Finding Peace: The Power of Doing Less

Devotional

Day 1: The Invitation to Rest

Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest, which involves complete submission to God. This rest is not just physical but spiritual, allowing God to work miracles in our lives even when we are at rest. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened, promising them rest. This rest is a holistic experience that encompasses our entire being—body, mind, and spirit. It is a call to lay down our burdens and trust in God's provision and care.

In our fast-paced world, it is easy to overlook the importance of rest. We often equate rest with laziness or unproductivity, but Jesus teaches us that true rest is found in Him. By submitting to God and allowing Him to take control, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This rest is not about doing nothing but about finding our strength and renewal in God's presence. [14:48]

Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."

Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay down at Jesus' feet? How can you intentionally create space in your life to experience the rest that Jesus offers?

Day 2: Prioritizing Spiritual Well-being

The story of Martha and Mary teaches us the importance of prioritizing our spiritual well-being over the busyness of life. While Martha was busy with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, which Jesus said was the "one thing" truly needed. This story highlights the tension between doing and being, between service and devotion. Martha's actions were not wrong, but they were misplaced in that moment. Jesus gently corrected her, pointing out that Mary's choice to focus on Him was the better part.

In our lives, we often find ourselves caught up in the demands and responsibilities that fill our days. While these activities may be good and necessary, they should not come at the expense of our relationship with God. Prioritizing our spiritual well-being means making time to sit at Jesus' feet, to listen to His voice, and to be nourished by His presence. It is about finding a balance between our duties and our devotion. [24:02]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize your spiritual well-being this week? What specific steps can you take to ensure that you are spending quality time with God amidst your daily responsibilities?

Day 3: The Dangers of Busyness

Our modern society often glorifies busyness, filling our schedules with good things that can lead to stress and burnout. We must learn to discern what is essential and focus on that, rather than being overwhelmed by a multitude of tasks. Busyness can become a badge of honor, a way to measure our worth and productivity. However, this constant state of busyness can be detrimental to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of being overly busy and distracted. In the story of Martha and Mary, Jesus highlights the importance of choosing what is truly necessary. By focusing on the essential and letting go of the non-essential, we can find a sense of peace and balance in our lives. It is about making intentional choices that align with God's purpose for us. [18:42]

Ecclesiastes 4:6 (ESV): "Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind."

Reflection: What are some non-essential tasks or activities that you can let go of to reduce busyness in your life? How can you create more space for rest and reflection?

Day 4: Pressing Towards the Higher Calling

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of pressing towards the higher calling of God. This requires us to focus on our relationship with God and fulfilling His purpose for our lives, which leads to a stress-free and fulfilling life. Paul encourages believers to forget what lies behind and to strain forward to what lies ahead, pressing on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

This higher calling is not about achieving worldly success or recognition but about living a life that is pleasing to God. It involves seeking His will, growing in our faith, and serving others. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and His calling for us, we can navigate the challenges and distractions of life with a sense of purpose and direction. [35:09]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to press forward? How can you align your daily actions with this higher calling?

Day 5: Living by Design, Not by Default

We should aim to live by design, focusing on the vital few things that truly matter, rather than being driven by the trivial many. This involves saying "no" to non-essential tasks and "yes" to what aligns with God's calling for us. Living by design means being intentional about how we spend our time and energy, making choices that reflect our values and priorities.

In a world that constantly demands our attention and pulls us in different directions, it is easy to live by default, reacting to whatever comes our way. However, God calls us to live purposefully, to seek His guidance, and to make decisions that honor Him. By doing so, we can experience a life of fulfillment and joy, grounded in His love and purpose. [39:03]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: What are some non-essential tasks or commitments that you need to say "no" to in order to focus on what truly matters? How can you create a plan to live more intentionally by design?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church! Today, we continue our series on "Redeeming Rest," focusing on the theme "Doing Less is More." We began by reflecting on the importance of rest, as highlighted in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. This rest is not just physical but a complete submission to God, allowing Him to work miracles even in our downtime.

We explored the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy with preparations, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening to His teachings. Jesus gently corrected Martha, emphasizing that while her service was good, Mary had chosen the "one thing" that was truly needed—spending time with Him. This story teaches us the importance of prioritizing our spiritual well-being over the busyness of life.

In our modern society, busyness has become a badge of honor. We fill our schedules with good things—work, family activities, social engagements, and even church responsibilities. However, this constant state of busyness can lead to stress and burnout. We must learn to discern what is essential and focus on that, rather than being overwhelmed by a multitude of tasks.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this in Philippians 3:13-14, where he emphasizes pressing towards the higher calling of God. This higher calling requires us to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and fulfilling His purpose for our lives. By doing so, we can live a stress-free life, grounded in the peace and rest that only God can provide.

As we go through our week, let us remember to prioritize our time with God, seeking His guidance and rest. By doing less of the non-essential and focusing more on our spiritual growth, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. being**: The story of Martha and Mary teaches us the importance of prioritizing our spiritual well-being over the busyness of life. While Martha was busy with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, which Jesus said was the "one thing" truly needed. [24:02]
3. The Dangers of Busyness: Our modern society often glorifies busyness, filling our schedules with good things that can lead to stress and burnout. We must learn to discern what is essential and focus on that, rather than being overwhelmed by a multitude of tasks.

4. Pressing Towards the Higher Calling: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of pressing towards the higher calling of God. This requires us to focus on our relationship with God and fulfilling His purpose for our lives, which leads to a stress-free and fulfilling life.

5. Living by Design, Not by Default: We should aim to live by design, focusing on the vital few things that truly matter, rather than being driven by the trivial many. This involves saying "no" to non-essential tasks and "yes" to what aligns with God's calling for us.

### [24:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:00] - Opening Song: Softly and Tenderly
[13:04] - Thanksgiving and Reflections
[14:04] - Welcoming Newcomers
[14:48] - Introduction to Redeeming Rest Series
[16:08] - The Miracle of Rest
[17:32] - Doing Less is More
[18:42] - The Busyness of Life
[20:51] - Overwhelmed by Good Things
[21:30] - Rest from Good Things
[22:36] - The Story of Martha and Mary
[24:02] - Martha's Hospitality and Distraction
[25:04] - The Importance of Discernment
[27:27] - Jesus' Response to Martha
[29:12] - Trusting God Over Worry
[31:16] - Focusing on the Essential
[32:05] - One Thing is Needed
[35:09] - Pressing Towards the Higher Calling
[39:03] - Living by Design, Not by Default
[43:11] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
[45:39] - Response Song: I Will Be Still
[49:07] - Final Announcements and Offering
[58:49] - Closing Hymn: It is So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
[63:46] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What invitation does Jesus extend to us in Matthew 11:28, and what kind of rest does He promise? [14:48]
In the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), what were the different choices made by Martha and Mary, and how did Jesus respond to each? [24:02]
According to Philippians 3:13-14, what does the Apostle Paul emphasize as his primary focus? [35:09]
How does the sermon describe the modern-day issue of busyness, and what are some examples given? [18:42]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to find rest in Jesus, and how does this rest go beyond physical relaxation? [14:48]
Why did Jesus commend Mary’s choice over Martha’s, and what does this teach us about prioritizing our spiritual well-being? [24:02]
How can the concept of "doing less is more" be applied to our daily lives, especially in the context of our busy schedules? [18:42]
What does pressing towards the higher calling of God involve, according to Philippians 3:13-14, and how can this focus lead to a stress-free life? [35:09]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current schedule. Are there activities that, while good, are causing you stress and burnout? How can you discern what is essential and what can be set aside? [18:42]
How can you incorporate more time for spiritual growth and rest in your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week to prioritize your time with God? [14:48]
Think about a time when you were like Martha, busy with many tasks. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What can you learn from Mary’s example? [24:02]
Identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed by busyness. What practical changes can you make to focus on what truly matters, as Paul suggests in Philippians 3:13-14? [35:09]
How can you live by design and not by default, focusing on the vital few things that align with God’s calling for you? What will you say "no" to this week to make room for what is essential? [39:03]
In what ways can you trust God more and worry less about the many things that often distract you? How can you remind yourself to focus on Jesus throughout your day? [29:12]
How can you encourage others in your small group or community to find rest in Jesus and prioritize their spiritual well-being? What support can you offer to help them make these changes? [14:48]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The rest that God desires for us is not just rest from our work or our employment. But it is the rest from sometimes the good things in our life. That crowd. Our shadows. Our hearts. And our minds. It's a rest. It's a Sabbath from our off days." [21:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "That means that instead of worrying. We can trust God. This is not. This is not Jesus negating what Martha was doing. Jesus was not negating the essence of hospitality. And the essence of helping. And the essence of going forth. Because that is what we have been called to do. We have been called to be the salt and light. Wherever we find ourselves." [29:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "One thing is needed. One thing have I desired of the Lord. That I will seek after him. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord. All the days of my life. To behold the beauty of the Lord. And to inquire in his temple. One thing is needed." [32:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The reason why there is so much stress in our world today. So many things taking our attention today. Because we are not connecting to the source of our life. One thing. Do we desire. One thing is God thing. It's not good thing. Sometimes good things. Are not always God thing." [34:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "As we go Go to the places God has called us. Let us go with the confidence and the trust in Jesus. That as we sit at the feet of Jesus, He, the Lord, will take care of all the needs that we have. I pray that the God of heaven grants you rest for your souls. Amen." [01:03:46] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We saw how Jesus sent the disciples to go to preach the gospel. They were praying for people all over the town. They came back. They were tired. And they were telling the report to Jesus about how the great things that was happening, the hand of God that was at work everywhere they find themselves. And Jesus responds by telling them not good work, well done, you know. He responded by telling them go to a place and go to a quiet place and go and do what? Rest." [16:08] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We fill our lives with the busyness of this life. And that has become what we are. And sometimes we want to catch up with many things. We want to catch up with the things that are going on. We don't want to lose out in many things. So we work a lot. You know, in 1981, there was a song that came out by the band Loverboy. And the title is working for the good. Working for the weekend. And that, you know, talks about how that shows how sometimes in American life, even in our leisure, we find something to do." [18:42] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What is it that is distracting you this morning? What is it that is clouding your mind? And your attention this morning? We are worried. And upset about many things. In other words. Jesus is saying Martha. You look restless. Martha. I invite you into a moment of rest. Maybe after we are finishing. We finish the discussion of hearing the good news. Maybe we can enjoy a dinner. That means that we can set our priorities right." [30:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I want to live. My life. Fulfilling. My whole. Call. I want to die. Empty. I want to live. My life. Fulfilling. The higher. Call. I came to remind. Somebody. This morning. Yes. Society. Is grabbing. Your attention. But there is. One thing. There is. A call. Of God. On your life. There is. A higher. Call. Of God. On your life. God. Demands. You to do. Something. There is. A calling. That brings. You closer. To God." [36:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "What are the. In. Your. Life. What. Are the. Essential. Things. For. Ministry. And. Us. Focus. On. Those. Things. Let. Us. Put. Our. Energy. Into. Those. Things. May. God. God, give us rest. Amen?" [43:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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