Matthew 11:29

Workaholism and constant busyness are often applauded in our world, and it can be a challenge to rest. In order to execute our roles and plans effectively, we must learn to rest or we will have nothing left to contribute to those we love and to the goals we’ve set. Let’s spend the next five days learning about rest and how we can incorporate what we've learned into our lives.

As New York pastor Rich Villodas defines it, a deeply formed life is a life marked by integration, intersection, intertwining, and interweaving, holding together multiple layers of spiritual formation. This kind of life calls us to be people who cultivate lives with God in prayer, move toward reconciliation, work for justice, have healthy inner lives, and see our bodies and sexuality as gifts to steward.

People often say, “Give God your burdens.” Do you ever wonder: How do I do that? The brokenness of the world feels too heavy. And as much as you desire to shine the light of Jesus, you wonder what that looks like when you struggle to see the light yourself. This devotional looks at how we can be lights for Jesus even when our own world feels dark.

New Year. A New Day. God created these transitions to remind us that He is the God of New Beginnings. If God can speak the world into existence, He can certainly speak into the darkness of your life, creating for you a new beginning. Don’t you just love fresh starts! Just like this reading plan. Enjoy!