Challenge…

Most see this word and think, “Oh! Great, I have to do something, I really don’t want to do, give up something, run a race, or even be pushed past limits…"

Well, this challenge will be embraced, because it is very different from our usual; stress awakening, overwhelming, strenuous activities we may think come when given a challenge.

I challenge us all to, ‘Rest’. Take ONE whole entire day to, ‘Rest’ and even better ‘Rest’ within the Lord.

Hebrews 4:10-13 NLT. 10 For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. 11 So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

I believe this scripture is mentioning a few things.

One part of this scripture is talking about those that have come and gone before us and it warns us that not all entered into God’s rest and that is very sad. In order to enter God’s rest, we need to surrender ourselves to Him in His presence, resting from the work we do, just as God did, otherwise we will surly, fall.

This scripture is also letting us know we can enter into God’s rest now, being in his presence and fully immersed in His loving arms.

Another part of this scripture is again a warning. What does your heart truly look like on the inside? Is your heart pure and holy, or are you still containing sin within? Nothing is hidden from the Lord, go to Him and find rest now.

I know our to do lists are a mile long and sometimes we only have so much time to get particular jobs done depending on the season or the deadline. Take a day and see what God does, you are His children and He cares for you so find rest.

Lord Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your love and how You show us the way to go daily. I pray for all of Your people that they take Your Word to heart and find rest in You. I pray Lord that You knowing all and all is exposed to You, we can all empty our hearts completely out for You to purify anything that does not belong, take it away as we call it out to You, help us to be pure and not fall away, block off all pressures and influences the enemy tries to attach to us. Lord it is written Your Word is sharper than a double-edged sword, so as we reclaim Your Word over those of the deceiver we are renewed and protected under God’s power and authority. In Jesus name, Amen.