WEBVTT
00:00:01.919 --> 00:00:03.439
Hello friends.
00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:06.000
Welcome to Walking with Our Master.
00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:08.320
I'm your host, Dave Leighton.
00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:18.879
Whether you're starting your morning or winding down your evening, let's take a few moments to center our hearts on some thoughts about what really matters.
00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:28.879
One of the modern annoyances is a fluttered email account.
00:00:29.120 --> 00:00:39.520
Before we realize it, we may have hundreds of old emails, unanswered emails, and certainly unwanted emails.
00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:42.320
You know life can be that way too.
00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:49.280
Recently I cleaned out my email and got it down to just five active messages.
00:00:49.679 --> 00:00:55.920
Recently, I cleaned out my emails and got it down to just five active messages.
00:00:56.240 --> 00:01:00.560
I have to admit, I was pretty proud of myself.
00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:07.120
Looking at that short list, I could easily see what still needed my attention.
00:01:07.439 --> 00:01:10.640
Things I had already handled were cleared away.
00:01:10.959 --> 00:01:18.480
Messages I needed to keep were put where I could find them, and everything felt a little more manageable.
00:01:18.799 --> 00:01:22.879
That got me to thinking about something more important than email.
00:01:23.599 --> 00:01:26.319
What has accumulated in our lives?
00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:29.280
What keeps asking for our attention?
00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:34.719
And most importantly, how is all of it affecting our walk with our master?
00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:38.480
Clutter usually builds a little at a time.
00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:41.120
We accept another responsibility.
00:01:41.439 --> 00:01:44.560
We begin following another news story.
00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:48.640
We spend a few more minutes scrolling through our phones.
00:01:48.959 --> 00:01:59.920
We hold on to a disappointment, replay a difficult conversation, or worry through the possibilities of something that has yet to happen.
00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:02.640
Then there are good things.
00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:09.919
There's work to accomplish, people to help, activities to attend, projects we enjoy.
00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:15.599
Each has a place, and each requires some of our time and attention.
00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:23.759
Eventually, our days become so full that time with our master gets pushed into whatever space remains.
00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:25.120
We still love him.
00:02:25.520 --> 00:02:27.199
We still intend to pray.
00:02:27.439 --> 00:02:32.639
We want to open his word and pay attention to where he is leading.
00:02:33.039 --> 00:02:39.199
Yet another day ends, and we realize how little attention we have given him.
00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:46.400
In Luke chapter ten, Luke tells us about a woman who experienced something just like that.
00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:51.280
When Jesus entered a village, Martha welcomed him into her home.
00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:56.560
Her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teaching.
00:02:56.800 --> 00:03:00.879
Martha, meanwhile, was busy with the work of serving.
00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:07.759
Luke describes her this way, but Martha was distracted with much serving.
00:03:08.319 --> 00:03:11.039
That description deserves our attention.
00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:13.280
Martha had welcomed Jesus.
00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:16.719
She was doing something generous and useful.
00:03:17.280 --> 00:03:26.159
We can understand her desire to care for her guest, yet the work surrounding his visit had drawn her attention away from him.
00:03:26.479 --> 00:03:32.639
Her frustration eventually spilled into a request that Jesus tell Mary to help her.
00:03:33.280 --> 00:03:42.319
Jesus answered, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.
00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:48.560
Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.
00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:53.919
Now imagine hearing the tenderness of his voice as he spoke her name.
00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:56.879
He saw more than the meal being prepared.
00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:02.000
He saw a woman becoming anxious and troubled under the weight of many things.
00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:08.319
He invited her to recognize the value of opportunity right in front of her.
00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:11.039
Our master was in her home.
00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:13.360
His words were being spoken.
00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:16.480
There was something to receive from him.
00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:24.399
We can become so occupied with managing life that we give little attention to the one teaching us how to live it.
00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:34.560
Even our service can become hurried and frustrating when we allow our responsibilities to crowd out the listening that helps us serve with love.
00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:38.959
Walking with our master involves that kind of attention.
00:04:39.279 --> 00:04:42.959
We listen to his words, we consider his example.
00:04:43.279 --> 00:04:45.439
We bring our choices before him.
00:04:45.920 --> 00:04:51.680
We learn to recognize the people and opportunities he calls us to notice.
00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.959
A crowded mind makes that harder.
00:04:55.360 --> 00:05:00.079
We may hear someone speaking while mentally reviewing our task list.
00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:04.399
We may read a passage of scripture while reaching for our phone.
00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:12.000
We may begin to pray and soon find ourselves rehearsing every concern we carried into the prayer.
00:05:13.040 --> 00:05:18.639
Jesus understood how the concerns of everyday life could affect our response to his word.
00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:25.360
In explaining the parable of the sower, he describes seed growing among thorns.
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:42.319
Matthew thirteen twenty two says As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:48.240
The person hears the word, the danger develops as other things crowd around it.
00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:56.800
Worries demand attention, possessions promise security, the desire for more creates another pursuit.
00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:06.879
Gradually, those concerns occupy the space where the word should be shaping decisions, deepening trust, and producing fruit.
00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:13.519
That gives us a reason to pause and look honestly at what fills our lives.
00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:16.800
What receives our first attention in the morning?
00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:20.240
What keeps occupying our thoughts throughout the day?
00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:30.319
What repeatedly leads us to postpone prayer, time in scripture, fellowship, or an opportunity to serve someone?
00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:37.120
Our answers can help us see where some clearing needs to happen.
00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:50.240
Some things call for a firm decision, a habit that feeds resentment, encourages temptation, or continually consumes our attention needs to be addressed.
00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:58.560
Following our master includes turning away from sin and learning to choose what helps us remain faithful to him.
00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:02.160
Other things call for thoughtful adjustments.
00:07:02.399 --> 00:07:06.160
We may need to limit the time we spend following the news.
00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:10.959
We may need to put the phone in another room while we read our Bible.
00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:22.000
We may need to finish a responsibility we have allowed to linger or reconsider a commitment that exceeds the time and strength we have available.
00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:26.959
Some clutter requires us to trust our master more deeply.
00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:34.399
A worry can occupy our thoughts for hours while offering us very little we can actually do.
00:07:34.879 --> 00:07:44.000
We can bring that concern to him, take whatever faithful action is ours to take, and entrust the outcome to his care.
00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:48.959
When the worry returns, we can bring it to him again.
00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:56.480
Clearing the clutter becomes a continuing practice of making room to listen and respond.
00:07:57.040 --> 00:08:02.160
We see the importance of time with the Father in Jesus' own life.
00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:16.879
Mark records in Mark chapter one verse thirty five, and rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:19.920
There were people who needed to see him.
00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:24.319
Previous evening had been filled with healings and helping.
00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:32.559
Soon others would come looking for him, and in the midst of those demands, Jesus made time to pray.
00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:36.320
As we walk with him, we learn from that example.
00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:39.679
Time with the Father is not wasted time.
00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:45.600
It helps us approach the responsibilities before us with greater clarity.
00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:54.320
We can enter the day prayerfully, seeking His will and giving our attention to what faithfulness requires.
00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:59.440
Perhaps today we can begin with one small decision.
00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:16.480
Set aside a few quiet minutes to read a passage from the gospels, listen to what our master says, consider what his words reveal about the way we're living, then choose one response we can carry into the day.
00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:32.240
Perhaps we will recognize a distraction to remove, perhaps we'll see a responsibility to fulfill, and perhaps we will become aware of someone who needs our patience, encouragement, or help.
00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:40.960
Purpose of clearing the clutter is to give our master the attention that allows his teaching to shape our lives.
00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:50.159
I enjoy seeing only five active messages in my email account, but there is something far more valuable than manageable inbox.
00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:57.600
It's moving through the day attentive to Jesus, ready to listen and willing to follow.
00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:03.200
As we consider what fills our lives, here's a question worth carrying with us.
00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:09.120
What needs to change so we can walk more attentively with our master today?
00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:14.159
Well, thank you for listening today as together we walk with our master.
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:23.519
Please join us again next week as we continue seeking truth, growing in faith, and getting back to what really matters.
00:00:01.919 --> 00:00:03.439
Hello friends.
00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:06.000
Welcome to Walking with Our Master.
00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:08.320
I'm your host, Dave Leighton.
00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:18.879
Whether you're starting your morning or winding down your evening, let's take a few moments to center our hearts on some thoughts about what really matters.
00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:28.879
One of the modern annoyances is a fluttered email account.
00:00:29.120 --> 00:00:39.520
Before we realize it, we may have hundreds of old emails, unanswered emails, and certainly unwanted emails.
00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:42.320
You know life can be that way too.
00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:49.280
Recently I cleaned out my email and got it down to just five active messages.
00:00:49.679 --> 00:00:55.920
Recently, I cleaned out my emails and got it down to just five active messages.
00:00:56.240 --> 00:01:00.560
I have to admit, I was pretty proud of myself.
00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:07.120
Looking at that short list, I could easily see what still needed my attention.
00:01:07.439 --> 00:01:10.640
Things I had already handled were cleared away.
00:01:10.959 --> 00:01:18.480
Messages I needed to keep were put where I could find them, and everything felt a little more manageable.
00:01:18.799 --> 00:01:22.879
That got me to thinking about something more important than email.
00:01:23.599 --> 00:01:26.319
What has accumulated in our lives?
00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:29.280
What keeps asking for our attention?
00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:34.719
And most importantly, how is all of it affecting our walk with our master?
00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:38.480
Clutter usually builds a little at a time.
00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:41.120
We accept another responsibility.
00:01:41.439 --> 00:01:44.560
We begin following another news story.
00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:48.640
We spend a few more minutes scrolling through our phones.
00:01:48.959 --> 00:01:59.920
We hold on to a disappointment, replay a difficult conversation, or worry through the possibilities of something that has yet to happen.
00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:02.640
Then there are good things.
00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:09.919
There's work to accomplish, people to help, activities to attend, projects we enjoy.
00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:15.599
Each has a place, and each requires some of our time and attention.
00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:23.759
Eventually, our days become so full that time with our master gets pushed into whatever space remains.
00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:25.120
We still love him.
00:02:25.520 --> 00:02:27.199
We still intend to pray.
00:02:27.439 --> 00:02:32.639
We want to open his word and pay attention to where he is leading.
00:02:33.039 --> 00:02:39.199
Yet another day ends, and we realize how little attention we have given him.
00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:46.400
In Luke chapter ten, Luke tells us about a woman who experienced something just like that.
00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:51.280
When Jesus entered a village, Martha welcomed him into her home.
00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:56.560
Her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teaching.
00:02:56.800 --> 00:03:00.879
Martha, meanwhile, was busy with the work of serving.
00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:07.759
Luke describes her this way, but Martha was distracted with much serving.
00:03:08.319 --> 00:03:11.039
That description deserves our attention.
00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:13.280
Martha had welcomed Jesus.
00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:16.719
She was doing something generous and useful.
00:03:17.280 --> 00:03:26.159
We can understand her desire to care for her guest, yet the work surrounding his visit had drawn her attention away from him.
00:03:26.479 --> 00:03:32.639
Her frustration eventually spilled into a request that Jesus tell Mary to help her.
00:03:33.280 --> 00:03:42.319
Jesus answered, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.
00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:48.560
Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.
00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:53.919
Now imagine hearing the tenderness of his voice as he spoke her name.
00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:56.879
He saw more than the meal being prepared.
00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:02.000
He saw a woman becoming anxious and troubled under the weight of many things.
00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:08.319
He invited her to recognize the value of opportunity right in front of her.
00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:11.039
Our master was in her home.
00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:13.360
His words were being spoken.
00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:16.480
There was something to receive from him.
00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:24.399
We can become so occupied with managing life that we give little attention to the one teaching us how to live it.
00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:34.560
Even our service can become hurried and frustrating when we allow our responsibilities to crowd out the listening that helps us serve with love.
00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:38.959
Walking with our master involves that kind of attention.
00:04:39.279 --> 00:04:42.959
We listen to his words, we consider his example.
00:04:43.279 --> 00:04:45.439
We bring our choices before him.
00:04:45.920 --> 00:04:51.680
We learn to recognize the people and opportunities he calls us to notice.
00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.959
A crowded mind makes that harder.
00:04:55.360 --> 00:05:00.079
We may hear someone speaking while mentally reviewing our task list.
00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:04.399
We may read a passage of scripture while reaching for our phone.
00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:12.000
We may begin to pray and soon find ourselves rehearsing every concern we carried into the prayer.
00:05:13.040 --> 00:05:18.639
Jesus understood how the concerns of everyday life could affect our response to his word.
00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:25.360
In explaining the parable of the sower, he describes seed growing among thorns.
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:42.319
Matthew thirteen twenty two says As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:48.240
The person hears the word, the danger develops as other things crowd around it.
00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:56.800
Worries demand attention, possessions promise security, the desire for more creates another pursuit.
00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:06.879
Gradually, those concerns occupy the space where the word should be shaping decisions, deepening trust, and producing fruit.
00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:13.519
That gives us a reason to pause and look honestly at what fills our lives.
00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:16.800
What receives our first attention in the morning?
00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:20.240
What keeps occupying our thoughts throughout the day?
00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:30.319
What repeatedly leads us to postpone prayer, time in scripture, fellowship, or an opportunity to serve someone?
00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:37.120
Our answers can help us see where some clearing needs to happen.
00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:50.240
Some things call for a firm decision, a habit that feeds resentment, encourages temptation, or continually consumes our attention needs to be addressed.
00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:58.560
Following our master includes turning away from sin and learning to choose what helps us remain faithful to him.
00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:02.160
Other things call for thoughtful adjustments.
00:07:02.399 --> 00:07:06.160
We may need to limit the time we spend following the news.
00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:10.959
We may need to put the phone in another room while we read our Bible.
00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:22.000
We may need to finish a responsibility we have allowed to linger or reconsider a commitment that exceeds the time and strength we have available.
00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:26.959
Some clutter requires us to trust our master more deeply.
00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:34.399
A worry can occupy our thoughts for hours while offering us very little we can actually do.
00:07:34.879 --> 00:07:44.000
We can bring that concern to him, take whatever faithful action is ours to take, and entrust the outcome to his care.
00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:48.959
When the worry returns, we can bring it to him again.
00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:56.480
Clearing the clutter becomes a continuing practice of making room to listen and respond.
00:07:57.040 --> 00:08:02.160
We see the importance of time with the Father in Jesus' own life.
00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:16.879
Mark records in Mark chapter one verse thirty five, and rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:19.920
There were people who needed to see him.
00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:24.319
Previous evening had been filled with healings and helping.
00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:32.559
Soon others would come looking for him, and in the midst of those demands, Jesus made time to pray.
00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:36.320
As we walk with him, we learn from that example.
00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:39.679
Time with the Father is not wasted time.
00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:45.600
It helps us approach the responsibilities before us with greater clarity.
00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:54.320
We can enter the day prayerfully, seeking His will and giving our attention to what faithfulness requires.
00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:59.440
Perhaps today we can begin with one small decision.
00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:16.480
Set aside a few quiet minutes to read a passage from the gospels, listen to what our master says, consider what his words reveal about the way we're living, then choose one response we can carry into the day.
00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:32.240
Perhaps we will recognize a distraction to remove, perhaps we'll see a responsibility to fulfill, and perhaps we will become aware of someone who needs our patience, encouragement, or help.
00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:40.960
Purpose of clearing the clutter is to give our master the attention that allows his teaching to shape our lives.
00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:50.159
I enjoy seeing only five active messages in my email account, but there is something far more valuable than manageable inbox.
00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:57.600
It's moving through the day attentive to Jesus, ready to listen and willing to follow.
00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:03.200
As we consider what fills our lives, here's a question worth carrying with us.
00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:09.120
What needs to change so we can walk more attentively with our master today?
00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:14.159
Well, thank you for listening today as together we walk with our master.
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:23.519
Please join us again next week as we continue seeking truth, growing in faith, and getting back to what really matters.
