AND SO WE WAIT …

Posted on March 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The-Waiting-Game

On March 7, 2020, the first case of corona virus was reported in Minnesota.  Immediately people went into panic mode and started to hoard such things as toilet paper and water.  When the virus turned into a worldwide pandemic, other things started disappearing from grocery and pharmacy shelves.  In less than two weeks, schools have closed their doors.  There are no live concerts, plays, sporting events, conventions or church services.  Jobs have been eliminated.  We’re hoping for money to tide us over from the government.  The streets are virtually empty.  Parking lots are vacant too.  We’re now in the process of waiting.

For those who suffer from separation anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks or fear this is a time of more than waiting.  So far we’ve seen positive sides of the waiting game as children are learning to be educated at home – parents are struggling to keep a semblance of order and calm – churches are sending out daily devotions on the internet – we see innovative ways in which people can share ideas, converse on face time, have family conversations and meals together – share in hope for the future.

This is really the first week in which we’ve been confined to our homes, yet we’re still able to get to grocery stores and pharmacies.  One week and it already seems like an eternity for many.  We were created to be social animals.  God saw that man should not be alone and he created woman to be a soul mate and helper for him.  Together they would be the source of all humanity.  I wonder how we’ll fair after a month or two of isolation.  Maybe it will be even longer.  We’ll become prisoners in our own homes in a way, but we’ll have access to the outside world through social media, email and television.

So where do we find solace in a time like this?  How do we cope with separation from our friends, co-workers and family members?  This is not going to be an easy road for any of us.  There are many examples of how to deal with anxiety in the Bible.  I could list them all, but most of you already know them.  To even the staunchest believers, our faith is going to be tested through this difficult time.  One thing we must do is stay the course.

Americans of all denominations will turn to God.  Those who don’t believe in God will turn inward or depend on themselves to overcome anxiety.  Some may resort to taking pills or hitting the bottle, but none of that is going to numb us enough for the long haul.  We need to come together again as a nation united.  We must stop the name calling and blame game and realize this is a battle that we will eventually overcome.  This is not a time for politics.  This is a time to fight for our lives and those of our neighbors.  The past few years have been laced with so much hatred and anger.  Now is the time for an about face.  We will win this battle if we’re willing to play the difficult waiting game.

God wants us to put our trust in Him as we’ve done so many times in the past. Why do we always fight it when things are running smoothly?  The world waited for a couple thousand years for their Savior  to arrive.  We should be able to endure this short time of inconvenience.

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THE SUN HAS ARISEN

Posted on March 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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For glad Spring has begun,
And to the ardent sun
The earth, long time so bleak,
Turns a frost-bitten cheek.
– Celia Thaxter, American poet

For the first time in almost a week, we’re witnessing the emergence of spring.  The sun is shining brightly, the birds are chirping and the temperature has dropped 20 degrees from yesterday. The pollen and mold are evident as we walk out our doors, though we can’t interact with others due to our enforced social distancing.  Still the sun is up.  The sky is blue and I saw a robin bobbing along my backyard.

This has been an unusual first quarter of this new decade.  We’ve endured impeachment hearings, political debating, mudslinging and now a pandemic which has brought life to a halt for so many.  I wonder what the rest of the year has in store for us.  We have time to contemplate now – time to think about relationships, which are now proving to be distant.  We’re resorting to more screen time – both on the internet or in front of the television.  We have even become expert crossword puzzle solvers, board game players, innovative and entrepreneurial.  It’s like the days of yore when folks had to focus on the important things in life – like family, friendship, helping others, using our brains, church and gatherings of any sort.  Still, the sun is shining and it’s spring.

This being the first full day of this season of new life can be celebrated in a number of ways – even though we can’t intermingle.  We can take a drive and revel in the wildlife of nature or witness the budding trees and flowing maple syrup sap.  We can take a sketchbook and pencil along and create some art.  Pull out our camera and use this extra time to photograph the beauty of nature. We can write words suitable for the setting.  Even though we can’t gather, we have a support network on social media.  Keeping in touch with groups of friends doesn’t have to be in person. Maybe letter writing will come back in style.  It is the first full day of spring and the sun is shining.

Minnesotans thrive on even an hour of sunshine.  Because of our lack of it during the winter months, we often suffer from Vitamin D deficiency.  We become gloomy because our world outside is a patchwork of fifty or so shades of grey.  Things are beginning to turn green again, even though some snow is predicted.  At this time of the year, we know it won’t last because it’s spring and the sun is shining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MARY OF MAGDALA

Posted on March 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Jesus had twelve whom He called Apostles, but there were many disciples. Some of them were women – unusual for women of the time – unusual for men to have a following of women. They could be considered the first groupies. They adored Him in a way far beyond human admiration. His words were new to them. He spoke of a better place – a perfect place where they would go after death. In Luke’s account of Jesus’ ministry, we’re told that Mary had been exorcised of seven demons. No wonder Jesus was so important to her. He changed her life.

She came from a small village on the shore of the Sea of Galilee called Magdala. The town was a thriving community which made beautifully colored dyes and even more resplendent textiles.  Mary left her past life to follow Jesus. We know little about her, but the world has twisted her story. Her past profession and her relationship with Jesus, have shaded her true story of devotion, discipleship, purity and willingness to serve Jesus.  She undoubtedly witnessed many of the miracles of Jesus – heard His Sermon on the Mount – His parables – His talk of death and forgiveness of sins – His promise of eternal life.

The Gospels are unclear if Mary Magdalene was the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and then anointed them with expensive oil. It could have been her. We do know that this Mary was indeed repentant of her past sins and extremely grateful for Jesus’ forgiveness and healing.

We also know she didn’t run away when Jesus was arrested. She witnessed the blood spattered trail of the Via dolorosa and watched, with tears welling in her eyes, as He was brutally beaten, spat upon and abused verbally. His already tortured body sank under the weight of the cross. If only she could carry it for Him as He had taken the burden from her shoulders.,

She loved Jesus, but not in the way the world has described her relationship with Him. Jesus was her Savior. She stood below the cross with Jesus’ mother, comforting her as her Son hung from that cursed tree. Mary Magdalene stayed with Jesus’ mother after he died and was the first to see the empty tomb. She hastened to tell the others. She feared that His body had been stolen by the Roman soldiers. Imagine her excitement when she saw Him again in His glorious restored body. He was alive!

In the following years, she went along with the other disciples, preaching the good news of Christ’s resurrection, His dominion over death and the bounty of eternal life. She knew that this was a gift which belongs to all who simply believe and follow Christ. Mary had a repentant heart full of gratitude for what He’d done for her. That fact shaped her for the rest of her life.

Are you ready to follow?

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on March 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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MARTHA, MARTHA, MARTHA

Posted on March 19, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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When I was a young woman, there seemed to be a ton of distractions. For example, when we’d go to church with our three children, I felt like I was getting nothing out of the service, because one or the other was making a fuss or creating a scene and would have to leave the sanctuary

My children grew maybe things would change.  I’d sit quietly trying to absorb the message and my thoughts drifted off to the stack of laundry that needed to be done. I focused on how we’d be able to stretch the household budget and make enough to pay our bills. Often I was not really focusing on what was truly important.

In my daily living, I concerned myself with having a clean house, with everything in its place. This was nearly impossible as my kids turned into teenagers. There were piles of stuff everywhere and I had no clue where they belonged. I was so worried about the details and busyness of living, I forgot to take time to ponder – to dwell in the Word.

Now that I’m a grandmother, I realize that time spent in the Word of God is so important.  Still I don’t always take time to bury myself in scripture or put God at the top of my priority list.

Jesus visited the town of Bethany on several occasions. He made a point of seeing His friends, Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. As Jesus was teaching, Mary listened intently, while her sister busied herself with making a meal.

I certainly can relate to Martha. I think she gets a bum rap in this story, since she isn’t paying attention to the important words Jesus had to share. We may even be underestimating the power of the Holy Spirit in this case. I don’t believe Jesus’ love for Mary was greater than Martha. He loved them equally.

I wonder if Martha was still listening as she prepared the meal. Maybe as she stirred the lamb and barley chowder and baked the flat bread, some of Jesus’ words trickled into her brain. Again I recall those days, being in God’s house with my children occupying my time during the sermon. Those words were not falling on deaf ears.  This is why we take our children to church when they’re small. We’re turning them over to God’s power and praying His Word will flow in their little hearts, just as it does in ours.

Later in the story of Jesus is called to raise Lazarus from the dead. Martha ran to meet Him when he finally returned to Bethany after her brother lay in the grave for four days. She had faith that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’ life. She put her confidence in him to do something. She also knew that there was life after death.  At that point, Jesus called out and Lazarus came to the opening of the tomb, still in his burial garb, fully alive.

As the Pharisees heard and saw this, a plot was set in motion to get rid of the man, Jesus. He was a rabble rouser and trouble maker, who was interfering with their agenda.

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SHE GAVE HER LAST CENT

Posted on March 18, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Jesus was coming to the end of His ministry. From here on in, He would continue to speak to His followers in parables and through every day examples. One day as He was sitting near the temple, He watched as a widow came to make her offering. She placed two copper coins into the collection box.

Jesus commended the woman because He knew this was all she had. The gift was a sacrifice for her, because it probably would have purchased bread for her to eat that week. That doesn’t mean that we should give our last cent to further God’s kingdom, but He was comparing her offering to those who were giving from their excess or what was left over from their wealth – rather from their hearts.

This widow was most likely alone. She had little means and no one to provide for her. Whatever she possessed was meager, but she had something that was even more valuable than all the riches of the world. It was the gift of faith, which the Holy Spirit worked in her. She was down to the end of her savings, yet because of her extreme gratitude for God’s blessings, she gave it all.

I believe that was truly an act of faith. There have been events in my own life where we were down and out. We left bankruptcy court with $11.52 to our name. I seriously doubt we would put that pittance into the offering plate that Sunday. Does that mean we didn’t have enough faith? Not at all. We still had our faith. It’s what has sustained us for the last 30 years. We could’ve given up at that point in life. We could’ve turned away from God, but that wasn’t in our original commitment to Him. We were blessed by Him and able to survive during that time of loss.

We continue to survive because we have learned that God will take care of us no matter what our financial state. He continues to give us all that we need in just the nick of time. To be honest, I often pray that He would hurry up the process, but I know in my heart that He has a plan and it will be accomplished on His timeline.

In my opinion, the amount we give back to God is important, but not necessarily in dollars. We can thank Him through our service to others and to His work. God doesn’t need our money. He doesn’t need our good deeds. He’s already accomplished the work of salvation. What He does need is our faith and trust in Him to determine the plans He’s already mapped out.

Jesus wasn’t trying to elevate poverty. He was teaching His followers to give by faith, trusting that God would always provide for their needs.

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CHALLENGING TIMES

Posted on March 17, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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We are in the midst of challenging times.  Every day a new restriction is placed on us.  Jobs are lost, businesses will soon follow, the stock market continues to dive, stores are selling out many of our necessary items.  The elderly are convinced that this epidemic is going to wipe them off the face of the earth.  Students will finish out the school year online instead of the classroom and many high school seniors will never experience their last concert, theatre performance, prom or sporting events.

As Henny Penny set her world upside down by claiming that the sky was falling, we have gone into survival mode and wonder if we will.  Yet, even when the threat is real and we have no way to combat this new enemy, we must be resourceful.

As our parents faced the great depression, the desperate situation created by drought  and numerous wars,, we must first remember that we are Americans and we have been living the high life for quite some time now.  Don’t get me wrong.  There’s nothing wrong with prospering and succeeding in life.  However, in our pursuits to do so, we have forgotten some basic precepts.

This current situation can cause us to stress out, worry about how we’ll live and freak out because we can’t find a roll of toilet paper.  We could cash in all our stocks sell anything we have of value, look for jobs in a jobless environment or we could give up completely.  The alternative could save us all from extinction.

First of all, we now have an opportunity to become bonded as families again.  We’ll be required to stay home, so we’ll have to get used to each other again.  We might even find out we enjoy each other’s company.  Board games and puzzles might come out of the closet.  Telling stories about our own childhood – sharing things we know how to do that our kids don’t – like balancing  checkbook, sewing a patch on a tear, making ice cream from scratch, baking cookies, building something together.

As older adults, we have a wealth of information we can share.  We don’t have to communicate in person either;.  Now that we’ve been blessed with electronic devices we can share online.  Parents can counsel their children on things that have been bothering them.  They can advise them, teach them, read with them.  We will have nothing but time for quite a while now, so we should make the most of it.

Young adults can shop for their elderly neighbors.  They can check up on them from time to time.  They can make sure they’re eating.

We will feel isolated after a while.  We’ll feel cheated and lost at times.  We’ll get crabby and frustrated over little things.  We will have to settle for some of the simple things in life for a while, but during this time, we can make great strides in getting to know each other once more.  We can build solid family relationships.  We can inspire those in our care and others by being positive.   The division which has occurred in our country may finally end as we start caring for each other again.

We won’t be taking trips to Disneyland or tropical islands.  We will be stuck here in the beautiful land of Minnesota, which is on the brink of spring and summer.  There’s an abundance of beauty right in our own backyards.

Don’t give up.  We have only just begun to fight!

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DEATH SHALL HAVE NO DOMINION

Posted on March 17, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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And death shall have no dominion.
Dead man naked they shall be one
With the man in the wind and the west moon;
When their bones are picked clean and the clean bones gone,
They shall have stars at elbow and foot;
Though they go mad they shall be sane,
Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again;
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion.
Dylan Thomas

When we think about death, our first inclination is to be sad – to grieve for those we lose and wonder how we will survive without them – to know that they have departed from this earth forever.

As I grow older, I think about death quite often. I think about my own death – the death of a loved one or dear friend – the emptiness created by that loss. I think about the relationships built over the years and what it will be like without them. We want to hang on to this life forever because of that and because we might be afraid of what lies ahead.
Death is a word we like to put away and not think about, but it is inevitable, even for those in the best of health. Death was not an option until sin entered the world. We need someone to rescue us from the darkness – a Savior – a Redeemer. God provided that deliverance for us.

For the Christian, death is not an ending. Our faith in Christ is what leads us to Him. Faith alone will bring eternal life – in new bodies, free from pain. There will be no more tears for those who go before us, only for those left behind. The sadness will linger and eventually be replaced by fond memories of the one who has passed into eternity. This is our life assurance policy from God Himself. Death will no longer have dominion over us.

Romans 6:5 “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

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KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Posted on March 16, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Mary continued to watch as her Son captured the people with His message of love and forgiveness.  She couldn’t help but notice that He was growing tired and overcome by all of it.  He needed some rest. As a mother, it’s almost certain that she was concerned about His physical state at this time.  Even though He was the Son of God, He also carried a human body – subject to exhaustion, hunger, pain and suffering.

Jesus knew He needed to get away from the crowds for a while too. He and His disciples got into a boat and headed to the other side of the lake to get some much needed rest.  Jesus immediately went to sleep.  He was in the midst of a deep slumber when a squall came up, putting everyone on the boat at jeopardy.  Despite their best efforts, the disciples feared the worst.  They thought this would be the end for all of them.  They panicked.  They ran to Jesus in their fear and woke Him, begging for His help.

Jesus calmed the raging sea and stilled the waters with just the sound of His voice.   By doing so, He showed the divine side of Himself.  Only God can control the weather and the elements that result from it.

We’re surrounded by various storms in life. Right now we’re facing the threat of a worldwide disease which is moving at lightening speed.  We may lose a loved one – lose jobs – lose our savings and belongings. You can see a similar thread weaving its way through this patchwork of pain and loss. When a storm occurs it can result in complete desperation or it can pull us together to help one another.

God wants us to depend on Him in times of trouble, but He also wants us to care about each other when we’re all in the same boat.  God is always in control.  He has promised never to leave us.  It’s hard for us to believe that sometimes, but He doesn’t lie.

That doesn’t mean we simply sit back and wait for Him to fix everything. He gives us the means with which to mend our physical situation, by providing us with logical minds – physical strength – determination – and faith.  Instead, we often raise our hands in despair and sometimes even curse God for bringing torment into our lives.

When faced with difficulties, we panic – we lose hope – our faith wanes – we firmly believe this is the end for us – we give up. We quickly forget that Jesus is our companion through life and into eternity..

Dear, Lord, Jesus,
Thank you for calming the storms of life – for rebuking the devil and all his wicked ways – for walking beside me – for carrying me through the most difficult times. I ask that you give comfort to those who face great loss. Remind them of your presence in their lives. I will forever praise your Holy Name. Amen

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CALMING THE SEA

Posted on March 16, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Times of turmoil and confusion, peace may seem aloof or gone,
Yet the Lord of all creation, stills the waters and the storm,
His hand will calm the rumbling seas, He can give relief from pain,
He can help you through all trouble, making loss into your gain,
Put your trust in His compassion. Put your faith in Him alone,
He provides for your salvation and will take you safely home.

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CAN WE FIND GOOD IN THIS

Posted on March 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Yesterday I went grocery shopping for the week. As I made my way through the aisles I couldn’t help but notice more people than usual doing the same.  Some had filled their carts to capacity and even to the point of overflowing.  One lady actually had to stop occasionally to pick up something that escaped from her cart.  I had to make a second trip today because I’d forgotten something.  I was astounded by the number of  empty shelves – not only  paper products and bottled water, but pain relievers, cold and allergy meds, cough drops and vitamins.  Food products were also disappearing at a quick rate.

The only thing that panic hoarding will accomplish is shortages for those who really are in need of those things.  The same is true with the stock market.  People are buying and selling because of fear of losing their life savings and retirement incomes.  I get it.  Fear can do that to people.

I think back a few months ago and our nation was in the midst of impeachment hearings and a trial for the same.  A nation divided in opinion and beliefs was causing families to battle within – to lose valuable friendships – to blast their opinions on social media and we saw an infighting within our government officials in a show of bipartisanship we haven’t witnessed in quite a while.

We have been victimized by fake news and like the boy who cried wolf, now a new predator knocking at the door we don’t seem to comprehend what’s true and false.

Whenever there’s an emergency of the magnitude we’re experiencing through the corona virus, we naturally panic.  The fact that this is a worldwide epidemic concerns us even more.  We can either chose to run away and hide or we can run into it, educate ourselves and pray.  God has promised to be there with us in all situations.

Prayer is often used as a last resort, but maybe this is our wakeup call to get in touch with our Creator and ask for His intervention, His guidance, His wisdom, His peace and the comfort He gives through His Holy Word.  Instead of letting fear get the best of us, we can turn to the only One who offers answers to our questions and fears.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  John 14:27

Dear, God of comfort and peace,

Wrap your loving arms around us and shield us in the shelter of your wings.  There is a reason for this and all things that we face each day.  Keep us from going off the deep end with worry about impending doom.  I know that you are in complete control of all things.  You were there at the first Passover when the angel of death came to take the lives of the firstborn of each family.  You are with us today as we face this worldwide pandemic.  

We don’t understand what your purpose is for it, but we know that everything you do is for our good.  Watch over my family – my youngest daughter and her family as they leave the country for a vacation they’ve planned on – for my oldest grandson who is currently living in S. Korea waiting to teach ESL to students who are unable to attend school because of quarantine – for my oldest daughter who has a weakened immune system.  Protect all those who are fighting this disease – the medical personnel – the researchers looking for a cure – the organizations keeping us updated and informed – for those experiencing fear and panic through all this.  

Give us the peace that you are in control of all things and that you have your eye on everything.  We pray with confidence in your Son, Jesus’ name.  Amen!

 

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WHO IS GOD?

Posted on March 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The power of God is like the majesty of a mountain,
Carved from stone,
Forged out of granite,
Alive with the water of life,
His voice is heard in the roar of raging waters,
As they tumble over boulders and pebbles,
Reaching into empty spaces,
Filling them with refreshment,
His face is unknown,
Fiercely judgmental,
Yet loving enough to still a bleating sheep,
His hands are strong,
They have formed the seas and the dry land,
They make straight the uneven roads,
They knit the grasslands together,
They were stretched and pierced for our sins,
His Spirit lives within us all,
As we carry our own crosses through life,
Those same hands created us,
Knew us before we were born,
Wove us together in our mother’s womb,
Fearfully, wonderfully designed by the Master,
He inspires,
Protects,
Disciplines,
Leads,
Forgives,
Never waivers,
Feels our pain,
Knows our needs,
Answers our prayers,
For He has crushed the serpent’s head,
So we may gain eternal life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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OBSTACLES – THE PHARISEES

Posted on March 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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The Pharisees came from a long line of religious tradition and strict adherence to the law of the God of Abraham. Jesus spent much of His youth in their temples filling His mind with the writings, the laws written by His Father’s hand. He already knew them, but his humanity demanded it. These men of the church would later call Jesus a blasphemer and subject Him to torture, humiliation and execution for His radical ideas. Change is difficult, especially when you’ve been steeped in legalism forever.
When Jesus arrived on the scene, the church was His greatest enemy. Things haven’t changed much, have they?

Has the modern day church become like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time? It’s sad to think of this happening, but in many organized religions it has. We become so wrapped up in the law of God’s Word and traditions of days gone by, that we sometimes forget what God’s purpose is for His children. To be healed and forgiven from the grip of sin. We then, in return should be so grateful that we can’t contain our joy.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, He didn’t tell them to be selective. In fact He spent time with those who needed Him most. If He had been like the teachers of His time, He would insist on following the letter of the law to a T. There would be no prostitutes – no tax collectors – no Samaritans – no thieves, liars, politicians or sinners of any kind. In other words, the church would be empty.

It’s easy to look at this group of religious leaders of Jesus’ time and make judgment, but we often do the same thing when we react to how people dress, how they act, sing, pray, whatever. The body of the church is made up of sinners. We’re all guilty of not following God’s commandments. We’ve fallen short of what’s expected of us. We make mistakes, we lie, we judge, we gossip, we use God’s name in the wrong way, we don’t serve others, we don’t live the life that Jesus led during His time on earth. The first step towards redemption is knowing our need for a Savior.

Lord, I know that I am unworthy of the grace you’ve so freely given. It’s – your love poured out for everyone who realize they need it. Help me to remember that I have an obligation to share that wonderful news. You loved me first, now let me pass that gift on. Amen!

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on March 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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IN THE SHADOWS

Posted on March 12, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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READ JOHN 3:1-21

The Sanhedrin was the ruling body of the Jews. This group acted as a lower court. Nicodemus was a member of this select organization who was considering doing something to stop Jesus and His “new” ministry among the people. Many consider this meeting as being held in secret, because Nicodemus didn’t want it known that he was interested in this man and His teachings – sort of a clandestine encounter under the cover of darkness. Yet being part of the group that wanted to Jesus dead, Nicodemus felt the man should have a chance to speak on His own behalf.

Whatever his motivation, there are times in our own lives, when we want to keep our Christianity to ourselves. Jesus was a threat to the Jewish leadership. He was claiming to be the Son of God, doing miraculous things, speaking the Scriptures with great authority and becoming angry with the self-righteous church leaders. Nicodemus was part of this group of accusers. He met Him in secret one night, not only learn to His intentions, but to assimilate what He was teaching to the masses.

He had no idea what he was about to learn. Jesus spoke about being born again – a term that is used loosely by some today. Nicodemus didn’t understand the process. ““How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus was referring to being born through God’s Holy Spirit – having faith placed within us so that we can believe. This is an act that only God can accomplish within us. We can choose to accept or deny, but the Holy Spirit is doing the work.
Faith is the key word here. Jesus talks about not believing things that can’t be seen or proven. Faith is believing without seeing – allowing the Spirit to work in our hearts and minds – accepting without question.

Nicodemus became a follower of Christ. He was at the trial, the administration of torture and the crucifixion. He and the rich, Joseph of Arimathea (another member of the council) carried the dead, crushed, bruised body of Jesus to a new tomb.  It was to be the burial site for Joseph, which he willingly gave up for his Savior.

So many of Jesus’ followers fled when push came to shove. Those who were His diligent followers fled in fear when the soldiers came to make the arrest. One denied knowing Jesus. Others stayed in hiding for a while. One betrayed Him. If we were placed in a similar situation, would we be able to stay strong in our convictions? I don’t know what I’d do. I certainly wouldn’t want to go through the persecution of a martyr, but if placed in that position, I wonder how God would arm me for the battle. Only He can do so through the power of His Word and Spirit.

Mary knew in her heart that Jesus was more than just her son.  He now belonged to every single human being ever to walk the earth.

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OUTSIDE THE BOX JESUS

Posted on March 11, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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It was the hottest point of the day, when the Samaritan woman came to draw water from Jacob’s well. Most likely she was trying to avoid the other woman who came to gather water in the coolness of morning. Those women had no use for her. She was immoral and had chosen to live an adulteress life with six men during her life. She knew she’d be cast aside or gossiped over if she had come with the rest of them.

An outcast, an enemy of the Jews by her Samaritan heritage, and a woman of ill repute; she didn’t have much going for herself. She made the lonely trek to fill her water jug for the day. She was used to this, but she wasn’t prepared for what waited for her that day.

Jesus sent His disciples ahead to gather some food for lunch and waited at the well. He knew there’d be an opportunity. As the woman approached, He could read what she had done with her life. He knew that she was despised by her neighbors and family. He recognized all her sinful behavior. He knew the guilt she felt. He knew that she needed to hear His message.

He asked her to draw a cup of water for Him. The woman was taken back by His request. First of all, He was a Jew and she a Samaritan – these people had been divided since the time of Judah. The Jews considered Samaritans mongrel Jews and their adversaries. For Jesus to ask a favor of a Samaritan would have been unheard of.

Secondly, she was a woman. Remember women didn’t hold the same status as men. On top of that, she consistently lived in sin with six different men. With that in mind, she responds with surprise – “How can you ask me for a drink.”

Jesus then offers her living water. He gently leads her from her sinful life to salvation allowing her to never go thirsty again.

His words are quiet, non-condemning, thoughtful kind. If we were all to evangelize as Jesus did, the world would be full of Christ followers. When Jesus said that He came to save sinners, He wasn’t simply talking about the obvious sinners. He was speaking to the entire world – to us.

Jesus confronted the woman’s sin so that He could provide a way out for her. He does this with us as well when we confess our sin and repent. The conversation ended this way. The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

With that announcement, the woman ran back to her town to tell everyone about this man who knew everything she’d done. Surely He must be the Messiah they were waiting for.

And so His work continued – the work of gathering souls for His kingdom.

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POLITICS – IN JESUS’ TIME

Posted on March 10, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Herod, the Great and Herod Antipas ruled during Jesus’ lifetime.  Jesus assured us that His kingdom is not of this world.  His kingdom would last for eternity.

Mary was familiar with the name of Herod.  Herod, the Great ruled during the time prior to Jesus’ birth. and ordered the death of the innocents – boys born with the last two years.  He’d heard from the wise men who came in search of the King of the Jews.  They had seen the star in the east announcing His birth.  God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with His Son and thus saved the little boy, Jesus.

Herod, the Great was also responsible for massive building projects in Judaea. He expanded the second temple at Jerusalem. He built a fortress city at Masada. He may have been great in creating impressive buildings, but his true nature was revealed in his ability to rule using scare tactics, subversion, and devious means. Sounds almost like organized crime or modern day politics in our country, doesn’t it?

The name Herod had become synonymous with tyrannical, fierce and heartless.  Herod, Antipas followed his father’s lead by continuing his dictatorial reign, stopping at nothing to gain power in the eyes of Rome.  Not only was he in charge of Jerusalem, but he held many foreign nations under his thumb and in captivity.  He was murderous, deceitful, vindictive, suspicious, conniving and any other negative term you might want to add. This man thought nothing of killing some family members, because they didn’t agree with him.

This was the Herod that ruled during the time of Christ’s crucifixion – the one who marred his brother’s wife – who watched as Salome danced lustfully before him – who had John, the Baptist beheaded – who wanted to see Jesus and the miracles He could perform.  He was just as murderous as his father and easily swayed by popular opinion.

He is also the Herod referred to in the arrest and trial of Jesus and His eventual crucifixion – one of the co-conspirators in Jesus’ death. During His ministry, Jesus referred to Antipas as “the Fox,” because of his nefarious dealings. He knew what kind of man this Herod was. He knew all about him.

These were the kinds of people who were governing during Jesus’ life. Though Jews were allowed to worship as they wished, they were still under the scrutiny of the government. This constant watchfulness, put the Jews on edge and they felt like prisoners in their own homes. They were also being over taxed for all the building improvements being made to impress Rome.  This political climate surged through the land during the time of Jesus’ life.  This tyrannical regime carried on until His death.

Jesus always would’ve been respectful of the governing rulers, because it was a command from God, His Father. Today we talk politics with each other. We state our feelings, because we live in a democracy, but we’re also part of God’s family as royal brothers and sisters of our Savior, Jesus.

In our dealings today, with those who lead us, we still must respect them and honor their choices, because God instituted government as He did everything else. All of these things were being set in place to fulfill the prophesies of old and to give us the hope of eternity.

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A FRIEND TO EVERYONE

Posted on March 9, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Mary’s heart was amazed at what was happening during this three year period of her Son’s ministry.  She recalled how, as a child, Jesus was always a friend to everyone.  He was the “go to” guy when it came to advice and counseling.  He continued to show His love for everyone throughout His life.  His words, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends,” were His mantra and would be until His dying day.

If Jesus were walking with us today, He wouldn’t think twice about hugging us with unconditional love.  No sickness or disability would hinder Him.  Jesus loves us in a way we can’t begin to comprehend.  He healed those with untreatable illnesses.  He gave sight and voice to those who never saw or spoke.  He even breathed life back into those who had died.  He counseled the homeless and gave them purpose to go on living.  He brought hope to a hopeless world.

His following was growing. Not only were people coming to be healed, but to hear His amazing message of forgiveness of all sin.  There was no sin too great, but the cost would require the final sacrifice – the perfect, unblemished lamb – the promised King from the lineage of David – the Son of God.

He spoke of things beyond human comprehension. He described a “new” life – a new heaven and earth. His compassion for all human beings, no matter what their occupation or station in life, was evident.  His advice for living was new to most – love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. He seemed an ordinary man with extraordinary powers, but Mary knew that he was much more.

His words were new to her as well, but she knew that Jesus was holy – He was from God. The angel told her He would be called the Son of God. God had taken on human flesh, just like us, to be the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world.

The pieces were beginning to fall into place. As he taught from the Mount of Olives, the power of His words were holding tenaciously to many hearts. His love for them was apparent. It was the love of God emanating from his voice. It was God’s voice. Mary must have realized that the name Immanuel truly did mean, God with us.

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YOU GOTTA LAUGH – PANDEMIC INSANITY

Posted on March 7, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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The first case of the Coronavirus has been discovered in Minnesota. Suddenly people are stocking up on toilet paper, bottled water, Lysol and hand sanitizer to the point that the big box stores are running out.  The word “pandemic” is on the lips of many and we’re being advised to stay away from crowds – don’t travel – isolate ourselves from the world and everything else that happens when we are panicked into thinking the sky is falling.

I’m sure this is a serious disease.  It is the top news story of every night.  It’s the topic of conversation in most settings.  It’s becoming the modern day “Plague,” which many believe is a sign of the end of the world.  We should take it seriously, but some funny things are connected with all this madness, and I feel it my duty to share some of it with you.  I firmly believe laughing is one of the best medicines known to man.  So if we all fall off the edge of the earth and the sun don’t shine tomorrow, at least we’ll have fun while doing it.

Yesterday a friend posted a comment about the virus.  She told us to wash our hands with soup and water.  It was a typo of course, but the comments mushroomed into a bizarre mixture of what kind of soup to how much should be used.  My favorite comment suggested using beer soup – preferably Corona beer.  I suggested Won Ton or Egg drop.  The list went on and it actually warmed my heart that this particular group of commenters wasn’t taking things seriously.

It’s really amazing to me that people are so quick to panic and set aside reason and common sense.  Of course we should take precautions with any disease, but often the hype that is dealt out by the media is enough to send anyone into a frenzy.  Our source of information should come from the experts, not the media.

It’s funny how things can overtake our thinking.  For example, yesterday while shopping I  found something I liked, but turned it over and discovered it was made in China.  I put it back on the shelf.  Normally I wouldn’t think twice about that, but my first thought went to where in China was this exported from.

We thought about eating Chinese last night and chuckled about the possible side effects.  I read an article about using onions to draw bacteria out of the air.  So as one of my friends suggested, onions will be shopped off the shelves.  Actually I remember my grandmother using onions in a poultice when someone was sick.  She also used dried mustard in a poultice.  Think of it.  All she needed was a hamburger and she’d have a happy meal.  Maybe some of those old remedies are the answer.  I read somewhere that onions and garlic were hung all around the houses to fend off the Black Plague.

Certainly we could all cocoon ourselves for the next century.  Everything is available online except for the Coronavirus and who knows, that might be the next thing to invade our computers.  Still, there’s no place like home.

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HIS FOLLOWERS

Posted on March 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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As a mother, I know how important it is for our children to choose their friends carefully. The last thing we want is to have them get involved in something that we don’t agree with. Mary was like any mother, but Jesus wasn’t your average child.  When He chose his disciples, He knew in advance that they were just the right ones to teach the truthful message of the Gospel.  He would equip them with the necessary tools and train them in the path He had chosen for them. He wouldn’t be swayed by them. They were going to learn from Him and would eventually become the core of the greatest band to spread the Good News.

A disciple is another word for follower. Later, the Terrific Twelve, would become the base for the Christian church and be known as Apostles – AKA those who were sent out. There were far more that went out to reveal God’s gift of salvation and eternal life. The seeds were being planted by the finger of God Himself.

Jesus choice for His band, might seem unusual. Several of them were fishermen – business men who not only went fishing, but hired people to help with the work. One of the twelve was a tax collector – not a job worth favor in those days, because many of them were corrupt. Others were tradesmen. Judas, Iscariot was the treasurer of the group and constantly worried about financial affairs, which eventually led to his doom.
A motley crew indeed. They certainly weren’t flashy or capable of delivering crowd gathering speeches, but they followed Jesus without question. Most of them were probably young and physically capable of long hours, travel and hard work. They left their jobs, families, income to follow this new Rabbi.

As Mary saw those whom her Son was associating with, it may have caused her concern. He was known to spend time with the lowest classes of society. That could have been a sore spot for her, yet she was placing all of this in the hands of Jesus’ Father.  Mary knew long ago that her Son was going to be different than most.  He had been sent by God Himself to save the world from their sins.  He did not come to make life easy for us – to make sure we had enough to eat – to fill water jugs with wine – to heal all our physical ailments, but to bring us the gift of eternal life in paradise.  As co-heirs to His Father’s kingdom, His purpose was clear.  He would vanquish sin with His own precious blood.  He would conquer Satan through His resurrection.  He would show us how we would some day be carried up to heaven as He was.

She knew that this Son of hers was no longer hers. He belonged to the ages.

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