Today’s the 1st Monday of 2010, which for many of us, is also the 1st work day or school day for the year. So I would like to start off by wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2010! Let 2010 overflow with joy, blessings, abundance and peace for you, your family and friends! And of course, let 2010 be a year where you enjoy ever-increasing good health, beauty and vitality!
Yesterday, during church service, Pastor Prince told us that 2010 shall be a year of restful increase. He illustrated how Jesus performed most of His healing miracles on Sabbath day, a day which is set aside for rest from all works according to the Jewish religious law. He asked, is the bible trying to tell us something about miracles here? Is the bible trying to tell us that miracles can only take place if one is at rest, mentally and physically? Coz only when one surrenders to a state of rest, God’s power can flow into him/her? Hmm…food for thought indeed!
I used to think that Jesus was only trying to be ‘defiant’ against the religious leaders of His time by performing healing works on Sabbath, so as to show them ‘who’s the boss’. But now, after listening to Pastor Prince’s sermon yesterday, I realized that all these healing miracles that Jesus did on Sabbath have a deeper wisdom that is meant to teach us something about restful increase. God’s love and grace for us is indeed amazing!
Therefore, I pray that 2010 will be a year where we shall behold miracles coming to pass in our lives by resting in God’s love and grace. Amen! =)
Dear Coreenna,
Happy New Year greetings from Sparks, Nevada! I am away from home and missed the home-cooked “spiritual food” of Pastor Prince! We are now into the new year and I needed know the church new spiritual directive. I went on a search in the web and found your blog!! Thank you for finding the time to write, you’re a blessing!!
Keep it up! Btw, could you also share what scripture references did Pastor used?
Super blessed new year!
Dear Jacqueline,
Happy New Year! Yup, as always, Pastor Prince’s sermons are awesome! These couple of weeks, his sermons have been focusing on ‘rest’ and living a life that’s worry-free. Here’re a few bible verses which he had quoted last week for his sermon on restful increase:
1. Leviticus 25:19-21
2. Deuteronomy 28:8
3. Psalm 127:2
4. Hebrew 4:11
5. Matthew 11:29-30
From the above verses, we are taught that God can only work fully in our lives if we rest ourselves from unnecessary stress, worries and overwork and depend entirely on Him. However, rest does not mean laziness or inactivity. Each of us must do our work and go about our lives purposefully. The difference is we do all these in a restful and relaxed state, enjoying each moment and not fretting unduly or strain ourselves trying to please everyone and getting ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted in the process. Everything we do should be done in the ‘unforced rhythm of Grace’ because Jesus said, ‘My yoke is easy and my burden is light’.
Wishing you and your family a year ahead that is filled with shalom peace!
Love,
Coreenna
I do wish there were more people like you around on the interwebs. Not many people are careful with their words, including myself sometimes. I have written things I would love to take back, goo work, keep it up.
I know its late, never the less happy new year!! Best wishes!!