Sunday, April 24, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #40

It is Day 40 - Which means it is Easter - a day to Celebrate!!!  The tomb is empty and Jesus has conquered death.  This day should be the greatest day of the year!!!!  My the Lord of all Creation and the Lord that Resurrected from the Dead transform your heart and your mind this year to come!


Luke 24:1-12 (New International Version, ©2011)


Jesus Has Risen

 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #39

It is hard to believe that Easter is tomorrow... but that is the truth!  I hope you are able to spend some time with your family this holiday weekend, but more importantly I hope you are able to spend some time with your Savior this weekend as we celebrate His victory over the grave!

The scripture today comes from Isaiah 53:5


"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed"  



Friday, April 22, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #38

It is Good Friday and this morning I had the priviledge of reading stories to kids during our churches Eggstravaganza - in the process of telling the stories - I was able to share about the greatest true story that happened 2000 years ago.  I was first told it was Earth Day to which I said - no - but then was quickly corrected because today is in fact Earth Day - I am not smarter than a second grader after all.  We did go on to talk about Good Friday and what that meant - it was a very meaningful time for the kids and for myself.


Luke 23:44-56 (New International Version, ©2011)


The Death of Jesus
 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
 50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #37

Instead of my typical scripture today I am posting the words to my favorite Easter Hymn - there is just something about this song that grips my heart - as you think about Jesus sacrifice this Good Friday - let your heart be filled with gratitude for his amazing gift to us - the only thing about that day that made it good, was what happened on Easter Sunday!

What Wondrous Love Is This
By: American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #36

It seemed that I should have picked this scripture on Sunday but alas I am a few days behind in my mind I guess.  So consider this palm Sunday scripture even though it is Tuesday.


Luke 19:28-38 (New International Version, ©2011)


Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
 28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[a]
   “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

His entry into Jerusalem though it was triumphant was the start of what would change all of our lives forever.  Take some time this holy week to reflect on this thought.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #35

This is the day that the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in it.  The sun is shining after a long hard rain, it is a reminder of God's faithfulness.  We are headed to see my family today and we can't can't wait!  My first long trip (okay not really too long - 3 hours) in four months.

The scripture this morning comes from:


Luke 4:1-13 (New International Version, ©2011)


Luke 4

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”
 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”
 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:
   “‘He will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you carefully;
11 they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Jesus spent forty days in the desert and fasted the whole time.  At the end of his time there the bible says he was hungry - I would be starving!  At the point of his physical weakness - he is tempted by Satan.  Isn't that how it usually always works for us - when we are at our weakest that is when we are the most vulnerable.  But Jesus through scripture was able to overcome the temptations.  A powerful example to us as believers to know God's word so we will be ready to defend ourselves at our our point of greatest weakness.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #34

It another Psalm Saturday.  Enjoy the words of celebration as we consider Jesus victory over the grave!


Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
 2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
   come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
   It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
   and his courts with praise;
   give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #33

Happy Friday!  It's the weekend and today was a beautiful day!  Thankful for the sunshine and a little time to go for a walk with the dog and just enjoy the beauty of God's creation!

The scripture for today come from


Romans 13:6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)


 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This was the verse of the day from biblegateway.com - which is a great resource for looking up scripture.  Anyway I think it is an appropriate verse for today which is typically tax day - although this year they moved it to Monday.  But so often I complain about having to pay taxes and bills and such.  But the reality is that we are called as Christians to honor and respect the government and its taxes.  Though I am not a fan I know there is a purpose and I have to pay them so I might as well pay them without complaining!


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #32

Happy Rainy Wednesday everyone!  Joel keeps reminding me that April showers bring May flowers - well I am ready for those flowers for sure!

Our scripture this morning comes from Lamentations.... maybe not a book you spend a lot of time reading but this scripture stuck out to me.

Lamentations 3:55-58


"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.  You heard my plea: Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.  You came near when I called you and you said, "Do not fear.  O Lord you took up my case; you redeemed my life."

Isn't it encouraging to know that when we are down and out (let's just say we are lamenting) that God hears our cries.  But not only does he hear them, he does something about them, and redeems us in the process.  I know there have been times where I felt as though I was crying out but God was not hearing my cry.  Then I am reminded that he hears my cry, and cares for me - but it may not always be how I think he should - therefore it feels as though I am alone or he has abandoned me.  He promises never to leave me nor forsake me!   And my God is a God who fulfills his promises!!!!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #31

I tried to blog yesterday but my computer locked up!  Urgghhhh so now I am a little behind but that's okay because I have some extra days built into my 40 days of Lent.

The scripture for today is from Revelation 22:17

"The Spirit and the bride say, Come!  And let him who hears say, Come!  Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."


I can't read this passage without getting chills - I love the invitation that Jesus gives to us!  Come and drink of this water - it's free and life giving.  It reminds me of the time when Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman at the well.  It is one of my favorite accounts in scripture.  Jesus is asking you here to Come!  Come to him - come into His presence!  Have you stepped away from God - here is your invitation to return - COME!!!!

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #30

It is once again a Psalm Saturday!  So here is a Psalm to start out your day!  I hope you will be encouraged as you earnestly seek Him!!


Psalm 63

    A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. 1 You, God, are my God,
   earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
   my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
   where there is no water.
 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
   and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
   my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
   and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
   with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
 6 On my bed I remember you;
   I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
   I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
   your right hand upholds me.
 9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
   they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
   and become food for jackals.
 11 But the king will rejoice in God;
   all who swear by God will glory in him,
   while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #29

Happy Thursday everyone.  I hope you are able to enjoy a little time in God's word today as we approach the Easter holiday.  I was skimming through my facebook this morning and found these verses as someone's status and thought it was a great scripture for the day.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26




I wish I could say that this is true for my life - that I don't desire anything but God.  I find myself all too often getting caught up in what I want and not getting caught up in God himself.  Or sometimes I do get caught up wondering what it is that God wants....which sounds like a good thing but at the same time I miss out on knowing God.  There is a difference between wanting to know God's will for your life and wanting to know God himself.  I pray today that you will long to know God himself!



Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #28

Still hoping to feel better by tomorrow.... but I have a scripture for you tonight.  2 Chronicles 20:17

17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”


It is not our job to fight the battles - that is God's job, it is our job to stand firm in Him so that his power becomes perfect through him.  We aren't to fear tomorrow - we are to trust!  God will be with us!  It is part of his promise and one thing I am sure of.... God never breaks his promises!!!

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #27

Today has been a rough day - sick again!  Fever, cough, and congestion - let's just say I am not feeling well.  So tonight instead of you getting a scripture from me.  I want to hear from you about a favorite passage of scripture that has stuck out to you in the past few months.  Let me know why it is meanful and don't forget to include where it is found.  Who knows maybe it will make an appearance on one of the next 13 days!

Monday, April 04, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #26

It's Monday - It's April and it's a beautiful day!!!  I hope you were able to take time today to enjoy the spring weather.

Our scripture for today is from Luke 2:52

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men"


This is a scripture I use almost yearly at the beginning of the new year and I am challenged to see if I am living like Jesus in these four areas.  Wisdom - am I learning more about God and his word.  Stature - am I taking time to care for the physical body body that is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Am I growing in my relationship with God and am I seeking out building relationships with others as well.  That is my prayer for you to live out those four areas of your life!

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #25

It's a Psalm Saturday - This week is Psalm 40 - if you get a chance take a listen to the song 40 by U2 and redone by Starfield - you will be blessed!


Psalm 40

    For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
 1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
   he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
   out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
   and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
   a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
   and put their trust in him.
 4 Blessed is the one
   who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
   to those who turn aside to false gods.[b]
5 Many, LORD my God,
   are the wonders you have done,
   the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
   were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
   they would be too many to declare.
 6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
   but my ears you have opened[c]
   burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
   it is written about me in the scroll.[e]
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
   your law is within my heart.”
 9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
   I do not seal my lips, LORD,
   as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
   I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
   from the great assembly.
 11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
   may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
   my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
   and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, LORD;
   come quickly, LORD, to help me.
 14 May all who want to take my life
   be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
   be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
   be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
   rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
   “The LORD is great!”
 17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
   may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
   you are my God, do not delay.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #24

Again I am one day late on my daily blog, but yesterday was a long day!!!  Very long - but good.  If you want to read more about it check out my other blog at msbabyandme.blogspot.com

This is my verse for Friday - April 1st

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."


This verse has been so meaningful to me as I have gone through life's ups and downs and as I look back over the past several years, I can see a plan for beauty in the midst of my pain.  I am so thankful for a God that walks with me through the hard times and brings me joy!