The Work of Rest -Part I

Life in 2022 can be filled with hurry, worry, and a state of absolute busyness. Running smack into stress is as common as breathing. You’re tested just getting from A to B whether driving, using public transportation or even on waiting for an elevator. The constant sound of sirens can numb our senses to the point of unconcern due to our own stress levels. Hearing of daily random acts of violence, facing constant price increases, unending political insanity, and concern about one public disease then another doesn’t help.

Knowing we would face these things and more, Jesus invites us to live in rest, even in 2022! (Math 11:28)

For more than a month, I read Matthew 11:28 and Hebrews 4, battling with the concept of experiencing this rest Jesus gives. Every time I received the rest, something quickly came along to test the rest. But isn’t that the point?

We’re tested daily but find the answer in “joining our faith with the Word which activates the promise” of rest (Hebrews 4:3 TPT).

When we learn and believe what Jesus has already said about our situation, rest is received (Matth 11:28). Instead of learning what Jesus said and yoking (joining our faith) with the Word (Jesus is the Word) we sometimes allow the tests to reign and wear us down. Weariness and stress set in and rob us of our promised rest, producing stress.

Hebrews 4:11 (KJV) states we should “labor to enter into rest”. What a contradiction of terms! Though Jesus gives us rest, we must labor or make every effort to enter that rest. According to Hebrews 4. doubt is disobedience and it robs us of rest and the promises of God. Doubt/failure to believe, took the lives of the children of Israel.

Jesus says TODAY, despite every obstacle, if we will (we have a choice), we can enter His rest (Hebrews 3:13). Let’s join our faith to the word of God, no matter what today brings, and confidently, obediently live in rest!

The Fullness of God’s Purpose for Your Life by Aileen Florez

Did you ever wake up feeling purposeless? I have.

Look around. Do you see your friends’ and co-workers or even your neighbors living passionately, engaged with the community with fulfilling lives? They have rewarding jobs, great relationships, and a sense of direction that compels them to jump start their day with excitement!

After looking at others, I began evaluating myself. Am I living in God’s purpose? I know God has something good in store for me and nothing can happen without God ordering it. As Jeremiah 29:11 states “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope.”

At the age of 17 I had surgery for a raptured appendix and almost died. The surgery involved a 4–6-inch incision on the lower right side of the abdomen. My recovery wasn’t easy. I experienced many negative thoughts that led to depression and eventually I weighed only 80 pounds.

But one day God spoke to me and gave me an important message. At that time, I felt lost and confused. How was I to know the truth? How was I to believe that God was for me when I didn’t have the desires of my heart? But God’s word says in John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you that in ME you will have peace, in the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world and God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)

As I look back, I can clearly see how I’ve grown spiritually in God’s grace. Praise God for His unfailing love and compassion to those who love and fear Him. The Hoy Spirit showed me that my feelings and my life experiences will change each day and the word of the Lord will stand forever. God’s character is unchanging through the ages (Isaiah 40:8)

I realized that when we follow Jesus, He will open doors for us and break the chains that prevent us from moving forward towards His great plan for us. I pray the Lord will help us love Him and trust Him with all our hearts and to give us wisdom and direction to follow His plan for us and stop comparing ourselves to others. As time goes by, God will give us a clear vision of His purpose for each of us and with the help of the Holy Spirit everything falls in the right place.

Forgiven to Forgive Part II - by Jose Flores

As I shared in Part 1, I had a burning desire to speak to others about God, but my past

(my fathers involvement with the Colombian Cartel, the kidnapping of my sister, the death threats to my family) interfered with my present, preventing me from moving forward daily, I woke with pain and heaviness inside of me.

For years, the weight and pressure on my chest drove me to the doctors. I thought something was wrong with my heart, but the doctor said my heart was normal.

One day as I listened to worship music, I heard God speaking to me saying “Jose, I love you. It has been too long. You’ve got to forgive your dad and everyone that hurt you. Let it Go! I don’t want you to hurt anymore. I want you to have my peace, to trust Me. Trust that I’m going to lead and comfort you.”

I didn’t ignore Jesus. I surrendered to Him. I felt as though something was ripped off my chest. I felt more peace and joy.

Now each day I wake up I am so happy because I was able to forgive. If you don’t forgive you will live in pain and anger.

The word is clear. God expects us to forgive as many times as we need to… Remember when Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive others who sin against him, Jesus told him “I tell you not seven times, but seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22)

You need to surrender to Jesus and allow Him to help you forgive everyone that hurt you. That’s what God wants.

GOD is BIG and He can bring healing to our broken hearts (Psalm 147:3) Jesus is our greatest example of forgiveness and He too forgave those who had beaten, kicked, spit on Him and crucified Him.

At the cross, Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34). Today, we know that Jesus wants us to forgive just as He has forgiven us. He wants us to be free and not burdened by bitter and unforgiveness.

If you’ve chosen Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you’ve received forgiveness. Choose His way and forgive all who’ve hurt you. Jesus will help you. Let’s be like Him and forgive!