Encouragement – Page 8 – Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

Find a Book Friday: Unafraid by Carey Scott

Posted on July 27, 2018July 18, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Let me ask you a personal question. How authentic are you? Perhaps being authentic and allowing people to know the real you is frightening. If so, this will be a book that you will enjoy. I certainly did. At times I felt like it was written just for me. Other times I would nod my head knowingly in understanding having traveling that road. Whether you are a reformed scaredy cat or struggling to find your footing, this book is a mind opening, thought provoking, helpful book taking biblical wisdom.

“Unafraid – Be you. Be authentic. Find the grit and grace to shine.” by author Carey Scott is a delightfully encouraging book by Barbour Publishing, Inc. This 256 page paperback was filled to the brim with inspiration and words to ponder long after the book has been finished. It is a book I will keep around to share with others or read again when I need it.

This is an extremely well written book. It was well thought, planned and organized. The author’s style of writing is nice and easy to read as well as understand. I felt like I was chatting with a new friend over coffee. It was lovely to read some of the thoughts and ideas shared. The author did her research and uses Biblical truths for encouragement and teaching. For me that is crucial for any Christian book, fiction and non-fiction.

This book was extremely uplifting and inspired me to persevere, trust My Heavenly Father’s direction, and be the person I was created to be. Failures happen and it is best to learn from them instead of sweep them under the rug. The most important thing I took from this book was to be myself. Don’t be afraid to be myself, to be authentic. If I am having a good day, share the joy. If I am having a bad day, don’t brood but don’t say everything is just fine.

Practical tips and tricks that can be applied are presented. These are jewels that you will use now and want to share with friends. This is a helpful book that would make a fabulous book club read. Even if you just gather a few friends for some positive reinforcement, read this book together and discuss it. You will be enriched.

I highly recommend this terrific book. Five out of five stars were gladly given for the rating. Anyone or group would benefit from the wisdom, biblical teachings, and encouragement gleaned from it. A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing for my honest review.

Reflections from a Word Nerd

Posted on July 25, 2018July 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Since I have been young, words have fascinated me. Numbers do nothing for me, but words are exciting and powerful. Okay, I will admit to being a word nerd. Reading, writing, even listening to meaningful lyrics move me and put me in my sweet spot. Even if you are a numbers person, words affect you. Some words or phrases bring certain people to mind.

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My dear mother has a quaint way of terming kisses. Our family doesn’t kiss each other we “give sugar.” My hubby does not decide or conclude, he “reckons.” When Dad is sincere about something, he states it “quite frankly.” Pappaw Reeves was never hindered but “stymied.” According to him, planets were never just in a straight line but in a “sygyzy.” My Granddaddy was a Lockmaster at Dam 43 near us and my hubby worked in Engineering in a ship building company. Many times both men replaced left and right with port and starboard, the nautical and aeronautical terms for left and right, respectively. 79193B57-AC0C-44EA-9510-0B1FBE551571

Just think how important they are and moving in weddings. In our wedding we had the song “Whither Thou Goest” sung. Just hearing that phrase or the word whither takes me back decades to a church altar where I plighted my troth to my husband. Isn’t that more romantic than saying at my wedding? Words can be magical when used correctly and thoughtfully. They have power to transform and transport.

For me, I love poetic, old fashioned words and Southern phrases. Women in my family swoon over thing and say “I swan or swanee” because no proper lady should ever say I swear. We don’t sweat but perspire. One does not simply hug my Auntie June but must “hug her neck.” Most importantly, never did I nor have I heard my grandparents, parents or aunts and uncles say what my Grandmother deemed “ugly words.” Never.

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Ugly words or swearing abound in society today. Using the Lord’s name in vain, cursing, and horrible four letter words are rampant. Even name-calling seems to be at an all time high. Tattoos are permanently imprinted on bodies with words that should not be written, spoken or seen. 14BC4EB3-1B26-459A-95DC-A93412EF1357 Clothing prominently sports things that are “ugly” and offensive. Even some “Christians” have attire proudly proclaiming “Yes, I am a Christian and I cuss a lot.” What?! So, I wonder how our Father feels about that? Or if these people consider the example they are setting? Ugly words take away from a person’s beauty. They can sting and hurt.

When I think of my Savior there are many words that come to mind. Beloved is the first and means dearly loved. Definitely Jesus loves us dearly. No doubt about that. Redemption is another one. It means being saved from sin or evil. Christ sought us out before we were born and bought us with his blood on the cross. He paid the entry fee to eternal life for us. That fee was his own life. Absolutely, freely given to us in love is our gift of salvation, which means deliverance from harm or destruction.

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Tell me about you? What words do you relate to people? Better yet, what words do you think people relate to you? What if our words appeared on our skin? Make them pretty words to inspire, bring about happy memories and smiles. Don’t leave behind ugly words as your impression or influence on this world. Let your children and grandchildren read “hug my neck” and “give me sugar” or remember you when they hear nice, virtuous, sweet words. Don’t let #*@$ or worse be your legacy.

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Kindness…..Let’s Start a Campaign!

Posted on July 15, 2018July 15, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thanks for joining me today. There is something I’d like to ask you. Would you join me in something else? I am wanting to start a kindness campaign. What do you think? There is absolutely no money involved unless you are moved in that direction for some reason. Doesn’t this sound like a wonderful project? Thanks! I think so, too.

First, we sorely need this now because electronic devices have taken personal interaction and emotion out of our conversations and day to day dealings with each other. Isn’t it quicker to send a text than call? However, many times words written are more harsh than those spoken. In fact, the same holds true with telephone calls versus face to face conversations. Right? It is a bit harder to be mean and cold when looking someone in the eyes and being able to see the hurt you inflict.

What would this kindness campaign be? I suppose we need to get to read the definition of kindness first. The dictionary says kindness is the quality of being friendly, considerate and generous. Kind is an adjective meaning having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature. Well, that sounds familiar. Synonyms for kind are good-natured, caring, selfless, compassionate, understanding, friendly, thoughtful, loving, good, attentive, and hospitable. Antonyms are mean, selfish, and inconsiderate. Sounds reasonable to me. What do you think? Which would you rather be?

Does the Bible say much about kindness and being kind? Yes, it does. Our instruction book for life is filled with verses about it. Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Who wants to wear kindness? I bet that looks beautiful on everyone. Another one in Ephesians 4:31-32 “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Now that is very clear. A simple be kind to one another.

It is my true desire for us to show kindness to others. Yes, some do mean to harm us, but there is an internal war going on here. Friends and family are saying many hateful, absurd things that are fueled by mobs of people they have never met. We need to step back, regroup, and be kind. None of us are perfect. We all mess up and sin. Everyone needs grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness.

Join me in being kind. This movement needs to start some place, why not with us? At least try it for the remainder of July. Refrain from the negative political and newsy posts. Stop demeaning and attacking people that have not personally interacted in a hurtful way with you. Be part of the solution and stop fueling the fire. Spread kindness, joy, and smiles. Take a break from stress, meanness and finger pointing. Recruit others to our Kindness Campaign. Spread kind words and deeds. Who knows, by August we all might feel so wonderful that we continue. Most of all, please pray. Pray for kindness in others and yourself. Then just like the old song says….”and the world will be a better place for you and for me, just wait and see!”

I Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 16:23-24 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Forgive and Forget

Posted on June 30, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Get comfortable and let’s chat a little bit this morning. Shall we? I need to ask you something. How easy or hard is it for you to forgive? Wait! Let’s back up a second. I’m sorry. First, what does forgiving someone mean to you? Do they have to ask for it? Is it earned like respect? Do you still feel the same way about that person or can you go back like nothing ever happened? Are forgive and forget a married couple? Well, I wish we were chatting over coffee and tea instead of tablets and phones. I want to know your thoughts.

Recently I struggled with this from both sides. An issue with a family member had completely torn me apart. As a Christian I know I am called to forgive, but when it came down to a serious, nitty gritty situation, I was floundering. After a lot of prayer, I fell exhaustedly face done crying for help. “I don’t really know how to forgive.” It was at that moment in the stillness that I heard God speak to me. “Yes, you do. I have shown you.”

Talk about food for thought. My mind went racing through all of the stories and scriptures I knew about forgiveness.

In my heart and soul, I knew the answer. My example, my teacher was Jesus. Right? Even in the Lord’s Prayer we pray to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” So was I forgiving like that? Like God forgives.

When He forgives it it total. He washes away my sins and makes me clean. He forgives and forgets. There is nothing else waiting to drop. It is total forgiveness and then gone. Poof! If I receive this great mercy then how can I give any less. Right?!

My forgiveness is total amnesia, the best this human mind can handle. So yes, I would say Forgive and Forget are a couple, like salt and pepper,or peanut butter and jelly. It is resetting the love and care button and disabling the caution or warning one. For me to be happy and make my Savior delighted in me, I need to follow His example. It is not being unforgiving or carrying a grudge and saying “I will forgive you but never forget what you did.”

Same goes if I need to be forgiven. Even if I don’t know what I’ve done, sometimes making the first step in reconciliation is the most important step you’ll take. Offer your sincere forgiveness and desire to be reunited. Do not stir the pot once more. That concoction has made you both sick for a long time. Time to try something fresh and new. Even if you start with “I don’t know why you are mad…” you have started. Don’t give up on forgiveness given or gotten no matter how many times.

Thanks for the ear this morning. Give it over to God, my friend. Look to Him for your perfect example and ask for His help. I hope if any of you are struggling with forgiving someone or being forgiven this has helped.

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Posted on June 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Bible says in all things give thanks, be thankful. Do you have trouble with this, too? Maybe that isn’t the easiest to do, but I keep trying. If the electricity is out, I am thankful I don’t need to get cleaned up to go out. Perhaps the glass dropped and broke, but I am thankful I wasn’t cut.

Are you seeing the pattern here? Being thankful is finding your silver lining in the dark cloud. It is knowing that things could have gone much worse but didn’t.

Sometimes being thankful is far, very far, from what I want to do. What I want to do is complain and list everything that is wrong. Maybe I want to enumerate all of the things that have failed or caused me pain and convince myself it will stay this way or possibly get worse. That, my friends, is the deceiver whispering doom and gloom in my ear. Does he do that to you, too.

Even in the darkest circumstances we can have things for which to give thanks. Years ago a young family member of mine was in a horrific accident. Damage was done to the face and I was devastated that something so terrible had happened to someone I loved with my whole heart. While many mourned the tragedy I was struck with thanks that there was still life in the body and sight in both eyes. Both could easily have been taken in that instant. Was God there at that time? Absolutely! Otherwise the outcome would have been much different. We had much to be thankful for that day and still do.

Look around at God’s wonders and beauty. There is so much He has made for us. It won’t be long and you will be thankful without even realizing it. Rejoice and be glad in the day He has given you. I try to do that in the simple things. Are you glad you were able to start your day with coffee and a devotion? Me, too, I was more than glad. I was thankful. Be thankful for the new adventure the day holds just for you. Listen to the melody of the birds as they sing. Think about the One who created a tiny creature that can do such a marvelous thing as fly! I am thankful I am able to witness that. Go into a bakery and just stand still for one deep sniff. Can you almost smell that tantalizing sweet, buttery pastry now? Now buy one. Wow! How thankful are you for those tastebuds? Touch the softness of a newborn’s little hand and marvel at the perfect way God created us. Be thankful for God Himself.

Life holds so much for us that our loving Creator has giving. Take it and see how good life can be. Be thankful in all things today. Find the good among the bad. So, what are you thankful for right now?

What Do You Really Know About Mother’s Day?

Posted on May 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Why we celebrate Mother’s Day is pretty obvious. Right or is it? Who doesn’t want to celebrate the wonderful mothers in their family, especially their own sweet one? Did you ever wonder when we began to celebrate Mother’s Day? That’s a seldom known answer. I studied up so I could share it with you, but what I found made me realize the why we celebrate is a bit deeper.

Before the Civil War a woman from West Virginia named Ann Reeves Jarvis began a series of clubs to help teach women about caring for their children. “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” did not just teach women how to care for their children, they taught them the right, proper way. Women were able to dispel myths and incorrect information by attending these meetings. The meetings helped unify ladies after the Civil War and they promoted reconciliation between Union and Confederates in 1868.

It was not until 1908 the official Mother’s Day holiday was celebrated in a small way. Ann Reeves Jarvis’ daughter, Anna wanted to carry on her mother’s efforts after she died in 1905. Anna thought a day to celebrate and honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children would be perfect. She received financial support from a Philadelphia department store owner in May 1908, and she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. Also on that day, the department store owner held a Mother’s Day event at one of retail his stores in Philadelphia. Thousands of people attended.

A few years later the holiday had more support. There were many states, towns and churches celebrating Mother’s Day as an annual holiday in 1912, but it was not a national holiday. Anna Jarvis kept trying and set up the Mother’s Day International Association to help with her cause. Finally in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

It is interesting to note, Anna did this all in her mother’s memory and for mothers everywhere as she never married nor had children. She just wanted to honor her mother’s memory and great sacrifice. Mothers give up so much for their children, but it is willingly with love. Their freedom is gone, money disappears, sleep is rare, calmness is replaced with chaos, and peace often with concern. Ask any mother if it was worth it and all (or most everyone) will say absolutely.

This Mother’s Day remember it is more than a casual “Thanks, Mom” day. It is a sincere “Thank you for all you have sacrificed for me, Mother” day. Reflect on what she has done, given, given up, and sacrificed for you. Originally Mother’s Day was to honor a mother or woman’s sacrifice for children. Is it still?

My sweet, dear Mother sacrificed more than she will ever let me or my sister know. I am certain of that. She is a great woman of faith, adored and treasured. Just hearing her voice makes my day better. Yes, I am a mama’s girl and proud of it. Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mother. You are appreciated and loved.

Read a Book Monday: “My Heart Belongs in Glenview Springs, Colorado…Millie’s Resolve”

Posted on May 7, 2018May 6, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you like to read? Obviously I do. There is something relaxing for me to get lost inside a book. I love traveling to places and making friends between the covers of a new novel. Don’t you. Well, today I have a really good one. “My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado…Millie’s Resolve” is a 256 page Historical Christian Romance written by Author Rebecca Jepson. Published by Barbour it was the first book I have read 2B48CB54-1270-4592-9F12-99CB0D84D629

by that author, but it definitely will not be the last. This is a fresh delightful, emotionally packed historical Christian romantic fiction. I enjoyed it so much I did not want to do anything else except read that book!

Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a town with a healing spa. The story is set there in 1888 and is the tale of Millie Cooper. She is a caring young woman running from her past. Millie grew up in Nantucket as the daughter of a poor fisherman. One summer she fell in love with the son of a wealthy family on vacation. The results were heartbreaking for Millie and the book opens with her now in Glenwood Springs working beside dear Dr. Murphy. Everything is going wonderfully until the brother of the man she fell in love with came into town and turned Millie’s world upside down. He needs a nurse for his family and Millie seems to be the one. This man prevented her from marrying his brother and now wants her to care for his mother and brother’s pregnant wife. Oh my!

Author Jepson presents a fresh new story that I have not ever read. It deals with forgiveness, regret, mercy, love, grudges, social classes, faith, illness, and trust. The author tackles issues in 1888 that we can relate to now. Her writing style is lovely. The words just lowly effortlessly making the story easy to read and book hard to put down. Twist and turns are added to keep readers on our toes. 9B1B3DF4-9C70-4265-A04E-C5EEE3D32768

I was emotionally invested within a few pages. The descriptions were so good felt like a fly on the wall watching things happen.

The characters are so well rounded and defined that I felt like I knew them. Not only did I become friends with the main characters but secondary ones, too. I loved Dr. Murphy! Some characters I scolded, others I had empathy for, and the majority I wanted to stay my friends. I could travel to healing Glenview Springs and have coffee or tea with my new buddies. The novel gave me the feeling we were that close.

“Millie’s Resolve” is a touching historical, Christian romance. The lesson to trust God is prevalent throughout it. I loved on page 192 the lines “The Master of the crashing sea was with her. He was Lord…even of this storm.” This beautiful message of faith is woven in the story so well. Anyone will benefit from reading it and feel inspired. Nonbelievers shouldn’t find it off putting or preachy. This is just a great story.

I highly recommend this. It is one of those books I wanted to finish reading, couldn’t put down, but did not ever want to be over. What a dilemma! It is a complete story, no cliffhanger. I just loved it. Any reading group would love discussing this delightful tale. There are no discussion questions but just asking “what did you think” will start words flowing. This gets a big 5 out of 5 star rating from me. Loved it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. 41D8B9AB-D3BF-4C95-94F5-249C5BCB2C25

That’s a Sure Bet! Is it Really? Absolutely!

Posted on May 4, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Living close to Louisville Kentucky makes life interesting around the first Saturday in May. The racetrack, Churchill Downs is open and so are festivities in preparation for the Kentucky Derby. It is a two minute horse race. There are fireworks, hot air balloons, a steamboat race, parade, style shoes, vendor booths at a “Chow Wagon”, Thurby (the Thursday before), Oaks Day (the day before), and more than I even know. D2412375-5B81-4566-80F6-0D56C813565C

On Oaks Day there is a Survivors Parade around the racetrack of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors. That is touching to see. A sea of pink with beautiful hats and smiling faces. On the local news everything is Oaks and Derby. They discuss the horses and if one looks like a favorite, sometimes going as far as saying it is a sure bet the horse will either win, place, or show.

Do you go to the horse races and bet on horses? Some people study racing forms like a student before finals. Others use the color method of choosing the prettiest silks or their favorite color. Even the way a horse looks and acts play a part in betting. 7603B979-4416-494D-B92B-5668C32459B1

Names came play a large part in it as can the jockey riding the thoroughbred. Even asking people that work there or “know someone” for a tip is another way of deciding how to place a bet.

After placing a bet, it is off to watch the race. Sounds like fun doesn’t it? It is only if you win or haven’t bet. If you have gambled some of your hard earned money on the horse you might not be smiling if it comes sashaying across the finish line. Sometimes a horse wins by a wide margin while other times you aren’t sure if it’s still on the same track. 83369005-6FC6-46AD-924D-CEB84B0455B1

On television there are pictures of many clinched fists, gritted teeth, and frowns among a few smiling faces. None of the ways people use provide a sure bet or 100% winner every time. History shows very few people bring home the big buck instead leaving some of their own instead.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a 100% guaranteed sure bet on something? It would wouldn’t it? Everyone loves to get something they didn’t earn. Don’t you? Come on now, we all do. Well, I have some great news for you today. 0CB794E2-8222-45F8-816B-3201356F5748

Yes, I do. I have a sure bet. You do not need to invest any money and you will receive the greatest treasure.

Do you have any idea where this is going. Jesus. He is a sure bet. You can bet your eternity on Him and win every time. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Are you certain? Jesus wants you and me to spend it with Him. He loves us fiercely and died to prove it. I can almost see heads nodding. That love is beyond imagination. He carries us when we are too weak. If we are lonely He reminds us that He is always there. He gives us what we need when we need it. He is our way to the Father. Do you know Him? If not, don’t wait because it is a sure bet He already loves you.

Watch Out Where You Get Advice

Posted on April 25, 2018April 25, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

For a parent, grandparent, aunt, or anyone that has a younger person in his/her life, there is seldom any feeling that competes with the joy felt watching them make good, Christian decisions. Right? We pray for their success, salvation, and decision making.. It isn’t often we are fortunate enough to witness it in action. Recently I was and it touched me so deeply I cried happy tears.

We have a beloved family member that is truly ill and frankly just not himself. It is an ongoing issue that has lasted three years. Talk about a test of faith! Well, that’s an entirely different blog. In this situation advice is overflowing on what others would do. We are never at a loss for unsolicited, well meaning counsel. AB1DE8CF-BDD4-4FE3-8861-552A9E0B6EF2

Much of the advice is tough love and some not even Biblically based. Discussions with this sweet family member and others border on disrespectful. It all breaks my heart. How is that going to help? Being disrespectful will never aid in any circumstance.

Last week I sought advise from my adult son. He was raised in our Christian home so I decided it was time to trust my work and him. Wow. I was not disappointed and can honestly say I was overcome with joy. His response to me was “My thoughts are to try to treat him like Jesus would. You know, the whole What Would Jesus Do. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?” I was speechless as I nodded.

Leave it to my adult son to remind me of what I already knew. There is no secret fix or magic involved to help a loved one. Lift him up to God and love him. Treat him tenderly. Isn’t that what Jesus would do? Didn’t he teach us by example that we are to love others more than ourselves? Jesus did not teach disrespect, yelling, fighting, and leaving. No, 0FBBC620-EBD2-4133-9665-C1E38AE7174C

He taught compassion, love, and caring. Any and all I needed can be found in my life manual, the Bible. I just needed to think about what would Jesus do, and then do it.

I realized then that I had known all along what to do. Like Jesus I needed to listen to God and obey Him. I needed to be sweet, tender, caring and giving. There is no place for disrespect in this situation. Just respect and kindness. Often when we are sick, we aren’t ourselves. Having someone talk sharply can only make things worse. Ignoring the sick person or withholding care is a horrible idea. Leaving is definitely not the answer. I can never go wrong with loving and praying. Bet you won’t either if you ever need my two cents.

Try a little tenderness and honey instead of harshness and vinegar in your words. My sweet Mammaw would say “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” How true. We need to try some love and Jesus. I know I will. Thank you, oh wise son, for the reminder. Out of all the advice, yours was right on the money. Your advice is the one to follow. In fact, I am going to look for my WWJD bracelet, too.

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

Proverb 16:24 KJV

Spy Wednesday and Thirty Pieces of Silver

Posted on March 28, 2018March 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

We all know about Easter week starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter. Do you know what happened the other days? Traditionally today is called “Spy Wednesday” because on this Wednesday before the crucifixion Judas conspired to give Jesus to the soldiers. Judas became a spy, an agent for those wanting to hurt and kill Jesus. He made a deal to betray Jesus. Judas was paid, given silver, to hand over Jesus. Hard to believe but true. Have you ever thought of Judas as a spy? We don’t know exactly why Judas did what he did, but some guess he was trying to force Jesus to use His power and take control.

Scripture doesn’t say what Jesus did on that Wednesday. Scholars speculate He and His disciples probably spent the day in Bethany resting up from the activities of the past few days. Most likely the all were exhausted and Passover was soon. He might have spent it with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Earlier Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and the people of Bethany believed He was the Son of God. Mary of Bethany went to Jesus and anointed Him with costly perfumed oil. Judas, the treasurer of the group, objected to the extravagance saying that the money could have helped so many poor people, hungry people. Jesus rebukes Judas and says Mary has anointed Him for His burial. Wow. That would make the room quiet and minds start to spin.

The disciples are saddened to think about Jesus dying and leaving them. They believe He is God’s Son, and they love Him. They don’t want anything bad to happen to Him. Scholars believe Judas was trying to force Jesus into claiming His kingdom now. They guess Judas didn’t believe anything bad would actually happen to God’s Son. It is sad to see a follower betray his leader, especially when that leader is Christ. Ironically Judas threw down the money. He didn’t want it. Judas wanted Jesus to have His kingdom and power now. Giving up control is hard but God’s way and time are best. That lesson cost Judas everything.

Have you sold Him out for something? Do you try to change His time and replace it with yours? I am so guilty of that. Has something taken His place as first priority? Maybe you treat Him like royalty and the Son of God that He is. Sometimes it is easy to let things get in the way of worshipping Him. It is easy to put our own wants before what we really need to do.

Me? When I was younger it was easier to skip church. The desire to be outside with family seemed to outweigh being inside a stuffy church. Ahh, then my soul grew up. Now I need to worship our Savior. The One that suffered, was beaten, crucified, died, and rose from the dead so that I might claim eternal life with Him is the One I long to worship. My soul needs to sing His praises more than my body needs an extra hour of sleep or to be outside in the sunshine. I need Him to know He is my priority since I was His. His love is priceless.

“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?” So they counted out for Him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.” Matt. 26:14-16