by

The One Thing

image
Ever hear of the sisters, Mary and Martha?

They were friends of Jesus and also among those who followed Jesus and listened to his teaching. Biblical scholars believe that Martha was probably an affluent widow. She also practiced hospitality.

When she invited Jesus to her home – she had to be ready for a crowd – his entourage came with him.

The Bible says she was encumbered or stressed by serving.

Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.

So she does what most of us women do when stressed – she complains.

She goes right to Jesus!

She attempts to get Jesus to agree with her – “I’m doing all the work – shouldn’t Mary help?

God does not necessarily agree with the cause of our distress – we might think it is –

  • My mother-in-law
  • My child who refuses to potty train
  • My boss who doesn’t seem to understand that I have children
  • My adult child who doesn’t call me
  • My messy house

Jesus does care – just not about the same thing that is bothering Martha.

Mary chose the “good part” – that was The one thing worth being concerned about – which certainly meant what Mary made her choice to do—sitting at Christ’s feet, to hear his word.

So, does Jesus not want to eat, you may ask? Don’t we have to attend to the needs of our families, especially when there are little ones that depend on our care for their very survival?

Of course. The Bible is clear in teaching that we have responsibilities to fulfill and it is godly to do so.

Yet, are we so busy that we neglect the “One Thing” that feeds our souls?

“Martha’s care and work were good in their proper season and place; but now she had something else to do, which was unspeakably more needful, and therefore should be done first, and most minded.” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

I had the privilege of participating this weekend in a women’s retreat sponsored by a local church, yet including ladies from various congregations. It was a precious time of fellowship, worship and teaching.

It was a time to focus on the One Thing – sitting at Jesus feet.

God was faithful to meet us and His presence was evident as we shared together.

I am so thankful that I was able to be like Mary this weekend  – sitting at Jesus feet.

 

 

by

New Life

104_0008

I LOVE spring. It is my favorite season of the year.

There is evidence of new life all around us!

The daffodils are blooming, the tulips are coming up and I have seen several flowering trees whose blossoms are starting to explode into color.

Jesus refers to the beauty of wild flowers in Matthew 6: 28-30

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

These verses remind me of God’s great love and care for me.

I may be facing some very difficult situations right now, yet these verses say that God cares about ME. 

Do I trust Him?

Do I believe God cares?

My worrying shows that I lack faith in trusting God to meet my needs.

This also means the needs of my children. God wants to met their needs as well.

It is so difficult as a parent NOT to worry about our children. We KNOW there are bad things out there that can happen to our children. We have even seen bad things happen to friends and family members who love and follow God.

Trusting God does NOT mean that nothing bad will happen to those I love.

It does mean that God will be with me whatever I face and whatever happens. It also means that God will use those situations for my good and to further His purposes.

Jesus said these wildflowers should remind me of God’s faithfulness.

Each time we see a new flower bloom this spring, may we be reminded of our faithful, loving Heavenly Father and the new life He brings.

by

Roots

photo (5)

“You got to take care of the roots. If they die, then you ain’t got nothin’ left at all.”

A wise mountain man shared that advice with me when he gave me a small seedling to transplant.

This is important advice for all plants, but especially young plants and those susceptible to cold temperatures. Phil and I have gathered pine needles for years from parking lots around Jackson County and we mulch heavily, especially around our azaleas and camilias.

The roots are the foundation of a plant, as well as the vehicle for dispersing water from the ground to the stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit of a plant. Roots are not usually seen, but they are of utmost importance to the health and well-being of a plant.

As people, we need roots.

We need a foundation of beliefs and truth that will anchor us when we face times of “strong winds” or “flood waters.”

As parents, we need to make sure we lay a strong foundation for our children to build their lives upon. We cannot protect our children from the storms of life, but we can help insure that they will be able to weather these storms by being rooted in truth.

Jesus taught us how important good roots are or a firm foundation is in –

Luke 6:47-49  (NLT)

47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

How do we help our children lay a firm foundation?

Just like with tender plants we;

  • put a little fence around to guard new plants
  • water regularly so the roots grow deep and don’t stay on the surface
  • mulch around to protect the roots
  • fertilize to ensure growth

As parents we;

  • set boundries for use of the Internet, limit TV and videos
  • take our children to church and Sunday School so they hear Biblical truth
  • talk about God and trusting Him to our children so they know they can trust God
  • pray with our children and be honest that we need God’s strength just like our children do

My prayer for our children and grandchildren is right from the Bible – Colossians 2:7 (TLB)

7 Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done.

God is faithful.