As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
It is said that something is not biblical and yet that is the way we are, it could be wrong and yet that is what we do. Why on acknowledging something wrong do we still expect it? Should we not rather say, it is wrong so let’s not do it but trust instead in the Lord and what He says?
There are laws that can not be broken, that even God expects us to follow, for we are in the world. (Matthew 17:24-27, 22:15-21). But also there are ways, not law but brought about by people’s mistrust or people’s endeavour to control, when we should say, “No, God does not do things that way.” Should we say, “No,” to God’s Way?
We fill our lives with doing, we push God into a corner, too busy to hear what He has or wants. Like Martha we to can question people who want to follow God’s way rather than be dictated to by what is expected in the world, making them to be super spiritual people, instead of seeing that there is a choice made, a closeness with God, a call to His side that out weighs everything else.
In scripture God says towards Himself:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Mark 12:30
He asks to come first, it being the Greatest Commandment.
He follows with the second commandment:
Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Mark 12:31
There is no greater commandment than these.
He continues further on, concerning “LOVE,” He says:
Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Throughout scripture He teaches of a Self-less love:
Accept one another – Romans 15:7
Forgive one another – Ephesians 4:32
Love one another – John 13:34
Bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2
Teach and admonish one another – Colossians 3:16
Esteeming one another as more important – Philippians 2:3
Serving one another – 1 Peter 4:10
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:6
He asks us to share all things:
No favouritism but to care for all people – James 2:1-8
Do good and to share with others – 1 Timothy 6:18, Hebrews 13:16
He asks that:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5
Change our attitudes:
Unfortunately today God and the bible are not recognised by many people, yet the answers to life’s problems can be sorted if only people would turn to Him. Many of the scriptures quoted are towards His people and how we should act towards each other, but are these not attitudes that we all should look to take on board? In the last scripture it speaks of being united with Christ. As hard as it seems God is alive and He has given us a way to know Him. Scripture reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Unfortunately I may not be able to convince you of God and His Son Jesus, (Although I hope) but surely no one can deny the morals and attitudes in the Bible are what love is. Whether it’s our family, towards our partners in marriage, our children, our schools, even our workplaces, and I must say even the church, these would be much happier places if we ALL show some self-less love in our lives, considering others as we would each want to be considered.
Finally but as Important:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Seeking the things of the Spirit, the way of the Spirit and living in the righteousness of Jesus and your needs, your giftings and your ministries will come into place as well. For God knows all that you need and what He has purposed for you.
Follow the Fathers Will:
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
In the Attitude of Christ:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
In the Way of the Spirit:
But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Sharing – Sowing Generously
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
Luke 10:38-42
It is said that something is not biblical and yet that is the way we are, it could be wrong and yet that is what we do. Why on acknowledging something wrong do we still expect it? Should we not rather say, it is wrong so let’s not do it but trust instead in the Lord and what He says?
There are laws that can not be broken, that even God expects us to follow, for we are in the world. (Matthew 17:24-27, 22:15-21). But also there are ways, not law but brought about by people’s mistrust or people’s endeavour to control, when we should say, “No, God does not do things that way.” Should we say, “No,” to God’s Way?
We fill our lives with doing, we push God into a corner, too busy to hear what He has or wants. Like Martha we to can question people who want to follow God’s way rather than be dictated to by what is expected in the world, making them to be super spiritual people, instead of seeing that there is a choice made, a closeness with God, a call to His side that out weighs everything else.
In scripture God says towards Himself:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Mark 12:30
He asks to come first, it being the Greatest Commandment.
He follows with the second commandment:
Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Mark 12:31
There is no greater commandment than these.
He continues further on, concerning “LOVE,” He says:
Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Throughout scripture He teaches of a Self-less love:
Accept one another – Romans 15:7
Forgive one another – Ephesians 4:32
Love one another – John 13:34
Bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2
Teach and admonish one another – Colossians 3:16
Esteeming one another as more important – Philippians 2:3
Serving one another – 1 Peter 4:10
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:6
He asks us to share all things:
No favouritism but to care for all people – James 2:1-8
Do good and to share with others – 1 Timothy 6:18, Hebrews 13:16
He asks that:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5
Change our attitudes:
Unfortunately today God and the bible are not recognised by many people, yet the answers to life’s problems can be sorted if only people would turn to Him. Many of the scriptures quoted are towards His people and how we should act towards each other, but are these not attitudes that we all should look to take on board? In the last scripture it speaks of being united with Christ. As hard as it seems God is alive and He has given us a way to know Him. Scripture reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Unfortunately I may not be able to convince you of God and His Son Jesus, (Although I hope) but surely no one can deny the morals and attitudes in the Bible are what love is. Whether it’s our family, towards our partners in marriage, our children, our schools, even our workplaces, and I must say even the church, these would be much happier places if we ALL show some self-less love in our lives, considering others as we would each want to be considered.
Finally but as Important:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Seeking the things of the Spirit, the way of the Spirit and living in the righteousness of Jesus and your needs, your giftings and your ministries will come into place as well. For God knows all that you need and what He has purposed for you.
Follow the Fathers Will:
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
In the Attitude of Christ:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
In the Way of the Spirit:
But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Sharing – Sowing Generously
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to god for his indescribable gifts!
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
God shares His creation with man:
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to god for his indescribable gifts!
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
God shares His creation with man:
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
Genesis 1:26
Children of God, suffering and His Glory:
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:15-17
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praise of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
Sharing your Faith and being active in it:
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
Philemon :6
Sharing all things, good deeds, possessions:
Sharing all things, good deeds, possessions:
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1 Timothy 6:18
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy person among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy person among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Greatest sharing, God’s Love:
Greatest sharing, God’s Love:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5
Sharing is of God, sharing all
It’s not easy
But should we say no?
God’s word says,
To do good, to be rich
In good deeds and
To be generous and willing to
Share.
God gives to us as to
Share with others
All His gifts for the benefit
Of giving to others
Our skills, our interests,
Our possessions, our love
The greatest of all gifts.
All for giving, all for sharing.
In love you give all
To God, to others
Should we say no?
A family shares all.
If it’s what we’d do for our family
Would not God want it for
His Family?
For God created all things
Including our love.
Should we say no?
It’s not easy
But should we say no?
God’s word says,
To do good, to be rich
In good deeds and
To be generous and willing to
Share.
God gives to us as to
Share with others
All His gifts for the benefit
Of giving to others
Our skills, our interests,
Our possessions, our love
The greatest of all gifts.
All for giving, all for sharing.
In love you give all
To God, to others
Should we say no?
A family shares all.
If it’s what we’d do for our family
Would not God want it for
His Family?
For God created all things
Including our love.
Should we say no?
Faith and Deeds:
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, “ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, “ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.
James 2:14-19
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11
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