Episode 017 – Saying Yes To The Best

Key Passage(s): Mark 1:32-39

We say “yes” to a lot of things, but are they the things we should be saying “yes” to? Jim Collins has said that “the good is the enemy of the great.” We can get so caught up in doing “good” things that we miss out on the “best” things. Jesus understood this clearly. And in this teaching (shot on location in Israel), we look at how Jesus was totally fine disappointing people in order to stay true to his mission. He knew how to say “no” to the good things so he could say “yes” to the best things. Get ready to have your world rocked because this teaching will mess with you!

Discussion Questions

  • What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
  • Are there any decisions you’re making in order not to disappoint certain people?
  • What are the good things you need to say “no” to in order that you can say “yes” to the best things?
  • Are you clear on what you’re supposed to be doing and what the best things are? Until you know this, it’s difficult to know what to say “yes” or “no” to.
  • Getting an outside perspective is always helpful. Who is someone who knows you extremely well, is wise and discerning, and could give you their honest feedback on how you’re running your life? Schedule a meeting or call with them as soon as possible and listen up (this includes mentors, spouses, best friends, etc.).
  • Mark Batterson made the observation that “a change of place and a change of pace equals a change of perspective.” How can you create a regular rhythm of getting out of your normal context in order to experience this?
  • How will you begin walking out these truths in the next week?

For Further Study


Note: I can’t recommend these two books enough. They have been the most important resources for helping me get super clear on what my time and energy should be going to.

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20 Comments

  1. ERob May 29, 2018 at 7:25 am - Reply

    Thanks Brad, what insight into JESUS!
    ERob

  2. Pat deVries May 29, 2018 at 7:56 am - Reply

    Great perspective on the teachings of Jesus Brad! Sometimes we think we are doing the best thing by saying yes to all the things that seem good – thanks for the insight.
    God bless!!

    Pat dV

  3. Kathryn Buss May 29, 2018 at 10:19 am - Reply

    Great message and perspective on what we should be working toward ad we walk out the text. Thanks for the insight.

  4. WJS May 29, 2018 at 12:04 pm - Reply

    I’m thinking that Jesus needed to spend time in prayer because He needed the Father’s direction just as we do. It shows the humanity in Jesus that we can identify with. I agree about spending time with God in different places or locations. I’ve found that extremely helpful. Thank you for the spiritual nourishment.

    Bill

    • Brad Gray May 30, 2018 at 4:39 pm - Reply

      Yeah, I totally agree. I once heard Mike Breen say, “Jesus had to inhale his Father’s presence in order to exhale his Father’s will.”

  5. Christopher A. Pohlod May 29, 2018 at 10:00 pm - Reply

    Stephen Covey quote “the main thing, is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Always nice to see a scriptural grounding to the habit of keeping first things first….the care ministries pastor in my church when I was planning my ministry, said needs are everywhere, but our task is to discern what God has specifically equipped us for and carry out that ministry…I only pray that I can walk in the sandle steps of Jesus and know so clearly my purpose from God that no’s turn easily to yes’s for God’s path… thanks Brad for the scriptural anchor! CP

  6. William Black May 30, 2018 at 5:34 pm - Reply

    Jesus being a Jew, what kind of prayers did He do, were there customary prayers like, Thank you YEHOVAH for causing a blind man to see -when they wake up?
    Or did the Jews have common prayers that brought the presence of YEHOVAH?
    He went to a solitary place to pray is so generic and unrevealing for us to copy or seek!

    • Brad Gray June 24, 2018 at 8:48 am - Reply

      So cool that I got to answer your question, Bill, when I taught at Central on June 10 🙂

  7. Mary Heyboer June 4, 2018 at 10:50 am - Reply

    Oh Brad, I can’t begin to put into words how greatful I am for your teachings. They truly are helping me grown in my faith. Looking forward to hearing you at Central on the 10th.

    • Brad Gray June 24, 2018 at 8:49 am - Reply

      So grateful you’re finding the teaching series so helpful, Mary.

  8. Rex Stump June 6, 2018 at 10:03 am - Reply

    Well done Brad! Keep digging, sharing, and building up the body!

  9. Evie Myaard June 10, 2018 at 7:36 am - Reply

    Awesome teaching! I need to practice!

    • Brad Gray June 24, 2018 at 8:49 am - Reply

      I’m with you, Evie. These teachings push me as well 🙂

  10. Dennis KIlcoin August 28, 2018 at 4:20 am - Reply

    As I stated on the Turkey trip God is preparing me for retirement. Along with the Vinedresser lesson I have already listen to your teaching from Mark . Great insight in helping me begin to understand what the “golden years” should look like.

    Thanks!!

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