‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — 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 few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Take a moment to think about the backstory to today’s verses. Yesterday we read about Lazarus’ death and resurrection in John 11:1-37 NIV. Between Martha, Mary, Jesus, and friends, they experienced many different emotions of sadness, grief, confusion and anger. Just days later they experienced hope, relief, joy and celebration. 

Take a moment to think about how you handle all those emotions spiritually, mentally, and physically. Do you tend to slow down and process them? Do you fill your day with busyness, to avoid your emotions or put them off to process another day? Even Jesus wept with Martha and Mary. 

Now let’s take a moment to look at what we know about Martha and Mary.

Martha

• Martha opened her home to Jesus, His disciples, and friends.
• Martha was distracted by all the preparations. 
• Martha complained to Jesus about how Mary left her to do all the work.
• Martha was worried and upset.
• Martha seemed to be bitter.

Mary

• Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.
• Mary listened to Jesus and what He had to say.
• Mary made a good choice.
• Mary can’t be stripped of her time with Jesus.
• Mary seems to be content.

As we go about this week together, may we find a healthy balance and know when to be a Martha and when to be a Mary. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for both weeping and laughing with me. Thank You for renewing my hope and giving me a spirit of joy. Help me to find a healthy balance between my Martha mind and my Mary soul. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — 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 few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

You can read the backstory on the death of Lazarus in John 11:1-37 @biblegateway

Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

I had fun writing this week as I prepared to speak on Martha and Mary at Jerusalem United Methodist church. Today, let’s join together in worship!

God Who Listens by Chris Tomlin and Thomas Rhett.

The More I Seek You by Gateway Worship, featuring Jessie Harris.

Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Join us for See You Saturday as we wrap up Deborah’s week of writing on our impact through The Great Commission.

Let’s recap this weeks questions!

How have you responded to your commission? How do you make disciples? Have you thought about the weight and seriousness of Jesus’ instructions? Are you intentional about ways to make disciples? How are you responding to the call on your life? What impact are you making to those around you? Are you making an impact on the world around you? Do others see “only Jesus” in your walk and talk? How are you declaring “the praises of him who called you out of darkness”? Who will be in heaven because of you? How will you make an impact?

Thank you for supporting this ministry! We ask that you like, subscribe, follow, and share! Help us share the good news! Let’s go walk on water!

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus

Today I will continue sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we are paralyzed in our boats. As most of you know our blog is called Water Walkers so that we can encourage ourselves and others to step out of the boat, wherever God is leading, even if it is something that is out of our comfort zone. Sometimes we are meant to stay in the boat with God. Often we are called to step out. Can you recall a time where you were paralyzed with fear and just couldn’t take that leap of faith? This doesn’t always need to be something grand, like going out of the country on missions. This could be talking to a stranger in the grocery store or inviting someone to church. 

In the song Oceans by Hillsong United, we know that our feet may fail at times. Good news, God never fails us. I encourage you to worship and really think about the lyrics: “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would lead me. Take me deeper than my feet would wander.”

Where is God calling you to step out today? Maybe you need a little encouraging nudge. As you read today’s key verse and go to God in prayer, ask Him to give you strength and courage. Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, thank You for opportunities to step out of my boat for Your glory. I ask that when You call, I will listen with the strength and courage I need to step out. Here I am Lord, send me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬ — rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

This week I have been sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we have an ungrateful heart. Have you ever served and your heart just wasn’t in it? Do you sometimes say yes out of obligation and then regret that decision? I’ve learned the hard way over the years to say, “let me pray about it,” if an immediate yes doesn’t come to mind.

We should be thankful to serve but also keep in mind that not every assignment is ours to say yes to. If your response is, “let me pray about it,” really take time to go to God in prayer. In Colossians we are taught how to be overflowing with thankfulness. As you root yourself with God in His word and prayer, sit and listen. 

Maybe you said yes to something and you’re losing your passion to serve. Intentionally enter your time of serving by imagining you are stepping onto holy ground. In Psalms we are encouraged to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Be encouraged by this word and be thankful to serve.

Are you currently attending church? Maybe you don’t have a church. Deborah and I attend Herbert Memorial United Methodist Church in Georgetown, SC, while Ray attends Pawleys Island Community Church in Pawleys Island, SC. We invite you to join us anytime! Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable watching from home. If you are physically able, I encourage you to attend in person. There is just something about stepping into His house of worship. 

Do you have time in your schedule to serve? Can you make time? I encourage you to ask your Pastor where there is a need to serve. Take time to pray over his response and ask God to lead you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can attend church in person. I remember how devastating it was during COVID when I could not attend and now sometimes I take it for granted. Forgive me. I surrender all my areas of service and ask that You renew my passion to serve. Show me any area that You would have me to say yes to. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

If you are just joining us today, this week I have been sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we are comparing ourselves to others or wishing we had been given different gifts of service. Comparison is the thief of joy. Maybe you wish you look different or talk differently. Maybe you wish God had given you different talents, like photography, technology, writing, speaking, singing, teaching, sewing, or baking?

I like The Message version of our key verse in Galatians. Each of us must take responsibility in doing our creative best with the bodies and the talents we have been given. We shouldn’t boast or look down on ourselves. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. I need this as a daily reminder.

In 1 Peter we are taught to be faithful stewards of God’s grace and gifts for His glory. Have you experienced the thief of comparison? Take inventory of your gifts and talents. I encourage you to then write them as your gratitudes for the day. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for making me who I am. You made me wonderfully as You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to be a faithful steward of the gifts and talents you have given me. I thank You for each one. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.