My mother said the other afternoon as we were trying to schedule an appointment. It is true for us we are busy most evenings. When we are not we often find something to insert into our night off from the routine and then once again it is busy.
Is your life like that?
I spoke Sunday using the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 as the basis for the message. As I was thinking one of the mornings this week that story came to mind again particularly the words “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” and Jesus’ words “you are worried and upset about many things.” As I sat and thought about that I was convicted that was me.
I think our schedules and busy lives lead to the many things that clog my mind and spirit. Not bad things or terrible things but good things. Family, children, taxes, bills, care of parents, financial future, job and college, all necessary aspects of life today but so many things to keep up with and understand. What would you put on your list of “many things?”
Martha had her many things. She was preparing a meal for God right in her own home. Let me suggest that was expected but that was also her gift to give to the Lord. But as is so often the case, the purpose was high jacked and instead of serving Jesus it came to serve Martha. The shift is so subtle and subversive. It happens without us even knowing until we find ourselves frustrated and upset and ready to quit. A high jacking has occurred and we are the last to know.
Jesus knows and understands us and our predicament. He calls Martha to the important not just the immediate with compassion and understanding. He knows we are busy and overwhelmed and just like Martha has calls us to himself to the important. Of all of the many things what is important? I told my Mother the reason they are in Rincon is so that we could help care for them as they needed. They are more important than our schedule. She was glad to hear that.
What if you told Jesus the same?
I will too!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Worthless worry
Uncertainty seems to be the buzz word for most if not all of the folks I come in contact with daily. A new year brings with the hope of new opportunity but also the uncertainty of the challenges that are yet ahead. Uncertainty of the future and the consequences of the past hang like a thundercloud over our plans and dreams.
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12: 22-23; 25 NIV 1984
Max Lucado writes In the Grip of Grace:
We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the FBI….We worry that we won’t have enough money, and when we have money we worry that we won’t manage it well. We worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog [cat] thinks if he sees us stepping out of the shower. We worry that someday we’ll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening.
Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would he teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would he be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? Come on. Is scripture teasing us when it reads, “He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go?” (Ps.91:11)
I don’t think so either.
Paul writes in Romans 8:15-17 The Message:
15-17This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!
Why worry? It is worthless!
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12: 22-23; 25 NIV 1984
Max Lucado writes In the Grip of Grace:
We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the FBI….We worry that we won’t have enough money, and when we have money we worry that we won’t manage it well. We worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog [cat] thinks if he sees us stepping out of the shower. We worry that someday we’ll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening.
Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would he teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would he be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? Come on. Is scripture teasing us when it reads, “He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go?” (Ps.91:11)
I don’t think so either.
Paul writes in Romans 8:15-17 The Message:
15-17This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!
Why worry? It is worthless!
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