Oh, how wonderful is the cleansing power of the blood of our Lord!

Copied, a true story: One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry, the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife-to-be. He began to speak and his statement was this:

"My fiancée's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church fell silent as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God, the blood DOES wash away all sin!

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-- The minister's little six-year-old girl had been so naughty during the week that her mother decided to give her the worst kind of punishment. She told her she couldn't go to the Sunday School Picnic on Saturday. When the day came, her mother felt she had been too harsh and changed her mind. When she told the little girl she could go to the picnic, the child's reaction was one of gloom and unhappiness. "What's the matter? I thought you'd be glad to go to the picnic." her mother said. "It's too late!" the little girl said. "I've already prayed for rain."

The First Thing To Go? Choosing That Good Part

Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ―Luke 10:42

Everyone has limitations. A person’s schedule can only get so full. A person can only have a small number of intimate friends. A person can only digest so much information. One person can only assume so much responsibility.

So when a person’s capacity to take anything new has reached its limit, what is the first thing to go? What does a person drop when he finds his hands are full? Most likely, the thing that is most expandable. Or, the thing that means the least to him. Or, the thing that brings him the least satisfaction. Unfortunately, it is usually something spiritual. Man generally neglects the spiritual and clings to the material. It usually goes something like this…

-"I’ve had a hard week. I need a break. I’ll skip church today.” (The first thing to go is church attendance so I can rest.)

-“It’s late and I’m so busy. I’ll study my Bible tomorrow.” (The first thing to go is Bible study so I can be busy doing “more important things.”)

-“This is a great television program (or sporting event). I’ll watch it and pray later.” (The first thing to go is personal devotions so I can be carnal.)

-“Friends (or relatives) are coming over. I need to stay home from church and entertain them.” (The first thing to go is spiritual fellowship with the saints so I can enjoy fleshly amusements with others.)

-“I just cannot handle all these responsibilities. I’ll quit working in the nursery (or the choir, or Sunday School, etc.).”

I like the words of Job, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth MORE than my NECESSARY FOOD” (Job 23:12). Job put the spiritual before the material. Job prioritized his spiritual diet over his physical needs. When a person excuses himself from the preaching of God’s Word at church, is he esteeming God’s Word more that his physical needs? I think not.

Jesus said, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which ENDURETH unto everlasting life” (John 6:27). Next time your hands are full and something needs to go, don’t drop the thing that is most needful. Remember the lesson of Mary and Martha. Martha was cumbered about with material things. Mary sat and listened to the words of Jesus. She chose “that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42).

What is the first to go in your life when you cannot take on another thing? Is it the spiritual or material? Are you choosing the GOOD PART?

"What I Do"

I do not do what I do
In the hope of receiving blessing

I do not do what I do
In hope that I can change the world

I do not do what I do
In the hope of gaining victory over enemies

I do not do what I do
In hope of praise;



I do what I do
Because of what He has first done for me.