Read this verse this morning and made me do some thinking:
Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
These Words come straight from the mouth of Jesus. He warns us here about hoarding things here on earth. So many things can happen to our material things while we are on this earth. Cloth can be destroyed by moths or other things. Rust destroys our precious metals. I had to replace a grill recently because the rust had destroyed it. If our stuff is not destroyed this way then thieves are everywhere and will try to steal out things! Jesus tells us to lay our treasures up in heaven where nothing can destroy them! Everything we do for God is remembered by God and we gain rewards for this. How many rewards do you have stored up in heaven??? God's Word says where ever our heart is that is where we are storing up treasures. Think on this for a moment. Are you storing more up in your home or in heaven? It is an indication of where our hearts are!
Tom
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thank you Military Men and Women.
John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
May god bless those who have given their lives so we may freely live and worship our King of Kings and Lord of Lords Jesus Christ. Also may God bless those who are protecting our freedoms both at home and abroad! We are forever indebted to your service. God bless America!!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Save what is needed!
This is a clear teaching from God!
Proverbs 21:20
20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
God's Word is clear that we are suppose to store up what we need for hard times. This verse is clear about that. The verse says the wise store up food and olive oil. Of course we know why we would store up food....for hard times! But what about olive oil. This oil was used in certain offerings and for medicinal purposes. So one needed to keep a supply on hand. As far as food there is a line that has to be drawn somewhere between need and hoarding. Because God's Word also makes it clear we are to share with others in need. I am a believer this is also true with our money. For me to place a number of where that is would be wrong that is something we all must allow God to tell us! This verse goes on to tell us what we are when we don't store some for the future....a fool! That is to the point isn't it!
So save what you need but don't get greedy!
Tom
Proverbs 21:20
20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
God's Word is clear that we are suppose to store up what we need for hard times. This verse is clear about that. The verse says the wise store up food and olive oil. Of course we know why we would store up food....for hard times! But what about olive oil. This oil was used in certain offerings and for medicinal purposes. So one needed to keep a supply on hand. As far as food there is a line that has to be drawn somewhere between need and hoarding. Because God's Word also makes it clear we are to share with others in need. I am a believer this is also true with our money. For me to place a number of where that is would be wrong that is something we all must allow God to tell us! This verse goes on to tell us what we are when we don't store some for the future....a fool! That is to the point isn't it!
So save what you need but don't get greedy!
Tom
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Camel through the eye of a needle????
These verses are fairly simple to understand:
Luke 18:18-30
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
This ruler was a religious man! He claimed to follow the law closely. But he had one problem. A love for his riches. Ouch! That sure does sound familiar. Look at what Jesus asked of him. Sell everything and give it to the poor. The rich man couldn't do it....he loved his "stuff" too much. We need to ask ourselves...could we do that? Don't answer to quickly...could you give up everything for Jesus? Jesus desires us to share what He has blessed us with! In verses 24-25 Jesus makes it very plain and simple for us. Riches get in the way of our relationship with Him if we are not very very careful. Jesus even tells us how difficult it is....like a camel going through the eye of a needle! Ummm folks that is impossible...but with God leading our lives all things are possible!
Let us think carefully on what Jesus is saying to us this morning!
Tom
Luke 18:18-30
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
This ruler was a religious man! He claimed to follow the law closely. But he had one problem. A love for his riches. Ouch! That sure does sound familiar. Look at what Jesus asked of him. Sell everything and give it to the poor. The rich man couldn't do it....he loved his "stuff" too much. We need to ask ourselves...could we do that? Don't answer to quickly...could you give up everything for Jesus? Jesus desires us to share what He has blessed us with! In verses 24-25 Jesus makes it very plain and simple for us. Riches get in the way of our relationship with Him if we are not very very careful. Jesus even tells us how difficult it is....like a camel going through the eye of a needle! Ummm folks that is impossible...but with God leading our lives all things are possible!
Let us think carefully on what Jesus is saying to us this morning!
Tom
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Instructions for us!
Again we are rich compared to the majority of the world so these Words are for us:
1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
In verse 17 God says for the rich not to be haughty. What is haughty?Here is how it is defined in the dictionary: disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant. We have no reason to be like that. Rich or poor we have to humble ourselves before the Almighty God and man! The verse goes onto say not to trust in uncertain riches. As we have seen through the tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri everything can be gone in an instant, we must put our trust in our greatest resource...God! He blesses us in so may ways. I look at my family, my church, food on my table, roof over my head, clothes on my back, and Jesus who died for me....can I really ask for anything else? Verse 18 tells us to do good and to be rich in good works! When is the last time you have helped others? Helping others is what God desires for us to be about along with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. The verse tells us we should be ready to give and share out of the blessings God have given us. Have you? Verse 19 tells us when we give it is storing up a good foundation for us! Where at? In heaven of course! When we share out of the blessings God has given us it shows we have the love of Christ in out heart thus we can know we have a hold on eternal life! Praise God!
Listen to the instruction of the Lord this morning....it does the soul good!
Tom
1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
In verse 17 God says for the rich not to be haughty. What is haughty?Here is how it is defined in the dictionary: disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant. We have no reason to be like that. Rich or poor we have to humble ourselves before the Almighty God and man! The verse goes onto say not to trust in uncertain riches. As we have seen through the tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri everything can be gone in an instant, we must put our trust in our greatest resource...God! He blesses us in so may ways. I look at my family, my church, food on my table, roof over my head, clothes on my back, and Jesus who died for me....can I really ask for anything else? Verse 18 tells us to do good and to be rich in good works! When is the last time you have helped others? Helping others is what God desires for us to be about along with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. The verse tells us we should be ready to give and share out of the blessings God have given us. Have you? Verse 19 tells us when we give it is storing up a good foundation for us! Where at? In heaven of course! When we share out of the blessings God has given us it shows we have the love of Christ in out heart thus we can know we have a hold on eternal life! Praise God!
Listen to the instruction of the Lord this morning....it does the soul good!
Tom
Monday, May 23, 2011
Instead of grumbling!
What a Word from God on this Monday morning!
Ecclesiastes 5:19
19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
How many of us got up this morning grumbling about another Monday and it is raining, blah, blah, blah! We should roll out of bed every morning and praise God for his great gifts! (No I don't always do this...lol) Think about what this verse says this morning. Has God given you riches and wealth? Yes He has. I have shared before that if you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and clothes on your back you are in the top 4% of richest people in the world! Has God given you the ability to use these riches? Yes He has. I am warm because I can put on clothes, I am full because I could feed myself, I am dry this morning because I could walk inside my house...thank you Jesus for your blessings this morning. We all have received a heritage from God. Even though I am a gentile, if I have received Christ I am an heir of King Jesus...wow can it get any better? Then this verse tells us to rejoice in our labor. Think on that! Are you rejoicing that you have a job to go to this morning? You should be! Many would like to be in your shoes!
These are gifts of God! Rejoice this morning in the kindness of our God! Praise the Lord!
Tom
Ecclesiastes 5:19
19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
How many of us got up this morning grumbling about another Monday and it is raining, blah, blah, blah! We should roll out of bed every morning and praise God for his great gifts! (No I don't always do this...lol) Think about what this verse says this morning. Has God given you riches and wealth? Yes He has. I have shared before that if you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and clothes on your back you are in the top 4% of richest people in the world! Has God given you the ability to use these riches? Yes He has. I am warm because I can put on clothes, I am full because I could feed myself, I am dry this morning because I could walk inside my house...thank you Jesus for your blessings this morning. We all have received a heritage from God. Even though I am a gentile, if I have received Christ I am an heir of King Jesus...wow can it get any better? Then this verse tells us to rejoice in our labor. Think on that! Are you rejoicing that you have a job to go to this morning? You should be! Many would like to be in your shoes!
These are gifts of God! Rejoice this morning in the kindness of our God! Praise the Lord!
Tom
Friday, May 20, 2011
Graduation day!
Well here in Waverly, today is graduation day for our High School seniors. Today is a great deal of excitement for the graduates and for me too. I am so very proud of what these kids have accomplished. But yet today is a sad day for me too. I have been with many of these kids from middle school all they way through high school and as they move on to college and jobs it feels as though a part of me is moving on too. I also have a nephew, Wes, in Michigan who will be graduating soon. What an awesome young man he has turned out to be. God has blessed me so much with the seniors of Waverly and my nephew.
As I was thinking about these seniors I asked myself what scripture would I share with them. God brought to me these scriptures:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New King James Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
These scriptures are the ingredients of a successful life. #1 Trust in the Lord with all your heart! Remember God says ALL not half or a quarter. God wants you to totally trust Him with all of your heart. Have you done that? #2 Lean not on your own understanding. This is so very important. As you move onto college and work, many people are going to influence you. Many times we get to a point where we think we know more than God! Don't trust your own or others opinions...trust God and His Word ONLY!!! If it doesn't agree with what the Word says...run from it!!!! #3 In everything acknowledge God. You will have great times....give God the glory. You will have bad times praise God for seeing through them! #4 If you do these things God will direct your paths. Their is nobody else you want guiding your path than God. He wants to guide you but you must put Him in the drivers seat!
Class of 2011.....you change the world. If you put God first and follow Jesus you WILL change the world. I will always be here for you and I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for being a part of my life!
Tom
As I was thinking about these seniors I asked myself what scripture would I share with them. God brought to me these scriptures:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New King James Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
These scriptures are the ingredients of a successful life. #1 Trust in the Lord with all your heart! Remember God says ALL not half or a quarter. God wants you to totally trust Him with all of your heart. Have you done that? #2 Lean not on your own understanding. This is so very important. As you move onto college and work, many people are going to influence you. Many times we get to a point where we think we know more than God! Don't trust your own or others opinions...trust God and His Word ONLY!!! If it doesn't agree with what the Word says...run from it!!!! #3 In everything acknowledge God. You will have great times....give God the glory. You will have bad times praise God for seeing through them! #4 If you do these things God will direct your paths. Their is nobody else you want guiding your path than God. He wants to guide you but you must put Him in the drivers seat!
Class of 2011.....you change the world. If you put God first and follow Jesus you WILL change the world. I will always be here for you and I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for being a part of my life!
Tom
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Do you have enough?
This verse mad me do some thinking this morning:
Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
Do you have enough money? The first response of most of us would be "NO I don't have enough money!" We always seem to think that we need more. I read some statistics recently that said everyone up to those who made 5 million dollars did not think they were rich and thought they needed more money! Wow. Did you know if you have a job, a car, house, and food on the table you are in the top 4% of richest people in the world? God 's Word tells us to be content in what ever situation we are in:
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
God also warns that riches brings difficulties:
Matthew 19:24
And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Do we really need more temptation in our lives??? Money brings problems!
As the verse in Ecclesiastes above tells us money does not bring happiness. True happiness is found in Jesus and following Him in truth and love. Nothing I repeat nothing brings more satisfaction in life than serving the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for that is why we were made!!!
Think a little on this today...it is worth your time!
Tom
Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
Do you have enough money? The first response of most of us would be "NO I don't have enough money!" We always seem to think that we need more. I read some statistics recently that said everyone up to those who made 5 million dollars did not think they were rich and thought they needed more money! Wow. Did you know if you have a job, a car, house, and food on the table you are in the top 4% of richest people in the world? God 's Word tells us to be content in what ever situation we are in:
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
God also warns that riches brings difficulties:
Matthew 19:24
And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Do we really need more temptation in our lives??? Money brings problems!
As the verse in Ecclesiastes above tells us money does not bring happiness. True happiness is found in Jesus and following Him in truth and love. Nothing I repeat nothing brings more satisfaction in life than serving the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for that is why we were made!!!
Think a little on this today...it is worth your time!
Tom
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
How in the world???
How in the world did we ever get away from this Word from God?
Exodus 20:9-10
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
God is pretty clear in His w Word here that six days we are suppose to do all our work. God expects us to work that is clear. Then we see a "but" in verse 10. We are to take a Sabbath day. Why? Because it is of the Lord our God! He desires all our worship and attention. If God rested on the seventh day how much more should we???? He commands us to do this it is not an option! Some where along the line we decided making money was more important than this Word from God. Shame on us! Our society uses this day for everything except the worship of God...is it any wonder why our country is going downhill fast?
So look at your life this morning and ask yourself....am I observing the Sabbath in the way that God intended?? If you are praise the Lord....if you are not then make the changes that are needed!
Tom
Exodus 20:9-10
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
God is pretty clear in His w Word here that six days we are suppose to do all our work. God expects us to work that is clear. Then we see a "but" in verse 10. We are to take a Sabbath day. Why? Because it is of the Lord our God! He desires all our worship and attention. If God rested on the seventh day how much more should we???? He commands us to do this it is not an option! Some where along the line we decided making money was more important than this Word from God. Shame on us! Our society uses this day for everything except the worship of God...is it any wonder why our country is going downhill fast?
So look at your life this morning and ask yourself....am I observing the Sabbath in the way that God intended?? If you are praise the Lord....if you are not then make the changes that are needed!
Tom
Monday, May 16, 2011
Rest?????
As you step out into another Monday, check out these verses:
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
When is the last time you truly had rest? That is a great question isn't it? With all the craziness of our lives today...school, children, work, church, and the list goes on and on...it is hard to find rest! These verse give us the key to finding rest. Come to Jesus. Wow that sounds to easy doesn't it? But it is true. Jesus tells us straight forward..."Come to Me". When is the last time you turned everything over to Jesus. I mean truly just let go of everything and said "Here ya go Jesus it is in your hands now." Jesus tells us "for those who labor". You have a hard job? Have you turned it over to Jesus and worked for Him and not yourself? It will make a major difference if you do. What about heavy laden? Are you covered up with the pressures of life? Give them to Jesus it is amazing what weight Jesus can take off your shoulders. In verse 29 Jesus says "take His yolk and learn from Him". Jesus always went to the father and gained all His strength from Him....that made his yolk so much easier to carry and it will yours too!When we humble ourselves (lowly in heart) and treat others with compassion (gentle) it will give rest to our souls because then we are being Christlike! When we are Christlike we have a promise straight from Jesus....His yolk will be easy and His burdens will be light compared to the weight of the world!
What a great Word from God this morning....turn it over to Jesus and get some rest!
Tom
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
When is the last time you truly had rest? That is a great question isn't it? With all the craziness of our lives today...school, children, work, church, and the list goes on and on...it is hard to find rest! These verse give us the key to finding rest. Come to Jesus. Wow that sounds to easy doesn't it? But it is true. Jesus tells us straight forward..."Come to Me". When is the last time you turned everything over to Jesus. I mean truly just let go of everything and said "Here ya go Jesus it is in your hands now." Jesus tells us "for those who labor". You have a hard job? Have you turned it over to Jesus and worked for Him and not yourself? It will make a major difference if you do. What about heavy laden? Are you covered up with the pressures of life? Give them to Jesus it is amazing what weight Jesus can take off your shoulders. In verse 29 Jesus says "take His yolk and learn from Him". Jesus always went to the father and gained all His strength from Him....that made his yolk so much easier to carry and it will yours too!When we humble ourselves (lowly in heart) and treat others with compassion (gentle) it will give rest to our souls because then we are being Christlike! When we are Christlike we have a promise straight from Jesus....His yolk will be easy and His burdens will be light compared to the weight of the world!
What a great Word from God this morning....turn it over to Jesus and get some rest!
Tom
Thursday, May 12, 2011
How are you using your time?
This is a great couple of verses to think about this morning:
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
As you get ready to start out your day today it would be wise to plan your steps as best as you can. God's Word tells us here to be wise in how we walk and spend our time! Have you thought about how you are spending your time recently? Our time should be spent as much as possible in reaching the world for Christ. One way to do that is by watching how we walk...or how we live our lives for we should be good examples to others in our walk with Christ. Then the Word goes on to say to make the best of out time! Wow I must say I can do better at this. Do you make the best use of your time for the Lord everyday? Then the Word says "because the days are evil". What that tells me is the devil wants us to use our time unwisely and on things that are not honoring to the Lord! Verse 17 then tells us not to be foolish and understand what God's will is and then do it! When we are doing the will of God in our lives we will be using our time in a wise manner.
So we can sum this up like this....are you spending your time wisely and for the Lord or are you spending it foolishly and for the devil???
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
As you get ready to start out your day today it would be wise to plan your steps as best as you can. God's Word tells us here to be wise in how we walk and spend our time! Have you thought about how you are spending your time recently? Our time should be spent as much as possible in reaching the world for Christ. One way to do that is by watching how we walk...or how we live our lives for we should be good examples to others in our walk with Christ. Then the Word goes on to say to make the best of out time! Wow I must say I can do better at this. Do you make the best use of your time for the Lord everyday? Then the Word says "because the days are evil". What that tells me is the devil wants us to use our time unwisely and on things that are not honoring to the Lord! Verse 17 then tells us not to be foolish and understand what God's will is and then do it! When we are doing the will of God in our lives we will be using our time in a wise manner.
So we can sum this up like this....are you spending your time wisely and for the Lord or are you spending it foolishly and for the devil???
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Where are you entering?
These verses always make me do some thinking:
Matthew 7:13-14
13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Look at the first sentence in these verses. Jesus tells us point blank...."Enter by the narrow gate." It can't be any more simple put than that. Jesus then goes on to tell us the way that leads to hell. The wide gate. In other words the gate that the majority are taking. Jesus tells us many are entering this gate. I am reading a book called "Weird" by Craig Groeschel. In this book it talks about how compared to the world Christians should be weird. That goes right along with these verses in Matthew. To stay on the narrow way we must be different or weird compared to the rest of the world because the ways of God are contrary to the ways of the world! Jesus then goes on to say that going into the narrow gate is hard! It is not easy to stay on the narrow path! We must always be focusing on the ways of God and obeying His Word and as you already know being faithful is very hard! That is why Jesus tells us there are few who find it! Think about that for a moment!
So this morning take some time to think about what gate you are going through...is it the wide or the narrow?
Tom
Matthew 7:13-14
13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Look at the first sentence in these verses. Jesus tells us point blank...."Enter by the narrow gate." It can't be any more simple put than that. Jesus then goes on to tell us the way that leads to hell. The wide gate. In other words the gate that the majority are taking. Jesus tells us many are entering this gate. I am reading a book called "Weird" by Craig Groeschel. In this book it talks about how compared to the world Christians should be weird. That goes right along with these verses in Matthew. To stay on the narrow way we must be different or weird compared to the rest of the world because the ways of God are contrary to the ways of the world! Jesus then goes on to say that going into the narrow gate is hard! It is not easy to stay on the narrow path! We must always be focusing on the ways of God and obeying His Word and as you already know being faithful is very hard! That is why Jesus tells us there are few who find it! Think about that for a moment!
So this morning take some time to think about what gate you are going through...is it the wide or the narrow?
Tom
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Have you chosen the good part?
Sorry I have been away for a bit. The storms that we had caused some damage in our area so the church was out helping clean up. Then I went to Michigan to visit my family. I hope you have been well while I have been gone!
Today let us look at these verses in Luke:
Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
I hope we are like Mary! So many times in life we get distracted and miss what Jesus wants from us most.....worship. Jesus wants us to spend quality time with Him in His Word! That is what Mary was doing. Now Martha thought she was doing what she should be doing. How many times do we do that? God's Word says she was "serving"! Nothing bad about that is there? Well it is kinda like this....Martha was doing a good thing but the best thing was right in front of her...Jesus! How many times do we do the good thing instead of the best thing??? How many times do we look at someone else and say....hey get busy! When maybe they are truly doing the best thing in worshiping Jesus! Martha wanted help but Jesus told her Mary is doing right and I believe hinted that Martha should be doing the same!
So this morning we all need to ask ourselves....have we chosen the good part of worshiping Christ?
Tom
Today let us look at these verses in Luke:
Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
I hope we are like Mary! So many times in life we get distracted and miss what Jesus wants from us most.....worship. Jesus wants us to spend quality time with Him in His Word! That is what Mary was doing. Now Martha thought she was doing what she should be doing. How many times do we do that? God's Word says she was "serving"! Nothing bad about that is there? Well it is kinda like this....Martha was doing a good thing but the best thing was right in front of her...Jesus! How many times do we do the good thing instead of the best thing??? How many times do we look at someone else and say....hey get busy! When maybe they are truly doing the best thing in worshiping Jesus! Martha wanted help but Jesus told her Mary is doing right and I believe hinted that Martha should be doing the same!
So this morning we all need to ask ourselves....have we chosen the good part of worshiping Christ?
Tom
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