Watch Message Here: Heaven Meets Earth Week 12
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the message.
5-Day Devotional: Choosing the One Thing
Day 1: The Welcome
Reading: Luke 10:38-42
Devotional: Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, but did she truly welcome Him into her heart? Today, consider what it means to invite Jesus not just into your physical space, but into every corner of your life. Is He welcome in your conversations, your schedule, your priorities? Many of us open the door to Christ but then ignore His presence, distracted by endless tasks. True hospitality to Jesus means giving Him our undivided attention. This week, examine your home—not just the building, but the atmosphere you create. Are you having conversations about Jesus with your family? Is His presence acknowledged daily? Jesus doesn't just want a place in your house; He wants the place of honor in your heart.
Reflection: Where have I welcomed Jesus in name only, without giving Him my actual attention?
Day 2: The Distraction
Reading: Psalm 46:10; Matthew 6:25-34
Devotional: Martha was "distracted with much serving"—pulled in multiple directions until she felt torn apart. The Greek word paints a vivid picture: ropes tied to each limb, horses running in opposite directions. Does this describe your life? We live in an age of unprecedented distraction. Our phones buzz, notifications ping, and we wonder why we feel fragmented. Jesus calls us to "be still and know that I am God." Stillness isn't laziness; it's intentional focus. When we're distracted, we're not just busy—we're divided. Our hearts are split between many concerns instead of centered on the One who holds all things together. God doesn't want your leftovers; He wants your first fruits, your focused attention, your undistracted heart.
Reflection: What distractions am I allowing to pull me away from sitting at Jesus' feet?
Day 3: The Good Portion
Reading: Psalm 73:25-26; Lamentations 3:22-24
Devotional: "The LORD is my portion," declares the psalmist. In ancient times, a portion was your inheritance, your share, your sustenance. Mary chose Jesus as her portion—the one thing that could never be taken away. What are you choosing as your portion? Career success? Social media validation? Endless productivity? These things fade, fail, and disappoint. But God is "the strength of my heart and my portion forever." His mercies are new every morning. When you make Jesus your portion, you inherit something eternal. You're not just securing a ticket to heaven; you're entering into a relationship of joy, peace, and satisfaction that begins now. The question isn't whether you have time for Jesus—it's whether you're choosing Him as your greatest treasure.
Reflection: What am I treating as my portion instead of the Lord Himself?
Day 4: Serving from Overflow
Reading: John 15:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Devotional: You cannot pour from an empty pitcher. Many Christians serve until they're depleted, frustrated, and resentful—then wonder why ministry feels like a burden. Jesus never intended your service to replace your relationship with Him. Martha's service became a source of stress because it flowed from obligation rather than overflow. When you abide in Christ, remaining connected to the Vine, service becomes the natural fruit of that connection. Your effectiveness in pouring into others is directly tied to your willingness to be poured into first. Before you rush to serve, sit. Before you give out, fill up. Worship before work. Presence before productivity. When your service flows from intimacy with Jesus, it becomes sustainable, joyful, and truly effective.
Reflection: Is my service to God flowing from my relationship with Him, or replacing it?
Day 5: The One Thing
Reading: Philippians 3:7-14; Mark 12:28-31
Devotional: "One thing is necessary," Jesus declared. In a world demanding everything from you, Jesus simplifies: choose Me. Paul echoed this focus: "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal." The Christian life isn't about balancing a thousand competing priorities; it's about ordering everything around the one relationship that matters most. When Jesus is your joy—not your job, not another item on your to-do list—everything else finds its proper place. The tasks don't disappear, but they're no longer your master. You're not anxious and troubled about many things because you've anchored yourself to the One Thing. Today, Jesus calls your name tenderly, inviting you back to His feet. Will you choose the good portion?
Reflection: What would change in my life if I truly made Jesus the one necessary thing?
Weekly Challenge: This week, commit to starting each day with at least 15 minutes at the feet of Jesus before checking your phone or diving into your to-do list. Give Him your first, not your leftovers. Journal about how this practice changes your perspective, your stress levels, and your joy throughout the day.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the message.
5-Day Devotional: Choosing the One Thing
Day 1: The Welcome
Reading: Luke 10:38-42
Devotional: Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, but did she truly welcome Him into her heart? Today, consider what it means to invite Jesus not just into your physical space, but into every corner of your life. Is He welcome in your conversations, your schedule, your priorities? Many of us open the door to Christ but then ignore His presence, distracted by endless tasks. True hospitality to Jesus means giving Him our undivided attention. This week, examine your home—not just the building, but the atmosphere you create. Are you having conversations about Jesus with your family? Is His presence acknowledged daily? Jesus doesn't just want a place in your house; He wants the place of honor in your heart.
Reflection: Where have I welcomed Jesus in name only, without giving Him my actual attention?
Day 2: The Distraction
Reading: Psalm 46:10; Matthew 6:25-34
Devotional: Martha was "distracted with much serving"—pulled in multiple directions until she felt torn apart. The Greek word paints a vivid picture: ropes tied to each limb, horses running in opposite directions. Does this describe your life? We live in an age of unprecedented distraction. Our phones buzz, notifications ping, and we wonder why we feel fragmented. Jesus calls us to "be still and know that I am God." Stillness isn't laziness; it's intentional focus. When we're distracted, we're not just busy—we're divided. Our hearts are split between many concerns instead of centered on the One who holds all things together. God doesn't want your leftovers; He wants your first fruits, your focused attention, your undistracted heart.
Reflection: What distractions am I allowing to pull me away from sitting at Jesus' feet?
Day 3: The Good Portion
Reading: Psalm 73:25-26; Lamentations 3:22-24
Devotional: "The LORD is my portion," declares the psalmist. In ancient times, a portion was your inheritance, your share, your sustenance. Mary chose Jesus as her portion—the one thing that could never be taken away. What are you choosing as your portion? Career success? Social media validation? Endless productivity? These things fade, fail, and disappoint. But God is "the strength of my heart and my portion forever." His mercies are new every morning. When you make Jesus your portion, you inherit something eternal. You're not just securing a ticket to heaven; you're entering into a relationship of joy, peace, and satisfaction that begins now. The question isn't whether you have time for Jesus—it's whether you're choosing Him as your greatest treasure.
Reflection: What am I treating as my portion instead of the Lord Himself?
Day 4: Serving from Overflow
Reading: John 15:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Devotional: You cannot pour from an empty pitcher. Many Christians serve until they're depleted, frustrated, and resentful—then wonder why ministry feels like a burden. Jesus never intended your service to replace your relationship with Him. Martha's service became a source of stress because it flowed from obligation rather than overflow. When you abide in Christ, remaining connected to the Vine, service becomes the natural fruit of that connection. Your effectiveness in pouring into others is directly tied to your willingness to be poured into first. Before you rush to serve, sit. Before you give out, fill up. Worship before work. Presence before productivity. When your service flows from intimacy with Jesus, it becomes sustainable, joyful, and truly effective.
Reflection: Is my service to God flowing from my relationship with Him, or replacing it?
Day 5: The One Thing
Reading: Philippians 3:7-14; Mark 12:28-31
Devotional: "One thing is necessary," Jesus declared. In a world demanding everything from you, Jesus simplifies: choose Me. Paul echoed this focus: "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal." The Christian life isn't about balancing a thousand competing priorities; it's about ordering everything around the one relationship that matters most. When Jesus is your joy—not your job, not another item on your to-do list—everything else finds its proper place. The tasks don't disappear, but they're no longer your master. You're not anxious and troubled about many things because you've anchored yourself to the One Thing. Today, Jesus calls your name tenderly, inviting you back to His feet. Will you choose the good portion?
Reflection: What would change in my life if I truly made Jesus the one necessary thing?
Weekly Challenge: This week, commit to starting each day with at least 15 minutes at the feet of Jesus before checking your phone or diving into your to-do list. Give Him your first, not your leftovers. Journal about how this practice changes your perspective, your stress levels, and your joy throughout the day.
