The Phil Files

My Monday article in Heartlight this week talks about an upcoming trip to Uganda with Compassion International in February. I want to ask you to please take a look at the article and please be in prayer for efforts to get at least 500 children sponsored as a result of this trip!I’d love to hear back from below in response to several questions related our the trip:Do you sponsor a child with Compassion or some other group and what led you to do so? How has the experience been for you?Will you pray for Phil’s trip and the effort to get 500 children sponsored?Do you have any questions about this you would like answered?Does your church sponsor a ministry that helps children trapped in poverty or dealing with the AIDS epidemic leaving so many of them orphans?I’d love to hear back from you on this project!

Sometimes words just seem to jump out of the story of Jesus more clearly than others. Today, as I read through Luke 10 - which is today’s reading in our daily Bible reading plan — I was expecting to have my heart resonate with the story of the Good Samaritan or the sending out of the 72 or the story of Martha and Mary. However, what grabbed my attention was the repeated use of the title “Lord” used throughout this chapter by followers and believers in Jesus. This is in contrast to His opponents and the uncommitted who call Him teacher.

Now I have a number of teachers I respect and appreciate. None of them, however, would I call “Lord”! You learn from a teacher. You may even have your life shaped by a teacher. However, if someone is your Lord, then your investment and response are more urgent and passionate. All other activities pale in comparison to honoring your Lord with all your “heart, soul, mind, and strength.”

This insight suddenly re-framed the whole Martha and Mary experience for me. It’s not that Martha’s concern wasn’t legitimate or socially responsible. It’s just that Mary had recognized Jesus is Lord: He is not just her Lord, but He Lord of all, Lord indeed, the Lord of heaven and earth. No other activity, no other focus, was appropriate than her undivided attention. She had to hear and put into practice the Lord’s call on her life. And the Lord Jesus validated Mary’s priorities when her hospitable sister, Martha, questioned her priorities:

//Inspiration: Luke 10:41
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

//Incarnation:
So the real question is simple: “Have I chosen what is better? Have I really placed Jesus as Lord over all of my life?”
The answer isn’t as simple as keeping up with daily Bible readings, doing all the Christian things, or hanging out at church. The call of Jesus as Lord pervades every area of life — my values, my choices, my character, my compassion lived out toward those around me. So I have to ask myself, “Do I live with the urgency and attention of Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus and made her choices based upon His being Lord?”

//Invitation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have let distractions — even church distractions — keep you from being Lord of all of me life. I want to honor you as Lord in all that I do and say. Please show me and empower me to do this more effectively. You are worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Amen.