“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” ~John 12:31

All this week the theme has been “The. Wilderness and Power.” I can thing of nothing more fitting and true than to end this week with the “Power” of the Cross and the “Power” of God’s love for His children, the “Power” of Jesus Christ as He paid for all sin by His sacrifice on the cross. In today’s verse we read from John about the final judgment where God is victorious and satan will no longer have a stronghold on this world. God will reign forever and ever drawing all His people to Himself, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ~John 12:32

The author uses the Berlin Wall coming down to show how the Germans on one side were transferred into a new country under different rule when the wall went up. However, when the wall came down a new transfer occurred, with the collapse of the wall, fear lifted for the entire nation.

In Colossians 1:13, written by the Apostle Paul we read this, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” ~Colossians 1:13-14. Similarly, Paul tells us that there will be a transfer in “Power” but not merely earthly rulers but it will be a “COSMIC” shift! Jesus declared victory over the “powers” of this world through His death and resurrection! You and I as believers have been “transferred” into God’s Kingdom.

When the Berlin Wall fell, the East Germans were not physically moved but the transferred into a whole nation. In like manner, we are not mere citizens of earth or slaves to this earthly life but we have been transferred by the “POWER” of God, the walls if death and fear have fallen AND we live in Christ Jesus!

Galatians 4:7
“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

Romans 8:15
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Don’t let the devil bully you into believing his lies, you are a child of the God! You are loved, you are His BELOVED!

Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What does it mean to you, to be a citizen of the kingdom of God?

Breath Prayer: God, I belong to you.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” ~Matthew 4:10

I thought a bit of Celtic music would be appropriate for today since it is St. Patrick’s Day. I typically do not do any particular celebrating, usually wear something green. “St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century.” It’s not just about wearing green or drinking green beer, it’s also a celebration of St. Patrick, calling attention to his contributions to Christianity. 🍀🙏🏻⛪️🍀

The text for today the writer talks about a Cherokee Elder teaching children about a fight that is happening inside of him. The fascinating truth about his story is that it could just as easily be taught in a Sunday school class as well. The Cherokee Elder tells the children, two wolves are fighting inside him, one is evil and angry and the other is good. One of the children asks, “Who wins?” The Elder replies, “The one you feed!” The good wolf was joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, kindness, truth, compassion, generosity and faith. While the evil wolf was anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, false pride, superiority and ego.

These character traits ring true for living for yourself/devil or living for God. The Bible tells us of many of these traits in:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Ephesians 4:25-32
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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.”

Galatians 5:19-26
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

I purposely included a lot of scripture references to make a point that God has provided detailed lists of behaviors to embrace and behaviors to resist. God knows that we are sinful and that this life has temptations and He wanted to provide guidelines and support for each one of us. God loves us so much that the only way to provide redemption for us, His son, His one and only son to die for ALL sin, once and for all.

Romans 6:10-11
“The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

This week we have been talking about and learning of “Power” and the Wilderness, the power in this lesson for me has been the “POWER” of God. Specifically, the POWER-ful love that God has for His children. May your day be filled with love and laughter, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Breath Prayer: Jesus, I choose you!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree. But when they came to Baal Peor, they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved.” ~Hosea 9:10

Today’s verse is another example of the continuing saga of the Israelites journey as God’s chosen people. The book of Hosea was written by the Prophet Hosea and according to many scholars he is often referred to as the “Prophet of Doom.” The Israelites had once again strayed away from God and began worshipping idols again and soon found themselves bound to the idols/other gods becoming more like them every day. God’s anger grew with every step they took that led them further from Himself. I cannot even imagine the hurt and pain that God endured watching the people He loved turned away from Him. You realize (we) all people stray from God. I am not making this statement to rationalize, we are sinful and try as we may, we still sin. The closer we are to God the less we stray or get distracted, when we allow the distance to grow our connection to God weakens. Imagine this: you have a piece of metal and a magnet, what happens when you bring them closer to one another(?) they connect, usually a strong connection. What happens when you pull them away from one another (?) the further apart they are the less they draw one another in. Have you ever tried to connect two magnets together (?). Magnets have poles, a North Pole and a South Pole and they can only connect with opposites. A fascinating visual that has always energized me about magnets is the strength they have when connected north to south and south to north using “U” shaped magnets. They remind me of our relationship with God, when we connect north/south we form a bond and stay together. When we are the same poles we actual repel/push away. Let me be clear, the pushing away is always us and never God, we are the reluctant ones, the rebellious ones, God wants us, He loves us. He would never push us away but He will discipline us.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+magnets+work+for+kids&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#imgrc=Vr3BmwK1qgU-lM:

In Hebrews 12:6-11 it says, “…because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

We have seen through Hosea and Hebrews “power” the power of God to discipline those He loves. We also saw “power” in the disobedience of the Israelites. We recognize our own “power” to connect or stray from God. It is God’s “Power” and God’s unconditional Love, Grace and Mercy that secures us to His salvation and forgiveness.

Here’s some verses about “POWER” I pray they offer comfort, rest, assurance and guidance for your continued journey through Lent. ~God Bless You!

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Isaiah 40:29
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Nehemiah 8:10
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James 1:2-4

I was at a Bob Evans restaurant yesterday and I had just ordered my food and across from me is a lady who is close to my age and was having a late lunch or early dinner with her mother. It is a beautiful site to me. I am happy they are able to spend time together and talk. I am not close enough to hear the details of their conversation but I did hear their laughter and the subtle gestures they lovingly gave  one another. I am not jealous, just recognizing the love between them. It made me think of my mom and how much I loved her and reminded me that I had looked forward to spending time with her, just as these two women were doing. Dealing with and journeying through a loss, no matter who it is, is difficult to say the least. I’ve learned and gained much knowledge and maturity since my mom passed away. I often describe it as an “unexpected” loss; however, the reality is we all will die some day and we all will eventually lose someone very dear to us.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Too often in life comparisons are made within every aspect of our lives, whether it is things like, “the loss of my job is more harmful because…the loss of my mother is more devastating that yours because…I am more valued than you because…his sins/faults/indiscretions are worse than mine because… Life is important, every single life is important. Loss is devastating, no matter who it is or who you are. Wrong is wrong no matter who you are, no matter how much money you have…no matter how big your house may be…no matter what zip code you live in…no matter your religious beliefs…no matter the color of your skin…no matter what language you speak. God does not have a hierarchy of the levels of sin. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And God does not stop here, He offers redemption “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” ~Romans 3:24. God also loves each and every person born, after all God is the creator of all things.

“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.” ~John 1:1-4

I realize that this posting has went in a couple of different directions and I would like to try to corral it all back in by stating the title of this post: What Now (?) Now What, these two words have different meanings based upon how they are grouped together. *At least I think they do, let me try to explain. When I say “What now?” it feels like I can’t take anymore! When I say “Now what?” it feels like I tried something and it didn’t work, what other options do I have. It may just be “splitting hairs” as the saying goes. It may only make sense in my mind (!).

All this words to explain a couple of simple truths.
1. Life is a gift, do not take it for granted. It will not stop for you or me.
2. Everyone matters, no one should have to prove their worthiness.

~Blessings and Peace~
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” ~Luke 11:2

Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray in the verse for today. When it comes to what most refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” I have heard differing ideas about its usage within the church and in the daily lives of believers. During my life so far I have only experienced a small sampling of different churches and denominations. Some churches recite it every week, some only at communion and others at special services. What I believe to be true for me, may not be true for you and that’s completely okay. The wonderful thing about being a child of God is that we are all loved by God and we are all individually loved by God. At least, that’s how I see God. God is the creator of all things, to include the whole human race. God is also the creator of each human-being, separately and individually. God’s Word tells us about our own uniqueness throughout the Bible, in chapters and verses such as these:

Psalm 139:13-16 ESV “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Psalm 139:13-14 ESV “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jesus taught the disciples how to pray and gave them an example to pattern after. How Jesus taught the disciples to pray is recorded in both Matthew and Luke. “The Lord’s Prayer” most often referred to is the Matthew example and is used in many churches every week.

Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

And, like this passage in Luke, which includes the verse for today.  Luke 11:2-4, “He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Some people believe Jesus was teaching the “literal” usage of these words while others believe Jesus was saying, pray in this “manner.” I choose to believe that both can be true. If simply stating the words from memory with no intentionality of why you are saying the words, then I would say that’s not what Jesus intended. I find that when I say the words to “The Lord’s Prayer” my thoughts are focused on speaking the words clearly and purposely for God to hear, it is for me a spiritual connection with God. If we are saying the words just so others hear, we are doing exactly what the hypocrites were doing in Matthew 6:5, when Jesus says these words, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” My advice would be to recite the prayer if it draws you closer to God, in my opinion that is the essence of prayer, to connect with God on a spiritual level and to seek His guidance, His counsel and His forgiveness. Jesus goes onto tell His disciples where to pray.

Matthew 6:6-8, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

I  am thankful for the example of “The Lord’s Prayer” it has taught me not only how to pray, but what to pray for and for who I am to pray for. It’s an intimate conversation we are able to have with God, the God who created us and the God who loves us.

Breath Prayer: God, your will be done!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:

• https://bible.org/seriespage/3-lord-s-prayer-matthew-65-15-luke-111-13

• https://www.biblegateway.com

• https://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/the+lords+prayer

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” ~Exodus 32:1

Today’s verse tells us that the Israelites were impatient and reluctant to trust that Moses would return to them from Mt. Sinai. The people begged Aaron to make gods for them. Aaron agreed to grant their wish, this act angered God, God wanted to destroy them, meaning all in the camp save Moses because he was with God on the mountain, and Joshua, who was waiting on the mountain for Moses to return. But Moses sought the favor of God, God relented and Moses went down from the mountain and “When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. And he took the calf the people had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it.” ~Exodus 32:19-20

Moses knew the “power” of God. Moses spoke on behalf of all the Israelites to spare their lives before God. It is easy for us to read this story and point out the mistakes of the Israelites, but if we honestly look at ourselves “do we have idols that we have made for ourselves?” We live in a world of proof and imagery, we departmentalize God. We try to define God in terms that we can understand, we often try to limit God, and we even try to say what God is. We want something tangible to represent God, in other words “an idol.” Something that has helped me in not limiting God is to be very aware of God’s fluidity. God is not contained in a building, such as a church. That’s not to say God isn’t present in the church, I absolutely believe He is, but He is also outside of the buildings in which we try to contain God. For me, God is everywhere and is available anywhere at anytime. It’s not for me to know how God is everywhere, I just need to trust and have faith in God. Our world is based on “time” but God exists outside of time. I love this sentence from the author of the pamphlet I’m using, “Our job is to open ourselves up to the reality of a God that is beyond our wildest dreams.”

She also writes this, “God cannot be defined by our words, images, or thoughts.”

“I Am Who I Am” ~Exodus 3:14

Do you have a favorite image of God? What is another image that you might pair with it to keep expanding your understanding?”

Here’s mine:

Breath Prayer: God open my eyes.  Help me tear down my idols.

~Blessings and Peace~

“Many shepherds will ruin my vineyard and trample down my field; they will turn my pleasant field into a desolate wasteland.” ~Jeremiah 12:10

[The Book of Jeremiah, also called The Prophecy Of Jeremias, one of the major prophetical writings of the Old Testament. Jeremiah, a Judaean prophet whose activity spanned four of the most tumultuous decades in his country’s history, appears to have received his call to be a prophet in the 13th year of the reign of King Josiah(627/626 BC) and continued his ministry until after the siege and capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Many of his oracles concerned the turbulent events of his times.]. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Jeremiah

Today’s verse refers to the Israelites and their actions towards God and the gifts God had given them since they had been rescued from Egypt. After God rescued them, God invited them to be His people. It was by the power of God and not their own that they conquered the land that was promised to them and where they made their homes. The Israelites enjoyed the land that God had given to them, they worshipped and honored God, for a time. It was not long before the Israelites forgot the instructions that God had given to them, they were tempted by the powers of others, they forgot God. Then, God brought judgment on the people and humbled them. Nations and rulers came into the land, they conquered and lay waste to the people. God was returning the Israelites to the wilderness, where they would be called to repent and worship God again.

The Israelites were drawn to something that seemed to be powerful and was pleasing to them, so much so that they fell away from God. They were distracted by shiny things and cunning conversations, their egos and their pride. As I read this story and others like it from the Bible, I see reflections of my own life. There have been times when my ego and pride enticed me to do things that were in direct conflict with God and people. I say this not as something I am proud of, I am rather ashamed of these actions. So there’s definitely no room or place to point fingers or make accusations or even compared the behaviors and actions of the Israelites as better or worse than anyone else’s. Don’t get me wrong, I’m human just like you and I’m tempted to point out the severity of someone else’s “sin” in comparison to my own. It is a futile battle to wage, sin is sin and separation from God is never good. I’m reminded of a few bible verses that I learned and memorized when I was in high school, my understanding of them has changed through the years and especially during this Lenten journey. They are:

Matthew 7:5, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Basically, when I have no sin in my life, then I can point out sin in someone else’s. I will always be blinded by the plank in my own eye and unqualified to remove my brothers speck in his. We are all sinful, we all sin, we all need to repent, we all need forgiveness…we all need God.

Just as the Israelites returned to the wilderness, we too need to return to the wilderness, to fall on our knees and seek forgiveness and return to God, so we can once again fully worship God and allow His glory to flow through us. As the night brings restoration to our bodies , each new day is an opportunity to start anew, leaving the troubles and sins of yesterday at the feet of Jesus as we repent and seek reconciliation with God. Live for today, not yesterday and not for tomorrow.

In closing, I would like to share some personal insights. The words I type out in this space are heartfelt and from personal experiences. I believe the things I write and trust God to bless the readers. Starting each new day with no regard to what happened yesterday…that…WILL NOT BE EASY, but it will be so WORTH IT, TO TRY!

FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION ARE FREE…sincerely and honestly seek God AND His forgiveness AND His Will for your life!

Positivity produces POSITIVE results!

Always look for the good in everything and everyone. I coined a phrase today at work, at least I think I did(?). I knew I would be hearing some news that would directly impact me and my work environment, I typically do not like changes but I’ve decided to be more optimistic as part of my Lenten journey so, I decided whatever news I receive, it would be a “win/win” for everyone involved. And you know what, it is and will be! We can always choose how we react to life. So, first and foremost thank you, to God for His unending patience with me and secondly, I am sincerely overwhelmed by the people I work with and their level of compassion, understanding, professionalism and mostly their friendship! Everyday I am becoming a better person, better employee and better friend because of the caliber of their character that they present and express on a daily basis. I am blessed and extremely lucky to be able spend time with them. However long it is, it will be too short.

As we continue our journey through the wilderness, are there things in your life where God is working to humble you?

Breath Prayer: Less of me, More of you God! ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com
Hymnary.org
https://hymnary.org/person/Tindley_CA

“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.” ~Matthew 4:8-9

I love that song by Jeremy Camp and the lyrics paint a very clear picture of the ultimate power, the POWER OF GOD! So far this Lenten journey we have talked and read about “The Wilderness” and “Mortality, A Liminal Space, Hunger, Divine Testing and this week Power.” The pamphlet I’m using closely relates these subjects to Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by the devil as well as mirroring our journey through Lent. As we continue on our journey of meditating on the things that Jesus endured during His forty days in the wilderness and we reflect upon our own lives as believers in Jesus Christ during our forty days. Today’s verse is one we looked at during the week of “The Wilderness and Hunger” and again in “The Wilderness and Divine Testing.” The author gives us a personal point a view today describing her feelings towards the devil as he attempts to tempt Jesus, offering to give Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, if Jesus will bow down and worship him.” She says that when she reads Matthew 4:8-9, she “immediately feels righteous indignation.” As the devil has no authority to give kingdoms of the world and glory to anyone.” Everything that was made is from God, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” ~John 1:3. In fact, the devil forgets that he exists because God created him.  The devil is a fallen angel. *For additional resources for the devil click the link under “References” below.

The word “power” holds a plethora of visual images when we think of earthly power; we have the power of the pen in journalism, we have men and women that are power-hungry, even abusive with power, civilizations have been eradicated because of too much power, as well as governmental and states powers. Power in and of itself is neither good or bad, it is the motivation and character of the individuals with power that causes the arm of justice to swing too heavily in one direction.

Life can be confusing and debilitating especially when we listen and take our instructions from the “world” and not from God. This happens when we allow ourselves to conform to this world and not to the Will of God. Just like the Israelites, we fail to follow God’s rules and commandments. We often think we can handle things without God. None of the powers in the world compare to the Power of God. In 2 Peter 1:3, Peter writes this “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”

Who are you listening to; the world or God?

Breath Prayer: Jesus, all Power and Glory are yours alone. ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

For Bible verses about power click this link: https://www.openbible.info/topics/power

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pinterest.com/amp/explore/jesus-art/

The Lord’s Prayer

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+14%3A12-14%2CEzekiel+28%3A14-18%2CLuke+10%3A18%2CRevelation+12%3A3-4%2CRevelation+12%3A9&version=NASB

POWER (Merriman-Webster)
noun, often attributive pow’er \ˈpau̇(-ə)r\
often attributive
1a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-basehits (3) : capacity for being actedupon or undergoing an effect
b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others
b : one having such power; specifically : a sovereign state
c : a controlling group :establishment — often used in the phrase the powers that be
d archaic : a force of armed men
e chiefly dialectal : a large numberor quantity
3a : physical might
b : mental or moral efficacy
c : political control or influence

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,” ~John 3:14

If you have read a few of my posts during this Lenten journey I’m sure you’ve noticed that the music videos I have posted are different than my usual contemporary songs. I love old hymns as much as the new contemporary songs. Thank you for your support of this blog and my hope is that you strengthen your relationship with God or you meet God and decide to follow Him.

If you have the pamphlet I am loosely using for this format, “The Sanctuary For Lent 2018 by Katie Z.Sawson” today’s text is filled with a lot of information/examples that to be honest is a little overwhelming. In case you don’t have the pamphlet the author gives examples of the movie “The Matrix” specifically the character “Neo” along with the movie plot of the world being a constructed reality and humanity is plugged into a vast network and being used as batteries. *Video posted below under references. She also mentions “Nicodemus” speaking with Jesus in the cover of night. ”Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” ~John 3:1-2. Our verse for today comes later in the same chapter of John in verse 14; Jesus reminds Nicodemus of the Israelites when they were in the wilderness and how God dealt with their sinfulness as they spoke against God and Moses, *(Numbers 21) God sent poisonous snakes and many died and brought many to their knees in confession. The Israelites had not let go of their old lives that they had in Egypt when they were slaves to Pharaoh, God had a wonderful plan for them they just could not see it. God used the snakes as punishment and for healing because after the Israelites repented God did not remove the snakes, He made a way for them to be healed when bitten. “Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.” ~Numbers 21:6-9. The snakes were seen as a sign of healing.

This past week has been reading about the wilderness (ours and the Israelites) and divine testing. We have read about the devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness; the Israelites demanding God to act when they are complaining about eating the same food day after day, they were bored and tired of the same ole same ole and tested the Lord. We looked at our own lives and our actions of testing God. We looked about Jonah being defiant about going to Nineveh as God had commanded, he eventually went to Nineveh, probably smelling “fishy” but he did do as God had commanded. We also read about the Jewish leaders at the temple trying to test Jesus asking him “The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” ~John 2:18.

Believe it or not there is a common theme in all these stories and it is about accepting Jesus and obeying what He commands. No finger pointing, we are all guilty maybe some more than others but sin is sin…no hierarchy. The Bible tells us, “Do not test the Lord your God!”
Luke 4:12
Deuteronomy 6:16
Matthew 4:7

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are new and we are to put our old self away. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” ~2 Corinthians 5:17.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” ~Ephesians 4:22-24.

As this week comes to a close on the study of “The Wilderness and Divine Testing” I am reminded of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, we are to lift Jesus up; His crucifixion, His resurrection and His ascension. We can discover the power and strength to live a new life in God. I have learned this week that “testing” and “trusting” are very powerful action words and the importance using them appropriately. I have also reaffirmed that life is hard sometimes, I also know that I am never alone. Jesus is always with me. Asking for forgiveness is not easy, if it were more people would be doing it. It’s hurts and is very painful to admit our faults. It’s uncomfortable and yet the feeling of releasing the vile truths about ourselves is so very healing. Peace and strength and yes forgiveness can all be found in Jesus when we humble ourselves and seek forgiveness and repent of our sins. My prayer is that you experience God in your life today.

How does experiencing Jesus lifted up help you to live a new life?

Breath Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes. Jesus help me see you lifted up! ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com

“Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” ~John 2:19

Divine testing has been the topic of discussion for this week, we have read about the devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness; we have read about the Israelites attempting to test God as they wondered in the wilderness, we have read in Luke about Jonah of the Old Testament and today in John we read about Jesus clearing the Temple as they were selling animals and exchanging money in His Father’s house. The Jews said to Jesus, “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.” ~John 2:18-19

Jesus was speaking about himself, although they did not realize or understand it at the time; Jesus was speaking of his own death and resurrection. Jesus was fully aware of the His purpose to be a ransom for all sin. He knew that salvation could only be done through His own death and that He could not ask the Father to intervene. Death would be conquered once and for all. “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” ~Romans 6:10

One of the first Bible verses I memorized was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  It’s also one of the most familiar verses in the Bible that many people know. I was several years into adulthood when I really truly understood the depths of this verse. I grew up in church and attended a Christian high school and College yet the magnitude of what Jesus did for all people did not fully hit me until I saw the movie “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson. Jesus suffered for us, He took our place…it is unimaginable the pain and the suffering He endured. Nothing can comparable to what Jesus willingly did for me and you, and every single person! As I continue my Lenten Study and I appreciate and invite you to follow along. My purpose for doing this daily blog and discussion is two-fold, first to grow closer to the God of all creation and secondly, to share God’s love with everyone that reads my blog. It is tempting to get caught up in seeing how many views I get or how many likes I get for my posts and I have remind myself that this is much deeper for me than mere statistics.  Don’t get me wrong I love seeing people reading and liking my blog but the most important thing for me is sharing the love of Jesus, to be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. I pray that your Lenten journey is life-giving and life-sustaining. Thanks for journeying with me.

What does it mean to you that Jesus willingly gave His life for you?

Breath Prayer: Thank you, Jesus!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com