Saturday, March 14th, 2020

The photo word for today is RIPE.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

• fully grown and developed

• mature

• having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment

Today’s word seemed difficult for me to grasp at first. The first and only thoughts that came to mind regarding, “ripe” was food items that have grown and are ready to be harvested. So I did what I typically do for inspiration, I googled images of RIPE. That’s where I got the idea of pictures of fall with leaves turning for the end of the growing cycle. Trees and leaves entering the final stage of their growth pattern and preparing for shedding, hibernation and renewal.

I still wasn’t completely satisfied so I continued my search and found a correlation that made sense to me. I hope you see the connection as well. The Bible offers many verses that speak about bearing fruit, being fruitful, being know by our fruits, and that one reaps, what is sewn I found a helpful article at: https://pcg.church/articles/2188/how-ripe-is-your-fruit

We read the words of Jesus in the verses below:

Matthew 7:16-20

“You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

John 15:8

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

The Apostle Paul shares these words with us:

Galatians 6:7-9

“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”

Galatians 5:22-23

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”

Right now is our time to become ripe and mature, just as fruit does so we can be the individuals God created us to be. Each day, moment by moment we are to be learning, growing and maturing. We are meant to ripen!

Matthew 7:16-20

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns,
or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree
bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree
bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth
not forth good fruit
is hewn down, and cast
into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits
ye shall know them.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

https://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/tag/matthew-716-20/

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

https://pcg.church/articles/2188/how-ripe-is-your-fruit

https://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/tag/matthew-716-20/

Friday, March 13th, 2020

Hello Friends around the world! Wishing you a beautiful Friday!

Exodus 16:13-15,21

“In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.”

thetorah.com

Trusting in God’s faithfulness(?). Since the beginning, humans have doubted the faithfulness of God. Starting in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve did not trust God, they did not follow his instructions. Then, here in Exodus, the Israelites did not trust God to provide for them. They complained and failed to follow His instructions regarding food. They stored up food even though they were instructed not to and it became spoiled and foul. They did not trust that God would continue to provide (food) quail in the evening and frosted flakes in the morning.

Please understand that I am not placing myself or others in the world above the actions of the Israelites. Just in the past few days I’ve seen people displaying actions that speaks volumes of not trusting God regarding the COVID 19. People are emptying shelves of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other disinfectants…hoarding items and making them unavailable for individuals who actually need them. Turning things into a PANIC will in not way help the situation. Listen to the instructions of the medical professionals. The best thing you can do, if possible is limit your interactions with others, most importantly WASH your hands frequently. Avoid body contact and respect personal space. If you feel sick, stay HOME, if you experience symptoms call your doctor or your local health department…DO NOT GO TO A CLINIC OR DOCTORS OFFICE, if you do have the virus you will be putting others at risk. Use common sense! Be proactive and self-isolation or self-quarantine if you think you have the virus or been exposed, this will help to protect yourself and others. STAY CALM. BE RATIONAL. Listen and follow instructions.

Practice:

• Thank God for three things you have enough of.

• Consider three things you have in abundance and give them away.

Numbers 6:24-26

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-double-quail-narratives-and-bekhor-shors-innovative-reading

Friday, March 13th, 2020

Hello dear friends!

Today, the photo word is WORK!

Mercian-Webster Dictionary: WORK

• to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary

• to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations

• to exert oneself physically or mentally especially in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity

Most people work out of necessity, while others work for the enjoyment. Some work to live and others live to work. It can be a never ending cycle of life. I can say with certainty that I enjoy my job. I find much of it rewarding and fulfilling. Sure there’s things that are challenging but what isn’t? I have been blessed through the jobs I have had in my life. I’ve had a couple of career changes through the years but a common factor has always been to help others in some capacity. I thank God for the opportunities afforded to me and the experiences. I have never made a lot of money and yet God has always provided. I currently work with individuals that are more than coworkers, some are friends, others are like family. We share life stories and share in one another’s joys and sorrows.

Romans 12:11, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

I hope you find joy in whatever you do, whether you work to live or live to work!

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

https://www.womansday.com/life/g30618770/bible-verses-hard-work/

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

The scripture for today is Exodus 16:3

Exodus Chapter 16 has been titled, “Bread from Heaven,” but the verse we are looking at today reflects what happened in chapter 15 and before the verses where God provides bread. At this point in the scriptures, the Israelites had left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. They crossed on dry land by the power of God separating the water as Moses extended his staff and outstretched his hands over the waters.

~Exodus 14:15-16~

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground.”

~Exodus 14:29-31~

“But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”

~Exodus 15:22-24~

“Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”

REMEMBER, the Israelites had forgotten the joy they shared and expressed to the Lord for their deliverance from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Three days into the journey into the wilderness they had forgotten again as they complained about nothing to drink. The Israelites had chosen to remember food in their belly’s but had forgotten to remember how they were beaten down and had forced labor put upon them. They were now free but wished to be slaves once again because at least their belly’s would be filled. They thought they were complaining about and to Moses and Aaron but in reality it was God they were complaining about. Moses and Aaron were listening to the voice of God and following His instructions.

I am not pointing fingers, it’s easier to theorize and dissect the actions of the Israelites given our vantage point. I do not believe the lesson to be learned here is to place blame on the Israelites, no I believe the lesson is to “Trust God.” God had a plan for the Israelites just as He has plans for you and I. God loves all His children and wants only the very best for us all. None of us are in a position of authority to cast blame or judgment. Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

One thing that I have noticed in my own life is that when life gets tough, fear sets in and I start thinking/romanticize about the past and how things were different. They were not necessarily better but I choose to only remember the positives. Our past is there to remind us that we have moved forward. The mistakes we made were lessons to improve our future. Trust God because He is always there for you. Our emotions are not always the most reliable, stable or accurate. Do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and DO NOT RELY ON YOUR OWN INSIGHT. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Practice:

• How is your hunger in the present keeping you from remembering the pain in the past?

• What freedom do you hope to have in six months?

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

SEEK…SEEK…SEEK…The word for today is Seek!

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Dear friend, family and followed, my apologies for the lateness of this post. I hope you are having a delightful Wednesday! 🌻

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

Here it is, the middle of the week, on this “hump-day” we are continuing to read, learn and share “REMEMBER.” As I was reading my devotional pamphlet today I was reminded that some memories seem to fade into obscurity while others are as visible as road signs or pictures on a wall.

Rev. Sam McGlothlin recalls giving birth and stating that those were the toughest days of her life. A newborn can make you very tired and even scared because you are all of a sudden responsible for another person that relies solely upon you for everything. Jump forward ten months, no longer a newborn and days are filled with new adventures, naps and playful interactions. Rev. Sam, scarcely remembers being tired to the point of exhaustion and her fears have lessened as she cares for her child knowing God is always with her. *I am not a parent, but from a child’s perspective “a parent never stops praying for their children and never stops worrying for their safety.”

This Lenten season we continue traveling through the wilderness, we may read the same verses and the same material but we serve a Might God that sees us as individuals and meets each of us exactly where we are. AMAZING!! The mind is very powerful, so powerful it works to protect us from memories that are extremely painful. In instances of trauma, please seek professional assistance. Healing is possibly, it can be tough and difficult work but I promise you it is worth it. Because, YOU ARE WORTH IT!

I too have experienced some tough times, and overwhelming grief, the body and the soul need healing, no different than allowing a broken arm to heal. Many of you know my mother passed away unexpectedly in 2012, I was devastated. I don’t recall how I made it through or when the grief changed but it did. I still think of her everyday and miss her but I remember how she laughed, how my face feels when she comes to mind, a smile 😊 I think she would approve. Relationships can also be tough, I haven’t been able to make one work…yet. I’ve experienced three distinctive and unique relationships over the past three decades and they didn’t work out for a multitude of reasons. There’s enough fault to pass around but ultimately, being friends was a better fit. I’m thankful for their friendships, it’s easy to remember the good stuff. I haven’t given up on romance but I’m also not rushing into it either. I’m trusting in God’s plan and His timing, it’s proven to be better than mine!

With regards to trauma, I’m sharing mine and what I chose to do. I had snippets of memories of things that happened in my childhood they were fuzzy memories, confusing and bothersome at times. I pushed it aside for many, many years. I experienced shame, fear and humiliation all of which were self-induced. I held onto all these things and just kept moving them around in my head, much like a pinball machine. After awhile it was a natural reflex to click the paddle and just keep the ball rolling. It wasn’t until I was able to be still with my thoughts, that I tried to untangle the mess created by the perpetual movement of memories in my head. Over time and through conversations and sessions with a professional I was able to unravel enough of the memories to realize, I was a child. I had been judging myself for something I did not do and I had no control over. In the end, it was not the action done to me that needed conviction or clarity, it was the healing of my own self-inflicted renegade judgment I never deserved. It was not an easy process but it’s not the hard part that I remember, it’s the healing that took place. The HEALING that took place, is what I REMEMBER!

Practice: BE STILL

• When you are still, what former things come to mind?

• Ask God to help you lay down what needs to be left in the past and rejoice in the present.

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

SPRING! SPRING! SPRING! That’s the photo word for today.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” ~Psalm 46:10

I’ve added a poem I wrote many years ago and it was published in a poetry.com book called, “Woven Magic-The International Library of Poetry.” My life has take many twists and turns since writing this poem. I’ve experienced overwhelming joy and unspeakable grief and it still hold truths. Seasons come and go, there’s a cycle to things in life: Winter before Spring, Healing always comes after Hurting; although we may not always understand the healing process. I read a fellow bloggers post today that reminded that in this hurried world we must remember to be still, listen to God’s voice in our lives. *https://brideofchrist.blog/2020/03/10/being-still/

Seasons

The rush of adrenalin
causing the rapid pounding,
will the pressure be contained?

The theory of spontaneous combustion,
results of cause and effect,
does the end serve the means?

January will always follow December,
Winter will always proceed spring,
life begins; the ending is death.

Action reaps reactions,
for every yes, there will be a no,
the skies that hold stars also have clouds.

Renewal can only be gained after the rain,
growth is enhanced by the sun,
sounds of nature will deliver peace.

Endure the rain!
Appreciate the sun!
Accept the nature!

-Charlotte Ann Robinson©️

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Tuesday, March 10th, 2020

Psalm 71 written by King David is a Prayer for Longlife Protection and Help.

Psalm 71:22

“I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.”

During this week of Lent I’m sharing with you “Remember.” From a pamphlet written by Rev. Sam McGothlin called “The Sanctuary for Lent 2020.”

We have discussed 2 of the 7 R’s of Lent, Repent and Recover. Let’s continue our journey through the wildness as we talk about “REMEMBER” today. In the scripture today David is praising God, not just with his voice and prayers but through his musical abilities by playing on his harp and lyre.

Are there specific ways you praise God?

As we journey through Lent and Life, take a look back on some of your adventures or seasons, are there moments you remember vividly? Just as the seasons change from winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to fall, and fall into winter. Our lives cycle in very similar ways. Here’s a quote about change,

“Everything changes but change itself. Everything flows and nothing remains the same…You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters and yet others go flowing ever on.”
Heraclitus

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

No matter the circumstances of our lives we are assured that God never changes. He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow He remains unchanged. His love endures. Sure, life is hard sometimes or maybe even a lot of the time, but never fear God will never leave you, He’s always with you. We may not always understand or know why we travel through the wilderness, especially when we are in the thicket, press-on and praise God for His faithfulness, just as David did. Stay on the journey, thanking God for the strength of the day and the hope for tomorrow.

If you need to lament, do so! I love what Rev. McGlothin says, “Tears do not equal a lack of faith…we can be angry and understanding; grieving and grateful.” David reminds us of the wide range of God-given emotions, we are meant to use them. Lent can bring us to our knees and we often weep and praise God while we are on our knees.

Practice: Read aloud or listen to “How Great Thou Art”

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Tuesday, March 10th, 2020

The photo word for today is DRINK.

Yesterday was a long day for me, I needed lots of coffee. Coffee and diet soda sustain me on my work days. My life source is from Jesus. The weekly gathering at the communion table reminds me that Jesus paid the price for my sins and for the sins of every person ever born or will be born. It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we can be forgiven of all our sins and have eternal life, salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. We are cleansed and Jesus bridges the gap between mankind and God because mankind’s sin separated them.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

“For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human.”

1 Timothy 2:5

“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.”

1 Peter 3:18

“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

Monday, March 9th, 2020

Today’s scripture is John 21:17, “He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Do you remember when you first fell in love with Jesus? I read the devotional for today and my first thought was…I just wrote about this yesterday! Honestly, I had not looked ahead in my devotional book! It is wonderful how the Holy Spirit works within our lives. It’s truly miraculous. I had another interesting thing happened to me today as I unlocked the door to my home after work yesterday, I had a question just pop up in my mind, “why did you stop pursing your dream?” The dream is not something I want to write about today but hopefully soon. I do believe this was the Holy Spirit communicating with me again.

Life can get you down sometimes, for a variety of reason and when we do, we just get into “auto-mode” going through the motions. Alive but not truly living. It is at these moments we must remember!

• Remember falling in love with Jesus

• Remember the first time you fell in love

• Remember your first date

• Remember your first kiss

• Remember buying your first car

• Remember your first home

Remember and smile, thanking God for loving you💗🙏🏻

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

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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