Leviticus 23:23-25
The Lord told Moses to say to the people of Israel:
The
first day of the seventh month must be a day of complete rest. Then at
the sound of the trumpets, you will come together to worship and to
offer sacrifices on the altar.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One
September morning, the mother of one of my students came into my
classroom and told me that her son would be absent from class for a few
days later that week. The family would be celebrating their church’s
“Feast of the Trumpets”. I will admit, I had never heard of this…but it
was obviously a big deal to this family and their fellow church members
in the Church of God – a Christian denomination. If you read all of
Leviticus 23, you will see that there are several “Bible feasts” and
celebrations throughout the year that were to be observed with certain
rituals, foods, and periods of rest from all labors…and this student’s
family attended many of them.
The “Feast of the Trumpets” is
commonly known today as the Jewish New Year – or Rosh Hashanah.
However, some Christian denominations still celebrate this and other
“Bible feasts” marked in Leviticus 23. I honestly do not know what
these entail fully…or whether celebrants literally forego all work
during each of these celebrations. But the Apostle Paul referenced
these events in Colossians 2:16-27…referring to them as a foreshadowing
of the coming of Christ. To paraphrase Paul…”Jesus is real and here
with us…we don’t necessarily need to celebrate these rituals now.”
Do
not misunderstand me. This doesn’t mean that we Christians shouldn’t
have rituals, ceremonies and celebrations. I believe that these events
serve to enhance our faith and fellowship…and often cause us to focus
more specifically on Jesus and our relationship with Him. My particular
denomination does not celebrate all of these “Feasts of the Bible”, but
we do participate in Sunday worship services, Holy Communion, Advent,
Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and other Easter week services, to name a
few.
The thing that struck me as I read the verses of
Leviticus 23 was that the Old Testament Jews were pretty busy observing
these festivals! During each one of these events, everyone was expected
to stop all work and participate…and/or rest – and sometimes abstain
from eating! Can you imagine us doing this today? “People weren’t as
busy back then,” you may say. Really? Do you honestly think that the
workload was lighter in a time without electricity, running water,
motorized vehicles, computers, telephones, home appliances, and other
modern conveniences we all take for granted? Yet these faithful people
stopped what they were doing and rested…they made these celebrations to
honor God a priority.
I wonder…do we make God a priority? Do we
shift gears and set aside time to “rest in the LORD”? I’m not
necessarily talking about literal, physical “rest”…I’m talking about
something far more refreshing and renewing. I’ll be the first to tell
you that I don’t always make time to attend such services at my church
as Ash Wednesday or Maundy Thursday. But when I do attend such a time
of worship, I always come away profoundly affected…feeling closer to
God…more “centered” in my faith. The time that I spend in Bible study
and working on these daily devotionals is precious to me and helps me to
align my thoughts and my focus for the day. When I take extended time
to talk with God…to sit and listen for His voice…I am refreshed and
energized - as if I had taken a two-hour nap! These “rests” often help
me “get my head on straight”!
It amazes me that in spite of all
of our technological advances, we seem to have become busier than ever!
I still cannot get over how people can’t seem to pry themselves from a
hand-held device long enough to share a meal with family or friends,
watch their children participate in some activity…or have a genuine
conversation with another human being. And this has more than carried
over into our spiritual life. We’ve become so caught up in the
“busyness” of life that we no longer have time to rest and celebrate
Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him!
I’m not suggesting
that we go back to the Old Testament rituals found in Leviticus…or that
we completely rearrange our schedules to accommodate extended periods of
worship, Bible study and prayer. I fully realize that we cannot always
attend every event held at our church…or stop everything to sit for an
hour in prayer and Bible study. But I do think there is room for us to
seek a happy medium…a compromise of sorts (and that seems a silly word
to use when we talk about Jesus!)… a way to incorporate periods of
celebration, worship, rest and renewal in the LORD into our everyday
lives.
Jesus IS alive and real…and here with us. Are we
stopping long enough to acknowledge His presence? How long has it been
since you really “rested” with Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label refreshed in Gods presence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label refreshed in Gods presence. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 6, 2014
Isaiah 40:28-31
Don’t you know?
Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the eternal God,
Creator of the earth.
He never gets weary or tired;
his wisdom cannot be measured.
The Lord gives strength
to those who are weary.
Even young people get tired,
then stumble and fall.
But those who trust the Lord
will find new strength.
They will be strong like eagles
soaring upward on wings;
they will walk and run
without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is something so bittersweet about watching a little child who cannot stay awake. Their actions can range from comical to pitiful as they struggle to keep their eyes open and/or remain upright. I remember one evening when my mom came to visit Timothy, and as she sat on our hearth and held him, his little head began to bob…his eyes began to droop…and soon he was slumped over - sound asleep as he sat on her knee. One night last winter, Zola pulled a little child’s rocking chair (that had been mine when I was little) right in front of the TV and began to “rock her babies” (a couple of stuffed teddy bears). Soon, her head began to droop until she was nearly bent over double…she had completely rocked HERSELF to sleep! Looking at her, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!
Now we all know that little children do not sleep for very long, unless they are sick or injured. Soon enough, they spring back to life, fully energized and rejuvenated. And complain as they may, the rest is always good for them. Truthfully, rest is vital for ALL of us…critical to our good health and well-being!
Spiritual rest is essential, too. There will come a time in every person’s life where something will cause him/her to grow weary… to say, “I am not sure I can do this.” This is when God will step in and undergird us with His strength and wisdom…His love and grace. He carries us when we are so weak, tired or burdened that we can no longer “hold our eyes open”. God grants us a season of rest, infuses us with His energy and potency, and stands us upright under HIS power, rather than our own.
I have no doubt that many are weary today…and you may be among them. Teachers (AND students) who are finishing their last day or week of school are exhausted and in need of rest – or at least a change of scenery for a few weeks. I know friends who are burying loved ones and dealing with the aftermath that comes with a death. Still, others are moving and scrambling to buy and sell houses, sort through their “stuff” and get every last box packed securely. Some are looking for a job…and finding the prospects frustrating, at best. Others are struggling with relationship issues, facing a health crisis, or dealing with mountains of bills and financial woes. Many are aging and dealing with all that this stage of life brings.
Regardless of what zaps your strength and energy, God can help you to rest and rejuvenate. He is in the “restoration” business! You owe it to yourself to sit down, put up your feet, and spend a few minutes resting with Him. I promise… it will be the most “therapeutic” activity of your day! Aren’t you ready to soar like an eagle under the power of God? Will this be the day that you begin to rest in Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Don’t you know?
Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the eternal God,
Creator of the earth.
He never gets weary or tired;
his wisdom cannot be measured.
The Lord gives strength
to those who are weary.
Even young people get tired,
then stumble and fall.
But those who trust the Lord
will find new strength.
They will be strong like eagles
soaring upward on wings;
they will walk and run
without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is something so bittersweet about watching a little child who cannot stay awake. Their actions can range from comical to pitiful as they struggle to keep their eyes open and/or remain upright. I remember one evening when my mom came to visit Timothy, and as she sat on our hearth and held him, his little head began to bob…his eyes began to droop…and soon he was slumped over - sound asleep as he sat on her knee. One night last winter, Zola pulled a little child’s rocking chair (that had been mine when I was little) right in front of the TV and began to “rock her babies” (a couple of stuffed teddy bears). Soon, her head began to droop until she was nearly bent over double…she had completely rocked HERSELF to sleep! Looking at her, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!
Now we all know that little children do not sleep for very long, unless they are sick or injured. Soon enough, they spring back to life, fully energized and rejuvenated. And complain as they may, the rest is always good for them. Truthfully, rest is vital for ALL of us…critical to our good health and well-being!
Spiritual rest is essential, too. There will come a time in every person’s life where something will cause him/her to grow weary… to say, “I am not sure I can do this.” This is when God will step in and undergird us with His strength and wisdom…His love and grace. He carries us when we are so weak, tired or burdened that we can no longer “hold our eyes open”. God grants us a season of rest, infuses us with His energy and potency, and stands us upright under HIS power, rather than our own.
I have no doubt that many are weary today…and you may be among them. Teachers (AND students) who are finishing their last day or week of school are exhausted and in need of rest – or at least a change of scenery for a few weeks. I know friends who are burying loved ones and dealing with the aftermath that comes with a death. Still, others are moving and scrambling to buy and sell houses, sort through their “stuff” and get every last box packed securely. Some are looking for a job…and finding the prospects frustrating, at best. Others are struggling with relationship issues, facing a health crisis, or dealing with mountains of bills and financial woes. Many are aging and dealing with all that this stage of life brings.
Regardless of what zaps your strength and energy, God can help you to rest and rejuvenate. He is in the “restoration” business! You owe it to yourself to sit down, put up your feet, and spend a few minutes resting with Him. I promise… it will be the most “therapeutic” activity of your day! Aren’t you ready to soar like an eagle under the power of God? Will this be the day that you begin to rest in Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 22, 2013
Psalm 73:25-28
You’re all I want in heaven!
You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I saw a story on CBS Sunday Morning about 30-year-old Nick Vujicic, an Australian man who was born with no arms and no legs. Nick has small “feet” on which he hobbles around, yet he is able to do virtually everything you and I can do with fully functioning limbs. He swims, plays soccer, and even golfs! Life has obviously not been easy for Nick Vujicic, and he will tell you that from ages 8-13, he was angry with God for allowing him to be created this way. He was also bullied continually by his peers at school. In fact, Nick tells in this interview about a day when he was 10 and his father helped him get into the bath tub. Nick asked to be left alone. His father shut the door, and Nick turned himself over face down and “let go” in an effort to drown himself. He could not go through with this, and the thought of hurting his mother, dad and brother in this way made him choose to live.
At age 15, Nick read John 9 and gave his heart to Jesus, and he says on his website, www.lifewithoutlimbs.org, that “I knew I had to make my life right with Him, but I blamed Him for my pain. I read how Jesus said that the blind man was born that way so that the works of God would be revealed through him. I said to God that if He had a plan for that man I certainly believed that He had one for me. I totally surrendered the ‘needing to know the plan’ idea and trusted in Him one day at a time.” Today, Nick is married, the father of a perfectly “normal” little boy… and an international evangelist and motivational speaker whose message in part is that…”My faith in God and my personal relationship has given me the power, strength, humility and grace to ask Him to change me one day at a time. That if my circumstance doesn’t change, then I’d ask Him to change my heart, for all things come together for the good and for those who love Him.” Nick Vujicic offers hope to others by reminding them that they are not alone…and that God will not allow them to go through more than they can handle.
As I read this passage, I’ll be honest… I was immediately struck by the verses that talk of skin that sags and bones that are brittle. For many of you, these things are a long way off in your future… and others among you are right there with me! I thought of the days when I look in the mirror and see another “age spot”… even more white hair… and a little more of me than there was when I was in college! And yet, I also see someone who is refreshed, calm and peaceful, and oh-so-content! How can this be? I give you one word… Jesus! On the days when the devil starts to remind me that I’m not as young as I once was… that I can’t physically do all I used to do in a day… that I walk into a room and forget why I am there, can’t recall familiar names, and lose simple objects like my phone and car keys – or the TV remote…I start humming a happy praise song or thanking God out loud for His ever present help and for meeting all of my needs (and helping me to find the missing object or recollection!).
I find that I don’t care as much about shopping these days… that “things” are not nearly as important as relationships… that I truly do have everything I need. And when I hear about someone like Nick Vujicic, I am doubly humbled to think that God has blessed me so abundantly. What’s the big deal about a head of hair that is quickly turning white and knees that seize up once in a while? In God’s eyes, our bodies and outward appearance do not define us… it’s all about the heart and soul!
I am grateful that I have two arms and legs… that I can walk upright and hug my loved ones… that I am still incredibly sound and healthy in a physical sense. But I am even more grateful for a sound heart and mind. Anyone who knows me well understands that I have become a serious “homebody.” Thanks to technology and modern conveniences, I rarely have to leave the comforts of my house and venture out into the “real world”! Virtually anything and everything I want or need can be delivered to my doorstep, phone or computer screen…even face-to-face conversations with friends and family (although “in-person” interaction with others is still important!). I am even more grateful that I am always “at home” in the LORD… that God is with me… always and everywhere… and that He is truly meeting all my needs.
I know that Nick Vujicic is right… God will not give me more than I can handle with His help… even the loss of limbs, memory, loved ones…or my hair color! And He will do this for you, as well. I am blessed to rest in the peace of God… to reside at home in Him…and to feel his ever present love and care. Where is your home? What matters most to you? What struggles are keeping you from resting in the home of the LORD? Nick Vujicic claims that “attitude is altitude.” Our attitude – our faith, our values, our determination - govern how high we travel… what goals we accomplish, the levels of competence and satisfaction we achieve.
How high are you aiming? Is peace in God and a home with Him at the top of your list of goals and desires? Are you doing everything you can to attain this? Will today be the day you surrender to “needing to know the plan” and trust God to handle things for you? Will this be the day you find your way “home” and rest in God’s peace?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You’re all I want in heaven!
You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I saw a story on CBS Sunday Morning about 30-year-old Nick Vujicic, an Australian man who was born with no arms and no legs. Nick has small “feet” on which he hobbles around, yet he is able to do virtually everything you and I can do with fully functioning limbs. He swims, plays soccer, and even golfs! Life has obviously not been easy for Nick Vujicic, and he will tell you that from ages 8-13, he was angry with God for allowing him to be created this way. He was also bullied continually by his peers at school. In fact, Nick tells in this interview about a day when he was 10 and his father helped him get into the bath tub. Nick asked to be left alone. His father shut the door, and Nick turned himself over face down and “let go” in an effort to drown himself. He could not go through with this, and the thought of hurting his mother, dad and brother in this way made him choose to live.
At age 15, Nick read John 9 and gave his heart to Jesus, and he says on his website, www.lifewithoutlimbs.org, that “I knew I had to make my life right with Him, but I blamed Him for my pain. I read how Jesus said that the blind man was born that way so that the works of God would be revealed through him. I said to God that if He had a plan for that man I certainly believed that He had one for me. I totally surrendered the ‘needing to know the plan’ idea and trusted in Him one day at a time.” Today, Nick is married, the father of a perfectly “normal” little boy… and an international evangelist and motivational speaker whose message in part is that…”My faith in God and my personal relationship has given me the power, strength, humility and grace to ask Him to change me one day at a time. That if my circumstance doesn’t change, then I’d ask Him to change my heart, for all things come together for the good and for those who love Him.” Nick Vujicic offers hope to others by reminding them that they are not alone…and that God will not allow them to go through more than they can handle.
As I read this passage, I’ll be honest… I was immediately struck by the verses that talk of skin that sags and bones that are brittle. For many of you, these things are a long way off in your future… and others among you are right there with me! I thought of the days when I look in the mirror and see another “age spot”… even more white hair… and a little more of me than there was when I was in college! And yet, I also see someone who is refreshed, calm and peaceful, and oh-so-content! How can this be? I give you one word… Jesus! On the days when the devil starts to remind me that I’m not as young as I once was… that I can’t physically do all I used to do in a day… that I walk into a room and forget why I am there, can’t recall familiar names, and lose simple objects like my phone and car keys – or the TV remote…I start humming a happy praise song or thanking God out loud for His ever present help and for meeting all of my needs (and helping me to find the missing object or recollection!).
I find that I don’t care as much about shopping these days… that “things” are not nearly as important as relationships… that I truly do have everything I need. And when I hear about someone like Nick Vujicic, I am doubly humbled to think that God has blessed me so abundantly. What’s the big deal about a head of hair that is quickly turning white and knees that seize up once in a while? In God’s eyes, our bodies and outward appearance do not define us… it’s all about the heart and soul!
I am grateful that I have two arms and legs… that I can walk upright and hug my loved ones… that I am still incredibly sound and healthy in a physical sense. But I am even more grateful for a sound heart and mind. Anyone who knows me well understands that I have become a serious “homebody.” Thanks to technology and modern conveniences, I rarely have to leave the comforts of my house and venture out into the “real world”! Virtually anything and everything I want or need can be delivered to my doorstep, phone or computer screen…even face-to-face conversations with friends and family (although “in-person” interaction with others is still important!). I am even more grateful that I am always “at home” in the LORD… that God is with me… always and everywhere… and that He is truly meeting all my needs.
I know that Nick Vujicic is right… God will not give me more than I can handle with His help… even the loss of limbs, memory, loved ones…or my hair color! And He will do this for you, as well. I am blessed to rest in the peace of God… to reside at home in Him…and to feel his ever present love and care. Where is your home? What matters most to you? What struggles are keeping you from resting in the home of the LORD? Nick Vujicic claims that “attitude is altitude.” Our attitude – our faith, our values, our determination - govern how high we travel… what goals we accomplish, the levels of competence and satisfaction we achieve.
How high are you aiming? Is peace in God and a home with Him at the top of your list of goals and desires? Are you doing everything you can to attain this? Will today be the day you surrender to “needing to know the plan” and trust God to handle things for you? Will this be the day you find your way “home” and rest in God’s peace?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)