Rest for the Restless

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We just finished a 4 week sermon series on the topic of rest.  Judging by the feedback it has been an important series for us. Seems that we all struggle with working too much and suffer the consequences of neglecting our bodies and souls.  We covered 4 passages and big ideas. All the messages are now up on our site as well.

  1. Genesis 2:1-3 Creation and the foundations of rest. Listen here.
  2. Psalm 127- Trusting God and the ability to sleep. Listen here
  3. Mark 6:30-31- Come away and rest a while. Listen here
  4. Matt 11:28-30- Spiritual exhaustion and Rest in Jesus. Listen Here

Busyness Robs Us

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We just finished a series on Busyness and the rest of the sermons should be on the website soon. But I quoted from Mark Buchanan's book "The Rest Of God" several times in my sermons. I would recommend it for content and beauty of writing.  In the following paragraphs he reflects on how busyness keeps us from knowing God.

"Busyness also robs us of knowing God the way we might. It’s true that some facets of God we glimpse only through motion. Only those who stretch out their hands and offer water to the thirsty discover, disguised among them, Jesus. Only those who trudge up the mountain, willing to grow blistered and weary on the narrow trail, witness his transfiguration. Only those who invite the stranger in to share bread realize they’ve entertained an angel unawares, sometimes even Christ himself. Often, God meets us along the way, as we go: he waits to see who will step out before he sidles up, woos us over, intercepts, redirects.

"But other facets of God we discover only through stillness. “Be still,” the psalm instructs, “and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). Only Mary, Martha’s sister, sitting wide-eyed and open-eared, truly hosts Christ in her home. Only those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. Only those who are quiet and watchful find God’s mercy that is new every morning. Only those who join him in his love for the contrite and broken in spirit recognize him hidden among “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40)."

Buchanan, Mark (2007-03-11). The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath (pp. 48-49). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.