A poor widow's jar of oil

 A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves." So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors--empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones." So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, "Bring me another vessel." And he said to her, "There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest."

2 Kings 4:1-7

This woman was bereaved, indebted and was in fear of losing her two sons to slavery. What a hopeless situation! In her desperation, she reaches out to the prophet of GOD. 

While we live in this fallen world, most people we meet are spiritually dead and many of them are in slavery and bondage to the devil. Even many Christians are living under the oppression of the enemy.

Whatever our situation, whether we need comfort, finance, guidance or legal advice, we should first seek the counsel of GOD before running to man. Only GOD is able to save us from the wiles of the devil and set us free.

 "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil."

GOD begins His work of restoration with what we do have.

This woman would have had plenty of empty vessels. Her flour bin, oil jar, sugar bowl, rice bag, milk bottle, spice containers, fruit bowl, cereal boxes, dish washing and laundry detergent containers and so on. Each time she saw these, she would have been preoccupied with the emptiness of her life! She became consumed with self pity. She had nothing to offer even her sons.

Is your life empty? It may not be financial need, but spiritual and emotional need that makes you feel worthless and empty.

You may feel so empty and desperate.

Don't worry about the nothing, but do something with the one thing you have!

The one thing this poor woman had was a jar of oil.

Do you have the Oil of the  Holy Spirit in yourself - in your Jar of clay? 

 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42

The LORD JESUS counselled the rich young ruler, thus:

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

Mark 10:21

Following a mission trip, the LORD asked His disciples, "When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?" So they said, "Nothing."

Luke 22:35

That one thing we need is faith that connects us to the One Who is Faithful for eternity.

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"Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors--empty vessels...

The woman was asked to borrow empty vessels from everywhere from all her neighbors. Rather than being preoccupied as to how she could have her empty vessels filled, she began to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors! She did not realise that her neighbors also had empty vessels! All their vessels were not full.

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 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5 

Has the Holy Spirit been poured out in your heart? 

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7

The Holy Spirit has also been poured out on us abundantly!

We must spend time with GOD in prayer and His word so that we may receive His Spirit of love into us and on us so that we may pour out to others His love through good works.

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And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones." So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out.

When we reach out to others with love, we will find many broken and empty lives. When we walk around with a spiritual mindset, the Holy Spirit will enable us to see people in need. We should then 'borrow in our mind' those empty vessels and take them into our  prayer closet and shut the door behind us. Through prayer and intercession, our hearts will be filled with GOD's love for the people. When we pray as led by the Holy Spirit, the burden will lift and we will know that our prayer has been answered. That jar is then full! We can leave that person - that jar aside and take on another jar - another person to the LORD in prayer!

 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
1 John 5:14-15
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There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased

GOD's goodness and blessings will keep flowing into our lives as long as we allow them to  flow through us to others, just like the oil in the jar of the woman.

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Go, sell the oil and pay your debt

The woman went to the neighbors and returned their jars which were now full of oil! She sold the oil and they paid her for it. That income settled her debt.

All of us are indebted to GOD because He paid the price through the LORD JESUS to save us from eternal damnation. He has bought us for Himself. We can never repay the LORD but He desires that we give our lives to Him that He might live through us.

We may have to leave the comfort of our home to bring a blessing to someone. In answer to our own prayers for our neighbors and others, the Holy Spirit may lead us to acts of kindness. We may be prompted to send a text messages, call or visits someone in need. Thus we become channels of GOD's love and allow Him to fill their hearts with His love. We may be asked to leave our own child briefly to minister to a needy child of someone else. Thus, there is enlarging of our spiritual family and we gain many souls for GOD's Kingdom.

Those who are blessed through our ministry, will also bless us in practical ways and with gifts. They become channels of GOD's provision to us!

 So He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life."
Luke 18:29-30

When we seek to put the LORD first in our lives and love Him above all and walk in obedience to Him, He gives us much more than what we let go of, for His sake. GOD is no man's debtor. We can never outgive Him!

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and you and your sons live on the rest."

When we put the Kingdom of GOD as priority and seek to serve Him and live for His purpose, He promises to meet all our earthly needs as well. 

 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:31-34

Let us therefore focus our mind on GOD's Kingdom and give ourselves to live for Him each day and experience the abundance of His provision and love.

BE BLESED AND BE A BLESSING!

KEEP YOUR HEART

 KEEP YOUR HEART

 Keep your heart with all diligence, 

For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23

We need to put in more effort to keep our heart than to keep our garden!

It takes diligent work to kill weeds and to grow wheat! 

The heart is the most important part of our body. the spiritual heart is also the most important part of our inner man.

It is the heart that receives and pumps out the life blood to every part of the body to keep us alive.

Will we not do anything to keep our heart healthy and strong?

We will adjust our lifestyle diligently, when the Doctor gives us a warning regarding the condition of our heart. We will take counsel from the Doctor about exercise, rest and diet.

The health of our physical heart depends much on the kind of food that is put into the stomach.

The health of our spiritual heart depends on the kind of information that is put into the mind.

It is important for us to select our diet wisely. It is even more important for us to be wise and selective in the kind of information we seek after. Entertainment from books and social media concert halls and theatres can corrupt the mind and spoil the heart. Like in the days of Noah, every thought and intent of man is evil. These evil intents and imaginations bombard us through social media as never before!

Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."
Matthew 15:17-20

Fruit from the tree of Life gives life and health to the heart.

GOD's word is like the tree of Life.

 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,
"Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 2:16-17

Words from the serpent made Eve and Adam eat Fruit from the tree of The knowledge of good and evil, bringing death to their soul, just as GOD warned them. 

 Then the serpent said to the woman,
"You will not surely die.
 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened,
and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Genesis 3:4-5

Even watching and reading opinionated news can impress the mind wrongly and affect the attitude of the heart against individuals, kings and rulers, people groups or nations. Such knowledge will be mingled with  the deceptive whispers of the serpent of old, '"You are like GOD, knowing good and evil"! This can result in pride and rifts with people who carry opinions that differ from ours.

The Scripture says that knowledge will increase in the end times. People will be greedy for knowlege that puffs up. If we have collected knowledge in the mind, it is necessary for us to take that knowledge to the LORD in prayer, to hear His version of what we have heard. He will give us wisdom as to how to use and dispense that knowledge wisely. 

 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:1-4

We should learn to receive information objectively and not allow that knowledge to affect our heart that will cause us to react adversely. For one, that information may not be accurate or complete. Besides, our wrong reaction and attitude will not be beneficial to our spiritual heart or to others.

For a Christian, the most important purpose of seeking knowledge should be to intercede for the people involved. But if our heart is prejudiced, our prayers will not be heard!

 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
Psalm 66:18

Thinking on and keeping on thinking on the thoughts in our mind is like chewing on and swallowing the food in our mouth! Just as the food enters the stomach, the thoughts enter the heart. Food digests in the stomach and bowels and nourishes or brings sickness to the body, depending on whether it is good or bad. Similarly, the thoughts and ideas that enter the heart, affect the spirit positively or negatively.

 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

We must also pray and intercede for the people involved in or affected by any situation we are informed of, as led by the Holy Spirit. The information we receive should result in setting up straight paths of righteousness for ourselves and bring blessing to others and glory to GOD!

If we do not deal with the knowledge we receive, it will sit in the mind to puff us up with pride, to show off our knowledge and earthly wisdom. It will also affect the attitude of our heart negatively. If not prayed through, it will be burdensome to the soul. 

It is more important for us to seek and pursue the knowledge of GOD, which will fill our heart with His beautiful, pure love. Such a heart is a healthy heart that is able to receive GOD's love and pump it out to others!

 Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show by good conduct that his works are done
in the meekness of wisdom.
 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts,
do not boast and lie against the truth.
 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual,
demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist,
confusion and every evil thing are there.
 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:13-17

So fill your stomach with healthy food.

Fill your mind with good knowledge and more importantly, the knowledge of GOD.

Treadmill test for the spiritual heart:

• What do you feel in your heart, when you hear certain news from the media or from people? I

f you feel anger towards wrong doers, let it not take root in your heart. Take that individual or people to the LORD in prayer and intercession, until the anger changes into compassion.

• If you are one, who has much knowledge and is highly opinionated about the president of the US(although you are not an American), the Jews, the vaccines and such, and you hear others voicing their views different to that of yours, do you feel an agitation in your heart and want to open your mouth and drown their voices?

If you were unable to speak, did you feel anger and resentment in your heart towards those who voiced opinions different to yours?

 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:19-21

• Do you feel a discomfort deep within, when you hear the name of someone you don't like? 

You must come to that place of rest regarding that matter, by taking it to the LORD in prayer. You will know that part of your heart is healed, when that symptom is no more!

• How do you react when you see or bump into an individual against whom you hold grudges?

If you feel like hiding or ignoring that person, it indicates a sickness in your heart. It shows that through a wrong attitude, you have given into bondage. That individual has the power over you to cause you to turn your face away, to turn around or to run away! 

If so, you have miserably failed the treadmill test for your spiritual heart!

You must consult your Heavenly Physician regarding this problem, so that He can speak to you and heal you.

• How does your heart feel, when you hear good things about someone you don't like?

• How does your heart respond to news of something good happening to someone you can't stick?

• How do you react or respond when what you have stood for as correct information, is clearly proved to be wrong?

Even if the result of this test makes you feel discouraged about the condition of your heart, there is hope for you in JESUS, Who is the Great Physician!

 Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

You will now realise that the enemy of your soul kept you bound by unnecessary burdens of knowledge. In this way, he kept you from fulfilling GOD's wonderful plans in your life.

When you allow GOD to heal your heart, there will be a transformation in your whole being. You will sense a lightness in your heart, joy in your soul and experience health in your body!

GRACE

GRACE

G - God's

R - Riches

A - At

C - Christ's

E - Expense

The five Riches of this Grace are as follows:

G - Giving grace

R - Redeeming grace

A - Agape grace

C - Covering grace

E - Enabling grace

Giving Grace

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8

 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
1 Corinthians 12:1

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:7-8

Redeeming Grace

 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:17-21

 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1

Agape grace

 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:44

 Covering grace

 then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering.
Isaiah 4:5

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11

So the Lord said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name." And he said, "Please, show me Your glory." Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." But He said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." And the Lord said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."
Exodus 33:17-23

 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, And princes will rule with justice. A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
Isaiah 32:1-2

 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, 'You are My people.' "
Isaiah 51:16

Enabling grace

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

When we live and walk in grace, we will be grateful for the experience of GOD's amazing grace.

Then we will also be gracious to others.

We will be free from the bondage of the law and live victoriously in Christ.

Grace sets us free from the guilt, shame and fear of sin, that are experienced by those who live under the law. 

May we be grateful, gracious and free people, as we walk in grace!

 

Grace and Law

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:13-14

Grace and Glory

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11

Grace and Kindness

 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:7

Grace and Salvation

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8

Grace and Faith

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8

Grace and Truth

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Grace and Hope

 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:13

Grace and Obedience

 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
Romans 1:5

Grace and Sin, Grace and Righteousness

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:20-21

So, my dear friends, let us get on the route of FAITH, on which the GRACE bus travels, so it can pick you and take you, free of charge on the path of RIGHTEOUSNESS, to your destination of eternal GLORY!

Neither the  'Law Bus', nor the 'Works Bus' nor the 'Religion Bus' nor any other bus can proceed to and reach the eternal destination. Only the 'Grace Bus' can!

In fact, this vehicle is our Precious LORD JESUS CHRIST and the road, the road of redemption, made red by His own precious Blood!

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS!

 FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS

We were on holiday, spending a few days in a hotel in the city! My husband and I decided to attend a Church not too far away. We would take a ride on the bus to Church and back. 

I thought I had it all in place! I was given clear directions by our son, to get back to the hotel on the bus, after attending the Church service.

I was asked to turn right after getting off the bus and that's what I did and yet we walked in the wrong direction!

I was confused until I realised why. After getting off the bus, I simply turned right, when I should have turned myself a 180 degrees and then turned to my right! I should have been facing the road, when I turned right!

The instuctions given to me were correct and I followed the instructions. But I was facing the wrong way!

This taught me a lesson about following the instructions for our life on earth, as given in the Scriptures. It is so very important to have our motive clear and correct, while studying the word of  GOD.

If my motive is purely selfish and self centred, and if my mind is set on the things of this world, It is possible for me to misinterpret the word of GOD and proceed in the wrong direction, deceived by my carnal mind. My motive is wrong, if my desire to learn the Bible is to use this 'Sword of the Spirit' to thrust through and kill others with it, by pointing my fingers at them, bringing accusation and condemnation.

Another subtle, hidden goal of a Pastor or teacher of the word could be, to use it like sugar candy to attract crowds and keep them following them!

The word of GOD is truth and I might seem sincere about following it and teaching it to others. But if my motive is wrong, I am deceived by the devil like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. I am then turned 180 degrees in the wrong direction!

If my first turn is wrong, each subsequent turn in my path would lead me further away from the truth and from my eternal destination!

Let us therefore prepare our hearts in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts, so that the seed of GOD's word will be sown on good ground and yield good fruit in our lives.

Let us make sure our mind is open to receive the word of correction and conviction by the Spirit so that we may repent and turn away from our sinful ways which lead us towards eternal damnation.

Let us not study the word towards justifying ourselves before GOD or others. Let us put away the habit of picking and selecting only verses that speak about worldly prosperity and happiness.

Rather, let us study the Bible prayerfully and diligently, allowing the Holy Spirit to give us revelation of His word, with a motive to know GOD's way and to walk in His path to bring glory to His name and to bring blessing to others. Then we will proced towards our eternal destination, which is  Heaven!

 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, 

lest anyone fall 

according to the same example of disobedience. 

For the word of God is living and powerful, 

and sharper than any two-edged sword, 

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, 

and of joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts 

and intents of the heart. 

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, 

but all things are naked and open 

to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:11-13

Enter Into His Rest

 Enter Into His Rest

REST

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 

  And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, 

and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, 

because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Genesis 2:1-3

 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, 

let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 

For he who has entered His rest

has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, 

lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:1, 9-11

Rest means ceasing from doing work and relaxing physically.

The Almighty GOD Himself rested on the seventh day, not because He was tired, but He set the example for us of the necessity to rest from our work!This practice still continues as one holiday in seven days. Based on this concept is also the sabbatical leave, which is a long period off work for many years of work!

Rest results in restoration, refreshing and revival.

Rest to the soul means being settled in the mind and soul resulting in peace of mind. Rest to the soul results in restoration, refreshing and revival to the soul!

Rest also speaks about living within our boundary lines. It is necessary to learn about  our boundary lines as defined in the Scriptures, in our relationship with GOD and with each other. I must understand when and where my work and responsibilities begin and end. I shouldn't trespass into another individual's work or responsibility that GOD has ordained for him or her. That boundary line must be my rest when I stop working! In fact, GOD is that boundary line between me and others and I must enter into His rest at that boundary line!!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 

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

Matthew 11:28-30

Although we should give thought to plan for tomorrow or the future, we shouldn't worry about tomorrow or the future. Only then can we rest in the LORD, by trusting Him for the future!

 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about its own things. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34

ENTER

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, 

let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 

  For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; 

but the word which they heard did not profit them, 

not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 

  For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: 

"So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest,' " 

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 

  For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: 

"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works"; 

  and again in this place: "They shall not enter My rest." 

  Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, 

and those to whom it was first preached 

did not enter because of disobedience, 

  again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today,"

after such a long time, as it has been said: 

"Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." 

  For if Joshua had given them rest, 

then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 

  There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 

  For he who has entered His rest 

has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 

  Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, 

lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 

  For the word of God is living and powerful, 

and sharper than any two-edged sword, 

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, 

and of joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, 

but all things are naked and open 

to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:1-13

Enter means stepping into a territory or crossing a threshold. 

If you have been out for a short time our a long period,you return and the moment you step into your own home, don't you feel a sense of relief and rest? You set up your home in ways you can be comfortable. your clothes are there, your favourite food is there, your kitchen is set up in a way it is convenient for you to do your cooking! your lounge, laundry and everything is to your liking. Best of all, your familiar bed is there, where you can rest! 

Your home is your resting place, where you dwell and where you abide. wherever you go, you return to your home. That is your address and a part of your identity.

This is like being somewhat at peace, when you are living your life the way you want. The day you surrender your life to GOD in the name of the LORD JESUS, you are entering His Presence Which becomes your Home!

There is a resting place also for our soul. That is the presence of the Almighty GOD!

 Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

Before the mountains were brought forth, 

Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, 

Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2

 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; 

My God, in Him I will trust."
Psalm 91:1-2

We can only enter into the presence of GOD, through the LORD JESUS, Who is the door to eternal life. 

 I am the door. 

If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, 

and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9

The Scriptures speak about entering into His rest. That means entering His home, which is His very Presence! We enter into His joyous Presence with thanksgiving and praise! 

 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, 

And into His courts with praise. 

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100:4

You will show me the path of life; 

In Your presence is fullness of joy; 

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

Such was the rest in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve lived in the glorious Presence of GOD. This is also the situation we look forward to in Heaven. Not entering His rest means, not entering Heaven, and that means eternal separation from GOD, which is death to the soul!

 Work shall be done for six days, 

but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. 

Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, 

he shall surely be put to death.

Exodus 31:15

 In the meantime, we must experience the sabbath rest of constantly entering His Presence and working from that place of rest in Him. 'S Abba th' could mean seventh day of rest with Abba!

If you are living with someone in his home, you must conform to his ways and submit to his rules. So it is when we live in CHRIST. If we are not willing to adjust to His ways and want to have our way, we will be restless, being unable to rest in Him!

 I am the vine, you are the branches. 

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; 

for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

The LORD JESUS speaks about a two way relationship when He abides in me and I abide in Him! He enters our life when we repent of our sin and invite Him in. He is in us in the form of the Holy Spirit, Who adusts to live in us, like how water adjusts to the shape of the container it is poured into!

 Now hope does not disappoint, 

because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts 

by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

Jesus answered and said to him, 

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; 

and My Father will love him, 

and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:23

When the Holy Spirit makes His home in us, we must make sure He is comfortable and not quenched or grieved. We must be conscious of His gentle promptings and guidance. He teaches us how to abide in CHRIST, while molding us and preparing us for our eternal home!

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalm 23:6

STAND STILL, SIT STILL, SLEEP

Are you able to stand still, sit still and are you able to sleep peacefully? Are you restless and need to move a part of your body even while relaxing?

 Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth! 

  The Lord of hosts is with us; 

The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 46:10-11

And Moses said to the people, 

"Do not be afraid. Stand still, 

and see the salvation of the Lord, 

which He will accomplish for you today. 

For the Egyptians whom you see today, 

you shall see again no more forever. 

The Lord will fight for you, 

and you shall hold your peace."
Exodus 14:13-14

 Then she said, "Sit still, my daughter, 

until you know how the matter will turn out; 

for the man will not rest 

until he has concluded the matter this day."
Ruth 3:18

TRUST

When you rest on a bed, you are laying all your weight on that bed. You are trusting that bed to hold your weight.

If you can't trust the bed to hold your weight, you cannot rest on that bed! 

 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; 

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, 

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psalm 37:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, 

And whose hope is the Lord. 

  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, 

Which spreads out its roots by the river, 

And will not fear when heat comes; 

But its leaf will be green, 

And will not be anxious in the year of drought, 

Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Have you placed your trust in the Almighty GOD that you are able to rest on His faithfulness, His promises and His power?

 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, 

and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory 

with exceeding joy, 

  To the only wise God our Saviour, 

be glory and majesty, dominion and power, 

both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25

The Holy Spirit will also rest on those, whom He can trust - those who will submit to Him and obey Him.

 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, 

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, 

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, 

The Spirit of counsel and might, 

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 

His delight is in the fear of the Lord, 

And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, 

Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;
Isaiah 11:1-3

Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, 

and the cloud covered it six days. 

And on the seventh day 

He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Exodus 24:16 

Then the Lord came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, 

and took of the Spirit that was upon him, 

and placed the same upon the seventy elders; 

and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, 

that they prophesied, although they never did so again.
Numbers 11:25

 And John bore witness, saying, 

"I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, 

and He remained upon Him. (JESUS)
John 1:32

 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, 

they were all with one accord in one place. 

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, 

as of a rushing mighty wind, 

and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, 

and one sat upon each of them. 

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit 

and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4

Rest in the LORD, be Refreshed, Restored, revived

Enter into His rest

Stand still, sit still, sleep,

Trust in the LORD

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