September 14, 2018

Are you weary? 

Life as a Christian can be a challenge, but I would not want to do life with out Jesus. I have been waking up singing “O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship. A couple weeks ago I helped a dear family friend and her dad load up a moving truck as she is off on a great new adventure in Arkansas. 

There is a difference in physical weariness and mental or spiritual weariness. By the time I arrived at home after loading the truck, I was physically spent, ready for bed. The next day I found muscles that I apparently had forgotten about. But even in that physical weariness, I felt good. It’s nice to get a work out! Not to mention the satisfaction of helping a fellow believer that has ministered so incredibly to my wife and family.  Physical weariness will pass, rest, food and water… and maybe a couple Advil and your good to go. 

The mental and spiritual weariness is a whole different thing. As news of a pastor committing suicide in California broke, my own spiritual and mental weariness was exposed. As a follower of Christ we all must remember Jesus’ words in: 

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The devil does not want us to succeed as a genuine Spirit filled believer and he doesn’t always attack blatantly, punching you in the face, or breaking a leg. He does it subtly, in your thought life and time management. Do we hold every thought captive? Or do we let busyness, fear, anger, control, hatred, insecurity, anxiety, lust, frustration, etc… rule our thoughts. Eventually that will bubble up and out, you will act on it. If we allow these things (and others) to fester in our lives, it will exasperate the weariness, pulling you away from what it is that God has for you. Loneliness and depression is another way the enemy attacks, bringing thoughts that you are alone, and stripping hope. 

BUT, Here comes the hope that we do have…. we have the ability through Jesus to recover and be even stronger than before. You are NOT alone. 

Jesus, brings life… and not just life, but abundant life. 

We tend to take on things that are not ours to hold on to.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

What are we to do?  First we must come to him… look to Him, don’t isolate yourself and try to take care of the weariness alone. 

Who is to come? ALL of us. Those who have worked and are exhausted, weary from toil, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Weary from the effects of sin. 

What will He do? He will give you rest. Peace, refreshing, the ability to recover… to regain strength. 

Then, take HIS yoke. His heart, the center of physical and spiritual life as God created it. That’s the only thing we are to carry…having our thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affection or purposes based on Gods word.  

There is a promise here, if we come to Him, we will find rest for our souls. 

It Is Well With My Soul! 

My prayer for you is that in your weariness you will go to Jesus, humble yourself and seek His strength. You will find rest, you will find peace, not only does Gods word say it, I personally can testify to it, it works.

May everything we do, glorify God. 

I am praying for you all and love you dearly! 

Hold Steady! 

If you get a chance look up “O Come To the Altar” and as you listen, let your prayer and actions reflect what the lyrics are saying. https://youtu.be/rYQ5yXCc_CA

We do not need to live in weariness…

O Come To The Altar

“Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin?

Jesus is calling

Have you come to the end of yourself Do you thirst for a drink from the well?

Jesus is calling

O come to the altar

The Father’s arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with

The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Leave behind your regrets and mistakes Come today there’s no reason to wait

Jesus is calling

Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy From the ashes a new life is born

Jesus is calling

O come to the altar

The Father’s arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with

The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Oh what a savior

Isn’t He wonderful?Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen

Bow down before Him For He is Lord of all

Sing Hallelujah, Christ is risen

O come to the altar

The Father’s arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with

The precious blood of Jesus Christ 

Bear your cross as you wait for the crown

Tell the world of the treasure you found”

God Bless!

Pastor Scott 

Calvary Belmar