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Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are neededor indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:4142 NIV
Martha and Mary were sisters but very different people. Martha invited Jesus to their home, but then became busy and distracted with all the work. The visitation of Jesus soon became a chore and the joy of serving was gone. Martha was worried and troubled about many things. She became so busy that she missed the most important part, a chance to spend time with Jesus while He was there.
Mary delighted in listening to the teachings of Jesus and put Him first by sitting at His feet a while and listening as He spoke. When Martha got upset with all the serving, she finally approached Jesus and said, tell Mary to help me, but He said, No. For Mary had chosen best and it would not be taken from her.
When you get busy and a lot of people are depending on you, it is easy to start feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. You can feel as if you do not get this done it will be the most horrible thing in the world, but it wont.
You begin to lose focus on the Lord and what is actually important, and start to focus on your performance, or lack thereof. We flatter ourselves by thinking that we are so important. When you are dead, the world will continue on just as it has because it does not revolve around you.
Dont get so busy that you no longer enjoy your life because there is coming a time when it will be gone. God is the one that makes the sun rise in the morning, not us. Keep your priorities straight. Put God first in your life and make time for Him intentionally. There will always be chores to do.
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J D Williams
BEING BUSY IS SO EASY TO DO IN OUR MICROWAVE WORLD WE WANT EVERYTHING FAST ITS JUST A TRICK OF THE ENEMY TO TAKE OUR FOCUS OFF OF WHAT IS IMPORTANT KEEPING A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHIRST.......
May 5, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Thank you dear Pastor for the message!
May 5, 2015
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Pam Stauffer
So true....Sometimes I think the enemy wants us to become too busy so we won't have time to spend with God...Like you said..."Make time for him intentially...
May 5, 2015
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Valerie King
Amen. A very great message this morning.
May 5, 2015
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Gail Sellu
Amen!
May 5, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Amen, So true
May 5, 2015
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Linda Montalvo
Amen. Thank you for starting my day on this note.
May 5, 2015
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Mike OBryan
what a Teaching! I recall as a youngster all the activity around Me! It was than noticing the still small Voice in Me consoling Me on what I saw- thoughts! As I grew older I learned and was guide on the bes things too do when so much was too be done! Certainly being the most effective! As cleaning up a Mess! Don't look at it and study it! Pick a spot fix it, and than spread out! A Awesom God!!!
May 5, 2015
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Schalk de Beer
Thank you for this one.
May 5, 2015
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Deborah (Deb) Harrington
Amen! Thank you for starting my day in such a positive way. God bless you!
May 5, 2015
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KathyMaria Badalamenti
May I keep this message in mind as I continue my day. Thank you Pastor Todd.
May 5, 2015
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Paula Andrews
This message hit home. So true, thank you Pastor Todd.
May 5, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Good morning and thank you.
I definitely hear the message... it's like when I try to remember Not to allow life and the decisions people make stress me Because when I'm dead and gone they Will still be doing the Same things.
Live And Enjoy life, "Yvette"...
Have a fantabulous day (:-)
May 5, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
KEEEEEP GOD FIRST!!!!!
May 5, 2015
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Darletha Kitchens
I could not have said it any better than that. Thank you pastor.
May 5, 2015
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Marisa Jackson
Amen!! I am trying to break this habit. I always start my day first with my daily bible readings; once I have completed that, I know that my day begins; however, God, and only God comes first; without him, nothing matters and the day is not right for me! Thank you God for always reminding me that you are the number 1 priority always!
May 5, 2015
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Roseanne Braverman
This has always been a difficult reading for me, and still is.
May 5, 2015
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Anthony Kulbicki
I'm in this boat regularly. I can go to work, see stuff not getting done and get frustrated or bothered that no one else is stepping up. Then I end up doing whatever is seemingly being put off. Same thing at home. Always work to be done and I can only sit and let it ride for so long and then I'm at it. But I aim to keep the right attitude and learn whatever I need to learn in the moment, because I know my actions speak louder than my words. Thanks Pastor Todd for continuing to listen to God.
May 5, 2015
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Ann Burks
Amen. I'm guilty of that. Thank you Pastor Todd.
May 5, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
So true. God has shown me how He cn work in my life,since I have had bad health for the last 3 years. I would not trade these last 3 years for any thing. He has brought so many people across my path. Through face book, and now through, Dion, and this ministry. I have been doing couseling over the phone and have a great ministry on facebook, Hav seen several come to know Christ and have had the opperuinuity to deciple these new Christians, and to minister to so many sick people, Don't get me wrong I could have never done any of these things with out being in Gods word and, and depending on the Holy Spirit to give me the words to say and listening for God to lead me. I have been so blessed in this time of my life when I could not get out and minister like I use to. God gets all the glory.
May 5, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
With me, it seems to be quite the opposite: I lose focus on my FAMILY! My kids/ex/mother has argued that I'm TOO much "into" Christ! Is there even such a malady? LOL!
May 5, 2015
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Jack Murphy
Great message! Thank you!
May 5, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
Seek ye the first kingdom of God, and all things shall be added unto you.
God bless you Pastor Dion
May 5, 2015
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Pam Ivins
Amen Pastor!!! Thank you.
May 5, 2015
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Suzanne Pages
I love this but so true
May 5, 2015
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Carol Pady
Amen! Setting time aside for daily devotion is necessary to have direction for whatever may come your way. Giving thanks to God for the new day and putting Him first priority is fundamental to leading a Christian life. Time spent with God is time well spent! Nothing else should take priority.
May 5, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Haha, that's the condition to have :)!
May 5, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
I think the key to this idea is "where is the joy?". Martha was cranky, clearly not enjoying what she was doing and feeling unappreciated, which Mary was delighting herself in the Lord. We have a couple of friends, a husband and wife, who absolutely delight in the kind of service that Martha was grouchy about. They do pretty much all of the catering for our local church and create much joy with the love and attention to detail to bring to each event.
There are also seasons for various types of work. The Lord is always moving all of us forward! Finally, now and then, we all have to step up just to get a job done ;). With the right attitude, we can still take joy in all of that!
May 5, 2015
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Simon Oriedo
May I be able to discipline myself to like Mary. She chose wisely. In Africa, most ladies would identify with Martha.
May 5, 2015
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Melissa-Peter Busse
May I not strive today, but rest in your grace Lord, as I go about Your will today. Guide us all to fulfill Your plan with grace and truth. Amen
May 5, 2015
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Melissa-Peter Busse
minute by minute for me
May 5, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
As you age you learn that the most important thing is to put God first in the morning. I don't like to talk before my morning coffee, but I do talk to God before I take my first sip, then have coffee with him :). I don't worry about the tasks that need to be done and have also learned if I don't feel like doing them I don't have to they will be there later or tomorrow.
May 5, 2015
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Christina Ocasio
Amen!!
May 5, 2015
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Italy Primus
Thank Pastor Dion for this devotion.
May 5, 2015
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Debbie Bible
As I started reading this devotion, I was thinking, Jesus hasn't seen a house as messed up as mine! ...ha. I struggle with this. I take infusion chemo every other week and feel guilty when I don't feel like doing household chores and sometimes even reading daily devotions is a chore.Then on my "off week" and I do feel well, I'm so busy I tend to ignore what's important. I enjoy all Pastor Dion's devotions and I need to be in prayer about this one.
May 5, 2015
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Cheryl Wilson
Yes, help me to make you a priority Lord.......Amen!!
May 5, 2015
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Patricia Walker
Oh ~ so very true!! Amen!!
May 5, 2015
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Shunta Chaney
This is true. We have to purposely make time to spend with our Lord. Life can be so demanding with so much to do, but God should always take first place.
May 5, 2015
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Atooba Abiodun
good, so what ever we want to do we should let God own be priority in our. Life than any other things. Maria is the one I visited JESUS but Mary pay attention to him
May 5, 2015
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Deleted Member
yes we should make God our priority and He will makes us a priority by supplying our needs.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Dion Todd
That is a great way to live Karen :)
May 5, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen, yes we should put God first, because He sure put us first when He gave His only Son go die on the cross for our sins.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I totally agree. Amen. Jesus is first in my life.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, if we just don't give up we can keep on trying even when we fail, we can try again , because He is right there.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I sure do understand Deborah, i too have to take chemo everyweek and shots every other week. It takes a toil on my mind and body, but even on my bad days if I have to lay in bed or just sit in my chair, I pray, even its not out loud, but Jesus knows my hearts prayers. Some days I am so sick I don't feeling like praying, but I push through, even if I just talk with Him in my heart. He is always first and He will not forsake you. I will be praying for a healing touch, believing that you will regain your strength and a total healing of all things in Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, I truly want to have a heart like Mary, just wanting to be at the feet of Jesus, listening, learning and wanting more of Him each day. I want to be about The Father's business.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Praise The Lord, let me too have a heart like Mary, to be concerned for my soul and the souls of others before my needs, because if I put Jesus first He will take care of the rest.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, spending your first with God will never make for a bad day. because even if storms arise, you know He is right there walking beside you or carrying you through. Oh how I love Jesus.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, if we could all realize that we need to put God first, then the rest will be okay.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, may I too be able to rest in the Lord's grace and mercy, knowing He will guide my every step.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, I think even in the US, we tend to identify with Martha, because we as women have so many things to take care of, work, children, house, husband, finances, running a taxi service for all the events for the kids. Trying to be involved with everything at our childrens school and trying to be at church for everything, even if its just having a yard sale. But if only we could stop and think and be like Mary, all these other things would fall into place.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, I think even in the US, we tend to identify with Martha, because we as women have so many things to take care of, work, children, house, husband, finances, running a taxi service for all the events for the kids. Trying to be involved with everything at our childrens school and trying to be at church for everything, even if its just having a yard sale. But if only we could stop and think and be like Mary, all these other things would fall into place.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I love they way Mary felt, just wanting to sit at Jesus feet listening and learning, but I also understand Martha, she wanted all her guest to feel welcome and well taken care of. Maybe we could have a lot of Mary in us and a little of Martha.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, we must put God first and the rest will work out for our good.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes this is so true.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, i want to be like Mary just wanting to sit at the feet of Jesus, but I do know how Martha felt too, because many times I have found myself worrying about everything being in order if company was coming. I pray I make Jesus my priority and He will give me the strength and desire to take care of the other things.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, we must seek Him first.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, this was an awesome message, made me take another look at my priorities.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Thats a wonderful testimony.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, I too have at times been very guilty of the same thing Martha was, making sure everything is just the way it should be for guest, and really forgetting if only I had a heart like Mary, to listen to Jesus, He would help me take care of the rest.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Melissa-Peter Busse
I had such a peaceful day yesterday, until I got home and starting down the list of tasks to be done. I felt the anxiety rising and the blame game started...God is so faithful and I was able to stop and recite a scripture in my mind, over and over until His peace returned. thank you Jesus. If I don't spend time with Him everyday...I fall prey to the enemy. There is only one name I call upon. Jesus.
May 5, 2015
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Marie Johnson
Pastor Dion; GOD BLESS YOU and Refreshing Hope Ministries. Everyday as I read the email that you send me; it fits something specific that is going on in my life OR it answers a "PRIVATE PRAYER CONVERSATION" that I have had with The Father. This for me is another of HIS AWESOME REVELATIONS and CONFIRMATIONS TO ME.
"SISTERS" is my sister Deborah and myself. Some days I am so CAUGHT UP with chores or doing something for others that my prayers seem hurried or I have to repent for being late to spend time with GOD (WHO IS DEFINITELY THE MOST IMPORTANT BEING IN MY LIFE). I talk with HIM through prayer before I leave my bed every morning, during early afternoon prayer (at my alter) and in evening prayer at sunset and sometimes when Angels awaken me in early morning hours as well as throughout the day; I talk with Father GOD. HE is ALWAYS ON MY MIND.
And I know without a doubt HE has connected you and I; all for HIS Glory.
If I miss even one day of your emails; I feel so bad and must go to my email and read them.
Based on my prior experiences; I KNOW GOD MADE THIS CONNECTION. Perhaps it is something to transpire in the future...I don't know, however at the urging of JESUS CHRIST, I will continue to read your blogs daily and add you to my prayers.
I have posted your blogs to my Prayer Pages on Facebook many times and I cannot tell you how many people thank me for the posting. I tell them that my friend Pastor Dion sent this to me as food for my soul and I resent it to them for nourishment also.
ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALMIGHTY and I Graciously Thank You for Teaching Me.
May 5, 2015
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Dion Todd
Thank you Marie, I am dealing with this word myself today. I feel a lot like Martha :)
May 5, 2015
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Deleted Member
Thank you Marie, you sure touched my life today. God bless you in everyway.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, sometimes it is hard not to be like Martha instead of Mary. We get so much on our minds, we forget sometimes to sit at the feet of Jesus, just to listen and learn and He will provide the time for all the other things, if we put Him first.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, I love to begin my day with Jesus, as I pass out through my bedroom door, my prayer box sits right there, so i can put my hands on it and pray for those that are in the prayer and for those that have give me requests that I haven't yet put in there.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, it was a word surely mean't for me.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Keep God first and always know He will take care of the rest.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, Amen, Hope you have a fantabulous day too:)
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, Amen,this message hit home to me and that I am so thankful for.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, I truly want to be a Mary, but I do get caught up like Martha did.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, Amen, A great word for today.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, put God first and the rest will fall into place. Thank You Heavenly Father.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, I so needed this today.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, so very true. Put God first in all we do and He will not let us down. He will never forsake us.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen,Gail, God is so good.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
An awesome message, much needed for me, because I get so worried sometimes about all the things I need to do, and i let worry creep in, instead of just sitting still at the feet of Jesus and He will take care of my hearts worry. Love Him so much. He is so good to me.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, Amen, needed this today.
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Tania Ribeiro
Dear Pastor Dion, although I do not comment everyday on your daily devotion, I do read them all.
This word was just a confirmation from the Holy Spirit about some transition decisions that I am doing. I have being serving at my church 3 ministries, the 1st for 9 years, 2nd for 6 years and 3rd for 3 years. The last is my full gift and passion Dance Ministry, but the 1st Ministry is taking a lot of my time because many of volunteers that oversee are not committed and accountable for their actions, therefore is time to input some new procedures to make sure that all runs... smoothly and peaceful and that I have more free time to dance to the LORD.
May 5, 2015
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Debbie Thompson
Oh my goodness, did I ever need to read this!! I am such a Martha it's not funny. I wouldn't say I'm a neat freak, but pretty close! I really do feel that if everything is not done (OCD?) the world will crumble! I am not only a housewife, but the yard keeper, car washer, errand runner, etc. My husband is terribly disabled, so I'm also a caregiver! I want so desperately to daily get into the Word, spend at least an hour or more in concentrated study, but...I never do! I am ashamed to say I almost never spend time with the Lord. Reading, studying, prayer...what is that?? And I tell you the truth, I CRAVE Gods Word, I love it and view it as indispensable. So why don't I read it? For one, my husband demands, I mean he DEMANDS my time. I try to be the Proverbs 31 wife and honor him. He is a believer, but I don't think a saved believer, so he won't allow me the time! I married Nabel and just call me Abagail!!
May 5, 2015
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Kenneth Koen
Amen!
May 6, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Hi Debbie, All you mentioned is a lot for one person. I wondered if there is anyone to help with your husband for if so you can have quiet time for awhile whatever length of time allowed. Also if there is Adult Care near you. I had checked on that idea & visited. It was great & very nice. The next thing is know God knows & understands....truly He does! You are special and worth it! Special moments for you prepares you to go back in home.....and great with what you the things needed to do. Blessings!
May 6, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Deborah I have been there more then I'd like to think about. Surgeries and cancer survivor. No chemo but 7 was of radiation 5 days a week at 8:30 am. I couldn't believe how I was up and on time at hospital. Had to be God! Guilt is the enemy's weight he'd have you carry.
I remember that there are groups who would come in and clean houses etc. Maybe some in your hometown area.
These groups were free too. Blessings!
May 6, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thank you! We can spend time at his feet everyday. I know I need it!
May 6, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Debbie, I pray that the Lord will bring help for you so that you can have some time to spend with the Lord and for yourself! My dad was disabled too (Parkinson's) and I know what you are saying that everything has to work around that. I pray that your faithfulness will be honored by the Lord's touch on your husband's heart as well.
May 6, 2015
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Debbie Thompson
Thank you Sylvia & Cheryl. Unfortunately we live VERY RURAL. And it's not so much that my husband needs round the clock help, he is a Nabal! He IS a control freak! If he had his way I would just sit with him all day and let my brain go to mush watching the idiot box!
I was in a terrible backslidden state when we met and I had already been widowed twice at 30 & 32, had a rebellious teen and a ADHD preteen and was lonely. I got what I asked for! (Mom always said be careful what you ask for, you might just get it) And it wasn't until the ring went on that the boxing gloves did too.
PRAISE GOD I rededicated myself in 2014...FOR GOOD and one of my biggest fears is forgetting my first love. I never want to travel that path again!!
I believe the Lord is working on him, but hubby is fighting against the Spirit. All I can do is trust and do the best I can to obey! It will all be okay, the Lord hasn't let me down yet!! :) HOWEVER, I let Him down daily and for that I could just cry because He has blessed me so far past abundance.
To be honest, I think that might be why hubby doesn't want me spending time with the Lord in fellowship, it takes time away from him and I "think" he's jealous of Jesus because I put the Lord first in every area I'm able. I could write a book! I'm okay, just disappointed in myself. I could do better, I just hate fighting hubby every inch. Kinda got off the Martha issue and more on the Abigail one! Sorry!! Blessings sisters!
May 6, 2015
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Dion Todd
You have to make time to dance. Twice a year we try and do a fast and reevaluate our life and where our time is going. Somethings have to be pruned to make time for what truly matters :)
May 6, 2015
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Carletheia Linnen
Great teaching, Amen!!! Don't miss Jesus!!!
May 6, 2015
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Debbie Bible
Thanks, Tamara...I'll add you to my prayer list, also.
May 6, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
A view from our bedroom is from God who gave allll we have. Enjoy!
May 10, 2015