Vacation App

We continued the sermon series called “Life Apps” this past weekend at the church I attend. This week’s message is titled “Vacation App” and can be listened to or viewed at this link. There are apps for personal finance, exercise, and many other things we do in life but none of them do what we want unless we use them. It’s the same with God’s Word. There are many useful principles but we must use and apply them to make a difference. Below in black print is an outline of the message which is supplied by the church staff and I added the notes in the blue print as I listened.

1. CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?” – Matthew 6:25 (NLT)

Don’t worry …

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will given to you as well?” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

God has a pattern for us and that is to seek Him first.

2. APPLY THE LIFE APP OF REST.

“The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” Mark 1:35 (NLT)

Spend time with God and spend time in activities that recharge and refresh. It’s God’s will for us to rest so we are physically and mentally ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

“One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night.” – Luke 6i:12 (NLT)

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.’ There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31 (NLT)

3. APPLY GOD’S RULES FOR LIVING.

“Remember to keep the Sabbath holy. Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God:…” – Exodus 20:8-9a (NCV)

Once time is used, it’s gone so use it wisely and set aside a day of rest. Let God bless you and receive these blessings on His day.

4. MOVE AT A SUSTAINABLE PACE.

Elijah was as human as we are….” – James 5:a (NLT)

“When Elijah heard this, he was afraid and ran for his life…. He sat down under a bush and asked to die….” – 1 Kings 19:3a &4b (NCV)

After great victories, we are high but then we go through valleys.

“ ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he prayed. ‘Let me die. I am no better than my ancestors.’” – 1 Kings 19:4c(NCV)

“Then he lay down under the tree and slept. Suddenly an angel came to him and touched him. ‘Get up and eat.’…Then he went back to sleep.” … The angel touched him and said,… ‘Get up and eat….’ ” – 1 Kings 19:5 a, b; 6b; & 7b (NCV)

Elijah needed this rest to prepare for the purpose God had for him.

“Then Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke His word to him: ….” – 1 Kings 19:9a, b (NCV)

After victories, take time to celebrate but then get some rest because there’s more that needs to be done.

5. REST, REFLECT, RECHARGE AND THEN RE-ENGAGE.

“Immediately after this, Jesus made His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while He sent the people home. Afterward He went up into the hills by Himself to pray….” – Matthew 14:22-23 (NLT)

We underestimate the need for rest. Jesus understood it and teaches us to take care of our mental and physical health so we can do all that God wants us to do. The sustainable plan for rest involves working for six days and then a day is set aside where God blesses us and we bless Him. The Sabbath is a day to rest, reflect, and recharge so we are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Here’s a video that brings out a lot of points brought out in the message: Healing Begins – Tenth Avenue North.