Spirit
Today’s Change Journey verses are Luke 10:39 and 42, “39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word… 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
One thing that stood out to me when reading verse 39 is the part that says Mary also sat at Jesus’ feet. Often we hear that Mary sat and listened to Jesus while Martha bustled about preparing food, but this verse indicates that Martha had also sat at Jesus’ feet. She was hospitable and had received Jesus into the house. (See verse 38) Since she was receiving and serving, she may even have washed Jesus’ feet (as was often done for a guest who had been traveling) and ministered to His other immediate needs. Then, perhaps, she sat and listened to Him a while as a polite hostess would do. He was truly a Guest of honor.
It seems that Martha was not just interested in meeting Jesus’ needs, but she was also earnestly trying to provide the best for Him. She was working so hard that it became too much for her. Because of this, she became impatient with Mary, who was still sitting at Jesus’ feet. Finally, she came to Jesus and said, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” (v.40b) Martha’s frustration had gotten to the point that she began to blame the Lord for her situation, “Lord dost thou not care?” Jesus, however, “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” (See Mark 10:45) He was not so much concerned with Martha’s service; He wanted her fellowship and worship. It was right for Martha to receive Him and care for Him, but He also wanted her to commune with Him.
Mary chose communion with the Lord. She did set her focus on the cares of the day, but set her heart to hear Jesus’ word. Mary could have served, but she chose to sit and learn. Jesus said she had chosen “the good part.”
Today there is much to do, and I ought to do it for the Lord. Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord….” But, if the tasks of the day become cumbersome burdens, perhaps I should choose to take some time to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His word. That is “the good part.”
Body
No special tips today, but I’m eager to try out a new recipe – Avocado Mashed Potatoes! The neat thing about avocados is that they take on the flavor of most anything they are mixed with. Christy does not like avocadoes, but she likes fruit flavored “mock yogurt” made with avocado. Avocados are rich in protein, fiber, Vitamin C, B vitamins, most of the fat soluble vitamins (except for Vitamin D), and good fats. They are also anti-inflammatory. If you don’t like them, try disguising them. You might be surprised!