The Alabaster Jar

"A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 'I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'"
Matthew 26:6&13


The woman gave Jesus what she had. It happened to be perfume. It is interesting that she didn't just give him the jar of perfume, she poured it on him. This would seem like a waste. In fact, the disciples rebuked the woman, saying that the perfume could have been sold for a great deal of money. Yet Jesus blessed her. He said that the story would be told around the world, not because of the perfume, or the jar, or the pouring out of the contents, but in memory of her.
    Undoubtedly, the perfume and the alabaster jar were important to the woman. It may have been the only thing of value she had to bring to Jesus. Jesus blessed her and made sure that she would always be remembered. When we understand that God looks on the hearts of people, not external appearances of actions, we begin to see why this story is so important. The woman loved Jesus. What she did came from a heart that was set on Jesus her Savior. This is what made her actions so important and memorable.
    It is time for a heart check. I have to ask myself, Do I give my best to God? Am I willing to offer what I consider the most valuable things I have to him? This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. As I grow in my relationship with him, and advance in years, I realize that this is most important. Everything I am and have came to me through him. None of the things I have, even my life itself, are my own. The woman brought an offering to Jesus. It happened to be a very expensive one. Yet this offering was no greater to him than than the two small coins the widow gave. It is not the size of the offering, it is the size of the heart that gives it. This is not just about money or things. It is about me. I must walk through the house that is my life and find areas that have not been presented to Jesus. Then I must give my offering to him.
    I encourage you to present your offering to God. No matter how small, it is valuable to him. All that he really desires is a relationship with us. This intimacy is much deeper than we have ever experienced. It requires a level of willingness on our parts that we may never have approached. Maybe the offering is money. Maybe it is property or belongings. But my guess is; the offering most of us need to bring has something to do with our lives. We call ourselves disciples of Jesus, yet there are parts of us that we have yet to offer. Now is the time to reflect and take action. What is your alabaster jar?

Sufficient Grace

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Grace Greater than All Our Sin
Julia H. Johnston,   Published 1911
Public Domain

One thing that we need to continually be reminded of is God's grace. We literally owe our lives to him. It is through his grace that we have been given eternal life. The separation that we once experienced has been bridged by the grace of God manifested through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This is the foundation of our Christian faith. God's love and grace work hand in hand to fulfill his ultimate plan of redemption. Grace touches every area of our lives. I feel the need to remind myself and others of this indescribable gift.
    God's grace is more than just the forgiveness of sin. Of course, this is vitally important. Without grace, we would not have right-standing with God. His grace paves the way for us to live in his presence and experience the blessings he has for us. But today, I am reminding myself that God's grace is available to help me through the difficulties I encounter. In many ways, my life has been difficult over the past few years, and it has been God's grace that has carried me through . In times when I could not cope, his grace was there. In times when my heart was so downcast that I could not pray, his grace was with me. When I felt that I could not go on, his grace lit the way. God's grace is not only for the life after this one, it is for now.
    If I could speak for God today, I would say this: "My grace is sufficient for you. I understand the pain you are suffering and the doubts you have. But through every circumstance you have encountered, my grace has covered you. There will be a day when you will not suffer anymore. In my kingdom, there is no suffering, there is no pain, there is no more sin, and all the opposition has been eliminated. For now, I only ask you to do one thing; trust me. My grace will endure. And let me remind you again, it is sufficient for you in every situation. It is because I love you so much that I extend my grace to help you. Remember, I do not wish that anyone should be lost. My grace has lifted you from the trap that once ensnared you. Now, in your time of suffering, know that my grace is sufficient. In your times of plenty, remember it is my grace that has provided. And for those you love and pray for, my grace covers them as well."
    This is God's heart for us today. His grace is more than enough.

Two Faces of Integrity

"Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.'"
Job 2:3

Few have endured the hardships that Job did. God literally allowed Satan to take away everything from him: His wealth, his family, his health, his honor among men, and his status in the community. Job was among an elite group of Bible characters who were said to have impeccable integrity. God saw it in him and he allowed Satan to test him to the fullest extent. There is much for us to learn about integrity and the value God places on it. .
    When I read the Word about people who were full of integrity, there are always other traits that go along with it. Integrity cannot and will not stand on its own. It must be founded in something deeper. Job was a man who feared God first. His integrity was coupled with his respect and love for his Father. At that time, God said that there was no one else on earth like Job. this was not because he was a man of integrity. There were surely others who possessed it. But he was the only one who was upright and blameless in the sight of God. God knew him. He trusted him because he knew the heart within him.
    The worldly version of integrity means nothing to God. There are many business people, world leaders, and other people of note, who are esteemed because of their integrity. But integrity, by itself is self-righteousness. If not accompanied by a growing relationship with God, there is no eternal value. No one has ever been given eternal life based on the good things he did, or the honesty he possessed. True integrity is manifested through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. It is his grace that saves us, not our own integrity or righteousness.
    Christians are to be people who are full of integrity. Others should see this kind of character in our lives. When it is genuine and sincere, founded on our love for God, others will see and desire to know the God who is behind it. Integrity is far more than just being honest. It is living a life that pleases God. Integrity flows out of our desire to be like Jesus. The Pharisees of Jesus' time had integrity. Many of the leaders claimed to be blameless. But it was a self-righteous attitude from an empty heart. Let us never be like them. Let our integrity come from a heart that honors God and desires above all else, to be like Jesus. This is true integrity. This is the fear of the Lord.

Follow the Leader

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul was a mentor. There were many New Testament figures who were discipled by him. Timothy, Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, and others. Many young people were raised up into ministry through the leadership of Paul. He not only taught them, but he helped them through difficult times and counseled them in the ways of God. Paul truly followed the mandate of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples.
    All of us need to be mentored. No matter where we are in our Christian walk, there is always someone who has gone before us and learned the lessons we have yet to learn. There are elders in the faith who can instruct us with wisdom that is only obtained through the seasoning of years. These people may not be elderly, but most certainly are more mature in the faith than we are. It is important that we not only honor them, but that we follow the example they have set for us.
    Mentors are not just pastors. When I was seven years old, I attended vacation Bible school for two weeks after school dismissed. One of my teachers was Mrs. Rice. To me, she seemed like a grandma. But I still remember the lessons she taught. Years later, Mrs. Rice attended the wedding celebration as I was married to my wonderful wife, Cathy. When the reception line was formed, Mrs. Rice was one of the first to greet us. She hugged me and whispered in my ear, "I have been praying for you since you were in my Bible school class." She has since gone to be with the Lord, but I have never forgotten her or the day she hugged me. I still cry when I think of her.Often, mentors are not highly regarded leaders. They are simple, humble, and established followers of Christ, like Mrs. Rice.
   Find someone to follow. Look for those who can demonstrate Christ to you. Seek out those who have traveled the narrow road. Pay attention to those who are your spiritual heroes. If you have influence in another person's life, take it seriously. If you teach young children in a Sunday School class or care for toddlers in the nursery, understand that the kingdom belongs to such as these. You may be the example they will remember, their picture of Jesus in the flesh. There is no greater joy than to be one who exemplifies Christ. There are few greater relationships than the ones formed with precious, mentoring saints. Find them and learn from them as they learn from Christ.

Prayer of the Servant

"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petition of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 
Daniel 9:17

If there is one thing that has been pressing me lately, it is my need to pray. Daniel understood the power of prayer. In this passage, he is crying out to God to restore Jerusalem. Even though he had been exiled and lived the majority of his life in Babylon, he knew that his people longed to return to their homeland. It meant more to them than any wealth or good fortune they may have been given in the foreign land. Jerusalem was their roots, their gift from God. And one servant, Daniel, cried out to God for restoration.
    There are many ways to pray. Sometimes we are praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, other times we are simply crying out for help. Sometimes the needs in our own lives are so seemingly huge that we cannot muster up the faith or courage to pray as we ought. It is not so much the kinds of prayers we pray that impresses God, it is simply the heart from which we pray. He understands the struggles we contend with and he knows our hearts. There is no hiding from God. It is not so important how we pray, it is important that we do pray.
    When times are good, we ought to be thankful and pray all the more. It is in those times when we have great faith, hope and confidence in our God who has provided richly for us. When hard times befall us, we should pray simply to cry for help. It is not an imposition to God. He wants to help us. He wants to give us the desires of our hearts and he wants to see us through the difficult times. Whether it is in plenty or in want, our need to pray is constant. I have found that when I pray outside of my own circumstance, there is a blessing that follows. Prayer is selfless. I know God answers our prayers and cares for our needs whether we ask correctly or not. He is not concerned about the words, he is concerned about our hearts. He wants us to pray because he wants to have the connection. He doesn't want to be our God from afar, he wants to be right here with us. It is not his position that changes, it is ours. We make the choice to be draw close or stay at a distance,.
    There is so much to pray about, so many to pray for. The needs are great. There are those who are sick, those who are in great financial need, those who are grieving, those who are hurting. There are many going through such horrendous circumstances that we cannot imagine the pain they are suffering. There are people around the world in need of Jesus. The servant's prayer is not always for himself. He humbles himself before God and asks him for things that he knows can be provided. He prays for his friends, his brothers and sisters, his nation, and his world. Could we take up the cause? Could we pray simply because we want to be with our Father? Could we pray the prayers of a servant of God? It is not only our responsibility, it is our pleasure. A servant is humble and in great need of his Master's care. We are sons and daughters, yes. But sometimes we need to take the mantle of the servant....and pray.

Which Son?

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
Matthew 21:28-31

Jesus was a master storyteller. He used parables when he spoke to the people. This was not only to capture their attention, but to get them to consider what was being said. In this case, he was speaking to the Pharisees. These were the religious leaders of the day. They had attempted on many occasions to trap Jesus in the words he spoke, but they could not do it. So Jesus told them the parable of the two sons. The question he asked the Pharisees is still a valid one for us. "Which of the two did what his father wanted." And the obvious next question is: Which son are you?
    Jesus went on to rebuke the Pharisees. They answered the question Jesus asked by saying that the first son, the one who changed his mind and went to the vineyard, was the one who did what his father wanted. To this response, Jesus said that the tax collectors and prostitutes, some of the most despised people, would enter the kingdom of heaven before the Pharisees would. You see, they were the second son, the one who said he would go, but did not. The major difference between the two types of sons is this: One type is the sinners, the other is the religious.
    God can deal with sinners. All of us were once named among those. Of course, God rescued us from that life and literally gave us sainthood. We passed from death to life. There has never been a sinner who was beyond the redemptive work of Christ. He died once, for all. But the religious are another story. They are so convinced of their own righteousness, that they dismiss their need for a Savior. Like the Pharisees, they may not enter the kingdom of heaven. How much religious spirit still lives in us? How much of our lives is built on self righteousness, religious piety, and lifeless ceremonies? It is those areas that we must lay before God and receive the same salvation he gave us at the beginning of our Christian walks.
    Salvation is an ongoing experience. Until the day you die, you are being saved. So I ask you: Which son are you? Are you willing to enter the will of the Father for your life, or have you told him you would, and then walked away? I can tell you this with firm conviction: The religious will be the last to enter the kingdom of heaven, if they do at all. Religion is a poor substitute for relationship with God. If there is any of it left in your life, give it to God and allow him to take it. Repent and walk in the freedom of being a saint, set free from sin. With all my heart, I want to be the first son. Even though I was late in coming, I am going to do my Father's will. What do you say?

Changing Seasons

"Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift a hand or foot in Egypt.' Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potipera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt."
Genesis 41:44&45

The story of Joseph is one of the most often repeated chronicles of the Old Testament. The scripture I quoted above tells us about when Joseph was elevated to the highest position in Egypt, other than the Pharaoh himself. We all know that Joseph prospered and governed the land of Egypt well. He was responsible for collecting and providing grain to all the people in the land. In this way, they endured a seven-year drought. These were good times in Joseph's life. He had a wife, family, wealth, and high position. Even his own father, mother and brothers were restored to him.
    For all the great things that Joseph did, we sometimes forget that there were difficult seasons in his life. His brothers betrayed him and threw him in a well to die. A caravan from Egypt found him and sold him into slavery in Egypt. He was falsely accused by Potipher, the owner of the house that he worked in. He was thrown in a dungeon and spent many years there. It was not an easy rise to fame for Joseph. Along with the time of blessing came times of suffering.
    I believe we need to understand that there will be happy times, years of abundance, and seasons of good health for us. This is God's plan for our lives. But we must know that there will be difficult times as well. The greatest men in the Bible suffered hardships. Some were so sick that they almost died, others were persecuted by their own families. Some saw their wives and families killed. Job suffered physically, financially, and relationally. The good times are bound to come; in fact, they are promised to us. But I find no Biblical ground to suggest that we will not have times of suffering. God uses these times to build us. He prepares us for the greatness that he has in store. He helps us change our characters through difficulties. He uses times of pain and suffering to discipline us. His motive is not to harm us or watch us burn like an ant under a magnifying glass. He does it because he loves us. He has a plan and his will is paramount.
    Let me encourage you today. If you are in a season of suffering, it will come to an end. A new season of blessing and abundance is just around the corner for you. Some call these the seasons of life, but I think they are the seasons God allows. You can trust him, no matter what season you are in. Your hope should always be in him. You must know that the season will pass and a time of abundance and harvest will come. If you look to the four seasons we see in nature, you know that there are times for things to die and struggle. But there are times of new life that is so beautiful it is without equal. The same is true with you. If it is a time of abundance, give thanks to God with all your heart. If it is a time of trial, give thanks as well, for you know that you are being built to be a holy temple of God. Do not lose faith. These are just changing seasons.