A Special Touch from Someone Very Special...

Bible readings...
“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.”
​Luke 7:36-50
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Hello everyone! I am so happy to have you with me today, on Sunday Inspiration…thru the Risen Hope Ministries! I pray that your Sunday is off to a good start and that we will all be touched, in a very special way today…thru the words that God lays upon my heart to write!
 
You know…we live in a world that judges us by the way we look and what we do, and especially thru our disabilities and other weaknesses that we struggle with, from day to day. Sometimes moments like these can make us feel, as if we are in a world of our own; and I know from experience; that it’s bad enough to go thru the difficult times…let alone feel tossed to the side.
 
As I read the story of Mary Magdalene, in our Bible reading today; I saw a woman who was probably struggling with herself, over the things that she had done; but can you imagine being in her place, while feeling this way…and on top of it; hearing the words of judgment that were said behind her back. I don’t know about you; but treating people like this, is only going to make matters worse and at the same time, make it difficult to experience God’s true love for them.
 
One thing I just love about this story; is that it didn’t matter to Jesus, what Mary had done or what was even taking place in her life at the time; but rather, Jesus was more interested in walking beyond these problems to love her and help her with the need of her heart.
 
As Mary approached Jesus…I can see it now. Here were all these people mocking her and making her feel, as though she wasn’t even worthy, to come and kneel at Jesus’ feet; but yet, they themselves weren’t any more worthy than her, as they were living a life with double standards. In other words…they were showing themselves as perfect religious leaders, while living a life that never represented the love of Christ.
 
As I look back on my life, I went thru a lot of hurtful moments, due to the way my legs were…and the moment, when I needed support the most, during times of depression, while experiencing the painful moments of a past sexual abuse; it seemed that most everyone walked away…that is except for Jesus.
 
There have been times, when I have seen my life, in similarity to Mary Magdalene. I never lived the life that she had lived; but I did have my own very special moment with Jesus…and since that day, I have never been the same…because you see…He came to me at a time, when no one else cared…and as I cried out to Him…the very first words He shared heart to heart with me, were…”The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking…Ps. 34:18a.”
 
Today, you may be experiencing moments, when you have felt tossed to the side. Maybe you are even going to a church that is supposed to represent Christ’s love; but yet no one seems to care. Today, may I recommend a close friend of mine…One who will not only listen to you…but will never judge you…only love you. Just let go of everything and bow your humble heart before Him and He will meet you where you are…and He will not only come to you; but He will wipe the tears from your eyes…place His loving arms around you and help you thru the times, when no one else seemed to care.
 
Before we close, I would like to share a few lyrics, of a song titled… “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know” and we read… “Jesus is the sweetest name I know, and He’s just the same as His lovely name, and that’s the reason why I love Him so; Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.”
 
All I can say to you, as we close; is that Jesus is truly the sweetest name and closest friend I know. Turn to Him today…kneel before Him, within your heart and He will be there for you…God bless!
Blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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