Mary and Martha - Summer Rerun with a boost!

Summertime brings with it a more relaxed attitude and atmosphere. Unfortunately - it can also summons a spiritually lax demeanor.

How can you infuse your quiet time and Bible study with a fresh spiritual jolt? One way I can think of is to re-familiarize yourself with two very well known sisters: Mary and Martha. 

Two very different women who adored and reverenced the Lord Jesus are the center of our study. Here is some general background information regarding these famous siblings.

Six days prior to the Passover Jesus visited a family to which He had an endearing fondness. As He made his way to Jerusalem He was keenly aware of the fact that He would most likely not see them again.  His trek to their home was a welcomed diversion from the constant travel, and a reminder of the close familial ties that drew Him back.

Jesus and His disciples had been in the remote city of Ephraim, near the wilderness area surrounding the nearby countryside. They made their way to Bethany, home of Lazarus – the one whom Jesus raised from the dead.  Sisters Mary and Martha were always a familiar and comforting sight to our Lord as evidenced by His joyful arrival.

For an in-depth look at these famous sisters you can read my two previous blog posts here:    A Tale of Two Sisters Part 1  and  A Tale of Two Sisters Part 2  They will give you a greater insight into their relationship with Jesus and their unique personalities.  

We all exhibit glimpses of the two natures of Mary and Martha. Our Lord Jesus identified the more excellent part for which we should seek after. My reason for reintroducing these two blog posts is to stir our hearts and minds as to why the Lord commended Mary and affectionately chastised Martha.  Let this not be an occasion to malign or criticize Martha – but rather let us examine our own motives and reasons for why we either come to her defense or rally around Jesus' gentle rebuke.

In my book Mission Possible  -  Chapter 5 - Timing is Everything!  -  I feature an application from John 11. Martha had a powerful dialog with Jesus about her brother's death that left her wrestling with His Deity and His powerful declaration regarding death and the resurrection.

I have personally gone through "dry periods" - times when I had a desire to be more like Mary, and yet fell so short of my own expectations. 

When satan whispers my failures in my ear, I generally respond with a stern dismissal and press into God all the more. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Rededicate yourself to the things of God and let each day bring fresh possibilities. New mercies abound freely, but condemnation is straight from the enemy of your soul.

Purpose to reconnect with God in a powerful, new way. Embrace your "Mary" and appreciate your "Martha" - for in both you are a well balanced and productive disciple and Christ follower.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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Mary and Martha - Summer Rerun with a boost!

Is that an Oasis I see or just a Mirage?

courtesy  Photocrave.net 

When you find yourself roaming the wilderness or wandering in the desert, don't you normally seek out an oasis?

So why do we act as though one doesn't exist? Do we walk by faith and not by sight?  Don't we gravitate 'by default' towards ease and comfort? Does not our Heavenly Father encourage us in His Word to seek refreshment and reinvigorate ourselves in His Presence?

Refresh:  to restore strength; to revive; to replenish and renew supply.

When you are living in an unequally-yoked marriage, there will be times of weariness and discouragement.  Day to day interaction with someone who is not governed by God’s Spirit can begin to ‘chip away’ at your Christian character.  You often wrestle with yourself over a harsh word spoken, or perhaps you were misunderstood and you now harbor resentment.

I can tell you there were times when I literally felt as though I would scream out loud if I couldn't hand over to God my fickle feelings or raging emotions.  On one occasion I remember going into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me, and just gritting my teeth and shaking my head in disgust at the anger welling up inside of me.  I was emotionally out of control…

I am a student of Satan’s trickery and deception.  I keep my spiritual antenna up when I am in a heated discussion with my husband, because I know the enemy would love for me to say something horrid or disrespect him by marginalizing his opinion.  I find myself thinking, “This is so unfair, Lord! I’m tired of biting my tongue all the time!”

But lately – I have found myself in the wilderness of uncertainty and the desert of uneasiness. I am increasingly thirsty for something I am not getting in my marriage.  I crave spiritual intimacy.  I long for a oneness that only comes from sharing God things.  I have become parched in my soul…

What would you do in this situation?  Do you know where to go for help?

Here is the great news – Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:13-14).  Ephesians 5:26 tells us that God sanctifies and washes us by the water of His Word.  We are refreshed and revived as His life-giving Spirit cleanses our hearts and minds. 

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

What does all of this have to do with me and my thirsty soul?  Simply put… Everything.  I must take the time to find my oasis.  I must force myself to rest and seek solitude with my Savior.  I need to separate myself from the world and its influence long enough to refresh myself in Him.

Jeremiah passionately preached that the people had forsaken their God, the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13).  He also lamented that when they tried to fabricate their own vessels [cisterns], they were inadequate and broken.  

An earthly jar fashioned by man simply cannot contain a heavenly commodity designed by God.

Isaiah tells us that Israel will be comforted by God’s great power of restoration.  Isaiah 43:19-20 declares how God will cut through the wilderness and provide life-saving water to His chosen.  Streams in the desert will spring forth, and rivers will flow unhindered.  In Chapter 44 Isaiah says, “For I [God] will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.”

God will always provide in miraculous ways when we are no longer able to by means of our own ability.

Moses discovered God’s faithfulness and provision in the Wilderness of Shur, the very place where Hagar and Ishmael lingered after leaving Abraham’s household (Genesis 16:7-14).  Often God’s greatest miracles are seen in the realm of physical impossibilities.  He uses bitter, lifeless things to bring forth life-giving refreshment. 

Do you have something in your spiritually mismatched marriage that needs refreshing?  Is there an attitude or unsettled feeling that you desire relief from?  How have you handled a wilderness experience in your home?

I am discovering that ‘pressing into’ Jesus – the Word of Life - will indeed enrich my life and restore my strength to continue my journey.  What about you?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Is that an Oasis I see or just a Mirage?