March 23, 2025

“Dwelling with God – Wasting Time with Jesus” (Luke 10:38-42) March 23, 25

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Description

Are you too busy for God? In a culture that glorifies productivity, Jesus offers a radical invitation: Come and waste time with Me.
This message explores the well-known story of Mary and Martha, where Jesus gently reminds us that presence with Him is the better part—more important than busyness, more valuable than unchecked striving. Too often, like Martha, we are “pulled in many directions” (περιεσπᾶτο) by distractions, demands, and expectations. But Mary chose a different path—one of deep connection, stillness, and trust.
As we walk through Luke 10:38-42 and meditate on Romans 8:31-39, we’ll rediscover:
✅ The power of presence over productivity
✅ How to cultivate stillness in a distracted world
✅ Why spiritual disciplines should be relational, not ritualistic
✅ What it means to trust in God’s unwavering love

Reflections for “Dwelling with God—Wasting Time with Jesus”
This week, spend some intentional moments meditating on God’s unwavering faithfulness. Let the Apostle Paul’s profound words in Romans 8 guide you into deeper trust and rest in God’s presence.
Scripture Meditation: Romans 8:31-39
Set aside a quiet, unhurried time. Slowly read each verse and reflect deeply on these truths.
1. God is Your Advocate (Verse 31)
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
• Reflect: This isn’t mere optimism—it’s divine assurance. The Creator Himself champions your life.
• Question: What anxieties or pressures feel less overwhelming when you fully trust that God is on your side?
2. You Stand Secure in Christ (Verse 33)
“Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself.”
• Reflect: In God’s courtroom, accusations lose their power. God, the ultimate judge, declares you righteous.
• Question: Which self-criticisms or external judgments do you need to release, accepting fully that God has already declared you beloved and righteous?
3. Christ’s Love Remains Constant (Verses 35, 37)
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?… No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”
• Reflect: No difficulty or circumstance you face can diminish Christ’s love. This love secures your ultimate victory.
• Question: What struggles or fears can you reframe today, knowing that Christ’s love secures your victory, even amidst challenges?
4. God’s Love is Unbreakable (Verses 38-39)
“Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
• Reflect: Paul’s expansive list reminds us that absolutely nothing imaginable can separate you from God’s love.
• Question: How does meditating on this truth reshape your perspective toward current or future uncertainties?
Guided Meditation Practice for this Week
Set aside 10-15 minutes this week to intentionally practice dwelling with God, using this simple meditation exercise.
Step 1: Finding Stillness
• Close your eyes. Take several slow, deep breaths. Notice your body calming, your mind becoming still.
• Acknowledge that God is right here with you, not distant, but intimately present, calling you His beloved.
• Gently release distracting thoughts, handing each one over to God. If your mind wanders, gently guide your attention back to His presence.
• Use a simple, calming phrase like “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), or softly say the name “Jesus.”
Step 2: Relational Reflection
• From this quiet space, softly ask: “Father, how does Your unwavering love speak into my current worries or fears?”
• Listen with an open heart. Notice any gentle impressions, reassuring thoughts, or scriptures that arise.
• Trust that God’s presence is with you, even if you don’t hear words audibly. Recognize His quiet assurance and comfort.
Step 3: Resting in God’s Promises
• Slowly revisit Romans 8:31-39 once more. Imagine these truths saturating your heart, soothing and renewing you.
• Pause on each promise, asking yourself: “How can this truth reshape my current struggles?”
• Allow God’s promises to displace any lingering anxiety or fear.
Reflection Questions for Journaling or Small Groups:
• What distractions tend to pull you away from intentionally dwelling with God? How might you begin releasing these distractions?
• How does viewing meditation as relationship rather than ritual change your willingness to practice it regularly?
• In what specific area of your life do you most need to experience God’s faithful, unwavering love this week?
• What small, practical step can you take this week to embrace the sacred practice of “wasting time” with Jesus?

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