HANGING OUT WITH OUR GROOM

Katy found the man of her dreams. "In love" would be an understatement. He swept her off her feet and made her past melt away. He cared about her unlike any guy before. He made her feel good about herself as he actually listened to her needs.

At first, Katy spent every waking moment with her new friend. But, after a while, she found herself forgetting to call him or getting too busy at work to take his call.

Determined to make the relationship work, he asked if they could at least have certain time of day that would always be theirs. Yes, an appointment was just what she needed in her hectic life. He was an important part of her life and she wanted to make it work. Eight O’clock every day, she’d drop whatever she was doing and call him. They’d talk about her life and his life and how the two fit together.

This went well for months but, as time went on, she began to get carried away with other things and she’d miss their appointment. Slowly, she began to realize that they were drifting a part. She found it harder to talk to him and to be faithful to only him. Though he never broke it off, it was apparent that they were drifting apart.

Have you ever been like Katy with Christ? He comes into your heart and cleans away your past. At first you want to spend every moment with Him, but life takes over and you just can’t seem to make time for Him. A relationship always takes two. Jesus isn’t going anywhere, so it is up to us to make an effort to spend time with Him.

Often in relationships, we begin to mirror those we hang around. We pick up mannerisms and begin to talk in similar ways. As we spend time with Him, we will pick up His attributes. In order for our relationship to be strong, we have to "hang out" with our Groom. If we don’t, we’ll find ourselves waking up one morning wondering what happened to our relationship with God.

WHAT'S NEEDED

Martha couldn’t believe the Lord was actually sitting in her living room.Let’s see … where did I put that pitcher? It’s my best pitcher and only the best should be used to serve the Master. After all, it isn’t every day that the future Messiah is feasting at your table. There’s so much to do. As a matter of fact, there is too much to do. And why is it, that I am the only one doing it?She peeked around the corner of the kitchen doorway and spotted Mary sitting comfortably at Jesus’ feet.Why does Mary get to sit and entertain our guest while I am stuck in here preparing all the food? I wouldn’t mind a break myself, but somebody has to do the work. I mean it isn’t going to get done by itself.Look at her. I have to say something. Imagine what the Lord must be thinking—A Jewish woman sitting with the men while there is supper to be made.She stepped forward. "Excuse me, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Please tell her to help me!""Martha, Martha!" Jesus said. "You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better."What a hard lesson for any woman to hear. We wear so many hats! We’re busy, like Martha, making dinner, serving our family, doing ministry, etc. There are things that must be done!This story gives us a simple reminder. As you take care of your family, get involved in ministry, and go to work, always remember the ONE thing that is needed. It isn’t enough to work to exhaustion if we’re not spending time with the Master. We have to find time to sit at His feet. He will give us strength, wisdom, and energy to do all that must be done.

JOURNEY OUT OF EGYPT

After being slaves in Egypt for years, the Israelites were finally freed and started their journey to the Promise Land. But their long trek through the desert was far from rosy. Hungry, thirsty, anxious, and bored, the Israelites were not happy with the journey and began to complain. Their grumbling reached God’s ears and He mandated that their whole generation would never see the Promise Land.What does this history lesson have to do with us? We too were slaves to our sins and have been set free. And our "promise land" are those blessings God promises to those who walk in faith with Him. But sometimes the journey can be long and hard. We may begin to feel parched and malnourished. Maybe we complain about our circumstance, rather than get on our knees before God.Since God has revealed some things to me this year, I’ve found myself restless. But, last week, I realized if I want to get out of the desert, then I need to seek God—not focus on myself or the blessings.The journey, the timetable, isn’t always what we expect, but God knows where we are and where we’re going. Jesus said to hunger and thirst after righteousness and we will be filled. So, if we get frustrated in the desert, we only need to seek God—not focus on our surroundings or the things that keep us from our dreams. Focus on God, for He has has promised to never leave or forsake us. Remember, if we seek Him, He will eventually lead us out of the desert into the land filled with milk and honey.