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I am completely crazy about cool jewelry, so when the Lord prompted me to take off my favorite necklace and give it to the woman who had just admired it, I tried to pretend I didn’t hear Him.
“It’s mine, God!” I reasoned. “It isn’t replaceable! Why would ask me to do that?”
My self-plan did not like the God-plan laid out before me. God was asking me to give up something that meant a lot to me so that another woman could be blessed. It seemed crazy. Unnecessary. However, in this instance, through the strength of Christ, I chose to obey even though I did not want too.
It hurt. It cost me. I felt the loss.
God softened my childish heart, however, as the woman wept at the Lord’s blessing. As I silently confessed my selfish thoughts, God poured a deep joy into my soul. He showed me that my sacrifice was an act of worship to Him. Blessings boomeranged right back to my heart as I humbly thanked Him for allowing me to participate in His moment with her. It was a beautiful thing.
There are just times when I would rather give gifts that don’t cost me too much. That is probably something that only I wrestle with, right? (Wink! Wink!) It is hard to be open handed with things that we hold dear, isn’t it? Some of us struggle with an unwillingness to give away material things or money. Others hold tightly to our schedules, our affections, or our availability while still others try to keep a tight reign on our children, grandchildren, spouses, parents or other people in our life.
God must have known we would struggle with this because His Word addresses this issue and shows us a beautiful picture of surrendered devotion in Mary of Bethany. The offering she poured out onto the feet of Jesus was worth a year’s wages. She lavished her costly perfume, her attention, her affection, her time and her worship on Jesus because she loved Him. He was her Savior. Her Friend. Her Hope. The Healer who had miraculously brought life back to the stench of death that had fallen on her brother Lazarus.
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 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.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 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, NIV)
The Message version says it this way: “She has just done something wonderfully significant for me.” (Matthew 26:10)
When I read this story, I am compelled to wonder if God sees a beautiful thing when He looks at my life. Does He see me do anything that is wonderfully significant for Him?
What do you think He sees when he looks at your life?
Does He see a beautiful thing?
The more time we spend with God and reading His Word, the more beautiful our life will become. Therefore, here is my challenge to you: I challenge you to commit 15 minutes a day to God for one week.
Just one week.
Can you do that?
Read a chapter in the Psalms and spend time in prayer each day for seven days. Make the sacrifice. If you already have a disciplined quiet time, I challenge you to add 15 minutes of prayer time. It will be a beautiful thing to both you and God.
When we open the hands of our lives to God’s presence, to His service and for His glory, rest assured God will see a beautiful thing. When we obey God’s promptings and listen to His voice that whispers to our soul, He will fill us with joy, peace, satisfaction and His beauty.
Listen to the song, Something Beautiful, that I co-wrote when wrestling with and praying through this passage of Scripture. Let this song be the springboard for your time in prayer today…
Dear God, You are worth far more praise than I could ever give. Please help me to rest in Your presence and trust in Your plan. Fill me with Your perspective until I joyfully lay down my will for Yours. Lord, when You look at my life, I want You to see beautiful. In Jesus’s name, amen.
REFLECT & RESPOND: Will you commit to an extra 15 minutes a day for the next week? Leave a comment below with a response to this post or with a declaration, “I’m in for 15!”
Every beautiful act of worship begins with the heart. If you would like to learn more about how know and trust God more – right where you are – right in the middle of all that you are going through, then don’t hesitate to order your copy of I WANT IT ALL. This book will help you to grow in faith, and in the power and impact God intends for you to live with! Click here to grab yours from Amazon – or get a signed copy from my web store.
LOVE, HUGS and Beautiful Blessings in CHRIST,
GWEN
Comments 20
I am so happy I came across your site,your songs are beautiful, and yes I am in for the 15 min. Callange. I really needy this push.Thank you so much.
Thank you, Gwen, for challenging us to give God simply 15 minutes a day for one week. I needed this nudge and I am in for 15! Bless you!
Your song was the jumping off place for my worship today. Thank you, Gwen, for giving your heart and music as an offering to Jesus.
I am in for 15! Thank you for your encouraging words and song. It is a GOOD day! Many blessings to you!
I’m in for 15! Thank you for the challenge. I have been needing some focus as I try to reset and re-energize my devotional life after a stressful end of a school year. This was perfect timing for me to click on your post. I just want so much more of Jesus in my life and I know that my time commitment is the only barrier.
Yes I’m in for 15, for the Glory of God!!! Thank you.
I am in it for 15 minutes .need quiet time to meditate on God’s word .
Love this post and your “beautiful” song! I’m definitely in for 15 (it will give me more time to pray). I downloaded your book yesterday on Amazon and can’t wait to read it. Thanks so much for everything you are doing!!
I’m in for 15. The thing I want in life is to be known for loving Christ. I just can’t do without Him. Thanks a lot Gwen. Keep doing the will of God. I love you ma’am.
I’m in for 15!..Can’t wait to be a part of this awesome commitment to GOD..
I’m in for 15!..I cnt wait to be a part of this awesome commitment to GOD..
Gwen, such a beautiful song… Thank You So Much for sharing it. God Bless You! Hugs, Debbie
I am in for adding 15.
I have just finished your book “I Want It All” I didn’t want it to end. It spoke to my heart. I know it has given me strength to face everyday problems and has brought me another step closer to God.
Thank and have a blessed day.
Linda
I’m in for 15. My desire is to feel Gods presence in my life.
I forgot who I was and….finally listened as Jesus reminded me….There is not one but our mighty Father in Heaven who is strong enough to retrieve me from the clutches of the enemy, strong enough to save me from myself. I’m starting at ground zero with 15. To our Savior be all the glory and may His Holy Spirit fill us anew as we act daily on this commitment.
I’m in for an additional 15 minutes. Gwen, this was seriously needed at this time in my life. Thank YOU so very much. Hugs, Dolores
I’m in for 15 more. I love having devotions in the morning because it sets your mind for the day. But adding a song to reading the Bible and praying will give me more of Jesus . I can never get enough! Thanks so much for this encouraging message about giving our best to Jesus.
I’m in for 15! Spending time with God is awesome! His love for us is unfathomable.
Love this post, and your song! So sweet! Doing something beautiful will look different for all of us, but responding to Jesus in obedience, to whatever he is showing me is what I can do today.. Relying on His grace alone, to live a life worthy of my calling. That is what I desire to do, today, and tomorrow and each day! Thank you Gwen, for your encouragement.
I’m in for 15. Always looking to get deeper with Jesus!