“In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.” ~John 2:14
  

The scripture verse for today tells us about the activities going on outside the entrance to the Temple prior to Passover, merchants were selling animals for sacrifices to travelers that could not bring an animal with them the Passover. The scene has been described in many versions of the Bible as a “den of robbers/thieves” in Matthew 21:13 NIV; KJ21; NRSV; ASV; EVS; KJV; and MSG to list a few. Jesus sees that the merchants are selling animals at a much higher price than needed, they are profiting off of the worship of others. Jesus takes a stand and brings attention to their wrongdoing by turning tables over and benches of the sellers and money changers. These individuals were diminishing the importance of Passover by making a profit off of people there to celebrate God. As we continue our journey through Lent, what lessons could we learn for the verse mentioned today? What about fasting and the Sabbath, are there any particular practices you do regarding either of these? I did some reading and research today regarding “Sabbath” and I quickly found out it is deeper than I am equipped to answer adequately all I can offer to you is my opinion and observation of Sabbath. I work every Sunday so attending church on Sunday mornings is difficult, I still practice a day of rest/reconciliation with God. In fact, God is part of my day, everyday. God wants to be invited and included in every single second of our existence! It’s important to set aside time for just God! I also must admit fasting is also something I feel inadequate to explain. What I can tell you is this, fasting is a personal act shared between you and God (secret fasting) Jesus says these words in Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  Read more at:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/05/02/5-important-bible-verses-about-fasting/#CpOGPSclvUU7AC0F.99

My hope and prayer is that God is speaking to you, I am only a vessel wanting to spread the Good News of Jesus to all.  You are special and you are loved!  God Bless you as you continue your Lenten journey.

Breath Prayer: Jesus, take our greed and provide us rest.

~Blessings and Peace~


“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:35

During the season of Lent, people will often give up something important or significant so that they can focus on God and His plan for their life. Mine is a little odd, I decided to practice more optimism, the strange thing is I am fairly positive most of the time; however, God has made me aware of my “complaining talk.” It is usually harmless complaining but I don’t want to be a negative influence on anyone around me or to myself. There’s so many more things to be thankful for than the few things that are unpleasant.  I heard someone say this statement once, “No matter how bad you think things are for you, there’s always someone out there in the world who has it worse.” Life is tough sometimes and we have to make difficult decisions sometimes, truth is…we all are living better lives than we deserve. Meaning, we are all sinners, try as we do to do good, we still fall short of the glory of God as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Whenever we purposely deny ourselves the pleasures of chocolate, soda, desserts, wine, coffee and even complaining we are providing opportunities for us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and we are provided with opportunities to draw closer to God.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%204:4&version=NIV

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” ~Luke 4:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%204:4&version=NIV

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Referencing the Israelites time in the wilderness)
Deuteronomy 8:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Deuteronomy%208:3&version=NIV

The author, Katie Z. Dawson poses this question, “what does it mean for you to give something up during Lent?” For me, I feel more intentional about my words and actions. Also I’m reminded of all the blessings I have because of God’s love, mercy and abundant grace.

Breath Prayer: God of all creation, feed my soul. Amen.

~Blessings and Peace~

 

 

“On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.” ~Isaiah 25:6

What a beautiful picture Isaiah paints for us as believers in the Lord. God serves only the very best of food and drink to His beloved, His children. As believers this is the feast we are longing for, the eternal feast that we share with one another in Heaven as we worship and sing praises to God forever and ever. The author of the pamphlet I am using as a guide suggests that we think of a meal that we have shared in with a large community. Every summer I am privileged to attend my family reunion with my moms family and relatives. I have been attending these reunions my whole life, as far back as my memory allows. My mom had a big family, she was 1 of 8 children, I have been fortunate to grow up close to my aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, grandparents and I can even remember knowing my great-grandparents. Every July we meet at a State Park and everyone brings food and we have a huge feast of all kinds of food, definitely all the country comfort foods like fried chicken, homemade noodles, rolls, desserts, salads, it’s an endless variety a favorite foods. Our family has not slowed in helping replenish the earth (lol) that’s for sure.  It’s more than a foodies gathering, it’s a time of reconnection and catching up and sharing stories, accomplishments and meeting new family additions. None of this will compare to the feast that God has planned for His children, for you and me! The church I attend has congregational meals from time to time throughout the year and it’s wonderful to share a meal with one another. Much like a family reunion, these meals are shared with my larger family of brothers and sisters in Christ. Imagine, one day we will all be dining together at Christ table sharing in the Feast of Victory! There is one other meal I would like to share with you, every week my church shares in communion of wine and bread, it’s an intimate feast shared with one another reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus willingly made so we could be reconciled with God. His sacrifice on the cross paid the debt for all our sins. Nothing compares to the love that Jesus has for us. Always make room at the table for others and share the love of Jesus!

Breath Prayer: Jesus, open our hearts, set a banquet in our midst.

References:
Encountering God Through Art, Prophetic Art, “The Banquet Table” by Andrea Riley

~Blessings and Peace~