Tag Archives: Five Minute Friday

Whole ~ Day 6 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

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“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good GOD is. Blessed are you who run to him.” Psalm 34:8 (The Message)

Whole

“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!” That was a slogan for Alka Seltzer back in the 70’s and a catchy one at that. I remember people would be heard saying those words at restaurants, around dinner tables, and at the ice cream parlor. I’ve even said them once or twice myself as this picture proves! (The hair? Don’t ask!) Whether finishing an entire bag of potato chips in one sitting, munching through a four-serving bag of microwave popcorn by myself, eating way too much on my first trip to Pigeon Forge, TN (the picture again), or you add your own to the list,“the whole thing” can leave us feeling full – of food or whatever else we’ve partaken of- AND fuller of regret.

There’s one thing though we can never fill up too much on, and that’s God. The Psalmist puts it like this:

“God – you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains.” Psalm 63:1-3 (The Message)

I don’t know about you, but I often let myself desire chocolate chip cookies and a Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee more than I hunger and thirst for God. That is of course, until life has me stumbling through a dry and weary place, it’s then I finally realize I’m actually starving for Him.

“Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to GOD. He got you out in the nick of time; He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. He poured great drafts of water down parched throats; the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.”
Psalm 107:6-9 (The Message)

When trying to fill up on our own, we can easily find ourselves in disbelief because we’ve messed up the whole thing, gotten the whole thing wrong, spent the whole thing, lost the whole thing, been consumed by, or consumed the whole thing. Thankfully Jesus, while in his own desert place, reminds us of what we truly need to really live.

“Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.’” Matthew 4:4 (The Message)

It’s not in a fizzy liquid where we’ll find our relief, but in tasting the life-giving, life-nourishing Word of God, not just a bit, but the whole thing!  I’m believe that once we take it in, we won’t be able to get enough!

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Matthew 5:6 (The Message)

Patient ~ Day 5 ~ 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NLT)

Patient

Introducing Mr. G and Mr. B. They are patient patients sent to the boys from the staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to help them learn more about what their little brother would be coming home with. Mr. G has a G-Tube in his tummy and Mr. B, a Broviac Tunneled Catheter in his chest, both supply nutrition to someone who’s body cannot absorb it on its own. 

The reason I call them “patient” is that the boys wanted nothing to do with them and so there the bears sat, waiting for Carson and Owen to get to know them better. They were sent to help but the thing is, picturing what Sutton has been through isn’t something they liked to think about. They wonder why it happened and don’t want to envision all he’s experienced. These bears reminded them of their little brother’s suffering, of how their lives have changed, and so they wanted to keep their distance while they waited for things to get better.

As I put the bears aside, it occurred to me that at times we can feel the very same way about what Jesus endured. He too was sent to help, but often we don’t like to think about all He encountered to accomplish it. Getting too close to Him can remind us of the grief, anguish, and pain he bore so our unworthy lives could change. Instead, we try to keep our distance, just until we’re better, more deserving. Thankfully, Jesus is patient too.

“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT)

“When Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
 Mark 2:17 (NLT)

Sutton is home now (a true miracle) and in spending more time with him, the boys are realizing he’s the same brother they love, are becoming less focused on the wounds themselves and more on the fact that they’re part of a plan to give Sutton life. I’m guessing you can see where this is going.  Yes Jesus, our brother, suffered wounds too but on our behalf. He did it willing as part of God’s loving plan to give a new life to you and me. A TRUE MIRACLE indeed!

I predict that someday soon Mr. G’s and Mr. B’s patience will pay off and they will be welcomed into the menagerie of all the other stuffed animals the boys have. And their tubes?  I think the boys will learn to celebrate them, like Sutton’s, for the healing they bring. Let’s not wait any longer and celebrate Jesus in the same way.

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

Peace ~ Day 3 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 (NIV)

The Walk

A long day at war with worry and fear,
Little boy squabbles, and
Needs far and near.

Head is pounding. Thoughts running wild.
Tears threaten to spill, Lord
Do you see me, Your child?

Shoes on feet. Helmet on head.
“The evening is calling us
Let’s take a walk before bed.”

Step after step, labored and slow.
Boys on bikes buzz by
Leaving a trail of laughter as they go.

Longing for an answer, I lift up my eyes
Turn the corner. Stopped in my tracks.
An unexpected surprise!

There in every hue of His love
God’s peace painted for me
Across the sky above.

Finish our stroll bathed in pink light.
A beautiful reminder
We’re never out of His sight.

“MiMi, the sky!” I hear them say.
Smiling, I thank God He is with me,
And that tomorrow’s a new day.

“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 57:9-10 (NIV)

Need ~ Day 1 of 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Day 1: “Need”⁣

We are a generation of stuff, overrun with things we think we need. The proof is on our porches, in outbuildings, our closets, self-storage units, and in my own garage. I used to teach my Second Graders the difference between a want and a need. It’s a lesson I’ve been reminded of in the last few months and one most of us could use a refresher on. Really, we only need the basics for life like food, water, and shelter. All the rest we can get by without. Difficult, challenging times make it clearer than ever that “things” are not what will sustain us. ⁣
⁣
The chorus to the hymn above has run on replay in my mind for weeks now. “I need Thee, oh I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee.” Maybe you’re like me and have found yourself in the midst of an unexpected situation in which you have no control over or the strength to face on your own. That’s when we learn what needs are truly essential: the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Living Water (John 4:14), and the Shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). ⁣
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“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)⁣
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God, who sees us at our worst and best, strongest and weakest, when we’re rejoicing and grieving, knows what we want, but more importantly, He knows and is able to provide exactly what we need, not just for ourselves, but so we might share with others. God’s abundant blessings of praying friends, supportive communities, encouraging church families, and overwhelming love from others doing “good work” have been what’s helped my family endure these past months. So now it’s my turn to richly give those in need, not stuff, but the abiding, overflowing love we’ve been shown. A love that sustains not just life now, but for eternity. #31Days2021 #writingprompt #fmfparty #1/31

Out of Order? ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Out of Order?

At the beginning of each new school year a “Meet the Teacher” night was held for my incoming students. And every year I listened as parents proudly listed all the things their son or daughter already knew: letters, sounds, fact, numbers to 100, 500, 1000. I’d smile, shake my head, and say to myself, “we will see.”

Children are very adept at rote learning. That is, repeating things enough times that they become comfortable with them and can repeat them on demand, as long as they are in order. Whether spelling words, answers on a study guide, or numbers to 100, the true test is being successful even when things are OUT of order.

My family and I have been experiencing the same kind of test. If you’ve read much of my writing you probably know that I am a comfort zone gal.  I like my days to repeat over and over in the same way. The repetition allows me to seemingly meet the demands of life; as long as it remains in order, that is.

In recent weeks however, our lives have felt completely OUT of order! My youngest grandson suffered a traumatic health emergency and now our schedules, priorities, plans, dreams, just about everything, have become rearranged. May I say, it is anything but comfortable. As you might guess and maybe have experienced yourself, it’s left me feeling extremely weak so I’ve been clinging to this familiar verse:

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

These words reassure us when our worlds are in chaos. As He often does, God is teaching me in this unexpected, upside down, mixed up, time in our lives and it’s occured to me, that we (I) may say these words from memory, without real thought of the true meaning, which lead me to read Philippians 4, verse 12. Here are the words Paul writes leading up to these often repeated ones:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

 Just like my second graders, the true test comes when we’re victorious even if nothing is as we thought it would be. So, whether in joy or sorrow, fear or courage, peace or anger, health or sickness, “whether living in plenty or in want”, we can be content in “all this”, not on our own, but through Christ. What I’m learning (maybe kicking and screaming) is that life is never going to stay in order, and maybe, just maybe, we (I) shouldn’t want it to be, because it’s in those times when we’re blindsided, off balance, out of sync, discombobulated, and uncomfortable that we look to the One who DOES stay in place, to give us the strength to be content in it all

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)

I’ve joined with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today to write to the prompt “Order.” I encourage you to click over and read more! I have been so overwhelmed and grateful for all the prayers given for my family and especially for Sutton from this wonderful writing community, our family, friends, and even people we don’t know. God is working and prayers are being answered. Follow Sutton’s journey at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070279381003   

 

Facelift ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Smile, when you think you can’t. Smile, get up and dance. Smile, there’s a bigger plan. The storm only lasts for a while. So smile!” The Sidewalk Prophets Photo credit to Claire Cottrill Photography

Facelift

Recently, I was invited to an on-line cosmetics party and the hostess asked a question about our biggest skin concern. My immediate response was, “I can only choose one?” But, out of the choices she offered, my answer was “wrinkles.” Spending time in the sun and the passing years show on my face. Some might say I’m in need of a facelift. You know, where they pull your saggy skin back and in the process give you a perpetual smile? No thank you! But the truth is, I do often need another kind of facelift. One that’s not given because of time in the sun, but rather, one that is the result of time with the SON!

“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” 2 Corinthians 6:8-10a (NLT)

Life is hard. You and I know that things don’t always go our way. Friends betray us. Jobs are lost. The world shuts down. Dreams feel out of reach. People die. We could spend all day adding to the list. And when I’m faced with worries, fears, and challenges? My face shows it. It’s not just my skin that sags, but my mouth droops, eyebrows slump, and my demeanor, well it just wilts, taking those around me down with it. You see, unlike the disciples, who, by the way, knew all about how hard life can be, I lose sight of joy. I need a face lift! Been there?

Throughout the Bible the disciples show us what it means to live with joy. Now you might be thinking, “Cindy, no one is happy all the time.” I agree. Joy and happiness though, are two different things. Being happy results from what’s happening around us. Always having joy, comes from the Spirit inside us. I’ll bet you’re like me and can name people in your lives who like the disciples, have experienced tragedy and yet rejoice. They’re the ones who remind us, that in the midst of our biggest concerns, we can still smile by lifting our face to the Son.

“Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Think about things of heaven, not things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

I continue to learn (yes, it takes me a while) that it’s all about perspective. If I stand too long in front of the mirror (focused on myself), all I see are the wrinkles of life. But a face lifted from the imperfections, heavenward toward Jesus’ perfection, allows us to echo Paul’s words above in 2 Corinthians 6:10, “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” Always, my friends! And that’s the uplifting way we want to face life and to share with others. Let me leave you with these words:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15: 13 (NLT)

Now, if that doesn’t give you a everlasting smile, I don’t know what will!

 

Broken Eggs ~ Five Minute Friday

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Broken Eggs

If you’ve been around small children much you know they can create a lot of noise! You also know that it’s when they’re quiet, you need to worry most. I found this out many years ago while folding laundry when I suddenly realized I no longer heard my young son playing as I had earlier. My motherly radar on high alert, I went to investigate.

The refrigerator door wide open, there he was, his bare little toes wiggling in a large, slimy puddle of shattered, empty eggshells and all they’d once contained. Looking up at me with large innocent eyes, in his sweetest voice, he said, “I just wanted to see what would happen. Will you help me put them back together?”

Well, we all know how that went don’t we? While tiny hands picked up some of the broken pieces of irreparable shell, they couldn’t remedy the oozy, gooey, mess left behind. A challenging job even for mommy hands!

Isn’t that just like us? We open a door we shouldn’t. Let our curiosity direct our actions. Find ourselves keeping quiet so no one discovers what we’ve thought or done. Sometimes we “just want to see what happens.”  And before we know it? The consequences of what we did lay at our feet. Fractured relationships, broken trust, empty dreams, results we didn’t expect or plan for. There WE are, standing in the midst of a mess we can’t clean up.

Little boy tears fell with the realization that the broken eggs couldn’t ever be made whole again. I don’t know about you, but all these years later, I can find myself in the very same place. As I attempt to pick up the pieces, my grief, fear, regret, or a multitude of other feelings overflow down my cheeks. It’s then I recognize, that fixing what I’ve broken is out of my “child-like” hands. Been there? I’m learning that’s the very moment we need to place it all, as slimy, oozy, gooey, and shattered as it is, into The Father’s hands.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

We all know cracked eggs cannot be put back together and unfortunately all we’ve intentionally or unintentionally let “fall and break” may not be mended either. But, amazingly when we look up and ask for God’s help to fix what’s broken, ultimately, it is  you and I who are lovingly restored.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”
 Romans 5:8-11 (NLT)

There is so much that is broken in our world, but I don’t want to ever forget how broken I am and the amazing gift God has given me in making me whole through Jesus on the cross and out of the grave!  I hope you find some encouragement here this week as I’ve written with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to the prompt “Broken”. I thank you for your presence here and am blessed by you more than you know! 

 

Permission Slip

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“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4 (NLT)

Permission Slip

Every year about this time, anticipation began to build in my Second Grade classroom. The children knew that Spring meant our annual field trip. Field trips were not one of my favorite parts of teaching. Preparation, organization, coordination, navigation, communication, attention. All that work didn’t mean anything though, without one more important “tion”: documentation.

The day permission slips for the trip were passed out was full of excitement! Chatter filled the air and wiggly bodies filled the chairs. Each year on that day, I’d say the same thing. “These need to be taken home, signed, and brought back as soon as possible. You cannot make the trip if you wait too long.”

As you might guess knowing the nature of kids, some students brought their signed forms back the very next day and didn’t need to worry again about making it to our destination. Others needed a little reminder of where we were going and how wonderful it would be, to get them to return their slips. A few just weren’t sure they even wanted to go. They didn’t quite trust that it would turn out the way I told them it would and required some extra support. And then there were always one or two children who had lots of excuses why they hadn’t done what they needed to do to go on the journey with us. You’ve probably heard it before: they were too busy, they forgot, their friends told them not to go, or they’d been careless and lost their permission slip.

In a blink of an eye, the day before the trip would arrive and the afternoon would find us cleaning out backpacks to make them lighter to carry. The conversation would center around all we’d hope to see and do. There’d be questions. I’d offer reassurance. Anticipation was at an all time high, except that is, for the ones who’d waited too long. For them, the future looked bleak, felt like punishment, and tears usually flowed as they thought about being left behind.

You know? The nature of adults isn’t any different than that of kids. We can see the same patterns of behavior in all areas of life, as I saw in the midst of planning an elementary school field trip; even when it comes to where we’ll go to spend eternity.

Are we prepared? Taken care of all our “tions”? Salvation, justification, sanctification, so that we needn’t worry about our destination and can travel with a lightened load of sin? I hope so!

“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)

Or, do we need a little reminder of how wonderful Heaven will be?

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ ” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

“And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” Luke 23:43 (NLT)

Maybe, we want to commit to the journey but are still just a little unsure and need some support.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Have you been wondering about my students through the years who failed to do what they needed to so they could go on the field trip with their class? Well, the truth is, I never wanted a single child to be left behind so I did what teachers often do, made phone calls, visits, sent reminders, all to be sure that each little one was ready to go on the day of our trip.

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)

Maybe as we read this, our hearts cry out because we feel that it’s too late. We’ve been busy, letting others influence our decisions, or haven’t admitted yet that we’re lost.  Now, we only see punishment in our future, like some of my students did. But guess what? Also like them, we too, have someone who doesn’t want anyone left behind! And the Good News? No permission slip is required for this journey! Jesus has that covered. He signed His name in His own blood for each and every one of us, so we can ALL make the trip! So the question is, Are YOU ready? Am I? This is the one place we don’t want to miss!

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promises, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
1 John 2:1 (NLT)

“Who then will condemn us? No one-for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (NLT)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Permission” with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I’m looking forward to reading what others have created.  I hope you’ll click over and read some, too! I thank you with all my heart that you have joined me here. Please know that it is a gift I don’t take for granted. As I’ve been writing this afternoon as song has been playing in my head. The chorus goes like this:

“Are you ready for the trumpet?
Are you ready for the call?
Soon the angels will assemble to usher in the Son of God.
Will He find you faithful?
Will He know your name at all?
Every moment brings us closer.
Are you ready for the call?”

 

Redeeming Promises~Five Minute Friday

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“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You; and my soul, which You have redeemed.” Psalm 71:23 (NASB)

Redeeming Promises

Carefully placed between the pages of my Bible, are “heart treasures”: cards, notes, prayers, photos, letters, and such, that I’ve saved over the years. Things so precious, I want to keep them close to refresh my memory of the rich love they hold. One such gem is this “Christmas Coupon Book” given to me years ago by my young daughter. Each coupon page written in her little girl handwriting, was a gift I could redeem whenever I chose to.

As you can see, I was presented with a wide variety of promises. (My favorite is “kill flies”! We lived in an old house at the time, where in the fall, the flies thought they lived there too. It was a job not taken lightly! ) The thing is, by tucking her words away, I failed to benefit from the opportunities so generously offered out of love, to make my life better.

How often do we do the same thing with our actual Bible? God’s Word is a treasure meant to be held close. We know it’s a gift, full of precious words and rich with love for each of us, yet, we frequently tuck it away for going through later, failing to gain from the life it offers.

As a reminder, imagine with me for a moment, a “Christ Coupon Book”, to us, from God, each page written with the palms of Jesus’s hands:

Page 1- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (NLT)

Page 2- “They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. The will kill him, and after three days he will rise.’ ” Mark 9:31 (NIV)

Page 3- “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’ ”
John 8:12 (NLT)

Page 4- “But-When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
Titus 3:5 (NLT)

Page 5- “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Luke 12:24 (NIV)

Page 6- “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”
John 15:4-5a (NIV)

The Bible presents us with promises after promises, so generously given, not just to make our lives better, but to offer us eternal life!  The question is, will we chose to benefit from His gift?

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)

In this time of Lent as we prepare to make our way to the foot of the cross and the empty tomb,  what if we also seek out the treasure of God’s Word once again, along the way. Let’s challenge ourselves to pull our Bibles off shelves, out of drawers, from under the stack and day by day, refresh our memories of all the “treasures of The Heart” we have received!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” Psalm 107:2a (NASV)

Writing today along with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to the prompt, “Redeem”. You can click over to read more thoughts and even join in with us yourself! I want you to remember that I do not take for granted the time you offer me when you stop in. I count it as a gift for sure! 

 

Green With Envy ~ Five Minute Friday

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“What will you give me to turn Him over to you?” They offered him 30 pieces of silver.” Matthew 26:15 (The Voice)

Green With Envy

Egos green with envy,
They plotted out their plan.
To rid themselves completely
Of this popular Man.

Jealously quickly mounted
And hatred grew and grew,
As He stole all the attention
From their privileged few.

Intending to cleverly trap Him
They questioned His every word.
But defeated, they soon departed
Amazed by what they’d heard.

Secretly gathered in the palace
A betrayal had begun.
Those egos green with envy,
Would crucify God’s own Son.

“And so the chief priests and the Pharisees, the teachers and the elders, knew that when Jesus told these stories He was speaking about them. Not believing, they looked for a way to arrest Him-a stealthy way, though. They were afraid to make too bold a move against Him because all the people believed He was a prophet.” Matthew 21:45-46 (The Voice)

“Jesus knew these men were out to trap Him. ‘You hypocrites! Why do you show up here with such a transparent trick? Bring me a coin you would use to pay tax.’ Someone handed Him a denarius. Jesus fingered the coin. ‘Of whom is this a portrait, and who owns this inscription?’ ‘Caesar.’ Well then, render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And those who had come hoping to trick Jesus were confounded and amazed. And they left Him and went away.” Matthew 22:18-22 (The Voice)

“And almost as He spoke, the chief priests were getting together with the elders at the home of the high priest, Caiaphas. They schemed and mused about how they could trick Jesus, sneak around and capture Him, and then kill Him.” Matthew 26:3-4 (The Voice)

The prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today is “Green”. All day I thought I’d be writing about the green daffodil leaves poking through the ground and renewal or refreshing. And all day nothing came. I’d pretty much decided I wouldn’t be writing this week when out of nowhere “Green With Envy” came to my mind along with those self-righteous (can’t we all be) Pharisees and in just a little longer than five minutes I was done. I never know when I begin where I’ll end up. Today is a good example! I just have to hold on and go where the Spirit leads me. Thank you for going along with me!  You’re presence here is always a blessing!