Guojin on 13 March 2005

Scripture

Luke 7:43-47
......" Do you see this woman? I came to your home, you provided no
water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her
hair.
You gave me no greeting, but from the time i arrived she hasn't quit
kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but hse has soothed my
feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins,
and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the
gratitude is minimal."

Observation:
Jesus was explaining to Simon Peter why this woman was having just a
big fuss anointing Jesus' feet. This woman, according to the passage had a
very bad reputation in the village and no the type person they would expect
"The son of God" to associate with. But Jesus explains her actions with
simple truth: " if the forgivenesss is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."

Application:
Wow, read this many times but the timing of this reading really gives a
different light. I was wondering for awhile, why are some people so
fired-up for God, some just do their things in church. Why are some hopping
around like insanely undignify people and declaring the praises of God, and i
cant seem have that kinda of excitement or relevance at specially when i not
putting on the " serving ministry cap" and be myself. It's true. I felt like
Simon Peter, walking with the Lord for awhile and could not comprehend
the sheer joy and hype of some people with God. I mean i love God and all,
but something's missing, errmm....different. Today, as i was reading, it
seems like Jesus is telling me like how he told Simon Peter, " Your gratitude
towards God is proportional to the forgiveness you received." I sense that
at times, i'm just too full of myself, being in church and serving and all
that i cease to remember that I was once lost and i was found. I forgot how
God save me and His many many grace over my life. Not living a life of thanksgiving.
May it be every breath i draw, i'll remember the mercies of the Lord and His Faithfulness throughout my life and give thanks for another breath.

Prayer:
Lord, God, Abba Father,bring me back to the first love i had for you.
When i was living in the gratitude for you. Lord, i want to live every waking
moment my life remembering that i was save by You.Teach me to be
mindful of your grace and mercies and continue to anticipate your constant
blessings upon my life. I give thanks and give You praise for ALL that you have
done thus far. Its amazing how your a God that continueally pours into my
life even when i forgot all about You.Thank You God. Have Your way.

In Jesus name, Amen