✨Lent Day 17: The Name✨ ✨Psalm 72:12-19 (ESV)✨✨ For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him!
May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day!
May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!
May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ At the inauguration of a king of Israel, the Israelites would offer a prayer like Psalm 72. This prayer was not only an acknowledgement of the king, but also expressed a set of expectations and criteria for their leader. The king was viewed as the means by whom blessings came to the people from God and he was expected to uphold divine standards of justice and righteousness. Looking to the king for compassion and deliverance for the weak was not naive or wishful thinking, but a hope rooted in the character of the one who had anointed him. The God of Israel is by nature a rescuer and helper to the helpless, so must the king be. Prayers for the endurance of the king’s name were based on that expectant hope, that the king would fulfill his commitment to the weak, so prayers for him meant safety and happiness for all. From then until now, however, no king or leader has ever been able to fulfill these divine standards. Today many have lost faith in our leaders and distrust them all, while others spend their lives and money promoting this name or that name as the one who will finally save us. As followers of Christ, we can know that God has given us the One in whose name the needy, poor and helpless will truly find deliverance. We can know that in Christ, we have a king who is not only concerned with our needs and suffering, but compassionately identifies with them. We can know that in Christ, prayers for the flourishing of his name and reign will mean peace and blessing for all. Do you know that the King truly cares for you and all of your needs? Have you called on his name? ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Almighty God, we praise you that your Son is the king we all want and need; that his compassion far outweighs anything we have ever seen. Help us to trust and obey you as our righteous king, and may your name be forever praised. 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 (colon cancer), 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), Michael (brain cancer), Hannah (brain cancer), Margarita G. (terminal cancer diagnosis by doctors), Greg C. (liver cancer), Stephanie (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 18: The Chosen Servant Isaiah 42:1-9 (ESV) “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ In previous chapters, God through the prophet Isaiah has been building a case; he says that though we pursue false idols, they continue to delude, enslave and ultimately fail us. In this passage, God’s chosen “servant” is called to bring about justice and free those bound in “the dungeons” (v. 7). This was the lesson for Israel and remains the lesson for us today. The nature of idolatry is that we worship and serve that which does not deserve it. At the heart of the Christian message, however, is that Jesus Christ “the Chosen One,” who truly deserves worship, has served us first. How can we know God’s pleasure in such a way that we begin to replace the idols in our lives with true worship? In verses 1-4, we are taught to “Behold” the one in whom God himself “delights.” To behold means to both see and consider. Isaiah calls Israel to see and consider the Lord through his servant; appointed by God, and supported by his Spirit. In beholding this servant we are able to clearly distinguish what is real from what is counterfeit, a “metal image” full of “empty wind” (Isaiah 41) to a Spirit-filled servant who has come in the flesh (John 1). This servant, who has from afar long beheld us, knows that we are wounded and always on the verge of losing hope and will complete his task with the gentleness of a friend (v. 3). Behold the pleasure the Son found in serving the Father even unto death, for you. Then, “delight” in Jesus and be free. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise you that the fullness of the Godhead is at work and in full view here in this passage to bring an end to idolatry and the suffering that comes from it. We thank you for your word that we may gaze into it and ponder how you covenant with your people. We delight in you for sending a servant-king, Jesus Christ, who truly has “set the captives free” (Luke 18:4). 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 (colon cancer), 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), Michael (brain cancer), Hannah (brain cancer), Margarita G. (terminal cancer diagnosis by doctors), Greg C. (liver cancer), Stephanie (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 20✨✨✨ ✨✨The Sinless Servant✨✨ Isaiah 50:4-9 (ESV) “The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.
I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.
Behold, the Lord God helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ In these verses we observe the contrast between the obedient servant of the Lord and those who persecuted and abused him. Astonishingly, it is the obedient servant who is called to suffer on behalf of the disobedient people – to be struck, spat upon, and mocked. And yet, he “sets his face like flint” toward the road of suffering and will “not be put to shame.” He knows that his suffering is not in vain because by it his people shall be redeemed. The writers of the New Testament recognized that the servant of the Lord, referenced in this passage, is none other than Jesus Christ. He “set his face” toward Jerusalem, knowing the pain that awaited him there (Luke 9:51). He was struck, mocked, and spat upon (Mark 15:19-20). He suffered, not because of his sin but because of ours, and his life was marked by perfect obedience, even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-9). Through all of this, Jesus remained the sinless servant (Hebrews 12:2). How was Jesus able to endure such treatment and yet be confident that ultimately he would not be put to shame? The answer, in a word, is joy: for “the joy set before him, he endured the cross.” The joy that motivated Jesus was the fact that by his suffering his people would be redeemed. We too have a great joy set before us today. Certainly there is pain and suffering on our journey, but being united to Christ by faith, we will not be put to shame! Let us take up our cross and follow Christ, the sinless servant. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our sinless servant. May this good news bring strength to us as we pursue joy in the midst of our pain and suffering. 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), 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 (colon cancer), 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), Michael (brain cancer), Hannah (brain cancer), Margarita G. (terminal cancer diagnosis by doctors), Greg C. (liver cancer), Stephanie (breast cancer), Mom to lorisweet7’s classmate, 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 22: The Waters✨✨ Isaiah 55:1-7 (ESV) “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ In these verses, the Holy One of Israel is crying out through Isaiah, pleading with his people on the eve of destruction to return to the true fountain of life. It is an emphatic call to come without barrier to the eternal spring of living waters. Verses 2 and 3 make clear that this water is the word of God. The invitation is to drink deeply: to receive the word, reason with it, delight in it, to listen to it like they had never listened before. “Listen diligently” (v. 2) is literally, “Listen-listen!” a call for undivided and sustained attention. Ultimately, this word is meant to save them (v. 3), transform them (v. 7), and make them a blessing to the entire world (v. 5). They are being called into communion with their compassionate God (v. 7). But they refuse to hear him (6:9). Lent is a time for us to admit the same tendencies displayed by Isaiah’s audience. For reasons conscious and less conscious, we are prone to neglect God’s word, and ultimately, God himself. Given enough time apart from the Scriptures, a kind of spiritual amnesia sets in, where we forget the taste that is sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). Lent is an invitation to see Christ as the woman at the well came to see him — as the pure, limitless satisfaction for our thirsty souls. It is our invitation to return to that well and drink deeply. Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Prayer: Gracious Lord, in compassion you call us. By your mercy, open our ears to hear your voice, and hearing you, to return. Remove the scales from our eyes and unveil for us the wonders of your word. Your glories are revealed there. Be our delight. Be our satisfaction. Awaken in us a new sense of expectancy, as those who put their trust in you will never be put to shame. Glorious LORD, we are yours. 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), 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 (colon cancer), 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), Michael (brain cancer), Hannah (brain cancer), Margarita G. (terminal cancer diagnosis by doctors), Greg C. (liver cancer), Stephanie (breast cancer), Mom to lorisweet7’s classmate, Cheryl (inoperable brain cancer for 3 years/ovarian cancer operated on 3/17/23), 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! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️

✨Fourth Sabbath of Lent✨ The Law of Moses clearly warns about mob violence (Exodus 23:2). Group dynamics and mass hysteria operate in a mob. Usually, damage is done before the truth is ascertained. And clever persons manipulate such groups for their own benefits. 

Man has been gifted with free will. This will does not guarantee right choice nor does it give us freedom to make wrong choices. It is like a driving license. The license is to permit a person to drive lawfully and not for running over people. Similarly, free will is provided to take lawful decisions and not to exploit fellow human beings.

William Barclay comments about the mob’s action clearly. They chose lawlessness, instead of law. One who takes the sword shall fall by the same. Taking law into our own hands is a sin.

Secondly, he says that they chose war, hatred, violence, and bitterness. Instead of peace and love. Barabbas symbolized evil and Christ symbolized holiness. Men in darkness prefer darkness to light. 

The reason for their choice could be ignorance and ungratefulness. Ignorance, because they could have been manipulated by the high priests. Christ’s ministry must have blessed many including some of their relatives. But they were ungrateful. This mob brought down the curse on themselves and their children. Thank You, dear LORD, for sending Your Only Begotten Son to save whosoever believes in Him from the curse. We love and adore You, dearest Abba! 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), 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 (colon cancer), 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), Michael (brain cancer), Hannah (brain cancer), Margarita G. (terminal cancer diagnosis by doctors), Greg C. (liver cancer), Stephanie (breast cancer), Mom to lorisweet7’s classmate, Cheryl (inoperable brain cancer for 3 years/ovarian cancer operated on 3/17/23), 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 for sharing Gary’s going home. Even though our prayers may not have been answered the way we had hoped, Gary is healed and is with his Father! Praising the Lord for His peace and comfort that has been bestowed upon Milissa. May she continue to feel His presence as she goes through the grieving journey. In Jesus’ name, amen! 🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️✨✨✨❤️❤️