“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’” (Matthew 26:6-9 NIV)

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I found myself with five dogs. I had always had two, but events transpired and two became five, so I began to pray and ask God what His plan was for these dogs. I did not feel it was a coincidence that I now owned five.

As I prayed the word Extendicare kept coming to my mind. I asked my husband if he knew what the word meant as I had never heard of it. He told me that it was a care home for seniors, in this new town that we had just moved to. Interesting, I thought.

The next day I gave them a call. The receptionist put me through to the Activity director. I asked her if they had a visiting dog program, as I had heard that this was something that was becoming popular in nursing homes. She answered: I have been trying to get just such a program started here but have not been able to find anyone who had a suitable dog and was willing to come to do visitation every week. Is this something you would be interested in doing she queried? I told her yes. She responded by saying this was wonderful and now she just needed to find four other people to bring in their dogs. Why four more I asked. Because we have five wings and would like a dog for each wing. Well, I just happen to have five good tempered and suitable dogs, one for each wing. The Activity direction gasped and then spoke these words: this is like an answer to prayer, I simply can’t believe it. Little did she know it was indeed an answer to her prayers as well as mine.

The dogs and I began the next week and continued to visit and see encouragement, joy and healing happen among numerous residents for many years to come.

The point of this devotional however is greater than this story. It’s about how we pass judgement upon others, just as the disciples passed judgement upon the woman who poured her most expensive treasure upon our Lord’s head. A gift which the Lord praised her for, as He knew that she had been moved by God to perform this beautiful act.

I too have been harshly judged by other Christians over the years. Christians who felt my love of the creatures was a waste of money that could be better spent to further the Kingdom of God. Prayer showed me however, that it has always been God who has brought these creatures to me, for His purpose to further His Kingdom. After all, just think of the dozens upon dozens of messages and devotionals that have gone out to hundreds and hundreds of people. Devotionals based upon horses and goats, cats and dogs, rabbits, gerbils, and birds that have encouraged, blessed and grown people in their relationship with our Heavenly Father.

God works in mysterious ways in each of our lives and it is thus not for us to judge others in their offerings to Him. Rather let us respect, encourage and build one another up as we each go about the work the Father has called us to, remembering to mind our own business and allowing God to mind His.

Prayer: Father God, how thankful we are that You have blessed each of Your children with various ministries. May we choose to encourage and build one another up, rather than judge and tear down, that each offering may glorify Your Kingdom to its utmost. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada