Choose what is better

Every new week, every new day and even sometimes every new minute we have a choice to make…to chose what is better. We have the opportunity to chose the better way to react to stress or adversity. We have the opportunity to chose the better way to speak when tempted with harsh words. We have the opportunity to chose the better way to think by not allowing our mind to take us to dark placese of anger, jealous, guilt.

We also have the awesome opportunity to chose what is better in how we live out our faith and live out our relationship with Jesus.

In the Bible you might be familiar with the sweet sisters Mary and Martha. Both of these women loved the Lord…no doubt. Both enjoyed serving Him…no doubt. But only one of them chose what is better…Mary.

Take a peek into the house of Mary and Martha as Jesus and His disciples gathered to worship and hear teaching.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  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 10:40-42 NIV)

You may or may not have read a ton of devotions or heard many sermons on the story of Mary and Martha. But, before we start to dog on Martha and chide her for not choosing what is better, let us remember that there is a time and place (very important!) to physically serve Jesus. When we make the choice to love others by serving them, we are in fact, worshiping the very King of the Universe. Martha has a servants heart. But, sometimes that servants heart needs to put down the pots and pans, throw in the towel and just chose what is better…sitting at the feet of Jesus.

My encouragement to you for today is to…

Choose to put your smart phone on silent, get in a quiet frame of mind and talk to your Lord in prayer.

Choose to set aside your to-do list, or better yet-hand that to-do list over to Him and open your Bible to take part in God’s holy Word.

Choose to spend your drive time today with worship music as you hand over your personal agenda and release your life to the One who is more than capable of handling your stress.

Choose what is better

May we choose what is better and cling to the promise given in the book of Luke which says that our “what is better” will not be taken away from us. Straight from the words of Jesus, God promises that if we choose Him over all else, His divine, peace-filled presence will be with us.

How will you chose what is better today?

Leave a comment…let’s chat!

 

THE LIST

The List

I’m super excited for this week’s LIVE IT OUT! List. You may or may not know that I’m working on my second book. Not quite ready to reveal the title but I wanted to pick your brain this week, if you don’t mind!

The chapter in this book that I’m currently working on is all about living Kingdom Minded. While this is a broad, complicated concept, it is ever so exciting. When we live with God’s Kingdom in the forfront of our mind, we take part in something so much bigger than ourselves. I think there is a desire in this generation to be part of something grand.

Here is a bit of a sneak peek at the chapter I’m working on to give you more of my excitement on the concept of living Kingdom Minded:

One day we will experience, actually touch and feel, God’s presence in heaven. Until then, we must not miss out on living in His Kingdom –– a Kingdom that is real! Even though we don’t see it, Jesus blesses those who have faith anyway. (John 20:29) This takes a heart set to RISE UP! and consider what is eternal verses things of this earth that will pass away. It is because things of this earth are so flimsy compared to eternal things that we must not hesitate to RISE UP! A fresh perspective will give us the jolt of endurance to go about our day with out worrying over the petty or fleeting. But instead, we will focus on living as an example to our friends and encourage them that this earth is not the end. This earth will pass away. We all have a choice to make in how we spend our emotional and physical energy each day. If we spend it on heavenly pursuits, our King is lifted high in our life. If we spend it on earthly pursuits, we will find ourselves running in circles.

So for today’s list, I would love to know your thoughts on the concept of God’s Kingdom. What words or thoughts come to mind? I might just quote you in my book!
Here’s my list:
~Kingdom: things that last…eternal
~Kingdom: never shaken…we can stand firm on it!
~Kingdom: God’s greater plan…I get to be a part of it! (YOU do too!)
~Kingdom: seek first (as in Matthew 6:33)
Your turn…leave a comment!