-
Holy Week – Monday – Fruit and Temples
Easter is not a day – it is a season and a way of life. It’s being intentional about choosing to see Jesus in every moment of your life and not only imagining walking with Him, but actually living in a vibrant and personal relationship with Him. During this passion week put yourself in the moments of each day by visualizing yourself being right there, with Jesus. What would you do? What would you say? How would you feel? Make it personal. The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any…
-
Passion Week Begins
“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The word hosanna comes from a Hebrew word meaning “save now” or “save us, we pray.” The crowd’s use of this word at the triumphal entry was significant—especially as they waved palm branches. By saying “hosanna” as Jesus passed through the gates of Jerusalem and referring to David and David’s kingdom, the Jews were acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah. Their shouts of “hosanna in the highest” indicated the hope that their Messiah had finally come to set up God’s kingdom then and there. Today begins my most favorite time of year, Holy…
-
Jesus teaches about Worry
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34 Worry means to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts. It’s a fear of the unknown and is a tool of the enemy used to tempt us…
-
Cardboard Testimonies
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11 Part of the Easter service at the church I attend will include cardboard testimonies. People volunteer to be transparent and vulnerable as they share their testimony with a few short words written on a piece of cardboard. One side tells where they were before Jesus and the other side is where they are now with Jesus. When I shared the invitation with my granddaughters and explained about testimonies, they both wanted to participate. I asked them what they…
-
A Beautiful Reflection of You
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 This week at the Grief Share group I was able to witness several people reflecting the love of Christ. These same people only months before were new to the class, broken and grieving. To see their transformation has indeed been a beautiful thing. One woman held the hand of a young girl as she cried. Patiently she listened and lovingly she spoke words of encouragement. Another gentleman spent a few minutes after class welcoming a new man who was there for the first time. He too listened as…
-
Speak to Me….Word of God
I am blessed because I have believed that the Lord would fulfill what He has spoken to me. Luke 1:45 Several months ago a friend of mine was going through an extremely dangerous reaction to drugs that he had taken. They caused him to hallucinate and do things he would never have done in his right mind. When I heard about his situation I began praying and praying. Then the Lord gave me a verse to pray over my friend which has become a lifeline and promise to hold on to and to trust in. Psalm 40: 1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted…
-
A Heart Felt Reminder
As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I’d choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it’s better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you…
-
You always fit in with Jesus
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 Several years ago I was on vacation with my husband and a large group of people. Throughout the week we reconnected with old friends and got to know new friends. This group was a rowdy group and spent most of the trip in the swimming pool drinking. I had my share of drinks, but didn’t want to spend my entire trip in the pool so I often found other activities to participate in. One day a lady in the group said she didn’t understand how I fit in with the group. I took…
-
I’ve Got You
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 See that girl in the picture, she’s afraid of heights, and is often clumsy, but has an adventurous heart. The day I stepped foot on that obstacle course I said to myself, “what have you gotten yourself into?” Thankfully my 10-year-old niece was right behind me so I didn’t have the option of changing my mind and missing out on an incredible adventure. Many times while on the course the steps you needed to take would move, sway and bounce.…
-
Simple Solution
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 A few days ago I returned from a vacation with wide open spaces, beautiful tropic views, large windows in my room and plenty of fresh air. It was glorious! On my first morning back home I was in my cute little loft/office/guest room/prayer room. This room also has a fun nautical theme including a picture that looks like you are looking out the window at the beach. Each morning from my usual corner of the futon I read my, “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus,” sign, but have no actual windows to…