Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

Have you ever been betrayed?

Have you ever been the betrayer?

The few verses for today provides us with a lot of information. We have an opportunity to RELIVE the story of Jesus being with His disciples and he foretells them of His betrayal. As I was reading my Bible commentary today, I grasped something that’s always been there in the scripture but I had never given pause to it. *Judas, God did not love him less for being his betrayer.

Jesus was celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples, as we practice communion today. The breaking of the bread and the passing of the wine is an integral part of the Christian Faith and traditions. At my church, we say, “All Are Welcomed at the Table.” The communion table is remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, it’s a reconciling of ourselves, with others and with God.

Jesus’ Ministry is filled with examples of spending time with sinners, the forgotten and marginalized people of his time. Should we not be surprised that Judas, the betrayer was welcomed at the Passover meal with Jesus.

Jesus knew that Judas would be the one to betray him and he still breaks bread with him. Jesus also washed the feet of the disciples including Judas, John 13:14, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

Reading these verses today, opened my eyes to a clearer vision of the Communion Table. Jesus, did not love Judas less because he was going to betray him, in fact I believe it broke Jesus’ heart. Jesus love for us is not dependent on what we can and cannot do. His love is not conditional. He loves us because we are his children, he created us, he gave us purpose and a plan. “All Means All, All Are Welcomed at the Lord’s Table.”

The Good News of Jesus Christ is this: Psalm 86:5

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.”

Practice:

Write a note or seek out a reconciling conversation. Without justifying your actions, own and apologize for your side of things.

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://johnchristersopenheart.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/humble-servanthood-jesus-washing-the-disciples-feet/amp/

Thoughts on Judas Iscariot

https://wellspringchristianministries.org/john-13-21-26-27/amp/

http://www.jesuswalk.com/john/22_glorified.htm

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

But who do you say that I am? Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of …

April 7th- But who do you say that I am?

Thank You is the least we can say For giving us another beautiful day. Sing and be grateful for the gift Of life & love & all who give us a lift!

A Dozen Thanks; 2 NOT

Tuesday, April 7th, 2020

Photo-a-Day Challenge fo today is: GREAT

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: GREAT

• of a kind characterized by relative largeness

• remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness

• in a great manner

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://disciples.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Dear friends, I posted the video below because it’s fun and its message about God is indeed true, God is GREAT, if you are offended by dancing and drinking alcoholic beverages please pass it by. It is not my place to approve or disapprove either for you. I can only be responsible for my own actions. I thank you for you support of this space, I believe in God and His GREATNESS. He is my Lord and Savior and I’m striving to share His Love to YOU! ♥️

Tuesday, April 7th, 2020

John 12:27-30

“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.”

Dear friends, I am once again touched by the power of God speaking to me and the world when we most need it. Rev. Sam with the power of the Holy Spirit has opened up our hearts and minds to the struggles of this life. Rev. Sam did not know when she wrote today’s devotional just how it would feel so personal and piercing as COVID-19 ravages its way around the globe. People all over the world are experiencing vulnerabilities off the chart, with fear and grief at the top of the list. The scripture verses for today tells us that Jesus’ soul was troubled. But Jesus did not pray to be saved from the hour (his death), no Jesus prayed that his Father would be glorified. Jesus wanted to fulfill the Will of God, and God answered Jesus in verse 28 of John chapter 12,”…Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

Jesus is with us during these troubling times of COVID-19, feelings of the unknown, unable to be with family and friends is causing great stress. People are missing their friends and loved ones, worse yet of those individuals hospitalized they too are alone because of risk factors for them and visitors. Alone, is a misrepresentation because God is always with us. This virus is highly contagious and leaves much destruction in it wake. The guidelines to stay in is as much for your own safety and protection as it is for others. Please try to abide by the guidelines set up for you in your particular areas. Doing so will lessen the spread to you and others not to mention the possible loss of life. Please be mindful that some people are required to put themselves in harms way in order to provide needed care and services for those infected by the virus.

Words from Rev. Sam, “I find these vulnerable feelings from Jesus comforting. Jesus understands and stands with us as we face situations that cause us to deeply question whether we have the strength or courage to get through them. Jesus knows what it feels like to not want to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” *Or in our current situation stay in and let the shadow of death/evil pass by.

My prayer for you,

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” ~Philippians 4:6-9

Practice: Read Psalm 23

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

http://www.jesuswalk.com/john/22_glorified.htm

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Friends, I am sorry for the delay in posting this. My internet was not working at home. I had to wait until I got to work to post. I pray for your safety and health!

Monday, April 6th, 2020

The scripture passage for today tells us of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume. This beautiful gesture was met with rebuke from Judas, a disciple of Jesus. He did not recognize the manner in which it was given. Yes, indeed it was worth a lot of money and Mary’s selfless act of giving her best gift to Jesus was profound. Mary was ready and willing to give all she had to Jesus. This elaborate gift of perfume most likely took everything Mary had to purchase it, she trusted in a Jesus and whatever the future holds.

Questions we should be asking ourselves:

• Am I a Mary?

• Am I a Judas?

Are we ready and willing to give our all to Jesus? Rev. Sam asks these questions in her writing for today:

• Is there a piece of your future that you need to hand over to Jesus.

• Are there riches you are holding on to trust you could use to invest in the Jesus’ Kingdom?

• Is there an act of extravagant love you could do for Jesus?

The Bible tells us in Matthew 16:25, “Those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

Practice:

Take some oil and rub it on your wrist. If you are able, get down on your knees, as close to the ground as you can. Read John 12:1-8 aloud.

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.melpyke.com/blog/102725/the-triumphal-entry

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Monday, April 6th, 2020

Today’s photo word is: DAWN

The dawning of a new day is simply spectacular, a gift from God to be sure. I am not a morning person at all! I can do them when necessary but I prefer a beautiful sunset, and moons are nice too! All we have to do is look around and we can see all the beautiful things God created for the world. The warmth of the sun is like a hug from God! I love the rain as well, feeling the rain drops fall softly on my skin, is like God’s love pouring out on me. Snow, though it can be bitter and cold, it is mesmerizing to watch, each flake a unique piece of perfect art, designed by…yes, God the creator of all things.

Friends, I’m wishing you a beautiful day no matter the weather or the geography, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder and a gift from God, our Lord and Savior!

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://disciples.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Palm Sunday, April 5th, 2020

Hallelujah! Hosanna in the Highest!

Friends, we have an opportunity this year unlike any other to celebrate Jesus. On this day so many years ago, people of Jerusalem celebrated Jesus’ entry into the city! They cried out saying, “HOSANNA!” Which is defined as “Save us!”

The power of God is so very evident in our lives, we just need to open ourselves to it. For example, Rev. Sam prepared this reading most likely a year ago, she listened to the Holy Spirit and allowed it to guide her to help us today. We too are crying out “HOSANNA” save us! The world is crippled by the COVID-19 virus and we are unable to celebrate and live as open as we would like. The strangeness of our lives during these difficult days of COVID-19, need not keep us from celebrating who Jesus was, who Jesus is and who Jesus continues to be. He is our Savior, He paid the price to save us. As we begin Holy Week, let’s RELIVE the beautiful story of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into the city of Jerusalem. He entered on a donkey with people laying their cloaks on the ground before them. They also waved palms while shouting, “HOSANNA!”

We can RELIVE the past memories of Palm Sunday services we have attended. We also have the internet to view online service. I have very fond memories of past services I have participated in and those I watched from afar.

As we all continue to isolate and comply with social distancing I want to remind you that Jesus loves you, He is always near. Trust His love for yourself! Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem knowing what the coming week would bring. He did not run away, and He willingly walked the path that was before him. That’s how much he cares for all of us. So, shout to the Lord, “HOSANNA” knowing He hears every word we speak, He knows what is breaking our hearts and He hears all the unspoken needs on our heart, please trust him.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. Blessings to you as we enter a week filled with known tragedies and unknown ones. You are in my thoughts and prayers! 🙏🏻🤍

Practice:

How does the story of Jesus’ entry speak to your hopelessness right now?

From whom or what do you need saving?

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.melpyke.com/blog/102725/the-triumphal-entry

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Palm Sunday, April 5th, 2020

Lent Photo-a-Day Challenge: CELEBRATE

Today, on this Palm Sunday I want to celebrate my parents. They provided me an opportunity to attend Sunday school and church at a very young age and I’m so thankful for all their sacrifices they made in order to give me and my brother a rich and full life. Those early years of going to church provided a strong foundation for my faith. My journey has taken me down many different paths and the one true thing that has sustained me is God. No matter how far I wondered chasing my own yearnings, my path took me home to my parents and God. I returned to the foundation of my faith, where the seeds were planted by faithful servants of Jesus. Many of those faithful servants are now in Heaven, I hope they know just how influential they were and just how much I cherish their teachings. As we approach Holy Week and Palm Sunday, let us celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. And, I’m adding to my prayer of thanksgiving all of those faithful servants that planted seeds so long ago.

How about you? Do you have significant individuals in your life that you are thankful for? ~Blessings to you, my friends around the globe. I am so blessed by your support and encouragement. ✝️

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://disciples.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Mark 10:32-34

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

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

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

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

Practice:

How can you help others prepare for your death?

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/