Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

John 10:7-8 (NIV) Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.”

John 10:9-10 (NIV) “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:9-10 (NIV) “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

“The thief’s designs on the sheep are wholly malicious; the good shepherd’s plans for them are entirely benevolent. He desires and promotes their wellbeing: he is not content that they should eke out a bare and miserable existence; he wants them to live life to the full, to have plenty of good pasturage and enjoy good health.” - F.F. Bruce, The Gospel of John

John 10:9-10 (NIV) “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

“It is unlikely that we will deepen our relationship with God in a casual or haphazard manner. There will be a need for some intentional commitment and some reorganization in our own lives. But there is nothing that will enrich our lives more than a deeper and clearer perception of God’s presence in the routine of daily living.” - William Paulsell

RHYTHMS OF ABSTINENCE RHYTHMS OF ENGAGEMENT Solitude Slowing/ Sabbath Secrecy Silence Sacrifice Fasting Simplicity Humility RHYTHMS OF ENGAGEMENT Bible-Reading Celebration Confession/ Vulnerability Worship Fellowship/ Shared Meals Prayer Gratitude Service Hospitality Stewardship

RHYTHMS OF ABSTINENCE RHYTHMS OF ENGAGEMENT Solitude Slowing/ Sabbath Secrecy Silence Sacrifice Fasting Simplicity Humility RHYTHMS OF ENGAGEMENT Bible-Reading Celebration Confession/ Vulnerability Worship Fellowship/ Shared Meals Prayer Gratitude Service Evangelism Stewardship

Find time to pause for reflection on the rituals and rhythms of your life. Look at your daily, weekly, monthly, annual routines. What are the things you do that do something to you? Which rhythms are promising one thing but delivering another? Which rhythms lead you closer to the life Jesus promised you?

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”