“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38-42 NLT
Father God,
Two women. Not two men. At a time when women were in the background. But Luke saw that to Jesus they were all important, male and female. Luke saw something worth noticing and putting in his gospel. A woman complaining she had all the work to do. (But the meal could have be rustled up later). We too sometimes have the choice – to whinge and be a martyr or to make time to wait at Your feet? To have a pity party or spend time with You. I know I don’t always make the right choice.
We can justify Martha wanting to do the best for Jesus. But He had not come to fine dine. She felt she had to do a meal. To impress Him? Jesus does not want us to impress Him. He knows us right well. Your word says, “humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (i Peter 5:6,7) Nothing about trying to prove ourselves.
It is easy to be distracted from just sitting at Your feet and listening to Your Word. And then distracted when we are! Things need to be done but not all the time. Sometimes we need to just sit at Your feet and not try to impress You. But I love Martha because she is human. I love the way You gently You put her right. Keep calling us back to Your feet when we forget where we should be. And when other things, which seem important, get in the way.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. Bring to mind those who need extra prayer help today.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services that visitors will attend. That they will be blessed and drawn to come again to meet You not just to sing about baby Jesus.
For those who have many responsibilities they cannot put down. Help them to carry them with You. Carers, parents and those employed in health care, law keeping anything to do with safety.
For our Government, King, Queen and their family.
For those in Iceland in the still dangerous areas and those evacuated.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord enable a new ceasefire and a way out of this conflict.
For Putin and Ukraine. For an end of this war.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For Christians to find that time to sit at Jesus feet and be restored, refreshed and refilled.
For ourselves. Be our strength, direction and fortitude for this new day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 2nd December 2023
I love the way this worship weaves well known words with a fresh simple melody.
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Lyrics; Chris Tomlin