Archive for November, 2009
I read having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver over the summer. A book I now highly recommend for all women, young and old to read. I have been actually sharing my findings as I journey through the accompanying Bible Study Mrs. Weaver placed at the end of the book on my blogs. Here is the latest question I studied out and gave commentary on.
Questions for Discussion or Reflection – Day Fourteen
1) Martha wanted Jesus to tell Mary to help out in the kitchen, but instead of giving her what she wanted, Dr. Jesus made a diagnosis: “Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things.” If you had been Martha, how would Jesus’ words have made you feel?
I have been Martha, in the past and sometimes do even have relapses. However, to answer the above question directly and honestly, I would have felt at first taken aback and quite possibly a bit offended by Jesus’ comment. The reason since that this man would have been undressing my mind, with his response to my request of help, from Mary my sister. Culturally yes the women were to ready the house for guests. However, nowhere in this encounter with Jesus do we see Martha being asked to do anything by Jesus or anyone else for that matter. She made the conscious decision to busy herself. I can imagine being Martha saying to myself while being very aggravated “I wish I could sit at the Master’s feet and act as if I have no cares in the world like my sister Mary! However, I must do what duty dictates.”
Duty at times can be a blessing. It leads to the maintaining of order. However, it cannot be our excuse for not making positive changes in our lives. Mary outside of the two sisters was the most bold in this story. She went against traditions to sit herself in a room filled with men, at the feet of a man that was not her husband. In this she showed Jesus that she valued what he had to offer, his presence.
Instead of trying to show him through works begat from busyness, she [Mary] showed him in her immediate corresponding action of faith by sitting at his feet. Martha on the other hand, showed her busyness to be more important than to hear a word from Jesus.
To be continued… I welcome your comments!
The previous article can be found here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
Folks, I have a new sister-friend to tell you about! Cherese Bracey, a devout Christian, early childhood educator, entrepreneur and author  . She has just released her first children’s book, Story Time Friends which is geared to encourage children to operate in love, compassion and friendship… |
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When I was a little girl, I had dreams of one day becoming first a ballerina, then a veterinarian, a civil rights attorney, a writer/poet, and finally a history professor.
My parents helped to shape those dreams by sending me to dance classes beginning at the tender age of three. I was allowed to bring home my first pet, a stray kitten to nurse at age four. With learning how to read, and write shortly thereafter my dreams were nurtured and expanded further through the books I borrowed from the public library with my 1st library card at age five and composite books and plenty of writing utensils.
My point in all this is to say when we are young it is our parents and/or guardians’ responsibility to help positively shape our dreams; to provide us with the resources and tools to make them, obtainable through hard work, discipline and diligence.
Our heavenly father is no different. He who birthed in us our desires, our dreams, left us a manual for life, that if we were only to read it, believe it and apply what we learn from it will receive all the promises he has set aside for us. In it he tells us that we can go to him, and petition for his advice and guidance. He left us the Holy Spirit and gave us Jesus his only begotten Son as shining example. The manual but of course your might have already guessed it is the Bible.
Today, I would like for you to take a moment and think back when you were a little girl or boy to what your dreams were, are still in the process of chasing those dreams or because of life’s challenges have your abandon them for new ones? Or have you given up on dreaming all together?
If you have given up on your dreams; know this, every dream if it is good, is a gift from God and worthy of considering again. By allowing yourself to dream you are allowing yourself to believe that what wonders God has in store for you are possible through faith.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible)
I DARE YOU… To begin to DREAM AGAIN TODAY!
If you liked this feature and would like to share your own dreams, leave your comments now.
Lela Jefferson
– http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
I will pass the test of walking in love even in the midst of hurt feelings. I know that I am accepted by my Abba Father and am the righteousness of God.
If I must boldly stand apart and embark on things unknown, I know my faith in the covenant promises will be more than enough to sustain me.
I will see God’s will done through my life of bond servitude and my inheritance. Know this…I regret nothing, nor do I desire to go back through doors that have been clearly shut.
Lela Jefferson
- http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
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