I was thinking this morning about how we may regard Labor Day in light of Scripture, and the passage that came to me is Hebrews 4:11, “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
It seems the reason we can do this has to do with the efficacy of the Word, central to our purpose in PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry.
The Word of God does the work (the labor), so we don't have to strive in the flesh (see particularly verse 12 below, caps added).
From the Amplified translation:
Heb. 4:10 – “For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.
11 “Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell].
12 “FOR THE WORD THAT GOD SPEAKS IS ALIVE AND FULL OF POWER [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.”
Be PRACTICAL. Follow the Lord's Example
Since the Word is working mightily in and through us when we speak it with faith and power, following after our Lord's example (remember how He defeated the temptations of the enemy in the wilderness “It is written…” from Matthew 4?), IT works and we can REST in Him.
We labor to enter into God's rest, trusting in His Word and His Love, so we will not fall into tempation and unbelief as those in the wilderness did.
You may experience doubt in your head without it entering into your heart, especially when you “let the word of Christ dwell in your richly” (Col. 3:16).
If the thought that comes to mind is contrary to the Word of God, we can exercise 2 Corinthians 10:5 by “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
NEXT STEP (“Seals the Deal”)
Rebuke, cast out, condemn the thought that goes against what God has said in His Word. Next…
Replace the doubt, unbelief, or other thought suggestion of the enemy with what the Word of the Living God has to say. We labor to enter into His rest, in faith, believing.
Yes, “easier said than done.” However, the more it is done, the easier it becomes. God is faithful to His Word to perform it. And thus we stand on the Word, resting in Him.
Have you ever gone through the process outlined above and found your thoughts, actions and/or experiences change? Is this just some high and lofty ideal, or does it have application for us today?
How can you share this knowledge with others – showing them the importance, the power and importance of the Word of God in their lives?
Moving to the Word
Scriptural meditation and recitation are a central theme in PraiseMoves. In fact, the Word (Scripture from the Bible) is the foundation of PraiseMoves itself.
We emphasize that the exercise in PraiseMoves is “the witty invention” to get you more into the Word, and to get more of the Word into you! It's a great way to
What victories in your life can you attribute to standing on the Word of God? Please share — and let's Labor this day and in future to enter into and remain in His rest.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
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