Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

1. JUST SAY "NO".

[Your Objective: Learn to say "no" in order to make room for God's best.]

What does Jesus say "no" to in John 7:8?

• Discuss how saying "no" to a worthwhile activity could result in God's best for us. Share some examples.
• Why do we feel compelled to say "yes" so often when even Jesus said "no" to requests?
• Since Jesus occasionally turned people's requests down, what does this say about His priorities and purpose on earth?

Ministry - If we are going to simplify our lives, we are going to have to learn to say "no" to some things. God has abundant blessings for those available to be used by Him to meet the needs of others. What do you need to say "no" to? Write it down and share it with someone else. Pray for one another that you will focus on freeing up time for God's purposes, and that whatever you say "no" to will not be replaced with anything less than God's best for you.

2. STOP THE STORIES.

[Your Objective: Stop looking for acceptance through our stories and/or being impressed by others' stories.]

Read Jeremiah 9:23. What is the Lord saying about boasting (stories)?

• Why do many feel the need to talk about their achievements?
• What is it about those achievements that impress us? Should we be impressed?
• When someone feels a need to talk about their achievements, how is that really a sign of brokenness?

3. TURN IT OFF.

[Your Objective: Discover silence as essential to spiritual growth.]

According to 1 Kings 19:11-12, in what tone did the Lord speak to Elijah?

• How easy is it to hear God speaking amidst all the noise makers in our lives?
• Does God desire to speak to each of us daily? If so, what needs to be turned off in order to create an environment of silence to hear what He has to say?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Maturity in Christ requires turning off the noise and tuning in to God. How many times might you have missed God's voice because you were too busy talking - or because you couldn't turn off the TV? Next time you are tempted to tell a story about yourself, your kids, or your accomplishments, what will you do to turn the moment into an opportunity to glorify God instead? Make a commitment to carve out more quiet time for God in your life. Ask your small group to hold you accountable for simplifying your life.

4. LEAVE SOME ROOM.

[Your Objective: Understand the importance of leaving room in our schedules for those things that really matter.]

In Ecclesiastes 8:5 when does the wise person do the right thing?

• Why do we tend to over schedule our time? How would the quality of our lives be affected if we allowed for an extra margin of time in our planning so that we are not so over-committed?
• Where does God fit into our calendars?

5. CLEAN IT OUT.

[Your Objective: Realize that material things should not take first place in our lives.]

Read Hebrews 12:1. According to this verse, what should we do with the things that encumber us? Once we have set those things aside what comes next?

• Why do we tend to hold on to belongings, even after they have outlived their useful purpose? How does clinging to material belongings cloud our judgment and get in the way of what should be most important in our lives?
• How does it benefit our Christian lives when we are able to clean house and rid ourselves of material excesses?

6. RECOGNIZE WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

[Your Objective: Understand the Christian life focuses on storing heavenly treasures rather than earthly possessions.

What does Proverbs 30:8 tell us about our needs?

According to 1 Timothy 6:8, what earthy possessions should be enough to sustain us?

• How do we know when enough possessions are enough? How does being over encumbered affect our lives?
• What do we tend to sacrifice when the pace of our lives and rate of our accumulations get out of hand?
• What is the effect on our walk with Christ when our main focus is on material things? Discuss how cluttered lives keep us from experiencing the depth of love Jesus wants us to have for our family and friends.

Evangelism (Missions) - Often we think of evangelism as service in far away lands, but what about right in your own back yard? When our lives become too busy with the day-to-day accumulation of goods, of winning the race to have the most gadgets here on earth, who and what suffers? Do you have a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor who needs to hear about God's love? How could you shift some of your time and attention and resources to them? How could cutting out the clutter from your own life be turned into a blessing for others? Make a pledge this week to clear time on your calendar and spend it with someone who needs your attention. In addition, make time to sort though things you no longer need, pack a box and donate it to a worthy cause. Don't miss out on this opportunity to help others.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Commit to at least one action which will simplify your lives and make more room for God.]

Come and see what God has done. See what amazing things he has done for people.

Psalm 66:5 (ICB)

Is your current pace of life one you're happy with? Or have the lessons in this series made you realize a need for less busyness, greater awareness of your soul, and the need to make room for God? Our lives are a lot like brown paper lunch bags - they have a limited capacity. When we put too much in, the bag strains and tears. It can no longer be used as intended. God longs to pour His greatness into us, but if we've stuffed our lives with too much clutter we're likely to break and miss what He has for us. Would you take time, right now, to get right with God? No matter where you are or what you've done, He's waiting to welcome you back. If you need to rededicate your life or make a first-time commitment - do it now. Then, as your next step, tell someone. God didn't put us here to go through life alone. If these lessons have hit home with you, ask someone for help. Enlist your small group to discover where and how you need to simplify. Right now, today, declare war on busyness and pursue a more simplified life.