“He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas.” ~Psalm 78:15

Providence defined by Webster is “divine guidance or care.” It’s origin comes from the Latin word “providentia,” which means the ability to see something in advance; foresight, foreknowledge.

The reading from the pamphlet today focuses on God’s Providence. The direct and indirect ways He is shaping the future. There has been much debate of God knowing the future; God making the future events happen which all leads to the question “If God already knows, does “free will” actual exist?” My position of this particular subject is I believe both can be true. Since I am only human and not a learned Christian theologian I am at a disadvantage to say God does not really acknowledge “free will” what I can say with certainty is, I believe in God, creator of all things. God loves all of His creation and wants only the best for all His children. I know that I am nothing without God, He sustains me, loves me and forgives me of my sins.

The Bible gives us many examples of God providing water for people who are lost and struggling in the wilderness, to prepare them for the transformative work to come. Have you every thought about your actions or reactions to specific situations (?) you may notice that sometimes you know exactly what needs to be done? I have and every single time when I look back at my life and I have had experienced something similar before and because of that experience I am now more fully prepared to help others and even myself when there’s a need. I have found that in times of deep sorrow I am less likely to implode on myself because of lessons learned.  I have experienced two devastating events in my life over the past decade and I look back and wonder how I made it through such dark and heart wrenching events. I never really imagined life without my mom, but she left this earth over five years ago. I was crushed, I went through all the stages of grief more than once and I’m still here. It was God’s unrelenting love that helped me. There’s so many things I had to learn because she was gone, now I’m stronger, wiser and more compassionate because of losing her. The other defining event in my life was the ending of a nearly decade long relationship with the person I loved and wanted to grow old with, people change and grow apart, I just didn’t see it happening. It took several years to even talk about it because it still hurt. It hurt because I wasn’t ready to let go and move on, over time things began to change and I could see more clearly that it had been for the best. I have nothing but fond memories and we both want one another to be happy. Yesterday would have been eighteen years, silly how some dates are forever etched into our brains. It’s true that time heals wounds. The reason I shared these two events was to let you know that even though these were difficult times for me, I have learned so much about myself, my world, and most importantly the people I love and care for. These were teaching moments in my life and my hindsight allows me to see God working in my life.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Bible examples of God providing water for people in the wilderness:

John 4:5-42 “Jesus talks with a Samaritan Woman”
Verse 7: “When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
Verse 10: “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
Verse 13-14: “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

1 Kings 19:1-9; 21:25-28 “Elijah Flees to Horeb”
Verse 6: “He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.”
Verse 8: “So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.”

Exodus 17:1-7 “Water From The Rock”
Verse 5-6: “The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

Where has God provided in your life, and how did it bring change into your world?

Breath Prayer: When I am parched with doubt, God of Living Water, fill my cup.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

 

 

“But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat.” ~Leviticus 16:10 (NIV)

“But the goat, on which the lot fell for Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness.” ~Leviticus 16:10 (ASV)

Today’s verse comes from Leviticus chapter 16 which is titled “Day of Atonement.” The Day of Atonement as known as Yom Kippur, it is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. The significance of Atonement is for personal and national sins, fate of each person is sealed for the upcoming year. Yom Kippur 2018 will begin in the evening of Tuesday, September 18th and ends in the evening of Wednesday, September 19th. I would recommend reading Leviticus 16 if you have never read it, very detailed and interesting rules the Israelites had to follow for the atonement of sin as directed by God. God had provided a way for the Israelites to be reconciled to Him and to let go of the weight of their sins. The word “Azazel” in Hebrew scripture is literally “scapegoat.” The scapegoat would take the sins of the people into the wilderness where they were first removed from the community, and for forgiveness and they were forgotten. Later in the story, God provides the “scapegoat” 2 Corinthians 5:19, “ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And ha has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” In essence, our sins have been carried into the wilderness

I am reminded of this weeks concentration on “wilderness” and “providence” the scripture verse today tells us of wilderness, the place where in the Old Testament sins were carried away into the wilderness by a scapegoat and were not remembered by God. As Christians today we have the same assurances from God, and how interesting that Jesus went into the wilderness to prepare for His ministry and was tested by satan and was victorious. Jesus knew that His life, death and resurrection would fulfill the “Day of Atonement” as He knowingly accepted the role of “scapegoat” for the sins of all people and that once sins were confessed with sincere repentance would be remembered no more. If fact the Bible tells us in Psalm 103:12, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Everyday is a new day to start with a clean slate with a renewed spirit. The sins of yesterday once repented should not be carried into the new day. God does not remember our sins and collect them on a board, just as the song and the Bible tells us our sins are as far as the east is from the west, they are forgiven and forgotten.
1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
Question of the day: Is there a sin or mistake you are carrying with you?
Breath Prayer: Lord, I am a sinner, have mercy on me.
~Blessings and Peace~
References:
•https://www.biblegateway.com/passagesearch=Leviticus%2016:10&version=ASV
•https://www.biblegateway.com/passagesearch=Leviticus%2016:10&version=NIV
• https://www.google.com/search?q=day+of+atonement&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

 

 

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” ~Luke 15:4

Today’s verse is often referred to as “The Parable of the Lost Sheep.” In the reading of the pamphlet the author also tells us that is has also be referred to as “The Parable of the Incomplete Flock.” In this case, both titles are appropriate, sheep are flock animals and strongly gregarious; their natural inclination to follow a leader to new pastures; all sheep have a tendency to congregate close to other members of a flock; sheep can become stressed when separated from their flock members; sheep can recognize individual human and ovine faces, and remember them for years; Sheep have good hearing, and are sensitive to noise when being handled; sheep have horizontal slit-shaped pupils, with excellent peripheral vision; with visual fields of about 270° to 320°, and sheep can see behind themselves without turning their heads. Now you probably have gained more knowledge and insights about sheep you never intended to learn! You’re welcome!

The Bible makes references to sheep and shepherds as an example of believers and God. As a shepherd would leave his flock to go find the one missing sheep, God pursues His children, the believers. When we lose our way God opens pathways for our return.

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—“

I also believe the sheep and shepherd example can be used to explain the relationship of church members (sheep) with the pastor of the church (shepherd) to show the relationship and bond that is between a pastor and their parishioners. It is not the sole responsibility of the pastor to ensure all members of the congregation are all flocked together, it is everyone’s responsibility. The church members form a family and provide support, guidance, care and prayers for one another. This may look different depending upon your individual church’s and its functionality but I would hope it is similar. As believers, we have a responsibility to seek out the lost or missing people of our flocks. We all have been blessed with unique spiritual gifts, whatever yours may be use it for God’s glory. Some people are great at sending cards or making phone calls, some possess great communication skills and can make others feel at ease, some have patience and compassion to listen when people need to be heard, this is a never-ending list I encourage you to use your gifts to spread the love of Jesus with anyone and everyone.

My church, my church family blesses me every single day. There are members that text me with words of encouragement, my input is requested for new initiatives and programs, I have participated in leading discussions and teaching a bible studies and in return I will seek out individuals who need encouragement, support or just to listen to them talk. It is a reciprocal relationship of give and take and to pass it on, never hold onto a blessing, there’s so much more joy in the process of continuing a blessing, keeping it alive in a sense.

The author poses this question? How has your faith community been strengthened by someone who was new to the flock?

There is much joy with new members coming into a community, it’s refreshing to hear new ideas and a sense of renewal within a group when someone new offers a different point of view or sees situations through a new lens.

Be aware of your fellow flock members and if one is missing tell the shepherd and in some cases you might assume the shepherd role to help find the one missing that has strayed away, to bring them home.

Breath Prayer: Thank you God, The Good Shepherd, help me to seek the lost. ~Amen.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheep

“Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” ~Deuteronomy 29:5

Do you have an article of clothing you have had for a long time and you just can’t part with it(?) is it worn and tattered(?). Some people hang onto articles of clothing for many reasons. Some people are lucky enough that they still fit, some are hoping to lose weight so they can wear the item again, some hold onto clothes knowing they will eventually come back in style. There’s no right or wrong answers to be considered here, just curiosity. Do you think the Israelites noticed that their clothing lasted throughout their forty years in the wilderness. All of their needs were being supplied by God each and every day. I have to admit I have a favorite long sleeve button shirt I absolutely love wearing. I think it’s the cotton fibers and it feels good. It is worn in many places and has been repaired a couple of times where the buttons are attached. So, I have since purchased 2 more shirts like it just in case they go away or out of style (Haha). I also have a half zip hoodie from when I was much younger and playing softball, it has the team logo and my name stitched on it, and it still fits! I have on occasion purged my closet of unwanted items, I have a few favorites and I’m happy. I heard of a story where a man only wears new socks, wears them one day and then toss them. Depending upon your individual preference, it may not be all that expensive giving that you would not be laundering the items. Whatever your preferences, we should be thanking God for His goodness. I would make a small suggestion that if you do decide to rid yourself of unwanted clothing find a place to donate them. Our world has so many needy individuals and families that could prosper mentally, socially and emotionally if given the chance and opportunity. In doing a small act of compassion and charity you are making “Providence” possible for someone else. How awesome would that be!

Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

What is your oldest article of clothing and what memories does it hold?

Breath Prayer: God cover me with your love and cloth me in your peace.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” ~Mark 1:13

The Gospel of Mark, one of the three synoptic gospels and it only provides one verse about Jesus in the wilderness which is the verse for today.

Matthew provides eleven verses: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3fsearch=Matthew+4:1-11&version=NIV&interface=amp

The Gospel of Luke provides thirteen verses:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3fsearch=Luke+4:1-13&version=NIV&interface=amp

The Gospel of John does not record the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Though, John does record the “Feeding of the 5000” and it parallels the “Temptation of Jesus” found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here’s a link to read the article, I found it to be useful: https://www.google.com/amp/s/jesuswithoutbaggage.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/the-temptation-of-jesus-in-the-gospel-of-john/amp/

The definition of “Providence” is:

The author of this pamphlet I am using suggests that Mark, while scarcely provides details Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness is quite possibly opening an opportunity of asking what it might have felt like for Jesus to wait for the Lord?

Strong’s Concordance
qavah: wait
Original Word: קָוָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: qavah
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-vaw’)
Short Definition: wait

Brown-Driver-Briggs
verb wait for (probably originally twist, stretch, then of tension of enduring

The word “waiting” meaning twisting, very much like making a rope. It reveals action instead of passive behavior. Being active is to have hope, expectant and even tension as we wait for God to act, but to also wait upon the Lord in service and in worship. Through these acts our lives become intertwined with God’s as we serve and are served. Our single life thread becomes part of God’s divine cord. As we are bound together God’s strength becomes our strength.

Jesus was in wilderness not to simply pass the tests and temptations of Satan, it was preparing Him for His ministry as well as having His strength renewed for all that was to follow. Just as you and I are also using these forty days of Lent for renewal so that we are prepared for the coming days, weeks and months in service to “The King of Kings” to the “Lord God Almighty.”

As I was studying the reading for today a favorite verse came to mind, it is Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” What an encouraging verse! This verse was first introduced to me when I was in high school, used for motivation. Later, when I attended college this verse once again provided motivation on a much larger scale for me. It was an anchor verse for the college, now a university (Judson University), I found it helpful in my scholastic endeavors as well as my athletic pursuits. A quote from the current President of Judson University, Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr. “”My definition of unity is when we live in faith with great hope because we love one another,” said Dr. Crume. “I end all of my speeches with the statement ‘It is a great day to be a Judson Eagle’ because it is a statement of unity, of faith, hope and love. It is an expression of faith, remembering those who established Judson University in faith all those years ago. It is an expression of hope, just as it says in Isaiah 40:31, ‘those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.’It is an expression of love for each other, because that is what brings us here today. I accept the opportunity to serve in unity with you as we shape lives that shape the world. It is truly a great day to be a Judson eagle.”

God’s strength becomes our strength when we serve and worship God. It is through these acts of faith and worship we are bound together and Christ’s strength flows in us. How spectacular is that!

When were you strengthen, either by waiting on others or by being waited on?

I had the opportunity this past April to experience of being “waiting on.” I had total shoulder replacement surgery and required a lot of assistance. It was a challenging time for many reasons and I’m so thankful for the lessons learned. I tend to be a fairly independent woman but I found myself in need of help with the basic of needs. I wasn’t completely aware of what my limitations would be like. Going from having two functional arms to using one and that one being non-dominate, it was tough! I was to be off work for 2-3 months but I managed to return after one month. This was only possible because of help and support from friends and family. I gained an awareness of humility and patience during my recovery. I was dependent upon others to drive me to appointments, meal preparations, clothing and bathing. Early on I learned a very valuable lesson. Accepting help is not charity or pity, it’s love and kindness; I was looking at life from my perception and not from what others were doing and seeing. I mentioned earlier that I see myself as independent but I am also very giving of my time, resources, and talents. I feel useful when helping others. When we are reluctant to receive help it assistance from others we are denying others of their joy. But, the most valuable lesson I learned was twofold, a happy life is a “balanced” life and for balance and happiness to flourish boundaries need to be identified and respected. God used my recovery time to teach me and to love me.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
http://www.judsonu.edu/
http://biblehub.com/hebrew/6960.htm
https://www.biblegateway.com

“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” ~John 12:31

All this week the theme has been “The. Wilderness and Power.” I can thing of nothing more fitting and true than to end this week with the “Power” of the Cross and the “Power” of God’s love for His children, the “Power” of Jesus Christ as He paid for all sin by His sacrifice on the cross. In today’s verse we read from John about the final judgment where God is victorious and satan will no longer have a stronghold on this world. God will reign forever and ever drawing all His people to Himself, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ~John 12:32

The author uses the Berlin Wall coming down to show how the Germans on one side were transferred into a new country under different rule when the wall went up. However, when the wall came down a new transfer occurred, with the collapse of the wall, fear lifted for the entire nation.

In Colossians 1:13, written by the Apostle Paul we read this, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” ~Colossians 1:13-14. Similarly, Paul tells us that there will be a transfer in “Power” but not merely earthly rulers but it will be a “COSMIC” shift! Jesus declared victory over the “powers” of this world through His death and resurrection! You and I as believers have been “transferred” into God’s Kingdom.

When the Berlin Wall fell, the East Germans were not physically moved but the transferred into a whole nation. In like manner, we are not mere citizens of earth or slaves to this earthly life but we have been transferred by the “POWER” of God, the walls if death and fear have fallen AND we live in Christ Jesus!

Galatians 4:7
“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

Romans 8:15
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Don’t let the devil bully you into believing his lies, you are a child of the God! You are loved, you are His BELOVED!

Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What does it mean to you, to be a citizen of the kingdom of God?

Breath Prayer: God, I belong to you.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” ~Matthew 4:10

I thought a bit of Celtic music would be appropriate for today since it is St. Patrick’s Day. I typically do not do any particular celebrating, usually wear something green. “St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century.” It’s not just about wearing green or drinking green beer, it’s also a celebration of St. Patrick, calling attention to his contributions to Christianity. 🍀🙏🏻⛪️🍀

The text for today the writer talks about a Cherokee Elder teaching children about a fight that is happening inside of him. The fascinating truth about his story is that it could just as easily be taught in a Sunday school class as well. The Cherokee Elder tells the children, two wolves are fighting inside him, one is evil and angry and the other is good. One of the children asks, “Who wins?” The Elder replies, “The one you feed!” The good wolf was joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, kindness, truth, compassion, generosity and faith. While the evil wolf was anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, false pride, superiority and ego.

These character traits ring true for living for yourself/devil or living for God. The Bible tells us of many of these traits in:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Ephesians 4:25-32
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Galatians 5:19-26
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

I purposely included a lot of scripture references to make a point that God has provided detailed lists of behaviors to embrace and behaviors to resist. God knows that we are sinful and that this life has temptations and He wanted to provide guidelines and support for each one of us. God loves us so much that the only way to provide redemption for us, His son, His one and only son to die for ALL sin, once and for all.

Romans 6:10-11
“The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

This week we have been talking about and learning of “Power” and the Wilderness, the power in this lesson for me has been the “POWER” of God. Specifically, the POWER-ful love that God has for His children. May your day be filled with love and laughter, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Breath Prayer: Jesus, I choose you!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree. But when they came to Baal Peor, they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved.” ~Hosea 9:10

Today’s verse is another example of the continuing saga of the Israelites journey as God’s chosen people. The book of Hosea was written by the Prophet Hosea and according to many scholars he is often referred to as the “Prophet of Doom.” The Israelites had once again strayed away from God and began worshipping idols again and soon found themselves bound to the idols/other gods becoming more like them every day. God’s anger grew with every step they took that led them further from Himself. I cannot even imagine the hurt and pain that God endured watching the people He loved turned away from Him. You realize (we) all people stray from God. I am not making this statement to rationalize, we are sinful and try as we may, we still sin. The closer we are to God the less we stray or get distracted, when we allow the distance to grow our connection to God weakens. Imagine this: you have a piece of metal and a magnet, what happens when you bring them closer to one another(?) they connect, usually a strong connection. What happens when you pull them away from one another (?) the further apart they are the less they draw one another in. Have you ever tried to connect two magnets together (?). Magnets have poles, a North Pole and a South Pole and they can only connect with opposites. A fascinating visual that has always energized me about magnets is the strength they have when connected north to south and south to north using “U” shaped magnets. They remind me of our relationship with God, when we connect north/south we form a bond and stay together. When we are the same poles we actual repel/push away. Let me be clear, the pushing away is always us and never God, we are the reluctant ones, the rebellious ones, God wants us, He loves us. He would never push us away but He will discipline us.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+magnets+work+for+kids&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#imgrc=Vr3BmwK1qgU-lM:

In Hebrews 12:6-11 it says, “…because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

We have seen through Hosea and Hebrews “power” the power of God to discipline those He loves. We also saw “power” in the disobedience of the Israelites. We recognize our own “power” to connect or stray from God. It is God’s “Power” and God’s unconditional Love, Grace and Mercy that secures us to His salvation and forgiveness.

Here’s some verses about “POWER” I pray they offer comfort, rest, assurance and guidance for your continued journey through Lent. ~God Bless You!

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Isaiah 40:29
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Nehemiah 8:10
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James 1:2-4

I was at a Bob Evans restaurant yesterday and I had just ordered my food and across from me is a lady who is close to my age and was having a late lunch or early dinner with her mother. It is a beautiful site to me. I am happy they are able to spend time together and talk. I am not close enough to hear the details of their conversation but I did hear their laughter and the subtle gestures they lovingly gave  one another. I am not jealous, just recognizing the love between them. It made me think of my mom and how much I loved her and reminded me that I had looked forward to spending time with her, just as these two women were doing. Dealing with and journeying through a loss, no matter who it is, is difficult to say the least. I’ve learned and gained much knowledge and maturity since my mom passed away. I often describe it as an “unexpected” loss; however, the reality is we all will die some day and we all will eventually lose someone very dear to us.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Too often in life comparisons are made within every aspect of our lives, whether it is things like, “the loss of my job is more harmful because…the loss of my mother is more devastating that yours because…I am more valued than you because…his sins/faults/indiscretions are worse than mine because… Life is important, every single life is important. Loss is devastating, no matter who it is or who you are. Wrong is wrong no matter who you are, no matter how much money you have…no matter how big your house may be…no matter what zip code you live in…no matter your religious beliefs…no matter the color of your skin…no matter what language you speak. God does not have a hierarchy of the levels of sin. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And God does not stop here, He offers redemption “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” ~Romans 3:24. God also loves each and every person born, after all God is the creator of all things.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” ~John 1:1-4

I realize that this posting has went in a couple of different directions and I would like to try to corral it all back in by stating the title of this post: What Now (?) Now What, these two words have different meanings based upon how they are grouped together. *At least I think they do, let me try to explain. When I say “What now?” it feels like I can’t take anymore! When I say “Now what?” it feels like I tried something and it didn’t work, what other options do I have. It may just be “splitting hairs” as the saying goes. It may only make sense in my mind (!).

All this words to explain a couple of simple truths.
1. Life is a gift, do not take it for granted. It will not stop for you or me.
2. Everyone matters, no one should have to prove their worthiness.

~Blessings and Peace~
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” ~Luke 11:2

Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray in the verse for today. When it comes to what most refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” I have heard differing ideas about its usage within the church and in the daily lives of believers. During my life so far I have only experienced a small sampling of different churches and denominations. Some churches recite it every week, some only at communion and others at special services. What I believe to be true for me, may not be true for you and that’s completely okay. The wonderful thing about being a child of God is that we are all loved by God and we are all individually loved by God. At least, that’s how I see God. God is the creator of all things, to include the whole human race. God is also the creator of each human-being, separately and individually. God’s Word tells us about our own uniqueness throughout the Bible, in chapters and verses such as these:

Psalm 139:13-16 ESV “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Psalm 139:13-14 ESV “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jesus taught the disciples how to pray and gave them an example to pattern after. How Jesus taught the disciples to pray is recorded in both Matthew and Luke. “The Lord’s Prayer” most often referred to is the Matthew example and is used in many churches every week.

Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

And, like this passage in Luke, which includes the verse for today.  Luke 11:2-4, “He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Some people believe Jesus was teaching the “literal” usage of these words while others believe Jesus was saying, pray in this “manner.” I choose to believe that both can be true. If simply stating the words from memory with no intentionality of why you are saying the words, then I would say that’s not what Jesus intended. I find that when I say the words to “The Lord’s Prayer” my thoughts are focused on speaking the words clearly and purposely for God to hear, it is for me a spiritual connection with God. If we are saying the words just so others hear, we are doing exactly what the hypocrites were doing in Matthew 6:5, when Jesus says these words, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” My advice would be to recite the prayer if it draws you closer to God, in my opinion that is the essence of prayer, to connect with God on a spiritual level and to seek His guidance, His counsel and His forgiveness. Jesus goes onto tell His disciples where to pray.

Matthew 6:6-8, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

I  am thankful for the example of “The Lord’s Prayer” it has taught me not only how to pray, but what to pray for and for who I am to pray for. It’s an intimate conversation we are able to have with God, the God who created us and the God who loves us.

Breath Prayer: God, your will be done!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:

• https://bible.org/seriespage/3-lord-s-prayer-matthew-65-15-luke-111-13

• https://www.biblegateway.com

• https://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/the+lords+prayer