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Daily Inspirational Devotionals
Martha and Me There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. (Luke 10:42) I can relate to Martha. If I were planning a party, she’d be the one I’d ask to help put up the decorations and set the table. She’d be the person I called to help me put the invitations together, to decide on a caterer, to hang the balloons and make a banner. Martha knows that everything needs to be just right. I’m the same way. I’m into details. I like to have things ready when the company shows up. When there’s work to be done, there’s no time for sitting around—that’s my motto. When Jesus showed up at Martha’s door, she did what I would have done. She started getting everything ready. She put the meat in the oven and started setting the table. She brought out the fine china and the crystal vases. She swept the floor and shook out the rugs. Everything had to be just right. Jesus was here for dinner! But her sister, Mary, had other plans. Mary didn’t share Martha’s need to please, so she sat with Jesus. He was telling stories, and Mary didn’t want to miss a word of them. She knew the house was a mess, but she also knew that Jesus wouldn’t be there long, so she forgot about the cleaning and plopped down at his feet. What nerve, Martha thought to herself. Doesn’t she know there’s work to be done? Finally, Martha had to speak up. “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me” (Luke 10:40). That’s right, Jesus, I’m thinking. Tell her that cleanliness is next to godliness. Tell her about the importance of hospitality and diligence. Teach her the merits of hard work and preparation—of giving your best to the Lord. Make her get up and help. But that’s not what Jesus did. “My dear Martha,” he said, “you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it” (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus took Mary’s side. He said that Mary was the one who had the right idea. She did nothing but listen and was praised; Martha did everything but listen and was chastised. The Lord’s priorities are not the same as ours. Jesus isn’t as concerned about our lace tablecloths and clean kitchens as we are. He’s concerned with the state of our heart. He’s more interested in the time we spend at his feet, reflecting on his words and resting in his presence.
Today’s Reading Luke 10:38-42 Reflection Are you more like Martha or Mary? What would Jesus say about the time you spend at his feet?
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The best-selling Left Behind series has captured the attention of millions of readers, and it has changed lives. It has brought millions of believers the motivation to examine their hearts. Are you ready to embrace eternity? Live each moment as if it could be your last? Your future is more important than your past. Where you are going matters more than where you have been. What you do from this day forward means much more than what you have already done. You may be affected by your past, but you are not defined by it. Not in the eyes of God. What does it mean to embrace eternity? It means grasping each breath as if it could be your last, living life moment by precious moment with your feet planted firmly on earth but your heart aimed squarely at heaven. It means learning to embrace the role of dual citizenship—living in one world while belonging to another. It is a lifestyle of living like there’s no tomorrow and then dying so that your real life can finally begin! This 365-day devotional explores the themes introduced in the Left Behind series—themes of salvation, grace, obedience, and faith. New believers as well as mature believers will find a message of faith that will inspire and motivate daily.
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