From: February 23, 2014
A sharpened saw cuts more efficiently, but you have to take a break from sawing long enough to sharpen the blade. Long before Covey wrote “The 7 Habits,” Jesus taught His disciples to pull away with Him to rest. Working without rest results in diminishing returns. A rhythm of work and rest produces the best outcome. This rest must include certain aspects: 1) “Let’s” – Spiritual rest means time alone with Jesus, 2) “go off” – Physical rest requires a pulling away from work completely. 3) “by ourselves” – Social rest involves time away from others, and 4) “quiet place” – Mental rest means a place where input from various media is cut off, so that the mental faculties can recover. When we follow Jesus in this rhythm of work and rest, we discover new strength and insight for life.
From: February 23, 2013
The heart without love is easily offendable. It looks for offense and strikes back to defend. It leaves a trail of broken relationships in its wake. But the heart of love is hard to offend because it thinks of others ahead of itself. It has no need to defend or protect because love is its strong tower. Where ever the heart of love goes, healing and reconciliation happen. Are you overly sensitive and easily offendable? Ask God to examine your heart.
From: February 23, 2012
It is not burdensome duty, but beloved devotion that motivates a believer’s following. This is not the external pressure of the law, but the internal heart change that the Spirit gives. We joyfully choose God’s will until our wills come into alignment, wanting what He wants.
From: February 23, 2011
What Jesus told his disciples after they returned from their “2 by 2” mission. Have you learned Christ’s rhythm of advance and retreat? The same Jesus who calls us to mission, also calls us to rest and recharge with Him.