Scripture

Your presence releases a fragrance so pleasing–over and over poured out.

~Song of Songs 1:3, The Passion

Quote

Time spent alone with Jesus each day will order our hearts and grant us a sense of direction, enabling us to live a life of purpose.

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Rest assured, I don’t do many blogs from the Song of Songs or the Song of Solomon. I know that most of my readers are women and I also know that women are more consistent when it comes to having a daily quiet time. I do know some men who are disciplined and devoted to a quiet time but I fear the brothers are out numbered by the sisters. It is my opinion that two most devoted followers of Jesus were Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene. I could be wrong. Every time you see Mary of Bethany, she is at the feet of Jesus. At our first meeting, she is in her home sitting quietly at the feet of Jesus listening attentively to every word. Just after her bothers untimely death, she bows before Jesus and clings to His feet. Then in John 12 she is once more at His feet, this time in worship. So she is at His feet listening, praying and worshipping.

I really like the John 12 story. Jesus is having supper in their home and Mary picks up an alabaster jar filled with costly perfume and she anointed Jesus feet. Then she wiped them dry with her long hair. The fragrance of this costly perfume filled the room. No one could escape this delightful scent. Of course the men lead by Judas protested, “What a waste!” But Judas didn’t get the response he hoped for; instead of Jesus commending Judas, He rebukes him, “Leave her alone.” I sure Judas understood and shut his trap. Jesus said that Mary was thinking about His burial. I think Mary understood some things the others had missed. She was a better listener. But the most praiseworthy thing about Mary’s actions was the boldness and extravagance of her worship. She loved Jesus and she didn’t care who knew it. Her eyes were not on the folks in the room; her eyes were on Jesus.

Nancy Leigh says that if we spend time with Jesus, our lives will become a fragrance to others. Then she asks the question: is your like a fragrance revealing the glory of Christ to others? I have written in the margin… I don’t know but I do hope so.

Extra

We were getting a gentle rain around 6:00 am but it has quit for the moment but I am hoping for more. At least it has tacked the leaves down. My radar shows a huge break coming but maybe there is some more behind the clearing. I don’t think run off is going to be a problem.

Pray for the Taylor family.

Have a great Thursday and thanks for reading the blog.