APRIL 4TH.
TEXT: John 4:20-24 King James Version (KJV)
20. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Luke 7:36-50 King James Version (KJV)
36. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
37. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38. And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
39. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
41. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
42. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
43. Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
44. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman?I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
50. And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
The Holy Spirit is a wonderful and loving personality given to every believer in Christ. Thank God for such opportunity as you take time today to acknowledge this personality in your life by communing with Him.
CONTEMPLATION
“One of the greatest challenges we face is to identify just what the Father desires to accomplish in and through us during a particular worship experience and how He wants it done.”p64 When we are out of fellowship with God it is very unlikely that we will lead others into the glory. But when we are in true fellowship with Him, when we talk with people, the presence of God flowing out of us will begin to impact them. Those who come to us confused or sad will leave feeling lot much better. There is a light and warmth manifesting from such lives. People may dislike and criticize us but when they become desperate for the light they will look for us. Anyone can produce extraordinary results revealing the mysteries of God if only we are willing to spend quality time with God.
PRACTICAL ISSUES
“God does not respond to our worship because the performance is flawless in the rating of men, He responds to worship that is from the heart.” P 64 FFPW. Sometimes in our own estimation, some people are not serious or enthusiastic about worship, but sometimes it is possible that we are the problem. When they encounter the glory they will worship.
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