June 11-12, 2005, Selected

SUMMER ROAD TRIP!
REDUCE SPEED AHEAD!

TO PACE OUR LIVES MEANS: SLOW DOWN!
*** Psalm 127:1-2 “If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” [Message Bible]
*** Proverbs 13:4 “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.” [New Living Translation]
*** Col. 3:22 “Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God….” [Msg]

HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND ADOPT THE BIBLICAL LIFE PRINCIPLE OF LEISURE:

We must understand that:

1. LEISURE IS DIFFICULT!

SOMETIMES WE BOAST ABOUT OUR BUSYNESS!
SOMETIMES WE BUILD OUR SELF ESTEEM AROUND OUR BUSYNESS!
SOMETIMES WE FAIL TO BUDGET TIME IN OUR BUSYNESS!

*** Ecclesiastes. 3:1 “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.” [New Living Translation]
*** Ps. 90:12 “Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” [Contemporary English Version]

2. LEISURE IS DIFFERENT!
*** Eph. 5:15-16 “So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.” [New Century Version]

3. LEISURE IS DEFINED!

“Leisure is the TIME devoted….”

“…to a freely CHOSEN activity….”

“…that brings PLEASURE and satisfaction….”

“…that relaxes and REFRESHES.” – Leland Ryken

4. LEISURE IS DESIGNED!
*** Genesis 2:1-2 “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” [New International Version]
*** Exodus 23:12 “Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.” [NLT]

SEE THE PRINCIPLE! 1 IN 7!

*** Mark 6:31 “But so many people were coming and going that Jesus and the apostles did not even have a chance to eat. Then Jesus said, "Let's go to a place where we can be alone and get some rest." [CEV]
*** Mark 2:27 “Jesus finished by saying, "People were not made for the good of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for the good of people.” [CEV]

GOD MADE – MANDATED and MODELED LEISURE FOR US!

JESUS EXEMPLIFIED and EXPLAINED LEISURE FOR US!

5. LEISURE IS DELIGHTFUL!

A. OUR TIME FOR OUR FAITH!
*** Luke 5:16 “Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray.” [CEV]
*** Heb. 10:25 “Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.” [CEV]

B. OUR TIME WITH OUR FAMILY!
*** Proverbs 17:6 “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” [New Living Translation]
YOU BUILD FAMILY MEMORIES!
*** Ecc. 9:9 “Life is short, and you love your wife, so enjoy being with her. This is what you are supposed to do….” [CEV]

C. OUR TIME WITH OUR FRIENDS!
*** Luke 16:9 “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.” [NLT]

6. LEISURE IS OUR DECISION!
· Plan a get-a-way of just family fun!
· Dedicate one evening a week to family fun!
· Commit yourself to ______ of the 28 more CCC Weekend Celebration in 2005!
· Join a small group!
· Have a monthly BBQ/Dinner with 2 or more friends!
· Take a Day Retreat to read your Bible and pray before the end of 2005!

TWO REASONS A DECISION FOR LEISURE IS SO IMPORTANT:
· YOU’LL BE BLESSED FOR IT!
*** John 15:10-11 “When you obey me, you remain in my love…. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” [NLT]
· YOU’LL BE BETTER FOR IT!

7. LEISURE IS OUR DESTINY!
*** Hebrews 4:9-11 “So there is a full complete rest still waiting for the people of God. Christ has already entered there. He is resting from his work, just as God did after the creation. Let us do our best to go into that place of rest, too….”
[Living Bible]

“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me…and you will find rest for your lives.” -- Matthew 11:28-29 [NCV]