Flowers

Anxious for Nothing or for Everything?

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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God Philippians 4:6

Am I anxious about tomorrow’s decision or resting in whatever comes? A
India and Nepal 109 - Copym I worried about fixing things in the house (Like the furnace that failed before Christmas), or am I trusting that God knows everything we need? Am I happy with my small ministry in the church or am I constantly pushing for a more prominent position? These are where mental battle lines are drawn each week for many of us. Interestingly, Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison cell where he also observed that whether he lived or died he was content in Christ.

One famous ballet dancer shared in a New York Times magazine interview, that he never felt more empty than when he had finished a perfect performance and heard the sound of applause filling the air.. Recently, one man was arrested with 21 million dollars in cash under his mattress, and another sits in jail to conceal the knowledge of a treasure ship filled with gold. They have each traded their health, their freedom and their years for one moment of riches. In contrast, I will always remember a village at the center of a tea plantation in north India. I sat on the ground with small children who happily ate their rice, dahl and chicken with curry. There were no tears, complaining or pushing and shoving to be seen that afternoon. Gentle shy smiles peeked up at me as my own tears flowed down my face.

Where is that kind of peace and contentment here in America or in my own life today? We seem to complain deeply over the loss of small things and fight bitterly for control of passing power,position or possessions. But when we pray and release everything to God, the greatest treasure sits waiting to be discovered! What could be of more value than His peace?

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.! Philippians 4:7

 

 

 

 

Mary Listened at His Feet

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 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching Luke 10:38-39

Usually when we hear about this story there is a contrast given be
tween these two sisters. Lost in the comparison however is the learning process and growth of Mary. The Mary of John twelve who washed his feet with the perfume from the alabaster jar is a Mary who has gone through the doubts, confusion and struggles that all of us face. Let’s pause just a moment today to see the day it all began. kimg1348

The morning Jesus came to Bethany the family of Lazarus, Martha and Mary welcomed him into their home. While the films usually depict Mary as a young beautiful woman there is nothing in scripture to support that. In fact, since there is no husband mentioned for either Martha or Mary it is just as likely that they were two middle-aged widows. What the Bible does tell us is that Mary was eager to hear everything that Jesus had to say. She was so eager in fact that she left her kitchen duties, silently bearing the criticism of her sister to sit at the Master’s feet.

Jesus defended Mary by saying, “Mary has chosen that good part” NKJV though it seems unlikely that this was some sort of reasoned decision. But what we do know is that the words of Jesus had an irresistible power and life which began a miraculous work in Mary’s heart that day. She just knew that she needed to understand his message more than anything else that day. No matter where any of us are in our lives Jesus is still speaking today. Whether we are old or young, if we are just beginning our journey with Jesus or if we have walked with Him a while He still comes into any home that welcomes him.What we do when Jesus comes?  He’s on the road to your village today!