Monday, April 19, 2021

Mary vs. Martha Balance



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Unit 1 - Why Study the Bible?

 

“Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village called Bethany, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching. 

 

“But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone?  Tell her to help me and do her part.’ 

 

“But the Lord replied to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part that which is to her advantage, which will not be taken away from her.’ Luke 10:38-42

 

‘Putting feet to prayers.’

‘Where the rubber meets the road.’

 

I learned those two concepts while discipling in the Navigators.  You see, I was convinced that my walk was about studying God’s Word and studying it more.  However, the Navigators challenged me to consider the importance of balance between studying God’s Word and being prepared and obedient to minister and share what I was learning, with others so they would ‘search the Scriptures for themselves’ as Acts 17:11 had inspired me. 

 

Sometimes, we are in a season of deep and immersive study.  God’s Word compels us to dig in.  And there is nothing more important in our walk with the Lord than knowing the Word so we can share it wisely.  The challenge of balance is putting our knowledge into action.  But study would, of course, come first to build our ‘understanding muscles’ before we try to explain things to others. 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Goggle Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Marci – a childhood friend has come through her back surgery and is recovering.  Please pray for her patience and those who care for her.

·      Voddie Bauchamis recovering from quadruple by-pass surgery.  Pray for him, his wife and family, his health care providers and others attending him.  Click on the link in his name to find out more.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he works through a difficult challenge.

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer that has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school for curiosity under change, as the vision of her organisation changes with new leadership.  Help her identify the balance of her unique contribution with the new focus.  Pray the Lord maintains her health as she walks through this time of stress.

·      Peter R – who has just had an appendectomy and discovered he has prostate cancer.  Pray for Jill, his wife that she has the extra strength she needs to travel this journey with him.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps and his heart.

·      Dr. Brent and Kelley – that the Lord will use the current situation and ‘the letter’ for His glory and that some good will come from it.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She had her CAT scan.  No results yet.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Gloria – had an infection in one of her legs that required a part to be amputated.  The amputation was not enough.  The doctors took more.  Now she needs your prayers that the Lord would provide the funds for a prosthetic.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly, pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Alive Weekend – the church youth will be away this week.  Pray they will grow in their understanding of God’s love and plan for them.

·      Ian – as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 83) who is unwell herself, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) – the Philippines is a remarkably difficult mission field and Isaias, Judith and their entire family have maintained a teaching and discipling ministry there for dozens of years.  They are both facing serious health issues and need your fervent prayers, especially Judith right now, who is in much pain.  Please visit their new website:  https://afcph.org/ to learn more.  Pray our Father keep these servants strong and restores their health.  They need funds ($12,000 for the surgery) badly now.  Or take a moment to send encouragement to Isaias Catorce, who teaches and leads the groups at icatorce@gmail.com

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

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