‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭9-10 ‭NIV‬‬ — Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

We don’t have much content on Martha and Mary. I would like to think that serving was a spiritual gift of Martha’s. I am sure through her busyness, she felt as though she was stewarding well. ‭‭Are you stewarding your gifts for God’s glory? Or are you grumbling through, maybe even neglecting your gifts? Looking closer at the story, Martha was grumbling. Peter instructs us that we should not only faithfully steward our gifts, but also offer hospitality without grumbling. 

I want us to take a look at some key words in 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — 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 forever and ever. Amen.

In order to steward our gifts well, we must first gain strength from God. How do we gain strength from God? By sitting with God and listening as Mary did. My pastor recently quoted Mr. Fred Rogers when he said, “listening is where love begins.” He also said, we serve others because we love Christ. Next time we neglect a gift or grumble through our service, let’s think about who we are serving. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the spiritual gifts You have given me. Help me to listen with love and serve through Your love. When I start to grumble, remind me who I am serving. 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.”

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!

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.

Years ago, while doing a Bible study by Rick Warren, I was shaken to the core when he asked, “Who will be in heaven because of you?” Wow! What an important question to ponder. Take some time to read this devotion by Rick Warren. As you read, open your heart and mind to God’s message for you. What will be your response? How will you make an impact?

Who Will Be In Heaven Because Of You?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to spread the Good News. Continue to remind me of the urgency and importance of the Great Commission. Guide and direct my steps as I share Christ with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@pastorrickwarren 

Click the link below to watch today’s YouTube video.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

You and I have an important job. Our number one job should be our ministry for Christ. We should be aware of and intentional about the impact we make in His name. The world tells us life is about getting ahead and making a name for ourselves, but as Christians our responsibility is to always point to Jesus. On this Think About It Thursday, spend some time listening to the lyrics of Only Jesus by Casting Crowns. Examine your heart and actions. 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”?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for moments when my words and actions are not pointing to You. Equip me to make disciples and to be worthy of being called a member of Your royal priesthood. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Click the link below to watch today’s YouTube video.