Charlyne Cares Daily Devotional - Helping Stop Divorce God's Way

Who Are You Like?

"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 only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

Who are you like? Are you a Mary or a Martha? This is a simple story about Jesus, Mary and Martha. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were very close friends to Jesus. Yet, Jesus revealed a very powerful truth to Martha. Mary made a decision when Jesus arrived to put aside everything else and drink in each moment that she had to listen and learn what the Lord was saying and teaching. But Martha was so distracted by all the work that needed to be done, that she could not find time to listen to the Lord. Can you relate?

Are you having trouble finding time to sit at your Lord's feet spending time with the Lord daily? Martha was so overwhelmed by all the work that was to be completed that she even went to Jesus and asked Him to tell Mary to help her finish all the tasks. What did you expect Jesus to say? Was He sympathetic? Why did Jesus not have a couple of people help her to get everything done more quickly? What happened?

Jesus actually scolded her, possibly in front of others, telling Martha that Mary had chosen what was actually better. What had Mary chosen? She had decided she wanted to spend time with her Lord. The most important thing you can do each day is to have quiet time with your Lord. Yes, I know you are busy with many commitments and many days you have a hectic schedule. You may be working two jobs so that you cannot seem to find time to have daily quiet time with the Lord.

You even may be actively involved in your church or busy doing the work of the Lord, attending and performing good deeds that you may rationalize your not needing spiritual communion with your Savior and Lord daily. I pray that this story will touch your heart and you repent to the Lord for being so busy that you cannot find time to read your Bible daily or spend time praying with the Lord asking for His divine guidance and help for your daily commitments. I pray that you will ask the Lord to help you learn to set priorities and learn to give the Lord all your worries. Jesus was telling Martha to stop worrying and to listen and enjoy her guest as He had much to teach her.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Who are you like Mary or Martha? Are you overwhelmed by all the circumstances in your life and marriage that you do not have time to seek the Lord for His divine wisdom and intervention in helping solve your problems? If you are a single parent right now, you are very busy with a huge responsibility. That is why you need to wake up a little earlier and start talking to the Lord immediately for His blessings on you, your children and for the whole day. When you get dressed for work, you also need to get dressed to be in the Lord's Army. Always remember to put on the Armor of God daily.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-11,13

Jesus saw Martha "worried and upset about many things, but only one thing was needed." Time with her Lord. Are you overwhelmed by your circumstances? Stop and spend time with your Lord. He will help solve all your problems. He has all the answers you need. May you learn to walk in faith knowing that you can trust your Lord to be your Provider, Defender and Deliverer as He answers your prayers. Every day cast all your problems and fears at the feet of your Lord. If you will give them to Him, you will find a peace that is beyond understanding.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

You have a choice every day if you are going to make time to read God's Word, read a devotional and pray. The Lord is waiting for you to put Him first. Will you?

God bless,
Charlyne Steinkamp
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061 USA
http://rejoiceministries.org  (Ministry web site)
http://rejoiceministries.org/r.php?num=tizwl  (Bookstore)
http://rejoiceministries.org/r.php?num=1qrwh  (24/7 Radio)

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Devotional Copyright© 2010 Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.

Scripture quoted by permission and are from the Holy Bible; New International Version® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.