July 30, 2026
God is good. No matter our age or circumstance, He takes our talent and ability and builds it into a destiny. When we trust Him and do what we hear Him ask us to do, we are floored by the results. Listen and do! It’s that simple.
When I first became a Christian, I felt overwhelmed with classes, reading the Word and doing Bible studies. It worked. For a while. Eventually the Lord slowed me down. He taught me to take Scripture more personally, to read the Bible as if it was written just for me. And it is. It is written to reach each of us in a deep and individual way.
As I spent more time with God, He called me closer. He courted me into a real relationship. Now we are friends, me and God. He has made His voice known, His desires clear. My days begin with Him. The righteousness of my armor is now a commitment. I must be truthful. I must strive to do right. I weigh all my actions against the Word and against His will. What might sound limiting is the path to a power filled freedom.
Martha got a bad reputation when she chose to prepare dinner for Jesus while her sister chose to listen to Him speak and leave all the work to her. I always want to defend Martha. She sacrificed that which was most important in order to feed all those who were there. Sometimes we have to make a way for the students to learn and yet provide for their needs. In Martha’s case, her sacrifice meant she had to put in the hours and then seek Jesus and His teachings through God. We will always find a way to spend time with the Lord even when we must see to the needs of others.
The comparison is clearly not meat versus veggies. Take Cain and Abel. Cain tilled the fields. We have to assume he didn’t choose the first and finest fruits from his farm, perhaps bringing God wilted lettuce or day old zucchini. God has requested our first fruits. The first, freshest and most special. Maybe Abel brought his most beloved lamb, a true sacrifice. God preferred Abel’s gift which made Cain so jealous he killed Abel. We must be aware God is always looking at our heart in all matters.
I long to become more like Jesus. It’s not easy. He is all we need as we seek to follow in His steps. Let us seek to be Christlike, smiling, patient, kind and righteous in all we say and do.
Oh Lord Jesus, thank You for lessons that keep me growing more mature in all areas. Thank You for sending mentors exactly when I need them. I am sorry I can be slow to learn but, Lord, how I have learned to love the lessons.
Living Sacrifices to God
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1