Finding Peace in Christ Amidst Life's Distractions

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ Amidst Political Tension

In times of national crisis and political division, it is easy to become consumed by our biases and opinions. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to lay down these biases and seek unity in Him. This unity is not about ignoring our differences but about prioritizing our shared faith and commitment to Jesus above all else. By focusing on prayer and seeking divine wisdom, we can ask God to bring peace and understanding to our nation. This unity is essential for overcoming fear, distraction, and anxiety, allowing us to be a light in a divided world. [23:46]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of a political issue that has caused division in your relationships. How can you lay down your biases and seek unity in Christ in this situation today?

Day 2: Value in God's Image

Every individual is made in the image of God and holds intrinsic value in His eyes. Our worth is not determined by our productivity or achievements but by our relationship with Christ. As a church, we are called to see and value each person as God does, creating a community that welcomes, accepts, and loves. This perspective challenges us to look beyond external measures of success and to recognize the divine worth in every person we encounter. By doing so, we reflect God's love and build a more inclusive and compassionate community. [34:01]

Genesis 1:27 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Reflection: Think of someone you often overlook or undervalue. How can you show them that they are made in the image of God and valued by Him today?

Day 3: Contrasting Visions of Discipleship

The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 presents two contrasting visions of discipleship. Martha's busyness and distraction lead to anxiety and frustration, while Mary's focus on Jesus brings peace and fulfillment. True discipleship is about being in the presence of Jesus and allowing that relationship to shape our lives. This does not mean neglecting our responsibilities but prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. By doing so, we find the strength and peace to navigate life's demands and challenges. [39:19]

Luke 10:41-42 (ESV): "But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. Are there areas where busyness and distraction are taking precedence over your relationship with Jesus? How can you choose the "good portion" today?

Day 4: Attention and Devotion

What we give our attention to shapes who we become. The solution to an over-busy life is not more time but a focus on what truly matters—our relationship with Jesus. By centering our lives around Him, we find peace and purpose, even amidst life's demands and responsibilities. This focus requires intentionality and discipline, as we must continually redirect our attention to Jesus and away from the distractions that vie for our time and energy. In doing so, we cultivate a life of devotion that reflects His love and grace. [46:10]

Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: Identify one distraction that often pulls your attention away from Jesus. What practical steps can you take to minimize this distraction and refocus on your relationship with Him today?

Day 5: The Better Portion

Jesus is the "better portion" that cannot be taken away. Our relationship with Him is our inheritance, our share, and our true source of strength and fulfillment. In all aspects of life—whether serving, grieving, or worshiping—we are called to live at the feet of Jesus, making Him the central focus of our hearts and minds. This relationship is not just a part of our lives but the foundation upon which everything else is built. By prioritizing Jesus, we find the true source of peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer. [51:54]

Psalm 73:26 (ESV): "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking fulfillment outside of your relationship with Jesus? How can you make Him your "better portion" today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's service, we were reminded of the power and sovereignty of Jesus Christ, especially in times of national turmoil and personal anxiety. We began by addressing the recent attempted assassination of former President Trump and the ensuing political tension. As a church, we are called to lay down our political biases and seek unity in Christ, focusing on prayer and divine wisdom. Tomorrow, we will gather for a prayer service to intercede for our nation and its leaders, asking God to bring peace and wisdom.

We then transitioned to a powerful story that highlighted the importance of seeing and valuing every individual as made in the image of God. This led us into our main teaching from Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary. This passage offers two contrasting visions of discipleship: Martha's method of busyness and distraction versus Mary's focus on being in the presence of Jesus. Martha's service, though well-intentioned, led to anxiety and frustration, while Mary chose the "good portion" by sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His teaching.

The heart of the message is that our value is not in what we produce or achieve but in our relationship with Christ. Jesus calls us to focus on Him, the one thing necessary, rather than being distracted by many things. This is not a call to inactivity but to a life centered on Jesus, whether we are serving, grieving, or worshiping. The story of Martha and Mary teaches us that true discipleship is about being in the presence of Jesus and allowing that relationship to shape all aspects of our lives.

###

Key Takeaways

1. 42 presents two contrasting visions of discipleship. Martha's busyness and distraction lead to anxiety and frustration, while Mary's focus on Jesus brings peace and fulfillment. True discipleship is about being in the presence of Jesus and allowing that relationship to shape our lives. [39:19]
4. Attention and Devotion: What we give our attention to shapes who we become. The solution to an over-busy life is not more time but a focus on what truly matters—our relationship with Jesus. By centering our lives around Him, we find peace and purpose, even amidst life's demands and responsibilities.

5. The Better Portion: Jesus is the "better portion" that cannot be taken away. Our relationship with Him is our inheritance, our share, and our true source of strength and fulfillment. In all aspects of life—whether serving, grieving, or worshiping—we are called to live at the feet of Jesus, making Him the central focus of our hearts and minds.

### [39:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:46] - Unity in Christ Amidst Political Tension
[34:01] - Value in God's Image
[39:19] - Contrasting Visions of Discipleship
[46:10] - Attention and Devotion
[51:54] - The Better Portion
[62:41] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the two contrasting behaviors of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42?
How did Jesus respond to Martha's complaint about Mary? ([42:29])
What does Jesus mean by "the good portion" that Mary chose? ([48:00])
How does the sermon describe the impact of busyness on our spiritual lives? ([36:16])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus commend Mary’s choice over Martha’s actions? What does this reveal about the priorities of discipleship? ([42:29])
How does the story of Martha and Mary challenge our modern understanding of productivity and value? ([34:36])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that our attention and focus shape our spiritual lives? ([46:10])
How can the concept of Jesus being the "better portion" influence our daily decisions and priorities? ([51:54])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are you more like Martha, distracted by many things, or like Mary, focused on Jesus? What steps can you take to shift your focus? ([42:29])
How can you lay down your political biases and seek unity in Christ, especially in times of national tension? What practical steps can you take to foster this unity in your community? ([23:46])
Identify a specific area in your life where you feel over-busy or anxious. What changes can you make to center your life more around Jesus? ([46:10])
Think of someone in your life who may feel undervalued or overlooked. How can you show them that they are made in the image of God and valuable in His eyes? ([34:01])
What are some practical ways you can ensure that your service and actions are rooted in a relationship with Jesus rather than just busyness? ([41:50])
How can you incorporate moments of stillness and focus on Jesus in your daily routine, even amidst your responsibilities? ([55:16])
Reflect on a recent time when you felt overwhelmed by your responsibilities. How might focusing on Jesus as the "better portion" have changed your experience? ([51:54])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Our value is not on what we can do or produce. But who we are in Christ. Help us to be a church family. A community. That enables people, as we heard in the video, to breathe. To breathe again. Welcomes and accepts and loves like you love." [34:01] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Attention is the beginning of devotion, because what you give your attention to is the person you become. Put another way, the mind is the portal to the soul. And what you fill your mind with is the portal to the soul. The soul will shape the trajectory of your character. In the end, your life is no more than the sum of what you gave your attention to." [46:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The solution to an over-busy life is not more time. Don't we wish it was? Just more time to get things done? It's to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters. is the real issue or contrast going on here in Luke 10. It's not between an active life or inactive life, serving or not serving. That's not the point Jesus is making. He's talking about attention, focus of our minds and our hearts." [46:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Do you want a large portion of God or just a little slice? biggest portion I can get. And here's the good news about Jesus. He's always got more to give. He wants to give you more of himself. And unlike chocolate cake you don't get sick of it. You want more. And he's got more to give you." [51:18] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is saying to Martha and all of us. That's not my vision for your life. That's not what I'm calling you to. One other passage from this book. Our sanctification. Growth in Christ. Does not depend on changing what we do. But in doing for God's sake. What we would normally do for our own sake. Did you hear that? Our sanctification. Our growth in becoming like Jesus in the world. Does not depend on like, well I gotta leave everything and change what I do. Doing it different. Doing it at his feet." [01:01:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Martha's been wearing herself out with overwork for Jesus, and she's a little irritated with Jesus for not noticing. But Jesus is going to lovingly turn her mind and her heart to what matters most. I've been reading a bunch of books, but one author I've grown to really appreciate is an author named John Mark Comer. Some of you may know him." [45:30] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The place of discipleship is at the feet of Jesus. The posture of a disciple's heart is at the feet of Jesus. Now to be clear, that does not mean that all we ever do is sit and meditate and pray. We have lives with demands on our times. And responsibilities and obligations. And that's not wrong. It's just part of being human. And we can do that too at the feet of Jesus." [54:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "To follow Jesus means we're grieving at his feet. Questioning at his feet. Serving at his feet. Worshiping at his feet. Learning at his feet. Doing our daily work at his feet. Relating to other people. All of life lived from that posture. Three times in Luke chapter 10, Jesus is referred to as Lord. That's the Greek word Kyrios. It doesn't mean sir or important person. It's the Greek translation of what the Old Testament refers to as God. Yahweh." [57:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God is not interested, I feel like I'm saying this right to my own soul. God is not interested in all your hard work that is disconnected from him. All your striving that is not coming from a relationship that's connected to him. And again, some of you might be thinking, well I can't stop what I'm doing and just sit around like Mary. I wish I could. That's not what he's teaching. He's talking about the focus of your heart." [59:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus. You are our better portion. Our flesh and our heart may fail. But you are the strength of our heart. And our portion forever. You can never be taken away from us. We cannot earn you. We don't deserve you. But you give yourselves to us. Lord. Forgive all of our striving that's disconnected from you. Help us to turn the attention of our hearts to you. To learn the lesson of Mary. To be focused on the one thing that matters. Jesus. Now more than ever. We and our nation. Need you Jesus. The one thing necessary. The better portion." [01:02:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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