Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today let’s learn the importance of chilling with Jesus.

Today’s scripture, Luke 10:38-42 (NLT) shares…
[38] As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. [39] Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. [40] But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” [41] But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! [42] There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Consider…
Today’s scripture is familiar to many of us. But the Holy Spirit showed me a couple of new insights that can help us understand what Jesus desires in our encounters with Him.

First, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. It’s important that we understand encounters with Jesus begin with us welcoming Him. This makes me think of Revelation 3:20 (NLT), where Jesus said…
[20] “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

The Holy Spirit is emphasizing the fact that we must always encounters with Jesus begin with us welcoming Him.

The next thing that the Holy Spirit showed me is the fact that Mary sat and listened to Jesus. When’s the last time that you sat and listened to Jesus?

Far too often are encounters with Jesus are a monologue of our feelings and wants. Yet, Jesus tells us in John 15:7 (NLT)…
[7] But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Notice, Jesus tells us that it’s when His words remain in us that we can ask God for anything.

This reminds me of another key scripture that should shape our prayer requests. Psalms 37:4-5 (NLT) instructs…
[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. [5] Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

The Holy Spirit is telling me that God says yes to His will and way, not ours. So if you want to hear Jesus say yes to you, sit and listen to Him.

Now we come to the ‘what not to do’ insight, in a word, DISTRACTIONS.

A few weeks ago I confessed that I was being too easily distracted from doing the good things that God created and planned for me to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

I suspect I am not alone in being susceptible to distractions.

Recently I heard a preacher say something profound, that transformed my thinking about distractions. He said that although Jesus was interruptible, He was indistractable.

That’s the challenge, how can we not allow interruptions become distractions. I believe it’s by following the wisdom of Hebrews 12:2-3 (NLT)…
[2] We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. [3] Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

The key to not being distracted is remaining focused on Jesus.

The Holy Spirit showed me that Martha’s issue was being so distracted by what she was doing for Jesus, that she forgot to ‘chill’ and pay attention to Him.

Focus on Jesus, in your encounters with Him, and you won’t be distracted by what’s going on around you.

As I wrote that, the Holy Spirit reminded that surrounding distractions where Peter’s downfall when he walked on water. It’s when he stopped focusing on Jesus, and paid more attention to what was happening around him, that he began to sink. (Matthew 14:28-31)

Keep focusing on Jesus, so that you don’t get distracted.

Lastly, the Holy Spirit hit me with a simple, but transformational pearl of wisdom. Keep the main thing the main thing.

The best way I know to explain this is with the lyrics of Noel Jones…

It’s not about us
But it’s about Jesus
It’s not about you
But it’s about Jesus
It’s not about us
But it’s about Jesus
It’s not about you
But it’s about Jesus

I present my body
A living sacrifice
Holy, acceptable
Unto You now
Everything I am
And everything I’ll be
I lay it all at Your feet

It’s not about us
But it’s about Jesus
It’s not about you
But it’s about Jesus
It’s not about us
But it’s about Jesus
It’s not about you
But it’s about Jesus

It’s not about money
It’s not about fame
It’s not about titles
You don’t even have
To know my name
I’m an instrument of praise
No I’m not ashamed
I’ll praise Him all my days

So today remember to

• Welcome Jesus
• Sit and listen to Jesus
• Focus on Jesus
• Keep Jesus the main thing Chilling with Jesus is the coolest thing you’ll ever do.

Today’s song is…
Give Me You

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)