it doesn’t please anyone, especially the Lord. Plainly put, if I want to continue to receive favor from the Lord I need to follow what He says concerning everything that pertains to life and health.
That four letter word is what seems to get in the way - OBEY! Perhaps the New Living Translation better suits me when I fail to follow wisdom.
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and make me willing to obey You." (Psalm 51:12)
No
Joy Suckers
Slipping
into the “must do now” mode sucks the joy out of why I’m doing it in the first
place and totally violates my own life rules.For those who have been under my teachings or visited my home, you know
that I have a house policy.
Above
my light stitch by the front door is a sign that all must observe if they are
to enter.Sounds rather tough doesn’t
it, but I really believe in and follow it myself for a foundation piece to receiving the favor of God in my life.
If
you come with an attitude or a spirit of disagreement (otherwise referred to as a critical spirit) it has to be left outside
so that the peace within is not broken.There have been so many times when my husband brings a less than
friendly spirit home with "un-intentions" of unloading it on me.I know he has to vent, but we have learned
there is a proper way that it can be done without having the joy sucked out of
everything else that has happened that day.
We
have followed this practice so long that when it starts to happen, he turns
around, closes the door and re-enters the house with a big smile saying, “Hi
Sweetheart, I’m home!”It works every
time and usually bumps up the joy atmosphere with laughter.
If you're not quite sure whether or not you fit into this category, here are a few pointers that might give you a clue. Notice I said "a few" ...
Resting
in Joy and Peace
You
see, there are plenty of things that can steal our joy if we let them, especially
lack of rest.The key phrase here is “if
we let them” … we have a choice.However, when our physical body hasn’t been re-fueled, we don’t always
recognize that our joy is being picked away little by little, until we’re at
the point of frustration.
Scriptures
tell us that Jesus is the one who gave us the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which
include the filling of joy and peace among many more.
“But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (In otherwords there is no law against these things.)”
(Galatians
5:22-23 NKJV)
Followers
of Christ are to be joy givers, not joy takers or “joy suckers”.We fervently need to be on the lookout for things
that steal the pleasure of what God has given us through salvation.All too often we overlook that the lack of
rest is a major joy remover, which causes us to operate out of reflex, jerk
reaction feelings and not wisdom.
This
doesn’t mean that we are to maintain an attitude of joy just when things are
going fine, but live full of joy regardless of the circumstances.Having proper rest certainly helps us to live
the life Jesus died for to give us.
Our
hope in Christ activates the favor of salvation gifts to overflow in us, giving
confidence to His promises here and eternally.It’s Christ’s joy in us that changes things around us to get in line
with His Word.
"May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience
of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in
hope and overflow with confidence in His promises." (Romans
15:13 AMP)
Resting
spiritually on the Word of God allows our physical side to confidently abound
in the power of the Holy Spirit to work things out for our good so that it
glorifies God.The joy of our salvation
is restored, because we cast our cares on God and trust Him with all that’s
going on around us.
This
Week’s Challenge:
Show
Me A Sign
Who
would ever imagine so much could be tied together with a little thing called
“rest’?God did!It has always been His plan for us to abound
in joy, not just experience it every so often when the spirit hits.
The
problem with relying on our feelings to “keep going … press on … don’t quit or
everything will fall apart” kind of self-righteous attitude, is that we never
know what kind of spirit will emerge in any given situation when operating in
overload modes.Trusting God changes
everything so that we can rest spiritually and physically.
Yes,
we need to have an “I can do all things through Christ” attitude.Unfortunately, the “I can do things without
Christ” part usually surfaces when we think we can ignore His Words on proper
rest.
We
are constantly expecting Jesus to “show us a sign” that He is working in our
lives, but what about doing the reverse?Our challenge this week is to literally make a sign as a reminder that
joy lives, abides and dwells inside us and our homes.
Example:
Joy Lives Here
Just
as I have a physical sign by my door, I’d like to encourage you to do the same.
Yours doesn’t have to say exactly what mine does, but it’s a conversation
opener for sure.
If
we are to ever experience complete rest, our joy has to be restored spiritually
and that certainly is good enough reason for me.What about you?
My
prayer is that God, the source of all hope, will fill you completely with joy
and peace because you trusted in Him. Then
you will overflow with confident hope resting on and through the power of the
Holy Spirit. (from Romans 15:13 NLT)
Let
the joy of God’s favor be restored in you through rest!
One
more thing … I haven’t forgotten, but deliberately wanted reason #10 to fly solo.You’ll have to read why next time.Looking forward to closing out this series with
you and pray it has richly been a blessing.
Maybe
you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of
favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the
Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible
Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not
specified.
