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Today we’re in week 4 of our breakthrough disciplines series where we’re looking to the ancient secret of spiritual disciplines to experience breakthrough in our everyday lives. We’ve covered some of the expected spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. Today’s  topic may be the one that seems most counterintuitive. Let’s talk about “pacing”.

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The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday.

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Welcome back to the podcast.  We’re in week 4 of our breakthrough disciplines series where we’re looking to the ancient secret of spiritual disciplines to experience breakthrough in our everyday lives.  We’ve covered some of the expected spiritual disciplines - prayer and fasting. 

For men, I think today’s topic may be the one that seems most counterintuitive. I think this is the one that’s going to cause more of us to say, “That’s just not possible.  You don’t know what my life is like and my situation.”  We’re talking about the spiritual discipline of pacing ourselves for breakthrough.  I can already feel the tension, and as a husband, father of 4, a shepherd of a church with over 400 attendance each Sunday, content creator, outdoorsman, neighbor, friend - and on and on -  I feel the tension as much as anyone.  I want to say up front this is the discipline I am probably the worst at of the ones we’re going to cover in this series, so I’m not speaking to you as someone who has it all figured out.  I will say, though, when my life has better pacing and a more sustainable rhythm, I am better in all the areas I mentioned above.  

• Essence of Survival Poster - When the sun comes up, you’d better be running. God doesn’t just want us to survive.  He wants us to thrive.  Jesus said he came that we might have a full and abundant life. 

Matthew 6:31- 32 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

• This translation says “strive” after.  Some translations say “run after” or “seek after”.  Either way it wears you out.  

Slowing

A hurried life keeps us from being present enough to love God and people. “Slowing” is intentionally putting ourselves into situations that teach us to wait.

• Who would intentionally put themselves in a situation that teaches us to wait?  Most of us are calculating which drive through lane in McDonalds is going to get us our food 2 minutes faster, and when we make the wrong choice, it’s like our dog died.  
• Have you ever noticed when people are driving the speed limit, it seems like they’re taking forever?  They’re driving as fast as they’re supposed to drive.  We’re so used to hurrying that when we have to go the speed limit, it’s torture.

Matthew 17:4-5 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials[a]—one for you, one for...