Today's Scripture:

Mark 14:1-11 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
This scripture reminds me to be of service to others.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
I have been so blessed to have been a part of helping people for my entire adult life. During my time as a Houston Police Officer I had the opportunity to see firsthand many people who were of service to others and also many people who were intent on doing evil.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
In Mark 14:1-11, we see a contrast between selfless devotion and selfish ambition. The woman who anoints Jesus gives generously despite criticism while Judas seeks personal gain. In my life of service—as a police officer, city council member, and board member for the YMCA and Rotary—I have encountered both types of people. True leadership and service requires sacrifice and often facing misunderstanding or opposition. Now, as a facility director for a church and school, I strive to act with integrity, ensuring my work is done with a heart of service rather than seeking approval or reward. This passage reminds me that, like the woman who anointed Jesus, our acts of service should be motivated by love and a desire to honor God, rather than by the recognition of others.

About David Anderson:
I am the facility director here at Grace, and I am so happy to be a part of such a wonderful organization. One of my very favorite things to do is hike at state parks. At my previous job, I was a regional facility director, and I traveled nearly 100% of my week. I got to see a lot of nice cities and a lot of schools throughout the USA.
I have been at Grace for 1 year.