So Often... I'm Like Martha

Below is a devotion by F.B. Meyer (1847 – 1929). I have always enjoyed his devotions but this one was special to me because I've often felt like Martha (not saying I am as practical as she was but I've been known to be like her in my faith). Martha's sister, Mary, seem to easily believe and follow Christ. It's not that I have doubts of my salvation, but, like Martha, I struggle with my daily Christian walk. I often forget to pray as I ought... I often forget to do my Bible study as I ought and I often look at other Christians and think they are lazy in their studies (Remember when Martha went to Jesus to reprimand Mary who wasn't helping her prepare the meal - Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet just absorbing His truths). I think we often forget (caught up in everyday living, working and worrying) and neglect sitting at Jesus' feet (being fed by Him through His Word). At least, I find myself in that awful position...

Father, forgive me for getting caught up in life's problems and doing Christian "work" and leaving the most important aspect of my Christian walk out. I'm so sorry I've neglected You these past few days. I know you want only the best for me... but like a child, I often think and act like I know what's best for me. Help me become your little lamb... to follow you... to lean on you... to trust you... to allow your word to teach me... to sit and be quiet before your throne of grace. Amen...

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LOVE'S CONFIDENCE!

"His sisters sent unto Him saying, Lord, behold he whom Thou lovest is sick."-- Joh_11:3.

THE LAPSE of years made it possible for the Apostle to draw aside the veil which curtained the happy friendship and fellowship of Christ in the home at Bethany. It was the one green oasis in the rugged wilderness through which He passed to the Cross!
There were diversities in that home, Martha, practical, energetic, and thoughtful for all that could affect the comfort of those she loved and served; Mary, gifted with spiritual insight and tender sympathy; Lazarus, probably a man of few words, quiet and unobtrusive, but Jesus loved each one (Joh_11:5).

The sisters never doubted that Christ would speed at all hazards to save Lazarus after the breathless messenger had brought the tidings of his sickness. Anything less than infinite Love would have rushed instantly to the relief of those troubled hearts; Divine Love alone could hold back the impetuosity of the Saviour's tender heart until the Angel of Pain had finished her work. He wanted to teach His disciples never-to-be-forgotten lessons, and also He was eager for the spiritual growth of the faith of the sisters.

This chapter might be more truly known as "The Raising of Martha," for our Lord enabled her, matter-of-fact and practical as she was, to realize that He was the Resurrection and the Life. He insisted that her faith was an essential condition in the raising of her brother to life. The emphasis is on the word "thou" (Joh_11:40). Our Lord always needs the co-operating faith of some true heart to be with Him when He works a miracle, and He chose the least likely of the two sisters to supply the pivot on which He could rest the lever of His Divine help. As she withdrew her objection to the removal of the stone, her faith suddenly became capable of claiming the greatest of Christ's miracles.

He calls to us also to help our brethren. In many cases those who have received life from Christ are still bound about with grave-clothes, old habits and evil associations cling to them and impede their progress, and He bids us "Loose him and let him go." He asks for our co-operation in the emancipation of those who have been held fast in the power of the Evil One.

PRAYERO God, we rejoice that we can turn to Thee in the midst of great anxiety, and commit all our troubles to Thy sure help. As Thou art with us in the sunlight, be Thou with us in the cloud. Sustain us by Thy near presence and let the comforts which are in Jesus Christ fill our hearts with peace. AMEN.
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What's Really Important?

Several years ago I was unhappy with my home (because it's an underground home with not much light inside - although we did add skylights). I began to complain to my husband and to God about it.

Then I saw this documentary about a couple from North Korea who lived in a village where most everyone was starving and they decided to take a dangerous trek into China to live and work। They felt it was their only hope for the survival for themselves and their three children.

At any rate, they did make the trip and the husband eked out a home for them in the side of a mountain where there was a small cave ( they lived in this cave for almost three years)। I won't go into all the troubles they went through ...only to say they suffered a great deal before they were found and sent back to North Korea where they were sent to prison. They are out of prison now and reunited with most of their children.

Anyway, the reason I'm telling this is because after I saw the documentary I became so ashamed of my attitude and I asked God to forgive me। Now, whenever I even think of grumbling about my home God brings the memory of this family and I thank Him for my blessings. I look about my home and tell myself that at least I don't have to live in a "real cave" and see my family suffer. We are rich beyond imagining with a safe and nice home - plenty of food and other wonderful amenities. Most of all, we are Christians and will one day be in heaven where our "real" riches are stored.

So, what is really important?

Here's what God says:
"Be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"-- Heb_13:5.

Below is a commentary on the above verse by F।B. Meyer ( (April 8, 1847 – March 28, 1929) who was a Baptist pastor and evangelist in England.

SUCH THINGS as ye have, plus! The Greek literally means that there is within us an undeveloped power only awaiting the call, and there will be enough। I may be speaking to people who wish that they had more money, or more brains, or more influence. They dream of the lives they would live, of the deeds they would do, if only they were better circumstanced. But God says No! You have present within the narrow confines of your own reach the qualities that the world is wanting. Use them, and be content with the things that you have. You have never explored the resources of your own soul.

"Such things as ye have"--Moses had only a rod, but a rod with God can open the Red Sea। David had only five pebbles, but these with God brought down Goliath. The woman had only a little pot of oil, but that pot of oil with God paid all her debts. The poor widow was scraping the bottom of the barrel, but with God the handful of meal kept her child, herself, and the prophet until the rain came. The boy had only five tiny loaves and two small fish, but with Jesus they were enough for five thousand men, beside women and children. Estimate what you have got, and then count God into the bargain! He never lets go your hand. He will never leave nor forsake those that trust in Him!

Therefore be content! The most glorious deeds that have blessed and enriched the world have not been done by wealthy men। Our Lord had none of this world's goods; the apostles had neither silver nor gold; Carey was only a poor cobbler; Bunyan a traveling tinker; Wesley left two silver spoons. It is not money, but human love and God that is needed. Therefore do not be covetous; do not hoard, but give! Be strong and content. With good courage say: "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear"--for life or death, for sorrow or joy!

The soul that to Jesus has fled for repose,
He cannot, He will not, desert to its foes।
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to take,
He'll never, no never, no never forsake! AMEN