Our focus should always be on Jesus

 LORD, thank you for reminding me that our focus should always be on You.  There are many things that take away my focus from You.  I should shift it back to You to bring clarity.  LORD, I have some many tasks and distractions, and none of them is more important that my time with You. Help me to remove those distractions or schedule my time properly so that I can remain focus on You every morning.  LORD, sometimes I try to do or juggle so many things. Please help me to remove those distractions and draw closer to You.

Priority of God’s Presence

Mary has chosen what is better. Luke 10:42

Text: Luke 10:38–42  New International Version

At the Home of Martha and Mary

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 

39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 

40 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!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,

42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

ODB: In 2009, a research team at Stanford University studied more than two hundred students in an experiment that included switching between tasks and memory exercises. Surprisingly, the study found that students who viewed themselves as good multitaskers because they were in the habit of doing several things at a time, did worse than those who preferred to perform one task at a time. Multitasking made it more difficult to focus their thoughts and filter irrelevant information. Maintaining focus when our minds are distracted can be a challenge.

When Jesus visited Mary and Martha’s home, Martha was busy working and “distracted by all the preparations” (Luke 10:40). Her sister Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus teach, gaining wisdom and peace that would never be taken away from her (vv. 39–42). When Martha asked Jesus to encourage Mary to help her, He responded, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one” (vv. 41–42).

God desires our attention. But, like Martha, we’re often distracted by tasks and problems. We neglect God’s presence even though He alone can provide the wisdom and hope we need. When we make spending time with Him through prayer and meditating on Scripture a priority, He’ll give us the guidance and strength we need to address the challenges we face.  By Kimya Loder

Commentary:  Mary and Martha had a brother named Lazarus with whom they shared a home in the village of Bethany (John 11:1–2). Jesus loved these siblings (v. 5) and may have frequently lodged with them. He miraculously raised Lazarus after he’d been dead for four days (vv. 17–44). 

Six days before Passover, Martha prepared a meal to honor Jesus. While Christ reclined at the table with Lazarus, Mary poured an expensive jar of perfume on His feet and then wiped them with her hair (11:2; 12:1–3). by Alyson Kieda

From me:  LORD, thank you for reminding me that our focus should always be on You.  There are many things that take away my focus from You.  I should shift it back to You to bring clarity.  LORD, I have some many tasks and distractions, and none of them is more important that my time with You. Help me to remove those distractions or schedule my time properly so that I can remain focus on You every morning.  LORD, sometimes I try to do or juggle so many things. Please help me to remove those distractions and draw closer to You.

Posted August 27, 2023