Showing posts with label relationship with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relationship with God. Show all posts

13 April 2014

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. This day a couple thousand years ago was the Sunday before Jesus sacrificed His life for mine. This weekend my church was going to have an outdoor picnic, but because of the weather, they had to cancel it. This meant that I had more time to rest.

It seems as though rest has been the present theme of my life. As a student working part time and being involved in various ministry settings, it is easy for my schedule to reach its max. Yet, God has been teaching me how to rest in the midst of a busy life.

Things I've noticed when I rest physically:
- more energy for daily tasks
- fewer numbers of colds
- sharper ability to focus

Things I've noticed when I rest spiritually:
- My relationship with God grows stronger as I remember and live according to the sacrifice that Jesus made for me.
- I accept that it's okay for me to be weak, because then Christ is strong in me.
- I allow my worth to come only from what God says about me instead of what I say, what others say, or what Satan says. No longer do I have to listen to the voice of the accuser.

What about you? Do you let yourself rest? What about spiritually? Who do you rely on for your strength to get through each day? You can be assured that Jesus is the only source of strength you need, and the rest that follows is sweet. 

When it comes to resting physically, what helps you relax during the week? Do you take time for yourself on weekends? How many hours of sleep do you give yourself at night? Letting yourself sleep enough hours each night is a gift that keeps on giving. On the weekends do you get pulled into work assignments that can wait until Monday?

One reason so many people dread Monday is that they have not taken enough time to rest during the weekend. Allow yourself to rest physically during the weekends. You'll be taking better care of yourself and will be ready for the week ahead.

When it comes to resting spiritually, let go of the tendency to work so much, relying on yourself, your parents' faith, or any ole version of spirituality. Let the Lord lift that burden for you and show you the joy that comes from a relationship with Him.

May the Lord draw you to Himself this week. May you find rest in God.

18 January 2014

Squeaky Clean

Southern tip: Always wear heels (or your favorite shoes) when cleaning the house (unless its heavy-duty cleaning).

Do you have a favorite season? If so, which one is your favorite? If not, what do you like about all of them? Seasons give us opportunities to enjoy the creativity of God. We recently transitioned from a season of lights, lavish decorations, and well-meaning resolutions to a new season of brisk weather, goal-driven lifestyles (either long-term or short-term), spring cleaning, and more time spent outside. Now that we are a few weeks into the new season, how are you spending your time?

With the change of seasons comes change in the way we lead our lives. Not only do we experience changing weather, but we also experience changing paces of life.

This also occurs in relationship with God. In your relationship with God, what do you notice about the season you are currently in? How does it affect the way you live? In each season of your relationship with God, it's good to do a "spring cleaning" of sorts. Take inventory of the things that encourage you this season. Also list out the things that cause you discomfort or even pain in this season. Ask yourself the following questions:

- What is God trying to teach me in this season?

- Give this season a title or a caption.

- What do I like most about this season?
Least?

- How am I growing from this season?

- What do I want the most out of this season?