Let Jesus be your Oasis

Matthew 11:28-30 TPT

"Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis, simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please, you will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear."

Jesus asks a question that many of us can answer with a firm yes. Because He knows what we face each day, He invites us to come to Him and experience the continual refreshing that only he can provide.

It's true--only Jesus can fill us with His love, joy, peace, and strength when we feel depleted. He understands how life's challenges can take a toll on us, especially when we rely on our own strength instead of leaning into His.

Jesus also gives us instructions that help keep us refreshed. When we take a moment to pause, stop what we're doing, and carve out quality time to seek Him, we can count on Him eagerly waiting for us to lay our burdens at His feet. It is in that place of vulnerability that we find relief from the weight of our problems and deepest concerns.

He promises to teach us His ways so that we can find rest and renewal in times of weariness. As we allow the Word of God to penetrate our hearts, we begin to see what truly matters. Often, the things that weigh us down are the endless demands of work, home, ministry and everything in between. But Jesus reminds us that what He gives us is a burden we can carry. Whatever we are assigned to God gives us the grace to carry it. Everything else is unnecessary and only serves to slow us down, keeping us stuck and overwhelmed.

If you begin to feel the crushing weight of life, run to Jesus. Life was never meant to crush you. Jesus gave His life so that you could live in the abundance of His Spirit.

Reflection

1. What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay at Jesus' feet?

2. In what areas of your life have you been relying on your own strength instead of leaning into His?

3. What might God be asking you to release so you can walk freely and lightly with Him?

4. How can you make intentional time this week to pause and seek refreshment in God's presence?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your invitation to come and find rest in You. I confess that I often try to carry things on my own, and it leaves me tired and overwhelmed. Today, I lay down my pride and every burden at Your feet---my worries, responsibilities, and fears. Teach me Your ways. Help me to walk in Your peace and depend on Your strength. Thank You for being my oasis, my place of refreshment. I choose to rest in You today. In Jesus' Amen.

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Embracing Change with God

Isaiah 43:19 NIV

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Change is inevitable. There is no aspect of our lives where we haven't experience some form of change. It's true change can be unsettling. Whether it's a shift in circumstances, relationships, or even within ourselves, the unknown often brings fear. But as followers of Christ, we are called not just to endure change--but to embrace it, trusting that God is in the midst of every transformation.

In Isaiah 43, God reminds His people that He is not only capable of doing something new, but that He is doing something new. Even when life feels like a wilderness--dry, confusing, and directionless--God is actively creating pathways and bringing life to barren places.

Sometimes, the biggest barrier to growth is our reluctance to let go of the familiar. But God doesn't ask us to understand every step-- He simply asks us to follow Him in faith. When we lean into His promises, we begin to see change not as a threat, but as a divine invitation to become more like Christ.

So, take a moment to reflect on an area of your life where change is happening or needed. Invite God into that space, and ask Him what "new thing" He might be doing through it and ask for the grace to embrace the change.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the changes You allow in my life, even when they're hard. Help me to see Your hand in the unknown. Teach me to trust You when the path isn't clear, and to follow You with a willing heart. Make something new in me, and let my life reflect Your transforming power. Amen.

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Watch Your Temper-Let it Go!

Part 3: walking in Spiritual Authority

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT)

"And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.' Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."

We don't need the devil gaining ground in our lives. IF we choose to stay angry, we are giving permission for that spirit to gain control and open the door to temptation, disobedience, bitterness, and hate.

Holding onto anger doesn't make us stronger; it weighs us down. Letting go isn't always easy, especially when you've been wronged. But it's not about pretending something didn't happen; it's about surrendering it to Jesus, who knows what to do with it. God is just, faithful, and knows how to handle what's out of our control.

We all get angry, but the key is to refrain from sinning and allow anger to control our actions. When we release anger, we find freedom.

Choosing to let go is choosing spiritual maturity. It's not weakness—it's wisdom. When we let God carry the weight, we make room for peace, healing, and growth. Don't let anger hold you back from what God has for you.

Prayer:

Lord, I give You the burdens I've been carrying—every offense, harsh word, and situation I can't fix alone. I release anger and choose peace. Strengthen me to respond in love and walk in Your authority. In Jesus' name, amen.

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #fbibleverse #devotionals #dailybread #watchyourtemper #sinnot #choosepeace #letgoandletGod #godlyresponse