Palm Sunday

The Lenten season is almost over. Today is the start of the final week of Lent known to many as Palm Sunday. It was the day in which Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This was the beginning of His last few days before His crucifixion.  As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, people strewn their coats and palm branches along the streets for the donkey to ride on as they shouted Hosanna (Save)- Mark 11:10 -Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Jesus knew what was before Him, but He did not shrink back, he did not sneak into town in the middle of the night or early morning, He rode triumphantly on a donkey- an animal that was not of the greatest caliber. Jesus did not ask for accolades but the crowd recognized His worth - He was coming in the name of the Lord. Jesus entered Jerusalem as one who was assured of victory over His enemy not as one defeated. He knew that dying on the cross was His mission to give us Salvation forever.

Here is something that we can learn from this account: When we meet opposition and is being attacked by the enemy, do not retreat. When you realize the enemy is coming after your children or your family stand your ground. We must move as a person with a mission and one that is victorious. We have the victory over the enemy so there is no reason to be afraid. Just think of you averting the enemy’s plan to abort your children’s future, dreams and purpose.

The disciples did not really understand what this moment meant until much later- John 12:16. People won’t understand your actions when they realize that you are marching into the enemy’s camp, but after you have been through and come out victorious they will realize why you did what you did.

Start this week by reflecting on what God did for you through His son Jesus Christ and repay Him by walking in that victorious life He gave to you.

 

In His Service,

Vilma

Period of Lent

We are presently in the season of Lent- which started 2 days ago a day known to Christians all over the world as “Ash Wednesday. The season of Lent ends at Easter. Sundays are usually not included in the 40 day count for Lent.

What really is lent?  Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ, His suffering and His sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. Although very special it should be noted that not all Christian Churches observe Lent.

Some churches will celebrate the start of Lent by serving Holy Communion and by placing ash in the form of a cross on the foreheads of their “Parishioners’.”  Although popular the Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, however the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in several scriptures in the Old Testament and one scripture in the New Testament- Mathew 11:21.

 Lent and Fasting seem to go together, however this is a personal matter and people should not feel guilty if they choose not to fast. Fasting is a good practice, but it should always be done with the right heart. It is not just to join others to say you have fasted but there should be a real sincerity of the heart when we participate in fasting. Some churches like the Catholic Church will fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday and will abstain from meat on those days as well as all the Fridays during Lent.

 Remembering Jesus Christ, His death burial and resurrection although emphasized at this time should be something that every Christian constantly keeps in mind throughout the year. Giving of alms or acts of kindness is also something that we should strive to demonstrate not only during Lent but at all times. 

 If you want to make this season special, choose a day to perhaps give up 30 minutes of watching television and instead choose to spend  this time reading a passage from the bible with your children and then discuss what you have read, by the end of Lent it will become a habit you will not want to break.

 

In His Service,

 

Vilma

 

Celebrating a Legend

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dr. King’s message was one of non-violence and hope. Dr. King was a great orator and very often, we hear others quoting excerpts from his many speeches. His 1963 “I have a dream speech” appear to be one of the most quoted of his speeches. Dr. King did not live to see his dreams become a reality but so many of us have witnessed and are the recipient of what Dr. King was only able to dream about. I believe that as was said of Abraham in Hebrews 11, we can say it of Dr. King that “this was a man of great Faith”

 Dr. King could have sat back not wanting to get involved, he could have come up with many excuses. "I am a pastor I need to focus on my congregation, and saving souls" perhaps he could have said "I have my beautiful wife and four young children to think about, let the government do something." I am also sure that Dr. King also knew that what he was doing was potentially dangerous, however he took the opportunity to make things happen not just for himself and his family but for so many of us. Dr. King saw injustice and could not sit idly and do nothing.

 Dr. King promoted non-violence, to show that arguments and disagreements do not have to be settled with guns and knives. This great but I am sure difficult stand earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Ironically the very violence he fought against ended his life in 1968.

As we celebrate Dr. Kings life and legacy let us do so with the pride and integrity of which he lived his life. Do not just sit around as another day to rest but volunteer to make it happen for someone else. There is so much more to Dr. King, than his speeches, just as there are so much more to whom Jesus Christ really is beyond being a "good man". He is not just our Savior, but a father and brother. He is the great healer, provider, protector and friend. To sum it all up He is the "I am that I am. " These are things we would never know unless we do some research. Just as we should do more research, and listen to the testimonies of those who knew Dr. King; we must also dig deeper in God’s word, and spend more time with Him in prayer to get to know more of Who He is.

 In the same sense mother, there is so much more to you than what you and other people see on the outside. You are not just a mom washing clothes and cooking the dinner,(as honorable as this may be) you are full of potential. Unfortunately you won’t find it until you tap into that greatness within you as is revealed in God’s word.

 In His Service,

 

Vilma

 

A New Perspective for 2014

Today marks the beginning of a New Year and a time for reflection, reprioritizing replacement and rebuilding.

 Reflection: What were you able to accomplish in 2013? Were they things that you planned? Were they things that brought you closer to your goals? Were these things a part of God’s purpose for your life? Were these accomplishments beneficial to others? Was your family adversely affected? Did you lose or gain some friends along the way? Did these accomplishments make you happier? Did these accomplishments strengthen your relationship with God? Did your faith grow stronger?

 Reprioritizing: Instead of starting the year talking about the many things that you would like to do, take a minute to write down at least five things that are most important for you to do. From your list of five -think of that one thing that you must attend to for 2014. This is the thing that you know without a doubt that God is calling you to do. This is the thing that if you are able to accomplish, it will open doors for the fulfillment of other things in your life. Now that you have gotten it, make that your number one priority. Organize the remaining four according to importance. What were the things or who were the people you took for granted in 2013?  How about changing that attitude for 2014?

 Replacement: What are the things in your life that need replacement for 2014?  Do you need to replace your many hours of watching TV, talking on the phone, or being on the internet with perhaps more time reading and studying the word of God, praying, exercising, or doing community service.

 Rebuilding: Is there a wall that got broken down in 2013 that needs to be repaired for 2014?   Can you think of any area of your life that may need some rebuilding or overhaul for 2014?

 Is it Spiritual, physical or psychological? Can you think of someone else that you may have passed broken down along the way that you could help get rebuilt?

 Rebuilding these broken areas may mean that you need to remain on the Potter’s wheel a little longer and allow the Potter to do His job.  Rebuilding may mean that you need to let go and Let God have his way. Rebuilding may even come after you have reflected, reprioritize and replaced-and find that you now have a new image.

 

In His Service,

Vilma

Spiritual Warfare

Ephesian 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
On any given day that you listen to or read the news you are bombarded with reports or images of accidents, natural disasters, murders and crimes. Try as we may to make sense of these various happenings we are often times left without answers.   It is imperative that we understand that we are at war.  It was after an earth shattering event in my personal life that the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart the truth and reality of the ongoing warfare that rages here on earth.  This warfare is directed at all those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, at those individuals who have not yet decided whom they will trust and even at those who serve Satan.  Paul in Ephesian 6:12 clearly outlines who and what we are fighting against.  The goal of Satan is also clear and that is to kill steal and destroy (John 10:10a).
Please understand that Satan does not give consideration to the age or maturation level of the individual. The unborn baby, toddler, mentally challenged, homeless, elder are all fair game to the enemy.  It behooves us as soldiers in the army of God to be on the alert being ready to fight at all times.  Many times we rage war against one another instead of the common enemy Satan.  We underestimate our opponent thinking that we can engage him in battle without being properly attired. Our Father knows the enemy and the damage he is capable of exacting on his target therefore he encourages us in Ephesians 6:10-12 finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We must not only be familiar with the weapons of our warfare but also be skillful in the use of them.  2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.  Two main weapons that we have are (1) The word of God and (2) the blood of Jesus Christ.
 Finally let us enter into battle knowing that we are winners, Jesus Christ has already won the battle for us Ephesian 4:8 tells us Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  We are more than conquers in Luke 10:19 Jesus tells us “Behold I gave you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over the power of the enemy, and nothing may in any means hurt you. . .”  Lets us never forget that as long as we live in this world we are engaged in warfare but have been given the power and authority to overcome the wiles of the enemy.  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Stand guard

In His service,

Paula Watson (Guest Blogger )

What went wrong?

  This morning I continue to promote our mission for MPUSH (Empowering Mothers to Pray for their children Until Something Happens).

 Most of you by now have probably heard in the news about the school shooting at the Sparks middle school in Nevada. This shooting was done by a mere 12 year old boy who it is alleged took a 9 mm gun to school shot two children, killed a teacher( who tried to intervene) and then killed himself. The question on many peoples mind is “what went wrong?” We probably will never know the truth, but whatever the reason, this is extremely sad. What could have impacted the short life of a 12 year old boy so badly that he resorted to such drastic measures?

I don’t know the details and will not even try to guess, but one thing I must say- mothers we need to pray. Have conversations with your children. Drop in at the school and speak with their teachers, see who their friends. Ask God to give you a spirit of discernment so you can pick up on those unspoken words and unusual behaviors. Reaffirm to your children that they are special and how much they are loved. Little things do get magnified in the minds of young children and what may be nothing can be a big deal to them. However the greatest weapon we have is our prayer.

 Father I commit my children into your hands today as they go off to school and to work. I thank you for their protection throughout the day. Protect their mind from being infiltrated by the enemy, keep their ears to only hear your voice and open their understanding to learn and do well in school/college or university.  In Jesus’ name Amen

 

In His Service,

 Vilma

The Danger of Business

It seems that the days go by so quickly, and before you realize it another week has come and gone.  I know that for most of us mothers wish that we could get at least 2 more hours in our day, especially those working outside of the home and also have younger children to take care of.  Sometimes we are the first person to get up, trying to get a head start on our day, and the last person to go to bed again trying to get a start on the next day.  You are so tired, that you hasten to say a sentence or two and get ready to crawl into bed; you remember you did not pray for your children today.  As you try to tell yourself how tired you are and how much you have done, you slowly drift off to sleep.

 Is that the alarm?  This could not be, after all I just closed my eyes, wait a minute, it is 5:30am oh no ! It is time to get up and start the process all over again.

Maybe your children are all grown up and have moved into their own homes, and have their own families.  Where did all this time come from?  I am going to bored -So you volunteer to be on the usher board, deaconess ministry and teach Sunday school.  Oh wait I have a couple more hours to spear, so I run to this meeting, that meeting, is a member of this prayer group and before long; you are back where you were when the children were home, tired, and drained.  You lay across the bed for just a little bit, but gets awaken by someone snoring, oh that was me, I better just get on my pajamas and go to bed, and as my head touched the pillow, “lord thank you for today- Amen.  I should really pray for my children, but God knows how very tired I am, I will do it tomorrow night.

Am I speaking to anybody out there?  This looks like it was written by someone with experience!  Yes I have been there, done that, but not wearing that T shirt anymore.

 What am I saying?  Praying for our children is a decision.  We must re-prioritize our lives so that we make the time to prayer regularly for our children.  Let’s pause for a while and just spend some time to pray for our children’s mother.  Let us pray for their wisdom, strength, and for their ability to make right decisions in their daily encounters. So go ahead and repeat with me.

Father, I thank you for my children’s mother.  I thank you that you love her so much to bless her womb with the gift of children.  I thank you that you trusted her to care for these gifts and to help propel them into their destiny.  I pray for the manifestation of her wisdom, her strength and her decision making.  Help her never to get weary in praying consistently and offensively for her children.  Father, I realize that I am praying for myself right now, not my children, but in order to do right by them, like David I am encouraging myself.  Father I give you the glory and I give you the praise and I thank you for answered prayers.

 In his service,

 Vilma