Prioritizing Jesus: Embracing His Presence Over Productivity

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of welcoming Jesus into our lives and the importance of prioritizing His presence over our productivity. We began by reflecting on Psalm 100, which calls us to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging His goodness and everlasting faithfulness. This sets the tone for our worship and our lives, reminding us that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

I shared a personal story about my daughter, who gave me a note to remember her while I was away. This simple act served as a spiritual reminder of the importance of remembering Jesus and His sacrifice for us. As we partake in communion, we are called to remember not just what Jesus has done, but why He did it—out of love and to meet our deepest need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

We then turned to the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. This narrative illustrates the contrast between Martha's focus on production and Mary's focus on presence. While Martha was busy with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, prioritizing His presence and teachings. This story challenges us to refocus our lives around knowing Jesus, emphasizing that a life shaped by His presence is more fulfilling than one driven by productivity.

As we enter a new year, we are invited to make space for Jesus in our lives, to welcome Him fully, and to practice abiding in His presence. This involves setting aside distractions and choosing to be with God, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply being still in His presence. We are encouraged to practice this regularly, recognizing that Jesus goes where He is welcomed and that His presence is transformative.

Key Takeaways:

- Welcoming Jesus: Jesus goes where He is welcomed. Like Martha, we must open our hearts and homes to Him, giving Him full access to our lives. This openness allows us to experience His transformative presence. [44:03]

- Presence Over Production: Mary chose to focus on Jesus' presence rather than being consumed by tasks. A refocused faith prioritizes being with God over merely doing for God, recognizing that His presence is more important than our productivity. [51:24]

- Abiding in God's Presence: A Jesus-shaped life regularly practices abiding in God's presence. This means intentionally setting aside time to be with Him, allowing His presence to shape and guide us in all aspects of life. [54:11]

- Invitation to Refocus: As we enter a new year, we are invited to refocus our lives on Jesus, setting aside distractions and choosing to abide in His presence. This involves welcoming Him into every area of our lives and allowing His presence to transform us. [56:20]

- Practicing the Presence of God: Inspired by Brother Lawrence, we are encouraged to practice the presence of God in every moment, whether in worship or daily tasks. This practice helps us remain connected to God and aware of His presence in all we do. [57:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:29] - Invitation to Worship
- [12:01] - Remembering Through Communion
- [14:38] - The Significance of Communion
- [16:57] - Our Deepest Need
- [22:09] - The Cross and Grace
- [28:34] - Thanksgiving and Faithfulness
- [29:25] - Gratitude and Reflection
- [30:55] - New Year Reflections
- [35:27] - Making Space for Jesus
- [36:48] - Practicing Faith
- [39:07] - The Story of Mary and Martha
- [42:14] - Refocused Faith
- [44:03] - Welcoming Jesus
- [51:24] - Presence Over Production
- [54:11] - Abiding in God's Presence
- [56:20] - Invitation to Refocus
- [57:17] - Practicing the Presence of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 100
- Luke 10:38-42

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 100, what are the specific actions the psalmist encourages us to take as we enter God's presence? How do these actions set the tone for worship? [06:29]

2. Reflecting on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, what were the different focuses of Mary and Martha when Jesus visited their home? [39:54]

3. How did the pastor's personal story about his daughter serve as a reminder of the importance of remembering Jesus and His sacrifice? [12:01]

4. What does the pastor suggest is the significance of welcoming Jesus into our lives, as illustrated by Martha's actions? [44:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the psalmist's call to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise in Psalm 100 relate to the idea of prioritizing presence over productivity? [06:29]

2. In the story of Mary and Martha, why might Jesus have commended Mary for choosing to sit at His feet rather than helping Martha with the preparations? [39:54]

3. The pastor mentioned that Jesus goes where He is welcomed. What might this imply about the nature of our relationship with Jesus and how we invite Him into our lives? [44:03]

4. How does the concept of abiding in God's presence, as discussed in the sermon, challenge our modern understanding of productivity and success? [54:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific activities or distractions that prevent you from welcoming Jesus into your life? How can you create space for Him this week? [35:27]

2. Consider the balance between productivity and presence in your life. How can you prioritize being with God over merely doing for God in your daily activities? [51:24]

3. The pastor shared a story about his daughter giving him a note to remember her. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of Jesus' presence and sacrifice throughout your day? [12:01]

4. As we enter a new year, what specific steps can you take to refocus your life on Jesus and set aside distractions? How can you make this a regular practice? [56:20]

5. The sermon mentioned practicing the presence of God in every moment. What are some ways you can incorporate this practice into your daily routine, whether at work, home, or during leisure time? [57:17]

6. How can you ensure that Jesus is welcomed into every area of your life, not just the parts you feel comfortable sharing? What might be holding you back from giving Him full access? [48:46]

7. Reflect on the idea of a Jesus-shaped life. What changes can you make in your daily habits to regularly practice abiding in God's presence? [54:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Welcoming Jesus into Our Lives
Welcoming Jesus into our lives is an intentional act of opening our hearts and homes to His presence. This involves creating space for Him, not just physically but spiritually, allowing Him to have full access to every part of our lives. When we welcome Jesus, we invite His transformative power to work within us, reshaping our priorities and guiding us toward a life that reflects His love and grace. This openness is not a one-time event but a continual practice of inviting Him into our daily routines and decisions. By doing so, we experience the profound impact of His presence, which brings peace, joy, and a deeper understanding of our purpose. [44:03]

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life can you open up to Jesus today, inviting Him to transform and guide you?


Day 2: Presence Over Production
The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 highlights the importance of prioritizing Jesus' presence over productivity. While Martha was consumed with tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, valuing His teachings and presence above all else. This narrative challenges us to refocus our lives, emphasizing being with God rather than merely doing for God. In a world that often equates worth with productivity, this message reminds us that our true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Jesus. By choosing presence over production, we align our lives with His will, finding peace and purpose in His presence. [51:24]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize spending time with Jesus over completing tasks today?


Day 3: Abiding in God's Presence
A Jesus-shaped life is one that regularly practices abiding in God's presence. This involves intentionally setting aside time to be with Him, allowing His presence to shape and guide us in all aspects of life. Abiding in God's presence means cultivating a relationship with Him through prayer, meditation, and stillness, recognizing that His presence is transformative. As we make this a regular practice, we become more attuned to His voice and direction, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from walking closely with Him. [54:11]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that allows you to intentionally abide in God's presence?


Day 4: Invitation to Refocus
As we enter a new year, we are invited to refocus our lives on Jesus, setting aside distractions and choosing to abide in His presence. This involves welcoming Him into every area of our lives and allowing His presence to transform us. By refocusing on Jesus, we align our priorities with His will, experiencing the peace and purpose that comes from living a life centered on Him. This invitation is a call to examine our hearts and make intentional choices that reflect our commitment to following Jesus. [56:20]

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

Reflection: What distractions can you set aside today to refocus your heart and mind on Jesus?


Day 5: Practicing the Presence of God
Inspired by Brother Lawrence, we are encouraged to practice the presence of God in every moment, whether in worship or daily tasks. This practice helps us remain connected to God and aware of His presence in all we do. By cultivating an awareness of God's presence, we invite His guidance and strength into every aspect of our lives, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for worship and growth. Practicing the presence of God is a continual journey of seeking Him in all things, allowing His love and grace to permeate our lives. [57:17]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice the presence of God in your daily tasks today, turning them into acts of worship?

Quotes

"Know that the Lord himself is God. It is he who has made us and not we ourselves. For we are his people and we are the sheep of his pasture. So we enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him. Bless his name for the Lord is good. And his loving kindness is everlasting and his faithfulness. To all the generations."

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?