Simplify Your Life: Making Space for Greatness
Part 1: Why do I say "yes"?
March 14-17, 2005

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Many of us want to be great in the eyes of the world. Our culture today encourages us to define ourselves by the things we do and the things we have, living a hurried and busied life in order to feel valued by others and to impress them with our possessions. Unfortunately, this behavior keeps us from greatness in God's eyes, often leading to fatigue and spiritual emptiness. If we want to be truly great, Jesus asks us to slow down, draw closer to Him and say "yes" to things that are truly important. Jesus provided examples of love, deep relationships, and rest that are counter-cultural, but allow us to live a fulfilling life with meaning and purpose. Let's now look at some ways we can say "yes" to God.

MONDAY

DECLARING WAR ON HURRY: I MUST...

1. SAY "YES" TO THE UNHEALTHINESS OF MY PACE.

[Your Goal: Recognize the importance of facing how our unhealthy pace keeps us from what God desires for us.]

Read Luke 10:38-42. In what ways was Martha's pace different from that of her sister Mary?

  • What areas of service to the Lord can we be engaged in that can actually distract us from Him?
  • In requesting her sister's help, Martha implied Jesus' lack of care. What are some examples of how we criticize others in an attempt to justify our own busyness?
  • Jesus' response to Martha's complaint was to commend Mary for sitting at His feet. Why did Jesus commend Mary's choice over Martha's busyness?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Busyness is not necessarily a sign of productivity or success. Why is it important to be able to identify and admit when our lives have become overly complex? What are some of the signs of a hurried life? What first step are you willing to take this week to reverse this pattern in your own life?

TUESDAY

2. SAY "YES" TO DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD'S VALUES.

[Your Goal: Understand how drawing close to God and learning what is important to Him can enable you to value what God values.]

According to Ephesians 3:17-19 why does Paul pray for the Ephesians to know the depth of God's love?

  • What does it mean for our roots to go down deep into God's love? How can this give us power to achieve what God calls us to?
  • How does understanding God's love for us make it possible for Christ to influence every aspect of our lives?

According to 1 Thessalonians 2:8, what motivated Paul's work with the Thessalonians?

  • How do you think Paul developed the depth of relationships and love he had for these believers?
  • Paul loved the Thessalonians because he really knew them. What does it take for us to become authentically known by other believers?
  • God created us to be known and in relationship with others. Why are deep relationships with other believers necessary?

In what ways does Isaiah challenge the people regarding the Sabbath in Isaiah 58:13-14? What does he say the result will be?

  • What do you understand a Sabbath day to be all about? How important is keeping a Sabbath day for believers today?
  • Why do we have difficulty in setting aside one day for rest and honoring God?
  • How do you think a day of rest could affect your ability to perform and your relationships?

Fellowship (Membership) - Having confidence in God’s love for us, developing deep relationships with other believers, and taking time to rest and listen to God are all privileges as part of God’s family. It takes time in someone’s presence to develop a relationship. Set aside some time in your small group meetings for getting to know one another or catching up on what is going on in your lives. Partner with someone in the group of the same gender and commit to taking 5 minutes a day for the next 2 weeks to read a small passage of Scripture and wait on God to speak to your heart about it. Touch base with your partner at least once a week to share how you are doing and anything in particular God is showing you.

WEDNESDAY

3. SAY "YES" TO WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT.

[Your Goal: Commit to say "yes" to things that really are important.]

What does God tell us to do in Psalm 46:10a?

  • Why is it difficult to regularly find time to be alone with God? What reasons or excuses do we use to not spend time alone with Him?
  • What do you think are the consequences of not spending time with God? What are the benefits when we do?

Worship (Magnification) - Giving first place to God in every aspect of our lives makes a life of worshipping God. Identify one area of your life you feel you should give fully to the Lord. What makes this difficult? What will it take for you to do this? How can your small group encourage you to grow in this area? Make a plan and take one first step this week toward accomplishing this goal.

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Goal: Realize saying "Yes" to requests when our lives are already too busy may bring approval of man, but it contributes to a lifestyle of chaos leaving things we value most lacking.]

Busyness leads us to forfeit our values as we are caught in a cycle of filling up every minute of our time. We fail to see our pace is robbing us of time with those we love and care about most. We convince ourselves that this is just a season and it will pass, but weeks roll into months and months roll into years. Our children grow up, people we intended to spend time with move away or die, and we grow distant in our relationship with God. Commit to 5 minutes a day to reading a Scripture verse or two and wait on God for insight. Plan one hour this week to really spend time with Him considering what He wants to speak into your life. Let the Lord begin to infuse His values into your life.