Courting God – A Heart on Fire

Courting God – Bible Study 6/17/25

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

Last night, something sacred happened.

We gathered—not in a grand building or under stained glass—but in a quiet, humble space, making room for Jesus. And oh, how He came.

It was the first night of Tiny House Ministry’s Bible study series, and our focus was simple but bold:
“Courting God – A Christian’s Desire to Be a Heart on Fire.”

We opened the Word, opened our hearts, and asked the question:
What does it look like to love Jesus the way He deserves to be loved?

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🔥 A Love That Costs Something

We looked to Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus, and her act of pure worship in John 12:1–8. She poured out a bottle of expensive nard at Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. In that moment, Mary wasn’t seeking approval from anyone in the room—she was honoring her King.

She wasn’t caught up in the chaos, the cultural noise, or the opinions of others (especially Judas, who scoffed at her offering). Mary was consumed by love—real, costly, intimate love.

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”
— Psalm 63:3 (NIV)

That was her posture. That was her courtship.

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💬 A Time of Reflection

As we sat together and watched the dramatized version of this moment in The Chosen (Season 4, Episode 8), the silence in the room was thick with reverence. We saw what courtship looks like—not with flowers or perfection—but with oil and surrender.

The contrast between Mary and Judas reminded us that true worship always stirs something—it will either draw us closer to Jesus or expose the idols in our hearts.

John 12: 7-8

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.
8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

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🙏 The Challenge

We left with a simple, yet soul-shifting challenge:
Schedule a “date” with Jesus this week.

Not a devotional out of obligation. Not a list of prayer requests. Just time set aside for Him. Bring something costly—your full attention, your repentance, your worship.

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📖 Scriptures That Guided Us:

• John 12:1–8 – Mary anoints Jesus
• Psalm 63:3 – His love is better than life
• Colossians 3:5 & 3:10 – Let go of idols, put on the new self
• 1 Peter 3 (MSG) – Cultivating inward beauty and a quiet spirit

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💌 My Heart Today

This morning, as I reflect on the sweetness of last night, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. The Holy Spirit showed up gently, but powerfully. He reminded us that love for Him isn’t measured by words—it’s measured by surrender.

And if I know anything, it’s this:
When you court the King, He always shows up.

💭 Stillness & Seeking: My Personal Reflection

I’m still prayerfully considering what my own “date night with Jesus” will look like. The truth is—I don’t know exactly what He wants from me right now, other than my sold-out devotion and love, and that’s all I have to give.

So today, I’m simply showing up.

I’m choosing to reflect.
I’m choosing to seek Him.
And I’m choosing to believe that He’ll meet me in the quiet.

Because now—more than ever—is the time to seek Jesus.
To pray for our families.
To pray for this broken world.
To pray for Israel.

So I encourage you: Call out.
Call out to your God.
Call out to the Son.
Call out to the Holy Spirit.
Call out in love.
Call out in thanksgiving.
Call out in petition for our world to turn toward the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

He is listening.
He is worthy.
And He is near to those who truly seek Him.

🙏 Prayer

Jesus,
You are worthy of it all. Every ounce of devotion, every whispered prayer, every tear poured at Your feet—You deserve it. Teach us what it means to truly love You—not just with our words, but with our lives. Let us be like Mary, unafraid to worship boldly, to give generously, to sit quietly at Your feet without apology. Search our hearts, Lord. Strip away every idol, every distraction, and every fear that keeps us from full surrender. We want to court You with a holy fire that never dies out. As we seek our “date nights” with You this week, draw us in. Speak to us in the stillness.
Remind us of Your nearness. Let Your presence fall heavy and sweet in every home, every prayer closet, every quiet moment of worship. We lift up our families, our communities, our nation, and Your chosen people—Israel. Let Your mercy flow like oil. Let repentance rise. Let Your name be lifted high across the earth. We choose You, Jesus. Again and again. With all we are. Not out of obligation, but out of love. Amen.

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