‘Tired’ and ‘Weary’ are not the same. ‘Tired’ usually means physical exhaustion and ‘Weary’ often refers to the internal heaviness associated with being worn down.

Elijah was suffering both. So God fed him and let him sleep (1 Kings 19:5–8), and then met him in a new way to restore him spiritually (vs 11–18).

Reflect on the last few months. How are you physically? Regular sleep, a healthy diet and adequate exercise make a huge difference to how we feel. Maybe you need to take time to deal with physical tiredness.

If that is true, stop to look at your diary and schedule in some time off, if possible, or at least time for exercise and ‘time out’. We cannot serve well if we are burned out from burning the candle at both ends!

Now think about your internal life over the last few months. Have there been disruptions or an unrelenting process of giving? Maybe you need to take time to deal with spiritual weariness.

If that is true, stop to look at your diary and schedule in a retreat or time to spend with people who will give you time, space and the right level of input to help you meet God in a new way.

Great post indeed, thanks brother!

You know, one thing I can add from my own life, is that I notice the environment I'm in, will affect me in terms of being tired, and also being weary. One very easy example right now to use, is the house/home. With kids running around, and the rest of the family, the house can become messy. With the busy life I have also, trying to run around doing this and that, it doesn't help. But something I've learned and seem to always need to be reminded of, is that when the house is clean, I feel so much better and organized and feel much more able to get things done.

In the workplace, it's the same with the people we are with. The atmosphere of the places we spend our time, in general, affect us so much! We need to do what we can, to make that a better atmosphere, and if we can't do anything, indeed we need to pray and take time to get rested both physically and spiritually, and then see about how we can make it so that it doesn't affect us as much like before!

I too have been on both ends at the same time and I tell you it is a hard one to beat if you try to do it 'on your own'. Sharon is right, sometimes we just have to step back and let someone else and allow our own being to be rejuvinated and renewed. Great post!

I am definitely praying, brother!

I'm not sure exactly what happened and everything, but if I can help in saying this: In the church I go to, those on the leadership and those who work on the altar, are required to dress a certain way. Generally guys should have dress shirts and pants, and wear a tie (or bolo, or something like that), and women . . . Hmm, they're basically just asked not to dress in a revealing way, but somewhat dressy. The reason for it is somewhat to show others to see the work of God as something to respect. THAT, and also the area I live is very hostile toward Christianity. The church I go to, is just outside the area I live. However, the Christians who live in these areas, there is a strong presence of divination and rebellion is something seen very much among Christians here. So the issue of the dress code is also a way of keeping the rebellious attitude that tends to show up, in line.

HOWEVER, the dress code is only for those who are in leadership. Otherwise, all that's really needful is they have clothes on Anyone can be used of God and work for Him, so really the ones having the requirements are those who are somewhat specifically to be in leadership every service and so forth, as teachers, on the worship team, those who work on the altar, etc. In the end it's really a matter of the spirit, not really the clothes. At least--this is the measure we've found we have to take for the area we are in.

I'm not sure how it was presented to you, or if you were just outright told you can't do it because of how your dressed or something . . . because it would indeed be wrong, BUT, again I don't know (I don't want to cause any ill feelings).

But brother, I'll also be praying that the Holy Spirit does give discernment as to everything going on, and also the words to speak if He would have you say something!

And I pray that He holds you and gives you a peace, and get's rid of any you stress or discomfort in your working for God and your walk with Him that might've been brought on by the brother or sister!

You have my sympathy Newt, I personally do not care what someone wears to Church or to take part in any of the activities, I am more interested in what comes out of their mouths than what they wear. I go to quite a traditional church at the moment but dress is not an issue, and the church I used to attend was the same, I wear jeans or trousers and am generally quite casual, if I was required to wear a dress etc I wouldn't go, I would go somewhere else.