Good Enough: God Sees, Values, Cares, Feels, and Accepts You! A 5-Day Devotional Plan by Dr. Peggie Etheredge Johnson Sample

God Accepts Your Worship!

Jesus is our most treasured and timeless gift!

I was a teenager without a complete understanding of what worshipping God looked like. I so desperately wanted an encounter with Him that I was willing to submit myself to perceptions that were foreign to me. My determination to worship God in a manner pleasing to Him kept me focused until I learned that the true meaning of worship had more to do with the sincerity of my heart.

John does not record Mary’s thoughts or state of mind as she approaches her finest hour with Jesus. Yet, her actions are precise. I believe we sometimes overthink our quest to find acceptable worship of God. These doubts and fears are often more associated with satisfying people than pleasing God. He is more concerned with our heart's motives than what we believe is unacceptable. God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (2 Samuel 20:7).

What about you? Do you fear God will reject your worship? Mary’s final encounter with Jesus is so profound that the acceptance of her worship is recorded for all to read throughout eternity. When your heart is pure, your worship will follow.

Jesus returns to Bethany six days before His crucifixion. The scene is familiar, Martha is serving, Lazarus is reclining, Jesus is sitting, and Mary is about to worship. Silently entering the room, her eyes probably fixed on the object of her worship, Jesus. In her hands is a pint of expensive oil. As usual, she kneels at Jesus’ feet, not to listen, learn, or grieve but to worship Him by anointing His feet. She is focused on her worship and not disturbed by Judas’ criticism, “why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor” (John 12:5)?

No price was too great for Jesus! This is her worship; she boldly expresses her love and gift!

She spoke not one word to defend herself. Jesus spoke for her, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, be Me you do not have always” (John 12:7). He accepted her worship! Mary discerned the time and the season. This was her time to worship; nothing else mattered. Mary had practiced kneeling at Jesus’ feet to listen, to weep, and now to worship!

Mary was good enough to anoint the Messiah for His burial and worship at His feet! YOU are good enough to worship God too! You can worship the Gift of all gifts!

Reflection: What do you know about Jesus that may be hidden from others? What gift will you present to Him? Write down what comes to mind!

Prayer: Lord, open my heart to discern how to worship You with sincerity of heart. Guide me and let my worship be pleasing to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

If you have enjoyed this plan by Dr. Peggie Etheredge Johnson, you will enjoy her “I Am” Affirmation Cards. Grab a copy here https://mykingdompearls.com/shop/ols/products/i-am-affirmation-cards