We need to find the Jesus rhythm for our lives! I want to make a bold claim here! Most of our problems are made worse by moving too fast for too long! Too busy can lead to a unhealthy lifestyle. Are you addicted to business? We can choose chaos over contemplation! Is your “Tag” really busy? Busy may be the most important lie you will ever believe! In American culture there is an underlying assumption that says if you are not busy you must be a lazy bum! Your worth to God is not about being busy! Your worth is not about what you do but who you are! If you slow down you may have to be honest about what is going on in your life! Most of our marriage counseling involves couples so busy that many important things are left unattended and lead to crisis! Staying busy is an excuse not to address relationship problems. Some people do not like quiet because then Jesus can shine a spot light on their hearts and reveal issues. As disciples of Jesus He has called us to be learners and ambassadors! How are we like Jesus? Listen to Jesus! Obey Jesus! Are you to busy to listen and too stubborn too obey? It can be painful to make changes! Love your neighbor! Be peacemakers! Be merciful! Bless those that curse you! It takes time to do these things so avoid busy! We rush to church and then rush home! We say a little prayer and then move on! Who owns your time! The word time means, To Honor.” Is time yours? Matthew 11:28-32. Jesus is the best friend of families with problems. Jesus came into history in a very difficult time! The cruel Roman Empire with it’s dictators, military rule, taxes and crooked politicians! Remember Herod killed all the children in Bethlehem two years and younger trying to get Jesus! Jesus proclaimed come unto me and I will give you rest! Rest is just the opposite of busy! Rest means an intermission and a ceasing of your labors! It is a time of refreshing! You cannot get this anywhere else! You can go on a vacation but come back worn out! You can still be running on empty! Jesus said take my yoke upon me and learn of me! A yoke is designed for two oxen! Do not try to go it alone! Christ will carry your burdens and come along side of you! Jesus makes a beautiful exchange for you! Your sin for His righteousness! Jesus is gentle! He is not mad at you! You will find rest in Him! The real rest you need is only found in resting in Him! His burden is light! Luke 5:15-17. Jesus is the band leader! He knows the rhythm for living! After He retreated for rest for 40 days with prayer and fasting He returned and the news about Him spread even more! The crowds flocked to Him to learn and be healed of their infirmities! Rest is the important part of the healing process! Do you have the space for rest and healing? Your valid excuses will not give you rest. Jesus was very counter-cultural! Jesus could have hired staff, got up a web site, started ministries, gone on tweeter, facebook, taken selfie’s of Himself! But verse 16 says that he often withdrew Himself to a lonely place to pray! Jesus knew the pattern and rhythm required of His time to be with the Father! God has established a pattern for us for a healthy life! He wants you to take the Sabbath rest and cease from your labors! Not to be legalistic about it but to be diligent! Unplug! Cease from striving! Choose for the sake of your family to pull back and breath in! The healthy act of life is to breath in and receive from God! We take a vacation for recreation and fun! The Sabbath is for rest! Retreats are for reflection. To look at the big picture of your life! Am I headed in the right direction? Where am I going? Where are we going as a family? The Sabbath is for renewal! The Sabbatical is a gift from God! Do not squander the gift! It is like the half time at a football game! The fans get rest and refreshments and the players get rest and a new game plan too win! In the locker room the players sit down and listen! Get the new game plan for your life! Jesus withdrew to lonely places! Disconnect from the world! There are certain places in the Rock Mountains where cell phones will not work! I find these places of rest with my family! Do not be afraid of solitude! You will have to turn off your television and I-Pod! Unplug your computer! Find a place where you and God can meet! Pray and get back to regular conversations with Jesus! Have communion with Him regularly! Verse 17. The crowds came back! The customers returned and Jesus had power to heal the sick! REVELATION– If you make God present in your rest He will become more present in your work! Seek ye first the Kingdom of God—- Source; Excerpts from Pastor Brady’s New Book; Addicted To Busy! Message presented to New Life Church congregation on September 14, 2014.