![\"DSC02392m\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/DSC02392m.jpg\")
<\/a>One of the reasons is that I can\u2019t seem to finish a book quickly is that I find other books with amazing titles that grab my attention. I start reading them and soon, I have three or four books I\u2019m reading and not any of them are complete.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I have four at this time that I\u2019m reading chapter by chapter, every fourth day. Don\u2019t ask me why. I\u2019m intrigued by each of them and it\u2019s what I do. Here\u2019s the list.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hand Me Another Brick<\/i> by Charles Swindoll.<\/p>\n
Smart Women Keep it Simple<\/i> by Annie Chapman.<\/p>\n
Love Does<\/i> by Bob Goff.<\/p>\n
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World<\/i> by Joanna Weaver.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There is no rhyme or reason to how I read these books. I pick up the book I feel like reading at the moment and read a chapter.\u00a0 However, the reason I chose to place Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World<\/i> is because something caught my attention in this book.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you remember the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus in Luke 10:38-42 (NIV), Jesus told Martha, \u201cyou are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mary got it. Martha didn\u2019t. Jesus had to tell Martha to \u201cbe still and know that I am God.\u201d<\/i> (Psalm 46:10 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There are many days that we need that same reminder. We need to focus on the one thing that is needed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s what caught my attention. The phrase, \u201conly one thing is needed\u201d also referred to food portions. Take a look at this quote.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPerhaps in a subtle turn of words, Jesus was issuing two invitations:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First, to know him\u2014to put worship before work<\/li>\n
- But also, not to overdo\u2014even in our efforts on his behalf.\u201d[i]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Mrs. Weaver goes on to say that in Jewish culture, they typically only used one common bowl placed in the middle of the table. Martha may have been a bit extravagant in her food preparation, so perhaps Jesus may have let her know that she had over done the whole meal. She was reminded to keep it simple. One thing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And another quote by Charles Spurgeon. \u201cHer fault was not that she served. The condition of a servant well becomes every Christian. Her fault was that she grew \u2018cumbered with much serving,\u2019 so that she forgot him and only remembered the service.\u201d[ii]<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to get our lives out of perspective and out of balance. Even when it comes to serving Jesus. When our service keeps us from meeting our Savior face-to-face, we need to be reminded of the \u201cone thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We can\u2019t do it all, but we can do one thing. As we sit at Jesus\u2019 feet, blissfully drinking in all He has to offer, we are preparing ourselves to tackle the next one thing. It may be mudding-out a flood ravaged basement. It may be sitting beside a loved one in a hospital bed. It may be doing five loads of laundry today. It may be sitting at a computer all day.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Whatever your next one thing is, you\u2019re ready. You\u2019re prepared. And Jesus is right there with you reminding you of the one thing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Donna<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d like to leave a comment, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\n