gifts of service

The Legacy of Mary, the Mother of John Mark

9:00 AM


 How has the Lord gifted you? 

Not all of us have the same gifts or talents; some of us are wonderful singers, or writers, cooks, bakers, moms, friends, etc. Each of us have been uniquely chosen and uniquely created for a purpose that God planned for us long ago. Notice: 


So, let me ask you again, how has God uniquely gifted you? 

And how are you using your gift today in His kingdom work? 

That's really what our lives boils down to; what has He planed for you to do and are you fulfilling God's purpose for you? 

I want so much to reach the end of my life here on this earth knowing and being able to say like Paul, " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." (2Tim 4:7-8)

It was to Mary’s home that Peter ran to after his miraculous escape, but have you ever wondered why her home?  

Here's a few facts about Mary that I've been able to come up with:

  •  Mary was most likely a widow, for the house is referred to as hers, not her husband's.
  •  Because John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), we know that Mary was Barnabas's aunt.
  •  She must have been a prominent supporter of the early church, because Peter knew he could go to her home to receive help. It can't be proven, but some believe it was in her upper room to her house where the disciples congregated on the day of Pentecost. Which would also explain why Peter headed there after he was freed.
  •  She was very brave, for the church was enduring incredible persecution at that time with James the brother of John having just been beheaded, and Peter arrested — but Mary still welcomed the believers into her home.
  • Mary raised a believing son who was busy serving, even to the point of being useful to both Paul and Peter ( 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13). I'm sure her faith must have had some influence on her son. 
What stood out to me the most was the role she played, which was simply that - she opened up her home to any and all believers; even at the great risk to her own safety! 

Mary was willing to use what she had to further God's kingdom, which makes me wonder what I have that God can use to bring others to Him, or bless His children in some way. Wouldn't it be wonderful if each of us simply surrendered all we have been given to God and watch what He decides to do with it all!? 

Just imagine what He could do!

Blessings, 
sue 



Bethany

Martha, The Hostess With The Mostest

11:47 AM

 


Martha of Bethany

Martha woke up early that day for there was much to be done. Soon she would be welcoming her dearest Friend into her home and preparations had to be made. She quickly got out of bed, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Gulping down a few dried figs and a small piece of bread dipped in oil, Martha’s head swirled with the thoughts of the work ahead.


Jesus was coming. And in His honor, Martha was throwing a grand dinner party. That meant food had to made, the house cleaned, and tables set. “No time for daydreaming!”, Martha thought, and the hem of her robe fluttered gently as she rushed room to room, personally overseeing every detail of the nights event. After all, it wasn’t everyday Martha hosted a dinner for her Lord, and she wanted everything to be perfect! 


As the party progressed, Martha took on the task of clearing plates and refilling glasses. She took her hosting job seriously, and made sure no guest went hungry or lacked for good wine. But it was all becoming too much. There were so many people there. Jesus brought with Him quite a large entourage, not to mention Martha’s own invited guests. Working all day and serving all night had finally caught up with her. Martha’s body was exhausted and her nerves raw. As she looked at her sister Mary reclining next to Jesus, Martha felt a lump of resentment rising in her throat. 


“Just look at her! Here I am doing all of the work as she just lies there without a care in the world. What kind of sister does that! And why doesn’t Jesus say something to her? He should tell her to get up and help me. Doesn’t He care either?” That was the last straw. Martha stormed over to Jesus demanding, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”


As soon as Martha said the words, she was immediately ashamed. How could she have sinned so openly before her Lord? Why did she let her anger get the better of her? Unable to meet His gaze, Martha stood before Jesus with her head hung in shame. But instead of receiving a scolding, she felt Jesus tenderly place her hands in His. “Martha, Martha”, she heard Jesus softly say. “You are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."


Sheepishly, Martha looked into the the face of her Master. And looking back at her were not eyes filled with condemnation, but eyes filled with love and understanding. Suddenly, Martha understood. Although acts of servitude and humility are important, they should come second to the close personal fellowship that Jesus wants to experience with each of us. Oh how silly she felt. She was so busy sweating the small stuff, so busy playing the martyr, Martha was letting this awesome opportunity to be close to her Lord pass her by. Work would always be there, but Jesus would not. She sat down next Mary and let herself get swept up in the enjoyment of fellowshipping with her beloved Lord, Teacher, and Friend.


Months later Martha’s brother fell ill. She and Mary sent word to Jesus, that He might hurry and bring Lazarus the healing he so desperately needed. But Lazarus died before Jesus arrived. And this time Martha found herself busy preparing for a very different kind of gathering. 


When news came that Jesus was finally nearby, Martha rushed out to meet Him. Standing before Him, her body once again exhausted and her nerves raw, she cried out, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Deeply moved by her agony and her faith, Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again. I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 


Martha didn’t hesitate for a second. Yes she believed Him. She believed Him with every ounce of her being. For Martha saw Jesus perform miracles. She heard Him teach the Word with heavenly authority. She felt the peace and hope deep in her heart that only came from Him. And so she answered, “Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ; the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” 


Martha’s great belief in Jesus was rewarded that day when her brother walked out of his tomb alive and well! And weeks later when Jesus came for dinner, this time when Martha served, she did so with a grateful heart. For not only had her Lord saved her brother from death, He had taught a valuable lesson. God intends us to use our gifts joyfully, generously, and with attitudes of gratitude for the privilege of working for God’s kingdom. And now with her new changed attitude, Martha truly was the hostess with the mostest!


1 Corinthians

A Holy Orchestra {1 Corinthians 14}

4:00 PM





Monday April 20, “Walking In Wisdom”


Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. The apostle Paul himself tells us, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts.” (vs. 1) But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. (vs. 12). 

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence inside us. And with Him comes at least one spiritual gift chosen specifically by God for each believer. It may not be the one we want, but it’s definitely the one God wants us to have. And each gift God bestows, He does so with the intent of us using our gifts to bless others. As Peter tells us, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. “ (1 Peter 4:10) For what use is a gift that only benefits the holder? Like in Paul’s example of the gift of speaking in tongues.

“Originally seen at the empowering of the church at Pentecost, the ability to speak diverse languages was given so the early church could spread the gospel all around the world. (Acts 2:4) But many of the believers in Corinth were imitating other religions by babbling meaninglessly. What they were doing was neither of the Spirit nor edifying to other believers. Rather, they were trying to show off their ‘super spirituality’.”....Dr. Charles Stanley 

Paul spoke in tongues more than anyone.(vs. 18) But even he said, “I desire to speak five words in my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (vs. 19) He knew the value of a few words understood by many, rather than thousands understood by none. Paul also didn’t seek his own glory. Instead the apostle taught how each of us, with our individual gifts, are a valuable part in making up the body of the church. Like a holy orchestra, individually we make pleasing music, but together under God, the great Conductor, our solos become a beautifully unified musical symphony! 

“God is not a God of confusion but of peace. All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (vs. 33,40) Paul finishes by giving us guidelines to follow when coming together as the church. As we all play an important role, Paul tells us that with the maturity of adults, we let each person participate in sharing their gifts in an orderly and respectful fashion. “The goal of coming together as a church is not to be entertained, nor even to be “pleased” with a “blessing.” We gather for edification, for the spiritual building up we need to live lives that glorify Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. As Paul said in Ephesians 4:12, the goal is the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Our Christian lives are lived on the outside, and we come to be strengthened, built up, and equipped when we come together as a church family. ; all with the mindset of edifying the church and each other. “....David Guzik

“We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom. 12:6-8) Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps. 139:14) And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our great Conductor as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear!