Final Days Forum helps to kick off a blog tour for author Paulette Harper who will discuss her new book, 
That Was Then,This Is Now,This Broken Vessel Restored on various blog, radio and podcast sites on the Web. Paulette's "Devotional Reflections from the Bible" on "The Woman with the Alabaster Flask" is today's featured post:
One of the Pharisees asked
Jesus to dine with him, and He went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at
table.
And behold, a woman of the
town who was an especially wicked sinner, when she learned that He was
reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of
ointment (perfume).
And standing behind Him at His
feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears; and she wiped them
with the hair of her head and kissed His feet [affectionately] and anointed
them with the ointment (perfume). Luke 7:36-38 AMP
What a heartfelt story of redemption and gratefulness to God. As I
reflected on what God has done to bring me to this point in my life, I find
myself reminiscing on the state of my condition years ago. Broken, scared but
restored, like this woman I had many things that needed forgiving. This
beautiful woman received forgiveness from the Lord and her gratitude was shown
by her anointing Christ with some costly perfume. Her attitude of thankfulness
was expressed by her tears and the kissing of his feet. She affectionately
kissed his feet. I believe this to mean that she was so thankful because Jesus
did not reject her or even reflect on the fact of her previous lifestyle. She
had much to be forgiven for, a prostitute, a lady of the night, an outcast as
the Scripture described her.
This story is a true symbolism of how our attitudes must be when we
approach a loving, forgiving and merciful God. This woman possessed something
of great value and could have been used elsewhere, but she wanted to express
her gratitude to Christ in a way only she knew how to do and with what she had
in her possession. As we mediate on the state of our condition years ago, last
week and even yesterday, know that God has not judged us according to our deeds
but has forgiven us according to his character and nature.
What we have in our possession is our worship, praise and thankfulness
to the One who would gladly receive all that we can give when it comes from a
heart that has been forgiven of much. As I lay before my Father with tears
rolling down my face, I was so grateful like this woman for my life that was restored
and made whole through his unfailing love.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Paulette Harper is an emerging
Christian author making her debut with her first inspirational book, That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken
Vessel Restored, a compelling story of deception,
heartache and ultimate
victory. In 10 chapters she masterfully uncovers the hidden obstacles she faced
as the “first lady” and how she eventually broke through those barriers.
A native of Pittsburg, CA, Paulette travels as an inspirational
speaker and licensed minister teaching people how to overcome life’s unexpected
experiences by delivering a strong message of hope.
Beyond her writing ability, she has a passion to lead people to a
clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s
ultimate source of victory by sharing solid, biblical principles that will
enable people to find a way out of every trial so they can reach their God-given
potential.
For more information about Paulette and her new release, visit: www.bvministry.org or watch the book trailer.
SHARE WITH US
In the comment section
below, share a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God, for what He has done
for you. We can never repay him for what he's done, but we can give him all the
praise and glory.
To share your story and fellowship with others, we want to invite you
to join the This
Broken Vessel Restored Facebook Group.
