March 25, 2025

Journey to the Cross, Part 1–Pouring Perfume

As we prepare for Holy Week next month, my heart is tuned to the vignettes leading up to the most significant event in human history–the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Having been blessed to visit Israel five times over the last 10 years, I’ll try to boost the sensory, experiential journey of the sights, sounds, smells of Jesus’ journey to the cross and tomb. Throughout these weeks and through Holy Week, I’ll bring some of my reflections on the events of Easter.

What a week. What a Holy Week. Isn’t it amazing that the first half of the Gospel of John covers the first 33 years of Jesus’ life, and the last half covers one week?

Just six days before the Passover and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus was invited to attend a dinner in Bethany in His honor, hosted by  Mary, Martha, and their resurrected brother Lazarus. Can you only imagine what a fun party that would be? For Jesus to have supper with Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead,  AND his two sisters?

“Then Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:3 NIV.

What a beautiful, selfless, sacrificial gift Mary gave Jesus. Of course it was disciple Judas who complained that her gift to Jesus at the party was wasteful and too expensive. Judas was the treasurer and thief-disciple who would betray Jesus in just a few days.

When we give sacrificially some people don’t understand. Like Mary, we may looked at as “over the top” or “too much.” Jesus understood Mary and her heart.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended, that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.” –John 12:7-8 NIV

Mary got it. She understood the message. Jesus had been trying to tell the disciples that He would die and be raised. (John  10:15-18).

Mary gave Jesus the most valuable possession she had. As we prepare for these weeks leading up to Easter, what valuable possession of yours are you willing to pour out for Jesus and His Kingdom? Whatever we give to Him, He gives much more back to us.

Stay tuned for Journey to the Cross, Part 2.

 Reflect:

–With whom can you relate the most in this stories–Mary, Martha, or Lazarus?  Please comment.

–What are you willing to sacrifice as a beautiful love offering for Jesus for Easter and for your whole life?

Renew:

–“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘ Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'” –Luke 19:39-20 NIV

Recharge:

–How may we live more deeply for Jesus and show love to others?

March 4, 2025

March Forth on March 4th

Today is on the only day of the year that is a declaration, a proclamation, a command.

March Fourth.

March Forth.

Friend, what are your dreams? Today, march forth with them. Keep going. Persevere.

I just learned today is a holiday.

“March Forth is an annual unofficial holiday celebrated on March 4 to encourage everyone to work towards achieving their dreams. It aims to provide an opportunity for people to take calculated risks towards achieving their goals and developing themselves. It is a special day to take a stand against procrastination or the faux reasons that tend to creep into our heads and discourage us from even trying. The name was made up as a homophone of the day ‘March Fourth.’ It is also the shortened version of the full name — ‘March Forth and Do Something Day.’ ” https://nationaltoday.com/march-forth/ 

February 18, 2025

Are You Whole-Hearted or Hole-Hearted?

It has happened to me and I am guessing you have or you are experiencing it. I had said yes and over-committed myself with too many activities, too many volunteer opportunities—Boards, church groups, community committees, etc.  They all seem worthwhile. None of them were bad. Isn’t it my best yes, though, to have more margin in my life?

Why do we do it? Why do we say yes with our heart and mouth when our mind is trying to clearly say no?

It seems like everywhere I turn in the Bible I find more and more verses on being wholehearted versus half-hearted. Ouch.

Do we fulfill some kind of hole in our heart with these activities? Are we hole-hearted?

Here are only a few:

  • “Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.” –Deuteronomy 30:6
  • “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”—1 Chronicles 28:9
  • “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deed.” –Psalm 9:1
  • “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.” –Psalm 119:2
  • “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:13
  • “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” –Mark 12:30

So how do we know when we are not giving it our all, when we are half-hearted or hole-hearted?

Here are signs that you might be half-hearted or hole-hearted::

  1. Dreading the next meeting with a particular group.
  2. Being snippy or kurt with your loved ones.
  3. Neglecting quiet time and prayer because you’re too busy
  4. Neglecting to eat properly and exercise—taking care of mind, body, soul, spirit well—because you’re “too busy”
  5. Preparing for the activity/meeting at the last minute and/or minimally
  6. Working solely out of our flesh and not feeling the need to rely on God
  7. Taking credit for all the success and blaming others for any losses or setbacks

Now ask yourself these questions:

  • Why do I participate if I am responding in these ways?
  • Is it value, acceptance, need for belonging I am seeking?
  • What are my pure motives for saying yes?

Spend some quiet time to reflect on your “why.” As we evaluate how we spend our 168 hours in a week, may we be careful not to let our feelings guide our faith. Some days are not stellar, which is no reason to quit or give up.

“Do the things that interest you and do them all your heart. Don’t be concerned about whether people are watching you or criticizing you. The chances are that they aren’t paying attention to you.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

So how we are all in with our whole heart?

  1. It makes our eyes sparkle
  2. We get nervous because we know some of it is outside our comfort zone, our gifts and talents
  3. We are relying on God’s help.
  4. We can’t wait to tell our family and others about the people we are experiencing and what we are learning.
  5. We are learning healthy life lessons
  6. We are empowering others to continue the legacy
  7. We are resting well and taking care of our mind, body, soul and spirit with healthy margin.

“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” –Francis of Assisi

One of my favorite life passages is this:

“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

In the last few years I have been circling the word “ALL” anytime I see it in my Bible. In every translation “All” means “All.” This is one of those life verses. Trust with ALL your heart…in ALL your ways acknowledge Him…

May we be authentic as we seek to live life with ALL our heart, our whole heart.

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