Take a moment to breath.
Do you feel constantly compelled to do, go, and work? Your time and attentions are in constant demand. The struggle is real.
Rest is one of the greatest promises for a relationship with God. And it’s not a “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” kind of rest. A chance to take pause and focus on God is a rest that brings peace to the Christian’s every day.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus said what? That’s right, “Shake it off.”
It’s easy to feel personally offended when someone rejects the message of the gospel. When first sending out his disciples, Jesus knew there would be some—many who would not listen. So he told them to shake the dust off their feet and move on to the next town.
Our job is not to change hearts but to sow seed.
At the age of five, I had some pretty big aspirations. I was going to build a bridge from California to Australia and ride my motorcycle across it, and I was going to count all of the stars. One night, I went out and looked to the night sky. It was harder than I thought.
“’Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” This was going to be a blessing from God that was too big to be counted.
Abraham had the kind of faith that counts. The next verse states, “And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
If you want righteousness and blessings too big to count, have faith. Trust God even when the odds seem bleak. Your faith will be counted to you as righteousness.
Remember: with God, nothing is impossible.
I always thought the adults were crazy—sitting around a table talking? How boring is that! I may still excuse myself to the kids table at times, but I have come to really enjoy just sitting down to a meal in good company.
In Genesis 11-12, you are introduced to Abram (who would later be called Abraham). He is blessed by God and becomes the father of all who have faith. In Matthew 8, you are introduced to an unnamed centurion. He exhibits great faith in the power and authority of Jesus.
Jesus then says, “I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11).
When you have faith, you are and will forever be in good company.
Your seat at the table is ready.
Pursue Righteousness 