Finding Rest, Silence, and Stillness by Alan Anderson

 

In reading the InScribe blog posts for this month, we are aware of the importance of rest in our lives. A key Bible passage for the theme of rest is Matthew 11:28 which states,

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

 

 

A 21^st Century Rendition of Matthew 11: 28.

“Come to me, if you have time to hang out for a second or so, all you who are looking for something else to do, and I will give you a list of errands to keep you busy.”

 

As I contemplated Matthew’s words, I had to step back and ask myself if I believed this statement. There is a time in my life when I wonder if I did. The rendition I wrote of Matt. 11:28 reflects how I used to live. How about you? Can you relate?

 

Around October 1997, I experienced a period of burnout. This was like spending life in a dark tunnel groping about as a blind man in unfamiliar territory. As a bi-vocational pastor, I worked full time as a school custodian to support my family. I devoted several hours per day to my church ministry. In addition, I studied for a Master’s degree to develop my ministry skills. After a few years of this pressure, I crashed and burned.

 

Experience with burnout resulted in my decision to change where I wanted my energy to focus. I realized in this time I lost a balance between labour, rest, and God. This period of burnout provided an opportunity to continue to serve, but in another context of ministry. First, I had to rest.

 

My period of rest included separation from pastoral ministry. I carried on with my studies and my full-time employment. Through a more contemplative approach to ministry, I looked to God for direction. Here is some of what I learned at this time in my life.

 

Rest, Silence, and Stillness

If I did not come to this place of burnout, I would have missed the blessing of rest, silence, and stillness. Rest helps our bodies to slow down and relax. This physical rest helps our mind, heart, and spirit. Through rest, we can discover the gift of silence. Silence calms us from listening to the all-consuming voices of the world. Silence leads the way to an inner ability to be still. In stillness, we can listen to God. As you may already know, this is not a simple process to follow.

 

Over the years of interacting with people, I encountered many Christians who were just plain tired. Even pastor burnout is not uncommon. We can speak of rest, yet not practice it. We may use triumphant language, yet neglect to listen to God. This is a recipe for busyness without blessing.

 

Please allow yourself to at least consider these final thoughts:

• ·       Make room for rest without allowing excuses to dictate.
• ·       When others lose their peace and turn to fear, we can rest and be calm.
• ·       Embrace silence and allow this gift to hold you as well.
• ·       In stillness, we can listen to God with assurance He listens to us.

 

 

 

 

Alan lives in Deroche, B.C. with his wife, Terry. He contributed stories to Good Grief People by Angel Hope Publishing, 2017 ; Story by Story: The Power of a Writer, Unstoppable Writers Publishing, 2018, and . Alan has also written articles for FellowScript Magazine. Blog: https://scarredjoy.ca. Alan is the Provincial Rep. Liaison and BC Rep for InScribe.

 

Learning to Listen to God's Voice - Ruth L. Snyder

This month we are sharing "God Moments" with each other. I find this a delightful, and thought-provoking theme. I love how God speaks to each individual in ways that are meaningful to them. He truly is a good, good Father!

I'm grateful my parents modeled listening to God from before I was born—we flew to South Africa when I was six weeks old because my parents obeyed a call from God to serve there as missionaries. When I was six years old, my parents listened to a plea (similar to the Macedonian Call in the book of Acts) from a man who asked if anyone would help him tell his people (in Botswana) about God. As a family, we experienced many "God moments".

A favorite place to walk and listen to God

Over the years, God has spoken to me in many different ways, and often with a combination of the following:

1. The Bible
2. Prayer
3. Circumstances
4. Friends
5. Thoughts that wouldn't leave me alone

I'm continuing to learn how to listen to God better. 

Usually, I sleep well and don't wake up in the middle of the night. However, there have been many times when God has woken me up in the middle of the night and impressed on me that I need to pray for a specific person or prayer request. When I wake up in the early morning hours, I've learned to pay attention to who is on my mind and pray for them. Sometimes I hear about specific answers to prayer, and sometimes I don't.

God has also been dealing with getting rid of idols in my life. He has shown me that anyone or anything that I put above Him is an idol. If I act out of fear, I am allowing people's perceptions to be in control. If I eat comfort food rather than bringing my problems to God, I am making food an idol. It is not only important for me to start the day by spending time with God and in His Word, but also to talk with Him and listen to Him as I walk through each day. 

Lately, God has been speaking to me about obeying the speed limit. I have never received a traffic ticket, but that doesn't mean I always obey the rules. In the past, I usually drove anywhere from 5-10 km over the speed limit on the highway. My conscience started bothering me. Most people don't see me as a rebel, because I tend to be sneaky in the way I rebel. God reminded me that He knows, even if no one else knows. He sees my heart. Going the speed limit is not so much about the speed, but about submitting totally to God and obeying those He has put in charge.

Two resources I am digging into this year are 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice by Mark Virkler and a Bible Memory seminar with Graham Best.

I will end with one of my favorite "God moments" from this past year. One day last summer, my boys begged me to take them to garage sales. We wrote down addresses that were advertised and went from sale to sale, discovering new-to-us treasures. At one sale I noticed there were three lawn mowers for sale.

That evening, I pulled our lawnmower out of the garage, filled it with gas, checked the oil, and pulled the cord. It had worked the week before. No matter what I tried, it would not start. I prayed, and I asked a couple other people to try, but it still wouldn't start. Then, I remembered the garage sale with three mowers. My schedule was full and I knew I wouldn't be able to get back to the sale until late the next afternoon. "Lord, keep a lawnmower there for me."

The next day, I prayed several times. We really didn't have money for a new mower. Finally, I was able to drive to the place we had been the previous day. I held my breath as I walked up the sidewalk. When I looked up, there was one mower left! "Thank you, Lord!"

I approached the owner, an elderly man, and told him I wanted to buy his lawnmower. "You know, I just don't understand. You saw I had three lawnmowers for sale. This is the best one, but nobody bought it."

I smiled. "God kept it here for me."

"This is my favorite lawnmower. I wouldn't even be selling it if my relatives hadn't given me a new mower as a gift. I still like this one better, but I can't sell the new one."

I felt sorry for him, but happy for me! He showed me how it worked...one pull and it roared to life. The price was less than half what a new one would cost. I came home feeling like God had blessed me with a Cadillac lawnmower. God is indeed a good, good Father who takes care of us in amazing ways.

How has God spoken to you? What is your favorite "God-moment" from the past year?

The Mystery of the Setting Sun By Alan Anderson

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,” I Cor. 15:51

In these early days of 2017 I am thankful to God my journey has not ended yet. With the approach of a New Year there is a sense of mystery. Don’t you think? That’s how I see it. It is the mystery of the unfolding of another chapter of my life story as I journey on. So far the sun has risen for me each morning.

Every year is also a mystery of God’s unfolding story in me as one of His kids. I have no idea of what is ahead but God is there. I thank Him for the gift of mystery! I thank Him for a faith that gives me strength to carry on in this life.

In looking back on 2016 and other past years there is sense of poignancy in my heart. I remember loved ones and friends to whom I said fare thee well. Their journeys ended yet their memories are sweet and enduring. They are ones who now “sleep.” The sun has set for them yet they are with the risen Son!

I like to walk. I like to walk with one foot after the other. Perhaps I’m too cautious at times. I have, however, been known to take risks in life. The challenge is for me not to get ahead of God and mess things up. From experience I know that can hurt. I have to let God be God and realize mystery may be good for me!

A few days ago I went for a walk on the dike a couple minutes from home with Terry (my wife) and our dog Charlie. It was late in the afternoon but still light enough for a walk. It was chilly and such a beautiful afternoon. We walked with Charlie and took pictures of each other. As we were heading home Charlie and I walked a little bit ahead of Terry. She took a photo of Charlie and me. When I saw it later it spoke to me as walking into the setting winter sun. It was the inspiration for this post.

Walks on the dike often inspire me. Rain or shine the scenery surrounding the dike speaks to me. I listen to God in the quiet majesty of His creation. I thank Him for such an intimate relationship with the beauty around me. Such beauty helps me to be patient as I walk into the mystery of what lies ahead.

There are things in the shadow of God’s mystery for me to behold, look forward to and trust. For instance, I look forward in 2017 to knowing what it feels like to have some of my writing published. This is exciting! It is a path I walk in the company of my friends Glynis, Ruth, Carolyn, Barb, Donna and Amanda! They have walked such a path before. It is uncharted territory for me! It is still a mystery.

One day I will walk into my setting sun. Slowly but surely light will give way to darkness and I still will hope. I will be changed! I will know what the mystery means. I will look upon the risen Son!

Blog: ScarredJoy@wordpress.com

Where is God in My Writing? - Janis Cox

I used to have time to write, before I published Tadeo Turtle. Somehow time has become shorter. Why is that?

Marketing? Blogging? Platform building? Social Media?

This month God showed me something very important. I don't need to do all that all the time. He showed me that I can spend 40 hours taking an art course, have fun and also have time to blog, eat, and time with my hubby.

How?

This past week the same thing happened. Three days were taken away from social media as a family member needed my help. And except for almost forgetting this post, most things were accomplished.

How?

I think I have found the answer. I asked myself what is really important? And I remembered that each day God has His agenda - and I am supposed to let go of my agenda.

I have this quote above my computer. I can't find it online so have no idea where it came from.

"We have no control over what life delivers to our door. But we have complete control over our response. Let the record show your response brought glory and honour to God."

God had been taking time to talk to me and I didn't want to listen. He showed me that I am a special work of His but I am in progress. Remember: God isn't finished with me yet.

If I remember to let go and leave my day to God, He does give me the time, the nudging, the connections and the energy to do it His way. So I can do art; I can write; I can visit family.

God shows me what is really important to Him. (tweet this)

"We have no conception of what God is aiming at, and as we go on it gets more and more vague" (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 3).

My only goal is to please Him. 

Are you writing for God? Are you listening to His nudges?

What has God been saying to you lately? Are you doing what you love? Are you excited to do it? Why do you write? Ask yourself these questions. Then ask God to show you where He wants you to focus your attention and time. 

I have learned to continue to follow His Footsteps and He will show me the way He wants me to go.

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog calledFamily and Faith Matters. Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.

Who Are You Working For? - Janis Cox

Last month we wrote about all the ways we can market, promote, and get better at writing. There were some wonderful ideas to help us with the craft of writing. But without God they are worthless.

Do you ever force yourself into doing something that is not in God’s plan? I notice when I say yes to something before talking to God - I find out I would have been better not to have said YES. Sometimes saying YES before prayer leads me to where I don’t experience the joy or fruit of my endeavour. God's answer may have been NO.

I am coming to the conclusion (and yes, dear writers, I am using the passive tense because it is an on-going conclusion) that maybe just maybe … I should LISTEN more to God rather than doing things in the name of God.

Then I read from Philippians:

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil 2:13 NIV).

I need to have God in me in order to fulfill His good purpose – not my purpose. Oh there it is ME once again. ME.

Do I take those jobs or work on something because “I can do it” or because God wants me to do it? Do I work at something before I ask God about it? Am I in step with Him?

I want to remember that it is God working through me not me working for God.

I want to take time to LISTEN to what God wants and not to hear just what “I” want.

What do you think? I wrote about this for Under the Cover of Prayer last Friday. Obviously this has been on my mind. Do I Listen to God?

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement.She has published a couple of devotionals and a number of articles. Her Bible study is available in PDF.

As owner of Under the Cover of Prayer she writes often.

Her children's book, Tadeo Turtle, is scheduled for release in October.

Email her at Janis or visit her at www. janiscox.com.

Get into the Habit - by Janis Cox

Am I a pray-er? Really?

I talk about it, read about it, and even write about it at Under the Cover of Prayer. But, the truth is I know I could do better.

In my morning time devotionals I try to start with a prayer list. I am on the online prayer team for The Word Guild and at the top of that weekly printed list I write the names of personal friends and family who need specific prayers that week. And then I do pray each morning.

Oswald Chambers on August 23rd says that, “Prayer is an effort of will.”

And I have an inkling of what he means. I need to take time – to put myself away from everything. Oswald calls what we need to shut away “mind wanderings”. And he says to “get into the habit of dealing with God about everything.”

There have been times I have worked hard at this. I will admit it is in times of stress, decision-making or illness. It is then that I pour out my heart to God.

Can I do this more often? Even when things are going well?

The other day I decided to try to listen to God on my drive to Orillia to visit my Mom. For over an hour I would ask a question, then, other than watching the road, the cars and the forests, I listened for an answer. An amazing thing happened. Ideas started to flow. I wished I had brought a tape recorder (I certainly couldn’t write down all that He was saying to me and drive).

Now I need to do this type of prayer at home – in the quiet – “shut thy door. A secret silence mean to shut the door deliberately on emotions and remember God.” Also I think that means to shut out our ideas, thoughts, and to-do’s.

I am going to try this – this week. Will you join me?

And maybe as Oswald says: “Every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.”