✨✨Lent Day 5: The Lion✨✨ Genesis 49:8-12 (ESV) “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
Binding his foal to the vine
and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ On his deathbed Jacob prophesied the future of each of his twelve children, foreseeing their future ascendancy or demise, prosperity or impoverishment. For some, the future would be full of violence and heartache. But for others, theirs would be a future of prominence and victory. For Judah, the fourth among Jacob’s sons, his was a future of distinction. He would be held in esteem by his brothers (v. 8, “your brothers shall praise you”) and receive tribute from all nations (v. 10, “to him shall be the obedience of the peoples”). His reign would be enduring and unchallenged (v. 10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah”) and a time of overwhelming abundance. Because grapevines require attention and care, wine was a luxury for nomadic people in the ancient world. Yet under the reign of Judah, there would be such an abundance of vines that one could tie his donkey to one without fear that it would be damaged, wash his garments in wine without depleting the supply, and even drink until his eyes took on the color of wine itself (vv. 11-12). Judah’s reign would be a glorious one indeed and it is no wonder that Judah himself would be called a lion (v. 9). In Revelation 5, John has a vision of the enthroned Lion of Judah, and yet this vision is juxtaposed with a Lamb who was slain. Why? The Gospels show us that Jesus demonstrates his greatest power through weakness, his lordship through service, and his sovereign reign through self-sacrifice. In other words, Jesus was slain because he was the Lion and enthroned because he is the Lamb. In your moments of brokenness, heartache and hardship, do you see that Jesus Christ experienced brokenness for you so that you might experience the abundance of his reign over your life? ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are amazed that you reign not through a demonstration of power, but of service; not through exaltation, but humiliation; not through might, but sacrifice. Help me to see that you were the Lion who was slain like a lamb, so that in my humiliation I might experience your exaltation. In Christ’s Name, Amen. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨Lent Day 6: The Passover✨ Exodus 12:1-13 (ESV): “The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ The account of the Passover with which Israel begins its exit out of Egypt and slavery is in many ways the central story of the Old Testament. It is meant to speak profoundly to God’s people. On the one hand, it is a reminder that unless God intervenes and covers us, we are in the same condition as everyone else: part of a rebel creation that stands under God’s judgment and condemnation. That is always part of our identity as human beings and without it we cannot walk in humility either before God or others. On the other hand, it is a reminder that the primary thing God wants from us is trust. He wants us to trust that he is merciful and that he cares for us. He wants us to trust that he desires to save and not condemn us. That is why he became incarnate in the person of Jesus. And he wants our lives to issue in the acts of obedience that manifest our trust in him – whether that is putting blood on our doorposts and eating the Passover meal as was the case for the Israelites, or remembering Jesus’ death which saved us when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper and then living lives of forgiveness and generosity. Is your life being characterized by this kind of humility and trust? If not, why not? ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer – Lord Jesus, grant me to so deeply feel my need for your mercy and to know your provision of it that humility and obedient trust might be profoundly manifest in my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), Cayle A. (Jonathan B’s cousin – tumors on his liver and colon), ThankfulHeart’s loved one (cancer along with heart disease, asthma and abuse from ex-husband), and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨✨✨✨✨Lent Day 7: ✨✨✨✨ The Prayer 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (ESV) “And Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Within these ten verses there are two stories. The first is Hannah’s, a barren woman who desired to have a child and a life with meaning and who was rescued from herself by God’s mercy. The second is a story of the people of God traveling each year to “worship and sacrifice to the Lord at Shiloh.” These two narratives intertwine in 1 Samuel 1 and in the midst of the two accounts we see what is known as “Hannah’s prayer.” One condition of a man or woman that demonstrates a broken world (particularly in ancient cultures) was that of being “barren”. The pressures to produce an heir and insure an inheritance in Israel were so tremendous that “barrenness” might describe not only the physical but also the spiritual and social condition of someone’s affliction. After years of this, Hannah recognized that her grief had become sin and her mourning had become an “affliction” (1 Samuel 1:11) so at Shiloh she sacrificed that which enslaved her to the Lord. Upon repenting, she vowed that if she were ever to have a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord — rather than using her child as proof of her worth to those who had been judging her. She soon conceived and later returned with her son, who she gave as an apprentice to Eli the priest. This boy was Samuel, the first of the great Old Testament prophets. If any parent thought their child was precious, it was Hannah. Still, she must have known her role in his life was a temporary one. When we see Hannah “exult in the Lord” from her heart, and “find strength” in him (v. 1), she is being restored by the one thing permanent and true in the world (v. 2). Hannah understood then that behind every condition, physical or spiritual, the Lord’s creative power is at work, and not hers. (vv. 6-8). She rejoiced in that knowledge and was liberated. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer – Heavenly Father, though we may not all desire the same things that Hannah desired, we too suffer from trying to make temporary and fleeting things in life permanent. Help us to recognize and repent of our sin and put our strength in the Rock, your son, Jesus Christ. In Christ’s Name, Amen ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), Cayle A. (Jonathan B’s cousin – tumors on his liver and colon), ThankfulHeart’s loved one (cancer along with heart disease, asthma and abuse from ex-husband), and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨✨✨Lent Day 9:✨✨✨ ✨✨✨The House ✨✨✨ 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 11-17 (ESV) “Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? … “‘And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. King David, finally settled in his cedar home, desired a house for the ark of God. However, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, telling David that instead of allowing him to build a temple, the Lord would establish the House of David, culminating in one who would “sit on the throne forever.” Obviously God is not simply promising that he will ensure the continuation of David’s lineage as a sort of memorial to him — the common belief of many religions that we only live on in our descendants. He is promising to raise up his own Son from among the descendants of David, one who will bear our stripes and our iniquity. How like God this is! We offer to him some grandiose plan of how we plan to honor him, and he counters with a completely counterintuitive plan, one in which he is glorified by becoming both king and substitute. Thankfully, God reads our hearts and edits our plans and our prayers so that they are far more than we would have dared to ask or imagine. Pray, pray and pray, to the limit of your vision and faith, and then be prepared for God to do something even better. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: O Lord, you are mighty and faithful. Let your righteousness and justice, steadfast love and faithfulness go before us. Allow us to walk in the light of your face and to exult your name all the day. Remind us of your covenant with David, how you built your throne for all generations with the wood of the cross. In Christ’s Name, Amen. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), Cayle A. (Jonathan B’s cousin – tumors on his liver and colon), ThankfulHeart’s loved one (cancer along with heart disease, asthma and abuse from ex-husband), Rimboch12101’s two friends (metastatic cancer-no treatment options), Miguel (aggressive stomach and intestinal cancer), Courtney (liver or pancreatic cancer), Marvin (breast cancer), tierraware81’s father-in-law, and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨✨Second Sabbath of Lent✨✨ Lord Jesus Christ was very popular with the masses. His love, compassion, teachings, and miracles attracted many people towards Him. This caused a sense of insecurity in the minds of Jewish leaders. Caiaphas was the high priest when Jesus was crucified. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Pilate could sense that the high priest had accused Jesus out of envy (Matthew 27:18). Envy was the root cause for the other sins, which caused the violent death of Jesus. 

The bazaar of Annas had a notorious history. The priest officiating in the temple used to turn away all offerings brought from outside the bazaar of Annas. And in that bazaar, a dove could have cost 20 times more than the market price. Annas and Caiaphas hated Jesus because Jesus cleansed the temple and they were looking for an appropriate opportunity to take revenge. Jesus used to condemn the hypocrisy of priests and Pharisees. Hence they had bitterness against Lord Jesus Christ.

Envy, insecurity, hatred, bitterness, and an attitude for revenge made them conspire against Jesus. They prepared Judas for that purpose. And they gathered their cronies who would give false witness against Jesus. They arrested Jesus in the night with the help of Judas. The children of darkness perform their dark deeds in the cover of darkness. They arrested Jesus and interrogated him in the night. The Sanhedrin never met at night. They broke the law and framed charges against Jesus. In the Sanhedrin, the charges were religious: blasphemy and allegation about destroying the temple and building it again.

Since they did not have the authority to give capital punishment, they took Jesus to Pilate. In John 18:28 we read an intriguing note. The high priests did not want to go inside the judgment hall fearing defilement. But they were ready to murder the Son of God with false charges. 
Before Pilate, they changed the charges against Jesus. All charges were political. He was portrayed as a revolutionary (Luke 23:5) who forbade people from paying tax, and who claimed Himself as king. They even declared Caesar as their king (John 19:12). It was life according to convenience and not according to Scriptures.

Envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30) and is condemned by the apostles (Galatians 5:26 and James 3:16). Love dispels jealousy. Christ still loved them and prayed for their forgiveness. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), Cayle A. (Jonathan B’s cousin – tumors on his liver and colon), ThankfulHeart’s loved one (cancer along with heart disease, asthma and abuse from ex-husband), Rimboch12101’s two friends (metastatic cancer-no treatment options), Miguel (aggressive stomach and intestinal cancer), Courtney (liver or pancreatic cancer), Marvin (breast cancer), tierraware81’s father-in-law, Jesse (multiple myeloma), and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨✨Lent Day 13:The Scorn✨ ✨✨ Psalm 69:1-12 (ESV)✨✨ “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore? O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons. For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ David is drowning in his troubles (vv. 1-3). He is crying out in solitary agony, cast aside by his friends and family (v. 4) and set upon by his foes (v. 8). His reputation is under attack. The champion whose name was once celebrated in the streets is now being mocked in the taverns (v. 12). Israel’s savior is crying for salvation and he hears no reply (v. 3). The pain we feel when our reputation is under attack is uniquely excruciating. No matter whether we come from cultural backgrounds that prize the family name or are individualists who seek to make a name for ourselves, that name is our resumé. Kill it and we are in danger of a full-blown identity crisis. How are we tempted to respond when it is our reputation that is being assaulted? Do we cover up our flaws? Do we succumb to despair? Do we drive ourselves (and others) crazy in a hopeless quest for perfection? David is on a different track. Even in his distress, David’s mind is not on himself. He is not preoccupied with his own honor. His zeal is for the Lord’s house. This is what consumes him (v. 9). Honestly confessing his faults, he prays there would be no collateral damage from his own folly that would defame the God of Israel or those who look to him (vv. 5-6). David makes his appeal, boldly staking his claim upon the steadfast love and faithfulness of his just and omniscient Lord (v. 13). In short, he locates himself in God’s own reputation. Many years later, the one called the Son of David entered the temple in Jerusalem at Passover, driving out the merchants and money-changers. His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house has consumed me” (John 2:17). This confrontation sparked the events that would culminate in the greatest loss of dignity imaginable. The creator of the universe, humiliated as a criminal on a cross, prayed for his enemies, offering them all the benefits of his good name. In Jesus, we inherit an eternal reputation that can never be tarnished. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of God, we confess that we have sought too much to make a name for ourselves, and have considered too little the name you have given us. You, whose name is above all names, made yourself of no reputation. You humbled yourself, taking the form of a servant, and endured the violent scorn of those to whom you offered your title. Through the ultimate exchange, you have written your name on our foreheads, and written our names, indelibly, in your Book of Life. Give us the wisdom and faith necessary to humbly receive your exaltation. Teach us by the Spirit and the word to grow together into that name, and thereby to begin to reflect the traits associated with it. For your kingdom, by your power, for your glory, and in Jesus’ name. Amen. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), Cayle A. (Jonathan B’s cousin – tumors on his liver and colon), ThankfulHeart’s loved one (cancer along with heart disease, asthma and abuse from ex-husband), Rimboch12101’s two friends (metastatic cancer-no treatment options), Miguel (aggressive stomach and intestinal cancer), Courtney (liver or pancreatic cancer), Marvin (breast cancer), tierraware81’s father-in-law, Jesse (multiple myeloma), Joslyn (from Phoenix), Tommy (leukemia; in hospital trying to get bone marrow transplant) and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨✨Lent Day 15: The Forsaken✨ ✨✨Psalm 22:1-11, 29-31 (ESV)✨ “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
“He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
On you was I cast from my birth,
and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive.
Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Psalm 22 is the first in a cluster of psalms that describe the suffering of someone which seems to echo the accounts in Isaiah of the suffering servant of the Lord. The first line of this psalm is likely to be familiar to us because Jesus cried out these exact words when he was being crucified on the cross. Yet this psalm was written by David, many generations before that. Whatever suffering of his own that David was recounting, he was also prophetically describing the redemptive suffering of Christ on the cross thousands of years later. Jesus would have read this psalm many times in his life during worship at the temple. He no doubt had it memorized, for it to come so readily to his mind when he was on the cross. Knowing what he was going to face, Jesus could have spent his life in fear or dread. Instead, he, like David before him, clung on to what he knew was true: God is holy, God is his God, and God has been trustworthy throughout his life. And then, based on these truths, David appeals to God to stay close to him. Jesus knew, though, that the greatest suffering he would face would be abandonment by God, so that God would never abandon his people. The psalm ends with praise and a note of triumph at the end: “for he has done it.” Jesus stayed to the end, bore our sins, and purchased our reconciliation with God. The messianic nature of the psalm becomes clear as David declares that past generations that have died as well as future generations not yet born will all come to know that his God is a God who delivers his people from suffering. After all because Jesus really was completely forsaken by God (for us!), we can be confident that we never will be abandoned, even if, in our suffering, God seems far away or silent when we call out. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Gracious God, we glorify you that because Jesus knew what it meant to be utterly separated from you, we will never have to experience that. Strengthen our faith to truly believe this especially when we think we have reasons to doubt it. In Christ’s Name, Amen. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ✨ Please hear our prayers, dear LORD, for Flora, Tannen (or Karen?) from TX with 2 small children, Kim’s husband, Jeremy (prostate cancer), Allen, Susan, Sister Martha, Mccleskey, Charsmart, Heath, Jessica, Bob (and his salvation), Tom, Allan, Travis (Hodgkin Lymphoma; mother has leukemia), Dr. Sharon, Onesimo and his son, Naayson, Larry (age 83), Angel’s grandma, Blind Tony, Lynette’s son – Dylan, Jeanine (breast cancer spread to brain), Joann Robinson (breast cancer surgery), Samantha’s 21-year-old brother (brain cancer), Gretchen (and her salvation), James (liver tumors), Desi (3rd battle with cancer and needs stem cell transplant), Crystal’s mom (breast cancer), Serinna (lung cancer), Sheila, Shelly, Angelia, Dureatha, Marcia, Gerrie W., Kathie G., Patti B., Kenny, Renée’s mom, Bob (wife Lori), Jeanine (along with many, many other trials), young Peyton, Standingstrong’s husband (6 years battling; requesting continued favor), Patsy (also kidney and lung issues), Cathy (breast cancer/husband Bob), Kristie, Kelly (requested by lisa1), Mary (life-long friend of GodsgalMN), Angie (husband Todd), Robert (Ronivq100’s relative), Gary (wife Milissa), Josephine (multiple myeloma), jetaun52’s nephew, Sharon (stomach cancer-feeding tube to be put in), kellgaudet, Didi’s son (leukemia/daughter bone marrow donor), Bob (brain cancer/wife Jody), Tammy (husband has MS), Luke (on hospice), Frankie (brain tumor), Tommy (wife-Selina; his salvation, also), luvsjs.c’s son (colon cancer), Susan (along with many other health issues), Nancy (Multiple Myeloma), Senya (age 9), Abrey (age 5), Callum (age 9/brain tumor), Alan (leukemia/family Jeanette and Daytona), Vicki, Shirley, Logan, Jim, Holly, Mary, Clay, Shayla, Wally, Aaron (testicular), pastor joycel’s daughter (mass on liver), moore6771 (surgery to remove cancer), Father’s Daughter (breast cancer), Bob Miller, Lady Paige’s dad, Stacy Kim (cervical cancer), Hubert L. (lung cancer spread to brain), Todd F. (brain cancer), Chris B. (Cindy’s brother-throat cancer), Laurel (and large family), Sheldon (Stephanie’s dad – esophageal cancer), Maria (and her salvation), Trudy (colon cancer), Allegra, Warrior Princess’ sister (peritoneal cancer, upcoming surgery and housing issues), Brian (brain cancer), jahuizar’s uncle, Cooper (4-year-old with leukemia), Lisa – Philippians4:6 (stage 4 stomach cancer), Sandra (from Canada), Adrian Hill (possible pancreatic cancer), Marcia – mkv730 (pancreatic cancer; numbers going down-hallelujah; has appt 2/21/23 at Mayo), achasebb’s brother (multiple myeloma), Chelsea (mother of 2 small children/stage-4 pancreatic cancer), Tina (ovarian cancer and MSD-a bone marrow cancer), Rona (breast cancer), davidmi313 (along with depression/anxiety), Willie (having surgery 1/6/23), Marc Bigelow (stage 4 kidney cancer), family friend of ealucca (pancreatic cancer), ycruz1413, Dnicole’s mom, Mabel (daughter is caretaker/Don’t pass me by’s sister), Katrina (liver cancer: and salvation), Nancy (lung cancer and her salvation), Josh (17 years old with lymphoma), Duane (prostate cancer metastasized to brain), Ed and Gloria (husband and wife both have cancer; he has liver and colon; she has breast), yvettentreco’s husband, “K’s” 3-month-old baby (brain tumor-surgery not until March), Tom (stomach cancer), BJ (sarcoma on thigh; surgery on 1/17/23), Mia (10-year-old with lung cancer), Emerson (16-year-old with rare cancer), Lincoln Jones (Hodgkin Lymphoma), Denise (pancreatic cancer), Jorge from Argentina (pancreatic cancer), kathychap1’s husband (brain cancer), jusnitafrybarger’s husband (been fighting 2 years), Peavy (esophageal cancer), Soraya (pancreatic cancer), Barbara (ovarian and colon cancers), Kate (stage 4 pancreatic cancer), Mother of rparkz58’s daughter (lung cancer), rparkz58 (tumor on liver; ablation surgery on 2/14/23; his daughter’s salvation), Amanda (stomach cancer), Dana (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Adrain, Karen and India, Kali (5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor), David- dmgoetsch’s husband (colon cancer), Trina (colon cancer and salvation), Niki (stage 4 cancer/ husband Ken), B (prostate cancer), Carlos (cancer in more than one spot), nelsonandrousseau’s sister (metastatic ovarian cancer), Lynell (breast cancer), Coffey’s wife (given 1 year to live), Ellen (breast cancer at age 40), Debbie (stage 3 pancreatic cancer), Janet from TX (breast cancer), Cayle A. (Jonathan B’s cousin – tumors on his liver and colon), ThankfulHeart’s loved one (cancer along with heart disease, asthma and abuse from ex-husband), Rimboch12101’s two friends (metastatic cancer-no treatment options), Miguel (aggressive stomach and intestinal cancer), Courtney (liver or pancreatic cancer), Marvin (breast cancer), tierraware81’s father-in-law, Jesse (multiple myeloma), Joslyn (from Phoenix), Tommy (leukemia; in hospital trying to get bone marrow transplant), Dan (stage 4 colorectal cancer), Dana (has tests done 3/9/23), and all cancer patients who we don’t know their names, but You do! Bless them, their families and friends with Your peace that is beyond all understanding as You guide them down the journey they are traveling. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

Thank you, cinbahh and goingupsoon, for sharing your prayers on this prayer request. It has been such a privilege to pray for brothers and sisters who going through the hardest battle of their lives. There have been several praise reports, one of which is a doctor saying to their “terminal” patient that the treatment is working really well and they want to continue it. The patient replied that there was no medical treatment being done, but that prayers were being answered! So thankful there are so many prayer warriors praying for these wonderful sisters and brothers like yourselves! God bless!