Audio Only

Sermon Notes

Definition of “Stress”: Fearful concern experienced when life’s demands seen greater than my ability to meet them

LUKE 10:38 – 42
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

THREE QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ABOUT YOUR SCHEDULE:

I. DOES YOUR SCHEDULE INCLUDE TIME WITH JESUS, OR IS IT ORDERED AROUND TIME WITH JESUS?
The presence of Jesus was a part of Martha’s plan. The presence of Jesus was Mary’s plan.

II. IS YOUR SCHEDULE DICTATED BY THAT WHICH IS URGENT OR DESIGNED TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT IS IMPORTANT?
Every YES is a NO to something when it comes to time

III. DOES YOUR SCHEDULE EXPRESS A HEART CAPTIVATED BY THINGS THAT ARE OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE OR DISTRACTED BY THINGS THAT ARE TEMPORARY?

FOUR ESSENTIALS TO REMOVE STRESS FROM YOUR SCHEDULE:

1. A daily God Time – Set aside time to be alone in fellowship with God.
   
   The daily decision that most impacts my fellowship with God throughout the day is setting aside time to be alone with him in the morning. The devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry, crowds…Satan is quite aware of the power of silence. –Jim Elliot
   
2. A set of priorities – Determine what is most important and build a plan around it.
   
3. A plan that includes margin – Refrain from planning out every moment of your day.
   
   You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
   
4. A person or group for accountability – Invite others in your life to help you eliminate distractions.