The Value of Play

by Bayless Conley
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You need to make sure you live a balanced life. Take time for rest and for play. Recharge your batteries. You are in this thing for the long haul.
I think we would all agree that the Christian life is one to be taken seriously. But in our desire to go all out for Christ, we can get to a place where we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained.

God does not intend for us to live our lives that way.  In fact, in 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul tells us, God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

You and I need to take time to enjoy the things God gives us. In fact, Jesus said this to His disciples in Mark 6:31, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

It is so easy to live our lives believing that somehow it is more spiritual to be on the edge of exhaustion all the time.  But God clearly tells us that we are to take time to rejuvenate and to enjoy the things He has put into our lives.

When I was a young minister, I had the chance to meet with a seasoned minister who had literally changed the world for Christ. I thought, “Man, this is my golden opportunity.  I’m going to ask him some questions.”

So I said to him, “Look, I’m a young man in ministry. You have had decades more experience than me. You have impacted the world. What is the best advice you could give me as a young minister?”

And he said, “Well, Bayless, you have a nice golf swing.  My advice is that you get some lessons. And whatever it costs you, join a country club and play golf regularly.” Then he looked at me and said, “Golf is the only thing that’s kept me alive.”

It was some of the best advice I had ever received.

You need to make sure you live a balanced life. Take time for rest and for play. Recharge your batteries. You are in this thing for the long haul.

God’s Eternal Promise

by Daily Disciples
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Be encouraged and hopeful because the Lord will never let you down. He will keep every promise.
Today's Reading:  1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. Genesis 9:13-15

I was taught as a child that the rainbow symbolized God’s promise that He would never again destroy the earth with water. Every time it rained, I looked for the rainbow and I remembered God’s promise. Since moving to Southern California, I have seen fewer rainbows, mainly because it seldom rains here. But as the winter brings seasonal rains, I find myself once again searching the skies for that rainbow. What a joy to see that beautiful arc of colors when the sun breaks through the clouds!

As beautiful as the rainbow is, there is still nothing as beautiful as another symbol that Christians look toward. The symbol of a cross representing the cross of Christ. Just as the rainbow is a sign of God’s promise to not destroy the earth with water, the cross is a sign of God’s eternal promise of salvation. As Jesus, Son of God, died on a cross, the cross would forevermore represent God’s covenant of grace and love. The cross is a symbol reminding us that Jesus died for our sins. For those who believe in Jesus, the cross represents a covenant of everlasting life with God in heaven.

Rainbows and crosses are just two ways that God reminds us of His covenants, or promises, to us. What other ways does God remind you of His promises for your life? Be encouraged and hopeful because the Lord will never let you down, He will keep every promise. Sit down with His word and ask Him to show you His promises for you today. You might be surprised at the reminders that He will give you. And never let a rainbow or a cross go unnoticed… take a moment when you see them and give God praise for keeping His promises.