Saturday, September 21, 2024

Speaker: Barb Roose I Author, Speaker, Literary Agent

Bottom Line: You need to rest yourself before you wreck yourself – or your relationships.

Matthew 11:28-30 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.”

"Hurry and love are incompatible” -John Mark Comer

Rest is when you stop moving to recover strength.

“Humanity’s collective toxic trait is the belief that recovery after exhaustion is better than resting to prevent exhaustion.” -Stronger Than Stress

Matthew 6:26-27 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

God can take care of you without your help.

Sabbath is a GIFT, a GRACE, a PRACTICE and a PACE.

Sabbath is a weekly reminder that you are cared for by a caring God.

Principles to Start a Sabbath Practice – ESPN

Enjoying Connecting with God and Others

Suspend Appointments and Obligations

Plan Ahead

No Electronic Dependence

Questions that you can ask:

What day will I choose to rest?

Who can I connect with and how?

What do I need to prepare in advance?

How do I keep my device from distracting me?

God’s gift of rest doesn’t need to be earned. He wants you to embrace rest and enjoy it!

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God!"

Resources:

Barb’s NEW Stronger Than Stress Book & Stronger Than Stress Bible study

Receive Barb’s Happy Monday Weekly Devotional: http://eepurl.com/gXV5-r

Song Links:

House of the Lord - YouTube // Spotify

Firm Foundation - YouTube // Spotify

Lord Will Provide - YouTube // Spotify

Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: How would you describe the pace of your life?

How is hurry incompatible with love?

Read Matthew 11:28-30. What do you learn about Jesus? How are you encouraged?

Which aspect of Sabbath that Barb mentioned appeals to you the most - gift, grace, practice, or pace?

What would it look like to begin a Sabbath practice? What is one thing you can do to stop living in constant motion?