Bandwidth: Restore

Bandwidth
Restore by John Burke, January 13, 2008

Last week John talked about the importance of getting and applying God’s priorities to how we spend our time. In this message John talked about how to begin to get God’s perspective.

1. We all have other people who have ideas about how we should spend our time… but sometimes we assume people want us to spend our time on something that is really NOT what they want. Have you ever had a situation like that: You did something for someone else (i.e., your boss, your co-worker, significant other, child, parent, friend) only to later find out that it was not what they wanted from you? If you are in a group – talk about any experiences you’ve had like that…or just think about them if you are on your own. What happened and why? Could you have avoided spending time and effort on what was really not wanted or needed? If so, how? (10 minutes)

2. What about the idea that God would have ideas about how you spend your time: Does that seem realistic to you? Why or why not? (5 – 10 minutes)

3. Now, assume for a minute that God DOES have ideas about how people should spend their time. What are the kinds of things that most people THINK God wants them to spend their time doing? List as many types of things as you can. Do you think God “expects” any or all of these for everyone? Why or why not? (10 minutes)

4. In the message, John said that we often need to slow down before we can really know what God wants of us. But John said that it’s not just slowing down, rather it is slowing down in a way to deliberately get to know God better… by taking time to know God’s heart and experience His love for us. Sounds like a good thing to shoot for. Good, but not easy. Why is it so hard for so many people to slow down? Talk through as many reasons as you can. (10 minutes)

5. What about you? Do you have trouble slowing down? If so, what makes it difficult for you? Take a few minutes for those who want to, to talk about their own reaction to slowing down. And, if you are someone who has been able to slow it down, talk about how you did it… and how you KEEP doing it. (John showed us his water and mud jar that reminds him to get “still”. if anyone has any other devices or aids, be sure to talk about that. (10 minutes)

6. End with some time for personal reflection. As you do, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you find it hard to slow down and listen to God?
• If so, why?… what is the most important reason(s) for you?
• Do you believe God can set effective, loving, non-stressful priorities for you life?
• If yes, what is ONE THING you can do to begin the process? Write that down.
• If you don’t think God is in the priority-setting business… would you be willing to talk to Him about it… just on a trial basis? If so, make a note of when you will give it a try.

Take some time to ask God to remind and encourage you to take the step or spend the time you noted. (5 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
Matthew 11:28-12:8

“Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink…or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:12-14

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:9-11

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