Looking Above - Looking Above Episode 43 - Slowing

Looking Above Episode 43 - Slowing

03/01/23 • 38 min

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about the story of Mary and Martha and what it can teach us about slowing down. Many of us find ourselves in this story, and unfortunately many of us relate to Martha. We live our lives at such a breakneck pace, its easy for us to miss time in Jesus' presence. After listening, take time to slow down and sit with a friend or small group and talk about these questions:

Read the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus again together. Luke 10:38-42 How does busyness impact your relationships?
Has there been a time when life felt "slower"?
How did a slower pace affect your relationships?
Brooklyn said that God has been reminding her she isn't here to get things done, she's here to love people. Are you more focused on tasks or people?
Do you allow tasks and busyness to distract you from people and from what God is doing?
Last week we talked about the phrase "come to me" - how does slowing down relate to coming to Jesus?
Karen suggested that the "better" thing that Mary found was rest. Discuss the idea that true rest can only be found in Jesus' presence.
Jesus did not live a hurried life, because He knew that God had things handled. How would this shift in perspective change the way you live?
Karen offered some ways to assess if your life is full or busy. Talk through each of these (discuss each question, as well as the implications of each).
- a. Are people a bother or are they free to interrupt you?
- b. Are there people who have pushed their way into your inner circles with whom you need to set boundaries?
- c. Are there things you're doing that God didn't call you to, that someone else could do, or that don't need to be done?,
- d. Look at your schedule and assess why you're doing each thing.
Do you/your kids need to be involved in so many activities?
How might simplifying your schedule and slowing down make space for rest and God?
Practice the pause. Set an alarm for three or more times a day, and when it goes off, pause from your work and spend time sitting with Jesus.

Read the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus again together. Luke 10:38-42 How does busyness impact your relationships?
Has there been a time when life felt "slower"?
How did a slower pace affect your relationships?
Brooklyn said that God has been reminding her she isn't here to get things done, she's here to love people. Are you more focused on tasks or people?
Do you allow tasks and busyness to distract you from people and from what God is doing?
Last week we talked about the phrase "come to me" - how does slowing down relate to coming to Jesus?
Karen suggested that the "better" thing that Mary found was rest. Discuss the idea that true rest can only be found in Jesus' presence.
Jesus did not live a hurried life, because He knew that God had things handled. How would this shift in perspective change the way you live?
Karen offered some ways to assess if your life is full or busy. Talk through each of these (discuss each question, as well as the implications of each).
- a. Are people a bother or are they free to interrupt you?
- b. Are there people who have pushed their way into your inner circles with whom you need to set boundaries?
- c. Are there things you're doing that God didn't call you to, that someone else could do, or that don't need to be done?,
- d. Look at your schedule and assess why you're doing each thing.
Do you/your kids need to be involved in so many activities?
How might simplifying your schedule and slowing down make space for rest and God?
Practice the pause. Set an alarm for three or more times a day, and when it goes off, pause from your work and spend time sitting with Jesus.

Previous Episode

Looking Above Episode 42 - Matthew 11:28-30

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about Jesus' invitation to rest which is found in Matthew 11:28-30. We've all heard these verses so often, it's easy to overlook or trivialize them. But today we're going to pick these verses apart, phrase by phrase and see what Jesus is offering, to whom it is being offered, and what we need to do to receive the offer. It would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these questions:

We are all included in this offer. Right now, would you say you're more weary from the active work (busyness) of life, or more tired from carrying the mental burden (to-do lists, shoulds, guilt, etc)?
Our first action step is to "come" to Jesus. Have you come to Him? Is your trust in Him? What does it mean to you to trust Him?
Talk about the analogy of a child coming to his mom for comfort when he gets hurt. Do you have this type of relationship with Jesus?
"Let me teach you" Are you willing to learn? Are you tired of doing things your way or the world's way?
Jesus says he is a humble and gentle teacher. Reflect on that. What does that speak to your heart? Why might you be more willing to listen to the teaching of a humble and gentle teacher than that of a demanding or harsh teacher?
Jesus also says the yoke he give us is easy and burden he asks us to carry is light. Consider the "active toiling work" and "exhausting mental burden" that the world give us and contrast them with what Jesus is asking of us. Why do we continually choose the world's yoke and burden over Jesus'?
Do you recognize your desire for rest? Or are you like that new mama, just powering through, not even aware of how soul-tired you are?
What about this whole passage sounds appealing? What feels daunting?
"Take my yoke" We have to put it into action. What is Jesus calling you to? What is your action step?

Next Episode

Looking Above Episode 44 - Eternal Rest

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about Hebrews 4 and what it can teach us about earthly and eternal rest. They discuss the importance of keeping our eyes on the glory and eternal rest of being with God forever, and Paul’s caution of missing out on that:

Read Hebrews 4 together.
What stands out to you the most in this passage?
Have you ever felt as if you were “wandering the desert” when you didn’t trust God? Explain.
Do you live as if heaven is real?
Do you live life with purpose? Or do you feel easily distracted? Explain.
What are you most excited to rest from in Heaven?
When you hear the phrase “make heaven crowded” what emotion does that evoke in you? Why do you think that is?
Do you feel like you are more focused on pleasure or purpose? Explain.
What scares you the most about sharing Jesus with others? How can you overcome that fear?
What is a way you can “spread your fire” or share Jesus with someone so they can know that peace and rest, too? Make it a goal to do that this week.