Elllen Vaughn — Harvest's 2011 Christmas Coffee

Ellen Vaughn — author, writer, speaker at Harvest's 2011 Christmas Coffee

Matthew 11:28, an Invitation

  ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

-weary: (in Greek) to grow tired with burdens

-author of "Come to Rest;" about burdens: Sin, Shame, "Shoulds," and Suffering 

-Shoulds: these are performance burdens and the results of carrying these burdens last even after we're done carrying them. It's because it becomes habitual. 

These "shoulds" arise from comparisons to other people; when we measure ourselves according to perceived standards and these lead to misinterpretations. 

-Spritual values and Biblical beliefs VS. Unreasonable Expectations:  we derive self-worth and self-image from our performance; it's what culture teaches us. this can lead to idolatry. 'doing' and 'things' become idols. we get "spiritual ADD" (distractions) from this "shoulds" lifestyle. breaking from this 'performance mentality' requires discipline.  

**it's not about doing, it's about a relationship with a living being. 

-in Matthew 11:28, it says that we receive rest and find rest. this peace is a radical nature of rest in Jesus. the Sabbath is a day of rest. God doesn't get tired but God rested (from the creation) because the work was done. 1-it's an example for us 2-the work is done

**there is no earning of salvation. there is no amount of work we can do to appease Him. there is nothing we can add. 

-in the busy work we do, we need to take time-outs from the frenzy. we need to focus on Jesus and learn of His rest. Psalm 46:10—Be still and know that I am God. 

** our self-image isn't dependent on what we do. we find rest and security in salvation.

-Verses:Exodus 14:14—The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”Romans 12:2—Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Psalm 141:8—But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.