A Conversation about Spiritual Disciplines
Simplicity with your “time” is critical. One of the greatest killers of life is “hurry”. This morning Pastor Alex continued his series on Spiritual Disciplines and reminded us that spiritual disciplines are not an end in themselves, but lead us towards godliness.

Jesus gives us a great example of how to stay focused on the most important things in life. He knew His purpose was to die for the sins of the world. In Luke 9:51 Jesus, “set His face towards Jerusalem”. Just like Jesus, when we know God’s plans and purposes for our lives, we have the freedom to make the best choices.

How to Live Life with Simplicity
1. Understand a theology of time

A. God made time…it is His. Psalm 90:2
B. God loans us some time and we steward it. Psalm 139
C. IT IS SHORT. Psalm 90:12, James 4:4
D. It is uncertain. Proverbs 27:1
E. Make the most of it. Ephesians 5:16

2. Have the courage to say NO. (Nobody is going to do it for you…)

3. Prune the activity branches. Read the book, Margin by Richard Swenson.

4. Do the right things and find joy and pleasure in those things.

5. Schedule your life before life schedules it for you. (Time goes SO FAST.)

6. Lose a watch and buy a clock…like this Day Clock found here.

Pour your life into people that will go into a time you will not see. Enjoy your kids and perpetuate the gospel through them. And remember…Today is the BEST. DAY. EVER!

To discuss today
1. Are you setting your face toward your purpose in a way that you say yes to great and no to good? How?

2. What are the things you need to say “no” to in your life?

3. How would you describe yourself…Living or Existing? Why?

4. When is the last time you ate dinner “unhurried” as a family? When is the next date scheduled with your spouse? Your kids? Your grandkids?

Prayer
Father, thank you for giving me the gift of time. I know it is all Yours and I just get to steward a little of it. Thank you for the reminder of the precious gift that it is. Too often, I let the hurriedness of the world get in the way of what you are truly calling me to do. I need Your help in giving me the courage to say no to _____________________. I ask that you protect me from the feeling of guilt that the enemy will try to put on me. Father, I want to LIVE and not just EXIST. I need Your help in getting rid of the good so that I can focus on the great. Thank you!