THURSDAY, MARCH 31STA TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLES As Holy Week gradually draws closer, we wonder what Jesus may have to say to us today. What will be …

MENTORING MOMENTS – DIFFERING OPINIONS

Thursday, March 31st, 2022

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” ~Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” ~John 13:14 (NIV)

Bible Reading • John 13:1-17

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.“

— The Job No One Wants —

I can say with certainty that washing someone else’s feet would not even make my top ten disliked jobs. But Jesus did exactly that, He washed the feet of all the disciples. Can you image the condition of the feet Jesus washed, mostly very dirty, dusty, unkept toe nails, and calloused. To be clear, washing feet whether it was over two thousand years ago or today, is a less than desirable job. In fact, the job of washing feet in the first century was considered so demeaning that it was reserved for the lowest of servants in a household.

Setting the scene, Jesus and the disciples were in the middle of their meal when Jesus gets up, removes His outer garment and gets a towel. Each disciple is looking at Jesus and then at each other and Peter speaks out, “No!” “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” John 13:8.

The message Jesus was teaching His disciples and us today is that no person is too high for the lowest of the task, for He Himself took on the nature of a servant though He is the very nature God. Jesus served not only His best friends, but the one who would betray Him, the one who would deny Him, and the ones who would desert Him. Jesus washing their feet may have seemed shocking and ridiculous, yet this was a beautiful expression of Jesus’ love for His friends and His disciples. This expression of love was a foretelling of just how low Jesus was willing to bow in order to love His own until the very end. Jesus died on the cross for all of creation.

Romans 5:8 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Challenge • Question to Ponder • 🤔

After Jesus sits back down to continue His meal, He asks His disciples if they understand what He has done.

• Do you understand? _____________

• Do I understand?
  • My understanding is that we are all God’s children, we are all uniquely created, none are more or less important. What is easy to forget is that we live in a conditional world and it functions much differently than what God wanted for us. It has always seemed easy to blame our human condition on Adam and Eve; then Noah and his descendants but we are all guilty of sin and disobedience. If any thinks that they would have done things differently, they are only lying to themselves. God gave humankind choices and now we must live accordingly. Jesus is our HOPE. Jesus is our SALVATION. Jesus loved us so much, He left His throne in Heaven to be born human, lived the human condition and died in our place on the cross. I believe the washing of feet is so much more than a dirty job. It is humbling ourselves to do and be what Jesus taught us…to LOVE.
    • To love one another.
    • To care for one another.
    • To feed one another.
    • To clothe one another.
    • To comfort one another.
  • To be the literal hands and feet of Jesus

• How is Jesus calling you to wash another’s feet today? __________________

• How is Jesus calling me to wash another’s feet today?
  • I strive to be open to the Holy Spirit guiding me, I manage to screw that up from time to time, intentionality is key. I have a mentor, dear friend that taught me that valuable lesson to which I’m grateful for. Being a Christian is not about being perfect, but we are being perfected by God as we learn and grow, sharing the message of God’s love. Not all of us are called to travel long distances for mission work, sometimes our mission field is our next door neighbors, our coworkers, a passenger on a plane or a stranger who lost and item in an airport.

“but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him.”~1 John 2:5 ESV

No matter how or where we are called to serve, do so with a humble and loving heart as Jesus did, setting an example for all of us to follow.

📚• 📚 Further Study 📚 • 📚

Mark 10:45 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2010:45&version=NIV

John 13:1-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:1-17&version=NIV

Philippians 2:6-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%202:6-7&version=NIV

Hi friends, thank you for visiting my blog today, I pray that God’s words are the ones you remember. It is a joy to share using this platform and I am blessed beyond words for your support and encouragement. ~ Peace

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Matthew 20:28 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2020:28&version=NIV

John 13:14 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:14&version=NIV

John 13:1-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:1-17&version=NIV

John 13:8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:8&version=NIV

1 John 2:5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%202:5&version=ESV

https://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_died_on_the_cross_for_our_sins

https://youtu.be/QqtfmmwEbIw

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022

Bible Reading • Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Do you believe?

More specifically, do you believe in Jesus?

Jesus believes in YOU!

Jesus believes in all things, what exactly does that mean?

Jesus is the most optimistic human ever known, He believes in goodness and that every person is worthy, worthy and deserving of love. This is evident by Jesus becoming human, living the human existence and experiencing all the things you and I do. Jesus sees the hearts of people, not their circumstances or economical situations. In fact, Jesus sought out those individuals that most tried to avoid. Bible story after Bible stories, we see Jesus with the marginal in society; prostitutes, tax collectors, the sick and diseased, the poor and the homeless. Jesus also talked with the religious leaders of the day, though they were not overly impressed with Jesus’ lack of adherence to their coveted rules that routinely excluded people solely based on who they were and where they came from. With Jesus, all are welcome.

The story is Zacchaeus was a favorite of mine when I was a kid in Sunday school. We even sang a song about “Zacchaeus was a Wee Little Man.”

Zacchaeus longed to see the man called Jesus, and Jesus knew this and sought him out. Jesus made Zacchaeus’ wish come true, not only would Zacchaeus see Jesus but Jesus invited himself to his home. This meeting would change Zacchaeus’ life forever. Upon meeting Jesus, the true nature of his heart was revealed. Jesus knows the hearts of all people and takes time with those with receptive hearts to God’s Word.

I’m so very happy that Jesus saved me, I was blind but now I see. I was lost and now I’m found. Jesus is always teaching me lessons in life. Everyone deserves grace and mercy, even when their actions may be questionable. Trust in God and leave the judgments to Him. We are not able to see into the hearts of others, truly God can.

Trust me friends, I share these thoughts not because I consistently adhere to them, no I struggle and stumble, but I am able to start anew each and every day because of the grace afforded me by Jesus my Savior, and through His great mercy I am made new. The Apostle Paul writes this, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

📚 • 📚 Further Study 📚 • 📚

The Calling of Matthew

Matthew 9:9-13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%209:9-13&version=NIV

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

John 3:1-21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:1-21&version=NIV

The Burial of Jesus

John 19:38-42 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2019:38-42&version=NIV

Made Alive in Christ

Ephesians 2:8-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:8-10&version=NIV

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Philippians 1:3-6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%201:3-6&version=NIV

A Call to Persevere in Faith

Hebrews 10:19-25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2010:19-25&version=NIV

Friends — Thank you for visiting my blog today. As you can tell I love Jesus and I love Disney. Godly wisdom is all around us, we only need to be open to hearing it and always looking for opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. ~ Peace

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Luke 19:1-10 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2019:1-10&version=NIV

Tuesday, March 29th, 2022

“The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” ~Matthew 20:31,34 (NIV)

Bible Reading • Matthew 20:29-34

Two Blind Men Receive Sight

“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.“

ANGER

Anger in itself is not a sin—-it can be a healthy recognition that things are not as they ought to be. Anger that is directed against someone who inconveniences us is self-centered anger and not righteous anger. The Bible gives us several incidents of Jesus being angered; it is Jesus’ love that compels Him to anger against those who abuse and misuse the helpless.

• His anger burned against the disciples when they tried to keep the little children from Him.
• His anger burned against the money changers who made a profit off those who came to worship at the temple.
• His anger burned against the religious leaders who misled the people in their spiritual charge.

Some often refer to the God of the Old Testament as the “Angry God” and the “God of Love” in the New Testament through Jesus. God is the same in the Old and New Testament, God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

This is perfect love.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

When words and actions push one’s own agenda’s at the cost of someone else’s dignity it is an insult to God’s loving nature and a cause for righteous anger. Anger that is aroused from personal inconvenience only shows one’s own pride, selfishness and a lack of love.

Jesus’ compassion and His anger both flow from the same heart of love—love not of self, but love of God and love for others. This is the love we should cultivate in our own hearts, as we become the literal hands and feet of Jesus.

Challenge Questions

Think back on the last time you were angry.

• Was is caused by witnessing injustice done against others or a perceived inconvenience against yourself?
  • I can say with all honesty that my anger is sometimes because I have been inconvenienced. I struggle with being over zealous with my emotions and have misplaced anger from time to time.
  • I see injustices daily on the news, in my neighborhood and in my workplace. I’ve been know you argue with a TV screen on occasion. I am fortunate that I can engage in healthy debates with at least one coworker. I also owe this same coworker much gratitude for teaching me coping skills that I have adapted through the years.
  • When I see I justice on a global scale it can be difficult to deal with; thinking what can I possibly do to make a difference…the answer is can be as easy as incorporating into your daily activities to treat others the way you would like to be treated. You know, the “Golden Rule.”

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

• What does your anger reveal about your own heart?
  • I am selfish at times thinking that my time is more valuable than someone else’s. That certainly is not true and I am working and learning to be more intentional with my words and actions.
  • Being human comes with the human condition of being sinful by nature. I don’t say this as an excuse, only baseline of what is true. I can certainly be and do better, but the opposite can also come true. My desire is to be better, I want to grow and mature into the person God created me to be, not perfect or sinless but loving and caring. Being intentional also means I need to be mindful of the things I do and see; the things we feed ourselves is the byproduct of who we become.

If Jesus were sitting across from you, would He join in rebuking those you are angry with, or would He turn and rebuke you?

• Umm… (swallows hard).
• Sometimes Jesus would join and other times, I am I one needing to be rebuked. Intentionality, is my goal. Surround myself with others wanting to be more like Jesus. I am stronger, braver, kinder and more loving because of the people in my life. My friends and family love and support me and call me out when I’m wrong.

Sit for a moment with these questions, and ask the Spirit to reveal any sinful anger in your life you need to confess and to fill you with His love instead.

Prayer~

Loving God, thank you for loving me and for all the wonderful people you have placed in my life. Through the years I have been blessed with the right individuals at precisely the right time. You know me and love me not because of who I am or what I can do, you love me because I am your child. You reprove me not out of anger but because you love me. Jesus guide me to live a life pleasing to you, I pray your Holy Spirit will lead me to truth and comfort me in times of doubt and troubles. Jesus please be with the person reading this, bless them and strengthen their resolve to follow you. I ask all these things in Jesus name~Amen.

📚• 📚 Further Study 📚 • 📚

True Fasting

Isaiah 58:1-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2058:1-14&version=NIV

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

Matthew 12:11-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2012:11-16&version=NIV

The Sheep and the Goats

Matthew 25:31-46 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2025:31-46&version=NIV

Blind Bartimaeus Received His Sight

Mark 10:46-52 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2010:46-52&version=NIV

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

Mark 12:38-40 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2012:38-40&version=NIV

Samaritan Opposition

Luke 9:51-56 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%209:51-56&version=NIV

A Blind Beggar Received His Sight

Luke 18:35-43 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2018:35-43&version=NIV

Instructions for Christian Living

Ephesians 4:26 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%204:26&version=NIV

Friends—

Thank you for stopping by my blog today, I am blessed by your visit. I appreciate your support and encouragement.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anger

Matthew 20:31,34 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2020:31,34&version=NIV

Matthew 20:29-34 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2020:29-34&version=NIV

Matthew 28:18-20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2028:18-20&version=NIV

Matthew 7:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:12&version=NIV

TUESDAY, MARCH 29THA TIME FOR A STORY Jesus has a longer story to tell today, so he begins right away… For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner …

MENTORING MOMENTS – FAIR IS UNFAIR

Monday, March 28th, 2022

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Mark 10:20-21 (NIV)

Bible Reading • Mark 10:17-22

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.“

Challenge • Things To Ponder

Many have read this story in Mark and measured themselves against their own sense of “wealth and riches” and decide that this passage does not apply to them. Mark tells of a wealthy man wanting heaven but could not part with his worldly possession and travel with Jesus to get there. What if we took a hard look into our own lives. . . are there things we are unwilling to give up for heaven? It may not be money, it could be anything that keeps you from fully engaging with God. Wealth can be measured in others terms than strictly money; some are wealthy because of social status or family name, you might be influential based upon knowledge and experience, perhaps you spend all your time buying and collecting things; simply put, anything that separates you from God. Today, seek God and ask Him to reveal to you anything that keeps you from a deep(er) relationship with Him. If you discover something, confess it to God and ask Him to open your heart to be receptive to His Word and His Love.

💰 ▪️ 💰 ▪️ 💰 ▪️ 💰 ▪️ 💰 ▪️ 💰

Money in and of itself is not a bad thing or a sin and no one should not be ashamed of having it.

The only questions are:

• Does it allow greed to grow and fester within one’s heart separating oneself from God (?).

• Does having money breed sinful desires in one’s heart and mind, causing strife and isolation from others and especially from God (?).

Money is NOT:

the root of all evil—

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) —

LOVE of Money is:

the root of all evil—

🧡 🙏🏻 💚 🛐 🧡 🙏🏻 💚 🛐 🧡 🙏🏻 💚

Prayer ~

Open the eyes of my heart oh, God that I may seen and hear your words. Help me to pursue you with a pure heart. Forgive me when I let my heart be wooed away from you by the temporary things in this life. I ask these things in Jesus name~Amen.

Further Study

Matthew 10:37-38 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2010:37-38&version=NIV

Mark 4:1-20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:1-20&version=NIV

Mark 10:21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2010:21&version=NIV

John 12:1-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2012:1-8&version=NIV

1 Timothy 6:8-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%206:8-10&version=NIV

1 John 2:15-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%202:15-16&version=NIV

1 Timothy 6:10 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%206:10&version=NIV

Friends, wishing you a beautiful week and. blessings upon you. Thank you for your support and words of encouragement as we continue to travel this Lenten journey. ~Peace 🧡

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Mark 10:17-22 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2010:17-22&version=NIV

MONDAY, MARCH 28A TIME OF COMFORT Today our mentor Jesus shares a deeply comforting promise, a reminder of his presence with us. He simply says… I am…

MENTORING MOMENTS – LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Sunday, March 27th, 2022

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
— Colossians 2:13,15 (NIV) —

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

Jesus died to disarm the powers of sun, death, and the devil.

Bible Reading • John 10:11-18

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Questions for Discussion

1. The good Shepherd protects His sheep with His own life. How does this demonstrate the love of Jesus?
   • Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world on the cross, so that you and I could have victory over death, spiritual death. Because of Jesus, the devil has been defeated. Jesus died on the cross willingly, knowing this was the only way to cleanse all humankind of the sin that separated us from God. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He will lead us to glory, a glory beyond our wildest dreams and guide us to the Father, His Father to spend eternity with them. Jesus loves us so much that He would have died on the cross if only for one of His sheep to be saved.
   • Isaiah 40:11 “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
   • Psalm 23:1 A Psalm of David. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
2. Verse 18 explains that Jesus has the authority to lay down His life and pick it back up again. What does this tell us about Jesus?
   • “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” ~John 10:18
   • Jesus was of offerer and the offering on the cross. Jesus had sovereign authority to dispose of His life, He offered it so that you and I could be saved from the sting of spiritual death. The devil has no power over the soul once freely given to God. Jesus was not a debtor to life or death, He gave His life for our redemption. The grace of Christ is that He offered and laid down His life, no one took it. *A great resource is Matthew Henry Commentary ~see link below.
3. What do you want to say in response to Jesus.
   • Jesus thank you for loving me, for creating me, and giving me purpose. I am not worthy of the price you paid on the cross, it is only by your love, grace and mercy I am set free of sin and shame.

To Jesus With Love ©

Lord, fill me with your spirit 
Fill me to overflowing 
Help me spread your love
Through my actions
Through my speech
Through my prayers

I am nothing without you
Teach me your ways O Lord
Keep me within your loving embrace
Give me a humble heart 
Give me gentleness of words
Cover me with your abiding grace

I am a seeker O Lord
I thirst for new knowledge 
I am your willing servant
Guide me to your Truth
Chase after me when I go astray 
I am your child, I often wander way

Without you I am an empty vessel 
Without you I fill myself with selfish desires
Without you I am a stranger with no home
Without you I am poor sinful creature
Without you I would not be, for you are my Creator

You alone are my Rock
You alone are my Redeemer 
You alone are my Refuge 
You alone are my shelter 
You alone are my everything 
My Father, my Brother, my Spirit 

Your word tells me that I can do all things through you, help me to be ever present of your will, give me strength of perseverance until the day of your return or until you call me home.  

Your loving daughter. ©

March 24th, 2021
16:52 Solidas Park, IN

Friends, thank you for stopping by my blog today, I appreciate the support and encouragement. 💚🤗🛐🌻💜🌼

“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” —C.S. Lewis

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Colossians 2:13,15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Colossians%202:13,15&version=NIV

John 10:11-18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:11-18&version=NIV

John 10:18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:18&version=NIV

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/10.html

Saturday, March 26th, 2022

Review of Bible Stories • Week Four

Friends, this week we read about Jesus loving the little children; Jesus offering second chances to an adulteress; Jesus healed a man who had been born blind; Jesus healed a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years and he did it on the Sabbath; Jesus weeps with Mary and Martha over Lazarus and then Jesus raises Lazarus to life. What an incredible week to actively participate in the stories of Jesus’ ministry and healing. Jesus loved the unloveable, the sinners and those cast out from society. Jesus was teaching the disciples and His followers, the love God has for His children, the young and the older ones. Jesus taught that deficiencies of our bodies are not punishments from sins; our parent’s or our own. They can and most certainly bring glory to God through acts of faith and through miraculous healing from God.

I have found it interesting in life that people are quick to blame God when bad things happen and all too quick to pat themselves on the back in success. Why is it that seldom do we want to take responsibility when our own actions that result in negative outcomes (?) or is there another option, perhaps that we live in a conditional world where the devil/satan has domain…

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 John 5:19 “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

John 14:30 “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me.”

Day One • Jesus Loves The Least Of These

Day One • Bible Reading • Mark 10:13-16

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.“

Day Two • Jesus Offers Second Chances

Day Two • Bible Reading • John 8:1-11

“…but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Day Three • Jesus Seeks The Lost

Day Three • Bible Reading • John 9:1-34

“As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’ They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’ The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?’ His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.’ His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’ So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’ Then they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out.”

Day Four • Jesus Is Not Self-Seeking

Day Four • Bible Reading • Luke 13:10-17

“Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment.’ When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, ‘There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.’ But the Lord answered him and said, ‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?’ When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.”

Day Five • Jesus Weeps

Day Five • Bible Reading • John 11:1-44

“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it, he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?’ Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.’ After saying this, he told them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.’ Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’ Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’ When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’

Thank you for visiting my blog today. You are a blessing to me. 💚🙏🏻🤗🍃🌻

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I pray for the person reading these words and that Your light shines in their corner of the world. I thank you Lord for the privilege to write, read and share your words with the world. ~Amen.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Mark 10:13-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2010:13-16&version=NIV

John 8:1-11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:1-11&version=NIV

John 9:1-34 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%209:1-34&version=NRSVA

Luke 13:10-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2013:10-17&version=NRSVA

John 11:1-44 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2011:1-44&version=NRSVA

Friday, March 25th, 2022

Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” — John 11:35-36

Bible Reading: John 11:1-44

“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Jesus, knowing that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, grieved and wept. When Jesus encounters Mary, (sister of Lazarus) in her brokenness, Jesus breaks down and weeps with her. *“Jesus, the Creator of life, grieved sin’s theft of life in this family.” Quote from Asheritah Ciuciu, “Uncovering the Love of Jesus.” page 115.

It was not accident that Jesus was not with Lazarus when he died; the death and rising of Lazarus was to show God’s glory and Jesus’ divinity.

Jesus said to her (Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26

Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus and He grieved with them. Jesus loves you too, He will be with you and comfort you as well.

LOVE that celebrates people’s joy but does not mourn their grief is not love at all—

Grief takes courage. It takes energy. It requires sacrifice, especially when joining in a sorrow that is not our own. Grief is also a gateway to joy, joy in knowing that someday Jesus will return and dwell with His people where there will be no more death, no more sorrow and no more tears.

I can say that until I experienced grief in its fullness, I never truly understood the depths of love. Each runs deep and I have been blessed because of love and loss, God is the great comforter and healer, Jesus knows the human pains of loss and will hold you through each and every step.

Challenge Question

🙏🏻 Do you have an area of your life that you haven’t allowed yourself to grieve?

🛐 Using Psalm 88 as a guide, lament the brokenness in your life, and let Jesus’ presence comfort you, even as He weeps with you.

A Prayer ~

Jesus, my heart breaks for the sin and wickedness that is happening all around the world. Help me to have courage to face the sins in my own life. Help me face the brokenness and mistakes of my past. Help me to accept forgiveness. Allow me to grieve my wrongdoings and to grieve the wrongs done to me. Please provide your comfort as I grieve, open your heart and ears to my prayers. Lord, teach me to weep with those who weep. Help me spread joy where there is none. Jesus, I ask all these things in your Holy Name. Amen. 🛐🙏🏻💚

Further Study

Genesis 50:20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Genesis%2050:20&version=NIV

Psalm 18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2018:1-50&version=NIV

Psalm 44 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2044:1-26&version=NIV

Psalm 56:8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2056:8&version=NIV

Psalm 88 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2088:1-18&version=NIV

Ecclesiastes 3:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ecclesiastes%203:4&version=NIV

Romans 8:19-23 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:19-23&version=NIV

Romans 12:15-18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2012:15-18&version=NIV

Revelation 21:3-5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%2021:3-5&version=NIV

Friends, thank you for stopping by today. You are a blessing to me. You are loved by God, the Creator of all things, and that includes you. You are a gift! A precious child of God, created on purpose and with a plan. 🤗🙏🏻💚

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_wept

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4536