Friday, November 7, 2014

Jesus Changes Everything

And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at this feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.  Luke 7:38 (English Standard Version)

Jesus was not popular with the religious leaders of his day.  They ridiculed him, lied about him, and plotted to embarrass him.  They would ultimately murder him and call it capital punishment.

The above scripture isn’t about the Pharisee who may have invited Jesus to his home to entrap him.  It’s about a prostitute who had probably been among the crowds of people who heard Jesus preach.  His words gave her hope.  His message changed her.   She came to him a sinner; penitent, humble, heart overflowing with gratitude for the way his unconditional love changed how she saw herself.  Her tears say it all.

God has always taken disobedience seriously, but he is equally serious about his love for us.  We are his first priority.  How amazing is that?  

Jesus did nothing wrong yet he allowed himself to be executed for our lawlessness so we could live.  That act in itself elevates the worst sinner to a kinship with the King.  Jesus changes hearts.  He changes lifestyles, and ultimately destinies.  His life, death, burial and resurrection changes everything.

Pray with me:
“Father in Heaven, like the woman with the alabaster flask of expensive ointment, I weep with gratitude because of your priceless gift of salvation.  I know you love all of me, strengths and weaknesses.  Because you love me as I am, and because your arms are always open and welcoming, I want to give you my best self every day.  I love you back.  Amen.”

     

Sandra Milholland – Abilene, Texas

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

In Between

I was reading a fellow’s thoughts on I Peter, chapter 4. He brought up the idea that between Jesus’ ascension and His return at the second coming is where we live. This time He called “the between time”.

I like that! The between time! Between the time when I was baptized and when I, too, ascend. The between time between the time I was adopted into God’s family and when I go home.

What happens during these between times?

Peter says you may suffer, but take heart. This is your time…the time you live as lights in a dark world. The time you live in fleshly bodies but you also live in the spirit of God.

This is your time to demonstrate to the world that God is real. The Bible is true and Jesus is coming back.

Angels would love to have our job…to represent God to the world…to praise Him here…to live lives of faith in this world.

So, what are you going to do with your “between time?”

Dear Father, Here I am in between. In between birth and death...baptism and resurrection. I have stumbled many times. I have wasted so much. But here I am…forgive me for my sins. Help me to use what time I have left. I want to finish well. I must finish well. Guide me. Guard me. Help me. Lay down every sin that besets me. Help me to look to Jesus. Keep my feet from stumbling. Bring me home.   In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas