September 23 - Only One Thing Is Needed

Today's Reading:
Genesis 46:1-47:31
Luke 10:38-11:13
Psalm 17:13-15 
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Focus Verses: 
Luke 10:41-42 
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Insight:
It's possible to be so busy and concerned about doing what is good that we fail to recognize what is best. This particular encounter between Jesus, Mary, and Martha is a good reminder of this truth. The disciples—chosen, sent, and taught by Jesus—learned something very important from Mary.

Martha was commendably serving Jesus and the others. Unfortunately, it seems that the demands of doing so made it difficult for her to enjoy and savor the time with her guests.

Mary, on the other hand, was so focused on simply being with Jesus and listening to what he had to say that she left some things unattended. It was a choice and she chose what was best. Jesus commended her for this.

Response and Action:
I do not want to be so busy with the business of life—even Christian service—that I have no time to enjoy Jesus. I must take time to simply be with him, to pray, and to delight in the word. The most necessary thing is to know Jesus, to delight in his presence, and to abide in him.

I also want to cultivate my ability to truly be with family and Christian friends. I must be intentional about being with them and enjoying them, not simply serving them. I want to choose what is best.

O God, help me to glorify you and enjoy you all my days. Thank you for Jesus, my Messiah, my Lord, my Savior, and my God. Grant me the blessing of knowing him as my friend, my brother, and my faithful companion. Help me to sense his presence and delight in it. Give me a heart to serve Christ, O God, but first give me a heart to love him. Give me a hunger and affection for the scriptures. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a fullness of the Spirit of Christ and a deep awareness of his indwelling every minute of my life. I ask all this in his name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Colossians 3:1-3
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Resources: 
The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life
by Henri J. M. Nouwen