Originally published Monday, 18 May 2020.
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE the story of Mary and Martha (especially as we live in such a busy culture today). It grounds me, because it helps me to see the heart of God. He is all about relationship. And what a great example than to show us how important spending quality time is with the Lord through this vivid and relatable passage of Scripture (see Luke 10:38-42).
Mary and Martha were so excited to spend time with Jesus, but one was more engulfed with the work over the visit. So, instead of sitting at Jesus’ feet to receive a word from Him, cooking and cleaning took a higher priority with Martha. No doubt, I believe she definitely wanted to spend precious time with Him, but doing things for Him took more precedence.
And that’s what we have to be careful of, today. Sure, it’s important to use our gifts and talents to encourage the body of Christ and minister to others. But, we also have to make sure that we know when to stop and just sit down in the Word of God and allow the Lord to teach us more about Him, His ways, His promises, His love, His provision, His truth.
When we don’t slow down to learn, then it can really stagnate our intimacy with Him and stunt our spiritual growth. For me personally, even though I LOVE spending quality time with God, I can sometimes slip into Martha-mode. I can get really busy working for God vs. spending settled time with Him.
Have you ever been guilty of that too, sis?
If so, here is the remedy. If you’re working, just stop. If you’re cleaning, just stop. If you’re planning, just stop. If you’re thinking about your next move or idea, just stop, sis. Let's desire the best thing as Jesus told Martha. He said, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset about all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Jesus is our Master Teacher. So let's take time to listen to Him. Literally sit down at His feet. Pull out a pillow and sit on it and open the Word. Let Him speak directly into our lives.
Just imagine sitting with Him just as Mary did back then. As I encourage myself, I want to encourage you to slow down enough, stop, and bask in His presence. Receive what the Master Teacher wants to teach you today, this week…in life.
As I prepare to close, here are a few Scriptures that Jesus spoke as people sat and listened to Him and this is what He wants to teach us today as we sit with Him…
“People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17)
“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19)
“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10)
“You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden…let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14 & 16)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
Question: Do you struggle with sitting and being still to hear from the Lord at times? If so, why do you think it can be such a struggle?
Also, do you need prayer? If so, write it out here or you can email me directly to join you in prayer on it @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
*Grab my NEW book today! Visit www.courtnayerichard.com or Amazon to order! Thanks!
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
Click here to see the full list of Inside Out with Courtnaye episodes!
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