PC’s Devotional Thought - 5/24/24
This past week during my devotional time, the primary emphasis was from the story of “the sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet” found in Luke 7:36-50. In summary, the woman, known for her unsavory lifestyle, came to Jesus and anointed him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. This particular story does not define “expensive” but in another story, they compare it to one year’s wages. That is a lot of money to spend all on one person and a VERY extravagant gift.
At the end of my devotional time I read this question: “What’s the most extravagant gift you’ve proverbially laid at the feet of Jesus?
And that question has shaken me all week. What have I truly sacrificed and given to Jesus lately? It doesn’t have to be in monetary form…
I was reminded of the story of Hannah, found in 1 Samuel 1. Hannah was barren, without a child and she anguished over it for years. She vowed to God that if he would give her a son, that she would give him over to the service of the Lord.
““Sir [Eli the priest], do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the LORD. I asked the LORD to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.”” 1 Samuel 1:26-28
What have you committed to giving to God? Is it just an hour or two on a Sunday? Because that is a good start, but that isn’t extravagant. That isn’t what God is calling us to do. Many of us never move beyond just an hour or two on a Sunday…
What if God was calling you to give some even greater gifts? Maybe God is asking you to give your home over to him, as a place where you share the love of Jesus with your neighbors, or foster children, or provide a meal to those who need to feel Jesus’ love.
Perhaps like Hannah, God is calling you to give your children over to Him. It may look a little different, but what if the emphasis was for you to commit your family and parenting to putting Jesus first - over sports, activities, and everything else. That your primary purpose is to show and teach your children the love of God.
Or lastly, maybe God is calling you to USE the gifts he has given you? Maybe that terrible experience or season in your life is meant to be used to help others in their time of need. Or perhaps you have a burning passion to see a certain group of people feel and experience the love of Christ. Even more, maybe God is calling you to start a ministry, lead a small group, or even crazier - plant a church, become a missionary, or simply obeying a call from God to go into ministry.
What gifts are you willing to give sacrificially to God today, tomorrow and forever? What is his purpose and calling for you?
I’d love to hear what that might be for you! Write to me at pastorchristen@d1naz.com
You are loved!
Pastor Christen (PC)
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