What Words Can’t Say — Marked by Love

Images have power. Some say the holocaust never happened. But, we’ve seen the images. Getty Images Some say, “Separate is Equal.” But, we’ve seen the images. Getty Images Some say, most refugees are terrorists. But then we’ve seen the images. Getty Images Some say there’s no injustice in America.…

via What Words Can’t Say — Marked by Love

1 Peter 3:8 KJV

Finally, be ye all of one mind,
having compassion one of another,
love as brethren,
be pitiful,
be courteous.

– 1 Peter 3:8 KJV –

Day 1 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 1 of 47 for Lent Plan – “What Is Lent?”
Reading: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-80, and John 3:28-30 KJV

Lord, I begin this journey of Lent with You, and for You. To better remember what You went through with us… for me. After careful prayer in one on one thoughtful conversations, I am giving up all meats except fish until Easter, along with all sodas except light colored caffeine free… like Sprite, Sierra Mist. Trying also to avoid the caffeine in the sodas. If I need a caffeine drink to stimulate my body, I will drink tea. All of this is between You and me.

Day 1: What is Lent?
A man made tradition beginning Ash Wednesday, and ends on Saturday before Easter. Typically giving up something as a “penance” for our sins. A time to worship and pray, and remember what Jesus did for us, and also ask God to search our hearts and reveal any sinful ways we struggle with.

Further Study

• What happened to John’s father, Zechariah, when he questioned the angel?
  – He was made mute.
• Besides being the one who prepared the way for Jesus, how else was John the Baptist connected/related to Him?
  – He was cousin to Jesus.
• What was the first thing Zechariah did when he could speak again?
  – Zechariah praised God.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is. (You’ll do this every day, so keep a list going.
  – Detailed. God, You are very detailed, and because You are… we are blessed with Your record also known as the Bible.
• Prayer: Make a list of the people in your life who don’t know Jesus and pray for their salvation. (Consider praying for these people every day of this plan).
  – Michelle M and her girls and boys, Aneeta G and her girls, Christine, B-boy, Megans, Erin, Amy, Danielle, Charles B, Haley, Lisa, Heather, Kristin, Rob
• Remembrance: How often do you think about what Jesus did to save you? Meditate on what eternal life means to you.
  – Usually all the time. I had to admit that I have allowed myself to be quite distracted the last couple of years, but I still remember. I am still grateful for all You’ve done.
• Self-Examination: Ask God to bring to light any sin that you aren’t aware of. Confess it and turn your back on it. (Make this a regular habit).

A Kind Act

• Write a note, email, or text message to someone who has gone before you and made your life better.
  – Angie P. ❤ Dear Angie! 🙂

Day 2 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 2 of 47 for Lent Plan – “The Birth of Jesus”
Reading: Luke 1:26-45, Luke 2:1-20, and John 1:1-25 KJV

Further Study

• Who told Mary that she would conceive and give birth to a Son?
  The angel Gabriel
• What comforting words did he say to her?
  – Luke 1:30? “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”
• What was Jesus called in John 1:1 and what do you think that means?
  – The Word
  – That He existed before the world began.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Thoughtful and understanding.
• Prayer: Pray for your immediate family members.
  – Anthoni, Bobby, Sandra, Nathan, Tim, Homey, David
• Remembrance: Think about a time you were fearful, and reflect on how God comforted you.
  – younger times (fc, fwR/betrayed by friends)
  God used Mom and Gran, and many times was simply there with me even if I didn’t know it.
• Self-Examination: Are you generally someone who speaks life and praises God, or do you find that you complain and neglect praising God?
  – God, I’ve always tried to and always want to speak life in praising You, yet even You know how I have to admit (ashamedly) that I complain (unfortunately about life itself) and tend to be so distracted by woes and fears that neglect praising You, my Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, and Creator of my soul. You deserve every breath I have to lift Your Holy name, and endless glory and honor. I’m sorry, God. I do love You! Holy Spirit, help me to praise my God as He deserves, and help me fight the father of confusion (Satan) to keep me from distractions.

A Kind Act

Offer to help a new mom or single mom financially, physically, or spiritually.
– Alyssa (New Mom)
– Sue (Single Mom)

Day 3 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 3 of 47 for Lent Plan – “The Baptism of Jesus”
Reading: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, John 1:19-34 KJV

Further Study

• Why do you think John didn’t want to baptize Jesus?
  – He didn’t feel worthy to baptize the Messiah.
• Why did Jesus insist that John baptize Him?
  – To fulfill the scripture/prophecy
  – To obey
• What descended upon Jesus after He came out of the water? What did “it” look like?
  – The Spirit of God descended upon Jesus after He came out of the water in the form of a dove.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Faithful
• Prayer: Pray for your extended family members.
  – Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Great Aunts, Great Uncles, nieces, nephews, in laws, fosters, adopted, step, family friends (friends who are family to us), church family
• Remembrance: Think about your baptism experience. What was that day like for you? (If you have not taken that next step, consider doing it soon!?
  – Lord, You know I was baptized twice. Once as a child (8 yrs old), and the other in 1994 (25 yrs old). At 8 I was scared because I was afraid of drowning. At 25 I was completely in another world at the time because I couldn’t stop comparing to the Satanic culture and practices going on in our area, including murder.
  I literally felt like I was being sacrificed in Your blood instead of being baptized in water. When I arose I felt like I was literally covered by Your blood. It strangely felt empowering, and Holy, and Special, like I had gained knowledge the world didn’t understand, that same knowledge that was trying to convince my mind that what we just did was as sick as Satanic rituals, and kept telling me it was no different than my church mate who had recently been murdered/sacrificed. 
  But, Lord, You not only allowed me to learn her death was not quite as reported, and to understand the huge difference in those sacrifices were literally as different as life and death. But the biggest difference is that Jesus didn’t ask to kill me. He didn’t ask nor demand to kill anyone. Instead He took my place while carrying the weight of my sins upon His cross. He did it because He loves me. You sent Him (Your only precious and begotten Son) because You love me too.
• Self-Examination: Are there any strained or unhealthy relationships in your life where you need to make changes?

A Kind Act

• Hold the door open for someone even if they don’t need you to.
  – Amy needed to see a patient who just had double hip surgery, and the doctor asked Amy to evaluate her with her specialized skills. Amy is extremely graced with Your gifts for her, Lord. I pray for Amy, that patient, and the doctor, and all of Amy’s patients.

Day 4 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 4 of 47 for Lent Plan – “The Temptation of Jesus”
Reading: Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 KJV

Further Study

• Why do you think God allowed Jesus to be tempted in the wilderness?
  – To allow Him to experience what temptation is like while in human flesh. Maybe to even try the flesh Jesus put on? Only You know, Lord. But it was for our benefit. We are so bad to say to others, “But you just don’t understand what I’ve been through until you’ve been through it yourself.” And even then we will say, “But it’s still not what I went through. You don’t understand how I feel!” As if life only matters regarding how WE feel.
• How many times did Satan tempt Jesus according to the passages you read?
  – Three times
• What did Jesus use to combat the attacks of Satan?
  – The word of God (the Bread of Life) 🙂

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Fulfilling
• Prayer: Pray for your closest friends.
  – Sarah, Vickie, Keitha, Angie, Caz, Anita, Maxine, Wendi
  Lord, I don’t really feel like I have any close friend other than You. I know I have an abundance of friends You have given me… too many to count 🙂 , but close friends are supposed to be there for each other. I only get to see them at Bible studies and events, and I am too unreliable with my help to consider myself a good friend to anyone, even to my dear friends on WordPress. Caz, Maxine, Wendi, Dawn, Mercy, and of course my Lovely A (Anita), and Lene, are absolutely God given friends. Margaret, Arianna, Abbey, Annabel, just to name a few. Even if I fail to be there for them, they are always a friend to me. Good and Godly friends.
• Remembrance: Think of a time you’ve felt bombarded by your spiritual enemy. Find a verse that will give you strength and meditate on it the next time this happens.
  – I was bombarded when we were preparing to leave for Lattimore.
  “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” 
  (Matthew 4:1 KJV)
  “Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.”
  (Matthew 4:11 KJV)
  Lord, these verses encourage me to know the Spirit was very aware of what was going with Jesus and very much in control. If I follow Your Spirit, I know He will lead me too. And if there arises any hardship, I know the angels with come and minister unto me too. Jesus Himself promised that if He went away to You that He would send the Comforter to help me remember the scripture, which is the very weapon Jesus used to address His temptation.
  “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26 KJV)
• Self-Examination: Is there a path you are currently on that will result in a negative or harmful outcome? What do you need to do to adjust your route?
  – Impatience, easy to anger, and letting those who are trying to aggravate me or want to see me lose it get the best of me. What do You see, Lord? Holy Spirit, help me to adjust my secret sins.

A Kind Act

• Smile at a stranger
  – The mailman, delivery guy, and pizza guy 🙂

Day 5 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 5 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Jesus Begins His Ministry”
Reading: Matthew 4:12-17, Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:14-15 KJV

Further Study

• According to Matthew 4:12, what the catalyst that led Jesus to begin His ministry? Why do you think it played out this way?
  – Jesus heard that John was cast into prison.
• Mark 1:15 tells us that Jesus began preaching repentance and for everyone to believe the “good news.” What is this good news?
  – “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand.” In other words the time frame  of God’s promised events and deliverance was being fulfilled. Because Jesus was to reconcile us very soon, the entering in to God’s kingdom would be possible for us. Because Jesus fulfilled the time, and HE was the kingdom of God at hand… right before them.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Generous
• Prayer: Pray for the people you work or go to school with.
  – PTs, docs, nurses, technicians, staff, PAs, their families, pharmacy
• Remembrance: Think about the time when Jesus first became real to you. Write about it.
  – Well, Jesus, I don’t know the first time. Is it when I was first given a verse to memorize of You? At 6 I memorized John 3:16, but not only did it NOT have the name Jesus in the verse, but God Himself and the world seemed third party. It just seemed like a nice story about people I didn’t know.
  I guess at 8 would make sense because it was being introduced to You that broke my heart, and I believed enough to ask You into my heart and get baptized.
  Knowledge, understanding, REAL are different words with different meanings.
• Self-Examination: Are there things you are filling your mind with that are causing you to drift from God?
  – There are many things I allow to fill my mind that cause me to drift from You, God. I’m sorry and ashamed to say that. TV, gossip, negative thoughts (especially when stressed from health issues), the conversations of others around me. But if there is something I don’t know about, or that You consider a danger, or hindrance to You and me, please make it clear and help me to remove it. If You know I won’t or cannot on my own, remove it, Lord. And I pray for those around me the same.

A Kind Act

• Chose 3-5 pieces of clothing to donate to a local ministry or non-profit.
  – Anthoni’s throwaways and mine (meaning we can’t wear them).

 

Day 6 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 6 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Jesus Calls His Disciples”
Reading: Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20 KJV

Further Study

• Who were the first two disciples that Jesus called?
  – Simon (Peter) and Andrew
• Who were the brothers who were called next?
  – James and John left their father and their servants behind.
• How does the Bible describe how the four of them left to follow Jesus?
  – immediately and straightaway

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Persuasive
• Prayer: Pray for your church leaders and your neighbors.
  – Dykes (Brookstone), Creeds (Temple), Crimmins (AshNaz), Sextons (Trinity), Keitha (Gracepoint), Demetria (Lifeway), Bruce (Biltmore), Beals (Ambassador), Dwight and Amber (Victory), Anna (Maranatha), Hollands (Maranatha, TX), Kihlengs (ABC, PNG), Fords (Moldova), Missionaries, Evangelists, etc., Amanda (SGM)
• Remembrance: Think about a time when Jesus called you to do something that took courage. How did you handle it?
  – Moving to Lattimore. With LOTS of prayer, reading the Bible, singing hymns, and listening. Trying to use discernment for God’s voice, and obedience to do as He said. Trust and Faith! Praising God for everything I could!
• Self-Examination: Do you feel that you are someone who displays courage?
  – No. I constantly struggle with fear & doubt. Any courage I have is ALL YOU, GOD! ❤

A Kind Act

• Pick up a piece of trash that you didn’t drop.

 

Day 7 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 7 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Jesus Rejected at Nazareth”
Reading: Luke 4:16-30 KJV

Further Study

• Luke 4:16 said that it was Jesus’ custom to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Why do you think He chose this day of the week?
  – Because the words “as was His custom” were referring to the fact that He was on Nazareth, the city He grew up in, and it was the custom of the Nazarenes to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stand and read scriptures.
• What scroll did Jesus read from?
  – The book of the prophet Esaias (which is Isaiah)
• After Jesus finished speaking, how did the people in the synagogue feel? What did they do and what was the outcome?
  – They were upset with Jesus so much that they wanted to throw Him down their high hill head first, but Jesus slipped away.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Respectful. Thank You, God, for teaching me how to be respectful of Your word and Your ways by being an example for me.
• Prayer: Pray for yourself – your needs, concerns, desires, dreams.
• Remembrance: Think of a time you’ve felt rejected. How did you handle it? What could you have done differently?
  – Foster Care…. the day I got tired of being lied to about going home and fought to be taken home, but everyone worked together to force me out of the car, and Mom & Dad went on home, but left us there. I screamed and fought to keep them from making me get out of the car. Once they had me out, I broke free and chased the car down the hill. When the young boy who was sent to get me pinned me down to the ground, I kicked and screamed and fought as hard as I could to get free, all the while screaming, ” I HATE YOU! YOU’RE NOT MY DAD!” Then I convinced the boy I would agree to calm down only to deceive him and run back down the hill. Eventually they were gone and I just went to my room crying, and cried myself to sleep.
  I could have been bettered behaved. There was sense in crying like I did. I should not have been deceptive, nor fighting, and it was cruel to tell my Dad I hate him, and even more cruel to tell him he was not my Dad because while I didn’t mean it the way Mom told us, nor did I understand anything about all that, Dad could have taken it that way, or simply been crushed.
  I need to be more careful with my actions, my words, my spirit, and my integrity regardless of the situation. My pain doesn’t give me the right to hurt others. Thank You for being with me, God. For being with my Dad! For being with all of us.
• Self-Examination: Do you feel accepted or rejected by others in your life? Share your thoughts.
  – A little of both most days, but God’s love is always greater, ESPECIALLY when sent through so many souls who bless me… IN ADVANCE! ❤ 🙂 ❤

A Kind Act

• Thank someone for serving in a government or public service role.
  The young men at the voting polls who thanked me and Sandra for voting.

 

Day 8 of 47 for Lent Plan

GOD, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE BIBLE READING PLAN YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING ME THROUGH. I’M SORRY TO BE SO LATE GETTING THEM ON, BUT WITH YOUR HELP WE’LL GET THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE.
NO RUSH. JUST CONVALESCING WITH YOU, AND FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD IN SHARING WITH OTHERS.
YOUVERSION (A BIBLE APP YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH)
IS DOING A PLAN CALLED LENT: REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JESUS.

Day 8 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Jesus Preaches Throughout All Galilee”
Reading: Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44 KJV

Further Study

• What things did Jesus do while He traveled throughout Galilee?
  – Preached and Healed (and taught)
• Jesus healed people with various diseases. List what these were.
  – sicknesses, disease, torments, possessed with the devil, lunatics, palsy, casting out devils
• What is the reason Jesus gave in Luke 4:43 as to why He was sent?
  – to preach

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Healer. Thank You, God, for caring about even the mentally ill, no matter kight or severe. All my life anyone who had a mental health issue were simply “mental,” “crazy,” “”off their rocker.” My own Aunt Mildred was treated horribly. We were told not to listen to her or have anything to do with her because “she was crazy.” Later she was found to have been misdiagnosed in her 20s when the doctors told our family she had schizophrenia, put into a mental institution, given electric shocks, and put on medication for life.
  The neurologist who treated her for her stroke in 2006 (in her 70s) said the MRI of her brain showed scarring from several small strokes, probably in her 20s, which were worsened by the electric shocks, and left her speech impaired, and gave her severe shaking.
  Thank You, God for improving science, medical knowledge, mental awareness, and medications, and society’s improved acceptance. So many were used for jokes and cruelty! My anxiety feels like a curse most days, or a plague that renders the most brilliant and talented doctors ineffective because they are so intimidated or overwhelmed by it. Thank You for education on both sides.
  Most of all, thank You for my therapist. Thank You for his patience, his compassion, his understanding, his skill, and all that You give him, and allow him to share with others… like me. Thank You that not all counselors/psychologists are bad. I pray for all of them because even the ones who try to genuinely help, they are human and have their own issues. And though they can’t help cure everything, they are not You either. Only You, God, know the human mind, the human spirit, and the human body perfectly. You allow healing, and You allow illness. Sometimes it is even by Your design.
  Thank You for allowing Jesus to be our Wonderful Counselor as Your word says, and thank You for allowing the Holy Ghost to be our Comforter, and thank You for being such a loving Father, and a caring God. You are a good, good Father. It’s who You ARE!You’re a good, good Father, and I’m loved by You! ❤ I love You too! ❤ 🙂
• Prayer: Pray for the salvation of people in your life who don’t know Jesus.
• Remembrance: Think about a need you have met in someone else’s life. How did that make you feel?
  – You bring to mind taking care of Bobby (my stepddad), and Mom as well. It makes me feel humbled, grateful, amazed. I would have thought I was unable to, and that no one else would have thought so either. Especially after I spent many years hearing You clearly telling me to respect Mom with submission until of age, then to move out and do it without any guilt or desire to come back. To continue to respect her as my Mother, and to leave how she was into Your hands, to focus on my own behavior, attitude, and my relationship with You. To remember that I am to be surrendered, submitted, and respectful to You… obedient. You had me carry Proverbs 3:5-6 with me.
  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
  And, Lord, You are reminding me that I took care of Dad too. I often forget that. I just don’t think of taking care of someone as “something I did.” I’m supposed to do that because You tell me to, and You provide the strength or whatever else I need to do it as You promise. And anything I lack, You always show me purpose in it, and use it mightier than the strength You provide… even for the one who needed whatever it was that I couldn’t give… like healing. Again Your word comes to mind.
  “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
• Self-Evaluation: Is there any part of you that isn’t well? Whether it’s emotionally, spiritually, financially, mentally, or physically, bring this concern before God.
  – Oh, LORD, my dear Father God. I think the positive would be to find what IS well. My spirit is well when I keep my mind on You! That’s why You constantly have me sing, “It is well.” The first line is where my soul is always drawn to AND comforted no matter the circumstance.
  “When peace like a river attendeth my way,
  When sorrows like sea billows roll;
  Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
  “It is well, it is well with my soul!”
  It is well with my soul!
  It is well, it is well with my soul!”
  – It Is Well, hymn lyrics by Horatio Gates Spafford
  Even the pain becomes a peace like I can’t put into words, and like nothing else can do. No medicine can touch the peace that passes all understanding! The God of peace provides His peace the way He sees best! ❤ 
  **Side note** This question made me smile after talking with my therapist yesterday (now day before). I will try to make a better effort in making notes. By Your grace and in YOUR strength.

A Kind Act

• Write a note of gratitude to Your mail carrier.

 

Day 9 of 47 for Lent Plan

God, I have been enjoying the bible reading plan You have been walking me through. I’m sorry to be so late getting them on, but with Your help we’ll get them on little by little.
No rush. Just convalescing with You, and following Your lead in sharing with others.
YouVersion (a bible app You have blessed me with)
is doing a plan called Lent: Remembering the Life of Jesus.

Day 9 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Jesus Urges Disciples to Pray for Workers”
Reading: Matthew 9:35-38 KJV

Further Study

• What two things did Jesus do as He was teaching in synagogues?
  – preaching and healing
• How did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds gathered around Him?
  – He had compassion on them.
• Who do you think Jesus was referring to when He said “workers?”
  – People  who have surrendered their lives to serve God and further kingdom, bringing his lost sheep home, to bring healing to the suffering, and compassion for the broken and empty.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Compassionate. Thank You, God, for the heart You have for Your creation, even when they reject You, or simply stray. Even when You are doubted, feared, rejected, persecuted… You are such a loving and compassionate God. I am grateful and so honored to call You my God, my Healer, my Father! ❤ I love You!
• Prayer: Pray for your extended family members.
• Remembrance: At some point in your life, someone told you about Jesus. Think about that time in your life. What feelings surface for you?
  – Joy, a delightful smile to think on Molly. She came to an 8 yr old knelt at the altar and scared. She could tell I wasn’t there by choice. She asked me if I knew what I was doing. When I told her I was waiting on my Mom, Molly asked if I knew what my Mom was doing. I told her no. Molly said Mom was praying to Jesus. When I didn’t respond , Molly asked if I knew who Jesus was. I told her no. When she began to tell me I was broken hearted for this… to know we caused HIm to die. My first thought was actually, “You mean there’s an adult who doesn’t punish us, even when we deserve it? I was shocked. But when she told me of how He was punished for us so that we could be forgiven I felt so bad. When she said He died, I was so sad.
  So along with that joy of Molly, I am grateful, and I am broken again for Him. Of course I know He’s fine, and that all is well. But to think that He would die for me. 😦 To think that He would forgive me. To know that He doesn’t punish me even when I deserve it. There is no one else like our God. No one ever cared for me like Jesus. ❤
• Self- Examination: Are you a “worker” for God? Ask God to place opportunities in front of you to impact someone for Christ.
  – I try to be. Lord, whatever You want, I’m here and want to do it Your way. I admit I’m reluctant because I cannot promise to be the faithful, perfect witness or testimony. I can so easily give up or be a flawed witness. How many times have things been so incredibly crazy just after I prayed this very prayer of sending someone, but instead of leading them to You, they led me to a brick wall to bang my head against it day and night. Even so, Lord. Here am I. Send me. Or send them. Your will. Not mine.

A Kind Act

• Tell the person closest closest to you how much they mean to you.
  – Anthoni 🙂 ❤

 

Day 10 of 47 for Lent Plan

God, I have been enjoying the bible reading plan You have been walking me through. I’m sorry to be so late getting them on, but with Your help we’ll get them on little by little.
No rush. Just convalescing with You, and following Your lead in sharing with others.
YouVersion (a bible app You have blessed me with)
is doing a plan called Lent: Remembering the Life of Jesus.

Day 10 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Jesus Sends Out The Twelve Disciples”
Reading: Matthew 10:1-15 KJV

Further Study

• By whose authority did the disciples drive out demons and heal the sick?
  – Christ Jesus
• Who were the disciples suppose to go to? What items were they to take with them?
  – They were to go to the lost sheep of the children of Israel, taking nothing but to preach and share their peace. If their words were not accepted they were to dust the bottom of their shoes off and leave that place.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Omnipotent. Thank You, God, for having all power to heal us, to teach us, to preach the truth and love You know we need. Thank you for being willing to meet us right where we are, and powerful enough to bring us out to You! ❤ Amen!
• Prayer: Pray for your immediate family members.
• Remembrance: Think of a time when You were desperate for God. How did God come through for you?
  – Lord, I remember a time that I was desperate not to sin against You. I was scared I would lose You because the temptation was a relationship that You were making clear not to enter into. Yet I struggled because I was not new to being a Christian, and I wasn’t new to trying to be a Christian while dating, it wasn’t the maturest I had been so far with Your word.When I first met him he was nowhere near believing in You and living by Your standards. I didn’t even like him as a person.
  But through the years he changed. We all noticed. His family and friends, my family and friends, and our mutual friends. However I was the only one who did not see his heart for me. When someone mentioned it I was always too sure it was just him wanting something he couldn’t have. As his faith was growing stronger too, I was convinced it was still the same thing. But before I knew it I was believing it enough to have a heart for him. He made it clear to all our friends and family of his true intentions.Unfortunately it began to threaten our physical relationship in some ways. I remember being on my knees and my face begging You to let me die before letting me sin against You. It was a gut wrenching time, but unnecessarily so.
  Struggling with 2 Corinthians 6:14 should not have been a problem, but I did struggle with trying to know how if he genuinely believed. Then I heard 3 fellow believers who I knew firmly believe in You, and knew Your word, discussing this verse. 
  “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)
  One was asking who are we to judge if someone believes. The other answered it was not judging, that it was knowing for ourselves, that we had a God given responsibility to know and protect our own relationship/walk, as well as not to assume someone else did believe so we would not walk away from lovingly leading, teaching, nor be arrogant in assuming someone did not believe just because we had different opinions. The key thing I heard was them reading a verse from the bible that said Satan and his angels believe in God and tremble too.
  “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” – (James 2:19 KJV)
  When I ended that relationship, it hurt us both terribly. It crushed me more than anyone knows. But it’s my own fault. Regardless if I understand definitions or even the message, You were personally talking to me (which a lot of people are not blessed to have), making a clear NO.If I had swiftly obeyed as You teach us to do, I would not have brought pain and confusion to either one of us.
  Yet You, God, are the most loving, merciful, forgiving God filled with grace. You helped me through that like I cannot put into words. How I learned so much. And You deepened so many relationships with fellow believers… clean, pure, godly in every way. YOU helped me through with Your word, Your people, Your whispers, and time!
• Self-Examination: In what ways do you rely on God?
  – In every way possible!!

A Kind Act

• Give the biggest tip you can to a server at a restaurant.
  – The lady at LJS (not turning in a complaint).
  – The guy at Subway.

 

Day 11 of 47 for Lent Plan

God, I have been enjoying the bible reading plan You have been walking me through. I’m sorry to be so late getting them on, but with Your help we’ll get them on little by little.
No rush. Just convalescing with You, and following Your lead in sharing with others.
YouVersion (a bible app You have blessed me with)
is doing a plan called Lent: Remembering the Life of Jesus.

Day 11 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Peter Says Jesus Is The Messiah”
Reading: Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30 KJV

Further Study

• Who did the people think Jesus was?
  – Elias or John the Baptist back from the dead. Some said Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
• What disciple was the first to say who Jesus really was?
  – Simon Peter
• Why do you think Jesus didn’t want anyone to know He was the Messiah?
  – It was not the time yet. He dd not want anyone to hinder his purpose/plan.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Triune/Trinity (The Father, The Son (Messiah), and The Holy Ghost)
• Prayer: Pray for your closest friends.
• Remembrance: Think about Jesus’ life on earth, and the people who didn’t believe He was the Messiah. Consider what stance you could have taken had you been alive then.
  – Would of course I would love to believe I would have stood up for Him or at least clung to His side, but the reality is only certain people were allowed to even know “who He was,” and when everyone was allowed to hear, only certain ones would believe. God foretold this in His word and through His prophets. Jesus knew :a prophet is not accepted in his own kingdom.”
• Self-Examination: Has there been a time when you’ve questioned your faith in Jesus? Write about that.
  – I question my faith at times, but it’s on MY part, not on believing who Jesus is. Sometimes Satan tries to convince me, “What if He’s not REALLY who He says He is and you’re wasting your belief on Him?” My answer is, “Then I die still believing!” “And loving Him!” “I love Him with all I have til death do us part!” I BELIEVE 100% Jesus is who He says He is! And I cling to the song He gave me at 9 yrs old while in foster care.
  “Jesus got a hold of my life and He won’t let me go.
  Jesus got into my heart. He got into my soul.
  I use to be oh so sad, but not I’m just free and glad,
  Cause Jesus got a hold of my life and He won’t let me go.”

A Kind Act

• Let someone go ahead of you in line at the store or while driving on the road.

 

Day 12 of 47 for Lent Plan

God, I have been enjoying the bible reading plan You have been walking me through. I’m sorry to be so late getting them on, but with Your help we’ll get them on little by little.
No rush. Just convalescing with You, and following Your lead in sharing with others.
YouVersion (a bible app You have blessed me with)
is doing a plan called Lent: Remembering the Life of Jesus.

Day 12 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Miracle: Catch of Fish”
Reading: Luke 5:1-11 KJV

Further Study

• What was Jesus doing before He spoke to Peter?
  – Preaching
• What did Peter say to Jesus after the great catch of fish? Why do you think he said that?
  – “Depart from me. I am a sinner, Lord.” He felt ashamed and unworthy as we all do when we understand who He is and what He did for us while we were yet sinners.
• What would Peter and the disciples be fishing for from now on? What does this mean?
  – fishing for men… Jesus meant that they would be bringing lost and unsaved souls to faith in Christ by telling them the “Good News.” ❤

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Powerful. Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of Your power to demonstrate for us even when we are convinced that we know best from our earthly experiences. How limited we are. How futile our knowledge is without Your wisdom, Your discernment, and Your powerful hand in on it. Thank You for Your powerful persuasion.
• Prayer: Pray for the people you work or go to school with.
  – Do I pray for those from the past or think of this as those I do physical therapy with? I’ll do both as You lead.
• Remembrance: Think of a time God provided for you in a miraculous way.
  – You bring to mind when You had Temple bring us (me and Anthoni) groceries to Lattimore when we sure needed food. They called it “Doing a Pounding.” They brought us several large boxes of groceries by surprise. We went from having to spread out the 5 or 10 items we had in the fridge and cabinets altogether to overloading the fridge, the freezer, and every cabinet space we had, with boxes still on the floor to go through.
  The boxes included toilet paper, laundry supplies, kitchen supplies, bathroom/shower supplies, personal body items, and even books! One that was meant to go to Jenny, but You had us believe You were thinking on us through her.
  And dear Melissa, I will never forget dear Melissa delightfully surprising me with a note, a card. I found it while Pastor Bray and Anthoni were outside talking. I couldn’t help but cry and cry hard, even though I don’t typically cry. I was so touched that someone thought of me by name. I was so touched to realize even though we had moved away to help Anthoni get through his bible college, and was required to become a member of one of their churches that Temple still thought of us as family.
  Of course we still thought of them as family, but I was surprised. I thought we were considered “no longer members,” so no longer eligible for being church family. I was so unfamiliar with church growing up. It was just a place we sometimes went to, and strove what seemed like forever just to show up. I didn’t know “church life” until Nazarene, but church family I learned from Temple. I learned from their teaching, loving, and actions… that I had always had church family in both. I will always be grateful for that time in Lattimore. Just You, me, and Anthoni. And because he was in school and active with ministry and friends, it was You and me in what felt like the promised land.
  My first favorite hymn there You gave me was “I Must Tell Jesus.” And I did! Every tear and breath You gave! All for joy for growing in You. Through It All, You were our provision, and my ROCK! My Hero! My Savior! ❤
• Self-Examination: Do you tend to be someone who offers to help others? How could you be part of a miracle for someone else?
  – I try to help, Lord, wherever You will allow. Just to do a little something to help someone with something that they weren’t expecting can make more of a difference than we know. Sometimes a miracle is just knowing someone else was thinking of you with the very thing only God knew you needed. Just like each one who had put in a can, or a jar, or a toothbrush, or a book, or a card in the gift that came to us. Thank You, God! You are my miracle! Every day! ❤

A Kind Act

• Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to lately.
  – I did! Same day! To Anabel, Abbey, Melissa. But especially Anabel (aka Lebana’s Journal) ❤ 

Day 13 of 47 for Lent Plan

God, I have been enjoying the bible reading plan You have been walking me through. I’m sorry to be so late getting them on, but with Your help we’ll get them on little by little.
No rush. Just convalescing with You, and following Your lead in sharing with others.
YouVersion (a bible app You have blessed me with)
is doing a plan called Lent: Remembering the Life of Jesus.

Day 13 of 47 for Lent Plan – “Miracle: Widow’s Son”
Reading: Luke 7:11-17 KJV

Further Study

• When Jesus saw the widow walking behind her son’s body, what did He feel and what did He do?
  – He felt compassion on her. He raised her son (a grown man, but still her son) back to life.
• What do you think the people meant when they said, “God has come to help His people” in Luke 7:16?
  – They believed He was a prophet sent to free them from oppression because He could do miracles.

Reflect

• Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship Him for who He is.
  – Resurrecter. Thank You, God, for having compassion on our pains. I was just looking to see if this was before or after You experienced the loss of Lazarus for which You wept before You resurrected him. Oddly enough, this Lazarus is not in Luke. The poor man named Lazarus who died outside the rich man’s gates, then went to heaven, but then the rich man did not go to heaven and begged You to let poor Lazarus go warn the rich man’s family about the reality of hell but You said no… this is the Lazarus in here.
  And the story of the widow’s son is not in the other gospels. But it must’ve been before You grieved Lazarus (the brother of Mary and Martha) because You did not even meet Mary and Martha until chapter 10. You were able to grieve with the widow just from seeing her pain. Did You remember this moment when You grieved over Lazarus and wept? It’s so amazing, humbling, what we have in common with You. Heaven! Father God! Holy Spirit! We are blessed to have these in common.
• Prayer: Pray for your church leaders and your neighbors.
• Remembrance: Whether we feel it or not, Jesus is compassionate towards us in our pain. Thank Him for that and ask Him to be aware of this the next time you are discouraged.
  – Thank You, Jesus, for those very words… “whether we feel it or not.” You are compassionate towards our pain. ❤ Help me to be aware of this the next time I am discouraged, and any time You know I need it. Help my mind to be still and know You are God. Knowing You are the God of peace, giving peace that passes all understanding! ❤ YOUR PEACE! John 14:27  ❤
• Self-Examination: In general, do you feel that you are a compassionate person when people are struggling? Ponder your answer and ask God to reveal new insight to you about this.
  – I try to be, but I do admit sometimes it’s hard to be there for others either because of my health, or worse. I have had a hard time dealing with emotions since I was young. While I matured and became a people person, emotions that hit home or allow someone power over me are too challenging sometimes. The more emotional someone is, the more I shut down. Even if what they are upset about has nothing to do with me, no matter how severe the situation. I have to leave it all to You, God. Many times You show me that I am not their God. Many times You show me that is the character You made in me for You. You make it clear that I am not their God and to leave them to You. No matter how insincere that comes across to anyone else. Pray! Pray with them (unless You have someone else praying with them)! And leave it to You!

A Kind Act

• Do something for a family member or friend who is extra busy.