 "Rest? Who needs it? I have too much to accomplish for God!" Twenty years later Anderson has learned the secret of rest, a "Sabbath Rest". In For God's Sake, Rest! Discovering the Pleasure of His Rest, Anderson shares his scriptural studies, personal journey, and insights from those who have discovered the much-neglected treasure of a "Sabbath Rest". "As parents take pleasure in their sleeping children, God takes pleasure in our rest," says Anderson. "He shows us how to be at rest from work and at work." Here is what some other people thought of my book... October 13, 2010 Sandie and I want to thank you again for the "Sabbath Rest" teaching & retreat. I did a "Sabbath Rest" in the very early hours of Tuesday AM and I loved it. I can’t believe I have missed this concept in my life and ministry. I have reviewed all the notes from the retreat, read some of your book and read some of Heschel’s book as well. I spent time walking and praying and not being guilty and enjoying God’s presence in ways I haven’t been able to do for many years. It is amazing to me how "thinking about it differently" and "seeing God’s purposes differently" from how you have ever viewed them makes literally a world of difference. I think that if I had understood this about two years ago, I would not be in the burnout I am presently in. But it is probably true that if I wasn’t in the "condition" I am in I would not have been as open to attending the retreat and hearing the teaching October 25, 2010 "I am doing better - since practicing the "Sabbath Rest". I am actually loving this new understanding of Sabbath and have been amazed at how fruitful it is. I believe God does "bless" keeping the Sabbath - even in the more "abbreviated" form of a four-hour time block. I do so appreciate your teaching on this foundational truth. I can’t believe I have missed it for so long in ministry. I also am realizing why a daily devotional time is not a substitute for Sabbath -rest. May God continue to bless you as you help us pastors with this truth that so many of us have missed. By the way, I shared a summary of the material you presented to us at the Retreat with a Senior Pastor’s Affinity group I am in. I was amazed how each man related to the need for "Sabbath Rest" but does not practice it (one guy does a monthly day of prayer - but doesn’t always get it in) . November 10, 2010 "I am continuing to "do" my "Sabbath Rest" time each week. I am finding it more and more refreshing, more and more blessed, more and more "important" to my life and to my walk with the Lord and my service for Him. I just have to thank you - God has used you in my life in a wonderful way and do deeply appreciate what you have taught me and continue to teach me through your book. I have read your book once and am on the second trip through it really "reading and studying" it this time through. As I have said before, I can’t believe I have "missed" this fundamental and foundational truth in my life. I am ashamed and astonished that this is so but am delighted to have found it - even at this time in my life of ministry."
"Thanks Jim for writing a book dealing with a subject that far too few people (clergy included) ever consider. I personally thoroughly enjoyed my morning of taking a "Sabbath Rest". I plan on doing it every week from here on out. I know it will help me enjoy my Lord and the ministry much much more along with helping me deal with my struggle with control and workaholism, God bless."
"Jim, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed our "Sabbath Rest" morning on our staff retreat weekend. I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything like it before, I was truly refreshed. I have passed on the material to my wife and we are going to start practicing it. God Bless you, your family and your ministry."
"For God’s Sake, Rest!" rested on my bookshelf for an embarrassing period of time…collecting dust and producing guilt. Finally I carved out the time for a Wednesday ---Friday private retreat. I brought two books with me: the Bible and Jim’s. During those days I experienced such a wonderful time of refreshment: cleansing, renewal and rest. How true it is: "you cannot change the oil when the engine is running." Why did I wait so long to get my "oil changed?" I drove home with a renewed heart, a revived spirit, misty eyes and a smile on my face!
Thank you Dr. Jim for writing such an enjoyable, practical and health producing book! It is a classic!!"
"I read Jim Anderson's book, "For God’s Sake, Rest!", just at the right time. I needed to be reminded of what I have told others but in recent years struggled to maintain myself, discovering and pursuing the pleasure of His rest. Jim has given us a treasure... This wonderful book is anchored in the scriptures and accented by life experiences. You will be compelled to live and operate from His refreshing presence. This resource is high on the list of books I recommend to my friends and colleagues!"
"Care for the flock entails care for the shepherd of the flock. This is what Dr. Jim Anderson sizes up so clearly and for which he makes practical prescription in his splendid new volume on the pastor's Sabbath. He is tender-hearted and tough-minded and combines practicality with realism. This is highly recommended as an important `read' not only for pastors and their families but for church ofhciary who must get under the responsibility of caring for the pastor. The pervasive and growing restlessness in the churches underscores the urgent priority of this concern."
"This is a book that I wish I would have been able to read years ago. I am grateful for it now! Jim Anderson has written a superb book on the incredibly important subject of rest. I believe that God will use these Biblical and practical insights not only in the lives of those of us who tend to be workaholics, but also in the life of every reader."
"I love being a Pastor" "I love being a Pastor. I really do and I realize that I do not always feel this way. Pastoral ministry can be very difficult at times. It can be emotionally draining, time consuming, physically demanding, and sometimes it can crush me spiritually. In seminary we were counseled that in times that are difficult to 'keep on keeping on' as a Pastor we were to remember our call from God. The primary thing that keeps me, or reminds me of that call the most is the connection I experience with Him during my regular Sabbath time. Right now in ministry that is very important to me but there are other benefits as well."
Peace be with you, |
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