Change: moving, adjusting, taking shape, building, decaying, altering, shifting, or morphing from one state to another.  

Lately, I have been noticing how much of my life is in a constant state of change. As I get older, my body is physically changing. It’s harder to get rid of that midsection and easier to get tired and worn out. My workout recovery time is much longer and more painful. My memory isn’t as good (folks love to remind me of this haha). As my kids grow up, get married, and have kids, a lot changes. Our time together, their priorities and my role in each of their stories shift. My marriage changes as Ruth and I grow into different people than when we got married. My heart, the inner man, has changed drastically throughout my lifetime. My heart desires intimacy and Dad’s presence. As well as, deeper and more real relationships. Whereas, two decades ago, I desired impact and results.  

At work, I am not as passionate about what I do and, yet, I am more passionate about The New Frontier. Even The New Frontier is in a huge state of change. We have a new home in Cherut Ranch, new staff in Erik, Samuel, and Greg, new offerings (men’s weeks, adventure trips, etc.), and a new level of family involvement. Let me just say that for a guy who actually loves change, it is a lot!  So much so that at times, it takes my breath away, feels crushing, un-doable, painful, and sometimes it feels more like a loss than a gain.  

I regularly have to re-calibrate and ask Dad questions like:  

What do I do with this mumbo-jumbo of thoughts and emotions swirling around inside? How do I handle this well? How do I see what only you have a vision of?  What do I do with this change? How do I handle it? Do I make or just wait for change? How do I know if God is in it or if it's just me or the world around me?    

Just like death, taxes, and Thanos: change is inevitable. It is constant and hard, especially when I do not initiate it. As I have worked through both changes that I welcome and those I do not, there are some ways Dad has kindly and lovingly guided my heart that I would like to share with you. As always, these are offerings of wisDUMB, lessons learned out on the Path.  

1.) Give thanks for the past!    

Gratitude is so vital for our hearts. It spurs us to praise our Dad’s good heart and blessings. As I look back over my shoulder, I can see all the provision of resources and people, the blessing of the Creech family, and the Bunkhouse at Burnt Fork Ranch. The amazing family times and the growth of my kids and my marriage. The blessings over Hartco, our business, that have allowed us to invest in this little dream called The New Frontier. The incredible ways that loving others has brought our family together. The lives impacted and changed forever. All of this reminds me that Dad has been up to some crazy good things and I need to remember those things. Amidst this hard season of change, He has always brought something better; no matter how good things seemed to be in the present. This fuels my hope and faith in the future.  

2.) Give space to feel the change.    

As we look back and turn to look ahead there is much we need to “release to receive.” It is hard to lose something even if you will gain something. It’s hard to leave behind what has been so, so good. It’s ok to feel the loss, allow our hearts to mourn, and take the time to “let the past go.” Learn from the past, rejoice in it, and yet move forward still.  

I will admit that grieving loss is hard for me. It’s easier for me to “get at” moving ahead. Put my head down and push forward. I’ve learned this tendency is not good for my deep heart and eventually, my heart gets so full of sorrow, that it doesn’t have room for joy and hope. Jesus was a man of “sorrow and grief” and knew it had to be released so He could press on to “the joy set before Him.” I am an image bearer and need the same, and because He has endured what I have – He will enter these places with me and guide me through them.    

3.) Listen and follow.    

Anyone who knows me, knows I love John 10. The promise of life to the full. The reminder that we have a good Shepard who is “ahead of us, leading us, providing for us.” He knows the way to “the pasture” through the wild place of the wilderness. My role is to know His voice, listen well, and follow courageously. I cannot navigate change well on my own. I need His leading. I need His vision, not mine. In these times of change – I need His presence and the intimacy He offers. It brings peace, patience, provision, HIS plan, and ultimately His purposes happen! I am reminded I am not alone; this isn’t up to me and it's what Dad is doing and not me. I will have lots of clarity on what I need to do but, often I don’t understand. It’s crazy how something so simple can be so difficult and yet, so powerful.    

4.) Have hope in the future.    

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremy 29:11    

 “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28  

I have to hold onto the truth in the verse above. I have an amazing Dad. He pursues, grows, loves, and desires me. He wants His best for me. He will do all He can to give that if I am willing to believe and receive it. What does He withhold from me? Anything less than His best! He won't do half, or partial, or good enough…He does epic, “exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever hope for or ask!” That is my dad!    

With all of this, I encourage you to saddle up! It’s time to cowboy or cowgirl up! We just have to go! Move forward in obedience. Do what it takes. Follow Him out into the adventure.    

As you are looking at the changes in your life and evaluating what to do next, I hope and pray this helps you and encourages you “onward and upward” as Jack (C.S. Lewis) loves to say!  

Calibration:  

Do I like change? Why or why not? Be specific.  

How does change make me feel? Why?  

How do I grieve? Handle loss?  

Do I trust in God’s good heart? Why or why not?  

What is one step I can take this week to allow God’s changes in my life? What do I need to release so I may receive Dad’s best?

written by: Chris Hartenstein 

All three of these together mean a changed life. New Heart + Renewed Mind + Changed Actions = Life to the Full

Our Dad has given us a new heart (EZ. 26:26). He has provided both His Word, written and in Jesus  (John 1) and the individual revelation of that Word’s application in our lives (Eph 1).  He has created a new nature within each of us, we are a new creation in Christ.  Now we are asked to change the way we think and act.  Both are my responsibility.  He knows our true hearts and who we are more than anyone.  He loves us more than we could ever imagine, but he won’t force us.  The choice is ours to choose the new or old. Life or death.

If we choose to put new wine into the new nature of our lives and heart, renew our minds by calibrating our thinking to God’s truth, our actions will change. It starts in the heart and moves to our hands!  Always remember that you are not expected to do this alone…he has sent the Holy Spirit to empower, guide us BUT we have to choose!

Why is this important? Because without all three we can never have Life to the Full promised to us in John 10!  We cannot simply be “saved”, live in our old ways and experience the fullness of freedom, healing, goodness and blessing.  We will still feel loved but stuck!  So what will you choose? New wine in an old wineskin or new wine in a new wineskin?!?  

“...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.”
Ephesians 4:12-32 (22-23)

Calibration:
- Do you believe in the “new nature” you have in Christ?  Why or why not?
- If you TRUST in this new nature and allow it to bring new things into your life, what do you think that will do for you?  How do you think it will make you feel?
- What’s one thing you can do this week to actively renew your mind?
- How can this above lead to a change in your actions?

So unfortunately, we have this human compulsion to not want to sacrifice our old life and embrace a new one. However, at the end of the day we must choose. New wine in new wineskins or new wine in old wineskins? There is so much our Dad desires for us to be and to have, but it cannot be combined with the old life.  One must be “put off” the old life and “put on” the new life.

 We either choose to be what we were created to be on our Creator's terms or we remain the same.  Bottom line, we are given the choice of life to the full or a path leading to death. (Deut. 30:15-20) We were given that choice all the way back in the Garden, we chose poorly then and we seem to continue to do the same, but we don’t have to!  

As sons and daughters we have been given both power and authority to choose life. What will you choose?

Calibration:
- When you put new wine into old wineskins what does that produce in your life?
- Take some time to compare what is “produced” from the “old wineskin” and what is “produced” if you invest in the new wineskin? Which bears good fruit?  Which gives you life?

Yesterday we looked at how Jesus communicated truth about how we cannot mix the old and new ways of living life using the analogy of wineskins. Seems pretty self explanatory but why do we want to put the new into the old in the first place?

Our struggle as humans is that we want more without any sacrifice. We want new, but want to hold onto the old. Craving change while things still stay the same.  Truth is we want our cake and to eat it too!  In our present culture, we are inundated with the temptation to consume “the more the better.”  The more we have the better life will be so why would we ever think of getting rid of the old? We want it all...and yet…we cannot have it both ways.

Calibration:
- Can you think of an area of your life where you know you need change but have been unwilling to sacrifice to receive it?
- Why do you struggle to release the old wineskin?  What does holding onto the old wineskin really give you?  What is it really costing you?

Yesterday we gave a brief overview of the ancient practice of using wineskins to ferment wine. Let’s dig deeper into the nuances of this practice to further understand this analogy Jesus used in the Bible.

The greek words for “new” and “old” do not simply denote age but “nature” or “essence”. New wineskins by nature are elastic, full of oils, supple, thick, and can be sewn and shaped. Whereas old wineskins are stretched, thin, rigid, and more brittle; making it impossible for new wine to be produced because they lack the necessary capacity for juice to ferment into good wine. The potential for what the wine could be, is lost.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.”
Luke 5:37-38  

This analogy adds something very important to the lesson Jesus is teaching (Mark 2, Luke 5) and Paul is trying to help us understand (Eph. 4, Col. 3).
 
Jesus, being the master storyteller that he is, uses  wineskins to give profound and agitating insights for us about truth and life. The parable was taking something very practical, like putting new wine into old wineskins, to show us the futility of trying to add our new nature to our old way of life.

  Jesus makes it clear: The old man cannot mix the old and new or the new will be lost. Just like the old wineskin, the old man cannot expand or grow to accommodate the new man. Nor can he contain the new growth, good fruit, character, healing, and maturity our Dad has for each of us as His sons and daughters.  He loves us where we are, but wants continually to take us and make us what we were created to be; always trying to “produce new wine” in our lives.  

Calibration:
- Where do you feel “stretched” or “thin” like you are attempting to put new wine into an old wineskin?
- How does the reality of needing to “put away the old” so that new wine can be produced feel?

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.” - Mark 2:22 
 
In ancient times, wine was primarily made through a process of fermentation or aging in a wineskin. It was usually made from the skin of a goat or lamb. This new wineskin was then filled with unfermented juice and left to age.

During the aging process, gasses were created as the flavor, color, balance, and boutique of the wine growing. The new, unstretched wineskin would expand to hold both the wine and the gasses. Because it is a new wineskin, by its nature, it has the capacity to expand.

However, If the juice is put into an old wineskin that has already been stretched, by its nature, it will burst during the fermentation process. As a result, the new wine and old wineskin would both be lost.  

Jesus uses wineskins in the bible as a beautiful depiction of the new nature within us and how we need to let go and put off our old selves to become more like our heavenly Father. This week we will be discussing this necessary choice to live a new life.

Calibration:
- What comes to mind when you read about this ancient practice of using wineskins to make wine?
- Can you think of an area of life where you have tried to mix your old ways of living with new ways? How did that work for you?

As we trust in the truth, and choose to act upon these truths; we begin to see movement. This movement from “head to heart” is really hard but, will be transformative. Our lives inside and out will change for the better! Relationships, inner motives, mindsets, and perspectives change. We will sense greater peace, joy, and goodness (fruits of the spirit).

All of the shifting in our hearts is the work of the Trinity. A deep healing and restoration only They can do. When we live in deeper intimacy with our Dad. We start to reflect on Him and bear His image in new ways. Bringing about His kingdom on earth in our lives. Like the needle of a compass is pulled towards the magnetic pull of True North, so our “heart's needle” is pulled towards our heavenly Dad. As we trust in His truths and move in the direction Jesus is leading us, They transform us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:17-18) one truth, change, and degree at a time through the Spirit.

As this miracle happens, we find ourselves on True North. We are traveling the Ancient Path in the direction towards our true heart, our heavenly Dad, and His truth and life to the full (John 10).  It is the path we were created to follow toward the ultimate destination and true home: Our Dad’s presence! Will you step into this adventure of the heart with your heavenly Dad?

Calibration:  
- How does this potential transformation of our lives feel to you?
- Is it daunting or scary to step into because of how much you will change?
- What would it cost to transform? What will it cost you if you do not?
- Take some time and list some fears and roadblocks that are in the way of you allowing the Trinity to work in your heart in this capacity.
- Take something your heavenly Dad revealed to you recently. See if this process accurately depicts your journey. Journal out each step (feel free to email me if it is a struggle: chris@thenewfrontierministries.org)
- Is there another truth He is asking you to trust because He desires to transform you more into the image of Jesus? What is it? Where in the process do find yourself?
- What’s the next step you can take to trust and act?  When will you do it?  
- Keep this process close to you so you can watch the movement of your heart as your Dad calls you into the next adventure of your heart!

Yesterday we evaluated what speaks to our hearts and our mindsets and motives around the truth we receive. However, these truths we are brought are only nice sentiments or wise sayings until we act! We must trust the truths we are being given enough to act confidently in them.

As we calibrate to the truth and press into our mindset and motives, we discover we are being called to act. Potentially stepping out into something new, unknown, and untested. Our methods, or how we do things, will change. It could be freedom from sin or wounds, healing, or a deeper understanding of our Dad’s character or heart. Whatever it is, we are being led into something better (Jer 29:11, Rom. 8:23).

Unfortunately, this is the place most of us will falter. When truth speaks to us, we sense the draw, and we know we are dead in our old ways, but to act feels too hard and risky. Instead, we attempt to stay put and justify our life. However, if we act and step out in faith, we will know and live from our true hearts in freedom and wholeness as we were created to live. This movement and new methods set us free and lead us towards life to the full.  

Calibration:      
- What truths have been spoken to you that you have been avoiding? Why are you hesitant to act on them?
- What methods do you need to change to act on the truths you have been receiving?
- What freedom, healing, or goodness could you receive if you choose to act on the truth being given to you?

Every adventure begins with a call into something more.  Our heart is no different. The journey of knowing our hearts always begins with our Dad’s truth. It could be communicated through a verse, song, picture, experience, movie, or anything else that grabs our attention. Whatever “it is” that captures our attention, is ringing true to our soul and seems to beckon us to explore and understand. This sort of message is from the Trinity and it is something we must calibrate, or align ourselves to.

How do we do that?
 
We need to begin by zeroing in on our mindset (how we think) and our motives (how we feel and what drives us). Then start to press into the differences between what we believe and the truth that is being revealed. Doing this allows us to find the area where we need to align more with our heavenly Father’s voice and heart for us. Here is Paul’s take on this process…

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”    ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This is tough, but a mission-critical process as we are honest with ourselves and our Dad about where we are concerning this newly (or repeated) revealed truth. We MUST invite Jesus into this process. Ask Him to reveal to us what the truth is out of calibration time with Him. Although this journey starts in our heads - this is not where we will end.

Calibration:
- What speaks to your heart and grabs your attention?
- Do you see potential messages within those things that your heavenly Father may be speaking to you through?
- What mindsets and motives do you need to rethink or evaluate to calibrate the truths you are receiving?
- What would it take for you to align your mind more with your heavenly Dad’s intentions for you?
- How can you carve out some time this week to examine your mindsets and motives?

The heart is a mystery, created by a mysterious and amazing artist. David prayed in Psalm 139, ”search me, know my heart...reveal it to me,” because he knew only the Creator of his heart could truly know its fullness. David needed God’s revelation to know even a small part of who he truly is and what is going on inside. The heart is like an untamed animal. We can track its movements but, not always predict its behavior. So this begs the question:

How does my heart move? How do I know when my heavenly Dad is taking me deeper into my true heart? How will that look? What does it look like when He calls me into adventure?

I know it helps me when my Dad calls me into an adventure to have some perspective of what I am going through.  Although every journey of life is personal, there are some things we can learn from those who have gone before us. This week we will be exploring a way to track the movements of our hearts as our Dad leads us deeper into being His sons and daughters and as He leads us into the adventure of the heart.

Calibration:
- What parts of your heart still feel like a mystery to you?
- What ways have you tried to “get to know yourself” and they’ve fallen short?
- Where in your life do you need some perspective from your heavenly Father?
- What adventures is he taking you on at this time in your journey?

David and Solomon both stated, “guard your heart” because“it is the wellspring of life” (Prov. 4:23, Psa 119).  From the heart, all meaning, desire, joy, sadness, passion and the deepest part of each person resides.

Unfortunately, this vital but often elusive part of our core is at risk of ever being fully known. It takes intentionality and intimacy with our Creator and heavenly Father to know it fully. As we discover one part of the heart’s depth and desire, we learn there is more depth to discover. The journey of our hearts lasts a lifetime and maybe even an eternity, but it is a journey we must take. We are beckoned to it. It is essential to know our true heart.

Calibration:
- Would you say you are in tune with your heart? Why or why not?
- How much time do you give to get in tune with your heart?
- Do you think your relationship with God affects your ability to know your own heart? Why do you say that?  
- Make a list of some of your hopes, desires, and values that your feel deeply. Then write out why you feel so strongly about each of the things you have listed.  

We cannot end this week without discussing the father character in Jesus’ parable. The father offered his love, goodness, and heart to both sons. Unfortunately, one son decided he would reject his father by “doing all the right things,” and the other rejected his father by “doing all the wrong things”. Neither son simply wanted a relationship with the dad.        

The heart of this father must have been grieved to have his sons reject his love, goodness, and place in the family. As a father of eleven (Chris), learning that my kids did not want a relationship with me, but only what I could give them, would crush me. It would make me angry, hurt, and defensive. Initially, I would be tempted to withhold my love or blessing and become conditional, wishing that they’d learn their lesson, be grateful, and appreciate me more.

However, the dad in this story is different. He selflessly sees only the plight of his sons and desires what is best for each of them. He claims both boys and continues calling them his sons even while facing communal scrutiny and scorn. His wealth decreases, and he takes personal hits, but he continues loving and giving. He is steadfast and unmovable on behalf of his sons despite the cost.  

Oh, to be this kind of dad! To love unconditionally, completely, and undeservedly. To be keenly aware and “know” my kid’s needs. To provide in a way that shows the right balance of truth and grace.

The dad in the story is an example of a dad we all need and desire because we are these sons. All of us have rebelled against our heavenly Father like the older and younger brothers. We have all said, “I don’t want to be your son or daughter!” How His heart must break, and yet He is relentless in His pursuit of us. We need a dad who offers us a way home to be His sons and daughters again. A dad who offers all of the love, mercy, grace, and provision we so desperately need. The good news is - we do!

In the climax in this story, one son receives his father’s invitation to come home and is now back in the family. We are then left waiting as the older son is faced with the same offer. We are given the same opportunity, to be sons and daughters of an amazing Heavenly Dad again. He is patiently waiting for our answer. So what will you decide?        


Calibration:
Do you see the heart of your Heavenly Dad towards you?  Why or why not?
His offer has been made. What have you decided?  Are you going to be a son, daughter, or slave?

Historically, the younger brother of this parable gets the bad rap. However, after going over the archetypes of both sons, we can see that neither was in “the right” or totally “good.”  One son rebels by staying, and the other rebels by leaving.

However, they are both lost and enslaved by their desire to control. And yet, neither finds what he is ultimately looking for. Nor are they open to receiving the invitation to just live as children of their good father.

Realistically and unfortunately, we have all been these two sons at some point in our lives. Where do we go from here? We must be honest with ourselves about our patterns and motivations, own them, and repent, Just like the younger brother! If we do, we will be embraced by our heavenly Dad just as we see the father do in Jesus’ parable.  


Calibration:
- Do you see yourself in either of these two boys?  Why or why not?
- What is driving you? (ambition, approval, appetite) Really… Why?
- Who has control of your life? Why?
- Ultimately, what do you want out of life? Does the way you live your life reflect what you want?
- Where do you feel you are living as a slave to something?

Yesterday we described the Older Brother and reflected on how we see ourselves in his character. Now let’s talk about the Younger Brother.

Similarly, his younger son was also a disappointment. He just flat-out decided he was going to do what he wanted when he wanted, and how he wanted. He was more than willing to shame his dad by asking for his inheritance so he could go have “his best life”. The younger brother went off, with his entitlement, orchestrating the life he envisioned full of pleasure, fun, and ease. Afterward, he lost it all and ended up feeding and eating with pigs. So destitute that he was willing to crawl home; begging his dad to let him be “one of his slaves” so he could survive. Once again, His dad must have been heartbroken to see his son's condition upon his return.  

The younger son is driven by appetite and approval.  He wants an easy, comfortable, and fun life. He wants his pleasures fulfilled as easily as possible. Ultimately, control looks like “doing what I want”.

Does this description of the older brother sting a little as well? We have all decided to go our own way and just do what we want when we want it. It’s unfortunate but a real condition of the heart that we need to examine in ourselves.

Calibration:
- What’s an area in your life where you just “want what you want”?
- Can you think of a time in your life when you acted on that and it left you dry?
- In what areas of your life are you motivated by appetite and approval?

Yesterday we reviewed Jesus’ parable, “The Prodigal Son.” If you missed it, you can Read “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” HERE. Over the next few days, we will be discussing each son individually. Let’s start with the Older Brother.

The father of the two boys believed his oldest son to be a hard worker. A good man who did what was right. All while being loyal to the family and business. Much to the father’s disappointment and sadness, the older brother was just trying to get the life he wanted by pretending to believe and value what was important to his dad. He “played the part of a good son” but was actually working towards controlling the family fortune. He desired to control his story, write the narrative as he saw fit.  His love for his dad and baby brother was not genuine. Sadly enough, the older brother ends up describing his relationship with his dad as “slaving for you”. What a sad description. I am sure it broke his dad's heart to hear.  

The older son, fueled by ambition and approval, wants to be recognized for his accomplishments and place in society. Ultimately, he is driven by the desire to control his life, and make it what he desires. He wants people to see him as he projects himself to be.  Striving to prove his worth and value through achievement.  

We all have tendencies to live our lives as older brothers.

Calibration:
- Does this description of the older brother resonate with you? Maybe sting even?
- Where might you be living like this older brother?   Why?

Scripture Reading:
Read “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” HERE

This week, we will be discussing “The Heart of the Father” through a parable in the Bible called The Prodigal Son. Before we get into it, we are going to paraphrase Jesus’ parable. As always, we encourage you to take the time to open your Bible and read the parable in its entirety. But for right now, let’s review.  

There once was a man with two broken, wounded, lost, prideful sons. We can be sure that when he first heard his sweet bride was pregnant this is not what he thought being a dad would be like. He had hopes and dreams for his sons and these boys were nothing like what he had expected.  

The older brother was a hard worker who was very loyal to his family’s business. He was for all intents and purposes the “good son.” Planning on working hard to earn his inheritance and place in the world. His little brother was, unfortunately, the exact opposite.

The younger brother was always wanting more. He wanted so much more that he asked his father for his inheritance early which culturally embarrassed him. Afterward, he left his home and burned through all of his money and relational bridges. After sharing a meal with literal pigs, he headed home to beg for his father’s forgiveness and ask to be a part of their family again.

His father did the unthinkable. He saw his son from afar and ran to him. Not only did he forgive his son, but he also threw him a welcome home party and invited him back into their family.

The older brother was angry about his father’s response and refused to go to the party; Claiming that he had done everything right and never felt celebrated and his brother didn’t deserve to be welcomed home. After lovingly listening to his eldest son’s heart, he responded by helping him see why they were celebrating his brother’s return. He said:

“...‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’” - Luke 15:31-32

Calibration:
- What comes to mind when you read this story? Why?
- Do you relate to any of the characters? Why?
- Do you relate more to the younger brother or the older brother? Why?
- How does the response of the Father affect your heart?  Why?

Yesterday we discussed releasing and receiving. Letting go of all that is weighing us down and receiving the deep rest being given to us by our Heavenly Dad.

Today, I want to share how practicing releasing and receiving looks for me, most days and on a weekly basis.
 
I love to open my hands and face them down. Then I pray off everything that comes to mind. Letting it all go before I try to rest. I start and end my day with this and sometimes several times throughout the day. This allows me to enter rest at any time, any place, and with any type of coffee, I may be drinking or crisis arising! I immediately can breathe deeper, see clearer, and feel my Dad’s presence which is what ULTIMATELY gives me the deepest and truest rest.

This leads me to the command and more important the created blessing of a Sabbath.

Resting is a part of the Sabbath with the caveat that once you have released what’s on your heart and mind and begun to receive what our Father has for you, you can have a deeper and truer time with Him. It’s a holy day set apart for us to rest with Him (Gen. 2:2-3; Deut. 5:12) and have a deeper connection with our Creator, Sustainer, Lover, Healer, and Father. It is meant to foster the deepest kind of intimacy. The kind of intimacy we had in the garden and what He desires to restore now.  

Yes, set boundaries, go to a quiet place, no TV, phone, no expectations, etc, etc. But before any of that is ever going to be effective...release and receive!  

Calibration:
- Consider adding a Sabbath or day of rest to your week. How will you prioritize it? What - boundaries would you need to put around that time?
- Take time this week to pray off (release) with hands down stuff and then turn your hands up (receive) and see what He wants to give you!  

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.”
Psalm 127:1-2 ESV

Rest often comes to mind as a solution when we are so far gone and out of gas that we crash, but this is not life to the full. Rest, although elusive, is without a doubt, an essential gift given to us by our Heavenly Father.

But, with everything in our schedules, how in the world do we achieve any level of rest? Great question!

To keep it simple, We need to release and receive. This is the zen truth of rest for us as sons and daughters of an amazing Dad.  Let’s dive deeper…

Release

There are so many things we hold onto that keep us from rest. Responsibilities, expectations, work, worries, failures, struggles, family, friends, FOMO, etc. Our Heavenly Dad desires for us to release all of this to Him. “Cast your cares on me…let it go.” Most of what stops us from rest is what we chose to not trust our heavenly Dad with. It is the “hard ground, weeds and stone” that choke Him out. (Story of the soils) We are kidding ourselves when we think we can handle it better than He can. He just wants us to let Him have it, all of it.  

Receive

There is much we leave “on the table” that our Dad is offering us. Peace, comfort, healing, guidance, deep soul care, intimacy, etc. These are key to our rest and the effectiveness of when we rest. He knows what we need to truly rest and recover, so receive it from the One who knows you best (Matt. 11:28). He desires to restore all things to what they were, you first.  

When we release what is weighing us down and receive, a pathway to enter into deep rest is paved. Rest becomes less of a thing we do but, a deep sense of being with our heavenly Dad.

Calibration:
- What keeps you from rest?  Why?
- What makes you think that your Dad cannot handle whatever it is? Why?
- What are you leaving on your heavenly Dad’s table? How can you receive more of the rest being offered to you?

Knowing and observing our Heavenly Dad’s created order is all good and fine, but what do we need to “receive” in order to rest? We always want to “do something first, but let's take a deeper look into our mindset. There are a few consistent truths we need to trust before we discuss “how to rest.”

First we must enter rest as a beloved son or daughter of a good Dad.

If we enter rest in this manner then we can see that we are “afforded” rest. It is a gift. We have a good Dad who wants us to be at our best; connecting with us intimately, and walking with us as we make an impact on the world He’s created. He loves us enough to take care of things in our life, in our sphere of influence, and responsibility so that we can rest. We must TRUST that He is offering us rest.  
 
Second, we need to trust that being fruitful is better than just “being” productive. (John 15)

Making an impact is such a big deal in our culture that we attribute our worth and value to it. And yet Jesus never says…be productive. He says to bear fruit. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. Jesus calls us to “abide” in Him. Fruit is an outcome of being close to our heavenly Dad. It is not simply hard work. It denotes us being WITH Him. Moving in sync, acting out of obedience. Focusing on closeness and connection to Jesus, not on the tasks or obligations.

All of this requires rest to be a priority. We need it. When we get fried, we are at our least, lowest place. Burnout never produces any good. So why do it?

So this begs the question, which of the two above truths do you most struggle to trust? Knowing and pressing into which (or perhaps both) will help transform your rhythms of rest.    

Calibration:
- Which of these truths do you struggle to trust? Why?
- Do you get value and worth from being productive? Why? Where does that mindset come from?
- Are you devoted to your relationship with Jesus or fixated on responsibility?
- What has shifted in your thinking about rest after reading this? Why? How can you make one change in your rhythms this week to rest?

I was raised that you work hard, give one hundred and ten percent and then you can rest physically, mentally, and emotionally, but on the outcome of your hard work. However, the Bible and the world God created tell a different story.

 Let me explain…

Good made the first day of the week “a sabbath.” A day to rest from all the work we do. He even modeled this for us in Genesis 1!
He then added honoring the sabbath to the big Ten Commandments. (Ex. 20)
He made the Jewish traditions of a day to start at sunset the night before sunset and end before sundown the next day.  
Jesus discussed that we need to “abide in the vine”, to do anything well. A direct reference to rest, relationship, and responsibility. (John 15)
Jesus also stated the “sabbath was created for man” not the other way around. (Mark 2:27)
The seasons of planting show the need to rest a field and then make it productive.  

All His created order starts with REST and ends in WORK.

We rest, get to be at our best, and then we engage. The Sabbath was a day to put first what was meant to be FIRST in human life, intimacy with Abba Father. The deep heart connection to Him allows us to truly rest, to truly let go, and let down.

Calibration:
- What mindset do you have around rest?
- Do you believe you work hard and then rest? Why?
- Do you believe rest comes first and then you work? Why?
- How would your priorities and mindset have to shift to align with our heavenly Dad’s created order?  

Last week, we discussed the importance of living in the Kingdom of Rest that our heavenly Dad offers but, rest does not necessarily come with ease to all of us.

We need to move, be productive, make a difference, be impactful, bear fruit, and change the world in which we live. These are the phrases I hear when I wrestle with rest both in my own heart and with others.

Rest is that other “four-letter word” and it feels dirty and indulgent. Why is that? Why do we struggle to rest?

Calibration:
- Do you struggle to rest? Why?  
- What gets in your way as you try to rest?
- What do you believe about rest? Why?

Is this Kingdom of Chaos one we really want to live in? Did yesterday’s description feel unfortunately relatable and leave you wanting something more? All of us have been there. Ignoring our hearts, constantly exhausted, and yet still somehow striving to “make it work.” Chaos gives us an empty opportunity to prove that we can bring order. So, we work and work and work but it just leads to more chaos.

Here is some good news friends- There is another kingdom we can live in. A Kingdom where we don’t have to be worn and weary all the time, one where we don’t have to strive or feel weighed down by the lack of security in this world be it politics, money, or relationships
The King of this Kingdom calls you by name saying, “Come to me, I know you are weary and heavy of heart. Come and I will give you rest.”.

While we are asked to live in the “real world,” this King claims his way is the most real. He calls us to look back on our story and see glimpses of Him in what we love. Then to do the same as we look at our lives presently. He promises that even now in everything that is happening in our lives, we will find rest in him, if we follow him. He reaches his hand down to help us out of the chaos.
Every day, we wake up facing this choice. “Will I fall into chaos? Will I enter into our Dad’s Kingdom?” To enter our Dad’s Kingdom of Rest we must focus not on our impact but on our intimacy.  Our hearts must find their dwelling place within him.

One great way to enter into the Kingdom of rest is to learn how to spend time with Our heavenly Dad. This looks different for everyone. Maybe you feel his presence in nature, writing poetry, or reading. Find where you feel your Dad’s presence and allow his heart to speak to you. Give Him your concerns, worries, frustrations. All of it. (Put your hands down when doing this, releasing all to him)

Another practice that could help is just by listening to his voice. Ask him, “What do you have for me today? What are we doing together today?” Whatever his answer is, receive it and step into his kingdom with him. Jesus will answer every question we have. He gives what our hearts want and need: time with him. We can rest in how Jesus is already fighting for our best. (Put your hands up when doing this process, receiving what he has)

This intimacy, this Kingdom of Rest, gives us strength, restoration, joy, peace, healing, provision, His plan…everything our heart desires and needs! EVERYTHING!!! This place we could also call home! Wrap your head and heart around that!

This is how we move from the Kingdom of Chaos into the Kingdom of Rest. By spending time with our first love and king- Jesus.

It’s that easy and that hard.

Calibration
- What are some things you loved (made you feel at home) as a kid that you have lost as an adult?
- What did you love about those things? What made them feel like home?
- What are some of the imposters that keep you from those places?
- Ask Jesus to reveal himself in those places.
- Ask Jesus what he loves doing with you.
- What are the things you love doing by yourself? Where do you go when you have time alone?
Next time you are there, invite Jesus there.

Yesterday, we talked about the importance of examining our hearts and our actions to determine what Kingdom we live in. Because this is potentially a new way of thinking and reflecting about our lives, we want to give you all a general depiction of what it may look like to live in each kingdom over the next few days. Today, let’s look at the “Kingdom of Chaos''

Chaos exists everywhere, acting as an unseen force that tears everything apart at its seams. We all want to be in the “Kingdom of Rest” camp. Yearning for some foundation to settle our feet, but that foundation doesn't seem to exist in everyday life. We look at our social media feed or the news, and suddenly comparison, fear and anxiety grip us. We watch a movie portraying a life we can't possibly have, and we feel depressed from the lack thereof. We talk to our bosses about a break, but they ignore us and pile more work onto our desks.

These moments warrant action, right? We want to react and do the next logical thing. Many times the next logical step is dictated by the voice of chaos. We allow him to define our actions for us by believing his story holds the truth. This leads us toward a kingdom of chaos where the cycle of death is evident and real. We hyperfixate on control and throw ourselves into living in survival mode. Going from thing to thing, frantically. Being weighed down by obligation, the state of the world, relationship issues, etc. Eventually, we break down, burn out or numb ourselves. Resolving that this is “just the way life is.” Look around you; do you see it? Is this really a kingdom we want to invest our resources in?

There is another way if we would choose it- there is a path that leads toward another kingdom where rest is in the heart of every man and woman who dwells there. A good-hearted King sits on the throne, and he beckons us to himself, away from death and chaos into life.

Calibration:
- What areas of your life feel like chaos? Why?
- What have you been doing about this? Why?
- Do you tend to push ahead or just give up? Why?
- Where does this lead you? Be specific (feelings, situations, mindsets)
- How is your heart? Does it feel chaotic? Why or why not?
- How do you think you can take a step towards the kingdom of rest?

“Whatever their bodies do affects their souls.” -Screwtape, The Screwtape Letter by C. S. Lewis

Yesterday we asked ourselves, “Whose kingdom do I live in?”
If you are like me, you probably look at your external experiences or what you do to answer that question. Ignoring the vastness of our internal experiences. My hopes, desires, emotions, and thoughts. This results in trying to gauge life by impact versus what lies at the center of my actions: my heart.

Our external and internal experiences work in tandem with one another. Our actions directly affect the state of our hearts. The state of our hearts directly affects our actions. They are tied together, and cannot be separated. So, how does this help us see whose kingdom we live in? To truly see whose kingdom we live in, we must engage our hearts.

In Matthew 7, Jesus says,

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.


The answer to our question is found in the life of the heart. In verses seventeen through nineteen, Jesus unveils his point. He says every healthy tree bears good fruit, while every diseased tree bears bad fruit. He points out the state of the trees, and only refers to the fruit they bear as it relates to the state of the tree.

We can relate this to the life of the heart.

To know whose kingdom we live in, we need to look at our actions as indicators of the state of our hearts because it directly affects our actions. Therefore, we must know the true state of our hearts to know whose kingdom we truly live in and it is a place most people choose to avoid. But, if we are to know whose kingdom we live in, we live in tune with both.

Calibration:
- Be honest, how much disillusionment do you experience while trying to live as if Jesus is king in a fallen world?
- How in touch with your heart are you? Do you ignore your heart and solely focus on your actions?
- If Jesus’ Kingdom is of Rest and the world’s Kingdom is of Chaos…What kingdom do you live in based on the state of your heart? How does your outer world and actions reflect your answer?

Yesterday, I recounted a story I read on social media. A mother posted about a conversation she had with her husband and children. The topic of an election came up and her kids inquired about it.

At the end of the conversation, she said,  “No matter who is president, do you remember who is king?”

The children replied, “Jesus.”

Personally, the story felt triumphant to me…

Finally!! I thought, Here is a family so intent on the truth in a world where truth feels mostly irrelevant.

But, the more I thought about her words, anxiety crept in. And I began to wonder: Why does this make me feel unsettled? Why aren’t these words more hopeful?

A soft voice responded to my heart, “It’s great to say that Jesus is King, but how many people do you think actually live as if this is true?” Maybe the response I received feels cynical to you, but to me it is humbling.

Then, as if the soft voice understood my tension, it asked me, “Do you even live like this is true? Whose kingdom do you live in? Do you live in Jesus’ Kingdom of Rest? Or the world’s Kingdom of Chaos?

The question stunned me; pride hardened my heart further. I wanted to be defensive, to build my walls thicker, but I looked at my daily life. The reflection humbled me. I felt a deep calling up into something more.  

I realized I don't live daily believing Jesus is my King. More often than not, I see my life as chaotic; I tend to forget who I am and where I belong. But my heart longs for more.

 I prayed and asked God to show me what it truly looks like to live in his kingdom, believing Jesus is my King, not some far away ruler.

Calibration:
- Spend some time reflecting on your life. What do you see?
- Be honest with yourself, whose kingdom do you live in daily? Why?
- What does “Jesus is King” mean to you?
- Does that phrase compel you? Why or Why not?
- Spend some time asking your Heavenly dad to lead you into his Kingdom.