There are those special moments for a minister when you recognize that God is speaking through you beyond just exhorting the things you simply know from His Word. And last Sunday morning was one of those times which seemed as though I sat down with the rest of the congregation and listened attentively to what He had to say. Don't get me wrong, I was well aware that I was ministering in body; yet the revelation that preceded from me marked without question that He was doing the speaking and not this preacher. Today's devotional will delve into some of the things which He spoke to us on that Sunday morning that I hope will touch your life. Let's look over in the Gospel of Luke and begin our study from the text that God chose on that blessed day which He used to impact our hearts here at Potter's Wheel Ministries.

 

Luke 10:38-39 (KJV)
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 

Our passage points to a mounting problem that has evolved beyond anyone's imagination. That is, we have become extremely busy with everything in life, at the expense of neglecting our intimacy with God. You can be just as void of this closeness while diligently serving in His house for many years. Our story begins with a woman named Martha, who excitedly received Jesus into her home. Who wouldn't be excited to have the Son of God over for dinner? And Martha was no different then many of us would have been with such a guest of honor. We would have been cleaning house, preparing a nine course meal fit for a king, and busy, busy, busy. Why? To impress of course! Isn't that why we all work so hard in our personal endeavors; which is to impress someone if not ourselves? For most, our identity is found within what we can do to dazzle those who are watching.

 

Yet getting back to our story, as we read on we find that Martha had a sister who was called Mary and all she would do is just sit at the feet of the guest of honor, and listen to His every Word. I know a great many people that are always working up a sweat to bring about what they are hoping for, only to never see it come. And I would not be honest if I didn't add here, that I myself have been guilty of working up a few sweaty moments of my own trying to get things to work for me. With this thought in mind let's read another passage that the Holy Spirit directed me to that morning in church.

 

Matthew 6:25-26 (KJV)
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 

The Bible instructs us that we are not to worry, but cast our cares on Him who loves us. Again, we are told in Scripture that He is a God that supplies all our needs. We are told that He will never leave us or forsake us. Our passage in Matthew, shows us something that is a divine principle with God. We should never worry over the necessities of life. Why? Because He promised to take care of us. Is God like man that He should lie? According to the Word of God, He can only tell the truth. Therefore, if the birds of the air never prepare or store up for themselves, and yet, God feeds them. How much more valuable to God are we, than the birds of the air? Will He not take care of us too? Therefore, we can see why as believers we should never worry even when times seem difficult. Our faith should rest on the promises of God without changing our position. Let's go back to Luke and read some more from that story that we started with today.

 

Luke 10:40-42 (KJV)
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 

 

Have you ever noticed how busy people seem to project themselves as being more superior than the common folks who would rather pursue the better and richer things of life? There just seems to be an epidemic of serving religiously within this life that has everyone sweaty and exhausted. But they don't seem to care that their human efforts are causing them to stink; just as long as they are doing something great for others to see outwardly, that is all that matters! That is what people are impressed with, therefore, that is why we work so hard to obtain, succeed, conquer, and become the best at what we do! Even if it has to do with God, we approach Him in the same busy way. No wonder Martha was upset at her sister.

 

Martha was impressing to serve, while Mary was impressed with the Son of God. Martha placed her importance above her guest; while Mary elevated Christ as God that she hung on every Word. Again, Martha was upset that her efforts were not recognized as being all that valuable, while her sister Mary seemed to have the ear of Jesus. Finally Martha had had enough! Jesus, would you please tell my sister to come help me in the kitchen with the dinner? But what did Jesus answer her with? Martha, Martha! You are so busy and worried over things. It is true that dinner, a clean house, and the other physical efforts that you have involved yourself in have some value indeed. But, Mary has sought something that is much more needed in all this busy world of merchandising. As a matter of fact, Mary has chosen the best part of life, and she in no wise will lose what she has deemed important to her in Me.

 

I am positive that Mary was not sweating over anything at all, because she was laden at the feet of the Master of all Provision. The God of more than enough. The all supplying God of the universe had access to Mary's heart. While Martha her sister was encumbered with so much business that she heard not a Word that graced her own house. There was just too much clanging of the pots and pans to have heard the precious Words of the Savior, whom was just across the room. Sadly, it is just like that in many believers lives. So near to Him, yet, so unable to hear above the noise of busy living. I find another remarkable Scripture over in Ezekiel 44:18. It says, that a priest is not to wear anything other than loose linen cloths in His presence. Because to do so would cause a person to break out in a sweat. This seems to imply that we should not have to work hard in the presence of our Father, because all things are given to us of our Lord. Before we close let us look at one more passage found over in the Gospel of Luke.

 

Luke 15:13-14 (KJV)
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 

 

Luke 15:21-24 (KJV)
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 

My dear friends in Christ. Our Father has such a forgiving and merciful heart towards His kids. That even if we have squandered and wasted a great many things in this life. The God who loves us and who never runs short of provision is always ready to throw a party on our behalf and restore us to a place of heirship to His kingdom. God has our interest in mind and desires for us to put our whole trust in Him. That is why you and I can trust Him and should trust Him. There is no sweat trusting God! Therefore, sit at His feet and wonder at His marvelous generosity and love. It is without ending! Praise the Lord!