In the Bible Christian Ministry
Sunday 2-16-25 (The Well Ordered Life Part 2)
  • Last week we spoke about the benefits and really the need to have a well-ordered life.
    We talked about alignment with core beliefs and achieving balance and harmony in life.

    Intro: How does order contribute to peace and productivity

    Today we are going to talk more about The well Ordered life but focusing on things we don’t like: Order and Structure
    We don’t like but we need it.
    Many times we think of order and structure as being restrictive – keeping us from doing what we want
    -          Like living at our parents house – can’t wait to leave so I can do what I want.
    And then once you leave you realize you need to have some structure in order to live a productive life.
    -         Staying up too late
    -         Eating bad
    -         Going certain places
    -         Hanging with certain people – NOT GOOD
    As we get older we crave structure and routine
    And with this structure that we pushed back on for so long---comes peace
    You realize that having a decent bedtime helps
    That eating a certain way helps
    That not going certain places helps

    Order and Structure: Communication

    When we think of this order and structure we think of ACTION.
    What must I do BETTER.
    We always look for order and structure in our actions. 
    -         I got to do this right and I got to do this
     One key place to add order and structure is in our communication. 
    -         But many times we forget to prioritize Conversation or Communication
    Think about how many times you’ve done something that had you talked about it first you would  have done it differently, or maybe not at all. 
    Or maybe you could have just shared information that would have helped the situation.
     
    Husband and wife example:
    "Ever had one of those weeks? You know, the kind where everything seems to be going smoothly, and then BAM! Out of nowhere, a communication breakdown throws a wrench into everything? Let me tell you a story.
    A wife, let’s call her Sarah, is excited. Her good friend Jane is having a housewarming party. Sarah, being a thoughtful friend, tells Jane on Monday, ‘We’ll be there this weekend!’ Jane is thrilled. Sarah goes about her week, picturing a fun get-together, maybe even thinking about a nice housewarming gift.
    Fast forward to Friday. Sarah turns to her husband, let’s call him Mark, and says, ‘Hey, what should we get Jane for her housewarming party tomorrow?’
    Mark looks at her blankly. ‘What housewarming party?’
    Sarah’s jaw drops. ‘Jane’s housewarming! I told you, remember?’
    Mark scratches his head. ‘Nope. Doesn’t ring a bell. Actually,’ he says, a little defensively, ‘I already told Chuck I was going to help him with that garage project this weekend. Big game on Sunday, too. Had it all planned out.’
    Now, Sarah is understandably upset. ‘You made plans without even talking to me? I told Jane we’d be there! We haven’t even gotten a gift yet!’
    Mark is now feeling a bit cornered. ‘Well, you didn’t tell me! And I told Chuck I’d help him out. I can’t just back out now!’
    And there it is. The classic communication breakdown. Both feel justified. Sarah feels like Mark should have remembered, or at least asked. Mark feels like he shouldn’t be expected to be a mind-reader. And the housewarming party? Well, that’s now a source of stress instead of celebration.
    The truth is, a simple conversation earlier in the week would have avoided the whole mess.
    A quick ‘Honey, Jane’s housewarming is this weekend, just a heads-up’ from Sarah, or
    a ‘Hey, anything going on this weekend?’ from Mark, would have put the housewarming on the calendar, prevented the conflicting plans, and maybe even sparked a discussion about what to get Jane as a gift.
    We can laugh but folks have split over stuff just like this
    Structure. Planning. Communication.

    Order and Structure: The Power of Prayer

    If you don’t communicate with friends and make it a point to call then you slowly what we call GROW a part.  A lot of times you don’t grow apart you just stop talking as much and you lose your connection
    Growing apart" often isn't some dramatic event, but a slow, gradual drift caused by a decrease in communication. It's like a plant that slowly withers without water; not a sudden storm that uproots it. Lack of shared experiences, Fading Familiarity, Shifting Priorities,
    Importance of Communication in Friendship:
    Communication as a Lifeline: Regular communication acts as a lifeline in friendships. It helps to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings, which strengthens the bond. Without it, the connection can weaken over time.
    Effort and Intentionality: Maintaining friendships requires effort and intentionality. Making time for calls, messages, or meet-ups shows that you value the relationship. Without this effort, even strong friendships can fade.
    The Bible offers many principles on maintaining and nurturing relationships, including friendships. Here are some key points, supported by scripture, to expand on the idea of staying connected with friends:

    When it comes to Friendship

    Value of Communication: This highlights the importance of regular interaction and communication in strengthening each other.
    Proverbs 27:17 NIV
    17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
    Honesty and Openness: Honest communication is crucial in maintaining trust and connection in friendships.
    Ephesians 4:25 NIV
    25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
    Effort and Intentionality: This emphasizes the need for intentional effort in maintaining relationships.
    Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV
    24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
    Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness helps to heal and maintain friendships even after conflicts.
    Colossians 3:13 NIV
    13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
    Encouragement and Support: Regular encouragement and support are vital for a healthy friendship.
    1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
    11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
    Listening and Understanding: Good communication involves active listening and understanding each other’s perspectives.
    James 1:19 NIV
    19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
    All this is based on the bible of maintaining friendship.
    -         Allowing that friendship to blossom and encouraging each other to be the best we can be and have great relationships.
    But Prayer is also communication.
    And it drives order and structure in our lives but we must prioritize it.
    If you don’t prioritize your prayer then you may let it slide down the list.

    Our relationship with God can be compared to our friendships in many ways, especially when it comes to communication.

     In many scriptures our relationship with Christ is compared to a marriage or a friendship
    1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
    17 pray continually,
    Honesty and Openness: In friendships, being honest and open strengthens the bond. Similarly, God desires us to come to Him with honesty.
    Psalm 62:8 NIV
    8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
    Intentional Effort: Maintaining a relationship with God requires intentional effort, just like with friends.
    James 4:8 NIV
    8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
    Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Just as forgiveness is crucial in friendships, it’s also vital in our relationship with God.
    1 John 1:9 NIV
    9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
    Encouragement and Support: In friendships, we encourage and support each other. Through prayer, we can seek God’s guidance and support.
    Philippians 4:6–7 NIV
    6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    Listening and Understanding: Just as listening is important in friendships, we need to listen to God. This can be done through prayer and reading His Word.
    Psalm 46:10 NIV
    10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
    John 10:27 NIV
    27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
    By maintaining regular communication with God through prayer, we can strengthen our relationship with Him, just as we do with our friends.

    Maintaining a connection with God Maintains order in your life.

    When me and Adrienne communicate things seem to go smoother at home.
    When one of us doesn’t know what is going on.  It can cause some issues.
     But we assume God knows what is going on in our lives  so we don’t need to talk to Him.
    But just like with Adrienne me communicating what I’m thinking is just as much for  her as it is for me.
    I open myself up for feedback, direction, input.
    But when I got this and I’m just going to call when I need help.  I’m close off.
    Communicating with God.
    I don’t have to always Cry out
    I can talk to my God
    I can involve Him in my day
    I can involve Him in my tasks
    I can involve Him in my thoughts
    I can involve Him in my movements
    I can involve Him in my Life
    BECAUSE HE IS WORTH IT
    And as I involve Him He GIVES
    direction
    Focus
    Understanding
    ORDER

      • Proverbs 27:17NIV2011

      • Ephesians 4:25NIV2011

      • Hebrews 10:24–25NIV2011

      • Colossians 3:13NIV2011

      • 1 Thessalonians 5:11NIV2011

      • James 1:19NIV2011

      • 1 Thessalonians 5:17NIV2011

      • Psalm 62:8NIV2011

      • James 4:8NIV2011

      • 1 John 1:9NIV2011

      • Philippians 4:6–7NIV2011

      • Psalm 46:10NIV2011

      • John 10:27NIV2011

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