Weekend Words

 From Beside the Still Waters...

But One Thing is Needed - Read Psalm 119:89-105

O how love I thy law!  it is my meditation all the day. - Psalm 119:97

The psalmist had a remarkable esteem for the Word of God, even though the only parts he knew were in the Old Testament.  In Psalm 119 he expressed great love for Scriptures.  He called them "my delight" (verse 92), and he described them as "sweeter than honey" (verse 103).

In the New Testament we read the story of two sisters called Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-41).  It was Martha who invited Jesus into their home.  She considered it important to provide her special guest with the very best.  Preparing a meal in that setting took a good bit of time and effort.  Martha became frustrated because Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words.  Finally Martha came to Jesus and said, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?  Bid her therefore that she help me."

Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part."  Jesus was explaining that the most important thing is to sit at His feet and learn from Him.  He was not saying that we should neglect material things, but that they must never crowd out communion with Him.

In our busy schedule, do we take time to sit at the feet of Jesus?  If the psalmist found the Old Testament Scriptures sweet and delightful, how much more should we enjoy reading and meditating on the words of Jesus!  Heeding His words is certainly a needful thing, for someday we will be judged by them.  If we choose "that good part" as Mary did, we can claim for ourselves Christ's promise that it "shall not be taken away."

Cleason Martin - Stratton, ON

Take time to be holy, Thy world rushes on, Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone. - William D Longstaff

Go in all simplicity; do not be anxious to win a quiet mind, and it will be all the quieter.  Do not examine so closely into the progress of your soul.  Do not crave so much to be perfect, but let your spiritual life be formed by your duties, and by the actions which are called forth by circumstances.  Do not take overmuch though for tomorrow.  God, who has led you safely on so far, will lead you on to the end.  Be altogether at rest in the loving holy confidence which you ought to have in His heavenly Providence.

St. Francis de Sales