OUR AFFECTIONS - 11.16.2015

Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Our affection, our devotion poured out on the feet of Jesus” – Bethel Music

This little bridge was followed in service yesterday by this from the Gospel of Mark.
…there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. (Mark 14:3)

Many of you know this to be the story that also inspired the songs “Broken and Spilled Out” and the “Alabaster Box” sung by CeCe Winans.

The reason I share these this morning it to motivate a couple of questions in us.

Where is our affection and devotion directed today?
Are we willing to sacrifice our “precious things” as expressions of love to Jesus?
Give our best?
Lay them at the feet of Jesus as offerings?

The woman abandoned logic and agenda to show her deepest affection for Jesus.

Are we ready and willing to do the same for Jesus?
How about just for one another?
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Thomas Aquinas offers this prayer to help…
“Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Lucado penned that... 
…There is a time for extravagant gestures. There is a time to pour out your affections on one you love. And when the time comes - seize it, don't miss it.

That time is this morning.
Don’t miss your opportunity to offer something “extravagant” to Jesus. 
Pour out your affections.
Offer a prayer of devotion.

I understand that maybe you don’t think you have something like the alabaster box but to be honest, GOD just wants our best today.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Our affections.
Our devotions.
Our faith.
Our best.

We can offer that…
Let’s offer that…

I love you ALL!
FREEDOM CHURCH (CHAMPIONS NETWORK)