Margin Matters!

Message Notes 05/01/2025 - Gareth Nicholson

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43% of adults in 2024 feel more anxious than they did in the previous year, reflecting a consistent rise in anxiety levels. (Psychiatry.org)

Modern-day living is a margin monster!!

It matters…  because margin is capacity for safety!   

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)

28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt 11:28-30 (MSG)

Jesus had a full life but never seemed to be in a rush. He had margin.

We Choose Rhythms of Grace

We choose to fall into step with God's unforced rhythms of Grace, prioritizing progress above perfection.

The Kingdom advances through margin!

1/ Margin is a choice

If you don't plan how you will spend your time, someone else will do it for you.

2/ Healthy Relationships Require Boundaries

Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. Prov 25:17

3/  Saying no doesn't mean you are not a nice person

Saying yes to everything and everyone opens you up to being taken advantage of.

4/ Don't Compartmentalize Your Life

 Following Jesus is a way of life, not limited only to certain parts of your life 

5/ Slow Down

 Walk, don't run! Be present, don;t multitask,

6/ Say yes to things that form you in the way of Jesus

 Not to fill spaces on your calendar but create space to be open to be filled by the Spirit

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5 (NIV)

What one change do you need to make to create margin, so that 2025 really can be the year to thrive?

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