Why Do I Resist Rest?

This past Sunday we concluded our series "Rest Stop" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

This past month we learned so much about rest. We hear the challenge from the Bible and we have even agreed with it. Yet, why do we still resist rest? 

Psalm 46:10  
Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I AM.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be

When we slow down and rest we are reminded we are not in control. That is a hard one for me. Surely all my hustle and bustle is the cause of so many good things (this is a time to seriously laugh out loud). When I let go I am declaring I am not ultimately in charge...God is!

When we slow down we are reassured and given new confidence in His presence. We can know in our hearts even though our outward circumstances are unknown. We can rest in the fact that we are known by our God and He is with us and He is working. 

When we slow down we have to be still. When we are still we hear His voice. When we slow down we face what is really on the inside. 

The amazing thing is when we do slow down in His presence we can BE again. No more pretending. No more hiding. No more covering up. We can be free in His presence. 

I pray you take time to rest daily and weekly with a rest day! You won't regret it!

Rest is Waiting

This past Sunday we continued our series "Rest Stop" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

REST! It is such a lovely word isn't it? It sounds so peaceful and tranquil! But truly that is all it is to us...a word! 

REST seems out of reach for us. Rest seems unattainable. Rest doesn't feel like an option for us does it? 

God is our creator and He has blueprints for us to live by. He shows us the importance of rest and actually reveals in His blueprints that rest is a GIFT for us to use. 

Hebrews 3:4 - For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.

You and I are free to use whatever blueprints we want but we may not get the results we hoped for. If you want REST follow God's blueprints. Read His Word. Trust His ways! 

SONGS OF REST

Here is a list of some songs you can listen to and be encouraged to find Rest in Him!

Kari Jobe - Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQnBvUiAGsI 

Rest In You - Hillsong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMTND0AUjCs 

Kari Jobe - Be Still My Soul - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM

Danny Goeky - Breathe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjeMwxFuBA

Shoulders - For King & Country - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfiYWaeAcRw

Matt Maher - Rest - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMurT34YWwE 

Big Daddy Weave - Overwhelmed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD0nzqLdYuo

Are you connected or disconnected?

This past Sunday we concluded our series "What would happen if?...I valued realtionships" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

Relationships are rewarding, exhilarating, fulfilling, encouraging and disappointing, painful, hurtful and confusing. Relationships are complex and take a lot of work which is why it is so easy to stay surface level. This is why it is so easy to avoid meaningful relationships and just stay busy. 

It sounds like a good plan until we feel empty and disconnected. We were created for relationships and we were created to value relationships. When we disengage from a relationship with our Creator and relationships with others we miss out. 

In order to experience the depth of love my heart longs for; 

I need to be willing to experience the depth of a relationship.  

No relationship, no love! Yes I open up myself to hurt but I also open myself up to love! 

This is why Jesus said, "Love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself." Both of them are connected and equally important. 

Jesus’ brother James continues the teaching to the early church when he wrote in…

1 John 4:7-8—7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

James goes on to say if you do not love others than you don’t know God! You cannot separate one from the other. Since God is love the more connected to God we become the more loving we become. 

Wait a minute Jeremy, are you saying you can attend church and even give in the offering and not be connected to God? YES! Spiritual activity alone isn't a sign of spiritual maturity and health. The FRUIT of the Holy Spirit is. John 15 says we need to continually remain in Him to produce fruit in our lives. 

When you and I are connected to God, love expands inside of us. When we are disconnected love lessons. We start judging ourselves by our intentions and judging others by their actions. We start holding grudges and keeping score. We lose focus. 

How much love is in operation in your life? In your relationships? That is a good indicator of how connected you are to God? Here is the GOOD NEWS! If you are lacking in love, the one who is LOVE is waiting with open arms. You can be reconnected in this moment! Allow the one who is LOVE to fill you with HIS love so you can began to share HIS love!

Faith Prayer
Father God, forgive me for not sharing your love the way you have called me to. I recognize and confess in this moment I have not been connected to the way I could be. Forgive me! Thank you for your love and grace. Thank  you for never giving up on me. Thank you that I can walk in forgiveness, freedom and in your love today. I can love my spouse, children, neighbors and even enemies the way you have loved me. In Jesus name ! AMEN! 

How do I live in PEACE with all of this pressure Part 4

This past Sunday we continued our series "What would happen if?..." You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

Many people strive for peace but do not walk in it? Part 1 of this blog we talked about remembering the source of your peace. For part 2 we talked about reflecting on what is inside of you. For part 3 we talked about the more I pray the more I will experience peace. Today we will cover part 4! 

Do you remember as a child waiting for Christmas morning? The excitement! The joyful anticipation? The sleepless night because of what was waiting for you under the tree the next morning? Even if there were no presents under the tree when you went to be you were confident when you woke up there would be something there for you! 

When we know someone is going to follow through on their promise it allows us to be at peace. Even if we have to wait we are peaceful. Even if we don't understand fully we are peaceful. Why? We know the person is going to come through for us. The same is true in our spiritual lives.

#4 - Remembering the PROMISES of God increases PEACE

Isaiah 43:1-2 - But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

God never promised us a smooth road. God never promised us everything would turn out the way we hoped and planned. However, God does promise that He will be with us. We are never alone. The PRINCE OF PEACE wants to be our peace! 

Whatever situation you are facing this week PAUSE and look up a promise from the Bible. Once you look it up, write it out and read it throughout the day. Renew your mind with God's promise. Memorize God's promise. Pray God's promise. Watch the PEACE of GOD begin to grow inside of you. 

Daily Faith Prayer
Father God I thank you that you are faithful, good, trustworthy and strong. I thank you for following through on your promises. I will will in your PEACE today because you are with me. I will make it through this challenge because you are with me. I will not drown in these waters because you are with me. In Jesus Name! AMEN! 

How do I live in peace with all of this pressure Part 3

This past Sunday we continued our series "What would happen if?..." You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

Many people strive for peace but do not walk in it? Part 1 of this blog we talked about remembering the source of your peace. For part 2 we talked about reflecting on what is inside of you. If you haven't read part 1 or 2 go ahead and pause now, read it and then come back. Today we will cover Part 3.

Our thinking directly impacts our emotions. Have you ever had feelings hurt only to realize later it was a big misunderstanding, Maybe you found out you had the wrong information or had misheard what was said. What happens in that moment of revelation? Your emotions most likely change instantly from hurt & anger to relief and peace.

When our perspective changes the level of our peace changes. Nothing changes our perspective more than prayer.

#3 - The more I pray the more I will experience peace 

If i can be honest, many Christ followers pray on Sundays at church and then live their lives on their own the rest pf the week. Yet we read something powerful in the New Testament...

Philippians 4:8 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

When we pray and thank God for everything He has done we will experience peace. When we pray we experience His presence and His perspective. When we pray peace grows in our minds and hearts.

When you start to feel stressed and overwhelmed PAUSE and pray. When you feel unsettled PAUSE and pray. When you are angry and annoyed PAUSE and pray. If you make prayer a natural part of your day peace will increase. You will still fave challenges but you will be calmer. 

Daily Faith Prayer

God thank you walking with me every day. I can stay connected to you all day through prayer. Thank you for being faithful no matter what I face. Your peace guards my heart and mind. I walk in your peace and presence no matter what is happening around me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

How to live in peace with all of this pressure part 2

This past Sunday we continued our series "What would happen if?..." You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

Many people strive for peace but do not walk in it? Part 1 of this blog we talked about remembering the source of your peace. If you haven't read part 1 go ahead and pause now, read it and then come back (we'll still be here :) Today we will cover Part 2.

Have you ever been enjoying a peaceful moment and out of nowhere something complete destroys it? Not only is your peaceful tranquility  completely destroyed you go from one end of the pendulum to the opposite. One moment you are peaceful, relaxed and smiling and the next moment you angry, yelling and lashing out. How does that happen? How can I remain peaceful in those moments when the kids are being disrespectful or disobedient? How can I remain peaceful when my spouse speaks rudely or down to me? How can I be peaceful when co-workers or friends at school are making fun of me or making me look foolish? 

#2 - Reflect on what is inside of you

I quoted this in part 1 but Andy Stanley says, "What is in you, will come out of you, regardless of who is with you." If you have a cup of water and you accidentally bump the glass the water will spill naturally. Our first response is, "What a klutz I am. If I didn't bump the glass the water wouldn't of spilled." Even though that is a true statement there is a deeper truth as well. If the water wasn't in the glass to start with the water would not have spilled. 

When we have people, circumstances and just plain life bump up against us we discover a lot of things we don't like. I have seen pride, anger, jealousy and even spite come out of me. Look at what Paul says...

Romans 5:5-8--Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

I love what Craig Groeshel says, "My mind is filled with the peace of God.
In Romans 8:5-10, Paul illustrates how to be at peace. He says living by the flesh (doing whatever you want) is a sure way to be hostile to God and at war with life. But, living by the Holy Spirit is the path to peace with life." 

So when life bumps up against you and your peace disappears; PAUSE! Take a moment to reflect on what is coming out of you. Take a moment to confess your sins and your sin nature to God. PAUSE and allow the Holy Spirits love and conviction to bring change into your life. Invite His Holy Spirit in that moment to invade your life and to renew your mind. All the Holy Spirit to bring fresh peace. 


Daily Faith Prayer

Father God, I thank you that your Holy Spirit controls my mind. Thank you for renewing my mind and leading me to a life of peace. I will fix my mind on you today and follow your commands. I will walk in victory, live and peace in Jesus Name! Amen!  

Power of Music
Here is powerful song about the peace of God in the midst of the chaos of life. Enjoy! 

https://youtu.be/ddgVn-U6QHE

How do I live in peace with all of this pressure part 1

This past Sunday we continued our series "What would happen if?..." You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

One of the things we talked about this past Sunday was how many people strive for peace but do not walk in it? Be honest, how often throughout a normal week do you live at peace? Most followers of Christ live overwhelmed, stressed, full of anxiety and the sure weight of life. 

How do you know if you are peaceful? How to you react when your children do not listen or obey? How do you react when someone at work is short or rude with you? How to you react when someone cuts you off on the road? I love what Andy Stanley says "What is in you will come out of you, regardless of who is with you!" 

Over the next week I am going to share different thoughts on how we can stay better connected to Jesus and live daily in peace. I will share a daily practical thought on how to allow God's peace to rule your heart! 

#1 - Remember the source of your PEACE 

Jesus left an amazing promise for His followers. 

John 14:27-I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid

Jesus reminds us that true peace of mind and heart does not come from anything in this world. No relationship, no job, no house, no circumstance, no amount of money and not success can bring us that kind of peace. If it could all of the celebrities and sports stars would be known as people at peace. 

Jesus clearly states that He is the source of peace. Not only is He the source of peace but He gives us peace as a gift. All we have to do is unwrap it and use it. As a follower of Christ peace is something that becomes yours because of the generosity and love of God. 

So when your children are not listening, your teacher is being too harsh, your sister borrowed your clothes without asking or your boss is being a jerk; simply PAUSE! When you feel the weight and stress of life beginning to weigh you down and fill you with anxiousness, PAUSE! Pause and remember, my peace never came from these situations or relationships and they can't take it away. My peace comes from JESUS! 

It is just like Google Maps Navigation. Sometimes you have to hit re-center to see where you are at on the journey. When you PAUSE hit re-center and spend a moment in prayer or worship and thank God He has given you the gift of peace. 

Daily Faith Prayer
God thank you for giving me the gift of peace. No matter what happens to me or around me today I receive your peace and am going to walk in your peace. Your Spirit lives within me and is developing the fruit of peace everywhere I go. In Jesus Name! AMEN!