Tue, Jun 26th - 5:57PM
Suppose we crash a party - circa A.D. 30 - when Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner, knowing his guest of honor would draw a crowd. Women were not permitted to serve or consume the feast while men reclined at the table. The poor were allowed only to hang around the edges to collect food scraps that fell to the floor. Among the less fortunate was "a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town" (Luke 7:37). Since her name and specific sin aren't mentioned (I speculate prostitution) we can pencil in own own names and sins as we watch the scene unfold.... Knowing Jesus would be there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. (Perfume being expensive, her jar would have been small and easily hidden). Did she mean to anoint the Lord's head, as had Mary of Bethany (Mark 14:3), who was chastised by the disciples for wasting what might have been sold? Or did this unmamed woman plan to donate her alabaster jar and its contents to support Jesus' ministry financially, as Mary Magdalene had done (Luke 8:2-3)? Whatever her intent, she drew near to Him. Then, undone in His holy presence, she wet His feet with her tears. Sorrow for her sins flowed from her heart. Gratitude for His acceptance poured from her eyes. So brave, this woman, standing in a crowded room of men (former customers, some of them) silently confessing her sins. Watching her I, too, feel the sting of tears. Could I stand before a group of men who "knew me when" and make such a painful admission? Having soaked Jesus' feet, she knelt and wiped them with her hair. She was embarrassed, perhaps - or simply wanted to serve Him. Unbound hair was a serious breach of social custom, but our sister didn't care, Jesus was her sole concern. Observing her extravagant display, I'm ashamed of the times I've restrained myself during worship -- should I lift my hands? sing with abandon? kneel for prayer? -- too concerned with others' opinions and not focused on my Savior. What this couragious woman did next was shocking. She kissed Jesus' feet. A scandalous act....but glorious. Again, I'm cut to the quick. In all my years of worshiping the Lord, had I done one risky thing to express my love for Him? Knocked on a stranger's door to share the gospel perhaps? Or maybe served food at a rescue mission? Forgive me Lord, for holding back. For giving you anything less than everything. This woman withheld nothing. Opening her jar, she anointed Jesus' feet with her costly perfume. The scent that marked her as a prostitute - paid for by the many men who'd used her - was now poured out as a love offering for the one man who respected her. Pointing to her humble example to teach his host a lesson, Jesus assured Simon, "her many sins have been forgiven - for she loves much" (Luke 7:47). Her devotion wasn't stated, it was demonstrated. In turn, the Lord poured out grace as fragrant as any perfume. The scent still lingers whenever a woman falls at His feet, confesses her sins, expresses her love and receives His mercy. Even today, beloved. Even now. "TalkerCat"
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Sun, Jun 24th - 5:34PM
Narrow is the Way
Lord, I thank You that You paid the price for my salvation. Help me now to pay the price of obedience, for the fullness of Your light and Your presence in my life. Reveal any area of disobedience in me. Keep me aware of the subtle influences that can pull me away from the narrow path. Show me the things in my life that compete with You for my attention and attempt to ge me off course. Enable me to clearly know the way You are leading me so that I am always in the right place at the right time. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there a few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
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Fri, Jun 22nd - 2:31PM
In All I Do .... I Honor You
There have been lyrics to a Praise Song rattling around in my head for several days now - most of the time when this type of thing happens, it annoys me. However this one is so uplifting that I'm compelled to share: AMAZING LOVE, HOW CAN IT BE? THAT YOU, MY KING, WOULD DIE FOR ME? Awesome truth to know, isn't it? "TalkerCat"
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Fri, Jun 22nd - 2:13PM
The Message
Paul wrote, "If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends." (Phillippians 2:1-2)
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Mon, Jun 18th - 12:38PM
I Surrender All
"Lord, as hard as it is for me to let go of the hopes and dreams I have for my life, I lay them all at Your feet. I know that as I die to them, You will either bury them forever or resurrect them to life. I accept Your decision Father God. I don't want to speak a vision of my own heart (Jeremiah 23:16). You never said life would be easy. You said You'd be with me. I now take each step with the light of Your presence as my guide. Amen" "...I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills..." (Habakkuk 3:18-19)
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Sat, Jun 9th - 8:43AM
I Am, What I Am
In a family, acceptance isn't based on how smart or beautiful or talented you are. It's based on the fact that we belong to each other. We defend and protect family. A family member may be a little goofy, but she's one of us. In the same way, The Bible says, "Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other" (Romans 12:10)
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Mon, Jun 4th - 1:14PM
RSVP to God
Oh, Awesome God! What a lovely day spent in Your presence yesterday! I'm purely blessed to have the teacher I have. I could have heard a pin drop as Pastor Dave lay the gospel down. Then he gave the invitation ... and Wow! Lord, the depths of hell must have been quaking as wayward children answered the call! Hallelujah, Praise Your Name! Angels are singing and dancing in the heavens today - when I listen close, I can hear that joyful sound! While we face our fears of rejection, of exposure, of being hurt again .. it's humbling to confess our sins. But we only grow stronger in the word by taking risks, and the most difficult task of all is being honest with ourselves, and each other; the Bible says, " ... confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed" (James 5:16). Help me Father God, to be a source of strength for "baby Christians" as they learn to walk in Your Light. Help me to help them stay on the narrow path - to help them keep their promise - and answer your RSVP. Your Obedient and Loving Daughter, Terri
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