Knowing What
Really Matters
Putting Things In Place
Setting Limits
Setting Boundaries For Spiritual Growth
"We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
So, Let's Start! What is your biggest enemy in spending consistent time alone with God?
How can you overcome it? How necessary is that time?
God's Good Word! Psalm 46:1, 10 (NKJV)
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
God's Good Word for Today! Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.
42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
A. Walking Through The Word(Thinking it through)
Now, Both Mary and Martha loved Jesus.
How were Mary’s actions a form of “serving” Jesus?
If you were on the scene that day,
who would you have identified as the "true" servant"
Why?
If you were Martha, how would you have responded to Jesus’ words?
a) flown off the handle
b) thought to myself, “He doesn’t have to live with my sister”
c) left the room and pouted
d) accepted the correction, sat down with Mary and forgot about supper
According to this story, how would you describe the different personalities of Mary and Martha?
Is this a personality issue or a spiritual one?
If personality, do we have a need to bring the "whole person" into subjection to Christ?
What are their strengths and weaknesses?
What was Jesus saying to Martha?
a) she should be more like Mary
b) she had her priorities messed up
c) people are more important than housework
d) “sitting at Jesus’ feet” is more important than anything else
B. Applying The Word(Putting It To Work)
In each of the following, which quality is more true of you?
a) task or relational oriented
b) work or quality-of-life oriented
c) practical or ideal oriented
d) uptight or laid-back
e) physically or spiritually oriented
If Jesus dropped in on you, what might He point out that
distracts you from the really important things in life,
like spending time with Him?
Regarding giving to others, how often do you experience each of the following motivations - seldom, sometimes or frequently?
a) to feel in control
b) to feel needed
c) to receive in return
d) to get people to like me
e) out of obligation
C. Bringing It Down (What Do I Need To Do Right Now?)
In light of your answers to the last question, what course of action do you need to take?
a) admit my need to change
b) open my life more to God’s love
c) keep in touch with my motivations
d) set limits on what I do for others
e) keep doing what I’m doing
Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.