Choosing the Better Part

 

Luke 10:38-42

There is a quiet town called Bethany where two sisters, Martha and Mary, welcome Jesus into their home. Martha, the older sister, is busy preparing food and doing household chores. Mary, on the other hand, sits at Jesus's feet, absorbing His every word. Then tension arises: Martha, overwhelmed and irritated, confronts Jesus, asking Him to redirect her sister to help her. But Jesus responds with surprising gentleness: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and no one will take it from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

This short but poignant story teaches us something profound about our times: that God desires not only our service, but also our presence. That before working for Him, we must first be with Him. In a culture that equates busyness with importance, Jesus calls us to a better way: the way of relationship, rest, and priority. There are four lessons we can learn from this story.

The Battle for Our Time

We've heard it said, "Give your time to God." But what does that really mean? Is it just about attending church, joining ministries, or volunteering more? While these are important expressions of faith, they are not the foundation. Giving our time to God begins with a heart that says, "Lord, every moment is Yours." It's about surrendering our calendar, our plans, and our rhythm to His lordship.

Satan would love to make a deal: "Give me your time and I'll give you the freedom to enjoy life." But it's a lie. He encourages us to fill our days with the urgent at the expense of the eternal. Our response must be firm: "No deal. My time belongs to the Lord."

Martin Luther once said, "I have so much to do today that I will spend the first three hours in prayer." He understood a crucial truth: the busier we are, the more we need to anchor our day in God's presence.

What's Necessary

Jesus tells Martha, "Only one thing is necessary." He wasn't saying Martha's service was wrong: feeding guests was essential. But Martha's heart was distracted, anxious, and burdened. Her work had become her identity. Mary, on the other hand, saw that the most important thing about having Jesus in the home was being with Him.

We too can fall into the trap of overprioritizing our to-do lists and undervaluing our time with Christ. We spend our lives with schedules, meetings, and activities—sometimes even those of church—while neglecting personal communion with God. The result? We can become like Martha: busy, tired, and frustrated.

Psalm 1 reminds us that those who meditate on God's Word day and night are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit that never wither. Likewise, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 calls us to pray without ceasing. This doesn't mean isolating ourselves all day long, but rather being mindful of God's presence in everything we do.

Choosing the Better Part

We live in a world where people claim they have no time for God, for family, or for rest. But Jesus shows us the better way: to sit, listen, and focus on Him. Mary didn't just choose something good; she chose the best.

As one preacher said, "Our task is not to make God a part of our lives; our task is to make our lives a part of God." We don't ask God to bless our schedule; we align it with His. When we choose to spend time at Jesus's feet, everything changes. Our hearts find peace. Our service finds purpose. And our families, marriages, and jobs are positively impacted. God doesn't want us to simply do more; He wants us to do what matters most.

A Life of Impact

The story of Martha and Mary doesn't end in Luke 10. In John 11, Martha makes a powerful confession of faith in Jesus: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God." In John 12, Mary anoints Jesus with perfume, and Jesus says that her act of worship will be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached.

Why? Because when we dedicate our time to God, we leave an eternal mark. What began as a simple decision to sit and listen has grown into a legacy of faith, devotion, and love.

And you? Have you been more like Martha: busy, anxious, and distracted? Or are you like Mary, choosing the better part: resting at Jesus' feet?

Take a moment today and reflect. God doesn't ask for what you have left over. He wants your heart, your time, your presence. Because when you dedicate your time to God, He gives you more than you could ask for: peace, purpose, and a life that truly matters. Choose the better part. Sit at His feet. And never let it be taken away from you.

May God bless you and keep you and may the Lord used these words to renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

“Confidence in the Midst of a Crisis”

 

Psalm 46

Life is full of crises, whether it’s grief, illness, financial struggles, or broken relationships. How we respond in such times, reveals where our confidence truly lies. Psalm 46 reminds us that while crises are expected, our response as believers should be rooted in trust in God. Psalm 46 offers three key truths to hold onto when the storms of life rage: God is our Protector, our Provider, and our Manifested Presence in the midst of crisis.

1. He is Still God: Our Protector (Psalm 46:1-3)

The psalm opens with a powerful affirmation: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” These words offer deep assurance. God is not just a distant deity; He is a refuge—a safe place we can run to in times of danger.  I've had difficult times in my life. Some of these storms are personal, others are professional, and within my family, but the majority are spiritual in nature. Many of these storms sometimes seem unsolvable. At other times, doubt took over my thoughts.

• But I thank God that during these situations, I found refuge. I thank God that during these situations, I found shelter in my Lord. Psalm 91 says: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" God tells us: in the midst of crisis, I have a special place for you, a secret place, and when things don't go well, come running to my refuge, I will protect you. And yet, despite moments of doubt and despair, God has proven to be a place of refuge.

We don’t need to run away or be overwhelmed by fear; we can run to Him. Even when everything around us feels unstable—when the earth shakes, and the mountains fall—God remains unmoved. As Martin Luther once declared in his hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, we are reminded that God’s protection is stronger than any threat or spiritual attack.

But God is not only a refuge; He is also our strength. He not only shelters us but empowers us. He gives us the strength to stand and even praise His name in the middle of hardship. Additionally, the phrase “a very present help” underscores that God's assistance is immediate and constant. When trouble comes, we are never alone—God is with us, ready to help without delay.

Reflection: Are you running from your crisis, or are you running to God, your refuge?

2. He is Still God: Our Provider (Psalm 46:4-7)

The images shift from turmoil to tranquility: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.”  The psalmist paints a serene picture: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” That river symbolizes God’s provision—His Spirit flowing in and through us, meeting our every need.

Jesus echoed this in John 4:14, saying that those who drink of His water will never thirst again. In crisis, we must draw deeply from this spiritual well, connecting with the Holy Spirit and trusting God to supply our emotional, spiritual, and practical needs.

In crisis, we must stay connected to that fountain. Instead of looking to external sources for peace or strength, we draw from the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Tapping into the Holy Spirit means trusting that God will meet our needs—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically—when we lean on Him. He is not only the one who protects us from the storm; He is also the one who sustains us through it.

Reflection: Are you staying connected to the living water of the Holy Spirit during your time of need?

3. He is Still God: Our God Manifested (Psalm 46:8-11)

The final portion of Psalm 46 calls us to open our eyes and recognize how God has shown Himself in our past crises. “Come and see the works of the Lord.” Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness fuels our current faith. When we remember the times God carried us through impossible situations, we find strength for today's battles.

We’re encouraged to reflect on how He’s guided us through “dangers seen and unseen,” and how those memories can rejuvenate our weary souls. Like Paul, we can declare, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” because we know the same God who helped us before is still with us now.

But the passage ends with a command: “Be still and know that I am God.” This is not passive resignation, but active trust. “Be still” means to relax, to take your hands off the situation, and let God do what only He can do. It’s a call to surrender, not to inactivity. In stillness, we acknowledge His sovereignty, trust His timing, and watch Him work.

Reflection: What past victories can you remember today that will strengthen your faith for what you’re facing now?

Conclusion

Crises are decisive moments that shape our future. But in every storm, Psalm 46 reminds us that God remains God, unchanging, sovereign, and faithful. He is our refuge, our strength, our provider, and the one who reveals Himself in our trials. In the face of trouble, we don’t panic or run—we run to God. We reflect on His power, rest in His presence, and trust in His provision. So, when the next crisis comes, don’t forget: He is still God. Be still and know it.

Expressing our Gratitude to God

 

Have you ever asked how can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? It is an interesting question. Songwriter Andrae Crouch in the song My Tribute wrote: “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved yet You gave to prove your love for me.”

Do you ever stop and think about how blessed you are as a child of God? Think of some of the blessings you have received from God. Let me mention a few. Forgiveness, peace, purpose, direction, God’s Spirit, life beyond the grave, a constant companion and friend, a healing of the body and soul, the power of His Word, the fellowship of other believers, and thousands of little things, EVERY day.

Psalm 116: 12-14 said, “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? I will lift the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people.” The Psalmist is thankful for God’s blessings, blessings that he knows he doesn’t deserve. Moreover, he wants to express his gratitude. So, he asks this question in vs. 12, “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?” How do we respond to such kindness and love? The Psalmist gives us two responses: First, we worship. We give God the praise and honor that is due Him. Worship is not a task that we do every week, it is an attitude of the heart every day!

Corporate worship is the gathering of worshipers for a grand celebration. I hope you will be part of that celebration today. Second, we keep our promises to Him. We show gratitude when we do EVERYTHING. He commands rather than merely the things with which we agree. Every time we come to worship, it is a time of thanksgiving. It is a time for all of us to express to God how grateful we are to Him for all that He has done for us. 

The question we must face today is how we can truly express our thankfulness to God. As Christians, we’re well aware of how important the attitude of thanksgiving should be in our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Take a moment today to count your blessings. Don’t hurry. Savor. Give thanks. Then express your gratitude to the Lord in ways that will please Him. May God bless you and keep you and allow these words to help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas