"It's the End of the World as We Know It!" or "Enough Troubles for Today"

The other day I went and checked the mail and in the mail was a pamphlet from Texas letting me know the end of the world was going to be this week! (Thanks for the warning!) Some guy had looked in the Bible and figured out the secret countdown for the world's expiration date and it is on May 21, 2011.

At first, I was so relieved because I have A LOT to get done, and if the world is ending then I don't have to do most of it! However, I know that even though I am not guaranteed to wake up on May 22nd, the odds are I will. So I continue to plan and work and look forward to my vacation next month! I have decided the end of the world is not a good enough reason for let up on the tasks God has given me for this day, this week, and this year! No matter what some guy who misuses Scripture to prove whatever point He is trying to make.

It amazes me, this guy could know something which Jesus did not even know. The Scriptures clearly says it is not up to us to figure the times or dates of the these things. I have got enough stuff going on in my life which requires my time, energy, prayer, and focus without having to worry if the world is going to end this week or next week or next year or whenever. I just try to remember Christ is coming back and I just need to be ready when He does, whenever He does.

So, on May 21st, I will be getting ready for May 22nd, Sunday, to worship the God who has all these things under control!

"Worn Out and Worn Down" or "No Rest For the Wicked"

This morning I woke up to go do my workout for the day, and something very unexpected happened. My body said, "I don't think so!" I argued with it and started to get ready to leave the house, but every step I took was labored. My body just refused to do anything I wanted it to. I knew what I needed to do. I just needed to go back and rest and give my body a break. And as fun and easy as it sounds, it was hard just to admit I could not workout today. I had to admit to myself it did not matter how strong, tough or determined I think I am, I had to rest.

There is a stigma against resting. We tend to think of rest with laziness. We tend to think if we are not constantly pushing, moving, or working then we are failing as people or believers. However the Scriptures plainly say there still remains a rest for the people of God.

Rest is an important part of our physical and spiritual well being. Physically, rest gives the body time to rebuild and recoup in order to be stronger and healthier for the next time demands are placed on it. Spiritually, rest gives us time to just be with God. Rest is necessary as we strive to reach a lost world with the Gospel. There are times when God just wants to build us up and allow us to be ready for the mission God has planned for us.

So this morning I slept in a little, for tomorrow I get back to work. So, kick back and relax a bit. Then get back to work. You'll be better for it.