Three Seasons Community Church– 4-15-07

Ps. 127:2 "It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night... God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest."

Psalm 23:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters."

The reason most people overwork is because they confuse their work and their worth. We think that if we work a whole lot, achieve a lot, we're worth a lot. This is unbiblical and untrue!

We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have to impress people we don't even like.

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. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."

You don't need the approval of other people to be happy. But you do need to realize how valuable you are to God.

Matthew 6:26 (NLT) Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NLT) Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. [7] After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. [8] So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. [9] But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

We spend all of our time making payments on the things we've bought and inevitably relationships begin to deteriorate. That's not the way God wants us to live.

Are you enjoying God’s greatest blessings to you– your family and those close to you whom you love?

Your children get older every day! And one day– they’re all grown up! Are you making the most of everyday?

I have to decide how many hours I realistically want to spend working each week and then I need to stick to it. I need to schedule time for myself, with God, and with my family. Remember relationships are more important than work or money!

Exodus 20:9-10 "You have six days in which to do your work, but the 7th day is to be a day of rest dedicated to Me."

God says that one day off every week is the rule. If you're not taking a day off it means you're breaking the ten commandments. God says do it.

1) Rest my body. If you don't take time to rest your body, your body will make time to rest itself -- either in the hospital or with a cold or flu.

Do you feel guilty when you relax? Jesus didn't. He took time off. Are you busier than Jesus?

2) Recharge your emotions. What things recharge you emotionally?

3) To refocus your spirit. The Bible calls this worship. Worship brings things into perspective.

In order to reduce busyness in my life I must change my thinking about what is important.

Eccl. 4:4 says, "I've learned why people work so hard to succeed; it is because they envy the things their neighbors have."

Mark 8:36 "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

Is it worth it? Ask yourself this question about every area in your life.

What is this really costing us?

We may be making great money right now, but are the kids getting any parenting? They're going to be gone in a few more years. Will I regret that?

No matter how much you have, remember that one day you will leave it ALL behind!

Physical fatigue -- tired muscles. That can be replenished pretty quickly.

Emotional fatigue -- tired emotions, feelings.

Spiritual fatigue -- a dry spirit. This is the deepest.

Resistance to rest is a mark of immaturity. If you're always working and never taking any time to rest it not only says you're breaking the Ten Commandments but it says you're immature.

Psalm 23:2 "He makes me lie down."

Has God ever had to make you lie down? If you don't slow down, sometimes God will just make you lie down.