February 4th, 2026
Scripture – “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””
Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Observation – Two sisters opened their home to Jesus and his disciples. One of the sisters was working really hard, it doesn’t say but we can assume she was making dinner for everyone. At a minimum she was cooking for 15 people but there was probably more. The other sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus feet listening to what he said. Martha was frustrated and accused Jesus of not caring about her because he didn’t order Mary to help her. Jesus told her that she was worried and upset about many things but only a few, or indeed only one, was needed and he told Martha that Mary’s choice was better than Martha’s.
Application – If you are a Christian you probably spend everyday living like Martha and not Mary. You may be so busy doing things in the name of Jesus that you aren’t spending anytime with Jesus. The result is you feel depleted and God feels distant. The solution isn’t to spend all day reading scripture and praying, you would never get anything done and your house would be disgusting. There is a natural rhythm to our lives and even each day. God has given us an incredible amount of power and responsibility in how we choose to live each moment of our lives. He has certainly provided us enough time to do everything he wants us to do, maybe not everything we want to. Rise early to spend uninterrupted time with Jesus. Take a break in the middle of the day to pray and refocus your heart. Read scripture with your family and discuss it together. You can still get after it and be productive and you will find that you have more energy and can handle the stress of the day much better when your relationship with Jesus is your priority.
Prayer – Jesus, we want to know you, not just work hard for you. Give us hearts to desire one on one time each day with you, our creator. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 