Silent Saturday... not.a.sound

"'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous.There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Friday's forgiveness... it's our choice

"... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:33‑43

It's Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears, the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But, hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house, but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  He humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Tearful Thursday... by the light of the moon

Jesus prayed -
"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY
Sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of a full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

 He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient...Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

May you see the moon in a different light tonight... His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!
   
we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Willful Wednesday... take Him

And Judas said...
"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday
Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste. Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

The evening performances for our school play, sold out in just a few days. The money paid for meaningful, needed items -- costumes, props and other necessities. Not all sellouts are as honorable.

Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was of a spiritual nature and not of power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.
  

Are you still holding on to Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Turbulent Tuesday... cleaning up

Jesus said --
"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding on to His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

With the number of this year's school days dwindling, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines. Each day's tasks must be completed in order to wrap up our job on time.

Jesus found Himself with such deadlines, His last week on earth. Knowing His days were numbered, He unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.
To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep. 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 
He told believers about being ready and watchful, as He instilled in them the hope of things to come. 
Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family for eternity. He did and will do whatever it takes to reach even one more. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Words to Live By... respect

One week to go before spring break and the Weekly Word to Live By is RELIEF?  No, but hang on -- it's almost here! Our word of the week is RESPECT.  Actually, that's a perfect word to activate this week as we consider how God intends us to show respect for our Christian Easter celebration as well as respect for the beliefs or non-beliefs of others. 

Eric Buehrer, founder and president of Gateways to Better Education, offers these guidelines to public school educators when sharing the story of Easter in a legal, respectful way: 

Objectivity

It is important when teaching students about a religion, that you remain objective. The best way to achieve this is by attribution. For example, when introducing this lesson on Easter, explain to students that it is from Luke’s account of the life of Jesus. Use phrases such as, "Luke wrote that...," or "The Bible says...".

When referring to beliefs about the story, use phrases such as "Christians believe...," or John Newton believed..."

Your goal should be to introduce students to the story and help them understand the influence it has had on history, literature, art, and music. The lesson is not designed to prove the story is true, nor question whether the story is accurate.

According to the U.S. Department of Education's guidelines on students' religious liberties, your students have the right to freely express themselves regarding their personal beliefs. However, as moderator of a class discussion on this topic, you should emphasize that every student be respectful regarding their classmates' comments. No student should be made to feel excluded for expressing belief or disbelief in the story.

As a teacher, you can be confident in addressing this topic. This story has had significant influence in world history and should be understood as such. You are not teaching Sundayschool; you are teaching a subject that has impacted history, social movements, politics, literature, art, and music.

Resource from Gateways to Better Education:

You can request a copy of our Easter Lesson Plan for Public Schools by visiting https://gogateways.org/blog/how-to-tell-the-easter-story-in-public-school?rq=Easter

Here you may download a PDF which adapts Luke 22-24 into a textbook-style lesson with pictures, vocabulary, culture facts, and discussion questions.

You may want to consider exploring Gateways to Better Education, an organization I highly RESPECT, for enlightening and empowering public school teachers as to how we may legally and appropriately share Christian beliefs. 

Praying you, your students, and your families have a blessed Easter and sweet spring break!

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it, 

veneal

Monday's Madness... on a mission

As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday
Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers." Matt. 21:12-13

Later that day, He tells His disciples...

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matt. 21:21-22

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work.  The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life.  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

The Beginning of the Greatest Week Ever...

"They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'" John 12:13

THE countdown is on...

I'm not referring to the countdown to the school play, nor Spring Break, nor the the finals in March Madness, but THE countdown of all countdowns. Nothing supersedes the magnitude of the countdown of Jesus' final week on earth.  The countdown that sealed forever my future and yours. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing for ALL who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus

I wonder how Jesus felt His last week on earth?  After His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, life took a dramatic turn.  Did He understand what would happen? Yes.  Did His disciples? No. On Sunday, the palm branches are swaying with shouts of "Hosanna", in anticipation of Jewish independence, and by the end of the week shouts of "crucify Him!" by the same lips.

With joy comes tears. With thanks comes humbleness.  Let's walk down the  rocky, dusty path in hand with Jesus this week with grateful hearts, as we remember His sacrifice and unconditional love for us.

Hosanna, to God in the highest! Thanks be to God!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what have i done?

"The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples." Deuteronomy 7:7

It's true...

He loves us not for what we do, where we have been, what we have or how we rank but merely for who we are... His.

Father, thank You for loving us immensely just because we are Your children.  

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

together is better...

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.  10 
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:6-7

Reading a book together, they were totally absorbed in the activity.  When one stumbled with words, the other helped. Together they enjoyed and understood the story better than reading alone.

We weren't created to tackle life alone.  Whether in time of troubles or celebration sharing tears or laughter is sweeter with a friend.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

miles of smiles

"The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going  both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:7-8

Greeting everyone with big smiles and high fives at the school's front doors, our local police force brought smiles and giggles to all entering the building.

With so much concern regarding violence in schools across our lands, anxiety and fear have spiked for parents, teachers and children.  What a wonderful reminder last week, to see at our front doors the uniformed protectors in black and blue.  Their presence was a welcomed sight for all... an appreciated wave of protection, calmness and support.

Father, not a day nor an hour passes that You are unaware of the challenges, fears and questions circling about in our heads. Through prayer, your Word, music and people along our path, You are with us, providing the comfort, encouragement and guidance needed.  And today, i want to thank you for a very special group, the law enforcement angels on earth, who watch over and protect us with their life.  Thank you for placing in their hearts the desire, strength and ability to protect us.


we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ friend

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Thank You, Father, for the touch of comfort through a word, a hug or a smile. Friends... Your angels on earth. Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Words to Live By... remember

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."  Psalm 77:11

The Weekly Word to Live By is REMEMBER.  Those of us getting a little faulty in the memory department may chuckle or perhaps even grimace at the thought of having to remember anything else.  But if we take a minute to think about how marvelous a memory can be, it will be worth the investment of time and brain power.

For starters this week, take a stroll down Memory Lane and recall the best and brightest moments of your past week, month, or year. Go as far back as you like.  

If it has been a particularly difficult or strenuous year, summon up the memory of your last truly restful vacation or "staycation" and spend a few minutes savoring that experience all over again.

You might even want to flip through some old photo albums or journals to help you remember what or who has impacted your life in big and small ways.

Whatever you choose to remember, make sure you include the "deeds of the Lord" and the miracles He has performed in you and for you (see verse at top).  

Have a week full of sweet, silly, and sacred memories.  Please remember to share one of those with us on our Weekly Words to Live By Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/  It means so much to have you interact with us there and share how God is using a word a week to draw you closer to Him. 

guest blogger,

Dalene Parker

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

many shades of red...

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people..." Ephesians 6:7

Whether an American, Christian, or even family, we don't always agree with "our" people. Experience, values or opinions can sometimes drive us to opposite ends of the spectrum, as if we were enemies. 

Like a chameleon, our surrounding can cause a change in us.  Someone's actions or words can cause our heart to transform and reflect a different shade of red... going from love and kindness to anger and meanness.

As God's children we're called to make a genuine effort to do what's right in the eyes of our Father... including respect for others even when we bitterly disagree.  

In all we do, at all times, we are serving God with our words and actions. 

Has someone stepped on your toes lately? Remember, we can't control the actions or attitudes of others, but we can control how it affects us. Dig deeper and smile, God will bring healing in these times too.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ trust

"Trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Tough day?  Stay with Him; He knows the way. He will get you through it and where you need to be.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the old lady in the shoe

"As apostles of Christ... we were gentle among you like a mother caring for her little children." 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
It was a classic moment. Sue thought she had met the little old lady who lived in a shoe.

After being introduced to Sue, my new neighbor, she asked me where i worked. And as we continued talking, she asked how many children i had. My reply of working in a school made her smile; my reply of having about 700 children took her breath away.

We both enjoyed a good laugh as i clarified the distinction and definition of children.

Children, they are precious gifts from God deserving to be surrounded in constant prayer, protection, wisdom and love... by their parents, those by blood and those by heart.

So, here's my prayer for our children, those by blood and those by heart. May you always have the desire, guts and will power to do what is right... to be honest and to help others find their strength in hard times. Be the one who makes a good difference and find the voice to stand up for what's right and true. Don't get dragged in the mud of hiding and doing what's wrong; it can be deadly. Be the one who makes a difference, and possibly a better difference not just for you, but for many others. You were born to live life to the fullest... you were born to be blessed and to bless others. As much as i love you, God loves you even more.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

let me...

"...never tire of doing what is good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

"Come here, and let me tie your shoe."  

It was a little thing, and it wasn't in her big job description. Yet, she saw a need and didn't hesitate to fix it. Whether a principal, teacher, staff member, assistant, may doing what is good or right always be at the top of our do list.

Father, numerous situations pass by me every day -- a dangling shoe string, a sore finger, spilt milk, rolling eyes, crocodile tears, pouty lips -- help me see them through Your Eyes and Heart.

See a need?  If possible, take care of it.  Smiles will surely multiply from earth all the way to heaven.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Words to Live By... dream

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 NIV)

This week's Weekly Word to Live By is DREAM.  

For some, that word conjures up a smile and feeling of hopeful anticipation; for others, it may denote sadness or disappointment. Yet those who have lived through a few decades of dreams -- both dashed and fulfilled-- recognize that often the fulfillment of our dreams is delayed or detoured for a reason or a season.  

This week, let's take God at His Word and determine to delight in Him. Watch for ways He helps you change the direction of your dream or sets in motion what is required to fulfill it.  Either way, you will have the desires of your heart as long as those desires align with His sovereign will.  

Since I am convinced that God is wiser, more powerful, and more loving than anyone else who could possibly influence whatever dreams I have for myself or my family, I am going to trust His perfect timing and His perfect plan for when or if those dreams come true.  How about you?

For other ways to think about the word DREAM, please join us at https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/ and in our Words to Live By devotional book (pages 145-150).

guest blogger,

Dalene Parker

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

gone, but not forgotten

The LORD said...
"I will not forget you! 

See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." Isaiah 49:15-16

She remembered.  Gone for several years, she had not forgotten us or what we liked.  In our mailbox was a manila folder filled with paper to recycle.  She remembered how we preferred using recyclable paper in our copier. It put a big smile on my face.

What a special feeling, being thought of by someone even when we are not physically with them anymore.  

Gone from our sight, but not forgotten.

So it is with Jesus.  Even though Jesus has been physically gone for over 2,000 years, His Presence and Love is as close as our fingertips... a colorful sunrise, a gentle breeze, majestic mountain peaks, the cooing of a baby, kind acts and words from a friend or even a stranger.  He is All-Present, All-Knowing, All-Powerful. 

May we be Jesus with skin on.  Make someone feel special.  Drop them a reminder -- a call, email, cup of coffee, card, etc. -- that they are not forgotten.  It just might be the encouraging break they need for the day. 

we are love and chosen and not forgotten by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ passion

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength... Love your neighbor as yourself.There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

Where we spend our time and money reflects our priorities and passion.

May other demands, activities and choices not crowd out, Who loves us best.














Father, may You be found in the center of my heart and actions.  

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

tell me the truth...

"But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Do you really want to hear the truth?

Sam walked up while i was cleaning my glasses. "Wow!  Mrs. Williams, you look a lot different without your glasses on!"

Did i dare ask why?  Absolutely not!

We claim to always want the truth, right?  But sometimes, red bombs explode in our hearts like firecrackers on July 4th.  Sometimes the truth can be scary to hear or to tell.

Even with the simple greeting, "how are you today?", do we actually want the truth?  Or, are we anticipating and hoping for the usual, quick canned response, "I'm fine, thanks. How are you?"

And then there are questions like...

Did you finish your work?
Are the test results good?
What happened to the money?
Do you love me?
Is she well?
How are your children?
Is he addicted to ____?
Are you feeling ok?
Did you enjoy the meal?
Is that the truth?

Whether out of fear, rejection, humiliation, anger or pain we don't always want to tell or hear the truth. Sometimes truth hurts immensely... shredding our hearts and exposing our inability to deal with it.  The truth might reveal a flaw or weakness in our character.  The fact we are not as perfect as we feel we should be or that we are not in control of a situation is something we are hesitate to admit.  

Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom, knew and provided the Way for our shortcomings and faults. He gave us what we needed.... a Savior. Through Him our weaknesses are overcome/conquered through His Strength.  In this Truth, may we breathe easier and be filled with praise remembering despite being flawed, we are awed by a Mighty God.  

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal