S.U.M. It Up! 1-29-25

    

1-26-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

CREATURES OF HABIT: Conceal v. Confess 1-26-25

CREATURES OF HABIT: Conceal v. Confess 1-26-25

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, Church. This is the final week of our sermon series called Creatures of Habit. We have been talking about how every person’s life is largely made up of the routine choices that we make each day. The habits that we choose will determine the trajectory of our life and who we will become. The question is, are we becoming the person that we want to be?

 

The first week, we learned that developing a habit of reading and meditating on God’s word can protect us from internalizing negativity. Rather than listening to poison, we can listen to the promises of God. Two weeks ago, we confronted the habit of always wanting more. The healthier habit for our lives is choosing simplicity. This is the way that we discover contentment and fulfillment in God alone. Last week, we were encouraged by scripture to choose a habit of worship rather than a habit of worry. There is so much in the world to be anxious about, but worship turns our attention to Jesus as the source of our hope. This final week, we will wrestle with the habits of concealing and confessing.

As Paula and I have worked diligently to downsize our lives, we have had to find places to put the vast amount of stuff as we prepare to divest of our hoarded belongings.  We have put stuff in the basement.  We have filled her craft room with boxes.  We have filled our garage to overflowing.  But, you can come into our home and never know any of that.  Our house is open and clean and orderly.  Just don’t look behind any of the closed doors.  The reason our house is so clean is because we filled up all the spaces you cannot see.  What was outwardly apparent was not, in fact, the whole story.  It was just a facade.

 

It is funny to look back on how all of us, when we were young, probably tried a tactic like this in some form or fashion. We tried to conceal, rather than reveal, what was really going on.  Many of us have continued this habit of our youth into adulthood, and rather than confess our shortcomings and failures, we simply shove it behind the closet door and hope it is never revealed.

 

I.  HAVE A SOBER SELF ASSESSMENT

 

Jesus often had conflict with the Pharisees in the Gospels. The Pharisees were the religious elite and oftentimes overlooked their own sins while quickly pointing out the sins of others. Jesus addresses this with them multiple times, but in the book of Luke, He offers a parable, or a story, to help drive His point home.

A.  Outward appearances

 

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

B.  Concealing reality

The story Jesus tells centers on two individuals. One has a habit of concealing his shortcomings, while the other confesses his. The Pharisee in the story put himself up on a pedestal of perfection as he prayed. He looked down on others who were robbers, evildoers, or adulterers. The point that Jesus is trying to make is not that those things aren't harmful and sinful ways of living but that the problem is that this individual is quick to divert any attention away from his faults by shining light on everyone else. He thinks that what God desires from him is the outward appearance of perfection. After all, he tithes a healthy ten percent of all he receives.

 

When we have a habit of concealing things from ourselves, God, and others, we keep ourselves from having an accurate view of the places God has worked and needs to work in our lives. It stifles our growth and causes us to pridefully elevate ourselves above others.

 

The book of James compares this honest evaluation to someone who looks into the word of God like they do into a mirror.

 

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

‭‭ James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

C.  Consequence of reality

It is uncomfortable to have the need for repentance revealed to us. It is easier to simply walk away and forget what we see in our hearts and lives. When this becomes a routine in our lives, we become numb and lose sensitivity to God and His Word.

 

There is a scene in the movie Shrek when Lord Farquaad uses a magic mirror that is supposed to reveal to him the truth. After all, that is what mirrors do. They cannot be manipulated. They can only reflect honestly. But Farquaad and his pride end up forcing the mirror to lie to him and tell him only what he wants to hear. We too, can suffer from self-deception when we refuse to rightly examine ourselves. 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126029/

 

The Pharisee that Jesus was speaking to needed to develop a new habit in his life. He needed to learn humility, and in doing so, how to confess his own mess to become as healthy as possible.

 

II.  CONFESSION REQUIRES HUMILITY

 

Jesus continues the parable He is telling by juxtaposing the Pharisee in the temple with a tax collector who was also there to pray.

 

““But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Humility

 Jesus’ audience would have been shocked that the tax collector was the one who exemplified a humble posture before God, rather than the religious Pharisee. This man stood at a distance, he did not even look up to heaven, and rather than bragging about his exploits in his prayer, he humbly asks for God’s mercy because he is fully aware that he is a sinner and in need of God’s grace. It was the man’s humility that prompted him to confess his brokenness before God in the temple.

 

The moral of the parable, according to Jesus, is that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, perhaps painfully. But those who humble themselves, perhaps painfully, will be exalted. It is no secret that having a habit of confession is an uncomfortable practice. However, it releases God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness in our lives.

B.  Honesty

 

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There is real danger in keeping our sins concealed. Like a wound that is left unattended becomes infected and festers, so a sin left covered up can become gangrenous and affect everything around us. Concealed sin can destroy a marriage. It can ruin a person’s character. It can stymie a person’s progress. It can destroy a person’s confidence.

 

A few observations about this passage:

 

1.    The tax collector confesses at a distance. His honest truth-telling is not meant for anyone else in the temple. It is between him and God alone. Developing a daily routine of confession before God gives us a clean heart and opportunity to mature spiritually.

2.    The Pharisee was others focused. He was only evaluating himself based on everyone else. This leads to a judgmental attitude and a critical spirit. The tax collector, on the other hand, was only focused on himself and his personal relationship with God.

 

There is a powerful quote from English puritan minister, John Flavel. He once said: "They that know God will be humble, and they that know themselves cannot be proud." 

C.  Confession

 

The healthy habit of confession marries these two ideas. We are incredibly aware of who God is and at the same time, who we are before Him. As creatures of habit, the more we exercise our ability to honestly confess to God our sins, the easier it becomes to do so. Conversely, if we continue to make a habit of concealing sins, it will become easier and easier to do so.

 

III.  CONFESSION DRAWS US CLOSE TO GOD AND OTHERS

 

Where there is honesty, there can be true connection and relationship. Just like the relationship between a parent and a child, without honesty, trust is broken and so is connection. 

A dying man said to his wife, "I am about to die but before I die I would like to confess to you that I am not faithful to you as a husband. I have lots of women in my life. Please forgive me."

The crying woman said, "I knew it, and that is the reason why I poisoned you."

Joel Sumagaysay, Sermon Central, March 5, 2013.

 

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

‭‭ James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Relationships

Sometimes confession must take place between people as well. The Greek word for confess in James 5:16 is the word exomologeo – which means to admit, acknowledge, or fully agree with. When we confess our sins to God it is because we agree with Him that what we have done caused harm. When we confess to one another it is because we agree with God that our words or actions caused harm to that individual and we want to admit fault and seek reconciliation.

 

B.  Reconciliation

An article by Carolyn Hagan in Child includes a first-person account by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker: “When I was a little girl, I accidently broke a fruit jar. Several brothers and a sister were nearby who could have done it. But my father turned to me and asked, “Did you break the jar, Alice?” Looking into his large, brown eyes, I knew he wanted me to tell the truth. I also knew he might punish me if I did. But the truth inside of me wanted badly to be expressed. “I broke the jar,” I said. The love in his eyes rewarded and embraced me. Suddenly I felt an inner peace that I still recall with gratitude to this day.”  In the same way, we find that confessing our sins to our heavenly Father brings us closer to him.

750 Engaging Illustrations pg. 79.

 

In order to have confession become a habit or routine, we must be intentional with our truth telling. There are a few practical ways to do so:

 

1. Keep short accounts. Regularly do a self-assessment to see if there is any way in you that has caused harm to God or others. When you recognize a shortcoming, address it quickly.

2. Consider writing a letter to God or someone else to confess. Even if the letter is never sent, it may help you articulate your heart and avoid that sin in the future.

3. Consider asking God in prayer, or someone you love, if there is any way that you have caused them harm. This may mean inquiring of your spouse, your children, or your friends if there is anything you need to confess and ask forgiveness for.

4. Pay close attention to places of shame or guilt, they may be markers for us to respond to with confession.

 

We are creatures of habit, the question is, are our habits making us the people that God wants for us to be? I want to invite you to join me in this prayer of confession before God from Psalm 32.

CONCLUSION

We must have a sober self assessment of our lives.  An honest life before God requires a healthy dose of humility.  Confession draws us close to God and others.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

S.U.M. It Up! 1-22-25

    

1-19-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

CREATURES OF HABIT: Worry v. Worship 1-19-25

CREATURES OF HABIT: Worry v. Worship 1-19-25

INTRODUCTION

Welcome everyone to week three of our sermon series called Creatures of Habit. We have been talking about how every person’s life is largely made up of the routine choices that they make each and every day. The habits that we choose determine the trajectory of our life and who we will become. The question is, are we becoming the person that we want to be?

 

The first week, we learned that developing a habit of reading and meditating on God’s word can protect us from internalizing negativity. Rather than listening to poison, we can listen to the promises of God. Last week we confronted the habit of always wanting more. The healthier habit for our lives is choosing to put God’s Kingdom first and living simply. By doing this we discover contentment and fulfillment in God alone. This week we will be encouraged by scripture to choose a habit of worship rather than a habit of worry.

 

One of the most common habits that people can fall into has to be biting their nails. The thought of all the stuff that lives under a person’s nails ought to be enough to curb the habit, however, it, like many temptations, are really hard to break. Nail biting is a struggle for many people. They do it when they are bored. They do it when they are anxious. As is often the case, there is a product on the Internet created for this challenge. It is a nail polish. Colorless but when placed in the mouth, delivered the worst bitter taste imaginable. Surprisingly, after about 2 weeks, people no longer feel the urge to bite their nails.

 

Some of the habits that we develop are bad for us - they damage us, our families and our future. And yet, for some reason, many of us continue to partake in them. Whether it is believing negative things about ourselves or exerting energy to collect more and more stuff, we must pay attention to the habits in our lives that harm us. I have heard it said that “Bad habits are like comfortable beds – easy to get into, but hard to get out of”. That is about right.

 

The Bible offers to us a story about two women with different approaches to life. It takes place as Jesus comes to visit their home.

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭40a‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Two sisters, Mary and Martha, graciously open their home to Jesus as he is passing through town. Surely by this point in the book of Luke, Jesus’ name was well known and his fame would have preceded Him. After the many healings and teachings that he was performing, it would have been a pretty big deal to have Him come to visit. Right away, the differing responses to Jesus’ visit become the focal point of the passage. Mary takes a seat at Jesus’ feet. This was the posture of a student to a teacher. It was an expression of reverence and worship. Martha, however, is busy doing other things. She is distracted, the passage says, by making preparations for Jesus’ visit. She is worried and anxious about the food being ready, the house being clean, and anything else that may seem out of order.

 

I.  STRESS IS THE GREAT REVEALER

 

We are really getting a glimpse into the personality and personal habits of each woman. More than likely, this is Mary and Martha’s mode of operation in life. This story puts on display two different habits that many of us have in our lives, as well. They are most often revealed during times of difficulty, stress, or challenge. For Mary and Martha, the present situation was a visit from the Messiah, but in our lives, it is things like a diagnosis, a job loss, a tragedy or a relational conflict. Some of us are like Mary; we make a habit of worship. Others, like Martha, have a habit of worry. The difference between the two routines seems to be what we allow ourselves to focus on.

 

A.  Stress affects us all.

In today’s world of extreme sports, there is a popular method of skiing referred to as “Tree-skiing”. Tree-skiing may sound like a death wish, but some skiers love the risk of skiing brand new, fresh powder lying in a stand of aspen or spruce trees. The key, of course, is not hitting the trees! In Outside magazine, writer and skier Tim Etchells lays out the challenge:

“Even more so than in deep snow or moguls, what you focus your eyes on becomes critical in the woods. Look at the spaces between the trees—the exits where you hope to be traveling. Or as extreme-skiing world champion Kim Reichelm states rather matter-of-factly, ‘Don’t stare at what you don’t want to hit.’”

B.  Stress can cause us to worry.

Worry, as a habit, is the act of focusing on the trees of life. There are some people I have come across that are looking for something to be worried about because they don’t know how to exist without it. Worry is a habit that reveals who or what we have placed our trust in. Martha was focused on the trees rather than the hope that was sitting in her home.

Worship, as a habit, is the act of focusing on where our hope comes from. Mary understood the opportunity before her. Rather than getting worked up and anxious by distractions, she allowed herself to center on simply being present with Jesus.

II.  WORSHIP IS THE ONE THING

One of the greatest habits we can cultivate in our lives is a routine of worship. Whether it is listening to music in your car, sitting silently in nature or creating art on a canvas, worship takes place when Jesus receives our time, attention, energy and affection. Making a habit of doing these kinds of exercises allows us to navigate the roller coaster of life.

A.  Worship should be our priority.

 

Martha comes to speak to Jesus about the way Mary had responded to His visit.

 

“She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭40‬b-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Martha was convinced that Mary was in the wrong. She should have joined Martha in her busyness and done what was right in Martha’s eyes. You see, she believed that trying to make things right on her own was the correct thing to do, so much so that she pleaded with Jesus to tell Mary to quit sitting around and get to work. But Jesus doesn’t do that. Rather, He points out the unhealthy habits that Martha was displaying. He tells her not to be worried about all of the things going on around her. In fact, he says, there is really only one thing to worry about right now and her sister had it right: Mary had chosen worship.

B.  The allure of the other things.

 

You see, there are many of us in the Church today that busy themselves with all kinds of things, many of which are good things. We serve in multiple ministries; we take care of our families; we work hard at our jobs and coach the little league team. We are a busy, anxious, distracted culture. Like Martha, it has become our mode of operation. But I want you to hear Jesus say in this passage that sitting at his feet is the “one thing”. Turning our attention to Him should be our first response and not our last resort.

 

Pastor and author, Jim Cymbala, said it this way, “If our churches don’t pray, and if people don’t have an appetite for God, what does it matter how many are attending the services? How would that impress God? Can you imagine the angels saying, ‘Oh, your pews! We can’t believe how beautiful they are! Up here in heaven, we’ve been talking about them for years. Your sanctuary lighting – it’s so clever. The way you have the steps coming up to the pulpit – it’s wonderful…’ I don’t think so. If we don’t want to experience God’s closeness here on earth, why would we want to go to heaven, anyway? He is the center of everything there.” 

Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, pg. 58-59.

C.  The habit of worship keeps us centered on Jesus.

 

A habit of worship is the conclusion that Jesus is the center of everything in our lives. He will receive our attention when things aren’t going as planned. He will receive our thanks when blessings come. Rather than allow our hearts to become troubled, we will trust in Him.

 

III.  NOTHING COMPARES TO BEING IN JESUS’ PRESENCE

 

The apostle Paul teaches about this kind of habit in other places within the New Testament. As he writes to the church in Philippi, he longs to see them leave behind their habits of worry and take up a routine of worship.

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Spiritual habits relieve anxiety.

When we find ourselves overwhelmed with things to do and situations outside of our control, we often become anxious. But Paul says, rather than give into the anxiety, sit at the feet of Jesus and let Him know your requests. Though this may seem like a worthless endeavor, or that you should be trying to solve problems on your own, we can become so fixated on everything else rather than Jesus, that we lose our peace in the process.

B.  Focus on Jesus keeps us in peace.

Joni Erickson Tada had a terrible accident that left her a quadriplegic. In spite of her physical limitations, she became an accomplished author and artist. Over 40 years ago, she married her husband, Ken. For her wedding, she had planned to come down the center aisle in her motorized wheelchair. Just before her grand entrance, she noticed two distressing problems. First, she had rolled over her beautiful gown and made a big grease spot and tear in it. Then, the flowers in her lap had slipped and had lodged between her leg and the chair. She was filled with disappointment, and then suddenly the doors to the auditorium opened, and she saw her husband to be.

Here was the man who was committing his love and his life to her. Joni later said, “Once I saw Ken's face, all I could think of was him.  Everything else—the people in the church, the flowers that were sitting a little askew on my lap, the fact that my dress didn't fall right because I was sitting in a wheelchair, the grease marks, the rip in my gown all of it paled in comparison.” 

Ministry127.com

As creatures of habit, we must intentionally steer away from our propensity to worry about all of the aspects of our life. Instead, we must make conscious efforts to cultivate a life of worship. Consider some of the following ways to sit in the presence of Jesus.

 

1. As you drive in the car make the decision to only play positive Christian music as a way of focusing on Jesus.

2. Schedule 10 minutes a day to pray or read scripture – set up an appointment on your calendar. Make that commitment as immovable as you would with an important appointment for work or a Doctor.

3. Keep a daily journal of the prayers and blessings that turn your heart toward God. Date each page so you can go back and see what God has done.

4. Share with someone today what God has been teaching you or ways you have been growing.

 

Worship is a habit that can transform our lives. The more that we focus on Jesus, the easier it becomes.

 

CONCLUSION

Stress reveals our habits.  We fall into familiar and comfortable patterns.  Worship is the one thing that matters: no matter the circumstances.  Nothing compares to being in Jesus’ presence.  Nothing.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

1-15-25 S.U.M. It Up!

    

1-12-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

CREATURES OF HABIT: Stuff v. Simplicity 1-12-25

CREATURES OF HABIT: Stuff v. Simplicity 1-12-25

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, church! I want to welcome you today as we begin the second week of our sermon series, Creatures of Habit. I believe the weeks of these sermons may contain some of the most important topics we can cover.

 

Our lives are largely made up of the habits that we have developed. Each day is defined by the choices we make or do not make. God has wired us as people of routine. That, within itself, is not the problem. The problem is that some of the ruts we find ourselves in lead us to live unhealthy lives.

“Unless your habits change, you won't have a new year . . . You will just have another year of the same patterns. “

          Anonymous

 

Last week we talked about replacing the habit of internalizing negative thoughts and living as if they define us with a habit of filling ourselves with truth from God’s word each and every day. We discovered that when we meditate on truth, day and night, it can profoundly impact how we live. Today, we will take a look at another habit that can help us live into the fullness of Christ.

 

Once upon a time there was a pharmacy on every corner.  It seems like there are fast food restaurants on every corner.  Soon there will be storage units at every corner.  Have you noticed how many are being built in our communities?  

A young banker was driving his BMW, in the mountains, during a snowstorm. As he rounded a turn the vehicle slid out of control and toward a cliff. At the last moment he unbuckled his seatbelt and jumped from the car.

Though he escaped with his life, his left arm was caught near the hinge of the door and torn it off at the shoulder.

A trucker passing nearby witnessed the accident, stopped his rig, and ran back to see if he could be of help. There standing, in a state of shock, was the banker at the edge of the cliff moaning, "Oh no, my BMW, my BMW". The trucker pointed to the banker’s shoulder and said "man you’ve got bigger problems than a car".

With that the banker looked at his shoulder, finally realizing he’d lost his arm, and began crying ":Oh No, my new Rolex, my new Rolex".

Sermon Central, April 1, 2008.

 

Our country is obsessed with more: More homes, More cars. More credit cards. More clothes. More vacations, More toys. We have a hunger for things and we have convinced ourselves that if we just had a little more, then we would be happy and fulfilled. I know people who spend hours a day on Amazon ordering something just to see it come to their door. I know individuals who love the rush of swiping a credit card just to toss the item to the side only days later. The ads on our phones and the commercials on our televisions would love for us to continue with our spending and collecting habits. The problem is there is no amount of stuff that can give us the sense of fulfillment and peace -  that only comes from a relationship with God.

 

I.  LESS IS MORE

 

For some of us, our spending habits, our collecting habits, and our hoarding habits have become such a part of our daily routine that we do not recognize the power they have over us. For many, these habits have gone on for so long, and are so accepted in our wider culture, that we forget that we have become slaves to payments, bills, worry, and comparison. 

 

The apostle Paul offers us a new habit to introduce into our lives that may help us experience true freedom from an old way of living. He writes to the Philippian church about their willingness to support him in his most difficult season of ministry. The generous outpouring from this church was a blessing to Paul. And Paul shares his secret to loving God and loving others.

 

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Contentment

In a word, Paul is talking about contentment. He knows what it is like to have a lot. He knows what it is like to have a little. No matter the circumstances that he finds himself in, he has learned to be thankful and grateful for whatever God has provided.

 

By listing all the things God has given us, and being thankful for all the blessings we often overlook, we can develop a habit of gratitude and contentment. When we are constantly striving for more, we can lose the most important things in life. But, when we find ourselves with less, we can actually become more sensitive to each and every simple blessing. 

B.  Take an inventory

1.  How have God’s little blessings impacted your life?

2.  How aware are you of God’s daily blessings?

 

Here is an illustration that shows what a small daily habit of gratitude can do in someone’s life. In the Chilean village of Chungungo, water is nearly as valuable as precious metals. The region is arid and parched, forcing the village to truck in freshwater over dirt roads from miles away. Until recently, the average person could afford a mere four gallons a day (compare that to the average American who uses ninety gallons a day) and buying even that meager amount soaked up 10 percent of household incomes. In Chungungo bathing was a luxury.

 

But then, scientists experimented with an ingenious new system for obtaining water. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Schemenauer, a Canadian cloud physicist, workers hung a “wall” of finely woven propylene nets on the top of the nearby mountain, El Tofo. Each of these nets is the size of eight queen-size bed sheets sewn together and there are seventy-five such nets on this mountain. And they sift the clouds that incessantly sweep in from the Pacific Ocean. Like dew collects on grass, infinitesimally small water particles from fog collect on these fiber nets. Ten thousand such water particles must coalesce to produce one drop of water the size of a tear. Still, each water net collects forty gallons of water a day. The seventy-five nets on El Tofo sift a total of three thousand gallons daily from the drifting clouds and fog. And now the 330 residents of Chungungo drink water—the freshest they have ever tasted—from these nets atop nearby El Tofo mountain.

 

You see, just like these nets, little habits, over a long period of time can produce big results. It makes me wonder how our lives might change if we learned to live simply. If we learned to be content and to appreciate all that God has given to us, our hearts would overflow with joy.

 

II.  SIMPLIFYING LIFE IS A FORM OF TRUST

 

As creatures of habit, we are not naturally content people. The draw for more is somehow connected to our value, worth, and status. We often are in the habit of accumulation because we are trying to keep up with others, or to bring ourselves comfort.  Because of this, simplifying our lives takes intention. It doesn’t happen by accident.

A.  When less is more

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

‭‭ 1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

 

Jesus knew his followers would struggle with contentment. He knew it was a constant temptation to want more. What Jesus always pointed his followers to, was to trust. Trust that God would supply all of their needs.

B.  Trust

 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus introduces us in this passage to a helpful habit that can move us from our need for stuff to a place of simplicity. The habit is awareness. Jesus says look around you. Put aside your worry and anxiety over what you do or do not have, rather, pay attention to how God provides and cares for the birds of the air. They do not scramble to sow or reap or fill up barns with perceived needs. They trust the Heavenly Father to simply provide. And here is the key: if God will do it for them, won’t he do it for us?

C.  Thankfulness

 

ILLUSTRATION: I want to invite you to close your eyes. I want you to slow down for just a moment and take inventory of the blessings that God has given you. Think about your family, your workplace, your home, your health, the blessings that come with living in America. With each one that comes to mind, tell God, “Thank you”. (Give a moment) Now, with eyes closed, I want you to consider the desires you have that give you anxiety and worry. No matter what it is that you find consuming your mind and heart, give it to God. With each one that comes to mind, tell God, “I trust you”. (Give a moment)

 

Two simple phrases that could be implemented into your daily routine that would undoubtedly transform your life: Thank you. I trust you.

 

III.  SEEK THE KINGDOM FIRST

 

Living the simple life begins with having our priorities in order. When we know what is most important in life it allows us to go without the things that are of peripheral importance. This was also a message that was preached by Jesus. He said it this way…

 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Seek first

 

Don’t seek that raise first. Don’t seek that new car first. Don’t seek the house on the lake first.  Don’t seek that purse first. Instead our focus should be on the Kingdom of God first. When this is first on the totem pole of life, everything else has a way of falling in line.

 

B.  Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness

ILLUSTRATION: Nesting boxes

In life there will always be many things vying for our attention. Whatever gets our attention will be the thing that consumes our time and energy. We must be very careful what we make a habit of chasing after. Sometimes we go after the lesser things. Things like cars, houses, larger bank accounts, clothes, shoes, or status. We have garages, storage units, and attics full of the stuff. Jesus warned us to make sure that the Kingdom of God is our priority. When we seek any of these four things first, we can’t hold everything. But, if we seek the Kingdom first, everything else has a way of fitting together. It is simplicity. Everything fits together when we put God first.

 

Putting the Kingdom first helps us navigate what to buy, what to pursue, how to treat our spouse, how to love our children. Putting the Kingdom first keeps us from wasting energy on things that don’t really matter and cluttering our lives with purposeless stuff.

 

C.  Don’t worry

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

CONCLUSION

So, as creatures of habit, how do we move from stuff to simplicity?

 

1. Intentionally watch your bank account. Create a routine of taking note of what gets the bulk of your finances. Are there places you would rather it go? Consider intentionally simplifying in one area so you can be generous to others in another. 

2. Create margin in your life. Don’t overspend. Don’t overcommit. Don’t overextend. Say no to some things so you can say yes to better things.

3. Repent of idols in your life. Are there things that you have that you love more than God? Repent of them. Consider getting rid of them to protect your love for God.

 

I want to pray for you today and ask God to point at the areas of our day-to-day lives that could benefit from a simpler way of living.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

S.U.M. It Up! 1-8-25

    

1-5-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

Creatures Of Habit: Poison Vs. Promises 1-5-25

Creatures Of Habit: Poison Vs. Promises 1-5-25

INTRODUCTION

 

I want to welcome you to church today. I am so glad to be able to open up God’s Word together as we allow Him to teach us something new. You came to church on the perfect day because we are starting a brand-new sermon series called Creatures Of Habit. Many of us find ourselves in a bit of a rut from time to time. We repeatedly make the same decisions that offer us the same results. We are all creatures of habit. God designed us that way. However, it is important to evaluate the routines we have developed and ask whether they are making us the people God wants us to be. Throughout this series I will be talking a lot about habits and much of what I’ve learned comes from two different sources: James Clear’s book Atomic Habits and Charles Duhigg’s book The Power of Habit.

 

I believe that in the Bible, God offers us new ways of living, new habits, that can help us live healthier lives that honor God and honor others.

 

God has created each of us as amazingly complex beings who are able to accomplish extraordinary things. Author James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, explains that inside of our brains there are two areas: the basal ganglia and the brain stem. These are the regions where habits and routines reside. These locations in the brain are closely connected to emotions, memories, and pattern recognition. However, decisions and choices are made in a completely different area of your brain called the prefrontal cortex. When the same decision is made over and over again, a groove in your brain develops and those decisions move from the prefrontal cortex move to your basal ganglia. The decision-making area of your brain shuts down and your brain goes into automatic mode.

 

This is why many of us brush our teeth in the morning and at night… hopefully. It’s why we crave ice cream after dinner. Why we hit the snooze button 14 times when it is time to wake up. Why we chew our fingernails when we get nervous.

 

These things are called habits. We don’t even think about them, they just happen.

 

Clear introduces the cyclical nature of our habits. It can be boiled down to every habit having a four-step process. There is a cue. Something begins the habit loop. You are hungry, bored, frustrated, sad, or tired. Someone insults you, or cuts you off in traffic. Someone shares some juicy gossip. The cue triggers a craving.  That leads to a response. The response is our decision. We eat too much. We take part in the gossip. We binge watch Netflix. We self-soothe with a substance. This then results in a reward. We feel guilty. We feel too full. We put someone else down to lift ourselves up. The outcome helps us determine whether or not we make that decision again. The key to changing our habits and outcomes is changing our response. With God’s help, we can break the loop and start fresh. It all comes down to intentional living and the choices we make.

 

Charles Duhigg, in his book, The Power Of Habit, says:

 

“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”

 

Many of us feel like the person we are right now is not the person we want to be. There is a sense that God wants more for our lives than we currently are experiencing. We have to recognize that our actions and habits originate in our minds.

 

 I.  A RENEWED MIND LEADS TO NEW HABITS

 

In the book of Romans, Paul is addressing the early church that was developing in one of the most hostile and difficult areas. These early Christians were living under Roman rule. They were called to live “set apart” as Christians and followers of God, making godly decisions by saying yes to the things they should say yes to and no to the things they should say no to.

 

Sound familiar?

 

So, in Chapter 12 Paul is addressing our patterns of living. The choices that we are making.

 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

 

A.  Patterns/habits

Paul mentions something key in this verse. He talks about patterns or habits. If we are going to live lives set apart for Christ, then we have to develop patterns and habits that are different from the world. In order to do this, we have to renew our minds. We must think differently. When we do this, Paul says that we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is for our lives. We must develop a sober mind that knows and believes what is true so that we won’t act upon information that is misleading or false.

B.  Information vs. Disinformation

 

It’s really tough these days to discern what is true and what is false. Many of us have developed a pattern of listening to worldly voices. These voices shape the way we think about ourselves. They shape the way we spend our time. They shape the things we value. They often shape the bad habits that we get stuck in. Our minds are infiltrated and our lives follow suit. These lies are like a poison to our soul and we must stop taking them in.

 

Years ago, when the western U.S. was being settled, roads were often just wagon tracks. After hundreds of wagons passed the same way, these tracks became deep ruts and grooves in the earth. These rough trails posed serious problems for those who journeyed on them. On one of these winding paths was posted a sign which read: "Avoid this rut or you'll be in it for the next 25 miles!”

 

Some of us this morning are stuck in a rut. A pattern and habit because of something that someone said to you years ago. “You are a failure.” “You are unlovable.” “You won’t amount to anything.” “God doesn’t love you.”

 

Whether it was handed to us from friends and family or from the culture around us, we run the risk of never hearing the truth: “You are loved by God.” “You are HIS child.” “It wasn’t your fault”. We may need to renew our minds by replacing the old voices and old information with new ones.

 

II.  THE BIBLE IS THE SOURCE OF TRUTH

 

A.  The truth of God

The way to combat a habit of believing lies is embracing a habit of trusting truth. As people of God we believe that the Bible is the source of all truth and authority for our lives -it is the living Word of God. The Psalmist writes about this in Psalm 19.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

B.  The promises of God

Listen to the words that the writer uses to describe the promises of God. They are refreshing for the soul. They are trustworthy. They bring joy to the heart. They are as precious as gold. They are sweeter than honey. Why does the writer make these claims? I think it is because he has made a habit of reading the scriptures, meditating on God’s Word, and hiding those truths inside of His heart.

 

C.  We need to disrupt the loop of lies.

We need to have some kind of disruption to change our responses to the triggers of life.

 

(Have a balloon and pin on stage with you. Be prepared to blow the balloon up multiple times before popping it.) We can get so used to the negative input that it just becomes a rut, a routine for us. We start believing what is said to us. (blow up) We start to embrace harmful thoughts. (blow up) We begin to embody falsehood. (blow up) What we believe impacts how we live, and how we live impacts who we become. We need a disruption. (POP) Something to wake us up to what is true.

 

Whenever we sense that we are taking in negative thoughts, degrading words, or poisonous judgements, we can turn to the Bible and be reminded of promises like these…

 

When we come to Jesus, we find rest – Matthew 11:28-29

God will strengthen us when we are weak – Isaiah 40:31

God has a plan for our lives – Jeremiah 29:11

God will forgive us when we confess our sins – 1 John 1:9

 

These are just a few of the mind-renewing truths that are found in the Bible. They can keep us from falling victim to the lies of this world.

 

III.  READING THE BIBLE IS A LIFE CHANGING HABIT

 

As creatures of habit, we can develop new routines that will change the way we think about ourselves and how we live day to day. Carving out a regular time in the mornings or evenings to read the Bible may be the perfect way to begin to fill your mind with God’s promises.

 

A.  Bible reading changes the way we think.

Again, the Psalms are helpful for us to cultivate this new habit in our lives.

 

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭97‬-‭105‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

 

B.  Regular Bible reading leads to life change.

It is a love for God’s Word that causes us to consume it every day. The writer says that he meditates on it day and night. This word meditate is the Hebrew word – sichah (see-khaw). It means a deep reflection or musing about something. To meditate on God’s word is to fully immerse yourself in the text. And the more that we read the Bible, the Bible also reads us. It shows us things about ourselves that we would not otherwise see. The spiritual discipline of reading the scriptures develops within us a faithful heart and sound mind. What we repeat in times of ease will be recalled in times of trial.

 

When I really started to take my faith seriously in high school, I had given my life to Christ.  I had started preaching.  I was involved with a very active youth ministry.  I joined the Bible Bowl team.  I wanted a God-sized vision for my life and to believe what He said about me. In order to do that I needed a reminder. A daily disruption. I found what I needed in Proverbs.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

 

CONCLUSION

Creating a habit of meditating on God’s Word takes intentionality. It does not happen by chance. Consider some ways to make a daily practice of scripture memory, reading, and studying.

 

- Study a book that is easy to handle. Consider beginning in the Gospels and reading daily the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

- With 31 chapters of Proverbs and 150 Psalms, it is easy to cover both books when reading daily over a month’s time.

- Choose a passage a week to commit to memory by writing/printing it out and placing it in prominent places throughout your day.

- Subscribe to a daily text or email service to receive a daily devotion or scripture.

 

How you go about incorporating more time reading the Bible is less important than making sure you are committed to reading or listening to scripture on a regular basis. This week, what are the poisonous thoughts that you need to replace with the promises of God? Choose one way to make it a reality today.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.