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April HeartBeat

By MARK Heid

an Evangelist , I often hear people talking about how busy or tired they are . Whenever I hear that , it reminds me of Jesus ’ comments on the subject found in Matthew 11:28-30 ( NLT ). “ 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 .”

Jesus shared this 2,000 years ago , but it still applies to us today . Jesus throws out the invitation to all who were weary and carrying heavy burdens . That sounds like many of us today . He is offering to give us rest . Doesn ’ t that sound good ?

Surprisingly , He says we can find that rest by taking up His yoke . On the surface , this just doesn ’ t make sense . A yoke is a tool for doing heavy work . Why would we want to add to our burdens by picking up His yoke ? That ’ s where

we have it wrong . We need to lay down our burdens and take up those He is asking us to carry .

How can a burden be light ? Because He has given each of us gifts , talents , and abilities to use . The burden He gives you is exactly what you were designed to carry . When you carry the load you were intended to , it can be a source of joy and satisfaction . When you pick up burdens you were not meant to carry , it won ’ t look like that .

Jesus was their Rabbi and teacher . They listened to what He taught . Today , we know Him as Messiah , King of Kings , and Lord of Lords . We have no excuses not to listen , believe , and obey His words .

He described himself as humble and gentle at heart . Not authoritarian . Not demanding . But offering to teach with a gentle hand . He knows where we are going and the pitfalls along the way . Why wouldn ’ t we want to be led by Him ?

If you are burdened , frustrated , tired , anxious , stressed , discouraged , distressed , depressed , or

downhearted , then you are likely not yoked with Jesus . Those frustrating feelings are like warning lights on a dashboard . You are trying to carry your own burdens . I have news for you … you can ’ t do this on your own .

God has a perfect plan for your life . You can find it by walking in step with Jesus , yoked to Him . Not ahead , not behind , but walking alongside . You may have gotten off His path or picked up a few things that He never intended you to carry . Take up Jesus ’ yoke , and you will find that much-needed rest for your soul . CMA

Mark and Tammy Heid oversee the Rocky Mountain Region as National Evangelist .

John Ogden Sr April 4-11 Mission Trip Peru

April 15-23 Trip South Africa

Ogden continued April 24-May 5 Ministry Partner ’ s Ride State Rallies

Dan Gromko April 4-11 Mission Trip Peru

Charles Hale April 18-19 Prison Visit Malvern , AR

Lyle Herman

Doug Johnson Support Center Hatfield , AR

Bob Sandberg

Chet Upp

Roger Wilson Support Center Hatfield , AR