Opening

Sing together "Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens" (LW 339, TLH 296) or "Make Me Like You" (The Other Song Book 138)

When people greet each other, they often ask, "How are you?" There was a time when the typical answer was, "I'm fine; how are you?" Today it seems the more common answer is, "Busy!" We may take pride in being involved in a wide variety of activities, but is this busyness something that pleases God? Or does our busyness keep us from doing what is really important?

Choosing God's Word

Martha wanted a clean house and a nice meal when Jesus came to visit-what could be wrong with that? So she planned, scrubbed, swept, polished, peeled, cut, basted, roasted, cooked, mashed, sifted, stirred, kneaded, baked, whipped, frosted and became frustrated. Mary sat and listened to Jesus.

• Read the account in Luke 10:38-41. Who pleased Jesus? Why?
• Read verses 40-41 again. How does Martha vent her frustration? How does Jesus respond?
• Jesus commended Mary for choosing to listen to Him and He promised, It will not be taken away from her (v. 41). What does this mean?

Many people question the validity of God's Word. They argue that it is just the words of men written ages ago. What does God tell us about it?

• 2 Timothy 3:15-17
• 2 Peter 1:20-21

Recite the third commandment and it's meaning or read it from your catechism or hymnal (LW p. 300). What things in your life keep you from gladly hearing and learning God's Word? What changes can you make in your daily routine so reading God's Word becomes a habit?

Serving the Lord with Gladness

Does our emphasis on God's Word mean that we should give up serving others? What commands are given in the following verses?

• Ephesians 4:28
• James 2:14-17
• 1 Peter 4:10

Ready for the Resurrection

As our faith grows, our hunger for God's Word increases as does our desire to serve Him. The busyness of this life seems less important as we look to the things of the next life. With maturity of faith and God's help, we are better able to face the trials that come our way.

Read John 11:17-32.

• What trial did Mary and Martha face?
• How does their conversation show their maturity of faith?

For Individual Reflection

In what areas is your life overwhelmed with busyness? Will you take this to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you find balance?

Is God calling you to some area of service? How will you prayerfully respond?

How can you keep the resurrection in view as you go about your daily tasks?

Closing

Dear Jesus, Forgive us when we worry and fuss over the temporary cares of this life instead of listening to You in Your Word and helping others. Change us Lord, and make us more like You! Amen.

Personal Bible Study Tips

1. Reserve a time for daily Bible study so you develop a hunger for God's Word.
2. If you are new to personal Bible study, start by reading one of the Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.
3. Begin each session by asking the Holy Spirit to teach you from God's Word.
4. As you read, ask yourself these questions:
   What does it say?
   What does it mean?
   What does it mean for me?
5. Examine yourself with the Law, which shows us our sin and need for repentance.
6. Rejoice in the Gospel, which shows us what Jesus does for us.
7. Supplement your study with a reliable easy-to-ready commentary such as The People's Bible Commentary (published by Concordia Publishing House).
8. Avoid books that suggest following certain steps will free your life of troubles.
9. Avoid books that suggest being good will help you earn God's favor.
10. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest God's Word for you.