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Rest in Physical, Awake in Spirit
Paul encouraged us to take up the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) because it is the only way to survive, spiritually, the challenges we face in life, e.g. health issues, mental illness, financial crisis, etc.
But sadly, despite such urge warning, many have fallen, and we often blame it on the ‘lack of access’ to the complete armor. But the brutal fact is, God had already given every piece of the armor to those who had asked for them. Instead of the access issue, the true source is the ‘lack of applications.’ The protection of the armor doesn’t simply come from the possessing but putting on the armor. Many Christians “pick up” these armor parts and only to lay them aside.
It is crucial for us to be constantly awake, spiritually, in other words, put on the armor all the time. As stated in the article Be a Sober Pilot in Our Journey of Life we must be vigilant in monitoring ourselves, cross-checking the “true”, “pure”, and “virtuous”, all the time so that we can leave our bad habits behind and take off from anxieties. Running our thoughts and emotions through the spiritual take-off check essentially guides us to a new aim: focus on pleasing our Lord above. “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” II Corinthians 5:9
Staying awake spiritually doesn’t mean that physical resting isn’t needed. Instead, God revealed the importance of taking a physical break, i.e. eating, drinking, and sleeping, which is essential in our journey of life. “Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.”” 1 Kings 19:5-6 God understands that he was weary and the need of resting is utmost. So, He provided Elijah with food and drink and allowed him to sleep.
Sometimes God wakes us when we have fallen asleep in dangerous situations. But at other times, like a loving father that He is, God allows us to continue to sleep so that we can rest and recuperate. But we cannot continue to slumber spiritually. We have to awake at some point in time. God told Elijah, after gently waking him, there is a great journey before him and he still has much to do. Therefore, take good rest physically as necessary, but be awake spiritually all the time.
Come join us to experience His love and find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to seeing you and worshiping our true God together! Join us in the upcoming Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation in September.
Thursday, September 26, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, September 27-28, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Our church address is as follows:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org