1. Straight Questions from the Culture Straight Answers …from God BUSY! BUSY! BUSY! HOW CAN I SIMPLIFY MY LIFE?

2. THE CONDITION OF OUR CROWDED LIVES

3. THE CAUSES OF OUR CROWDED LIVES

4. Genesis 3:17-19 [17] To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,‘ "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

5. Genesis 3:17-19 [18] It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. [19] By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

7. WHY DO WE STAY IN THE RAT RACE? Our priorities are scrambled and blurred. The pressures of financial security. Family pressures. A need for social affirmation due to low self-esteem. We are trying to live as perfectionists. Information overload.

9. THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR CROWDED LIVES

10. CONSEQUENCES OF CROWDED LIVES? Lack of strong Biblical conviction and moral strength.

11. James 4:4 [4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

12. CONSEQUENCES OF CROWDED LIVES? Lack of strong Biblical conviction and moral strength. Loss of joy.

13. Luke 10:38-42 [38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

14. Luke 10:38-42 [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. 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!"

15. Luke 10:38-42 [41] "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

16. CONSEQUENCES OF CROWDED LIVES? Lack of strong Biblical conviction and moral strength. Loss of joy. Impatience and anger which damage relationships.

17. James 4:1 [1] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?

18. CONSEQUENCES OF CROWDED LIVES? Lack of strong Biblical conviction and moral strength. Loss of joy. Impatience and anger which damage relationships. Spiritual depletion and decline.

19. Luke 8:14 [14] The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

21. THE CURES FOR CROWDED LIVES

22. THE CURES FOR CROWDED LIVES? Constantly monitor and modify your priorities.

23. Matthew 6:33 [33] But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

24. THE CURES FOR CROWDED LIVES? Constantly monitor and modify your priorities. Cultivate and pursue contentment.

25. Philippians 4:11-13 [11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

26. Philippians 4:11-13 [12] 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.

27. Philippians 4:11-13 [13] I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

28. THE CURES FOR CROWDED LIVES? Constantly monitor and modify your priorities. Cultivate and pursue contentment. Know and honor your personal limitations.

29. THE CURES FOR CROWDED LIVES? Constantly monitor and modify your priorities. Cultivate and pursue contentment. Know and honor your personal limitations. After working honorably and working hard, understand and accept the blessing of rest without feeling guilty.