DEVOTED: Don't just DO something, SIT there!

October 26, 2025

"The world sells distractions at the cost of your life's purpose; the wise don't shop in this market."

–Anonymous

IN THIS EMAIL

Shout Out: Door Creek Youth (DCY) Fall Retreat

Try This: Slow and Still

Bible Discovery: Luke 10:38-42

SHOUT OUT

Devoted followers of Christ at DCC

This past weekend, our students and leaders spent time away at Silver Birch Ranch, enjoying the beauty of fall, fun activities and the gift of unhurried time with Jesus.

Our middle schoolers sat under teaching from James, learning that following King Jesus is worth persevering for and reflecting on what it means to walk the narrow path of Christ. Our high schoolers entered a peaceful time of solitude and silence, guided through Scripture, prayer and reflection—simply resting in God’s presence. Students were able to see the real effects of taking time to rest in God’s presence, not only spiritually, but also physically and emotionally.

Let’s continue to pray that these moments with Christ grow lasting roots in their hearts and lives.

TRY THIS

Fresh ideas for spiritual growth

Slow and Still

I don’t know about you, but this autumn has been bonkers. Between running from event to event, keeping up with work and trying to soak in all the “classic fall fun,” I’ve felt the constant pull to hurry. In the midst of so many good things, it’s easy to lose sight of the one thing that matters most—being with Jesus and hearing His voice (Luke 10:41-42).

Lately, one practice that’s helped me slow down and return to His presence has been sunset walks. Every day that I can, I take a slow—truly slow—stroll. No goals, no pace to keep, no destination to reach. Just walking. In the stillness, I can hear the wind through the trees, the calls of the blue jays and the scent of evergreens in the air. These quiet moments remind me of what we learned in our Creation Calls series this summer: God is glorious, God is good and He cares.

This past week, as I was walking home from the lake, the church bells in my neighborhood began to ring out On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. My heart lifted as I remembered that even when life feels like sinking sand—when schedules are heavy or weariness sets in—Christ remains our solid ground.

Like the psalmist who cried, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1), may our souls find rest and refreshment in the presence of the Lord.

No matter your season, I encourage you to find a daily time to retreat with Jesus—to slow, to notice and to simply be with Him.

Try This:

If you can’t go for a walk, choose another moment to make slow—washing dishes, brewing coffee or driving home.

As you begin, invite the Spirit to help you be still and notice His presence.

When anxious thoughts rise, “cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Engage your senses - what do you hear, see or smell that reminds you of the Creator’s goodness?

Thank the Lord that you don’t have to be ruled by busyness. It is for freedom that He came.

Let’s keep choosing “the better portion” each day—to sit at Jesus’s feet and rest in His love.

BIBLE DISCOVERY

Get more out of the message

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 10:38-42

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We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9-19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

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The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

The main thing Jesus asks of His disciples is that they sit at His feet.

Christ followers prioritize being with Jesus as the source of doing for Jesus.

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

Today, every believer is confronted with countless voices, distractions, expectations and demands vying for our time and energy. In Luke 10, we see that this challenge is not unique to our time. The story provides a snapshot of how two disciples respond to Jesus’ visit to their home and the opportunity His presence provided. Martha’s busyness focused on the physical meal, caused distraction, anxiety and ultimately a rebuke of Jesus Himself. Like many of us, Martha’s heart was affected by her own expectations, comparisons and sense of being right. Meanwhile, Mary enjoyed a spiritual feast. Jesus affirms Mary’s choice to take the opportunity to be with Jesus, learning at His feet. In so doing, she had echoed the cry of David’s heart in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” Do I prioritize hearing God’s voice above all others and spending time in His presence and Word so that my heart, attitude and service flow from Him? Do I choose to “sit at His feet” ready to receive from Him before I do for Him? Jesus’ affirmation of Mary is a call for Christ followers to prioritize being with the Lord as the foundation of life. It is a profound and privileged invitation that is given to every believer. How will we respond to His daily encouragement, “Child, child, choose what is better!”?

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

“a village” (10:38) – Bethany is located a few miles outside of Jerusalem.

The family members were close friends of Jesus and included Martha, Mary, who would lavishly worship Jesus by anointing Him with expensive perfume (John 12:3), and Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead (John 11).

“sat at the Lord’s feet” (10:39) – The posture of a disciple affirms Jesus’ identity as a Rabbi/Teacher and authority of Scripture and Godly living.

“listening” (10:39) – Mary’s inclusion in Jesus’ teaching time in the home was countercultural. Women could not be disciples of Jewish rabbis, but here Jesus affirms that women can indeed be His disciples.

(10:40) – Martha’s phrasing of the question to Jesus indicates that she expected an affirmative reply from Jesus.

“Martha, Martha” (10:41) – An indication of Jesus’ deep affection for Martha and His desire for her best.

THIS WEEK'S

Bible Discovery Author

Dawn Kregness

Group Guide

Following the series with your group?

Start with some icebreaker questions.
Read the passage together before you dive in.
Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started:

Conversation Starters

1. Why do you think Martha became “distracted and anxious”? What might that reveal about her heart posture?

2. What does this passage teach us about what Jesus values most from His followers?

3. David’s prayer in Psalm 27:4 expresses a single-minded desire to be in God’s presence. What would it look like for you to live with that same focus?

4. What practices help you “sit at His feet” and listen to His voice? What gets in the way?

5. Read verse 42 again. Jesus said Mary has “chosen the good portion.” What might “choosing the better portion” look like for you this week?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help us to keep company with you in every moment. Give us the clarity to see when we need to step away from doing to be with you, give our hearts a hunger for your holy presence that cannot be satisfied by anything less. We know that you are faithful to meet us. Jesus, we love you and we adore you, may your Kingdom come in our lives. Amen.

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