New Vision Ministries Blog by Timothy and Stephanie Burdick - Page 18 of 92 - New Vision Ministries for the Blind and Challenged

The Great Escape “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” –Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) Since you are reading this, I’d like to tell you about a webinar I wanted to give on the benefits of relaxation. As I saw it, it would include topics like relaxation and mental health, or relaxation in the 21st century. However, when I began to put this online meeting together, my in-box was flooded with emails, and the task seemed daunting. Women who I thought had stereotypical ideas on this subject at one time opposed me, and they wouldn’t bend. Most of them said things like, “Relaxing is the only thing my husband is good at around the house.” I tried to get them to see my point of view by dialoguing with them for hours, and attempting to correct the beliefs I thought were old-fashioned. I told them that I always viewed relaxation as a harmless art form, and I didn’t attempt to hide a great deal of anger. There were many sleepless nights as I paced the floor, but on the other hand, I had always prided myself on being open-minded. Grudgingly, I decided that in light of what these women were saying, this subject deserved further reflection on my part. As a graduate student working on my PhD thesis, I studied the subject in detail, attempting to look at this problem from both sides. While having coffee with a friend, I began to share my own point of view, as though it were the only one on the planet. “Why can’t these people see that it’s healthy to have some down time?” I asked. My friend just listened and then said, “Maybe the problem comes when our down time turns into lounge time. Why don’t you look at the Bible and see what God has to say?” To make a long story short, I accepted his challenge, and I discovered that God encourages the propper use of relaxation. For example, He commanded the children of Israel to rest every seventh day, and if you and I are smart, we will do the same thing. I believe that many health problems could be reduced, or avoided altogether, if we would only follow God’s laws. Rather than doing this, however, many of us drive ourselves to death, work like there’s no tomorrow, and live on caffeine. But as followers of Christ, we are not only to live with the Sabbath day in mind. We are told to live a Sabbath life. That means being so sure of God’s love and faithfulness, that we know we can bring our cares, worries, and anxieties to Him. We are to have a heavenly perspective, as we let God lift us up above our earthly problems. As He grows larger in our lives, our trials will begin to appear smaller as we study God’s Word. The Bible’s pages are filled with the language of contentment, and as we continue to study them, we will learn that God is more than enough. The Bible encourages relaxation, but it also tells us how we can use down-time to escape responsibility. There are a lot of warnings in the Bible which tell us to avoid laziness, and instruct us to work hard. Therefore, living with Christ as our refuge brings about physical and spiritual peace, while an over-emphasis on relaxation only brings about empty and un-productive lounge time. Instead of looking for a great worldly escape, turn to Jesus, and as our opening scripture says, He will give you rest and help you in your darkest hours. Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon! If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.

By Timothy Burdick|2023-02-05T01:33:21+00:00February 5th, 2023|Faith and Inspiration|0 Comments

Prisoners of Freedom

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." --Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) In OUR OPENING SCRIPTURE, Paul makes a radical statement when he says he is a prisoner of the Lord. He was a prisoner being held by Rome, all right, but this [...]

By Timothy Burdick|2023-02-05T01:24:52+00:00February 5th, 2023|Faith and Inspiration|0 Comments

Frozen or Broken?

"The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." --Psalm 51:17 (NLT) If you have seen the smash-hit Disney movie Frozen, some of the things I'm writing may be old-hat to you, but I ask you to read on anyway. This movie asks an important [...]

By Timothy Burdick|2023-01-22T00:57:07+00:00January 20th, 2023|Faith and Inspiration|0 Comments

Doors of Opportunity

It always amazes me how God can turn obstacles into opportunities, if we choose to see them. But seeing them is one thing I often overlook. I either complain about my past, or I choose not to examine it at all. The other extreme happens when I have a love affair with the web of [...]

By Timothy Burdick|2023-01-07T23:50:46+00:00January 7th, 2023|Faith and Inspiration|0 Comments

“5 Resolutions for the New Year”, by George Gray

"Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. [...]

By Timothy Burdick|2023-01-01T00:41:21+00:00January 1st, 2023|Faith and Inspiration, Holiday|0 Comments

The Real Light of Christmas (repost)

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." --Matthew 5:16 (NIV) What special memories does Christmas have for you? As a child, I loved Christmastime. I still remember shopping for Mom and Dad's presents in fancy department stores in downtown [...]

By Timothy Burdick|2022-12-28T02:24:44+00:00December 28th, 2022|Faith and Inspiration, Holiday|0 Comments