Though we are not together I think of you Always you live in my heart But for some reason Often I choose distance And sometimes I do wonder If we …
Think of you
Think of you
Category: Portraits of Life – Seeing God in All
I have discovered a new and exciting hobby of taking photos and sharing God’s Words as they inspire me to be in complete “AWE” of how great our God is! I hope you enjoy the photos.
MENTORING MOMENTS – GO AND DO LIKEWISE
TUESDAY, APRIL 12THA TIME FOR A STORY This familiar story has a way of deeply touching our souls, inviting us to expand in love, to extend our idea …
MENTORING MOMENTS – GO AND DO LIKEWISE
The Jesus Lady
I grew up in a thoroughly secular home. God was simply never the topic of conversation. I literally didn’t know that Christmas was named for Christ. …
The Jesus Lady
Lent 2022 • Week Seven Jesus Honors His Mother
Tuesday, April 12th, 2022
April 1st, 2021
Kingman, IN
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
John 19:26-27 (NIV)
Bible Reading • John 19:23-27
The Crucifixion of Jesus
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
Challenge 🔹 Questions
Jesus’ way of love shows us that love honors parents, even in death.
A Lent Devotional-Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
How can you honor your parents today?
- I am blessed to still have my father with me. I call him nearly everyday. And I am extremely blessed with a younger brother who does call our dad every single day and visits him almost everyday. My brother is a lifeline, an angel, he sits with dad and they share coffee and life stories, it is beautiful to see. My mother passed in 2012 but she’s never far away in my thoughts and my heart. I enjoy honoring her in many different ways…
- I honor my mother by placing new flowers and decorative items at her gravesite several times throughout the year. And sometimes, I just drive through the cemetery and pause to say, “I love you, mom!” I know she’s not there but it a place where I have spent a lot of time just talking to her. I have grieved her being gone; I have laughed while sharing a story and I simply just miss her.
- I honor my mother by trying to live a life pleasing to God, following the many life lessons she taught me. And, even now I continue to learn, rather (re) learn some of those lessons.
- I honor my mother by caring for others, as she cared for so many throughout her life.
- I honor my mother by speaking truth, she always spoke her mind and her convictions about life were her foundation.
- I honor my mother by living as passionately about family and caring for others as she did.
- One final thought, not sure it falls into honoring but my mom was a beautician and owned her own shop for many years. She had been the only one who had cared for my hair for many years. To this day, I think of my mom every time I wash my hair 😂 the one thing I always think of “Don’t use too much shampoo – it only takes a small amount!” It may seem silly but I love that memory. Pure joy!
L👀K around you, is there a parent figure in your community who lacks adult children to care for them?
- I am blessed to be surrounded by parent figures. Many have their own children and do not need care from me but I care for them nonetheless. To have a heart overflowing with love and gratitude towards others is a blessing indeed.
How might you love them like John was tasks with loving and caring for Mary?
- Availability…Availability…Availability.
- Words are very comforting to those we care for and about but I can tell you words cannot compare to the healing powers of touch. The simple act of touching a hand or shoulder can be so powerful. I get that not everyone is a “hugger” 🤗 but to me it’s positively magical.
📚 • Further Study • 📚
The Ten Commandments (verse 1-21)
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Exodus 20:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Exodus%2020:12&version=NIV
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Deuteronomy 5:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Deuteronomy%205:16&version=NIV
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Proverbs 23:22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2023:22&version=NIV
That Which Defiles (verse 1-20)
“Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
Matthew 15:1-9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2015:1-9&version=NIV
Widows, Elders and Servants (verse 1-25)
“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
1 Timothy 5:1-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%205:1-8&version=NIV
Listening and Doing (verse 19-27)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%201:27&version=NIV
Hi friends, thank you for visiting my blog today. I hope you are having a wonderful day and I look forward to sharing and uncovering more of the love of Jesus with you tomorrow. ~ Peace.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
John 19:26-27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2019:26-27&version=NIV
John 19:23-27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2019:23-27&version=NIV
Lent 2022 • Week Seven Jesus Rejoices In Truth
Monday, April 11, 2022
April 1st, 2021
Kingman, IN
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate.”
John 18:37-38a (NIV)
T ▪️ R ▪️ U ▪️ T ▪️ H
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Bible Reading • John 18:28 – 19:19
Jesus Before Pilate (18:28-40)
“Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.”
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified (19:1-16)
“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.”
Did you know that on the day that Jesus was crucified He stood before three judges? I am not sure if I knew this piece of information prior to reading the book “Uncovering the Love of Jesus” by Asheritah Ciuciu in which she reference to it on page 181, line 3.
Jesus stood before Caiaphas
“Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.”
John 18:19,24,28 (NIV)
Jesus replied only once when questioned by Caiaphas and the Jewish leaders:
“Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.”
Matthew 26:62-66 (NIV)
The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
Jesus stood before Herod
“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.”
Luke 23:1,6-7 (NIV)
Jesus Sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
Jesus did not answer Herod’s questions and refused to put on a show for him.
“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.”
Luke 23:8-9 (NIV)
Jesus stood before Pilate
“Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”
John 18:28-29 (NIV)
Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
Jesus has a lengthy dialogue with Pilate.
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.”
John 18:33-38 (NIV)
What Is Truth?
This was Pilate’s response to Jesus saying, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Jesus throughout His questioning was calm and in control. Not once did Jesus turn to pettiness or jealousy. Jesus could have easily pointed out the sins of His accusers, He did not try to prove His innocence, He wasn’t defensive in His responses. Throughout their dialogue it becomes clear that Pilate finds no fault in Jesus. Pilate had a choice as to whether or not he would be a part of Jesus’ death. Even Pilate’s wife had troubling dreams about Jesus and His innocence.
“So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
Matthew 27:17-19 (NIV)
🌀 Challenge 🌀 Question 🌀
We know Pilate’s choice, and we’re each given a choice today. Jesus lovingly shatters our illusions of power and control, reveals the fear we each cover up inside.
Will you choose self-preservation or will we throw ourselves on the mercy of Jesus?
Today, if you’ve never yielded to Jesus as your Lord and King, surrender to Him and receive His gift of life with Him forever.
A Prayer for Salvation
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Romans 10:9-10 NIV
📘• 📚 • Further Study • 📚 • 📕
“But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”
Mark 15:5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2015:5&version=NIV
John 18:28-19:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:28-19:16&version=NIV
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NIV
Prayer ~
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Friends —
I know today’s post is rather long, the scriptures drew me in and I was overwhelmed with information and details that I’m sorry to say have been glossed over through the years. I hope you learned or enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. Your encouragement and support are true blessings to me. I have had the privilege of meeting so many creative individuals around the world through WordPress. God bless you all! See you tomorrow. 😉 💚🌻
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
John 18:37-38 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:37-38&version=NIV
Ephesians 4:15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%204:15&version=NIV
John 18:28-19:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:28-19:16&version=NIV
John 18:19,24,28 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:19,24,28&version=NIV
Luke 23:1,6-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2023:1,6-7&version=NIV
Luke 23:8-9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2023:8-9&version=NIV
Matthew 26:62-66 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:62-66&version=NIV
John 18:28-29 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:28-29&version=NIV
John 18:33-38 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:33-38&version=NIV
Matthew 27:17-19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2027:17-19&version=NIV
Psalm 139:23-24 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20139:23-24&version=NIV
Romans 10:9-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:9-10&version=NIV
https://www.learnreligions.com/timeline-of-jesus-death-700226
MENTORING MOMENTS – UNBIND HIM
MONDAY, APRIL 11THA TIME OF COMFORT Today we gather for one more word of comfort from our mentor, Jesus. He begins by remembering the time when his …
MENTORING MOMENTS – UNBIND HIM
Madre Teresa di Calcutta
Le parole gentili possono essere brevi e facili da pronunciare , ma il loro eco è infinito. Madre Teresa di Calcutta
Madre Teresa di Calcutta
Lent 2022 • Week Seven Celebration
Sunday, April 10th, 2022
April 1st, 2021
Kingman, IN
“At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
— Hebrews 2:8-9 (ESV)
Why did Jesus have to die?
- Week One: Jesus died to forgive us of our sins and cancel our debt.
- Week Two: Jesus died to demonstrate His love for us.
- Week Three: Jesus died that we may worship God freely and confidently in His presence.
- Week Four: Jesus died to give us eternal life with Him.
- Week Five: Jesus died to disarm the powers of sin, death, and the devil.
- Week Six: Jesus died to bring us into a right relationship with God.
- Week Seven: Jesus died to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
Week Seven: Jesus died to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
Bible Reading • John 18:33 – 19:30
Jesus Before Pilate (18:33-40)
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified (19:1-16)
The Crucifixion of Jesus (19:17-27)
The Death of Jesus (19:28-33)
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others —one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews . Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
For more information about Edward Perroner click the links below:
- https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/perronets-national-anthem-of-christendom-11630316.html?amp=1
- https://hymnary.org/person/Perronet_Edward
Friends,
Thank you for stopping by my blog, I hope you return tomorrow to uncover more about the love of Jesus. ~Peace be with you all!
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
Hebrews 2:8-9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%202:8-9&version=ESV
John 18:33-19:30 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:33-19:30&version=NIV
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/perronets-national-anthem-of-christendom-11630316.html?amp=1
https://hymnary.org/person/Perronet_Edward
Lent 2022 • Week Six Review
Saturday, April 9th, 2022
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
February 17th, 2022
Hello Friends —
I hope you have had a good week. Today’s post is a review of the Bible readings and Challenge Questions from the past week, week six. I have relished in (re)reading about the life of Jesus during this past week. There are always new lessons to be learned from the scriptures, the same passages read at different time can bring forth new insights. I pray that this is something that you have experienced as well. A common themed question during Lent is, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The book I’m reading, “A Lent Devotional – Uncovering the Love of Jesus” by Asheritah Ciuciu; presents that question in each chapter. I have discovered that this question can be foundational to answering the question from a more personal viewpoint. I personally believe that Jesus died because it was the only option to reconcile the fractured relationship between humankind and God. God loves His creation but sin ruptured that relationship back in the Garden of Eden. God could have wiped out humankind all together and yet He chose to redeem us. I trust in God’s plan and I admit that I don’t understand a lot of it but that does not hinder by faith in God. I hope you enjoy the review and I look forward to sharing more with you tomorrow as we begin week seven of Lent. ~Peace
- Day One: Jesus Loves The Unlovable
- Day One: Challenge Question
- Have you ever loved someone who did not love you back?
- How did that affect your love for them?
- Have you ever been rejected or betrayed by someone you though loved you?
- How has this affected your view of Jesus’ love for you?
- Day Two: Jesus Doesn’t Give Up
- Day Two: Challenge Question
- 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?
- In what ways does Jesus’ prayer for His disciples demonstrate unconditional and selfless love?
- How does Jesus express this love towards you today?
- What would it look like for you to preserve in selfless love toward someone close to you today?
- Day Three: Jesus Protected His Own
- Day Three: Challenge Question
- Who has God entrusted into your care?
- What threats do they face?
- What would it look like to protect them today?
- Should you pray to God for divine protection where you cannot reach?
- Day Four: Jesus Loves His Enemies
- Day Four: Challenge Question
- As you reflect on Jesus’ love for His enemies, who is “the enemy” in your life?
- What would it look like for you to love and do good to them this week?
- Day Five: Jesus Keeps No Record Of Wrongs
- Day Five: Challenge Question
- Is there someone in your life you need to forgive and extend the invitation of reconciliation?
- What would loving them like Jesus look like?
- What can you do to move towards forgiveness?
If you are interested in my responses to each question simply go back to the original posts at: https://charlotteannrobinson.com/
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
Lent 2022 • Week Six Jesus Keeps No Records Of Wrongs
Friday. April 8th, 2022
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
February 17th, 2022
Love . . . Keeps no record of wrongs.
— 1 Corinthians 13:5 —
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
— Luke 22:31-32 —
Bible Reading • Luke 22:54-62
Peter Disowns Jesus
“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Challenge 🤔 Questions
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive and extend the invitation of reconciliation?
- During this Lenten season I have been gently reminded that just knowing and reading God’s Word is not enough. Practicing some of the things in the Bible is not enough. I must apply them to my life daily. God’s expectations of my life are not perfect, He knows what I’ve done and what I will do and His love for me does not change. In the Bible reading for today, we read about Peter denying Jesus. In fact, Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, He told Peter he would deny Him. Did any of these things change how Jesus loved Peter? Absolutely not! Jesus knowing, washed Peter’s feet at the Passover meal and Jesus prayed for Peter while He prayed in Gethsemane.
- I have accepted apologies and given apologies for wrong doings against me and committed by me, I have prayed about these things and the thing I haven’t done is to forget them. They are not meant to be carried around and used like credit cards when they might be convenient for us to mention in defense of something or on purpose for sympathetic reasons. God’s word tells us this, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord . “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
What would loving them like Jesus look like?
- To love with no memory or convenient mentioning of past wrongs, this is to love like Jesus. “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
- “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
What can you do to move towards forgiveness?
- I will pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I will pray to God for forgiveness and I will keep the words and teachings of Jesus close to my heart. Forgiveness is so much more than saying the words. Forgiveness is freedom from the weight of carrying such a burden of remembering wrongs, and it is wiping the slate clean for those involved. Love one another as Christ loves us, allows us to free ourselves of sins heavy burden and shame. Rejoice in Lord always! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:4-7
- A Pray from David. “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:1-11
Prayer,
Loving and merciful God, help me to love like you. Thank you Jesus for living a life for me to learn from. Open my heart and mind to hear and learn from you, Lord. Help me to forgive as you forgive. Help me to love others as you love me. In Jesus Precious Name ~ Amen
📕 • Further Study • 📕
Job 14:16-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Job%2014:16-17&version=NIV
Proverbs 10:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2010:12&version=NIV
Proverbs 17:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2017:9&version=NIV
Matthew 26:34,58 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:34,58&version=NIV
Mark 14:66-72 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2014:66-72&version=NIV
Luke 9:28-36 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%209:28-36&version=NIV
Luke 22:56-62 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2022:56-62&version=NIV
John 18:15-18,25-27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2018:15-18,25-27&version=NIV
John 21:15-22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2021:15-22&version=NIV
Acts 2:38-39 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts%202:38-39&version=NIV
1 Corinthians 13:5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:5&version=NIV
Thank you for visiting my blog today! I’m am blessed because of you. I hope you visit again very soon. ~Peace and God’s Blessings to you!
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
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