Rachel Sanders - November 26, 2023
Simplicity
Simplicity: Making Room in Our Hearts 11.26.23 "Spiritual disciplines facilitate a process that is out of one's control, but it does not have the capacity to determine an outcome. A gardener for example, does not actually grow plants. The gardener practices finely honed skills, such as cultivating soil, watering, feeding, weeding, pruning. But there is nothing the gardener can do to make the plants grow. However, if the gardener does not do what a gardener is supposed to do, the plants are not as likely to flourish. In fact, they may not grow at all. Gardening involves skills of receptivity. The skills are necessary but by themselves insufficient." -Martin Laird Simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle - Richard Foster 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:22-34 “We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity.” -A.W. Tozer 1. Diminishes Distraction 2. Increases Time "In frantic fidelity we try to meet at least the necessary minimum of calls upon us. But we're weary and breathless. And we know and regret that our life is slipping away, with our having tasted so little of the peace and joy and serenity we are persuaded it should yield to a soul of wide caliber. The times for the deeps of the silences of the heart seem so few. And in guilty regret we must postpone till next week that deeper life of unshaken composure in the holy presence, where we sincerely know our true home is, for this week is much too full." - Thomas Kelley 3. Exposes Idols of the Heart Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 What are the things in my life that distract me from His Kingdom? What are the things in my life that are stealing too much time? Are there any idols in my heart that need to be exposed?
From Series: "Simplicity"
We often hear that true fulfillment comes from acquiring more—that a life rich in possessions is a life well-lived. Yet, in this relentless pursuit of material happiness, genuine contentment remains elusive, often fleeting. This endless quest can lead us down a path of dissatisfaction. In contrast, Jesus' teachings guide us to carve out room in our lives—be it in our daily routines, our living spaces, or our financial choices—for what truly holds significance. He invites us to embrace a life filled with his grace, finding complete and lasting joy in the abundant life offered within God's Kingdom.