A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
 The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Wednesday, September 21, 2011  An old wagon loaded with colorful mums in Manor Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Listen to this message on your audio player.Note: Today's message is the first of a three part series on "Tyrannies of the Soul" "The Tyranny Of The Urgent" "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).  "Tyranny of the Urgent" is the title of a small pamphlet I have read numerous times. It never fails to speak to me as it fills my heart with conviction. This booklet expresses the sense of urgency that overshadows us in the daily experience of living, and it examines how modern technology contributes to this urgency. When Charles Hummel wrote this in 1967, he identified the telephone as a great contributor to this sense of urgency. At that time, for me anyway, that would have been the black rotary dial phone mounted to our kitchen wall; the only phone in our home in Belton, Missouri. Fast forward to present day where a majority carry cell phones and many have smart phones with instant and constant access to the internet in addition to every manner of distraction-inducing technology. Many can't resist using their phone, even to the point of being rude or inconsiderate to others or worse yet making themselves a menace on the highway. We experienced that recently though we don't have the exact details. It seems that Brooksyne's van accident over three weeks ago was caused by a technology distraction. The driver who rear-ended her and totalled our van admitted it, possibly texting as he was busy with his phone. His hard blow forced our van into the opposite lane with oncoming traffic. An alert 22 year old woman driving at 40 MPH toward Brooksyne quickly swerved into a yard barely avoiding a head-on collision. If the young lady had been texting while driving our story would have a much different outcome!Tyranny is normally a term used to describe an oppressive government. In this series we use the word to describe those conditions that oppress the soul. The tyranny of the urgent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must do it now. Due to our busy multi-tasking lives filled with numerous distractions this is a condition common to most and indeed it can be oppressive! Both Mary and Martha had important duties in welcoming the Lord Jesus to their home. Martha was tending to physical needs (preparing the meal) while Mary was tending to spiritual needs (sitting at the feet of Jesus). Both were important but when one duty rivaled the importance of the other, Martha's whimpering forced Jesus to address the attitude of the sister's hearts. I easily identify with Martha's attitude in the daily Scripture portion. I spend way too much time in the "kitchen"* and am easily distracted by the stuff of life in the material, visible realm. Distractions constantly lull me away from "what is better." I really imagine many of you identify with me. We generally prioritize visible accomplishments over inward attitudes of the heart. This can be seen in an obituary where titles, accomplishments, and interests of the deceased may be listed, but the person's attitude toward life may not even be mentioned (though admittedly, some titles or accomplishments can reveal one's attitudes during their lifetime.) As I study this portion of Scripture I am especially intrigued with the phrase, "Mary has chosen what is better." She made a willful, purposeful choice to sit at the Lord's feet, listening intently to His counsel, His teaching, and delighting in His friendship. She likely dealt with distractions since I can imagine Martha was clanging those pots in the kitchen just a little extra loud to get Mary's attention as she surely muttered under her breath, "Why isn't Mary here helping me?". That muttering led her to appeal to the Lord; "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!'" But Mary chose to shut her mind to the daily routine and open her heart to the rare moments that she could personally spend in Jesus' presence. "What is better" is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to what He has to say. It's focusing on the spiritual, non-visible realm. It's like another Mary, who following the birth of her son, Jesus, "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." It includes reading, studying, meditating and memorizing the Bible along with praise, worship and prayer. What we store up in our hearts pours out to those around us making an eternal difference. It goes beyond impressing people to inspiring them to meet Jesus on a personal level. When we spend time with our Lord we experience the fulfillment and blessing that is at the very heart of living the abundant life. But, in full disclosure, I confess the "kitchen" continually beckons and distractions abound. "The Heart of worship" is a song that reminds me today of where my focus needs to be, although I realistically accept that distractions will continually beckon. I am so thankful for God's patience and grace. He has time and again called me back to the heart of worship and He constantly reminds me that this race on earth is really all about embracing Him at the finish line! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  * Certainly I am speaking of the "kitchen" as an analogy for the things that distract and take us away from the better choice. As I ponder on this subject here are some additional considerations: 1) Certainly some may be less easily distracted than others and some more spiritually focused but I have also seen this become a dangerous source of pride. 2) Jesus is not teaching that all "kitchen work" is wrong. We really need to consider a balance in Biblical teaching and that other Scripture teaches the importance and value of work and living responsibly. 3) We need to graciously recognize we have different callings from God, and not esteem one above the other or feel that others must feel as passionately about our cause as we do. This leads to arguments, jealousy, and resentment rather than expanding the kingdom of God. 4) Some distractions are ultimately God-ordained ministry opportunities. Life in our Neighborhood  Farmers are busy in our area with the harvest. The harvest equipment is always interesting to watch (for me anyway!)  Yesterday afternoon Vic and Etta stopped by with some Broccoli Cheese soup they wanted to share with us. Vic and Etta are a colorful older couple who attend the country church we serve. He was a boxer for many years and shares some very interesting stories.  Last night our neighbors brought down a wagon load of neck pumpkins to share with us. Neck pumpkins make great pumpkin pie and other dishes. We shared some photos and info about them in this message.  There goes Jandon pulling the pumpkin wagon along with younger sister, Janae.  Here's a photo taken last year of Brooksyne with a large neck pumpkin around her neck. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "The Heart Of Worship" Video Matt Redman "Jesus, Lover Of My Soul (It's All About You)" Video Kari Jobe This song brings to mind a parody "It's All About Me" video that's actually far to true! "Tyranny Of The Urgent" booklet by Charles E. Hummel is still available here. Here's a doc version. |
 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)  Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!See here for details. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 9/20/11: $9,581.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION  Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net? If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed or as an email subscription through feedburner.Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter:  The daily message and prayer on Facebook. The daily message and prayer on Twitter.Reader Survey: Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here. Please feel free to pass these messages on! Our other blogs: "A Daily Prayer" - A blog simply posting the daily prayer. We keep this up each day since it's merely the prayer from the Daily Encouragement Net message! "A Little Foolishness" - Humor/satire blog (a great outlet for non-serious writing but at times with a subtle message!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (Note: This material is satire!) "Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the faithful believer and church. (Actually this is my intent but I haven't done much with it!) "Hymns of Hope" - Brooksyne along with two friends made a CD using classic hymns. Brooksyne tells the background story of the 11 hymns. All of these songs are also available for download on the site.  Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!Personal Mission Statement "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."  How to become a child of God Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. © Copyright 2011 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us  Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net |
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