STAY CLOSE

Martha and Mary were sisters who both loved Jesus. One day Jesus came to visit their home. Martha immediately jumped into action — cooking, cleaning, rushing around to make everything perfect. She wanted everything to be just right for their special guest.

Mary did something different. She sat down right at Jesus’ feet and just... listened. She didn’t worry about the dishes. She focused on Jesus.

After a while, Martha got frustrated. “Jesus! Tell Mary to help me!” she said. But Jesus gently replied: “Martha, Martha — you’re worried and upset about so many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is best, and it won’t be taken away from her.”

Ouch. But also — wow.

It’s easy to be so busy doing things for God that we forget to actually be with God. Jesus doesn’t want you to perform for Him. He wants to spend time with you — talking, listening, being still together. You are not just His helper. You are His friend.

Staying close to Jesus isn’t about sitting still forever. It’s about making sure that in all the busyness of life, you keep coming back to His feet. Keep listening. Keep choosing the one thing that matters most: staying close to the one who loves you most.

Kano, Nigeria

Kano is a huge, ancient city in northern Nigeria — a centre of trade, culture, and history. It’s a city where Christians live among many different faiths and face real challenges every day. But the church in Kano is choosing, like Mary, to stay close to Jesus — in prayer, in worship, in the quiet, and in courage.

Pray: Lord, draw the believers of Kano close to You, even amid challenge and pressure.

• Pray for God to manifest His presence to Jewish people in Israel and in their homes throughout the land. (Psalm 27:4)
• Pray that Jewish people who don’t yet believe would come to know the Father, the Son, and the Spirit personally. (Psalm 16:11)

Be a 2BC Champion today — Hearing, Knowing, and Sharing!

Hearing — Spend two quiet minutes today just listening for God’s voice.

Knowing — I am God’s friend, and He loves spending time with me.

Sharing —  Invite a friend or family member to be still with you and pray.