Welcoming Jesus into Your Heart and Home
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Today's inspiration comes from:
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Today's inspiration comes from:
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While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. — Luke 10:38 CSB
Don’t you just love a good dinner party? After a warm invitation is extended and accepted, it’s time to pick out the menu and straighten up the home—fluff the pillows, sweep the floor, and set the table. Whether the meal is homemade or catered, it doesn’t matter. Because the most important part of the evening is simply when friends gather around the table and allow the
conversation and laughter to flow as the night progresses. Eventually, goodbyes are said at the door with promises to do it again soon. And even though we are left with a kitchen full of dirty dishes, we typically find that after opening our homes to others, our hearts are just as full as our stomachs.
Martha must have felt the same way when the time came for her to bid farewell to her cherished guests. As the head of the house that she shared with Mary and Lazarus, her sister and brother, Martha was certainly known for her hospitality in the village of Bethany. She was very much in charge and was willing to receive guests into her home, even if her guest of honor came traveling with a clan of twelve other men.
The gospel of Luke records that Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. She didn’t begrudgingly open the door for Him and His disciples. No. She wanted His presence to fill her home, and thus she swung wide open the door to host Him. As Jesus placed one holy foot and then another onto her property, did Martha feel the atmosphere shift? Could she feel the peace that only He
provides permeate her home? Can you imagine what it must have felt like to welcome the Son of God into your home for a dinner party? I bet she never wanted to say goodbye to this special guest.
Perhaps the first time Martha opened her door to Jesus, she was curious to see if He truly was the Son of God, and perhaps you are wondering the same thing today.
In Revelation 3:20 (NLT), Jesus said,
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.
Jesus gives each one of us the same invitation. He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks, but it’s up to us whether or not we open the door and welcome Him into our lives.
He will not force Himself through the door, but oh, how He wants to have dinner with us! He, too, loves a good dinner party and wants to bring His peace and salvation as He comes to reside and rest in our hearts. But the question is, will we let Him in? It’s only when we wholeheartedly welcome Him into our day-to-day routines that we will truly find rest.
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Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart?
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Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart?
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Reflection Questions
Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? If you’re honest with yourself, have you let Him all the way in? Even into your messy kitchen? Write down anything that is holding you back from opening your heart to Him all the way.
Take a moment right now to welcome God into the deepest crevices of your heart and home. Feel His perfect peace surround you, and write down your response to His presence.
Scripture
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. — Revelation 3:20 NLT
There is no one else who has the power to save us, for there is only one name to whom God has given authority by which we must experience salvation: the name of Jesus. — Acts 4:12 TPT
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places He planned to visit. These were His instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road. Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.” — Luke 10:1-7 NLT
Prayer
Jesus, what a privilege it is to take this walk of faith with You. I ask You to come and meet me as I commit to walk alongside Mary, Martha, and You. Reveal to me things that are keeping me from resting in You, and make known to me anything that is hindering Your peace from resting on me. I give you permission to come into every aspect of my life. I open the door of my heart fully to You—even the messy parts that I would rather remain hidden. Teach me to embrace a lifestyle that is authentic and transparent, knowing that with You I can be the best version of myself if I am willing to let You in. Today I resolve to hold nothing back, knowing that You didn’t hold anything back from me when You came to die for my sins. I declare that You are the
Son of God, and it is my greatest delight to have You in my heart and home. There is nothing better than having dinner with You as my Savior and Friend. You are so very welcome in this place. Amen.
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Friends, this is a perfect devotion to pass along to a friend you know and love who you’re praying will welcome Jesus into their heart and home. Jesus is a gentleman; He won’t force the door down, but He is definitely knocking! ~ Devotionals Daily
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Resting in Jesus: A 30 Day Walk with Mary & Martha Devotional Journal Guide
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+ FREE shipping on all orders over $35
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Resting in Jesus: A 30 Day Walk with Mary & Martha Devotional by April Rodgers is a transformative 30-day journey into the heart of finding profound peace in Christ by letting go of the chaos of daily life that surrounds us. In a world constantly buzzing with notifications and overflowing with responsibilities, the simple act of finding rest in Jesus can feel like a big task.
We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, fearing that we might miss out or fall behind. Yet, the biblical example of Mary and Martha teaches us that God understands our struggles and gently redirects our priorities. This devotional is your guide to discovering the art of being still before God, allowing you to release your worries to the One who truly cares for you. It's your invitation to find inner peace in the midst of life's chaos. A perfect gift for friends and family, this devotional will inspire and transform the way you approach each day.
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Song of Songs Online Bible Study
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Discover the divine love story written for us.
In the Song of Songs Online Bible Study, Bible teacher Lisa Harper unveils an eye-opening truth: This ancient, often-misunderstood book that sometimes reads like a racy romance novel is actually a passionate declaration of our Creator Redeemer's relentless love for His people.
With her signature blend of humor, deep biblical insight, and raw vulnerability, Lisa peels back the layers of history and allegory to reveal Jesus as the Divine Bridegroom who didn't just come to deliver us—He delights in us!
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this devotion with someone who needs it today
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