Week 11, March 19, 2009
I love this quote from Andrew Murray’s book Waiting on God:
“All that the Church and its members need for the manifestation of the mighty power of God in the world is the return to our true place, the place that belongs to us, both in creation and redemption, the place of absolute and unceasing dependency upon God” (pg. 11).
As we examine this quote, the words of Jesus in Luke 10:38-42 come to mind. This is where we find Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary. Most of know that Martha was busy serving the King while Mary was busy listening to the King, much to the frustration of her sister. Watch what Jesus says to Martha’s request to get Mary moving: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." NKJV
Notice Jesus’ statement: “But one thing is needed.” Mary chose what was most important. I don’t believe Jesus was saying to not serve Him when He responded to Martha. But I do believe He was addressing a familiar pattern that most of the Church has taken on today: love-less, fear driven works.
It is so easy to be distracted with the work of the Kingdom that we forget the “one thing” that Jesus desires: Sit and listen. There is a time to serve and a time to sit – “Mary has chosen that good part.” Both parts, serving and listening are necessary. But when serving leads to frustration and jealousy, a heart check is in order and a return to that place of absolute and unceasing dependency upon God is due.
Stop this week and make sure your heart is set on the things above. Make the move to that place of sitting at His feet and listening, the place of unceasing dependency upon God for all things – large and small, so then you can move into the service that produces eternal fruit.
Blessings,
Jeph Chavez
“All that the Church and its members need for the manifestation of the mighty power of God in the world is the return to our true place, the place that belongs to us, both in creation and redemption, the place of absolute and unceasing dependency upon God” (pg. 11).
As we examine this quote, the words of Jesus in Luke 10:38-42 come to mind. This is where we find Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary. Most of know that Martha was busy serving the King while Mary was busy listening to the King, much to the frustration of her sister. Watch what Jesus says to Martha’s request to get Mary moving: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." NKJV
Notice Jesus’ statement: “But one thing is needed.” Mary chose what was most important. I don’t believe Jesus was saying to not serve Him when He responded to Martha. But I do believe He was addressing a familiar pattern that most of the Church has taken on today: love-less, fear driven works.
It is so easy to be distracted with the work of the Kingdom that we forget the “one thing” that Jesus desires: Sit and listen. There is a time to serve and a time to sit – “Mary has chosen that good part.” Both parts, serving and listening are necessary. But when serving leads to frustration and jealousy, a heart check is in order and a return to that place of absolute and unceasing dependency upon God is due.
Stop this week and make sure your heart is set on the things above. Make the move to that place of sitting at His feet and listening, the place of unceasing dependency upon God for all things – large and small, so then you can move into the service that produces eternal fruit.
Blessings,
Jeph Chavez
I have grumbled, worried, and complained to whom ever would listen about my financial troubles for years. All my whinning wasn't bringing in any more money for me or making my worrying go away. I had to verbally change what I was saying to myself in my head first and then to others. I stopped the complainning. I gave God credit for every successful job I did in my business and with every check I gave of my tythe with out grumbling. I so desparately had some needs for my home, business, and kids, yet I knew there were just enough for some bills comming out in a couple days. I had to get the items we needed and I did and I didn't say anything to anyone, but I prayed in faith that God would meet my expenses as the money wasn't there. Today, I thanked God for meeting all my needs, big and small. And when I checked my bank account there was our the tax money we had been waiting for. It came on time! All of our bills got paid and all of our needs have been met. And I have stopped complainning and started praising!!! I'm glad miracles do happen, lol!
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