Day 18 "Distraction"

Among all of our responsibilities, there are many good things that divide our time.

There is much to be learned from Mary and Martha on one special occasion when they were blessed to spend an evening with Jesus.

In Luke 10:38-42 we read the account of Jesus sharing a meal in their home. Martha is busy preparing the meal. She feels frustrated and offers her petition up to Jesus to entreat her sister to help. Jesus kindly replies, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken from her."

Definition of careful:

1. Attentive to potential danger, error, or harm; cautious.

2. Thorough and painstaking in action or execution; conscientious.

3. Protective; solicitous: Be careful of his feelings.

4. Full of cares or anxiety:

Definition of troubled:

1. to put oneself to inconvenience, extra effort, or the like.

2. to be distressed or agitated mentally; worry: She always troubled over her son's solitariness. –noun

3. unfortunate or distressing position, circumstance, or occurrence; misfortune.

4. civil disorder, disturbance, or conflict.

5. a physical disorder, disease, ailment, etc.

6. mental or emotional disturbance or distress; worry:

The needful thing is the necessary thing.

Jesus loved both women, and Martha was also doing a good thing in serving Jesus, but it wasn't the most important thing at that moment.

Individually, we are probably always in one role or the other. Very seldom are we choosing "bad" ways to spend our time. It always seems to be a choice between 2 good things.

Figuring out "which good thing to do" is where the real challenge is met.

And this brings us back to the key to all success before the Lord.

Are we following the spirit?

Task for the Day:

• Set a goal to: "Wholly follow the Lord today." Numbers 32:11-12
• In everything you do and speak, act as if Jesus is standing there with you.
• Ask yourself, "What would He do? What should I do?"
• At the end of the day, report your successes and failings.

Day 17 Seek Understanding

We read the following in Matthew in response to His disciples plea of why Christ taught in parables, "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."

He promises us that if we listen and seek understanding that we will know the mysteries of God.

Task for the day "Listen, really listen to your spouse, that you might gain understanding. "

Day 16 "Think Eternally, Act Daily"

As we read in Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. "

Where there is no eternal perspective it is easy to get caught up in the world and lose track of the things that are most important. Remembering our purpose here in life and that each one of us is an eternal being helps us to see past life's trials and letdowns.

Task of the Day: Try to think of the eternal perspective in all that you do today. Whether it be at school, work or play.

Day 15 "Doing More"

Luke 21:36

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

Today's Task:

• Pray that you can do more than you believe you are capable of doing.
• Do all your normal tasks for the day...PLUS 1 other good thing.

Day 14 Priesthood Blessings

On May 15th over 170 years ago the Priesthood was restored again to the earth by the hand of John the Baptist to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Just like the apostles of old the authority to act in the name of God was given throught he laying on of hands. Since that time many have been blessed through the Priesthood power.
I did not grow up in a home where the Priesthood power was part of our everyday life until much later in life. At times it's easy to forget the blessings that come from the Priesthood in our homes. We are often guilty of taking it for granted.

Task of the Day: Give or partake in an ordinance of the Priesthood. Give thanks for the blessings of the Priesthood in your life.

Day 13 Being Loyal

The Book of Ruth is only 85 scriptures long, but contains a story of critical importance to the Old Testament. It gives evidence of the lineage of David and also gives a great example of loyalty that is evidenced through the story of Ruth and Naomi. For Ruth’s famous words,

"Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Today’s lesson: Be loyal to those who are absent.

Day 12 The Yoke of Christ

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

As Christ tells us in Matthew, His is the only way to find true peace and happiness in this life.

Task of the day: Read Matthew 11 and contemplate how the yoke of Christ can benefit you and your marriage.