Photo Credit: Me 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
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?
Photo Credit: Me 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
Today is not my typical Thursday, I would normally be at work at this time of day. I woke not feeling my normal “get-up-and-go” kind of energy. I considered just pushing through “whatever” it was that was afflicting me; but decided some self-care was the answer. It is important, no it is vital that we care for ourselves as much as we care for others.
So, I was finally able to get out of bed and made it to my living room and as I sat and took in my surrounds…the idea for this post hit me. The Holy Spirit spoke to me, reminding me of caring for ourselves is so important. The picture below is my current view, it is where I sit to do most of my blog posts.
Photo Credit: Me Home-April 7th, 2022
Sorry about the feet in the photo, but I wanted to share with you the things I surround myself with to remind myself of the joys in my life.
Photo Credit: Me Home-April 7th, 2022
Left middle: A throw pillow given to me by a dear friend (Lisa). “Friendship is God’s special way of bringing sunshine to your day.” “A friend loves at all times” —Proverbs 17:17
Left bottom: A throw pillow I gave myself. “Be still & know God.”
Bottom middle: A throw pillow from a dear friend and mentor (Jan). “She believed she could do she did.”
Bottom middle: A blanket given to me by my Aunt (Helen) and her daughter/my cousin (Teresa). It is made from old shirts of my moms, I had no idea any still existed, as my mom passed in 2012. I received this beautiful gift Christmas 2021.
Bottom right: A photo of my mom when she was very young, I just love her beautiful smile.
Bottom right: A box of regular tissues I bought for myself at the Dollar Tree (currently but not renamed “The Dollar & Twenty-five cents Tree”) Haha! “ Faith Family Friends.”
Bottom right: A nativity set I gave myself. I keep it up all year long as a celebration of Jesus, His willingness to be born human and a reminder that Jesus loves me.
Bottom right: A beautiful glass lamp with butterflies. It had been a gift from long ago and it reminds me of what was and what is. Memories are part of life and I cherish these. (Brandi).
Bottom right: A hanging Christmas Ornament, gifted to me by my friend (Lisa), reminds me of her friendship and the reason for Christmas celebration. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:24-26
Bottom right: A small wooden table I bought at a yard sale many years ago, solid wood, my dad sanded and put a beautiful finish on it. ($3 and a whole bunch of love).
Bottom right: The wooden rocking chair another labor of love by my dad, this chair has been in our family for three generations.
Middle right: A small plaque at the bottom of my TV, “Pray More Worry Less.” A gift from a friend and his wife (Tony & Leslie).
Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. My heart is full, full of beautiful things and beautiful people. God is indeed GOOD ALL THE TIME. ~Peace yo you my friends, family, followers and visitors. 🙏🏻💚🌻
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” ~Proverbs 17:17
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.” ~Esther 4:14
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ~Ephesians 6:2-3
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” ~Colossians 3:23-15
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” ~Galatians 4:4-5
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” ~John 10:18
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:24-26
Photo Credit: Me Disney’s Animal Kingdom February 17th, 2022
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”~Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
“One of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” ~Luke 22:50-51
Bible Reading • Luke 22:47-53
Jesus Arrested
“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
Challenge 🤔 Questions
As you reflect on Jesus’ love for His enemies, who is “the enemy” in your life?
This is a very personal question, I have lamented on it for some time; for some this may be an easy question to answer while others it could be rather difficult. My personal hope is that I do not have enemies; however, none of us can truly know our enemies unless they come right out and tell us. I have absolutely no power or control of another’s feelings towards me. I believe this strikes at the core of the question, I can only control my feelings and my actions. Jesus taught us to love everyone, Jesus was able to know the truth of others and that truth did not alter His love. He loved Judas in while knowing he would betray him. Jesus loved His disciples while knowing some would doubt and deny him; Jesus broke bread with them, washed their feet and prayed for them. Jesus is teaching us and telling us that love is at the very center of all things.
What would it look like for you to love and do good to them this week?
One of the most important things I can do is pray. Pray for my personal accountability of my thought and actions. Pray for transparency and honesty with others. I can pray for my friends, family, coworkers, leaders of my county, state and country. I can pray for world leaders. I can simply talk with God, through words, thoughts, song and silence…listening intently to the Holy Spirit. Listening is as important as (speaking) praying, that my friends is the completeness of what communication is meant to be. Much like the ebb and flow of the ocean/lake in perfect harmony.
Go and do it.
Video Credit: Me August 2nd, 2014 Lake Michigan-Kenosha, WI
“If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” ~John 18:8 (NIV)
Bible Reading •John 18:1-13
Jesus Arrested
“When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.”
Challenge Questions
Who has God entrusted into your care?
My family, my friends, my coworker, my church family, the chance encounter with people I meet…anyone and everyone because we are all God’s children.
What threats do they face?
Any number of things and they vary from person to person. Some face challenges no one ever sees, the battles raging within. Many lack good, shelter, clothing the very basics of life.
What would it look like to protect them today?
See them, help them not to be invisible. Pray and ask for God’s protection and God’s will. Be open to Jesus’ call to be His hands and feet to a hurting world.
Could you place yourself between your loved one and a potentially hostile situation?
I would certainly try.
OR
Should you pray to God for divine protection where you cannot reach?
Absolutely, pray and pray often seeking God’s will, listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Answer the call.
Photo Credit: Me Disney’s Animal Kingdom February 17th, 2022
“He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.” — Matthew 26:42-44 (NIV) —
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Challenge • Questions
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?
I have been disappointed by people in my life that I care deeply for, but it has not diminished my feelings for them. In fact, I am fairly certain most were aware of just how deeply I was hurt by them. I tend to not share my frustrations and hurt feelings openly to an offender. I do feel rather strongly that talking about these kind of things can only help relationships to grow and heal. I have often allowed a lot of latitude when I have been hurt. This is also called grace, not to be confused with being extremely passive to one’s boundaries. I see our humanness with one another as a reciprocal relationship, the asking and receiving of forgiveness must never be a one way street. Holding grudges accomplishes nothing. Letting go of pain, resentment and payback frees us to live life more fully.
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars—you must let go to move forward.” ~Unknown~
In what ways does Jesus’ prayer for His disciples demonstrate unconditional and selfless love?
John 17:6-19— Jesus Prays for His Disciples
Jesus words say it best…
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
How does Jesus express this love towards you today?
In every possible way. Jesus is my hope. I trust in His plans for my life. Jesus has blessed me with family and friends who are open and willing to talk about Jesus; sharing our faith stories and discussing our beliefs. There is absolutely no area in my life that Jesus is not a part of. I thoroughly enjoy reading and studying the Bible. I am blessed with a wonderful and loving church family that supports and encourages me. Jesus blessed me with loving parents who made financial sacrifices to send my brother and me to a Christian school and I was blessed to attend a Christian College/University. I have a job that I love; I have been blessed with three careers so far in life: my first job out of college I worked at a local high school teaching swimming, substituting for basic science and coached three junior high girls sports. I was blessed with a second career working adults and children with disabilities while utilizing my education degree to teach basic living skills and behavioral health for nearly two decades. My current career is nearing the two decade milestone as an employee of the federal government. I am thankful for all these and so much more. I have witnessed first hand the love of Jesus!
What would it look like for you to preserve in selfless love toward someone close to you today?
To be generous with my time, to listen with intentionality, and to share my blessings.
Take time to pray for someone who has hurt you or abandoned you.
Prayer ~
Jesus I ask for patience when I’m anxious, please help me to extend grace to those in my life that hurt me whether intentional or by accident. Give me a heart like yours. Open my eyes to your ways. I want to help others and not hinder. Jesus you have never given up on me, help me to not become discouraged and renew your spirit within me. ~ Amen.
Hey friends— Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. You are a blessing to me 😁💚. Spread the love of Jesus, plant seeds of hope wherever you go.
Love in Action
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ~Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
Photo Credit: Me Disney’s Animal Kingdom February 17th, 2022
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” ~Luke 6:32
“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”~Luke 22:47-48
Bible Reading • John 13:1-30
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”
Challenge • Questions
Have you ever loved someone who did not love you back?
No, I don’t believe I have experienced loving someone who did not love me back; however, I have loved two individuals deeply that did not love me back in the same way I {thought I} loved them. When love and attraction are co-mingled sometimes things do not work out the way we hope. With truth and honesty the love found in friendship will grow and mature, sweeter year by year. One such friend, I loved and cherished spending as much time as possible with. She was easy to talk to and inspired me to be “me” she was a great friend and mentor. She always had time for me and was a great listener. We met as I was starting my career working with adults with disabilities just a year out of college. My friend passed away very unexpectedly in 2005, we had first met back in 1987; I cherish the memories of her and our friendship. I have another friend that I met about a decade later and we were instant friends. She was an incredible source of pure energy, we quickly became friends and she just “got me” she seemed to know there was depth in my thinking, writing and my being. She still does to this day. I love her deeply, she has always loved me unconditionally and is supportive of my endeavors. We don’t need to talk on a regular basis and we don’t hang out a lot but we know we can count on one another if the need arises. *Thank you Laura and Shelly for loving me in all the best possible ways. 💞
How did that affect your love for them?
The love from Laura and Shelly taught me that love comes in many forms, they gave me the love I needed not the love I thought I wanted. Jesus’ love for us is the love we don’t deserve and is completely unconditional. “We love because he first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19 (NIV).
Have you ever been rejected or betrayed by someone you though loved you?
Yes, and does it hurt. But, I have also rejected and betrayed others. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s the truth. Selfishness and deceit caused me to hurt someone that I cared about and said I loved. Cowardliness only made the situation worse. So as fate would have it’s way, I too lost someone I loved deeply. Love is not for the faint of heart. Love is beautiful as it is painful. I have repented of these horrible actions and have asked for forgiveness from God and of those I hurt. Time is not the healer of wounds, grief is not my enemy. It is ever present within me as it cycles through its stages. I am friendly with grief, it remind me of what was and reminds me of who I am and who I want to be. The final step in understanding love for me was learning to love myself. Accepting myself for my past and encouraging myself to do better in the present, and the future. “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 (NIV)
How has this affected your view of Jesus’ love for you?
Jesus loves you. Jesus loves me. We did not have to earn His love. If Jesus loves me, who am I not to love me neighbor (?). “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” ~1 Peter 4:8 (NIV). “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” ~Proverbs 10:12 (NIV). Through all my circumstances Jesus’ love is steadfast. The more I love Jesus, the more I am able to understand love. Love is more than a word that makes you feel good, warm and fuzzy.
Friends/Followers — Thank you for visiting my blog today. I thank God for each of you. You are a blessing to me. I’m thankful for a space to share my faith, my life and my hopes. God Bless You. When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, thankfulness overflows. Even in the darkest of times, we can praise God for his love, his sovereignty, and his promise to be near us when we call.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.” — Psalm 145:18-19 (NRSVA) —
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
Photo Credit: Me Disney’s Animal Kingdom February 17th, 2022
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:18 (NIV) —
Why Did Jesus Have To Die?
Jesus died to bring us into a right relationship with God.
1 Peter 3:18
Jesus died to disarm the powers of sin, death, and the devil.
Colossians 2:13, 15
Jesus died to give us eternal life with Him.
Romans 6:23
Jesus died that we may worship God freely and confidently in His presence.
Ephesians 3:12
Jesus died to demonstrate His love for us.
Romans 5:8
Jesus died to forgive us of our sins and cancel our debt.
Colossians 2:13-14
Bible Reading • John 14:1-14
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Discussion Questions
Jesus explains to Philip that He is the way to the Father. What does this tell us about God?
Jesus explains that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father. The two are separate and the same.
Jesus explains that to see Him is seeing the Father.
Jesus explains that He is doing the will of the Father and does not speak on His own authority, the Father is living in Him and doing His work.
Jesus tells Him to believe that He is in the Father and that the Father is in Him; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
What questions do you have about today’s passage?
Not sure I have questions, only an observation that Philip’s question was most likely sincere. Many people today have questions about (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) being one but three. It’s difficult to try and put myself in the sandals of Philip given I was brought up learning about the trinity of God. Trinity, in Christian doctrine is the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead. The best way I know this is true is evidenced in the Bible; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [Father/Son/Holy Spirit] John 1:1
What do you want to say in response to Jesus?
Jesus forgive me of my sins and my doubts.
The verse that stands out for me is John 14:13-14, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus I am sorry that I do not seek your instructions and answers because of my stubbornness and pride. You are the answer to every question. Open my eyes, ears and heart to seek you in the morning, in the daytime and at night…you are my comfort, my strength and the very foundation of who I am. I was created by you, given a purpose and plan to bring glory to you. All that I am is because of you, I am yours.
1838 – 1876
Philip Paul Bliss, author of “Man of Sorrows” was born in Pennsylvania in 1838, composer and singer Philip Paul Bliss worked as a farmer and woodcutter until 1855. After attending a singing school and later the Normal Academy of Music in Geneseo, N.Y., he began teaching music and composing songs in the mid 1860s. It was during this period that Bliss met composer and music educator George F. Root, who encouraged Bliss to continue his efforts at music composition. In 1865 Bliss began working for the music publishing house of Root & Cady of Chicago, which hired him to conduct musical conventions throughout the northwestern United States.
Bliss enjoyed a reputation as an able basso profundo soloist and chorister. With evangelists D.L. Moody and Daniel Whittle, Bliss toured the country for a time singing and even preaching. By the 1870s Bliss began to devote a great deal of energy to the composition of sacred music. Some of his earliest songs were set to music by his friend George F. Root, but he soon was composing words and music, and he had four collections of songs published. Philip Bliss and his wife, Lucy J. Young, died tragically in a railway disaster near Ashtabula, Ohio, on December 29, 1876. *Reference: Library of Congress/Biographies
Friends ~
I’m am looking forward to sharing week six of Lent with you. I hope you continue to journey with me as we uncover more about the love of Jesus. May your Sunday be filled with love and light. God Bless You!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) —
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
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