“She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.”
Mark 14:3b

 The story of the Bethany anointing is one of the few stories of Jesus’ life that is contained in all four of the gospels.  So impressive was this event that it was indelibly written upon the disciples’ hearts so they never, ever forgot this act of devotion.  Mark uses it as a prelude to the passion events.  It contrasts the hatred and rejection Jesus was receiving at the hands of the rulers and the people.  This act of worship and devotion stood out as an act of love that the Lord deserved from all, but was only given by a few.

May this deed be received as a call to worship for us today.  May this deed make us ask ourselves the question, “How much is too much?”  This woman’s act set a standard of sacrifice, which none can better, but all can match.  That alabaster bottle was worth a year’s wages.  Plus, it was to be saved for the most important occasion of one’s life.  What is the most extravagant thing you have done for the Lord?  What can we learn from this Scripture?

• Real love is always extravagant.
• Extravagant love is always criticized.
• Jesus always comes to the defense of and blesses those who are criticized for being extravagant in their devotion toward Him.

Prayer Focus: Pray the people connected to our church will love Jesus so much they will be extravagant with their giving of their time, talents, and treasures.  Oh Yeah… and pray that the extravagance starts with you.  Can you do that?  What does that look like for you and/or your family?

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

George Matheson was a bright, promising young musician when he received the most devastating news of his life.  He was going blind.

For several months, as his vision worsened, he had suspected the worst.  But more painful than the crushing reality of his impending blindness was the reaction of his fiancée.  When he told her of his condition, she tearfully returned the engagement ring.  She said she could not live the rest of her life with a blind man.

Stunned by her reaction and overwhelmed with self-pity, Matheson was reeling like a boxer falling to the mat.  Then, it was as if he were literally swept into God’s arms, encouraged and uplifted.  Still disappointed, yet buoyed in spirit, Matheson sat down and composed a song.

In one poignant moment, George Matheson knew more deeply than ever what is the true mark of the Christian — the unmistakable mark of love.

That’s what his song was all about.  It’s a song sung by believers all over the world, even to this day — the great hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go!”  Through a hurtful trial, he was reminded of the love that would remain forever unaffected.  In so doing, he was even able to love the one who had rejected him, as his Lord had loved those who took His very life.

There are so many reasons for us to express our commitment as members of this church body.  We have been forgiven, blessed, protected, encouraged.  But most of all, we’ve been loved.  Our heavenly Father has demonstrated His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, His own Son died for us!  The commitments we make, the monies we give, the energies we devote, are simply expressions of our thanksgiving for all He has done.

Prayer Focus:  In these crucial days, let’s look with gratitude to the past, let’s exercise faith in the present, let’s have true vision for the future; but, above all, let’s show a commitment to the challenge before us because of the love He’s shown for us.  He has used this church and it’s people in so many incredible ways.  Our response is tangible gratitude!  What does that look like?

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
2 Corinthians 9:13

As we look to the future, we see thousands upon thousands of people all around us who need Jesus.  Some are falling away.  Many, many more are waiting to be reached out to by loving laborers.  Elk Grove and south Sacramento continue to grow with thousands of new residents.  Who will reach out to these precious souls with the good news of Jesus?

We must take on this challenge.  We must invite them in and open our hearts to receive them with love and acceptance.  But we have a difficulty that must be overcome: Our home is not big enough.  We must have more space for more people.  We must adjust what we currently have and make plans for a future move or expansion (that’s the “X”) to bring more people into a relationship with God!  How can we do this?  First, by seeing this as a challenge and not a problem.  This demands the right spiritual vision.  In the days ahead, together, we are going to believe God will give us the insight — and the foresight — to do great things for His sake.

Prayer Focus:  Today, think about a close friend, family member or someone you can see being reached with the Gospel — someone you are praying will one day worship the Lord with us in Impact’s new home. 

Pray about what it will take to get them in the Kingdom.  Then envision them in a seat at Impact.  Awesome isn’t it?  Now envision about 1000 other current attenders at Impact doing the same thing.  Wow!  Where will we put them?  Let that simmer with you and God for a while!