You Took My Place...

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, "I always park there. You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday school, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."
Psalm 106:1 (NIV) "Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
(Taken from "Girlfriends in God" Daily Devotional - by Mary Southerland) Let's Pray:
Father we thank you that You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to take our place at the cross and rise to victory in our place. We choose to give you full sway in our lives and welcome you into every corner of our lives. Thank You, that Your love for others indwells us and we are able to welcome all into our lives, no matter what seat they take. I choose to make You LORD over every area of my life, so that it is no longer I who lives but Christ in me. I as this in Jesus, Name, Amen!