Lent 2022 • Week Four Jesus Offers Second Chances

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Photo Credit: Me
WDW — Magic Kingdom
February 16th, 2022

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ~John 8:10

Bible Reading: John 8:1-11

An Adulteress Forgiven

“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him. Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (CSB: Christian Standard Bible Version)

John 8:1-11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:1-11&version=NIV

After reading this scripture passage, it is clear that this was about trying to “trick” Jesus regarding the laws of Moses. The woman could have been any woman, as she was merely the “pawn” for the Pharisees puppet trial in the street. The motivation was never about the issue of sin, clearly we all sin. It is evident that these Pharisees placed themselves above the law, they could easily point out the faults & failures of others but failed to recognize any wrongdoing in their own lives.

Jesus allowed the Pharisees to plead their case about the woman, Jesus even told them that according to the Mosaic Law stated the witness who reported the adultery, would be the first to cast the stones. Then Jesus added these words, “Let anyone of you who is without sin to be the first to throw a stone at her.” — No one dared to be first! In fact, the Pharisees began dropping their stones and walking away, with the older men leaving first. In the end, only Jesus and the woman remained. Jesus was the only one without sin, the only one worthy to cast a stone. Jesus does not throw a stone but asks a question, “Has no one condemned you?” The woman, after looking around replied, “No one, sir.” The woman who knew she was guilty of the charges stated by the Pharisees, her response to Jesus was one of respect; “No one, sir.” She respected Jesus. And, Jesus says to the woman, “Then neither do I condemn you, Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus remains the only sinless human who has every right to give us what we deserve for our sinfulness, but Jesus loves us. Jesus offers forgiveness, hope and a future for all of us and none of us are deserving.

The Pharisees used this woman. preyed upon her vulnerabilities and exploited her for their own shady purposes.

Challenge Questions

The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened next, but let’s sit and reflect.

  • Have you ever felt exploited by those in religious power?
    • Not an easy question to answer but definitely worth thinking about.
  • Have you ever sat in condemnation of others, whether secretly judging them or openly gossiping about them?
    • Yes, not proud of such behavior.
  • How do Jesus’ words to the Pharisees and to the woman speak to you today?
    • Jesus sees and acts with compassion, love and kindness. Qualities He wants us to practice with everyone we come into contact with.
    • “Treat others as you want to be treated”. Wise words!

Further Study

A Letter To The Exiles

Jeremiah 29:10-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jeremiah%2029:10-14&version=NIV

Judging Others

Matthew 7:1-5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:1-5&version=NIV

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

John 3:16-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-17&version=NIV

Life Through The Spirit

Romans 8:1-3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:1-3&version=NIV

Friends,

Thanks for visiting my blog today, I am blessed by your support and encouragement. 💚🌸🌱🌺🍃🌻☘️☀️

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Lent 2022 • Week Four Jesus Loves The Least Of These

Monday, March 21, 2022

Photo Credit: Me
WDW — Magic Kingdom
February 16th, 2022

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” ~Mark 10:13-14 (NIV)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/830140143792990349/

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” ~Matthew 5:46 (NIV)

Bible Reading: Mark 10:13-16

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

Below is one of my most favorite pictures, that I originally saw in social media with no reference to where it came from. I did some digging and found it on website. See below. https://www.culturalhall.com/friends

When I look at this picture, I see me sitting with Jesus. This picture has brought comfort to me on more than one occasion. I hope it comforts you as well.

Challenge Question

  • Are you ever tempted to show more love or generosity toward those who can reciprocate?
    • Truth is temptations are everywhere, the point (I believe) is to truly give from the heart with love and generosity it can never be done with an expectation of getting something in return. I also believe when acts of kindness, love and generosity are freely given, the reward is knowing in your own heart you are being the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.
    • I am fortunate to work in an environment where I can help people reclaim their lost items. It is a great feeling when I am able to reunite a person with their property. It is also disheartening we I cannot. I have been able to participate in some very meaningful conversations with individuals as they share their unique stories. Just last week I received a call from a frantic father calling on behalf of his son who had lost a meaningful item. My heart hurt for this man and his son. I did everything possible to assist them but in the end I could not, I felt helpless. But, you know what (?) to my surprise I heard back from the father and he wanted to thank me for my kindness shown to him and his son, even though I could not help them. To me, that was priceless. I was just doing my job. My heart capacity for love increased that day and my hope for the future of human kindness was renewed.

What If this week . . .

Search out one person who can’t repay you (a child in the neighborhood, a widow in your church or neighborhood, or a homeless person on the street) and love them lavishly, privately, without expectation of being seen or known by anyone but Jesus.

Friends—

I pray that your day is unexpectedly filled with random moments of HOPE, KINDNESS and LOVE. Thank you for sharing part of your day with me, I am blessed by your kindness. ❣️

Further Study

Matthew 18:2-4,10-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2018:2-4,10-14&version=NIV
Matthew 25:31-46 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2025:31-46&version=NIV
Mark 10:13-15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2010:13-15&version=NIV
Luke 14:13-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2014:13-14&version=NIV
John 4:4-30 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%204:4-30&version=NIV
John 13:1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:1&version=NIV
1 John 4:19-21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:19-21&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Lent 2022 • Week Four • Celebration

Sunday, March 20th, 2022

Hello friends —

Today is the Third Sunday of Lent. Welcome to my blog space, if you’re returning I am thankful for you support. If you are seeing my blog for the first time, I am truly honored for your visit. I am looking forward to the start of a new week and new adventures in uncovering the love of Jesus. I am reading a devotional book by Asheritah Ciuciu, titled “A Lent Devotional ~ Uncovering the Love of Jesus.” It has helped to remind me of Bible stories I learned long ago and has opened new ones for me too. It is a joy to share my faith with you and share a bit of my personal journey of faith. My hope and prayer is that God uses this space for His glory and to bring encouragement and hope to a hurting world.

Photo Credit: Me
WDW — Magic Kingdom
February 16th, 2022

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

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

🔸 Jesus died to give us eternal life with Him.

Bible Reading: John 6:35-40

“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. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

John 6:35-40 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%206:35-40&version=NIV

Challenge Questions

  1. Jesus says that God’s will is that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. What does this tell us about God?
    • God cares and loves all creation and wants us to spent eternity with Him in heaven. The Bible tells us that we (individually) were created by God, on purpose and with a plan. We are all children of God.
  2. What do you want to say in response to Jesus?
    • Jesus, I know that I am not worthy of your goodness. I know that I cannot buy or work my way to heaven. My salvation is a gift from God. Jesus you paid for my salvation with your life on Calvary. Your grace is free and your mercy is endless. I ask for your forgiveness of my sins and I seek your guidance in my life. Help me share your love with the world.
  3. How might you share this good news with others who need to hear it today?
    • I can share Jesus with others through my actions and through my voice. I can be kind to others. Kindness is free and easily done with a few seconds of your time or with a lot of your time. We each have daily opportunities to share goodness or create barriers. We have the ability to change lives simply by using our senses;
      • Make eye contact with someone; you might just remind them that they are seen.
      • Smile at someone; you might just make their day.
      • Open a door or hold a door for someone; practice kindness it just may be contagious.
      • Listen, be attentive when someone speaks to you; who knows you may be the only person who does.
      • Extend you hand in friendship or provide shoulder support when opportunities arise; it may be that your touch has healing qualities.

Thank you for stopping by today. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday and a new week filled with wonder and blessings. The song below was a favorite of mine growing up in a small country church. I pray it blesses you today.

Photo Credit: Me
The Church I Grew Up In
Yeddo, IN

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/