Luke 10:38-42
38 While Jesus and his followers were traveling, Jesus went into a town. A woman named Martha let Jesus stay at her house.39 Martha had a sister named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to him teach.40 But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me."
41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her."
So often in ministry, the Lord deals with my own spirit, saying – “You need to step back and get refocused!” And we all know how hard it is at times when we get so busy with the normal every day stresses of life tugging at our limited time.
Recently I was reading the story of Mary and Martha, and how Mary chose the better part, while Martha was doing the housework. Now let’s not deny the real importance of housework and practical matters; let’s face it, with nobody doing that stuff, what would get done? Life would be a mess! But according to Jesus, something was wrong, and Martha had her priorities out of line. And He made it very clear, Mary had chosen the better part! Mary preferred and chose relationship and intimacy with the Lord over the physical preparations and housework associated with His visit. And Jesus blessed and protected her choice.
And so the Lord has had to remind me, over and again of the importance of intimacy with Him…before getting down to the work!
It’s a constant temptation to slip into an emphasis on DOING the work at hand; and even in our own personal prayer time, to be mainly focused on those “urgent ministry needs”…and completely forgetting the most important thing, the “better part”- intimacy, personal communication, just BEING with Him.
Let’s resolve to choose intimacy with Jesus! Let’s choose the better part! Let’s resolve to spend time with the Lord and develop that intimate relationship He so wants with us. That way we will constantly experience how deep and awesome His love for us is. And it will make the work we’re called to do — so much easier!
FRIENDS:
Father, Give us strength as we try to be more like Jesus in our lifestyles. We ask you to keep the evil one away from us; keep us close to you. Let our lives be testimonies to those who see us and let it be about your love for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
4. JOHN 8:12-20; 2 PETER 2:10-16; JOB 4; EZEKIEL 13-15
5. JOHN 8:21-30; 2 PETER 2:17-22; JOB 5; EZEKIEL 16
6. JOHN 8:31-47; 2 PETER 3:1-9; JOB 6; EZEKIEL 17-19
FOOD:
Southwestern Beef & Bean Burger Wraps
The beans make the burgers a little fragile, so be careful when taking them off the broiler pan.
INGREDIENTS
12 ounces 93%-lean ground beef
1 cup refried beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos
1 avocado peeled and pitted
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 whole-wheat tortillas warmed
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 lime cut into 4 wedges
To warm tortillas: Wrap in foil; bake at 300°F until steaming, about 5 minutes. Or wrap in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds.
Position oven rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray.
Gently combine ground beef, beans, cilantro and jalapenos in a medium bowl (do not overmix). Shape into four 5-by-2-inch oblong patties and place on the prepared pan.
Broil the patties until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 12 to 14 minutes.
Meanwhile, mash together avocado, salsa and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread each with the guacamole, then sprinkle with lettuce and cheese. Top each with a burger and roll into a wrap. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.
FUN:
This looks like my "grand cat" Jasmine when she was younger..
