Why Did Mary Anoint Jesus' Feet With Perfume?

 

by Barbara Latta

Six days before Passover Jesus visited His friends in Bethany—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, the man raised from the dead not too long ago. 

Why did Jesus go to Bethany and visit with these three followers?

Divine Appointments

 

by Barbara Latta

I inhaled the strong aroma of coffee and looked forward to the filled mug that would provide a taste of one of my favorite brews. I had anticipated a visit to our favorite coffee shop since rising one morning a few days ago. 

My husband, Ken, and I entered the building, a restored historic structure with gorgeous hardwood floors, huge ceiling beams from original wood, and stucco walls with crumbled spaces that exposed the old brick underneath.

When we walked in the door we expected coffee but never anticipated a divine appointment.

Christ's Powerful Vision Grows a Harvest of Blossoms to Our Souls

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Spring has arrived in all the glory of blooms and blossoms. Somehow the weather isn't convinced as we have suffered through cold fronts that have forced us to bring plants inside and unhook water hoses. 

But spring also reminds us of new life. The plants push through the ground with sprouts of green and flowers stems boast new petals of color. 

God set the earth into motion after He created the world. The seedtime and harvest cycle has never ceased.

Our lives are the a cycle of seedtime and harvest also. We sow seeds without our awareness when thoughts enter our minds if we allow them to stay. Some are good and some not so good. Our goal is to uproot the ones that have destructive intent.

Here are some springtime memes you can share if you wish. Hopefully, they can remind you of the Lord's blessings to you through the power of His Word. As we let the light of Christ shine, His powerful vision can grow a harvest of beautiful blossoms to our souls. (click to tweet)

Psalm 17:6

Isaiah 40:8

What Scriptures remind you of Spring and new life? Please feel free to share your thoughts. 

How Can Christ be Both the Lion and the Lamb?

 by Barbara Latta

I have enjoyed the recent days of unseasonably warm February weather. In Georgia, we never know what we will see each day. Winter in the south can feel like that season only lasts a few days while some years the cold doesn’t want to end. Lately the wonderful upper 70’s and sunshine has spoiled me thinking spring is really here.

But according the Farmer’s Almanac, our last frost date is around March 30 so I know cold air is still in my future.

All my life I have heard the saying, “If March comes in like a lamb it will go out like a lion.” Wind and storms are in the forecast for the next few days so this must mean March of 2023 will arrive like a roaring lion of unpredictable weather.

This analogy reminds me of how Christ is the Lamb of God and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. How can He be both?

What Does Perfect Love Mean?

 

by Barbara Latta

We see many examples of sacrificial love from unselfish people. Men and women have died defending others. Parents have given up comforts, financial security, and their lives for their children.

But this human devotion still is not the perfect love 1 John 4:18 speaks of. Because no matter how much a person does for another one, that love can’t cast out fear.

The Real Face of Love

 

by Barbara Latta 

The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek, languages more precise than the English most of us are familiar with. Scripture uses a variety of words to indicate different relationships, whereas we throw around several uses of love, sometimes flippantly, and the word loses the impact we intend.

We love chocolate.

We love our spouse.

We love our dog.

We love our car.

We love a certain book or movie.

We love God.

We use this same word to indicate a variety of emotions and attachments. We don’t (or shouldn’t!) love chocolate with the same feelings we have for our spouse.

God of Wisdom

 

This week we are privileged to hear from Lori Hatcher as she shares an excerpt from her recent book, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God With All Your Heart. The link to this book is at the end of the post and I know you will be blessed by ordering and reading this amazing devotional. Here's Lori:

God of Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

I suspect if someone asked, “Who’d like to be mature and complete in your faith,” most of us would wave our hands wildly and yell, “I do! I do!”

But when we discover the route to maturity winds through the wilderness of trial? “Uh, no. Never mind. Maturity’s overrated.”