Rest

Dan Howard   -  

I am sitting here on a Thursday night putting this devotion together. It has been a busy week… counseling, and sermons, meetings, and Bible studies. Now as I sit here typing this is all that really stands between me and this weekend. Why am I excited about this weekend? October is Pastor’s Appreciation month and the Michigan District celebrates it at a Pastor’s Conference in Boyne City. It’s good to gather with those who understand what it is the Lord has called you into. To laugh and learn together, to seek advice and comfort, to take a breather and reenter yourself before we plunge into the business of the holiday season. I don’t bring this up just to humble brag about my upcoming get away. No, I tell you this to remind you to schedule time to slow down as well. By about now the summer is behind you the fall business is upon you and the holidays are a month away. When was the last time you took a Sabbath? A rest?  When did you dedicate some time to listening to what God has to say to you? We don’t naturally set time aside. I truly believe learning to schedule is one of the hardest skills to acquire. In fact, that is one of the first lessons God models for us. He created 6 days, and on the 7th he rested.  In the Ten Commandments the only thing more important that honoring a day of rest and worship is God himself. So much so, that God actually said In Ezekiel 20:19-20

I am the Lord your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.

A Christian should look forward to rest in the Lord.
The Lord desires to provide for your Sabbath.  So much so that he even prepared a meal for you.

See you at your Sabbath, Sunday or Wednesday.

-Pastor Dan