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For many around the world, especially women, the season between Thanksgiving and
the New Year becomes a whirlwind of frantic activity, shopping, cooking, and parties.
We may experience unexpected guests dropping in and become stressed
and anxious.
The Bible is a book of awesome stories and lessons from our loving Father and Creator,
to help us reduce stress and simplify our lives.
Today let’s turn to Luke 10:38-42 and allow the Holy Spirit to calm our nerves
and guide us in divine truth.
One day while Jesus was traveling, he stopped in to visit his friends Mary and Martha.
Martha welcomed him into their home and began to hurry frantically to prepare
a meal for their guests.
Mary sat down at Jesus’ feet and listened to his beautiful teachings.
A spirit of anger and bitterness took root in Martha’s heart as she watched
her sister resting quietly with their guest, while she did all the work.
Suddenly Martha could stand it no longer. She came into the
room and said…LORD, don’t you care that my sister has left
me to serve alone? Tell her to come and help me!
Jesus said, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall
not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42
Jesus loved Martha and Mary greatly. He wanted to relax and visit,
but Martha felt it was more important to impress Jesus with what a
good hostess she was.
She let anger enter her heart, and in the end, it only caused
her shame and embarrassment.
Mary had chosen the one thing needful and Jesus would not
take that good part away from her.
Especially around the holidays many of us begin to act a lot like Martha.
Busy, Busy, Bees of activity!!!
We rush around to find a perfect gift to impress a friend, boss, or loved one.
More often than not, our efforts are wasted and the gift is returned or
tossed in the closet to gather dust.
We spend hours baking for the bazaar at church, instead of taking
those gifts of love to those who are shut-ins or the poor.
We come home tired and crabby, and tell our husband they’re on their own
for dinner or we demand they take us out to eat.
If we are the hands and feet of Jesus, why have we brought commercialism
into the church, when it’s supposed to be a Holy Holiday?
We foolishly forget, it’s Jesus’ birthday we’re supposed to be celebrating.
By the end of the day we’re exhausted , because we were too busy to spend
any time at the feet of our Saviour, worshipping or listening to his voice.
We don’t have time to go to church to worship because we have too many holiday
feasts and parties to attend.
Other times we feel sorry for ourselves and try to drown our pain with drugs or alcohol.
What tears it must bring to our Lord’s eyes… as waits for a moment of our attention.
Christmas begins with Christ!
If he’s not first in your life…
you will never experience peace and joy.
Today you may be stress, worried, depressed, or contemplating suicide.
I pray you will make the time to be still and worship at the feet of Jesus.
Ask him to prune and re-prioritize your schedule, so you will
have plenty of time for the one thing needful…
Quiet time with HIM!
Focus on the true meaning of Christmas and simplify your
life, so you will not become bitter or quarrel with your loved
ones or guests.
By this will all men know we are his disciples, if we have love
one for another.
Jesus is standing at the door of your heart knocking…
Will you shut the door in his face or open up your
heart and welcome him into your life?
Choose this day, who you will serve.
As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!
Merciful Father,
Thank you for the story of Mary and Martha to remind us
what is most important to you.
Forgive us for being anxious and worried about many things.
Help us to be loving, patient, and kind to one another.
Speak to our hearts and help us to prune and re-prioritize
our life, so we will have plenty of time to worship and rest at
your feet.
Thank you for loving us, even when we disappoint or
fail you. Forgive us for being selfish, jealous, and
envious of others. Quiet our mouths to listen more and
only speak good and positive things about others.
Purify our thoughts and motives, so we will give with
pure and thankful hearts.
We ask you to heal the sick, mend the broken hearts
and homes, comfort those who mourn, and defend
the innocent and unborn.
and homes, comfort those who mourn, and defend
the innocent and unborn.
Ignite in us a spirit of love and a desire to preach and
publish your words with power, so all will be saved
and one day be with you in heaven.
From this day forward, I am your servant. Let your light shine brightly
through me today and for all eternity.
We lift up prayers to you for Melanie, Kristi, Bootz, Fritz, Martha, Bill, Ron,
Jane, Deb, Bart, Mason, David, Shirley, Daniel, Pat, Barb, Chad, Virginia,
Carol’s family, Bob, Irene, Hannah, Gary, Vicki, Bonnie, Leo, Marti, Laura,
Roger, Diane, Denise, Merissa, Bob, Dani, Louise, Larry, Doris, Mary,
and all who are going through tests of faith. We ask for healing and
reconciliation for their families and health to their bodies. Lay your
hands of love upon them, and if it be your will, make them whole…
never the less, not our will, but thine be done.
Thank you for always hearing our prayers and daily loading us with blessings.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10
Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau
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