Saturday, April 4, 2020

Mark 10:32-34

Notation in my Bible prior to verse 32 states, “A Third Time Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection”

Jesus was preparing His followers, His disciples for His death in the scripture verses for today. As I mentioned, this passage was the third time Jesus spoke of His death. It was also recorded in Mark 8:31-33 and Mark 9:30-32

Rev. Sam speaks about her grandfather being diagnosed with cancer and how he faced his inevitable passing. He was not afraid and shared that sentiment with her. She found comfort in knowing this fact after his passing. Death is a truth many of us do not like to think about let alone plan for. I don’t know all the psychology behind it and if we believe in our convictions to our faith, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Jesus is our HOPE, He was crucified and defeated death through His resurrection so we can have life everlasting. I was not prepared for the death of my mom, she had shared a few things with me in the event of her death. Honestly, I just never imagined life without her. I have tried to stay true to the subjects we discussed, immediate after her death I simply put my feet into her shoes and over time I had to admit…I could not fill her shoes in the same way she did. I was trying to be “mom” to the people who lost her as I did, it was impossible but I tried nonetheless. After some time I found what worked for me and I was finally able to allow myself to grieve. I believe she prepared me as much as she felt she needed to and I believe death surprised her too. I’m so thankful she did not suffer and it was a peaceful passing into the Lord’s arms. I still think of her daily and I so very much miss our Saturday phone calls. Through this experience I have learned that I need to plan for my death and make decisions so others will not have to when the time comes. *Learned, I have…executed the plan, I have yet to accomplish.

As we wrap up this week of Lent and our word of the week, RISE! I am challenging myself and others to RISE to the occasion of planning for death. Jesus prepared His followers and that message is ours as well. Death is not our finale, we are God’s beloved and our future and eternity is in Heaven with God and all believers.

Practice:

How can you help others prepare for your death?

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Awe, two of my favorite things; celebrating my birthday and going to Walt Disney World! It appears my eyes are looking intently on my birthday cake! Watch Out! The other picture isn’t really watches but they sort of look like watches. This photo was taken on the plane with my friends on our way to WDW! It was a great trip. Both of these activities require some waiting and watching, waiting 365 days until the next birthday celebration and Disney provides lots of watching people and activities. I hope the picture provided a smile for you today. God Bless you and Keep you~Amen!

Matthew 24:42

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Matthew 25:13

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Habakkuk 2:1

“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.”

Matthew 27:54

“Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://disciples.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

Friday, April 3rd, 2020

1 Samuel 16:11-13

“Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.”

In the scripture reading for today, we read of the prophet Samuel coming to anoint one of Jesse’s sons. All are present except one, David; he was a shepherd. Someone was sent immediately to bring David home. At David’s arrival, he was found ruddy (a healthy reddish color), beautiful eyes and handsome.

Remember, Samuel did not have a picture or even a description of the one he was to anoint. Jesse and Samuel both thought surely the biggest and strongest would be anointed king but after passing over 7 of Jesse’s sons, Samuel ask, is this all your sons and that’s when Jesse says his youngest is with the sheep. Upon David’s arrival home Samuel is told by God, “Rise and anoint him; for he is the one.”

The story of David is a great reminder that God sees the heart of man/woman. God is looking for a broken and contrite heart. A heart willing to be moved to forgiveness, compassion and action. Our strength comes from God, He supplies all that is needed to continue His work here on earth, all that’s required is a willing heart, whose faith is in God the creator of all things. During this season of Lent God is called each of us to open our hearts to the endless possibilities to expand the kingdom of God. Our call is to go before God, ask to be anointed with His Spirit and to walk in His light so that others will see and believe. ~Peace To You~ ✝️🙏🏻

Practice:

Make the sign of the cross on your forehead and say, “I am anointed with the Spirit of Jesus.” Share the same blessing with a friend.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/