The Presence: 21 Day Devotional: Day 1
DAY #1
Key Verse:
But few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 (NIV)
Extended Text:
Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Reflection:
Were the service files loaded? Are all of our children’s ministry volunteers going to show up? What will we do if the streaming goes down during the service… again? Sundays are meant to be a time of gathering together in celebration and exhortation for the body of believers, but for many pastors from the moment their eyes open Sunday morning they are “worried and upset about many things.” We understand Martha, we are Martha.
It was Martha’s responsibility to host the guests in her home. Martha was doing good work, the right work. It wasn’t the work that was wrong, it was how she carried it. Jesus did not say, “you are doing many things”, He said “you are worried and upset about many things”. It was taking up too much head space. It was becoming too important - taking priority over Jesus Himself.
As we prepare our hearts to get away and be with one another - there will be many opportunities to leave the tasks behind while still carrying the tension of the work with us. (More time away = Less time to get things done.) It is understandable, but it is not the way of Jesus for it to consume us. Breathe and refocus your heart on the better thing today as you get to work. His load is light.
3 Questions To Consider:
- Where does your mind wander when you are between tasks? Is it in recognition of the Lord in your life or to problems and productivity?
- Which tasks or circumstances are taking up too much of your headspace, causing your emotions to build up? Have you brought them to the Lord?
- When a problem arises, do you jump into action or seek the Lord in prayer for the solution? Have you shielded the Lord from moving in your life by taking on the responsibility (aka control) yourself?
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10 Comments
Yes, often I am guilty of this , help me Holy Spirit.
Thank you for these devotionals and reflections! So much appreciated. ??
Guilty. Thanks for the reminder to 'chill'.
Good reminders to take a deep breath. Trust in Jesus to carry our worries
Great reminder to slow down and worry less.
Great word! Thank you!
It’s good to be in the company of friends. And that we are never alone in the moment.
nGood word!
It is interesting to battle the necessity of being present amidst programming. It’s not just the technical things that seem to randomly go awry, it’s also people that feel the need to critique, complain or share their concern literally moments before worship begins. I’ve committed to being with people AND with God on Sunday mornings. Not in an office or green room. Not on my phone. Not in the media booth. Instead, in the parking lot, in the foyer and walking slowly through the auditorium, as folks are settling in their favorite seats. It’s hard to weekly be both Martha & Mary!
Yep! My hand’s up. It’s not how much I’m doing but how I carry it. Thank you!