marthamary

Martha & Mary

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 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!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42

Mary and Martha are sisters that both loved and worshipped Jesus. When they found out that he was in town they both must have been very excited to have this man that had been preaching all over the countryside here in their presence. Yet, their priorities were very different. Martha wanted Jesus to be comfortable and well fed. Mary wanted to do nothing but sit at Jesus' feet and listen to anything he had to say. Both qualities were of value, yet one was 'better' than the other.
• Where do you find yourself?

I feel the gift of hospitality is a precious gift and I have to say I do not hold that gift in my life. I find if I was to expect guests I would really be a Martha. Anxiety to make a perfect meal and home for my guests. I believe in growing closer to the Lord I am becoming a lot like Mary, wanting to sit at his feet. When I really consider the character and personalities of these precious sisters, I feel they balance each other out. I see two gifts at work in these women. Just like Jesus taught us, we have many gifts but each has a job to do in the kingdom.

Do you feel that you identify more with Mary of more with Martha?

I guess I am a combination but as I grow closer to Jesus I see myself wanting and desiring to sit at his feet and learn of him.

I myself, find that I am much more of a 'Martha.' If we all had the heart of Mary, and even of King David we would be so much better off.
"My sould finds rest in God alone;
My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

Psalm 62:1-2

Later we find yet again another instance where Mary shows great devotion to the Lord. Read John 12:1-8. Jesus says very prophetic words ~ "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." Whether poor financially or poor in spirit, it does not matter. There will always be poor people among us. We must be determined to want to change the world for Jesus' sake.

Let Your Light Shine
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowel. Instead he puts it on its stand that those who come in may see the light.

Luke 11:33

How crazy is that for Mary to spend a years wages on the Lord???

I don't think her submission and giving of all she had is crazy at all. It was appointed for her to accomplish such an act for it revealed more information on the heart of Judas. A lot is said towards what she done that evening.

Today that would be about $40,000 to $60,000 a person. Could you imagine?

I think of the widow who gave her all. I can't imagine putting a value to serving our Lord except He is the owner of all we have. How many times do I thank God for the miracles he does in my life daily. I see it also as thanksgiving to the Lord for bringing back Lazarus too.

Again, Mary just demonstrates to us how much we need to value a relationship with God.
• In your life, what are some things that you think are important in your worship of God?

Prayer, Studying His Word, Applying His Word, seeking Him in every aspect of my life, giving Him glory, not stealing his glory, look for him working in every area of my life, try to memorize the Word or his promises, being a faithful witness, and being an encourager of those who need encouragement.

Is it serving others?

Being faithful as he has gifted me to teach, sing, and help where I am needed. Being a prayer warrior. Learning to be a positive person.

Making a perfect home?

Loving God, loving my husband, loving my children, loving my grandchildren. Praying faithfully for all them, claiming promises of God for each of them. Learning to serve and not expecting to be served. That is hard because my flesh says "me too."

Striving for perfection?

I cannot imagine me being perfect in this life. I struggle everyday with self and know that my flesh is weak but my Spirit is always willing. What a struggle and through Christ Jesus I can do all things.

While these things are good, they are not the 'better' things. Do not sacrafice your times with God while searching for fulfillment in these other areas. Mark 12:33.

Excercise in Prayer

Write a simple prayer, focusing on deepening your relationship with God and on making wise decisions throughout each day ~ choosing the 'better' things in life.

Dear Jesus all I ever wanted to do is to live a life that you would be glorified in. Lord, help me to choose the better things in life that have eternal value. I want so to serve you and please you dear Lord. Help me to make better choices in this life and Lord show me when I make those unwise choices. Teach me what the better things are as your child. In Jesus Name. AMEN

Love you Jesus Mammy