Thursday, February 23, 2012

Reward of Rest - February 23

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As I begin each day with these same words, my spirit rises up to awaken my heart into the communion of prayer with You - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...

"The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, 'Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while'" (Mark 6:30-31).


You send us to go and do, to teach and minister in the authority of Your name and the power of Your Spirit. You're with us as we go, shaping our words and guiding our steps, sending us to be the body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, ministering the love and power of Christ. You call us to spend and be spent in the service of Your Kingdom, for the glory of Your name, as we grow into maturity of spirit, being conformed to Your nature. And then You call us to "come away ... and rest a while."


There's a reward of rest for Your disciples. There's a deserted place where there's nothing to do and no one to teach. And when You call us to come away for that time and to that place, it's just as important to obey that command as it is to obey Your command to go and teach and do. Forgive us when we don't. Forgive us when we won't.


But thank You for the refreshing and rest that comes when we do. You know when we need it and give us grace to receive it. We don't have to worry that our rest will last too long or that You'll forget to send us back into service again (v. 6:37). So we can rest without guilt or concern in the reward of these moments when You call us to come away with You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.


Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

Friends, Syliva and I are enjoying a few days in the guest house of great friends in Texas before our next ministry engagement. Please keep us in prayer as we minister in Brady, Texas at First UMC this weekend and Kerrville, Texas on Monday and Tuesday night at Impact Christian Fellowship ( www.impactkerr.com ) with inner healing and prophetic ministry. Come join us if you can!