2018 Lent day 4 – 2/17 -riding the donkey

Lent Week One

We have created a facebook group to follow and discuss, please join! – 40 days of Lent!

Lent Day 4 – donkey!

King of Kings (Majesty) by Jared Cooper
King of Kings (He’s Wonder) – CeCe Winans

I think everyone knows the childrens Bible song –

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Glory – Hallelujah 2x
Jesus, Prince of Peace, Glory, Hallelujah – 2x

I could not find an official youtube video – so, for this one, you are on your own!

These songs probably give away the focus on the donkey!

WHY A DONKEY???
quoted from Got Questions – why would a King ride a donkey:

In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace. First Kings 1:33 mentions Solomon riding a donkey on the day he was recognized as the new king of Israel. Other instances of leaders riding donkeys are Judges 5:10; 10:4; 12:14; and 2 Samuel 16:2.
The mention of a donkey in Zechariah 9:9-10 fits the description of a king who would be “righteous and having salvation, gentle.” Rather than riding to conquer, this king would enter in peace.

Jesus did NOT come as a ruling King, but as Prince of Peace – to pay the price to set HIS people free, so that WE could enter in to HIS Kingdom!

Scripture:

Luke 19:28-35 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Triumphal Entry
28 When He had said these things, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 As He approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of the disciples
30 and said, “Go into the village ahead of you. As you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.
31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32 So those who were sent left and found it just as He had told them. 33 As they were untying the young donkey, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the donkey?”
34 “The Lord needs it,” they said.
35 Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their robes on the donkey, they helped Jesus get on it.

Matthew gives us a bit of an explaination:

Matthew 21:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
5 Tell Daughter Zion,
“Look, your King is coming to you,
gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
even on a colt,
the foal of a beast of burden.”[a]

Remember that Jesus had said that he had nothing…foxes have dens but I have no where to lie my head.
But when he was in need of something – it was provided! Without question! Notice that they were told “if you are asked, just say ‘The Lord needs it’ and they will give it to you.” That is exactly how it happened!

I am so thankful for the explanation that Jesus was on a donkey BECAUSE he was a KING coming in PEACE. This was the KING’S triumphal entry. We’ll discuss more of the triumphal entry on Lent day 5(the Monday after Lenten Sunday 1)

He came IN PEACE – not as a warrior.

John 14:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Jesus’ Gift of Peace
27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

Prince of Peace is WHO HE is – and we can look back to the great Christmas verse to see of what kind of King he was going to come:

Isaiah 9:6-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.

Christmas is the beginning of the Resurrection Sunday story! He has always been King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but his Kingdom had no citizens – until HE came down, lived as a man, and died as GOD on our behalf – Psalm 68:18 talks about him ascending and taking captives with him. I’m not sure of the theology here, but I think that these captives were the ones that were waiting in Abraham’s bosom for Jesus to come and pay the price – and when he ascended – the work was done, and they were ushered into the presence of GOD!

He is our PEACE – Ephesians 2:14 is talking about reconciling two people groups – but even more so, Christ reconciled us – tore down the dividing wall between US and our HOLY GOD!
He preached Peace to US! Ephesians 2:17

I wrote about Peace in Advent #17. He gives us PEACE because HE IS PEACE!

Our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, entered into the city, knowing that HE was going to purchase OUR Peace with God by dying on a cross. That is worth praising Him for!
 

Let’s worship:
Your are Holy (Prince of Peace )- Michael W Smith
Lord of Lords – Hillsong
King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Don Moen

 
I want these to be family activities – therefore, I am going to attempt to give links to free coloring pages. Bible Kinds Fun Zone has a set of Palm Sunday color pages, with a cute donkey! Free to print for your family!

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Itty Bitty Bible Study – Jonah – Chapter 4 and summary

My thoughts for the Itty Bitty Bible Study group on Facebook. (join if you’d like to get these in fb!) The conversation ends February 17th.

Jonah 4

 

Let’s take a look at Jonah – now that God has delivered the repentant Ninevites!

Jonah 4:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4: 1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious. 2 He prayed to the Lord: “Please, Lord, isn’t this what I said while I was still in my own country? That’s why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place. I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to become angry, rich in faithful love, and One who relents from sending disaster. 3 And now, Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 The Lord asked, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Why is Jonah mad at God?
because he’s merciful,
compassionate,
slow to anger,
rich in faithful love,
relents from sending disaster?

Or is it because he’s embarrassed?

I read several things about Jonah. One was that his parents were killed by Ninevites. I don’t know about that.
The basic temperature of the Jewish people was that they wanted revenge on the Ninevites!
And, if you want revenge, you won’t appreciate mercy!

I was asked by someone recently if I had forgiven my abuser.
I said yes.
I was then asked, do you want them in heaven?
I said – YES…that’s the fullness of forgiveness! That’s forgiving as Christ forgave!
She was one that had been abused.
She confessed that she had no desire to pray for her abuser to be in heaven.
She also confessed that I had changed her opinion, or at least, made her think about it.

Let’s look at that.
What was I when Jesus died on the cross?
wicked, horrible ungodly sinner that had no desire to honor God in my heart.

What was I before Jesus came to die on the cross?
same

What was I before I asked Jesus into my heart?
same

Is my sin so much worse than that of my abuser?
I don’t think so.
And, there is a very convicting verse, at least, it’s convicting for me:
Matthew 6:15
No matter what version you read this in, the message is the same. If you want forgiveness – you have to forgive!

The Lord’s prayer says forgive us our trespasses AS WE FORGIVE those that trespass against us! well, that as word….I want to have as much forgiveness as is possible…and therefore, I do not want to withhold any from anyone.

And yet, I do.
my husband – sometimes.
my friends – sometimes.
myself – many many, many times…but I’m not sure how that fits in here.

Jonah did not like that God forgave…and I wonder if Jonah had forgiven.
If it was embarrassment, that, itself, would be an issue that would need to be reflected upon!

Next, Jonah goes off in a huff.

Jonah 4:5-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 Jonah left the city and sat down east of it. He made himself a shelter there and sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city.
6 Then the Lord God appointed a plant, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort. Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant.
7 When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, and it withered.

8 As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down so much on Jonah’s head that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “It’s better for me to die than to live.”

9 Then God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“Yes,” he replied. “It is right. I’m angry enough to die!”

Even as Jonah is off in a huff…God is gracious enough to provide Jonah shelter as he waits to see if something is going to happen to the city. Jonah is pleased with the plant. There is no mention of appreciation given, just being pleased.

The next morning, God sends a worm…that attacks the plant. He follows that with scorching heat. Now, Jonah blames God! Jonah wishes for his own death. BECAUSE OF A TREE? A WORM? A HOT SUN? No – I believe this goes back to his whole image of himself as a prophet of God.

What is the source of embarrassment? Pride.

1 John 2:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

In his embarrassment, he doesn’t even realize that he is railing AGAINST GOD!

I know…I’ve been there.
My story –
We left me just having gotten discharged – and the question is, what did I do about my disobedience? I stayed in San Diego, of course! I moved in with two sailors, took care of their house and meals, and hosted the dungeons and dragon meets on weekends with them. I tried to get a job – anywhere. I even fell in love with my orthodox Jewish roommate, much to the dismay of the other roommate that was in love with me. I kept kosher for him! I was declared the best Jewish wife material, but his marriage to another had been arranged. (If anyone is wondering, no, I did not sleep with either of them…but that didn’t mean that I was walking in holiness. Nor that I was pure. It was very complicated!)

Where was my repentance? Where was my turning? Where was my obedience to God? Sorely lacking, I’m afraid. In fact, the reason that I finally got a train ticket back home to Ohio was because the Jewish man said that he could not marry me. I made that decision in anger and pain, again, not in repentance.

I railed at God that He did not give me a job in San Diego!
I railed at God that He did not allow me to marry this Jewish man that I thought I loved.
I railed at God that He would not let me stay in San Diego!

I was embarrassed to go back to Ohio and tell everyone that I had disobeyed God, and joined the Navy, lost a scholarship, and, since one of my aunts told me that if nothing else, I should at least find a sailor to marry or not come back…I mess that up, as well.

I didn’t focus on the fact that God had done exactly as I had asked him! He allowed them to confirm something was wrong, but to not do surgery.
Once I got back to Ohio, with some therapy and chiropractic care, I was able to function in a recreation position. I didn’t think to thank God for that.
I’ve struggled for years about the whole veteran position, and whether I should apply for benefits.
It didn’t take me too long to start giving God the praise for my healing, but, it took me years to let go of the dream of being in the Navy.

I found out years later why God protected me from being into the Navy in 1979-1985. I was told by a recruiter that well over 75% of the women that went on the first ocean going ships came down pregnant, whether they wanted to or not. Read that however you will. God protected me. God answered me. God loved me enough to not let me continue down the path towards my destruction.

Jonah – God’s still trying to get a handle on his heart!

Jonah 4:10-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 So the Lord said, “You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night.
11 Should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?”

ZING!!!

Jonah cared more about the plant than he did about the salvation and deliverance of Nineveh.

There are so many people groups that do not have the gospel…and there are so many people that possibly live just down the road from you, or on your way to work, or at work, or downtown in your town homeless, that do not have the gospel.

Some people talk about first world problems.
When I don’t have the filtered cold water to drink, I have to remind myself that there are those in the world that do not have filtered water…some that don’t even have unfiltered water!
When I complain about being tossed around between doctors to figure out what is going on with my health, I need to remember that there are those that don’t have the opportunity to go to ONE doctor!
When I don’t like the food in my refrigerator because I don’t feel like Aidell’s chicken sausage today, I need to remember that there are those that are scrounging around garbage dumps, looking for a morsel to eat.

I don’t want to be like Jonah…but I can’t judge him too harshly.

One thing that troubles me is this…Jonah is left as a cliff hanger.
We don’t know if he changed his tune, if he turned on God, or even, did he take his own life?

What we do know is this. If you are reading this, you are alive. Time’s not up for you!
YOU can turn your heart towards God, and ask him to give you a soft heart towards others, and a strong heart towards HIM. Don’t wait until you end up inside a fish…or a navy infirmary!

 

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent day 3 – 2/24/2023

Lent Week One

We have a facebook group set up to follow and discuss – 40 days of Lent!

Lent Day 3 – What can I give?

What Can I give Him? a sweet version!
Broken and Poured out – Steve Green

Scripture
The Story of “Mary” needs to be seen from all four gospels in my opinion.

From freebibleimages

John

John 12:1-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Anointing at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil—pure and expensive nard—anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
(snip)
7 Jesus answered, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of My burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

Mark

Mark 14:8-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 She has done what she could; she has anointed My body in advance for burial. 9 I assure you: Wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Luke

Luke 7:36-50 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Much Forgiveness, Much Love
36 Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil
38 and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil.

Then, the heart of the pharisee is exposed!

39 When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!”
40 Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
“Teacher,” he said, “say it.”
41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.”
“You have judged correctly,” He told him.
44 Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair.
45 You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in.
46 You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil.
47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

This one is a little different – pouring the oil on his head…and it’s not at the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus…though, it is at the house of Simon…one who had a serious skin issue…is this the same Simon that Luke tells us is the pharisee that has an issue with her gift?
Matthew

Matthew 26:6-13

Devotion:
1. FORGIVEN! Whether this is two women, or both Mary – the woman was a sinner. Even more important, she was a forgiven sinner!
Jesus talks about how much does one love? Gratitude depends on the value placed upon the gift. Outwardly, this woman was a prostitute, a very outward sinner. Some say this could be Mary Magdalene…I don’t know. That’s not the point of my devotion. Inwardly, she was an adoring follower, and that love demanded action!

2. The cost – Luke 14:25-35, Luke 18 – the rich young ruler, Phil 3:7-8 – Paul.
Jesus tells us to count the cost…to give everything. This woman gave probably her most expensive possession.  I think perfumed oil is probably a tool of the trade of a prostitute.(Proverbs 7:17). This woman gave up her livelihood to anoint Jesus in appreciation for what HE had done for her!
This could also be a statement that she was never going to go back into that business again…a statement of a life change. Not easy for a woman in Jesus’ day that has no other options! She gave it ALL!

I’ve been asked “should we tithe now, or is that old testament?” My response?
“Oh, no, we don’t tithe 10%, because yes, that is Old Testament. Now, we have to give 100%! Now we know it’s ALL His!
I thought this verse fit here very nicely!

1 John 2:15-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
A Warning about the World
15 Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For everything that belongs to the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world.

3. Humility and Gratitude.
This woman, known to be a prostitute and used to haveing control over the men, humbles herself before Jesus, not only uses her expensive perfume, but BREAKS the alabaster jar that contains it. She is so intent on showing her gratitude to Jesus, she can’t even wait for the oil to run out! Is she aware of those around her making comments? OF COURSE! She is used to being ridiculed in public (possibly by the very same ones that came to her in secret). She doesn’t care. She just wants to be at Jesus’ feet, and thank Him, and give him all that she has.
Remember that Jesus showed humility by washing the feet of the disciples in the Upper Room. This is the position of a servant, who is considered less than human. This woman, in her gratitude, put herself in this HUMBLE position.

I am drawn to all the women named Mary, because my first name is Mary. One thing that I have drawn from all of them is to say YES to no matter what God calls you to do, no matter how much it costs, and no matter how others respond.

  1. What does this devotion speak to you? Are you a sinner and need to come to Christ? Wiki How gives a very clear understanding of How to Accept Jesus.

2. Are there possessions in your life that are more important than Jesus? I don’t think that Jesus was saying that everyone has to sell all that they have to come follow him, when he spoke to the Rich Young Ruler(Luke 18) – he could see his heart. What is in YOUR heart? Matthew 10:37-39

3. How can you show Jesus Gratitude for all HE has done for you? here’s an idea:

And, here’s a sweet song….
Broken Beautiful by Ellie Holcomb

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent Day 2 – 2/15/2018 Zacchaeus and Children

Lent Week One

We have created a facebook group to follow and discuss, please join! – 40 days of Lent!

Lent Day 2 – How to come to Jesus!

Do you remember the song Zacchaeus was a wee little man?

Pass Me not, O Gentle Savior – Don Moen
Open my eyes Lord, I want to see Jesus – Phil Driscoll
Open My eyes Lord – I want to see You. – Michael W. Smith

Zacchaeus and the Children.

Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Jesus Visits Zacchaeus
19 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. 4 So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today I must stay at your house.”
6 So he quickly came down and welcomed Him joyfully.

The Little Children

Luke 18:15-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Blessing the Children
15 Some people were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

I see a very similar theme in these two stories.
Zacchaeus was too small to see Jesus, so he climbed a tree.
The children were too small to go up to Jesus, so their parents brought them.
JESUS WELCOMED BOTH!

In a way, I can see Zacc as a child, climbing a tree! His innocent desire to SEE Jesus – and that heart is what JESUS saw!
Not what the others saw!
I konw that the parents were probably wanting Jesus to bless the children, but I think the children must have wanted to see Jesus also. Or he would not have stated that we need to come to him as a little child.

When Jesus went to Zacc’s house, those religious folk said “he’s gone to the house of a sinner!”(Luke 19:7)
We know that Jesus let them know elsewhere that he didn’t come for the well, but for the sick! (Mark 2:17)

Zacc’s response to Jesus coming to his house was this:

Luke 19:7-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to lodge with a sinful man!”
8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give[a] half of my possessions to the poor, Lord! And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay[b] back four times as much!”
9 “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham.

Jesus’s response was SALVATION!!!

In Matthew 19, we are told that Jesus said this about the children and heaven!

14 Then Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this.”

In Mark 10, we see Jesus show love to the children!

16 After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them.

I think that Jesus speaking to Zacchaeus, while he was in the tree, and then going to his house was just as wonderful to Zacc as being welcomed onto the lap of Jesus, and prayed over.

In the beginning of the book In His Steps, the church is confronted with a sick, homeless man. How they treat him leads them down the path to what we know as the WWJD movement. What Would Jesus Do? this book transformed my attitude about people, and helped me to see things a bit more from Jesus’s POV.

There is a movie that is NOT a reproduction of the book, but has the same premise. What Would Jesus Do.
If you are looking for something to help you reflect on your life and how to be more like Jesus, I suggest any of the WWJD movies!

Is there any people group that you are repulsed by? Or maybe just uncomfortable with? I confessed to my small group that I have trouble with Rick people. I always have. I can sit in the gutter, but I have trouble relating to those that have – a lot! I heard a quote, from Tommy Nelson, about Billy Graham’s first talk at Cambridge as a young preacher. CS Lewis came up to him and said “Don’t look at us as Cambrdge men. Look at us as sinners. We all need Christ.”

Do you have an idea of what Jesus would do in any circumstance? Do you know you have access to HIM, to ask for the wisdom, if you do not! James 1:5 Whether I know or not in the moment, I am without excuse, because God has promised to give me whatever wisdom I need at any moment!

How can we welcome others to Christ? I envision us doing it just like the children – if they do not have a reason, they welcome anyone with open arms! No judgement.

How should we come to Jesus? As a child, with all of our preconceived notions set aside, just fully engaged with HIM! And HE will inturn, welcome us with open arms!

Let’s pray! and Worship!

Jesus Loves me – great worship version by the Barrett Sisters
An Adult version of Jesus Loves me -by Chris Tomlin

How to become a Child of God:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation
 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 – Lent day 1 – Or Ash Wednesday

Lent Week One

facebook to follow and discuss – 40 days of Lent!

Ash Wednesday – the day when many liturgical churches burn the palm fronds from last year, and mark themselves with the ashes to designate that they are committing to repent, and that by reflection to glorify Christ in their bodies.

Psalm 51 is a great psalm for repentant reflection to pray to the Father!

Create in Me a Clean Heart by Keith Green
Just as I am – Aaron Shust

Devotion:
Jesus did give his followers warning that he was going to die.

John 12:20-33 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion
20 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”

22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

24 “I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop.25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

27 “Now My soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save Me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!”

29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.

30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for Me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to Myself.” 33 He said this to signify what kind of death He was about to die.

If someone you had been with every single day for several years told you that they were going to die soon…and not just die, die a horrible death, what would you do?

Would you possibly respond as Peter did?

Matthew 16:21-23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
His Death and Resurrection Predicted
21 From then on Jesus began to point out to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.
22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “Oh no,[a] Lord! This will never happen to You!”
23 But He turned and told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns,[b] but man’s.”

I think that the only reason that Peter is the one that said something was that he was normally the one that said something…as in, open mouth before the brain is in gear! The others were probably shocked! This is their KING! He’s come to save them from the horrible Romans! Die???? There’s been a mistake!

We have the benefit of knowing that Jesus ROSE again!
We have the benefit of knowing the end of that part of the story!
And still – Jesus explained it to them, and now to us that WE ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS!

Matthew 16:24-28 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Take Up Your Cross
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.
26 What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
27 For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done.
28 I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Lent is remembering the first part of Easter…that Jesus suffered and died. FOR US. To pay the price for our sins. Jesus was born that He would die.
Ash Wednesday – or the whole concept of Lent – is that we reflect on ourselves, and our lives, and recommit to walk the walk that Christ has asked us to walk. Good Friday is coming, but so is SUNDAY! HE conquered sin and death!

1. What does Christ’s death mean to you? It means that I do not have to suffer the penalty of my sins, and that by Christ, I can enter into the Kingdom of GOD – not just when I die and go to heaven, but NOW as I pray!

2. Is there anything in your life that you know that Jesus does not like? Are you willing to lay it down on the altar? For me, it’s complaining. I need to give up whining and disputing and do all things with joy.

3. Is there anything that often comes between you and what Christ wants you to do? For me – I’ve had difficulty with turning to food for comfort rather than turning to Christ. This is something that turns into an idol by me replacing Christ with the food.

tomorrow – Zacchaeus!

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Lent Devotions – Week One

What is LENT? (a link to all of the LENT devotions)
Wikipedia has a very complete explanation for many of the Christian denominations that observe LENT.
Short and simple, it’s making oneself prepared through humility to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the Christian equivalent to Passover for the Jews.
We’ve created a face book group to follow and discuss, please join us! – 40 days of Lent!

2023 Lent dates – week one!
2/21 – Shrove Tuesday – you are on your own! Eat pancakes, do whatever!
2/22 – Ash Wednesday – the beginning of self reflection
2/27 – Orthodox Clean Monday

1 – (2/22) preaching on his upcoming death – Luke 18:31-34 (egg rocks – black cloth)
2 – (2/23) Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10; Let the Children Come – Luke 18:15-17 (egg rocks – tree branch or children photos)
3 – (2/24) Mary anoints Jesus’ feet – John 12:1-11, Mk 14:1-9 (egg rocks -small bottle of perfume)
4 – (2/25) Donkey provided – Luke 19: 28-35 (egg rocks – donkey)

(2/26) 1st Sunday of Lent – SUNDAY WORSHIP – REMEMBER THE RESURRECTION – Father forgive them – Lk 23:34

the not quite done Lenten cross

I want these to be family activities, therefore, I’m going to list a few free coloring page websites here:

 

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

The Name of the Lord! VICTORY!

THE BASE CAMP – Foundation

JESUS!

1 Corinthians 3:11 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The Name of the Lord is a strong tower….the Righteous run into it and are safe….

Proverbs 18:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are protected.

name above all names

Philippians 2:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name
that is above every name,

REFUGE

Psalm 91:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV)
91 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 32:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 You are my hiding place;
You protect me from trouble.
You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah

THE POWER IN HIS NAME

Philippians 2:10-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
of those who are in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 14:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 For it is written:
As I live, says the Lord,
every knee will bow to Me,
and every tongue will give praise to God.

Isaiah 45:23-25 ESV

THE POSITION
JESUS – raised above all principality and power

Ephesians 1:20-22 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
20 He demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens— 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church,

We are raised up IN HIM! –

Ephesians 2:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens,

EVEN WHILE WE WERE STILL DEAD IN OUR SINS!

Ephesians 2:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, 5 made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

NOW – Fellow citizens – members of the household of God

Ephesians 2:19 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
19 So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household,

AN INHERITANCE IN CHRIST….to the praise of HIS glory!

Ephesians 1:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 We have also received an inheritance[a] in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory.

Colossians 1:12 HCSB

WE ARE LOOKED UPON AS SONS…IN THE BELOVED!

Romans 8:14-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
14 All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

Galatians 4:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our[a] hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”

Ephesians 1:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will,

THE POWER
access in one Spirit to the Father…..through Jesus Christ – THAT NAME!!!!

John 14:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Ephesians 2:18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Romans 5:2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 We have also obtained access through Him by faith[a] into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Confidence…. with BOLDNESS

Ephesians 3:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 In Him we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

Hebrews 10:19-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh),

WE ARE LOOKED UPON AS JESUS BY THE FATHER!!!!
By Christ’s death, covering our sins, when the Father looks upon us, HE SEES JESUS!
We cannot do anything in ourselves:

Matthew 19:26 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Not even our good works!

Ephesians 2:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

Not even our salvation!

Ephesians 2:8-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast.

But NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GOD!
Jeremiah 32:17 & 27; Zech 8:6; Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:37 & 18:27, Mark 10:27; Numbers 11:23

So –

Romans 8:31 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
31 What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?

Psalm 118:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

FEAR NOT!

Isaiah 41:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

JESUS IS THE WHOLE PACKAGE!!!! Our refuge, our strength, stronghold,

Psalm 46:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
For the choir director. A song of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.[a]
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with its turmoil.Selah

Psalm 46:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 The Lord of Hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.Selah

THE BATTLE
Ephesians 3:10 – wisdom of God knowns to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places.

1 Peter 5:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

James 4:7-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!

ANY OTHER PRINCIPALITY AND POWER – our battle is not flesh and blood…..

Ephesians 6:12-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

WEAPONS – He’s given us weapons in Ephesions 6! Even more so –
HE FIGHTS FOR US!

The Battle Belongs to the lord!

1 Samuel 17:47 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
47 and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”
2 Chronicles 20:15

And not dependent upon US!

Zechariah 4:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.

IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
What can man do to me? Several scriptures are above…but it deserves restating!

Psalm 118:5-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 I called to the Lord in distress;
the Lord answered me
and put me in a spacious place.[a]
6 The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is my helper,
Therefore, I will look in triumph on those who hate me.

NO WEAPON can prosper against me!

Isaiah 54:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

IN CHRIST – we are given authority!

Luke 10:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Jeremiah 1:19 English Standard Version (ESV)
19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”

THE VICTORY!

Psalm 27

1 John 4:4 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Psalm 84:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
The Lord gives grace and glory;
He does not withhold the good
from those who live with integrity.
12 Happy is the person who trusts in You,
Lord of Hosts!

how?

1 John 5:4 New International Version (NIV)
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Revelation 12:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 They conquered him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not love their lives
in the face of death.

SO, YES, WE ARE IN A BATTLE! But our General has a name that is above all names! He already won! We are seated with HIM in the heavenlies, and we have access to HIM any time, any where to ask for Help!

IN CHRIST JESUS – WE ARE VICTORIOUS!
It does not matter what the evidences around us look like….

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

We can’t see Him – but WE KNOW HIM! and it’s IN HIM that we trust!

Psalm 20:7 King James Version (KJV)
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Therefore, let us walk in the victory that has been purchased for us at the cross…and look towards the celebration of the overcomers as described in Revelation 2 and 3. Because HE has won the victory, WE can overcome by the word of our testimony, and the blood of the Lamb!

Revelation 12:11 King James Version (KJV)
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Let’s worship!

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

A Day to Remember Love – a photographic journey


dedicated to my two greatest loves:

Jesus Christ – no photos please.

Jim Wildman

 

God gives me a check list for LOVE:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Love is patient and kind;
love does not envy or boast;
it is not arrogant
5 or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,
but rejoices with the truth.
7 Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
8 Love never ends.

God Inspires me to Love:

1 John 4:19 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
19 We love[a] because He first loved us.

Jesus Commands me to Love:

John 13:34-35 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

God enables me to LOVE

1 John 4:7-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Knowing God through Love
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

God Shows me how to Love:

1 John 4:9-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way:
God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
10 Love consists in this:
not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.
12 No one has ever seen God.
If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.

God led me to MY LOVE:

Song of Solomon 3:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go,

We were created for each other:

Genesis 2:23-24 King James Version (KJV)
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Jesus confirms that we have become ONE:

Matthew 19:4-6 King James Version (KJV)
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Paul Confirms we have become one.

Ephesians 5:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

 

 

 
And our marriage is to exemplify the coming marriage of Jesus and the church…..
Ephesians 5:22-32

 

Jesus is creating HIS bride!

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her with the washing of water by the word. 27 He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.

 

 

And, we are preparing for the GREAT WEDDING FEAST!

Revelation 19:7-8 King James Version (KJV)
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

 

I am so thankful that My Husband loves Jesus as much as I do.

I am so thankful that we will spend eternity together, celebrating the marriage supper of the Lamb!

Jim Wildman – it’s been a wild ride…but I’m so thankful it’s been with YOU! I Love YOU!
wrinkles, warts, scabs and scars….and all things that are beautiful, too!

 

Here’s some of our wedding and love songs:

AND

AND

I prefer Jim Wildman singing this! 😉

This version of Longer with scriptures added is very worshipful!

Maranatha kids – 1 John 4:7-8

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission. The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.
Some artwork is from FreeClipArt Library. copyrights belong to them.

I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Lenten Candle Cross ideas, instructions

I had the idea to create a Lenten Cross, based on my Advent Log from my Advent Devotionals.

Christmas on the Advent Log

It starts with darkness, then each candle leads up to the Light that comes into the World on Christmas Morning.

In the reverse, the Lenten Cross starts with the Light that was in the world, and goes slowly dark, towards Good Friday, when Jesus hung on the cross.

First, I designed it – based on 4.5 inch boards.  There were various upgrades along the way.


My husband cut the boards (multiple times, because of his patience with me) and drilled the candle votive spaces. I did a vinegar/steelwool wash to distress the wood.

I did a little bit of research on burial herbs and oils, and came up with cedarwood and balsam wood – and Yankee Candle has a very nice smelling votive! Cinnamon could also be used.

I wanted to keep the candles separate from the board, and I found a company that makes votive glass on Amazon. You can find whatever you like! You just need to make sure that the spots are cut to the correct dimension!

I realize that not everyone has a handy husband, or their own woodworking skill or tools, so, here is another idea. Buy some votive candles – these are ones I have around the house – and place them in a cross shape.

Here are two other ideas for votive holders, from canning jars you can purchase many places, but there are large selections at craft stores!

These are the blue 8oz mason jars. I purchased these at Walmart.


These are 4 ounce – I think I found these at World Market, though I think I’ve seen them at Hobby Lobby.


Other thoughts I’ve had…red candles for the hands and feet.
I have some heart shaped, battery powered, red, led lights from Valentines day – I may wrap them around the cross for Good Friday.

Whatever you choose to do – do what helps you, and your family, reflect on the last days of Jesus’s life here on earth, and why He went to the cross for us!

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Itty Bitty Bible Study – Jonah 3

My thoughts for the Itty Bitty Bible Study group on Facebook. (join if you’d like to get these in fb!) The conversation started Monday, February 5th.

Jonah 3

YET 40 DAYS AND NINIVEH SHALL BE OVERTHROWN!

 

NLT says DESTROYED
CSV says DEMOLISHED

I admit that I don’t know greek or hebrew, therefore I rely on Strongs, Vines or other references.
The BlueLetterBible has this to say about this word:

hâphak, haw-fak’; a primitive root; to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert:—× become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way).

There’s one word here that gets my attention…RETURN…and BLB’s Bible usage shows this:

to turn, overthrow, overturn

(Qal)

to overturn, overthrow
to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around
to change, transform

(Niphal)
to turn oneself, turn, turn back
to change oneself
to be perverse
to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against
to be reversed
to be overturned, be overthrown
to be upturned

(Hithpael)

to transform oneself
to turn this way and that, turn every way

I can’t help but see those as words that could, in English, be used for repentance!

Jonah3:5
5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.

To me, this is one of the greatest evidences that it is NEVER too late to repent and turn to GOD! GOD HAD PRONOUNCED JUDGEMENT! and He heard their cry! Isn’t that exciting???!!!

EVEN THE KING REPENTED! There’s hope for the government leadership of any country!

Jonah 3:6-9
6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”

Jonah 3:10
10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

Oh Thank God for being a merciful God!
Here, I’m going to compare myself to the Ninevites…I have never been that sinful…so, that helps me to know that NO MATTER HOW BADLY one is going the wrong way – GOD WILL HEAR THE PRAYER OF REPENTANCE!

My story –
While I was in the hospital, I attended church. I have no idea why, as I look back, other than God was keeping my heart warm…I was keeping it lukewarm! Friends would come and take me to church and I can see the little chapel that help the church services in my mind’s eye. I don’t remember if I spent time in the word…I’m sure that would have brought about much needed repentance, but, I just don’t remember it. In fact, I have not much memory of what transpired during those times in the hospital.

In the Psych Ward, I was the only female, dressed in men’s PJ’s with nothing on under (so I could not harm myself with my undergarments, I think). I know I talked about Jesus, and I’m appalled now as to what kind of witness I was(not). I know that there were times that I was talking about Jesus, I believed in Him, still, and I considered myself a follower of Christ. I believed I was good enough, I suppose. I had not turned my heart back to the Lord yet. I had not chosen to obey. My life had been changed from being a sailor to being a civilian. Even so, in the face of this ‘judgement’ or consequence upon my life, I did not repent, or turn around. I just accepted this discharge from God’s hand as inevitable.

There is a principle that repentance brings about evidences.  There was no evidence of repentance in my life. I am saddened when I look back upon my life at that point.

THE KING of Nineveh heard the words of Jonah and declared a fast! in sackclothes and ashes! HE showed evidences of repentance!

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry by saying:

Matthew 3:2-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’”

The Lord spoke to Solomon:

2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

verse 14 is a promise that follows God’s judgement in verse 13:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 King James Version (KJV)
13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God gave Cain an opprtunity to repent:

Genesis 4:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Instead of turning, Cain took the life of his brother Abel …the first murder.
Then, he lied to God…an even greater sin, and he was cast away from his family.
These were evidences to the contrary of repentance.

When God came walking through the Garden, he called out to Adam and Eve. Where are you?
Adam confessed his nakedness – but not his sin. When given a chance to repent, he points his finger to Eve AND God!

Genesis 3:12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

They were cast out of the garden.

We’re no better:

Romans 3:23 English Standard Version (ESV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

BECAUSE:

Isaiah 64:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Peter announced on the day of Pentecost that repentance is part of the salvation process:

Acts 2:38 English Standard Version (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Got questions has a great article on Repentance and Salvation!

Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ…we have a promise!

1 John 1:5-10
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 2: 1- 6
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

That last verse is speaking of evidences of repentance…walking in the same way Jesus walked…or at least trying to!

Dear James lets us know that:

James 5:14-16 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

REPENTANCE!
DELIVERANCE FROM JUDGEMENT!
GOD HEARS US!

These are the points that Jonah 3 speaks to me.

Have you recognized that your sins get in the way of your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ?

Have you repented of your sins, put them under the blood of Jesus Christ, and asked Him to be the Lord of your life?

Got Questions has a great explanation on how to do just this, and know that you will spend eternal life with Jesus!

To be honest, while I know that my initial salvation was in 1969, in a little church across the street from my house, there have been other times in my life that I needed to repent of my path, and turn again to Christ. I didn’t get RE-saved – I just RE-dedicated my life to Christ. In my life, at least, repentance isn’t a one time deal! It’s a daily deal, sometimes hourly, do I dare admit there are times that it’s minute by minute? If we turn our hearts towards the Lord…well, I’ll let Isaiah say it!

Isaiah 55:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

And this beautiful promise:

Isaiah 55:1-3 King James Version (KJV)
55 1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

AND WE CAN BELIEVE:

Lamentations 3:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

here’s some prayer and some comfort!
Create in me a clean heart

Next – Jonah 4
 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

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