Yes! Let the celebrations continue. It's my Birthday Month! I'm celebrating all month, yes, every single day!
Today I'm thinking about Sabbath Rest.
I can’t mistake walking in my purpose, doing things for God, as a license to not take care of myself because I’m busy doing ministry! Busy doesn't always mean productive. It can just mean busy and even distracted. While what I'm doing may be a good thing, if it's not a God thing, my assignment, then it's a distraction.
In 2016, the Lord gave me a sermon called, “You Need a Nap and a Timeout.” For the first time ever, God gave me the sermon on Tuesday for the following Sunday. So, I was able to rest physically, and in Him spiritually, for the rest of the week. Imagine my excitement!
Then on Friday night He changed the sermon all together, and I mean He changed everything! So, you know for a type “A,” wants to be in control, recovering professional, this was traumatic! I asked Him, what about “You Need a Nap and a Timeout,” that He'd given me earlier in the week? His answer was, you (Leisa) needed the nap and a timeout, not My people. They need, “How Bad Do You Want It?” Wow! God interrupted my sermon prep for His people to give me a sermon! That’s love! It’s also the power of rest!
I realized that a need that “nap and a timeout,” again, right now. I think I’m going to meditate on the notes from the sermon I didn’t preach and see what God is saying to me today! There are so many things pulling at me emotionally and spiritually. I just need to press into Jesus. I’m going to have a “Spiritual Spa Day” today, just me and Jesus and the treadmill, at some point! LOL! There will be soaking in His Presence, His Word, and a lot of praise and worship!
Reflection Nuggets:
When we do it God’s way, we get God’s results. I’ve learned that being busy does not mean being productive.
As busy as Jesus was on earth, He always took time alone to pray:
"After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone." (Matthew 14:23 AMPC)
He also took time to rest:
He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while”—for there were many [people who were continually] coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat. (Mark 6:31 AMPC)
If Jesus needed daily time of rest and pray, I know I need it even more!
Today I am taking time for self-care! I’m embracing a day of rest and refreshing. I’m unplugging and disconnecting from everything and just chilling with God! I have come to realize that I am no good to anyone when I am depleted! As a matter of fact, if I minister, or interact, from my depletion then I can do more harm than good. I owe it to myself, and to others, to take good care of me, mind, body and spirit!
Stay tuned, because God isn't finished with me yet!
Since today is Mother's Day, let me wish every mother, natural or spiritual, a happy and blessed Mother's Day!
Be Encouraged! ❤