Wednesday's Lesson - The Daily Rest

List some of the factors you think affect your ability to get a good night's sleep.

Starting projects right before my desired sleep time.Eating heavy meals before going to sleep.Sleeping during the day.Not properly addressing any type of anxiety.Worrying about the next day.

How well do you sleep? What practices are you engaged in that could be hindering your sleep? What changes need you make in order to better take advantage of this important aspect of human health?

When I try to accomplish too many things in the evenings after work I usually stay up late. It would be better to leave some of these activities until the morning and allow myself the needed rest.

Also I find that by working hard during the day it prepares me to rest during the night. The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep (Ecl 5:12).

By closing off my thoughts for the day with reflection and prayer it helps me rest well during the night.

Prayer: Father thank you for work and thank your for rest. Help us change the things which hinder our sleep. Thank you Father in Jesus name amen.

Tuesday's Lesson - The Rest in God's Presence

What is Jesus' invitation to all of us? Matt. 11:28-30. What is your understanding of what Jesus is saying here? More important, how have you experienced this promise in your own life?

Jesus is making a call to the weary and heavy-laden. Life has a way of making us weary and weighing us down with many cares and concerns. We can be weary from financial concerns , health concerns, spiritual concerns ,relational concerns. Whatever these concerns are Jesus wants to offer us relief from these burdens.

Jesus here is offering us a divine exchange. He wants us to give Him our burdens in exchange for His yoke. The yoke fastened around the necks of oxen so that two could plow together. Usually a younger oxen was yoked together with and older oxen. In the same way Jesus wants to yoke up with us so that we can plow the fields of life.

Jesus does not want to give simply give a physical rest, but He wants to give us a spiritual rest. Jesus want's to give us a deep seated rest that settles our innermost restlessness. This is a type of rest that can only come about by being yoked up with Jesus.

How can you better avail yourself of this wonderful promise offered us in Jesus

The only thing that you have to do is come. If you are tired, drained and powerless from your burdens your this reality is the greatest argument to accept Jesus's invitation.

Prayer: Father we are tired and weary from the cares of life. We desperately need the rest that you offer. Please help us to yoke up with Jesus and allow Him relieve our burdens. Thank you Father in Jesus name Amen.