That Good Part
September 8, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Dreamstime |
Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus of the Bible, always did the right thing, especially compared to her sister, who was well known for having “lived a sinful life” (Luke 7:37). All her life, Martha had done what was right and good and proper.
The story in Luke 10:38-42 tells of the time that Martha invited Jesus to her house. Martha had lived a life that she felt would have made Jesus proud and this was her moment for positive recognition. But, while her sinful sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to hear Him talk, Martha was left to serve Jesus and do other household duties alone.
Feeling perhaps a bit resentful—after all, she deserved to be recognized by Jesus—Martha approaches Jesus and asks Him if He doesn’t care that she has to do all the work alone, she asks Jesus to make Mary help her.
Because Martha had chosen to worry about her earthly responsibilities, she was missing out on all the great things Jesus was teaching. By earthly standards, Mary was in the wrong for not doing what she was supposed to be doing: serving the guest in her home. But, by Jesus’ standards, she was doing exactly what she needed to do: seeking a relationship with Him. Martha was fulfilling her earthly role, but that’s not what Jesus was asking of her. The dishes would be there tomorrow, but Jesus wouldn’t.
One Thing is Needed
So, when Martha complained to Jesus about Mary’s choice to not help her, He taught her that the most important thing was what Mary was doing: listening to Him. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41,42).
Without a relationship with Jesus, all that we do is worthless. All the good we do will be taken away by our sinful nature, but nothing beyond our control can steal our relationship with Christ. Jesus requires abandonment of all things of this world, including our sins and our worries, and He wants us to just sit at His feet and listen.
I remember my senior year of high school when I acted like Martha nearly every day. I worked so hard to get closer to Jesus, did all the things that I thought He wanted me to do, and received no blessing. And yet, some boys in my class, which I knew for a fact didn’t always do the right thing, sat at Jesus’ feet learning while I did all the work that was needed. It wasn’t fair. They were openly sinful, and Jesus openly accepted themat His feet while I sought His approval in the kitchen.
When I complained to Jesus, He told me what He told Martha. “Raquel, Raquel, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and they have chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from them.”
Respond to this article 
View Reader Comments______________________________
By Raquel Levy. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3591
Flashing Lights
September 5, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Patrick St-Arnaud |
Farther down the road, I realized what was going on: I was being warned! There were two policemen monitoring traffic and making sure we were all driving at the appropriate speed limit.
Light of the World
As I continued my drive, this whole scenario made me think of the importance and value of communication, of sharing a message to the world we are a part of. The Bible is clear to say that we are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We have the responsibility of “flashing our lights”, if you will, of sending out a message that will help the world wake up to the reality that we are facing not only as Christians, but as human beings in the time line of Earth's history. And if you stop and think about it for a minute, we're not just sending out a warning, such as the warning I received on Springs Oaks Road. We are sending out a loving message that says: “There is hope for humanity, and it can be found in Jesus Christ!”
One more thing stands out from Matthew 5:14. It doesn't say “we are (a) light to the world.” In the New International as well as the King James and New Living Translation versions that I have, it clearly says “you are TH light of the world.” This teaches me that the world is full of “flashing lights”, messages that convey good and bad things, but we are asked by God to be THE definitive message bearers of this day, bringing hope to a world that is increasingly hopeless. With the amazing opportunity that God has given us to share His loving truths, we can make a difference in the world around us by flashing THE light that we ourselves once received.
Matthew 5:16 says it best: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Respond to this article View Reader Comments______________________________
By Sebastian Zaldibar. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=1221
The Bride is Coming!
September 1, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo:Allison Bond |
Rehearsal went perfectly, but when faced with the church filled to overflowing with expectant guests, Tommy lost his voice. His bell worked, though, and the ringing announced the beautiful bride.
Her face was radiant and the groom could barely contain his joy at seeing her walking toward him, knowing that in a short time she would be his wife. They’d waited a long time for this moment.
Weddings are organized to revolve around the bride’s appearance. The wedding party marches in ahead of her and turns expectantly toward the back door. As she walks down the aisle, those in attendance turn as she passes. Her father presents her to the groom and they proceed toward the altar. All eyes follow them.
The phrase, “The bride is coming,” brings tears to my eyes and not just because Tommy was supposed to say them and my sweet friend Becki was the bride. I’m touched because those words have a special significance to followers of Jesus.
Bridegroom in Heaven
There’s a Bridegroom in Heaven waiting to announce "the bride is coming." Jesus is waiting for just the right time to meet his chosen people, his bride, and spend eternity with her. Talk about anticipation. He’s been planning for this event for thousands of years. He’s been waiting for his bride to adorn herself in fine linens. Sometimes, like the 10 virgins in the parable, we get drowsy and stop getting ready but our Bridegroom is patient to a point.
How can we feel insignificant when we realize there’s a wedding feast being prepared and a Bridegroom waiting for us. Even though Shawn and Becki’s wedding was fantastic, it’s nothing compared to when Jesus meets his bride. Can you imagine hearing shouts of heavenly beings announcing, “The Bride is Coming, The Bride is Coming,” and realizing it’s about us?
“Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself" (Revelation 19:7).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments______________________________
By Dee Reed. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the Amplified Bible.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=1399
Heaven’s Radio Waves
August 30, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Dreamstime |
God calls to us all the time. Some people say, “No, God doesn’t call to me! I’ve never heard the Lord speaking to me.” Yet, like my mother’s voice, we can be so preoccupied with other things that we don’t realize God is close by. That’s what happened to Jacob when he ran away from home. He felt alone and distant from God when he lay down to sleep one night, using a stone for a pillow. That night, God gave him a dream of a ladder which extended from heaven down to earth on which angels were going up and down.
The Bible says, “When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven" (Genesis 28:16, 17).
Invisible Signals
One way to understand how close God is to us is by looking at a radio signals. There are thousands of radio waves surrounding you at this very moment. Unless you are tuned into any of them, they will pass you by unnoticed. Without a receiver to zero in on a certain frequency, you cannot hear or see these invisible signals. Yet, these unseen waves are there.
Several years ago I wanted to be an amateur radio operator. I studied hard to pass the tests that would allow me to go on the air. Until I had my license, I could only listen. During this time, a friend loaned me an old tube receiver so I could at least begin to “listen”. One afternoon I strung a simple, single wire antennae across the roof of my house. Then I climbed down the ladder and ran excitedly into the house and hooked up the wires to the receiver. I still remember the thrill of warming up the old tube radio and hearing voices of people from around the world!
Like Jacob, when we turn our antennae’s (our hearts) toward heaven, we may say, “Surely God is in this place and I was not aware of it.” God wanted to speak to Jacob. He was running and not listening. God wants to speak to you. It would be good for you to stop and listen to the Lord. A very important way to “tune” your radio to God is through Bible study and prayer. Take time every day to listen to God talk to you. The Lord loves you and wants to let you know.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments______________________________
By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3779
Choosing Contentment
August 25, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Taina M. |
I’ve learned to look without guilt and admire without coveting. I know I have school loans to repay and a savings account that could use a boost of spare change. I would rather live comfortably, albeit less luxuriously, for the peace of mind that comes with living within my means. I have found contentment with my life and my possessions, no matter what society or T.V. commercials may tell me I am lacking. Still, no matter how content I think I am, it’s sometimes hard not to wish for a few extra dollars to throw away on the newest trend.
Contentment is in short supply in today’s world. Credit card debt is at an all-time high, plastic surgery is the new splurge and record numbers of people rate their happiness level at lower than 50%.
Lucifer was the first malcontent. Not satisfied to be second best, he used his power to create tension and unhappiness among the other angels. Eventually, Lucifer’s inability to be happy with his high-ranking—but less than first—position got him kicked out of heaven.
Trouble In Paradise
Stirring up trouble in paradise wasn’t enough for Lucifer. His next target was the happiness of Adam and Eve. Even though the pair could eat from any tree in the garden except one, Lucifer cunningly convinced Eve that single forbidden tree was the only one she wanted to taste from. Again, discontentment took hold and cost Adam and Eve their heaven-like home—and cost forever the human race’s ability to commune directly with God.
In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul addresses and expresses contentment despite his exiled status. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Paul had the assurance that Christ would strengthen his resolve to be content regardless of his position and would see him through any situation. We often hear this verse in conjunction with trials and tribulation, a promise of God’s love and help through hard times. But Paul is speaking not about God seeing him through his suffering, but about God helping him attain and retain contentment.
Being content is to reject the idea that more is better; that other people are happier than we are; that we could lead better lives if only we owned a boat or had a different nose. Contentment doesn’t hinge on having certain possessions or living a particular lifestyle, it is a conscious choice to be happy with what we have and accept the gifts we’ve been given. And with the grace of God and a promise of a perfect forever, what should keep us from being content?
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments______________________________
By Lauren Schwarz. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=385
Celestial Insomnia
August 22, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Allison Choppick |
All of us have experienced the frustration of wrestling the bed sheets from dusk till dawn unable to get any shut eye. For most of us, however, this is an occasional occurrence rather than the norm. When it does crop up, the outcome is usually a tendency to drop off to sleep later on that day at some inopportune moment – dozing through a boring committee meeting, or perhaps a monotonous college lecture.
While going through my initial program of clinical pastoral education, one of my fellow classmates in-training consistently slept through our daily “group sessions.” Now, you might wonder, “How on earth could he get away with that?” But with an instructor who was blind, it was not that difficult! I often wondered if the student was sleep deprived, or just found it easier to “check out.”
Under trying circumstances it’s hard to stay engaged, isn’t it? Even Jesus’ disciples couldn’t seem to stay awake with Him when He agonized in the garden of Gethsemene prior to His crucifixion. According to the gospel of Luke (22:45) the disciples were sleeping because of their sorrow.
God Is Always Awake
But I’m happy to tell you that God is always awake. No encounter with us is too long, or boring to warrant a busy signal. No request is so trying or draining as to produce sleep. In fact, in the Psalms (121:3-4) we learn that the God who watches over us does not slumber or sleep!
Imagine that! The Lord is a hopeless insomniac! Not! But our every request receives the attention and consideration of a God who is always engaged and desires the best for us. Of course, like any wise parent, our Creator doesn’t always give us what we want. Yet, God delights to shower on us that which will be for our best good. And, it’s comforting to know that the Almighty doesn’t even take “cat naps.”
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments_____________________________
By Kathy A Lewis. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=452
Celestial Insomnia
August 22, 2010
Source: Bible Says
|
| Photo: Allison Choppick |
All of us have experienced the frustration of wrestling the bed sheets from dusk till dawn unable to get any shut eye. For most of us, however, this is an occasional occurrence rather than the norm. When it does crop up, the outcome is usually a tendency to drop off to sleep later on that day at some inopportune moment – dozing through a boring committee meeting, or perhaps a monotonous college lecture.
While going through my initial program of clinical pastoral education, one of my fellow classmates in-training consistently slept through our daily “group sessions.” Now, you might wonder, “How on earth could he get away with that?” But with an instructor who was blind, it was not that difficult! I often wondered if the student was sleep deprived, or just found it easier to “check out.”
Under trying circumstances it’s hard to stay engaged, isn’t it? Even Jesus’ disciples couldn’t seem to stay awake with Him when He agonized in the garden of Gethsemene prior to His crucifixion. According to the gospel of Luke (22:45) the disciples were sleeping because of their sorrow.
God Is Always Awake
But I’m happy to tell you that God is always awake. No encounter with us is too long, or boring to warrant a busy signal. No request is so trying or draining as to produce sleep. In fact, in the Psalms (121:3-4) we learn that the God who watches over us does not slumber or sleep!
Imagine that! The Lord is a hopeless insomniac! Not! But our every request receives the attention and consideration of a God who is always engaged and desires the best for us. Of course, like any wise parent, our Creator doesn’t always give us what we want. Yet, God delights to shower on us that which will be for our best good. And, it’s comforting to know that the Almighty doesn’t even take “cat naps.”
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments_____________________________
By Kathy A Lewis. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=452
Organized Church
August 18, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Ron Sumners |
While these concerns can be supported by examples of mismanagement in church organizations, there is also evidence of the effectiveness of church organization. For example, when a disaster strikes such as the one in Haiti, church organizations have funds already in place to send immediately. And while the most effective way to witness about Christ to others is through a one on one relationship, the church also provides ministries of health, Bible study, prayer groups, and even financial seminars for member and the public that individuals don't have the resources to provide.
So, to me, the real question is this: How can I be a member of a church organization and still retain my individuality as a personal follower of Christ?
Here are some suggestions.
- Remember that while I am a member of my church, I am first a member of the body of Christ as a whole. As such, I have the responsibility and privilege of surrendering my life to Jesus every day and not just on the day I attend church. When I give my life to Christ, my life becomes a ministry, and my primary source of power is the blood of Jesus. My church is there to nurture my spiritual growth through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, which are all valuable to my growth. But the bottom line is that my spiritual journey is about Jesus and me.
- Embrace the assets of the organized church. I need to recharge often, and listening to sermons and exposing myself to the perceptions of other like believers can give me a spiritual boost. It is valuable to be encouraged by views that I agree with, and it is likewise helpful for me to be challenged in my thinking by views that I may not have had on my own. I can also benefit from programs that my church provides, which may include Christian musical artists, speakers, and even recreational activities.
- Prayerfully acknowledge the weaknesses of my church. The key word here is prayerfully. There is no sin in recognizing that a church organization has some weak areas. There may even be some situations that are unquestionably wrong. If that is the case, as a member of the church and as a member of the Body of Christ, I need to prayerfully take my concerns to the appropriate person or group and discuss it, all the while asking God for “meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). It's just as critical here to recognize what places are inappropriate for discussion, in order to keep the concern in perspective and to avoid any opportunity for gossip.
- Keep my own Bible and prayer time alive! I cannot expect to be valuable to anyone inside or outside of my church if I am not first infused with the power of the Holy Spirit in my own daily existence. Like anyone else, I can drift from a daily devotional time. And, like anyone else, I can soon sense a lack of spiritual strength and productivity. This affects me and my church.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3709
Organized Church
August 18, 2010
Source: Bible Says
|
| Photo: Ron Sumners |
While these concerns can be supported by examples of mismanagement in church organizations, there is also evidence of the effectiveness of church organization. For example, when a disaster strikes such as the one in Haiti, church organizations have funds already in place to send immediately. And while the most effective way to witness about Christ to others is through a one on one relationship, the church also provides ministries of health, Bible study, prayer groups, and even financial seminars for member and the public that individuals don't have the resources to provide.
So, to me, the real question is this: How can I be a member of a church organization and still retain my individuality as a personal follower of Christ?
Here are some suggestions.
- Remember that while I am a member of my church, I am first a member of the body of Christ as a whole. As such, I have the responsibility and privilege of surrendering my life to Jesus every day and not just on the day I attend church. When I give my life to Christ, my life becomes a ministry, and my primary source of power is the blood of Jesus. My church is there to nurture my spiritual growth through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, which are all valuable to my growth. But the bottom line is that my spiritual journey is about Jesus and me.
- Embrace the assets of the organized church. I need to recharge often, and listening to sermons and exposing myself to the perceptions of other like believers can give me a spiritual boost. It is valuable to be encouraged by views that I agree with, and it is likewise helpful for me to be challenged in my thinking by views that I may not have had on my own. I can also benefit from programs that my church provides, which may include Christian musical artists, speakers, and even recreational activities.
- Prayerfully acknowledge the weaknesses of my church. The key word here is prayerfully. There is no sin in recognizing that a church organization has some weak areas. There may even be some situations that are unquestionably wrong. If that is the case, as a member of the church and as a member of the Body of Christ, I need to prayerfully take my concerns to the appropriate person or group and discuss it, all the while asking God for “meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). It's just as critical here to recognize what places are inappropriate for discussion, in order to keep the concern in perspective and to avoid any opportunity for gossip.
- Keep my own Bible and prayer time alive! I cannot expect to be valuable to anyone inside or outside of my church if I am not first infused with the power of the Holy Spirit in my own daily existence. Like anyone else, I can drift from a daily devotional time. And, like anyone else, I can soon sense a lack of spiritual strength and productivity. This affects me and my church.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3709
Signs of the Times
August 16, 2010
Source: Bible Says
 |
| Photo: Aaron Murphy |
I’ve thought a lot about how the times we live in are like night flights. Especially when your plane near its destination. You start seeing lights. Just a few at first. Then a few more. Then suddenly, they're everywhere and you know you’re almost home.
The Bible throws light on the times we live in. It says that when you see certain things happening, these are signs of the times. You can know that you’re getting close to the end. Today we have profound evidence that earth's time is almost up.
Take a look at this Bible prediction. It says there will be “on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear…of those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:25, 26, NKJV). Just look at what’s happening in the political world and in nature. How many wars, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and other disasters do we need to experience to know that time is running out for our planet?
The Bible also predicts signs in the social world. “…in the last days…people will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to parents…Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity” (2 Timothy 3:2, 3, CEV).
Another sign of our times is forecast in the field of labor and economics. “You keep on storing up wealth in these last days. You refuse to pay the people who worked…and now their unpaid wages are shouting out against you” (James 5:3, 4, CEV). Sound like the evening news.
Where Are We Headed?
These are just a few of the many signs foretold in the Bible to take place in our day. Thinking people everywhere are asking, “What do all these things mean?” “What is our world headed for?”
The Bible says, “So, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom will soon be here” (Luke 21:31, CEV).
While no one knows the day or the hour when Christ will come again, we can know that it’s near. And let’s remember these words of Jesus: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things…and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36, NKJV).
Just watch for the lights. They are signs that tell you your journey is almost over. And if Jesus is your Pilot, you can be sure of a safe landing!
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments______________________________
By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982 and the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ®.
Original Post: http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=600
