Thank you for your graciousness. Please let me know if more clarity is needed. My brother, your words tell me that you are carrying a few burdens and that you are in need of rest. I have added additional pieces here concerning rest. I hope there is something in here that will be a blessing to you.

 Work, Rest & Holiness

Rest and holiness are only one in the same if someone is ceasing from serving themselves. If someone’s primary focus for working day to day is to gain increase above their necessary needs in order to live in pleasure, they are not walking in holiness.

• 1 Timothy 6:6-9 KJV - "6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."

• Isaiah 55:1-3 KJV - "1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."

Paul‘s occupation was a tentmaker. He may have done this to provide his necessary needs and even to help provide for the needs of others.

• Acts 18:1-3 KJV - "1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”

If someone is in an occupation, wherein they feel a spiritual void or hindrance, it would be beneficial for that person to fast and pray about the matter and consider a change in focus or a change in occupation. (Perhaps something in philanthropy; wherein their daily work is showing the love of Christ to others.) There are many with the gift of giving who enjoy working in order to financially provide for the church body, missionary work, and charitable needs. Working is not the root of the problem.

Additionally, the scriptures collectively show that Paul’s primary focus was the Lord’s work, as well as, show how Paul daily dies to himself. Paul strived to live in holiness: having ceased from his own works of the flesh and spiritually laboring for God and others. For example, every Sabbath Paul, a Jew converted to following Yeshua HaMashiach/Jesus the Messiah, labored for the Lord and did not take a physical rest for himself.

• Acts 18:4 KJV - "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."

It is a categorical statement to say, “Yet on the one day per week that is (incorrectly) set aside by the church as the Sabbath”It is false. While some people may believe that Sunday replaces the Sabbath, this is not true for all people, much less the church as a whole. Many people choose to assemble on Sunday simply because it is the day that our Lord resurrected.  

Carnal Mindedness & Unrest

A person can easily oppress (vex) their own soul when they operate in a carnal mind. They can also be easily oppressed and grieved when others operate in a carnal mind. Oppression is void of peace, and rest cohabitates with peace. Herein lays the root.  

• Psalm 10:4 KJV - "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."

• Isaiah 26:3 KJV - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

• Romans 8:6 KJV - "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

To be carnally minded is to be worldly minded. It does not say sinfully minded; yet carnally minded is still death. (This is a vast study on its own). Anyone who does not know how to think spiritually will only think carnally. This can be seen in occupational work and in church ministries. There are people who have not been taught and some of those people go on to teach others. This can spread into many churches; which fully operate in a carnal mind. This has been around for millennia:

• Isaiah 29:13 KJV - "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:" (also Matthew 15: 8; Mark 7:6)

• Romans 8:7 KJV - "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

• 1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV - "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

By the Holy Spirit, God will graciously reveal this to someone through the feeling of distance from God, lack of peace and rest; coupled with the oppression or void they feel spiritually. Though grievous to also observe, it is still possible to have peace and rest even when others remain to be carnal minded. When one’s own self is carnally minded there is no rest.

One part of carnal mindedness is the lack of interest in talking about God outside church or even in between services. One might believe that this should be natural to do and desired for every believer. To say “it's just not a part of who we are as Christians” is a categorical statement. It is false. Rather, it is not a part of who we are as fleshly beings. It is a part of Christians who are exercising what they have been taught about spiritual mindedness and of those who are zealous and passionate for the things of God.

Additionally, the scriptures tell that there are hypocrites, tares, wolves in sheep’s clothing, false brethren, false witnesses, false prophets, and false teachers. They will promote carnal mindedness, and plague and destroy churches from within. They will build their own assemblies and send out from within. This is not new. If we are not watching and praying, we too are a contributor to this: vexing our own spirit in the process. This can cause grief to see for those who are walking in the spirit. Shall it hinder us from doing God’s work? Shall it rob us of our peace? Shall it fester and birth murmuring, bitterness, or hatred?

• Matthew 24:12 KJV - "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

God has given the peace, comfort, and strength that we need; being resources that are always available and the only one who keeps us from utilizing them is ourselves.

• Matthew 11:28-29 KJV - "28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

• John 14:27 KJV - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

• John 16:33 KJV - "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

• 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV - "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

• 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 KJV - "5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."

• Ephesians 3:16 KJV - "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;"

• Colossians 1:11 KJV - "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7 KJV - "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,"

• 2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV - "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."

Being a solution to unrest

Sin and carnality result in unrest for the doer and the observer. The solution is for God’s people to be the light and spiritually restore.

• Ephesians 5:8 KJV - "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:"

• Matthew 5:14 KJV - "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

• 1 Thessalonians 5:5 KJV - "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

• Ephesians 5:13 KJV - "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."

• Ephesians 5:11 KJV - "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

• Galatians 6:1 KJV - "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

When someone is born of the spirit, they are a baby spirit. Someone can stay a baby spirit their whole fleshly life and operate, “in “believer” mode.” The statement, “And truth be told, there's notmuch holy about it either”, appears to be a teaching opportunity. We can learn from Jesus interactions with the disciples: who continued to doubt (Matthew 14:31), who were of the wrong spirit (Luke 9:55), who were filled with pride (Matthew 20:21), who lusted and coveted (Matthew 26:9), etc.  

Taking Physical Rest

Going from ministry to ministry and service to service and “The only rest is a nap between services” is something that not everyone can physically handle. Even if it were once handled, the ability to handle a full day of ministering to the Lord can be too much for the aging flesh. God even set out an age limit for service in the tabernacle:

• Numbers 8:24-26 KJV - "24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: 25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: 26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge."

It is important to discern social projections. It is also important to understand one’s own limitations and developing limitations. It is good for the service of God to continue for those who have the physical energy to put out. How devastating would it be if services were limited to the ability of the weakest vessel? It would also be “madness” for those who have physical disabilities, ailments, or who are neurodivergent, to try to keep up as well. While some people within churches may push the belief that not being an active participant when the doors are open means you are not walking right with the Lord, it is false tradition of men. What God sees and cares about is whether or not a person is making excuses or taking pleasure in a valid excuse to not serve. Anyone who physically needs to rest should do so. Notice how Jesus called the disciples to rest in the midst of ministry; that is as people were still coming and going:

• Mark 6:30-32 KJV - "30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."

Taking Spiritual Rest

There are times when a person’s spirit gets weary, whether by trying to serve God in the flesh, or by trying times, persecution, lack of clarity or prayer, etc. It is important to not push oneself to serve with a “mask” when spiritual rejuvenation is needed. It is “that good part” to stop serving and sit at the feet of Jesus.

• Luke 10:38-42 KJV - "38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

It is ok to withhold the ministry of loving servitude from one’s spouse for a time, to separate oneself unto the Lord in prayer and fasting.

• 1 Corinthians 7:4-6 KJV - "4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."

Sometimes a spiritual retreat is needed even when it is not scheduled into the church’s calendar. It would even be wise to do so in lieu of the common vacation.

Rest in the Power of God: God who answers prayers

All of God’s followers will have burdens at times, as it is a part of life and the spiritual growing process. (Elijah in 1 Kings 19:4-18). God is still the God of miracles and will perform the seemingly impossible if we only ask. How eager, zealous, earnest, and humble are we enough in our requests? Are we asking? Are we calling upon him with all our might? Are we asking in absolute unwavering faith? Are we determined to see God answer and are we expecting it? Who in scripture can we learn from? Here are a few:

• 2 Kings 2:14 KJV - "14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over."

• Esther 4:16 KJV - "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

• Ezra 8:23 KJV - "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

• Nehemiah 1:1-11 KJV - "1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, 5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: 6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. 8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer."

• Nehemiah 2:18, 20 KJV - "18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. ... 20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem."

• Acts 16:23-26 KJV - "23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."

Who does rest come from? Where are we seeking our rest? What did Daniel do in a society full of paganism? What did Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah do when all those around them bowed to a statue? How did they stand in a state of peace and rest? Watch, fast, pray without ceasing, walk in the spirit, put on the whole armor of God, look to the power of the almighty, trust in the Lord...

• 1 Peter 1:13 KJV - "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Numbers 6:24-26 KJV

Hi Kelly,

Thank you once again for taking the time to reply to my comments. Your response makes me wonder if I did a good job of conveying my thoughts in my previous post. When you said, "your words tell me that you are carrying a few burdens and that you are in need of rest" as well as your missive on being carnally minded, it made me think that perhaps I had failed. That's not to say that your comments were a waste of time. Far from it! I found the last part particularly interesting and more food for thought.

Please let me take another stab at what I was trying to say... it is the church that burdens me, not my work. In my experience with many denominations, little seems different about the way the church works and the way that our culture works. Sure, you occasionally hear a little about Christ in churches today, but not very often and usually in a context that looks so much like other human institutions. This is why I have pretty much given up on the institutional church. There is little that is distinct about it, and while it claims to have Christ as its Head, it certainly doesn't behave that way. :-(

A few months ago our @Librarian posted the following video on the reign (kingdom) of God - https://housechurch.org/view-discussion/church-is-essential-but-not-the-essence. I encourage everyone who hasn't watched it to do so. I think that it accurately describes the state of the institutional churches today. I find it sad and extremely distressing that the vast majority of churches will so readily find reasons to NOT worship with other Christians that we disagree with. We place our human traditions and institutions ahead of the Gospel, relying instead on cultural conventions to make us feel good and validate our sinful ways. My prayer is that God brings us to obedience, both in our personal relations with each other and as the church body as a whole.