“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

My favorite siblings in Scripture are Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. These three single adults lived in Bethany and often opened their home to Jesus and His disciples. Jesus loved them dearly (John 11:5). Whenever He went through Bethany He was sure to stay with them. He must have enjoyed their company and hospitality.

Martha, Mary and I are good friends. I relate to both of them in different ways on various and often occasions. I love to study the way in which Jesus related to each of the sisters according to what they needed. With Martha He was more straightforward and assertive. He met this strong woman with Strength and helped her to have more faith in Him. Jesus lovingly reminded her of the right priorities when she complained to him of Mary’s “laziness” (Luke 10:40-42). And He stirred up her faith when He met her after Lazarus’ death. He even drew the words “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” from this faith-filled woman (John 11:20-27). But with docile Mary, He was gentle and tender, teaching her as she sat attentively at His feet (Luke 10:38), weeping with her (John 11:33-35), and allowing her to anoint His feet with expensive perfume (John 12:3).

I completely relate to Martha as she griped to Jesus (much like I would have) that Mary was just sitting around while she’s trying to serve Jesus and His many hungry men (Luke 10:38-42). But He had said to her that only “one thing is necessary…” and it wasn’t the food or the presentation…it was Jesus and her need to have her humbled heart sitting at His feet. And then, in that demeanor of humility and adoration, she would be able to serve others with joy and love. She needed a new perspective on what was happening in her house.  Wisdom Himself was teaching in her living room; her kitchen duties were not the main attraction.

It seems that Martha learned her lesson well. We know this because, just a few days after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, we find her serving her dear guests again. This time apparently with deep gratitude and no complaints:

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. ² So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. ³ Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:1-3

Mary’s perfume was not the only lovely fragrance in the house. Martha was giving off a pleasing aroma to the Lord as well (2 Cor 2:14-16).

We are called to be servants. Jesus said that the least shall be greatest (Mark 9:35) and showed us an example to follow by becoming the Suffering Servant Himself (Isa 52:13-53:12). But I’ve found that you really don’t know how well you have assumed the role of a servant until you are treated like one. You can think you’re being servant-hearted as long as you’re voluntarily serving with joy and self-congratulations in your heart…until someone expects you to serve them. And then, at least in my sinful heart, pride and defensiveness reveals itself with a vengeance.

I have in my life one particular person who regularly causes me to have to check my heart. This person does not ask me to do things, he/she tells me to do things… and sometimes without words. I am simply handed something to do and expected to hop to it. It is so contrary to what I am used to that it throws me for a loop…though I am getting better at my initial response to it. I’ve been spoiled by the many people whom I joyfully serve that make requests without presuming that I will do it (and I love them for it). But when we are called to serve someone who is difficult, it is then that we are given a greater opportunity to really be a servant like Christ. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples…even Judas’, knowing that he was about to betray Him. And He served us all by allowing His own creation to nail Him to a tree. Surely we can be servants to those who are a little less grateful for our service… It was for ungrateful people such as these (us) that His blood was spilled (Rom 5:10).

 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

Carrie Pickelsimer has a BA in music and an MA in Biblical Counseling. She loves to see people grow in their faith and in their love for God. She works as a faculty secretary at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  She enjoys using her gifts to help these godly men and to serve in her local church.
You can visit her blog at surprisedbylove.wordpress.com

Reblogged from girltalk
May 29, 2012  |   by Carolyn Mahaney

Side note - girltalk is one of our favorite blog's here in the Women's Life Office.  If you are an avid blog reader add this blog to your blogroll.  Not only do they have great post's but there are also resources available on the blog.  Check it out today! 

It's been a few years, but we're excited to bring back our girl~to~girltalk interview series. In the past, we've been privileged to give you a glimpse into the lives of women such as Noël Piper, Mary Mohler, and Nancy Leigh DeMoss. We have several interviews planned for the next few months and today we are very pleased to welcome Heather Platt to girltalk. Heather is the wife of David Platt, Senior Pastor of The Church at Brook Hills and author of the book Radical. Heather serves David as he leads the church and travels internationally. She is the busy mom of three young children. We have not yet had the privilege to meet Heather personally, but have been so blessed by her godly character that shines through in this interview. We are sure you will be blessed as well. We asked Heather to answer a few brief questions to help us get to know her. More of the interview will follow in the days ahead.

Heather Platt

 

 You probably know me as: David Platt's wife

I've been married for: 13 years this December

My children are: Caleb - 6, Joshua - 4, Mara Ruth - 22 months, and one on the way, Lord willing, in November

I was born/grew up in: Atlanta, GA

After the Bible, the best Christian book I've ever read: That's a tough one because I love to read. I have loved many books, but Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers are two of my favorites. I also love reading Christian biographies.  

Currently I am reading: The Well-Trained Mind (it's a homeschooling book so I can learn what in the world I am suppose to teach my kids for 1st grade!)

The movie I've watched more times than any other: It's a Wonderful Life

The music you're most likely to find me listening to: praise and worship

My favorite food: seafood

My favorite morning beverage: coffee

The household chore I most enjoy: cleaning and de-cluttering to make things more organized

If I have free time, you'll most likely find me: reading or exercising

My favorite place in the world: the beach!

The Bible verse I return to most often: Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reblogged from Worthy of the Calling
May 21st, 2012 ~ Ashley Allen

Over the last several years I have been amazed – and appalled – by hearing some of the talk of Christian friends who are accepting whatever.

“Yes, they are barely clothed as they are dancing around the screen. You might call it porn. I don’t care. They’re movie stars and I like it so I’m going to keep watching.”

“That show is just fun. I would never cheat on my husband the way those housewives do, but it is a good show.”

“That show about the families is funny. I know that the Bible speaks directly against some of the things that are done and some of the ‘relationships,’ it is just TV, though. It doesn’t affect me.”

“Yeah, that boy in the book is a warlock and he does cast spells, but the books and the movies are so good.”

“That trilogy of books was a bestseller worldwide. The movie went to number one the first weekend it was released. It can’t be bad. I read the book and am excited to see the movie.”

“It’s a Christian book. Yes, some of the things in here aren’t great, but it is a Christian book.”

All of the statements above were made by believers about a variety of different things.

While not trying to appear as one casting judgment, Scripture does say that we are to hold one another accountable. As believers we are to live by a higher standard – one that God ordains in His Word and one that helps us look more like Christ rather than the world.

Often we don’t realize the effects of what we watch with our eyes and what we hear with our ears. Not only do these things leave lasting images in our brains, they also begin to dull our sense of right and wrong.

Additionally, whether we recognize it or not, we begin to think on things because it leaves a photograph in our minds. When we engage in watching television shows and movies that portray lifestyles, choices and decisions that are contrary to God’s Word, we are endorsing these behaviors and decisions rather than upholding biblical standards. If we say we believe God’s Word is true and is applicable to our lives, it should also be applicable to what we take in via our senses.

King David wrote, “I will give heed to the blameless way, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil” (Psalm 101:2-4).

The Holy Spirit led King David to pen this psalm following his indiscretion with Bathsheba. Through this psalm, one can see the standards he set for his life so that he might live set apart to Lord. He was careful to live in his home the same way he said he would live in the public eye (integrity). He was cautious about what he set before his eyes (setting no worthless thing before his eyes). He was careful about the company he kept and their effect on him (the work of those who fall away and their work fastening its grip on him). He was careful to know no evil (I will know no evil).

In the New Testament Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

This is a good plumb line for us as believers as we examine what we are reading, watching and hearing. Do the things we read, watch and hear align with biblical truth?

I have a mutual accountability agreement with a friend in regard to this area of my life and her life. We challenge one another in what we are watching, reading and hearing. We have reminded one another that Scripture says our bodies are temples and the dwelling places of the Holy Spirit; we have been bought with a price; and we are to glorify God with our bodies (I Corinthians 6:19-20). Part of our bodies includes our eyes, ears and minds.

I also try to remember one thing: while I know that Jesus is present with me at all times - even though I can’t see Him with my eyes - if He were sitting next to me on the couch in fleshly form would I watch what I watch on television? If He were peering over my shoulder reading what I am reading, would He say, “That brings Me glory!” And, if I were going to the movies, would He select the same feature film as me?

The whatever we put into our hearts and minds has more implications than we realize.

How and what are you whatevering?

Ashley Allen was born and bred in Dallas, Texas, and currently serves on staff with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina as the Director of Embrace Women’s Missions and Ministries. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Christian Education and a Doctor of Philosophy in Administration, both from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. She has served on the church staffs of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, and the First Baptist Church of Dallas. She has been an adjunct professor at Southwestern Seminary and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a guest lecturer at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ashley has a deep passion and desire for women to be discipled in the things of the Lord Jesus and to live out their faith in abandon in their everyday life circumstances. She desires for women to seek the Lord and apply the truth of His Word to their daily life. Ashley deeply desires for women who are mature in their walk with the Lord to reach out and disciple the next generation of believers in the things of God. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends; learning about the history of people, places, and events; reading and writing; watching any and all Texas Longhorn sports; participating in anything athletic; craft projects; and attending the ballet and musicals. Ashley is a Life Member of the Texas Exes, the alumni association of The University of Texas at Austin. She can be reached at aallen@ncbaptist.org.

Reblogged from (in)courage
May 19, 2012

 

Music off, television off, phone left on silent, I’ve been dabbling with the quiet because I need to hear from God, but the truth about the quiet is that it has opened me up wide, turned on my dulled senses, and faced me toward my rawest, loneliest places. It is a constant struggle for me to not reach for my phone, always at my side. With my mouth I say I want to walk with God, but with my actions I crave a culturally acceptable numbness that keeps me from pain.

Many of us know truth with our words and our songs and in our friendship conversations, but it feels rare to experience it in the seething corners of our hearts or in those hurt, magnified memories we keep close and shoved down. We start to feel the quiet working on us, and so we reach for the phone, scroll through instagram.

I’m finding, even as I pursue the presence of God, that the quieter it gets, the lonelier I get and the more I am left to deal with my own thoughts and what I really believe about God. I’m beginning to see how I’ve discounted that I have the mind of Christ, that I am actually supposed to be able to hear myself think.
I’ve started asking how lonely was Jesus in His flesh. Who knows what it’s like to be God with breakable bones? And then I imagine the desperate, internal communion Jesus kept with His Father, the kind of communion I want with Him, too.

Because of Jesus, I’m starting to embrace the lonely, not hiding from it any more, and rather asking Jesus into it with me. Only then do I find myself truly not alone.

Even in the intimacy metaphor we receive with marriage, even in our most unified moments, we can feel most alone. Even with your most favorite sisters, in huge crowds, and with a boat load of kids, we find ourselves deep in the crevices of loneliness. We find ourselves feeling exposed and unfixed because there is no people fix, no earthly father, no covering that will do other than the covering Jesus gives, the messianic fix.

I believe we blow the horn asking all to gather in community often because we think it will save us – save us from ourselves. Community can point us in the right direction, but it still won’t fix us.

We in our lonely can realize a love that hounds, the presence of invisible God, and only from the solitude found there can we reach out to community and practice the healing of togetherness in Him.

What if we allowed the quiet, faced the lonely, and sat in it a bit? Might that lonely place be exactly where the door is, the one on which we knock, the one Jesus promises to open?

***

inspired by the reading of Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen and written by Amber Haines from theRunaMuck

Amber Haines has 4 sons, a guitar-playing husband, theRunaMuck, and rare friends. She loves the funky, the narrative, and the dirty South. She finds community among the broken and wants to know your story. Amber is curator with her husband Seth Haines of Mother Letters (published April, 2012). They are in the process of learning how to live in true community, to care for the orphan, and to love the broken body of Christ. Read her blog HERE, and tweet her a little HERE.