Intro To Margin

Don’t miss this

This series is going to be a really practical attack on the stress and pain in our lives. SO many people that I know are really dealing with this issue right now, and I don’t want you to miss out on any of it. In fact, you may want to go back and re-listen or re-watch parts of this series again.

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This combination of great resources can really help you create MARGIN, and learn to know God’s will for your life in 2019.

Intro to Margin

Margin is the amount available beyond what is necessary. Explain what margin looks like in your life right now.

Let’s look at this very relevant story once again:

Luke 10:38–42 (NLT)
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Do you think Jesus was harsh with Martha?

What was the “one thing” that was worth being concerned about?

Does that seem right to you? Is that the way we live our daily lives?

So, one of the “laws of marginless living” is that “when margin decreases, stress increases.” What are some of the things that are currently causing you the most stress? How does that stress affect your relationships? How does it affect other areas in your life?

How does this stress affect your relationship with God?

When it comes down to it, lack of margin is a result of lack of faith, isn’t it? In what areas of your life do you need to place more faith in God?

An idol is anything that comes before God, right? So, isn’t lack of margin a result of idolatry? What are some things you are placing before God?

How can we change this?  Discuss specific ways.

Matthew 11:28–29 (NLT)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

On Sunday, I assigned some homework. How is that working out for you?

Fortunately, Martha, the marginless, learned her lesson.

Later, Martha’s home was once again filled with guests. Many relatives, friends, and neighbors had crowded into her home to morn the loss of Martha’s brother, Lazarus. The place was packed. Once again, there was much to be done. But when word came that Jesus was on his way, Martha dropped it all, left the house, and went out to meet Jesus, alone. She reached him before he arrived in her village, and she spent time there with him. During this conversation, Martha makes one of the greatest professions in the New Testament:

John 11:27 (ESV)
Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Martha ended up chosing the best thing.

Take some time with the best thing this week. Start small! Spend 5 minutes tomorrow to rest with Christ. Remove distractions for just those few minutes and allow him an opportunity to renew your heart and your mind.

Begin the process of reducing some of the stress in your life this week. Identify one or more things that are creating too much stress and create a plan to reduce that stress. Not only write down your plan of action, but have someone hold you accountable as you carry it out!