REST

Rest I

Are you tired, weary, and worn-out? Every where I turn, I’m hearing women say: "I’m just tired." This week, we are going to consider the Sabbath principle which empowers us to redeem our time through the restorative power of rest. We must pursue rest intentionally and diligently.

Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."Circumspectly: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudent (marked by wisdom and judiciousness).1Redeem: to buy back, to get or wind back, to free from what distresses or harms, to change for the better; to offset the bad effect of; to make worthwhile. Rest: a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities; freedom from activity or labor; peace of mind or spirit.

What interferes with rest?
1. An unregenerate spirit: if a person does not have peace WITH God they will not have the peace OF God.
2. An anxious spirit: a person burdened with worry, anxiety and fear. Coming to terms with our own mortality can calm an anxious spirit.
3. An unsubmissive spirit: When a person refuses to submit to God’s will in their life, they will be in constant battle with God and self, and rest will elude them.
4. A covetous spirit: When a person is discontent they will not find rest.
5. A proud spirit: When a person is continually seeking approval of others they will never rest, because there is always one more person to please.
6. A busy spirit: When a person is in constant motion, racing through days full to overflowing with activity – rest is rarely a significant part of their life.

During this series we will consider 3 types of rest: Regeneration rest, relational rest, restorative rest and then conclude with the reality of rest: practical tips for making rest a reality in your life.

I hope by the end of this week, you will be ready to embrace a life of peace and rest that God intends for you. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK

Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ