[Jesus continued:] "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
—Matthew 11:29-30 NLT
Rest! Doesn't that sound nice? In a culture that has gone mad for business and activity and has exchanged recreation for rest, it sounds especially nice. But we must not be deceived. Jesus' way isn't necessarily simple. His call to discipleship isn't escapism. But there is a difference between doing nothing and resting. There is a difference between being burdened and doing strenuous things. In a world where so many things we chase for gratification leave us depleted, Jesus is promising that when we take up our cross and follow him, he can give us rest — that restorative, nurturing, and rekindling strength that gives us the power to face what life brings and Satan throws in our paths.
Holy God, I know you set a cycle into this world by resting on the seventh day. I believe Jesus when he says he brings rest to those who are burdened and weary. Please forgive me when I've tried to be my own strength and survive on too little rest or on false rest. I want to place my life, my soul, in Jesus' care and honor him. Help me please, dear Father, to find his rest. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
—Matthew 11:29-30 NLT
Key Thought
Rest! Doesn't that sound nice? In a culture that has gone mad for business and activity and has exchanged recreation for rest, it sounds especially nice. But we must not be deceived. Jesus' way isn't necessarily simple. His call to discipleship isn't escapism. But there is a difference between doing nothing and resting. There is a difference between being burdened and doing strenuous things. In a world where so many things we chase for gratification leave us depleted, Jesus is promising that when we take up our cross and follow him, he can give us rest — that restorative, nurturing, and rekindling strength that gives us the power to face what life brings and Satan throws in our paths.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, I know you set a cycle into this world by resting on the seventh day. I believe Jesus when he says he brings rest to those who are burdened and weary. Please forgive me when I've tried to be my own strength and survive on too little rest or on false rest. I want to place my life, my soul, in Jesus' care and honor him. Help me please, dear Father, to find his rest. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
Pray This Prayer From Your Heart: God I ask You in Jesus’ name let me make drawing close to You my number one goal in life. God as I draw close to You bless me to grow in the holiness of God. Help me and show me how to always seek Jesus as my source and standard of holiness. God also show me how to appreciate and excel in my spiritual gifts, and the calling You have placed upon my life. God don't let me be envious or jealous of others because of their spiritual gifts, callings, and or blessings. But let me focus on drawing close to You, appreciating and excelling in my spiritual gifts, and the call You have placed upon my life for the glory of God. God, please do the same for the writer of this prayer, all those I love and care about. God, I appreciate You. Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so in Jesus’ name!
