“He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” ~Luke 17:6

The author of the pamphlet I am using as a guide makes an important statement about Christianity, evidence of it, our questions, our doubts and our faith. She stated, “If we waited until we had all the answers about Christianity, we would never actually be Christians.” Following and believing in Jesus does not mean you have all the answers. What is required is faith! Just as the verse tells us faith the size of a mustard seed is extremely powerful! We could spend years trying to validate ourselves and the Bible but to what end(?). Salvation is here now, free to everyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus called His disciples, “Come follow me!” ~Matthew 4:19

I read an interesting article while researching today’s verse and commentary. It is called, “What’s the Difference Between Doubt and Unbelief?” by Colin Smith. I will post the link below under references for you to view if you are interested. The article provides an outline of four separate views/perspectives about “doubt” and “unbelief.” They are:

1. You can’t have faith without questions.

2. You can only doubt what you already believe.

3. Doubt and unbelief are different.

4. You can help someone by discerning the difference.

God created us all unique and individual. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God gave each of us a specific purpose.Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

God loves us so much, He sacrificed His one and only son so we could be redeemed of our sins once and for all. Romans 6:10 “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”

Take the leap of faith! God is there waiting for you with arms opened wide.

Breath Prayer: Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief.

~Blessings and Peace~

References and additional resources:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-s-the-difference-between-doubt-and-unbelief.html%3famp=1

https://www.biblegateway.com

“As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” ~Luke 11:29

Quick fixes! Our culture and generation often looks for the fastest way to do things and the fastest ways to get to places. Life is 24/7/365…there’s always something happening, always something to watch on TV, endless activities to fill our lives with stuff, random empty stuff. The issue is we are never truly satisfied, we place band-aids on things that require additional and extensive attention. The scripture passage for today reminds us of Jonah’s story in Jonah 3:10
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”

The full passage of Luke tells us this,
“As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.”
Luke 11:29-32 (https://www.biblegateway)

Jesus calls us to REPENTANCE in both scripture passages, he didn’t use a “flashy” miracle in Jonah and He is not giving us one today, He wants our hearts, souls and minds to be transformed through our repentance and devotion to living a life pleasing to God.

Our transformation is not a single session of Sunday morning church, it’s taking the Sunday morning church message and living into throughout the week and sharing the Good News of Jesus every day. *Sunday morning church is not the message, some are unable to make that service due to work responsibilities and such, wherever you get your message from, (TV; internet; bible study…etc) it is in receiving that message that God calls us all to put into practice in our daily lives. We are called to practice our faith every day.

What is one way you can put the message you receive into your week?

I am so blessed to be able to talk freely about my faith and to speak the name of God with friends and coworkers. It is a natural flow in ones conversations when God is an active part of your life. God is an intrinsic part of me so I don’t try to exclude or include Him overtly into conversations because He’s a part of me, with God I am nothing and incomplete.

I learned this Breath Prayer today at bible study and wanted to share it with you:
Breath Prayer:
Jesus Christ son of God *inhale
Have mercy on my soul *exhale

~Blessings and Peace~

“Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”. ~Matthew 4:7

I am a big fan of C.S.Lewis and this quote is from a favorite book of his, “A Grief Observed.” I have read it twice since 2012 after my mother passed away. I found much comfort in reading his words about losing someone special. When going through difficult times and nothing really makes sense the natural thing to do is asking a lot of “why” questions. When I was a child and did not really grasp the relationship between God and humans, I look back at moments in my life when I was completely “clueless.” I can remember a kind of “bartering” with God, asking God to help my softball team play well, asking God to help me play well and in exchange present some trade for “good behavior.” What a truly sad way of approaching life. I thank God for His continued “Grace & Mercy & Forgiveness” of my youth and misguided relationship with God. God is not a “fairy godmother” granting wishes. Prayer and a healthy prayer life is so much more than making requests of God, prayer is an opportunity to go before God and seek guidance and to gain knowledge. Bad things happen to good people as well as bad people; we are all God’s children, His creation and He loves each and every one of us. Sometimes it takes difficult situations for us to understand the depths of His live for us. I can tell you that I have a deeper appreciation and love for my mom now that she’s gone. Not that I didn’t appreciate her while she was here with me, I did! She was an amazing woman and I hope she knew just how much I loved her. I have learned so many lessons since losing her and grown in ways I never thought possible. A key factor is “trusting” God instead of “testing” God.

“God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn’t. In this trial He makes us occupy the dock, the witness-box, and the bench all at once. He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down.” ~C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Today as you go about doing whatever it is that you do…take time to speak with God, speak from your heart and be open and receptive to the Spirit. And if the words are difficult just say “Jesus.” Take time to be “Holy.”

Breath Prayer: Jesus speak to me. ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~

“Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.” ~Deuteronomy 6:16

IF THOU BUT TRUST IN GOD TO GUIDE THEE (Lyrics)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee,
With hopeful heart through all thy ways,
God will give strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move.

Only be still, and wait God’s leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate’er thy Keeper’s pleasure
And all-discerning love hath sent;
No doubt our inmost wants are clear
To One who holds us always dear.

Sing, pray, and swerve not from God’s ways,
But do thine own part faithfully;
Trust the rich promises of grace,
So shall they be fulfilled in thee.
God never yet forsook at need
The soul secured by trust indeed.

The pamphlet that I am using and the scripture verses covered have been telling us the story of the Israelites, following them from enslaved people in Egypt to God leading them to the Promised Land. Over and over we read stories of the Israelites testing God and complaining about their situation, even wishing they were back in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh. We have read that God provided food for all the Israelites daily, free manna from Heaven and providing water to drink. And yet, the Israelites continued questioning and testing God.

When you are faced with doubt, what is a story of God’s faithfulness that you can turn to? My faithfulness story is Joseph. (Genesis 37-47)

Breath Prayer: My trust is in you Lord! ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~

“Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” ~Matthew 4:5-6

Photo credit: slideplayer.com (Google Images)

There are times that words cannot adequately explain or tell a message but music can. I hope you find hope, strength and purpose through the songs/music I have included today. There is a paragraph from the guided pamphlet I am using that I want to share with you, it held great insights for me and I sincerely wanted to share it with you.  The quote is taken from page 21 of “The Sanctuary For Lent 2018” written by Katie Z. Dawson. “Some doubts lead us to ask questions and engage deeper, and some doubts erect barriers. In the wilderness test, the devil’s statement drips with the second kind of doubt. The tempter is asking Jesus to prove God’s Word is true by forcing God’s hand. There are always conditions to this kind of faith.”

Breath Prayer: Jesus open my heart to hear your Words. ~Amen

https://youtu.be/AflpKCF3BnM
~Blessings and Peace~

“In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.” ~John 2:14
  

The scripture verse for today tells us about the activities going on outside the entrance to the Temple prior to Passover, merchants were selling animals for sacrifices to travelers that could not bring an animal with them the Passover. The scene has been described in many versions of the Bible as a “den of robbers/thieves” in Matthew 21:13 NIV; KJ21; NRSV; ASV; EVS; KJV; and MSG to list a few. Jesus sees that the merchants are selling animals at a much higher price than needed, they are profiting off of the worship of others. Jesus takes a stand and brings attention to their wrongdoing by turning tables over and benches of the sellers and money changers. These individuals were diminishing the importance of Passover by making a profit off of people there to celebrate God. As we continue our journey through Lent, what lessons could we learn for the verse mentioned today? What about fasting and the Sabbath, are there any particular practices you do regarding either of these? I did some reading and research today regarding “Sabbath” and I quickly found out it is deeper than I am equipped to answer adequately all I can offer to you is my opinion and observation of Sabbath. I work every Sunday so attending church on Sunday mornings is difficult, I still practice a day of rest/reconciliation with God. In fact, God is part of my day, everyday. God wants to be invited and included in every single second of our existence! It’s important to set aside time for just God! I also must admit fasting is also something I feel inadequate to explain. What I can tell you is this, fasting is a personal act shared between you and God (secret fasting) Jesus says these words in Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  Read more at:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/05/02/5-important-bible-verses-about-fasting/#CpOGPSclvUU7AC0F.99

My hope and prayer is that God is speaking to you, I am only a vessel wanting to spread the Good News of Jesus to all.  You are special and you are loved!  God Bless you as you continue your Lenten journey.

Breath Prayer: Jesus, take our greed and provide us rest.

~Blessings and Peace~


“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:35

During the season of Lent, people will often give up something important or significant so that they can focus on God and His plan for their life. Mine is a little odd, I decided to practice more optimism, the strange thing is I am fairly positive most of the time; however, God has made me aware of my “complaining talk.” It is usually harmless complaining but I don’t want to be a negative influence on anyone around me or to myself. There’s so many more things to be thankful for than the few things that are unpleasant.  I heard someone say this statement once, “No matter how bad you think things are for you, there’s always someone out there in the world who has it worse.” Life is tough sometimes and we have to make difficult decisions sometimes, truth is…we all are living better lives than we deserve. Meaning, we are all sinners, try as we do to do good, we still fall short of the glory of God as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Whenever we purposely deny ourselves the pleasures of chocolate, soda, desserts, wine, coffee and even complaining we are providing opportunities for us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and we are provided with opportunities to draw closer to God.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%204:4&version=NIV

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” ~Luke 4:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%204:4&version=NIV

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Referencing the Israelites time in the wilderness)
Deuteronomy 8:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Deuteronomy%208:3&version=NIV

The author, Katie Z. Dawson poses this question, “what does it mean for you to give something up during Lent?” For me, I feel more intentional about my words and actions. Also I’m reminded of all the blessings I have because of God’s love, mercy and abundant grace.

Breath Prayer: God of all creation, feed my soul. Amen.

~Blessings and Peace~

 

 

“On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.” ~Isaiah 25:6

What a beautiful picture Isaiah paints for us as believers in the Lord. God serves only the very best of food and drink to His beloved, His children. As believers this is the feast we are longing for, the eternal feast that we share with one another in Heaven as we worship and sing praises to God forever and ever. The author of the pamphlet I am using as a guide suggests that we think of a meal that we have shared in with a large community. Every summer I am privileged to attend my family reunion with my moms family and relatives. I have been attending these reunions my whole life, as far back as my memory allows. My mom had a big family, she was 1 of 8 children, I have been fortunate to grow up close to my aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, grandparents and I can even remember knowing my great-grandparents. Every July we meet at a State Park and everyone brings food and we have a huge feast of all kinds of food, definitely all the country comfort foods like fried chicken, homemade noodles, rolls, desserts, salads, it’s an endless variety a favorite foods. Our family has not slowed in helping replenish the earth (lol) that’s for sure.  It’s more than a foodies gathering, it’s a time of reconnection and catching up and sharing stories, accomplishments and meeting new family additions. None of this will compare to the feast that God has planned for His children, for you and me! The church I attend has congregational meals from time to time throughout the year and it’s wonderful to share a meal with one another. Much like a family reunion, these meals are shared with my larger family of brothers and sisters in Christ. Imagine, one day we will all be dining together at Christ table sharing in the Feast of Victory! There is one other meal I would like to share with you, every week my church shares in communion of wine and bread, it’s an intimate feast shared with one another reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus willingly made so we could be reconciled with God. His sacrifice on the cross paid the debt for all our sins. Nothing compares to the love that Jesus has for us. Always make room at the table for others and share the love of Jesus!

Breath Prayer: Jesus, open our hearts, set a banquet in our midst.

References:
Encountering God Through Art, Prophetic Art, “The Banquet Table” by Andrea Riley

~Blessings and Peace~

“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” ~John 6:11
https://www.biblegateway.com

John chapter 6:1-14 tells us of “The Miracle of the Loaves.” Jesus was traveling the countryside teaching to the crowds that were following him. They had seen or heard of the miracles He was performing and they were seeking Him. Jesus noticed during the end of the day that they were in an isolated area with no towns or villages, no lodging or places to find food. Jesus seeing the needs of the people, did not want to send them away hunger. As the disciples were discussing the lack of money and provisions to feed the people, Andrew, the disciple brought a young boy forward to Jesus and he had five small loaves of barley and two small fish and then added, how far with this go? Jesus then had the people sit in the grassy areas and he lifted the bread and fish and gave thanks and distributed it to everyone as much as they wanted and were they were all filled.  Jesus had the disciples gather the leftovers and they filled twelve baskets. This is a great example for us as we seek God in our Lenten Study this week focusing on “Hunger.” Why this miracle? Why this particular group of followers? What is Jesus teaching us to do now?

Why this miracle: Jesus saw the needs of the people both spiritually and physically. Jesus did not want to send the people away hungry, He felt compassion for them. He “thanked” God for blessing the bread and fish.

Why this particular group: Jesus had filled the crowd with spiritual nourishment and He wanted them to be also be physically feed food that would strengthen them to return to their homes and villages and cities to share the “good news” of Jesus and share what they learned.

What is Jesus teaching us to do now: Jesus wanted us to be mindful of the needs of our neighbors, our friends, our communities and our world. Jesus wants us to share our food with everyone, both spiritual and actual food. I am and have been privileged to be part of a group who actively demonstrates and fills the needs of others through community gardens, food pantries, habitat for humanity, mission oriented trips to assist victims of natural disasters and mission trips to feed the souls of God’s children around the world as well as our own community. It’s a beautiful feeling to be able to help others and to teach them to also help themselves through the power of Jesus.

Our world is a wilderness in so many places and hunger is so prevalent our society. The Bible gives us many examples of “being” Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. To continue spreading the Gospel using the gifts that God blesses us with. I invite you to seek out your gifts if you are not aware of yours and give it to others joyfully. Everyone has a gift, some are good listeners, some can build houses/do repairs, some can sing, some can teach…it is an endless list. Be a blessing today.

Bible verses about serving others (the hands and feet of Jesus):

1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”

Matthew 25:35-40 “ I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ..”

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 11:25 “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Hebrews 13:16“ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Breath Prayer: God use me for your glory!

~Blessings and Peace~

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” ~Deuteronomy 8:3

What do you hunger for(?).

hunger     noun hun·ger\ˈhəŋ-gər\
1a : a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient
b : an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food.  The small meal wasn’t enough to satisfy his hunger.
c : a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food died of hunger
2: a strong desire : craving a hunger for success
from hunger : very bad or inept the jokes were from hunger — Mordecai Richler
*Webster Dictionary App

Hunger is a basic human response to provide ones body with sustenance, fuel for the human body to function properly. It is also refers to education, learning and gaining knowledge to be successful in life both personal and professional. I personally feel blessed to have the freedom to discover new ways to feed my hunger. I love being out observing God’s beautiful creation, taking photos of the regular and routine things that are the backdrops of our lives. I like to read, study and discuss politics and religion. I like listening to people tell their story. I crave communication and conversation. I love to write and being creative. All of these things are possible because of God; because God is the creator of all things. The devotional I am reading and commenting about is providing a centralized theme throughout Lent that chronicles the Israelites as the journeyed through the wilderness. Honestly, my belief is that we (humans) continue the same repeated methods of rebellion and disobedience as generations before us did. Have you ever got tired of or bored with something you really wanted and soon after you got it, it lost its appeal (?). I mentioned this yesterday but is important to say again, the Israelites were hungry and what did God give them? Food from Heaven, fresh every single day and what happened, the Israelites got tired of eating the same fresh manna every day, they began to complain and even wished they had never been freed from Pharaoh. Gosh, we are a fickle people aren’t we! God provides in so many ways every single day of our lives, and we often forget even the basic of salutations. The author shares a story about praying and reciting The Lord’s Prayer and how it would draw people together based upon her experiences. She stated that when she attended chapel services on campus they would hold hands reaching across the aisles to one another and it brought to life feelings of community to the participants. I have had the same experience when I was in college and even today in some church services, hold hands with someone connects you on a deeper level with people. It’s reassuring that someone is praying with you and possibly for you.

Are you dependent upon God (?) and if so, what are the things you are dependent for? If you responded, everything; you would be correct.

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9 | NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 | NIV

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 | NIV

Prayer and Fasting ~Matthew 6:5-18
“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. 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. “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.’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%206:5-18&version=NIV

Breath Prayer: Jesus, all I have is a gift from you. ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~