So, today is "Maundy Thursday".

Being from a Methodist background ( ok, so I am from a Baptist/Methodist background - pick one already!) anyway, in my teen years I remember going to church on the Thursday before Easter to Maundy Thursday services.

About the only relevant thing I took away from it in those years was the knowledge that it commemorated the day before Jesus died on the cross. For as long as I can remember, I have felt sort of grieved on Maundy Thursday - and only in the past , I'd say, 6 years or so, have I begun to understand why. As I study more about the suffering Christ endured, and take personally the role that my own sin played in that suffering, yeah, it grieves me. And I cannot even begin to understand the grief it causes my God.

I found something today that explains what the word "maundy" means. It is from the latin "mandatum novum", ( command or mandate) and is referring to " love one another as I have loved you." This is from Jesus, as he served his disciples and washed their feet at the last supper. He showed them by example how to really put others before yourself, serve and truly love . That is just the kind of person He is. Thinking of Jesus in this way makes my heart nearly burst! What a priveledge to be loved by Him, to know Him, and to serve Him.

As I meditate on this particular example of what Jesus did for us, God keeps speaking something to my heart. As I read His word, and thank Him for Who He is .. what in the world do I ever have to complain about? Why in heaven's name would I ever for one second say " I am so tired", or " I am so stressed out", or not be willing to step outside of myself for a minute to love on another child of God, in His name? "Life is hard." Ok, yeah sometimes it is. My complaints compared to the suffering of Christ? Nothing. Really.. truly, nothing significant.

I know that I am not Jesus.. and I realize that He is the One who saves us from ourselves, our selfisheness, our sin, and our own will ( which, incidentally is the very thing that gets us into hot water at times.) However, Christ IS the example that God has given us. God is continually working on our hearts to transform us into the likeness of Christ. He will also pursue us at ANY cost to do this. I have a good friend who reminds me not to let it "cost too much". I understand this, and it spurs me and challenges me to know God more, and to be as obedient to Him as I can. And when I just can't, to hit the floor, and ask for His help. This should be my plan of action in all circumstances anyway. I pray God helps me remember this step before I take any other actions on my own!


Father, I can never thank You enough for what You did for me. I see myself in sin, and know that I am helpless to fix any of it on my own. My pride and selfish heart get in the way of You using me for Your glory, sometimes, and I pray You will forgive me for that. The only thing in this world, Lord, that gives me true joy, is seeking You more, and putting You first. I love my husband, children and my family, but I know I don't love them anywhere near the way You love them. I love my friends and my church, God, but I know that the love I feel for them is nothing compared to the way You love them. Help me remember that, Father. Help me to always remember that You set the example, You set the standard for my life, and anything I do , anything I say, or think, God, please let it be in obedience to You. Let my life bring honor and glory to You, God.. and thank You for loving me even when I fall way short of that.

Thank You for Your sacrifice. By Your stripes and suffering, my sin and shame is forgiven, and put away. I don't deserve that, but You did it out of love for me, and I thank You.


I look forward to Sunday, when I am with my family celebrating Your resurrection, Lord. You are mighty and wonderful, and I praise Your holy name!!

I ask these and all things in the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen.