Bishop Dick Wills’ Life Journal Entry for January 1, 2008 – “God’s work is birthed out of rest”

A New Year
This year I will be using “The Message” as I read through the Bible and use my Life Journal each day. I try to read a different translation each year in order to keep fresh scripture and what God is teaching me. I am going to some public place (Starbucks etc.) to read the scripture for the day and to write in my Life Journal. I am hopeful this will allow me to be a witness for Jesus Christ in my own small way as I gradually build friendships with people in these public places. It is my prayer God will use me to invite someone to know Jesus as friend and Lord while inviting that person or persons to one of our United Methodist Churches.

S: Genesis 1:5
It was evening; it was morning – Day One.

O: God’s work is birthed out of rest.

A: I remember seeing a video where the speaker lifted this notion of activity being birthed out of rest. I must confess I had never thought of my day of work coming directly from rest. Yet, it is true.

When I am not rested I arrive at work tired and easily distracted. I have difficulty concentrating on my work and I find little things really disturb me. But when I have had a good night’s rest, I can approach each new day as a special opportunity God has given me to serve the Lord. When I begin my day rested, I find I am more aware of the ways the Lord would use me. I also am less troubled by little irritations when I am rested.

This year I am going to do my best by beginning my day with a good night’s rest. Activity is birthed out of rest.

P: Father thank you for this past year. I pray you will use me this year in any way you desire. Let not my desires get in the way of your Will for my life. I pray I can be well rested and live as your servant this day and every day this year. Love, Dick

Y: I will give up staying up late to make sure I get rest each evening.