A Time To Rest

copyright Millie Plastaras 8/24/02

Mark 6:31-32

And He said to them, Come aside by yourselves to a
deserted place and rest a while. For there were many
coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

Jesus knew in order for us to be effective Christians
we must have rest.
Rest of Spirit, rest of mind, rest of emotions,
rest for our heart, and body.
We need a time of refreshing.
This concept seems to be lost on the modern generation.
For We are supposed to set aside one day a week
for rest and restoration. That day is to be kept
separate to God. For worshipping Him, for praying,
for resting, for meditating upon our blessings.
A time of refreshing.

Jesus took those times himself. He retreated to refresh
and renew his spirit. Because as we give out to others,
we become drained ourselves.

You see our body needs fuel (food) to have energy, and to
be able to do things.

So does our spirit. Our spirit must be fed, or we become
discouraged, disheartened, and depressed.
For depression to keep existing, we must be worn down,
and thinking about our problems around the clock.
We feed the depression, oppression and discouragement
morning noon and night. And never think to feed
our spirit instead, with the good things that will
encourage, bring light, hope, and rest to us.

In letters I get from my readers around the world, I hear
a great variety of circumstances, and so many people are very ill,
or really troubled in their lives, and they are facing a lot.
Many feel at the end of their rope, or even their ability to cope,
and ask what do I do, how can I find peace and answers?

My dear friend, only in the arms of the Lord Jesus!!!

I also rarely hear anyone say, today, I set aside
the day, and spent it in prayer,
telling my troubles to Jesus, and sitting there till
I felt peace from him, knowing the answer was on the
way, and I could rest in that knowledge.

Jesus wants dedicated followers. He wants folks who
follow his concepts and teachings. We are to follow His
example. He rested! He knew our frailties, so many
of the things he talked about, were directly related to helping
us overcome our problems, hurt, pain, illnesses,
and many other issues.

How long since you looked at the trees, and the beautiful
shapes of the leaves, or how the wind whispers to them
and makes them dance? There is beauty in every day
my friend. How long since you looked up, and not down?
How long since you let go of your burdens?
How long since you have felt REAL peace?

God wants you to come away into a quiet place
and refresh yourself. And leave your burdens at His feet.
And find peace that passes all understanding.

Jesus says: For I am your hope, and your provider.
No good thing will I withhold from those who call upon
my name and love me.

For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you,
says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and
peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final
outcome. Jeremiah 29:11

Take time to let me
show you a resting place, take time to notice
the beauty I have surrounding you.

I love you, my child.

Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I
will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).
Matthew 11:28

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and
constant peace whose mind (both it's inclination
and its character) is focused on YOU, because he
commits himself to you, leans on you and hopes confidently
in you. Isaiah 26:3

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in
every circumstance and in everything, by prayer
and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving,
continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil
state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and
so fearing nothing from God and being content with
its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace)
which transcends all understanding shall garrison
and mount guard over your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

My friends, receive his peace. Let him garrison and
guard your heart, and comfort it and fill it. If you are
not feeling these things, you are carrying your own
burdens and blocking God's very hands. Let it go.
Be free, and rest my friend, it is time to rest.

Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done For Christ will last