Tuesday, April 5th, 2022

“He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.”
— Matthew 26:42-44 (NIV) —

“Love . . . always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

Bible Reading • Matthew 26:36-46

Gethsemane

“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Challenge • Questions

Think of a time you were depending on someone you love to pull through for you, but they failed.

Did that make you more likely or less likely to express love to them?

I have been disappointed by people in my life that I care deeply for, but it has not diminished my feelings for them. In fact, I am fairly certain most were aware of just how deeply I was hurt by them. I tend to not share my frustrations and hurt feelings openly to an offender. I do feel rather strongly that talking about these kind of things can only help relationships to grow and heal. I have often allowed a lot of latitude when I have been hurt. This is also called grace, not to be confused with being extremely passive to one’s boundaries. I see our humanness with one another as a reciprocal relationship, the asking and receiving of forgiveness must never be a one way street. Holding grudges accomplishes nothing. Letting go of pain, resentment and payback frees us to live life more fully.

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars—you must let go to move forward.” ~Unknown~

In what ways does Jesus’ prayer for His disciples demonstrate unconditional and selfless love?

John 17:6-19 — Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Jesus words say it best…

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

How does Jesus express this love towards you today?

In every possible way. Jesus is my hope. I trust in His plans for my life. Jesus has blessed me with family and friends who are open and willing to talk about Jesus; sharing our faith stories and discussing our beliefs. There is absolutely no area in my life that Jesus is not a part of. I thoroughly enjoy reading and studying the Bible. I am blessed with a wonderful and loving church family that supports and encourages me. Jesus blessed me with loving parents who made financial sacrifices to send my brother and me to a Christian school and I was blessed to attend a Christian College/University. I have a job that I love; I have been blessed with three careers so far in life: my first job out of college I worked at a local high school teaching swimming, substituting for basic science and coached three junior high girls sports. I was blessed with a second career working adults and children with disabilities while utilizing my education degree to teach basic living skills and behavioral health for nearly two decades. My current career is nearing the two decade milestone as an employee of the federal government. I am thankful for all these and so much more. I have witnessed first hand the love of Jesus!

What would it look like for you to preserve in selfless love toward someone close to you today?

To be generous with my time, to listen with intentionality, and to share my blessings.

Take time to pray for someone who has hurt you or abandoned you.

Prayer ~

Jesus I ask for patience when I’m anxious, please help me to extend grace to those in my life that hurt me whether intentional or by accident. Give me a heart like yours. Open my eyes to your ways. I want to help others and not hinder. Jesus you have never given up on me, help me to not become discouraged and renew your spirit within me. ~ Amen.

📚 • 📚 • Further Study • 📚 • 📚

A Cry of Desperation

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

Isaiah 53:3,10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2053:3,10&version=NIV

Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-42 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2014:32-42&version=NIV

Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion

John 12:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2012:27&version=CSB

Jesus Prays for Himself [John 17:1-5]

Jesus Prays for His Disciples [John 17:6-19]

Jesus Prays for All Believers [John 17:20-26]

John 17:1-26 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2017:1-26&version=CSB

Hey friends— Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. You are a blessing to me 😁 💚. Spread the love of Jesus, plant seeds of hope wherever you go.

Love in Action

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ~Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Matthew 26:42-44 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:42-44&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 13:7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:7&version=NIV

Matthew 26:36-46 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:36-46&version=NIV

John 17:6-19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2017:6-19&version=NIV

Romans 12:9-21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2012:9-21&version=NIV

Monday, April 4th, 2022

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” ~Luke 6:32

“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”~Luke 22:47-48

Bible Reading • John 13:1-30

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.”

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”

Challenge • Questions

1. Have you ever loved someone who did not love you back?
   • No, I don’t believe I have experienced loving someone who did not love me back; however, I have loved two individuals deeply that did not love me back in the same way I {thought I} loved them. When love and attraction are co-mingled sometimes things do not work out the way we hope. With truth and honesty the love found in friendship will grow and mature, sweeter year by year. One such friend, I loved and cherished spending as much time as possible with. She was easy to talk to and inspired me to be “me” she was a great friend and mentor. She always had time for me and was a great listener. We met as I was starting my career working with adults with disabilities just a year out of college. My friend passed away very unexpectedly in 2005, we had first met back in 1987; I cherish the memories of her and our friendship. I have another friend that I met about a decade later and we were instant friends. She was an incredible source of pure energy, we quickly became friends and she just “got me” she seemed to know there was depth in my thinking, writing and my being. She still does to this day. I love her deeply, she has always loved me unconditionally and is supportive of my endeavors. We don’t need to talk on a regular basis and we don’t hang out a lot but we know we can count on one another if the need arises. *Thank you Laura and Shelly for loving me in all the best possible ways. 💞
2. How did that affect your love for them?
   • The love from Laura and Shelly taught me that love comes in many forms, they gave me the love I needed not the love I thought I wanted. Jesus’ love for us is the love we don’t deserve and is completely unconditional. “We love because he first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19 (NIV).
3. Have you ever been rejected or betrayed by someone you though loved you?
   • Yes, and does it hurt. But, I have also rejected and betrayed others. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s the truth. Selfishness and deceit caused me to hurt someone that I cared about and said I loved. Cowardliness only made the situation worse. So as fate would have it’s way, I too lost someone I loved deeply. Love is not for the faint of heart. Love is beautiful as it is painful. I have repented of these horrible actions and have asked for forgiveness from God and of those I hurt. Time is not the healer of wounds, grief is not my enemy. It is ever present within me as it cycles through its stages. I am friendly with grief, it remind me of what was and reminds me of who I am and who I want to be. The final step in understanding love for me was learning to love myself. Accepting myself for my past and encouraging myself to do better in the present, and the future. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” ~James 5:16 (NIV)
4. How has this affected your view of Jesus’ love for you?
   • Jesus loves you. Jesus loves me. We did not have to earn His love. If Jesus loves me, who am I not to love me neighbor (?). “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” ~1 Peter 4:8 (NIV). “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” ~Proverbs 10:12 (NIV). Through all my circumstances Jesus’ love is steadfast. The more I love Jesus, the more I am able to understand love. Love is more than a word that makes you feel good, warm and fuzzy.
   • Love is patient
   • Love is kind.
   • Love does not envy
   • Love does not boast
   • Love is not proud
   • Love does not dishonor others
   • Love is not self-seeking
   • Love is not easily angered
   • Love keeps no record of wrongs
   • Love does not delight in evil
   • Love rejoices with the truth
   • Love always protects
   • Love always trusts
   • Love always hopes
   • Love always perseveres
   • Love never fails.
   • 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

📚 • 📚 • Further Study • 📚 • 📚

Exodus 21:32 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Exodus%2021:32&version=NIV

Psalm 41:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2041:9&version=NIV

Psalm 89:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2089:14&version=NIV

Proverbs 6:16-19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:16-19&version=NIV

Matthew 26:48-50 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:48-50&version=NIV

Luke 22:1-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2022:1-7&version=NIV

Luke 17:12-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2017:12-17&version=NIV

Romans 5:10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%205:10&version=NIV

Friends/Followers — Thank you for visiting my blog today. I thank God for each of you. You are a blessing to me. I’m thankful for a space to share my faith, my life and my hopes. God Bless You. When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, thankfulness overflows. Even in the darkest of times, we can praise God for his love, his sovereignty, and his promise to be near us when we call.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.”
— Psalm 145:18-19 (NRSVA) —

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Luke 6:32 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%206:32&version=NIV

Luke 22:47-48 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2022:47-48&version=NIV

John 13:1-30 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:1-30&version=NIV

1 John 4:19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:19&version=NIV

James 5:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%205:16&version=NIV

1 Peter 4:8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%204:8&version=NIV

Proverbs 10:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2010:12&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:4-8&version=NIV

Psalm 145:18-19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20145:18-19&version=NRSVA

Sunday, April 3rd, 2022

“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.”
— 1 Peter 3:18 (NIV) —

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

• Jesus died to bring us into a right relationship with God.
  • 1 Peter 3:18
• Jesus died to disarm the powers of sin, death, and the devil.
  • Colossians 2:13, 15
• Jesus died to give us eternal life with Him.
  • Romans 6:23
• Jesus died that we may worship God freely and confidently in His presence.
  • Ephesians 3:12
• Jesus died to demonstrate His love for us.
  • Romans 5:8
• Jesus died to forgive us of our sins and cancel our debt.
  • Colossians 2:13-14

Bible Reading • John 14:1-14

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus explains to Philip that He is the way to the Father. What does this tell us about God?
   • Jesus explains that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father. The two are separate and the same.
   • Jesus explains that to see Him is seeing the Father.
   • Jesus explains that He is doing the will of the Father and does not speak on His own authority, the Father is living in Him and doing His work.
   • Jesus tells Him to believe that He is in the Father and that the Father is in Him; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
2. What questions do you have about today’s passage?
   • Not sure I have questions, only an observation that Philip’s question was most likely sincere. Many people today have questions about (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) being one but three. It’s difficult to try and put myself in the sandals of Philip given I was brought up learning about the trinity of God. Trinity, in Christian doctrine is the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead. The best way I know this is true is evidenced in the Bible; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [Father/Son/Holy Spirit] John 1:1
3. What do you want to say in response to Jesus?
   • Jesus forgive me of my sins and my doubts.
   • The verse that stands out for me is John 14:13-14, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus I am sorry that I do not seek your instructions and answers because of my stubbornness and pride. You are the answer to every question. Open my eyes, ears and heart to seek you in the morning, in the daytime and at night…you are my comfort, my strength and the very foundation of who I am. I was created by you, given a purpose and plan to bring glory to you. All that I am is because of you, I am yours.

Philip Paul Bliss, author of “Man of Sorrows” was born in Pennsylvania in 1838, composer and singer Philip Paul Bliss worked as a farmer and woodcutter until 1855. After attending a singing school and later the Normal Academy of Music in Geneseo, N.Y., he began teaching music and composing songs in the mid 1860s. It was during this period that Bliss met composer and music educator George F. Root, who encouraged Bliss to continue his efforts at music composition. In 1865 Bliss began working for the music publishing house of Root & Cady of Chicago, which hired him to conduct musical conventions throughout the northwestern United States.

Bliss enjoyed a reputation as an able basso profundo soloist and chorister. With evangelists D.L. Moody and Daniel Whittle, Bliss toured the country for a time singing and even preaching. By the 1870s Bliss began to devote a great deal of energy to the composition of sacred music. Some of his earliest songs were set to music by his friend George F. Root, but he soon was composing words and music, and he had four collections of songs published. Philip Bliss and his wife, Lucy J. Young, died tragically in a railway disaster near Ashtabula, Ohio, on December 29, 1876. *Reference: Library of Congress/Biographies

Friends ~

I’m am looking forward to sharing week six of Lent with you. I hope you continue to journey with me as we uncover more about the love of Jesus. May your Sunday be filled with love and light. God Bless You!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
— Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) —

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200152696/

1 Peter 3:18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%203:18&version=NIV

John 14:11-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:11-14&version=NIV

John 1:1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%201:1&version=NIV

John 14:13-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:13-14&version=NIV

Numbers 6:24-26 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Numbers%206:24-26&version=NIV

Saturday, April 2nd, 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 Readings • Week Five • 🤔

So, did you have a favorite Bible reading from week five? They are all important as they teach us about Jesus, His ministry and His love. I loved reading all of them but the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus is special because of the memories it stirred in me. It took me back to when I was a child and learning the song about Zacchaeus. Drawing and coloring pictures of Zacchaeus in a sycamore tree. I remember learning about him in Sunday school class and vacation Bible school. Remembering precious memories of my Sunday school teacher (Birdie) came to life in my mind, such fond and beautiful memories.

The Rich Young Man

“And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” ~Mark 10:17-22 (ESV)

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

“And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.” ~Matthew 20:29-34 (ESV)

Jesus and Zacchaeus

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” ~Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” ~John 13:1-13 (ESV)

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” ~John 14:1-31 (ESV)

Friends, thank you for stopping by today, you are a blessing to me. 🙏🏻 💜 🌻

~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=ESV

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

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

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

John 14:1-31 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:1-31&version=ESV

Friday, April 1st, 2022

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
— John 14:9 – ESV —

“Love is patient.”
1 Corinthians 13:4

Bible Reading • John 14

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”

In the Bible reading today, we know that Jesus is speaking with His disciples and three of them are mentioned by name; Thomas, Philip and Judas, (not Iscariot), asking questions of Jesus.

• Thomas said to Jesus: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
• Philip said to Jesus,: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
• Judas (not Iscariot) said to Jesus: “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”

After spending three years with Jesus and witnessing all He had done and all He had spoken, the disciples had not fully grasp who Jesus is. But, Jesus was not upset or angry with them, He was patient with them. Jesus could have spoken to them sternly instead, Jesus tells them, that they had seen God the entire time they were with Him.

“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” ~John 1:18 (ESV)

Jesus is love, love is patient; therefore, Jesus is patient not only with the disciples at that time but He is ever-so patient with all of us.

Challenge 🤔 Questions

◾️ Who do you struggle to show patience towards?

• I am impatient, I struggle to express/display patience. I have been working on this intentionally for at least the past two years. It is my job that I struggle the most with my impatience. I am doing much better, I can now recognize things that trigger my emotional responses. My intentions are never truly meant to be personal but they can and have been received as personal, as I have been told. My experience has taught me that I am much more likely to become impatient with things/people that I care deeply about. I am competitive and passionate about my job; I have been told that I sometimes take it too seriously. Truth is it wasn’t too serious, I just take it too personal from time to time. Don’t misunderstand, what I do is important but at the end of the day it is a job and not who I am. I am a person who performs an important job, not necessarily an important person. Pride wiggling it’s way into my heart and my actions, where it simply does not belong. Just as we should be patient with others, the same applies to ourselves. The love we extend to others comes from within and should always be extended to SELF. In a world where we can be anything, BE KIND.

Ask Jesus to work His patience in you and through you as you love those you struggle with. The next time you are tempted to respond sternly:

• Consider giving yourself a time-out.
• Step away from the situation for a few minutes to take a few breaths.
• Ask God to show you how you can reveal His character.

Then, go back and love that person as Jesus loved His disciples.

— B • R • E • A • T • H • E —

📚 • 📚 Further Study 📚 • 📚

Jesus Calms a Storm

Mark 4:35-41 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:35-41&version=ESV

A Samaritan Village Rejects Jesus

Luke 9:51-55 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%209:51-55&version=ESV

John 1:16-18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%201:16-18&version=ESV

1 Corinthians 13:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:4&version=ESV

Galatians 5:22-24 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%205:22-24&version=ESV

Friends, it is a delight to be able to share this Lenten season with you. I am blessed by your support and kindness. Happy April everyone!

🌧 ☔️ 🌦 🌺 🌻 🌸 🌼 🌷 💐 ☀️

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:4&version=ESV

John 1:18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%201:18&version=ESV

John 14:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:9&version=ESV

John 14:1-31 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:1-31&version=ESV