LUKE 10:41-42: “And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (NKJV)‭

OBSERVATION: What is the one gift that you won’t get for Christmas? It cannot be wrapped, it cannot be bought, and it cannot be returned. It is a constant that each one of us has already been given. Each day we have the opportunity to employ it wisely or to squander it. What is this gift?

 This gift is – TIME.

As I ponder this familiar verse in the back of my mind I am reviewing the remaining days of the week. I have my consulting work knocking at the door, a wedding rehearsal, a wedding, a sermon to prepare, to to mention all the normal demands of life and the added demands of the Christmas season. And this is over just the next couple of days. I don’t share this to elicit sympathy or to complain. I share this to make a point.

As I looked over my week I realized that I can face it either like Martha, or like Mary. I could simply jump out of bed and begin the race ahead. There is no time to do my Bible reading today. I can pray on the run. God will understand. There is so much to do! And then I realize, I am falling into the “Martha Trap”. When I get overwhelmed and troubled about “many things” I forget that “…one thing is needed”. In fact, when I look at it properly, the busier I get, the more I feel the demands of life closing in, the more I need to spend time at Jesus feet before I start my day!

Responsibilities come and go. Tasks are begun and completed. And all we have of these things is a fading memory. However, the time we spend in God’s Word, the time we spend in prayer, the time we spend listening to the still small voice of the Spirit of God – this time is eternal and will never be taken away. Some of the greatest revelations I have received from the Lord have been when I felt I just did not have time to sit at His feet. I am learning that the only difference between Mary and Martha was their use of time. Each one had the same amount of time, and no doubt the same demands of life.

 Only one recognized that “…one thing is needed.”

Lord, help me to cling to this important lesson. Help me to take the gift of time that You have given me and to use it as a wise steward. May I protect the precious time I have to daily sit at Your feet, no matter how pressing the day is ahead. May I hear Your voice each day so that I can face each challenge in the wisdom and anointing of the Holy Spirit! Open my heart and eyes today to receive from You!

In Jesus Name!