Saturday, March 5th, 2022

“The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.”
— John 2:9 (NIV) —

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

Bible Reading for Today: John 2

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” — John 2:1-25 (NIV)

The First Miracle : Turning Water Into Wine

“The Bible compares the relationship between Christ and the church as that of a groom and his bride, and one day He will drink wine with His bride in Heaven, making it special that His first miracle was at a wedding, personal and joyous.” *Reference 1.

Jesus did not make his first miracle about himself, he did not announce his actions or seek recognition. The actions of Jesus turning the water into wine was done out of love, he honored his mothers request and to save the groom from public disgrace and humiliation. The purpose of this particular event was to reveal Jesus’ glory to a select few and to save his friend from public embarrassment of running out of wine/fare for his wedding guests.

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS (?)

1. Do you struggle with public recognition for the way you serve others?

I appreciate being recognized and careful not to let myself get self-absorbed.

2. Do you find your heart longing for praise, likes and follows?

Honestly, I like receiving praise, likes and follows but I am not consumed by it. Truth is not everyone likes everything I do and I’m ok with that. But when people take the time, their precious time to comment or just hit the “like” button, I do have a sense of accomplishment. I’m realistic too, I’m just trying to share my truths and spread God’s Word to others. Keeping the doors of conversation open as well as my heart and mind to new ideas and thoughts. Always striving for more and learning as I go and grow.

3. Are you content having your acts of love remain anonymous, known only to your Heavenly Father and those who witnessed?

Absolutely, I don’t need constant reassurance, and I’m grateful when I am recognized by others. I often say many silent prayers on the behalf of others, mostly people I’ve never met; just me & God. I tend to do a lot of “behind the scenes” things in my personal life as well as my professional life. I love to see happiness in the lives of others! I do sometimes get frustrated especially in my professional life because I’m in a position to review and make changes that no one else sees or even hears about, but I know what I do is important and it’s my job. I’m doing what I’m paid for and the recognition is just that. I have learned, sometimes, painfully that I don’t need to bring negative attention upon someone by pointing out their mistakes so I can feel good about my job. I’m part of a team, and yes sometimes I have to report mistakes, but I’m very mindful that I too make mistakes. It’s a very humbling experience for which I am grateful. Keeps me honest, and from tooting my horn!

Choose someone today to encourage or serve today, anonymously if possible, and relish the truth that your act of love is known by God—and that’s enough.

🌻 🍃 🌸 🍃 🌼 🍃 🌺 🍃 🌼 🍃 🌸 🍃 🌻

Friends, thank you for your support and stopping by today. God Bless you as you bless others.

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

References:

1. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-was-jesus-first-miracle.html?amp

https://www.biblegateway.com/

FRIDAY, MARCH 4THA TIME OF BLESSING Friday times with Jesus may soon become our favorite times – as we come to receive a blessing from our teacher …

MENTORING MOMENTS – BLESSING OUR LACK

Friday, March 4th, 2022

“He appointed twelve that they might be with him.” —Mark 3:14 (NIV)

“I have called you friends, . . . Love each other as I have loved you.” —John 15:15, 12

Today, we will be reading a story from Mark 3:13-19.

“ Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (NIV)

Have you ever wondered about the twelve that Jesus chose? During this time in history it would have been well known that there existed a model of teacher and disciple. Young men who exhibited passion in the study of the Torah would choose to apprentice themselves with a rabbi. This was a very competitive career choice that came with long hours and no pay; but with hope as well, the hope of someday becoming a respected rabbi with his own disciple.

This is not what Jesus did, Jesus loves all humankind and he chose men who were not qualified, per the status quo and traditions of the day. Men who had not pursued religious education and study. In fact, Jesus chose men with vocational careers; fishermen, tax collector, a zealot, and a thief. This band of misfit brothers with Jesus as their teacher would forever change the world and Jesus would make a way for reconciliation and a renewed relationship with God, the Father.

What an opportunity for the twelve disciples to be with Jesus ever day and night for three years. These twelve individuals learned from Jesus and experienced what perfect love really is. Love changes people!

The disciples were changed from spending with Jesus but we too have the same opportunity to learn from Jesus. Spending time with Jesus, up close and personal will change us. We know that every time Jesus speaks it is always the TRUTH! As we grow in our relationships with Jesus, we learn, we grow and we mature in our faith. We are sometimes even put into places or situations to teach others about Jesus, and the Love he has for all of creation.

In Jesus’ public ministry, he made time for those that one else cared about, or in many cases chose to ignore.

Are there people in your life that you choose not to see?

Why do you (we) do that?

I love the phrase, “ we are the hands and feet of Jesus.” Take time to spent time with God today, he LOVES you and he created you.

CHALLENGE QUESTION (?)

The one resource that we have that is the most precious is TIME. It may sound very basic and simple to give someone your time and to be focused entirely upon them.

Is there a cost to giving your time away (?).

Jesus did exactly that, freely gave his time to the disciples, the sick and the needy. Jesus did all these things, he chose the disciples and shared everything with his them. Do you have someone that you share your life with, even see you at your worst, to be your closest friend (?) —- that is a precious expression of love.

Who might you share your time and love with today (?).

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” —Matthew 4:1 (NRSVA)

Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)

Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
—Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)

Jesus has loved us humans since the very beginning. The reading from Ash Wednesday in John 1, we read that he was in the beginning, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5) Jesus is the light!

God has never wavered in his love for us throughout the many times humans have sinned, strayed and forgot who God is. The Bible gives us stories covering all generations with examples of our weaknesses. God’s love remained! Here’s a few examples to ponder and even read about:

• Adam and Eve

• Cain and Abel

• Abraham and Sarah

• Jacob and Esau

• Joseph and his brothers

• Moses and Joshua

• David and Solomon

• Isaiah and Jeremiah

• Kings and Priests

None of these examples lead to a perfect relationship with God. As humans, we are imperfect but that should not deter us from trying. Jesus, chose to be born human with all the frailties of the body that you and I also inhabit with one very important difference, Jesus did so without sin, he was perfect. He loved his Father and trusted him completely. He lived his life as a model for us to follow, always seeking the will of the Father, our creator and the one who loves us unconditionally.

In today’s Bible reading we read about Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, that included fasting and praying; and the devil tempting Jesus in a weakened state both physically and emotionally from fasting as well as the dry desert heat during the day and the bitter cold at night. Jesus trusted God, the Father for all his needs. Have you ever wondered about the fact that Lent is forty days, just as Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness? Did you know that Moses too fasted for forty days before receiving the law or that Elijah spent 40 days journeying to the mountain of God before encountering God in a whisper. And, let us also remember the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness by the children of Israel, the Israelites.

It was Jesus who perfectly fulfilled the Father’s purpose for the wilderness testing, and Jesus did it all for LOVE and with LOVE.

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:

As we begin our collective and individual forty-day wilderness experience… some questions (?).

What are your expectations of God?

What are you expectations of yourself?

What of your experience?

Friends ~. May the peace of God surround you, comfort you and calm you. ~Amen

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

THURSDAY, MARCH 3RDA TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLES Today we come to our mentor as he shares one of his trying times with us. Jesus invites us to listen …

MENTORING MOMENTS – HOMETOWN WOES

Uncovering the Love of Jesus

By: Asheritah Ciuciu

“And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.”
— Colossians 2:13-14 (NRSVA) —

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

• Jesus died to forgive us our sins and cancel our debt.

Daily Bible Reading: John 1:1-18

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” (NRSVA)

Things To Ponder:

1. Today’s Bible reading tells us that the law came through Moses; but Jesus brought God’s grace and truth and invites us to become God’s children. What does this tell us about God?

This tells me that God has a relentless love for his creation, his children. Throughout the scriptures we find time and time again how God makes a way for his people. God’s grace and mercy cannot be measured by any means that we can even imagine. Through the cross Jesus defeated death, it is through Jesus we are forgiven and reconciled with the Father. Our salvation is possible because of the cross.

2. Whenever we break God’s law, that’s called sun. But Jesus offers us forgiveness through His death on cross. What sins do you need to confess and ask Him to forgive?

This is indeed a conversation for each of us to have with our Creator. We are all sinful, we must go to Jesus in prayer seeking forgiveness and for the strength to resist temptations we are faced with each day. We are able to speak with God at any time and at any place. Our prayers are always heard by the Father, those prayers that rest silently upon our hearts, the prayers we lament over in secret and our prayers of praise and thanksgiving for the blessings we have received. We may not always understand situations in our lives but we can always trust in God’s perfect timing. I share these thoughts with you knowing that life can and will be difficult at times but know this: You are never alone. Praise be to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us in our times of need.

3. What do you want to say in response to Jesus?

Jesus, thank you for selfishly coming to live among your people, your creation. I am beyond grateful for your sacrifice, for paying the full debt of my sins and the sins of the entire human race. You suffered unimaginable pain both physically and emotionally so I could spend eternity with you. My words are useless for thanking you, I know that I fail day in and day out and daily I seek your presence in my life. You allow me new opportunities to share your love with those around me. God, use me to share your message of love to the world for your glory. I thank you Lord for the firm foundation in which you chose to plant me and with whom you blessed me with, my family and my friends.

🎼• 🎵 • 🎶 • 🎼• 🎵 • 🎶 • 🎼

Friends —- Peace be with you!

That song brings back so many memories from my childhood. I can hear the old piano playing in the church I grew up in, singing in the Children’s choir. Exquisite memories !

This is the church I grew up in…

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Originally written on:

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

Have you ever been in a large group of people, not really ease-dropping, but can’t help yourself from listening to the stories being told…

Count your blessings daily is my advice. I was recently on vacation at WDW and while standing in line for an attraction I over heard a conversation between two women. One of them said, “there’s a special place in hell for me because I didn’t go see my mother before she passed.” My thoughts immediately went to my own experience of my mom’s passing. I know and believe that all things work for God in God’s world. I cherish the last visit I had with my mom, if I close my eyes I can still feel her arms around me from our last hug goodbye. I always hugged and kissed her goodbye; even if I was planning on seeing her the next day. We also had a weekly practice of calling each other on Saturday afternoons, I certainly miss those calls. At the time of her unexpected passing I lived nearly an hour and half away from my parents home. By the time I arrived at my parents home, the funeral home had already taken my mom. I know many of you have heard this story from my before, this time I just want to emphasize the importance of loving. Love is free to give and receive, do so with humbleness and grace. None of us are promised length of days, you can decide how you will live them out.

“Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
— James 4:14 (NRSVA) —

Although, in this particular event of standing in line, I was not intentional in ease-dropping, but some conversations just seem to break through any barriers we may have in place. But I’m happy that this over-heard conversation took my memories to the most incredible human being I had the privilege to call, MOM. She taught me so many value lessons and a lifetime of memories. I thank God for this precious gift. The Lord is my strength and my refuge!

“The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.”
— Psalm 90:10 (NRSVA) —

I’ll end with this, no matter what you hear throughout your day, as the receiver of information we get to choose how to use or process the information…on this day I found clarity in the story overheard and used it for good. I didn’t share the story through means of gossip, I turned inward and found a blessing in my own circumstances.

Thanks for stopping by today, I am honored by your visit.

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2NDA TIME OF INSTRUCTION Today we come to Jesus for our time of instruction, a teaching time to grow in wisdom and relationship.…

MENTORING MOMENTS – FOLLOW ME

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Today marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. It’s a time of preparation for Easter. In Wester churches Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter and provides for a 40 day fast, excluding Sundays, in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting.

The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe Christ died for them.

🔲 ◾️ 🔲 ◾️ 🔲 ◾️ 🔲 ◾️ 🔲 ◾️ 🔲

I found the following items very interesting from https://www.christianity.com/

• Our Creation: Genesis 2:7 – Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
• Our Curse: Genesis 3:19 – By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
• Our Cry of Repentance: Psalm 51:7- 10 – Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Lord, Holy One, have mercy on us. We confess our sins to you. We have fallen short of your glory and without your mercy and grace, we would be dust. We repent now. Lord, as we enter into this Lenten season, be near to us. Help us, by your Holy Spirit, to feel the right conviction and repentance for our sin. Help us, by your Spirit, to have the strength to overcome the enemy.

Thank you, Lord, that Easter is coming! Death has no sting, no victory, because of Jesus! Glory and honor and praise to His name! Thank you for rescuing us. Help us keep both the weight and the joy of this season in our hearts and we move through the next several weeks. Help us bear the good fruit of your Spirit.

Thank you that the ashes on our forehead do not symbolize our ultimate reality. From dust, we might have been formed, but our bodies, our spirits, ourselves, await beautiful redemption and the restoration of all things. Help us long and look forward to that day, and let it come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”

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

References:

https://www.christianity.com/church/church-life/what-is-ash-wednesday-why-do-christians-celebrate-it.html?amp=1

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Hello my friends —

It has been over a month since my last post, I have missed this community and writing. I am typically more prepared when approaching the spiritual journey of the Lenten Season. Honestly, I have struggled with getting ready for Lent and, perhaps more accurately a wrestling within myself. I recently began working with a group of women planning some church activities relating to Lent and it has had an exhilarating effect on me. I have known for several weeks the study guide I would use for my personal Lenten journey and utilize while blogging. I have chosen a book written by, Asheritah Ciuciu called, “Uncovering the Love of Jesus.”

Much like the author, I did not really come to know or understand Lent until I was an adult. I have tried the “giving up” of something meaningful during this season in hopes of some revelation at the end of Lent only to be disappointed. I have found more success in “adding” things to my life during Lent to experience Jesus in new ways. Things like intentional devotion times, intentional kindness and a blessing journal. We each travel through this season differently because we are different, each uniquely created by God with a purpose and a plan. This is a season for deepening our personal relationship with God and then to share it with the world. As I ponder this season, my heart is heavy…our world is hurting, many hurting individually and collectively. The past two years have been difficult at best with the pandemic and now there is a war raging; inflation is crippling, and people, myself included are tired of the madness. It’s enough to make ones head spin. And yet, God calls you and I to love others, to love whether or not we agree or disagree with them. Lent should not be considered an obligation; No, it is an invitation to draw closer to Jesus with intentional thoughts and actions.

How Do/How Can I Love Everyone?

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’” —John 13:34-35 (NRSVA)

“Notice that the definitive marker of a person who belongs to Jesus is not Bible knowledge, it’s not evangelistic zeal and it’s not passion for social justice. It’s love. In fact Paul reminds the Corinthian church that even the most sacrificial acts are pointless without love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).” -Quote Page 15, Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

I hope you will consider following me through this season of Lent, my hope is that together we will uncover the Love of Jesus in new ways. I encourage you to see Lent as an opportunity to be kind to yourself, to be open and even vulnerable, allowing grace to freely flow from Christ to you and for your soul to feast upon God’s word for growth and understanding. Together we can love one another and shine the love of Jesus to world.

“Lent is a season of somberness, a time in which we can come face-to-face with our frailty as humans, our sinfulness apart from Christ, and our mortality in this body of death. We grieve the brokenness in this world, and we cry out against the injustices we see around us. We mourn and lament sickness and death and cry out for forgiveness and deliverance from the sins that plague our own souls. Quite frankly, Lent is not a fun season. It’s heavy. But it’s beautiful too, precisely in it’s permission to recognize that the Christian life is not all smiles and sunshine. In this world, we will have troubles, Jesus promises, and the season of Lent permits us to be honest about those troubles, even as we press on towards Easter Sunday with the hope that Jesus has overcome the world. “Quote Page 13, Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

COOL FACT:

A period of preparation and fasting likely has been observed before the Easter festival since apostolic times, though the practice was not formalized until the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. *Britannica.com

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lent