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ACTS: A Way to Live


Wednesday, March 23

ACTS: A Way to Live

The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022


Read Luke 10:38-41


Focus Verse—Luke 10:41

“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.”


ACTion for Reflection: One Thing


Martha, Martha--oh how I can identify with you...


Last Sunday night, it was my turn to host Community Group. I always get a little unnerved whenever I hold adult functions at my house, simply because my special talents do not lay within the borders of the kitchen. (After carefully putting ingredients together, I'm never real sure how things are going to taste in the end!)


So... a few days prior to hosting my CG, I started my to-do list, as well as the fretful questions that went with it: "What's for dinner?" "What dessert should I make?" "What fresh-springy-centerpieces should I put on both tables?" "What do I need to clean?" Etc.


Long story short, some unexpected things came up throughout the weekend that had to take priority over my planning and preparing; my list got pushed aside and I had to adjust. As a result, I ended up ordering bar-b-que and serving the meal on paper plates. And guess what? We still had a WONDERFUL time of FELLOWSHIP with our long time friends. They did not put the pressure on me to elaborately serve; that was all me! I was concerned about "so many things!"


This was a good and timely lesson for me. It doesn't mean that pretty preparations for dinner guests are out of the question from now on. The Lord was just reminding me through this circumstance to keep "the main thing, the main thing"...which was sitting with a group of believers, opening his word, and praying for each other.


Is there something that is higher on your list than it should be? Does it keep you spinning in a fretful way? Would you be willing to lay it down?



ACTion to Live Out: Be present. Slow down. Serve.

Today you may need to just sit down like Mary. Stop the spin; quietly sit at the feet of Jesus and allow him to speak kind words of truth to you. He wants to fill your heart first, so that your hands and feet are moving in the rhythm of his love.

From this place of rest...An idea of service can be to host (or plan) a gathering at your house where you do not worry about the preparations and you sit down with your guests instead of being in the kitchen. Keep it simple. For example, you can use paper plates, have minimal food, plan for take-out, pick-up around the house before they come, but don’t do the baseboards, etc. Sit and listen to your guests. Be Mary, not Martha.


Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.




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