In my last writing, Share the Love, it was Ash Wednesday and I ‘charged’ myself with a challenge.
So this is my charge. For this time of Lent I will find ways, in all of my encounters, to share the love. I will be very intentional in my actions and my thoughts. When I begin to have negative thoughts, thoughts of anger or wrath, I will stop and remember the greatest commandment. I want to be like Him, and this is how I know my Lord…through His love.
Today is Maundy Thursday. I am reflecting on my time of Lent asking myself…”How have I done?” Always, I think, I could do better. But I did well in many areas, not as I would of wanted in others. But here is what I am taking with me from this experience, from this time of setting aside for the purpose of bettering my Christian walk.
“Jesus love” is so VERY GOOD in every way! I have never felt better emotionally, spiritually, physically, as I have these past days when all my thoughts and energies were focused on how to love another. Each day I found that what I received back was the real gift. Jesus knew this! Jesus knew that if we could just figure out that to love another, the Jesus way, was to love yourself too. And that is how we follow His commandment,
“The most important commandment is this: …Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.”
To love ‘the Jesus way’, has become my drug. I cannot give and receive enough of it!
Tonight, our church will celebrate with each other and our Lord, the Last Supper. Just as Jesus did with His disciples on that Maundy Thursday so many years ago. It was on that night that Jesus had this conversation with Peter,
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers. Peter said, Lord I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you. But Jesus said, Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. Luke 22:31-34 NLT
We are no different. We think we do so good, we run a list through our minds of all the good we have done, we make promises to our Lord, we break them. I think the hardest part for me is the omissions. All of the times I could’ve, but didn’t. I think those times of denying Christ are just as harmful as the times when we simply become weak in our temptations. What are your omissions? Do you know? Failing to talk with Him throughout your day, perhaps? Failing in developing your relationship with Him, maybe? You can correct them. And the best news is this…
But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.
Jesus pleads for us, Jesus prays for us as we go through our day, that when we fail Him, we will turn and repent and help our brothers. Wow! Isn’t He amazing!
I pray your Easter will be fruitful in your life and in the lives of others!
God Bless!
Tracie
“Be the change you want to see in the world” Ghandi
