Ready for a Nap?

Our Guest Barista today is Melissa Phillips!

Do you like to take a summer afternoon nap?

After lunch I always find myself getting sleepy and want to curl up with a book on my bed, read just a little and drift off in silence. I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. It is nice and I am thankful I can do this every once in a while.

Have you ever called and called someone and even left messages and they never return your call?

Have you ever made an appointment and when you go, you sit there for a lengthy time before you even get to see the person?

It can be very frustrating when you need or want something from someone and they are barely accessible. If you are like me, patience is not always easy but has I get older it is a must. The point that I am trying to make is that when you need something, Jesus is always willing, He is there and He desires to give us what we need and even want. He desires most of all to give us rest. We don’t have to wait or make an appointment to see or talk to Him. He is accessible and is always easily reached and available.

There are some at a point in life when the constant stimulation and demands are fast driving to the “burn out” point. If you as a believer in Christ are suffering the symptoms of overload and unrest, then I hope you will take time to examine your own life in desiring the type of rest we all can obtain. To all of us Christ’s invitation is the same. It is not a commandment but an invitation for your benefit.


Jesus tells us to come to Him. He is willing to let you come and gain access into His rest and His glory. He has a gracious invitation, speaks directly to us and not someone else. Plus the invitation is to all those who are worn out, tired and frustrated from this world we live in. Millions in all ages since can bear witness that this promise is sure, He will give you rest.

The people who feel self sufficient in their lives have no need for God. The call of God is addressed to the weary, overburdened, long for deliverance and long for the help of God. God calls them and they respond. Only those who are willing to surrender everything to God, and depend on God for everything can hear God’s call and respond. “Come unto me, all who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest.”

Rest. What is this rest?

Is it like when I take a nap and wake up feeling refreshed but upon getting us you start the daily grind all over again? Yes on the refreshing state but more of peace of soul too. This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness. It is a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy their faith, and the object of all their desires. It is a spiritual rest, in ways we don’t feel like we have to fight the battle because we know He fights for us. It is raising above all circumstances and learning to walk in the Spirit. It is walking in His shoes, the shoes of Jesus.

How come some people find it hard to obtain this type of rest?

We may be too busy in working for the Lord instead of relationship with the Lord. We tend to look at the negative in others instead of the good, showing mercy and forgiveness. Our priorities could be out of order or our minds filled with ungodly thoughts or have other discipline issues. We don’t take our cares or burdens and lay them at Jesus’ feet; instead we try to carry them to our breaking point. We may spend time in worry about the future or daily tasks, bills, or relationships instead of depending upon faith or divine intervention or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

There are more reasons why we don’t find rest than finding it. Rest is obtainable and an open door to all however we must go to Him to receive it.

God has always declared man’s rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul along with faith in his promises, through Jesus Christ, to be the only way of entering that rest. When Jesus says, “I will give you rest,” he means, “I will refresh you”.

Jesus calls all those who are weary and over burdened so that they may be strengthened and refreshed for our tasks in the world. The ‘rest’ will not be idleness or inactivity but strengthening for our responsibilities. It also means that we will be relieved of our anxiety, as we trust Him.
In Jesus Christ the kingdom of God has come.

He is calling us who are overburdened with sin and sorrow, burdened with struggles of this life and who are anxious about life. He is calling us to himself so that he may relieve us of our anxiety and refresh and strengthen us for our responsibilities in this world. Will we respond to this call and invitation? If you find yourself needing rest today and want to lie in the Saviors arms, He is calling with an open request. This promise is not only refreshing but also what you may have needed for a long time.

Are you ready for a nap?

Lord, help me rest in your arms today. Lead me beside the still water, cover me with peace and your grace. I give you all my concerns today in faith so that I may rest.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you, and give you rest. Douay-Rheims Bible Translation


In Him,
Melissa Phillips

www.melissaphillipsministries.com
melissaphillipsministries@yahoo.com

Melissa Phillips is a native to a small town in McLean County Kentucky. Melissa is a country girl at heart with creative contemporary ideas. Blessed artistically, she expresses her talent through various venues. Her paintings, photography, writings, and theatrical dramas are an inspiration to all.
Melissa is the wife of Pastor Jeff Phillips. The couple shares in ministry responsibilities at PromiseLand Church located in Calhoun KY where they have been pasturing for over ten years. They have four boys, Lyle Benjamin, Bryson Roth, Jordan Heath, and Spencer Edward.

Currently Melissa is enhancing her ministry skills by obtaining a diploma from PromiseLand School of Ministry and Associates Degree from the International School of Ministry. She is recognized as an ordained minister for Destiny Ministries. Melissa is a member of AACC and has completed her studies as a Board Certified Biblical Counselor recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors. She also is the Discipleship Education Instructor for PromiseLand Ministries.

Melissa’s photography is award winning and is in circulation. Her work is seen across the world by her photocompositions of brochures, books, advertisements, PSAs, as well as in the entertainment and music industry. She writes a daily blog of inspiration and encouragement.