General Chat

Good morning everyone........Our tour through Holy Week takes a sombre turn today. Many important events occur on this day....

From Bethany Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus demonstrated by example how they were to love one another. Today, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.

Then Jesus shared the feast of Passover with his disciples saying, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16, NLT)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfil the meaning of the Passover by giving his body to be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death. During this Last Supper, Jesus established the Lord's Supper, or Communion, instructing his followers to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in the elements of bread and wine:

"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.' " (Luke 22:19-20, ESV)

Later Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony to God the Father.
Luke's Gospel says "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:44, ESV)

Late that evening in Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus.

Meanwhile, in the early morning hours as Jesus' trial was getting underway, Peter denied knowing his Master three times before the rooster crowed.


Cx

Hello all.

Joining Vera in the Amen for Cynthia's prayer for those affected by terrorist bombs.

I have found a book on the liturgy and words written for this Holy Week. I would like to share them with all who read the Christian thread.

HOLY MONDAY
John 12: 1-11: Six days before the Sabbath on which his body will lie in the tomb,
a woman anoints Jesus in the house at Bethany. Reckoning in Jewish style, today
is 6 days before Holy Saturday.

HOLY TUESDAY
John 13: 21-33., 36-38. This passage is taken out of time sequence in order to
show that Jesus fully accepts that Judas will betray him and Peter disown him,
but prays to the Father for his coming glorification on the cross.

HOLY WEDNESDAY
Matthew 26:14-25. This day is often called "Spy Wednesday" because today Judas
accepts the 30 pieces of silver from the priests. The Gospel Reading consists of the opening sentences of St Matthew's Passion account. Jesus declares that his
"hour", which he had looked forward to since the wedding at Canna, has now arrived.

THE THREE GREAT HOLY DAYS
These three days, often referred to in Latin as Triduum Sacrum, are reckoned in Jewish fashion , each day beginning at sundown (Genesis describes a day as
"evening and morning"). They run from the Thursday evening liturgy to sundown on
Easter Sunday.

Holy God
You call your people to sustain the weary,
and protect the oppressed.
Uphold us in our concern
and strengthen us,
that we may not only speak our prayers
but act on behalf of their fulfillment. Amen.

Amen to your prayer Cynthia. Our hearts go out to all those affected by yesterday's news.

Good morning :-)


What terrible news again yesterday........


Lord of all compassion
We pray for all of those caught up in the midst of the attacks in Brussels this morning
For those who have lost their lives and those who are working to save lives
For those who are worried about people they love
For those who will see their loved ones no longer
Lord Have Mercy.

For those in need of the peace that passes all understanding
For all who turn to you in the midst of the chaos
For those who cry out to you in fear and in love
Lord Have Mercy.

For those in confusion and those in despair
For those whose who weep
For those in need of your unending love
Lord Have Mercy
Amen.



As we continue on our journey with Jesus through Holy Week......
.......a quiet day.

The Bible doesn't say what the Lord did on Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of the Passover, possibly at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Bethany was about two miles east of Jerusalem.
.
Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him. Also in Bethany just a few nights earlier, Lazarus' sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume.

While we can only speculate, it's fascinating to consider how our Lord Jesus spent this final quiet day with his dearest friends and followers.

Hello all

The old traditional ones are the best ones Cynthia, imho. We watched Sunday's
Songs of Praise and sang Ride on Ride on In Majesty..... very loudly and we loved it.


HOLY TUESDAY PRAYER

Grant we pray, Almighty God, that though
in our weakness we fail, we may be revived
through the Passion of Your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Remembering those who are affected by the tragic explosions in Brussels. xxx

Good morning :-)


We did indeed sing that hymn on Sunday kandj along with Ride on, ride on in Majesty :-)


Today our journey with Jesus through Holy Week takes us back to the Temple in Jerusalem and then to the Mount of Olives.

On Tuesday morning, Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem. They passed the withered fig tree on their way, and Jesus taught them about faith.

At the Temple, the religious leaders aggressively challenged Jesus' authority, attempting to ambush him and create an opportunity for his arrest.
But Jesus evaded their traps and pronounced harsh judgment on them: "Blind guides! ... For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness...Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?" (Matthew 23:24-33)

Tuesday afternoon Jesus left the city and went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, which overlooks Jerusalem due east of the Temple. Here Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse, an elaborate prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He taught in parables using symbolic language about endtime events, including his Second Coming and the final judgment.

Scripture indicates that Tuesday was the day Judas Iscariot negotiated with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16).

After a tiring day of confrontation and warnings about the future, once again, Jesus and the disciples stayed the night in Bethany.



Cx :-)

Hello all

All Glory, Laud and Honour
To Thee Redeemer King
To whom the lips of children
May sweet hosanna's ring.
Thou art the King of Israel
Thou David's royal son
Who in the Lord's name comest,
The King and Blessed One.

Did they sing this traditional Palm Sunday hymn in your church yesterday Cynthia?

Holy Week depicted as a treasure map................. a little bit different.

Palm Sunday....Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King: God prepared for His sacrifices
.
Monday.... Jesus enters the temple and curses the fig tree. God prepares those who
will accept His sacrifice.

Tuesday.....Jesus teaches in the temple for the last time: God sends the invitation to
come and enjoy His sacrifice.

Wednesday...- Judas betrays: Mary perfumes: God waits for the response to the
invitation.

Holy Thursday..Jesus offers His body and blood in the last supper, and washes feet
God offers His sacrifice.

Good Friday........Jesus dies on the cross. God accepts His sacrifice

Bright Saturday....Jesus takes the Saints from Hades to Paradise. God receives
His Saints to Him.

Resurrection Sunday.....Jesus is risen: God gives us eternal life in Jesus. ( the
real treasure.)

As it school holidays here, I am thinking of families who are travelling on holiday. xxx

Good morning :-)


Today we continue tracing the footsteps of Jesus as, on Monday morning he returned with his disciples to Jerusalem.

Along the way, Jesus cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God's judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel. Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating that genuine, living faith is more than just outward religiosity.

True faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person's life.

When Jesus arrived at the Temple he found the courts full of corrupt money changers. He began overturning their tables and clearing the Temple, saying, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves." (Luke 19:46)

On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, probably in the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.



Cx :-)

Hello all

Palm Sunday brings a glimpse of Easter. It's a little bit joyful after a sombre Lent.
(Words written by Laura Gate.)

May the spirit of this holy day ...............

May the warmth of this season..............

May the beauty of Springtime.................

Make your heart bloom with joy and happiness.

The Lord comes with trumpet blasts, He comes with shouts of joy!

Wishing a blessed and joyful Palm Sunday to one and all. xxx

Good morning :-)

Well done on completing the book kandj :-D

Today is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week and the first day of Spring......lots to think about.

Beginning today, we'll walk the steps of Jesus Christ this Holy Week, visiting each of the major events that occurred during our Saviour's week of passion.
On the Sunday before his death, Jesus began his trip to Jerusalem, knowing that soon he would lay down his life for the sins of the world. Nearing the village of Bethphage, he sent two of his disciples ahead to look for a donkey with its unbroken colt. Jesus instructed the disciples to untie the animals and bring them to him.

Then Jesus sat on the young donkey and slowly, humbly, made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the ancient prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. The crowds welcomed him by waving palm branches in the air and shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

On Palm Sunday, Jesus and his disciples spent the night in Bethany, a town about two miles east of Jerusalem. In all likelihood, Jesus stayed in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Tra la la la la la.... The very last day of the Christian book that I chose to read throughout the 40 days during Lent. Here is the last chapter....I made it.... pheww!
I admit to struggling to find the time to read a chapter each day. Being sole Carer for my husband takes 24x7, but I have persevered and learned a lot. I have enjoyed the challenge reading Purpose Driven Life written by Rick Warren these past 40 days

Chapter 40: Living With Purpose.
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
(Proverbs 19:21. New International Version.)

Remembering all in need of prayerful support right now. xxx

Good morning :-)


Some reassuring and cheerful words for today.......(I hope Emma is around) :-D



It’s amazing and incredible,
But it’s as true as it can be,
God loves and understands us all
And that means you and me–
His grace is all sufficient
For both the young and old,
For the lonely and the timid,
For the brash and for the bold–
His love knows no exceptions,
So never feel excluded,
No matter what your past has been,
Trust God to understand,
And no matter what your problem is
Just place it in His Hand–
For in all of our unloveliness
This great God loves us still,
He loved us since the world began,
And what’s more, He always will!

- Helen Steiner Rice


Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your morning prayer today Cynthia.

Day 39 of a journey in faith during Lent, and so the penultimate reading.

Chapter 39: Balancing Your Life.
Don't let the errors of evil people lead you down
the wrong path, and make you lose your balance.
(Contemporary English Version Bible.)

Thinking of people who are coping with sickness within their family right now. xxx

Good morning :-)


Apologies for lateness.......got carried away as our routine is up the spout today. :-D


A reminder that we are heading towards Holy Week...


Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief
your only Son was lifted up
that he might draw the whole world to himself.
May we walk this day in the way of the cross
and always be ready to share its weight,
declaring your love for all the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.


Remembering those who have asked for prayer.....Cx :-)

Hello all.

Thanks Cynthia for the history of St Patrick. Happy St. Patrick's Day wishes to Irish.

May your day be touched, by a bit if Irish luck,
brightened by an Irish song in your heart.
and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.

Continuing with Day 37 of my chosen book during the 40 days of Lent. Almost there!

Chapter 37; Sharing Your Life Message.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an
answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you,
with meekness and fear.
(1 Peter 3:15 King James Version)

Praying for neighbours in our road and surrounding streets today. xxx

Good morning everyone and a Happy St. Patrick's Day to all those who have connections with Ireland. :)

St Patrick is traditionally associated with the Shamrock plant, which he used to explain the concept of the Trinity.

St Patrick's value doesn't really come from the historical details but from the inspiration of a man who returned to the country where he had been a child slave, in order to bring the message of Christ.

Facts in brief
• St Patrick really existed
• Taken to Ireland as a slave at age 16
• Escaped after 6 years
• Became a Christian priest, and later a Bishop
• Returned to Ireland as a missionary
• Played a major part in converting the Irish to Christianity



The shortened version of St. Patrick's prayer...

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.


Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

Day 36 of the Lent reading book..... A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Not many chapters left to read now. I am finding it a difficult but worthwhile challenge,

Chapter 36: Made For A Mission.
I have sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world.
(John 17:18. Easy-to -read-version.)

Thinking of people who feel depressed this evening, xxx

Good morning :-)


Confirmation classes have started in our church school. These classes are offered to them and are not compulsory, but the children need to show some sort of commitment to what they are about to undertake. They may also drop out of the class if it is not what they expected.

I try and join in these classes as part of my role as church rep and enjoy my time with them. What I find sad, is the fact that once they are confirmed, there are so many that we never see again. This is a well known occurrence in both the C. of E. and the R.C. churches and one wonders how to tackle it.

It reminds me of a very old story of three clergymen talking about the problem of having bats (an endangered species) in their church towers. These creatures were leaving a great deal of mess behind them, causing some concern to those below. One clergyman had solved the problem......his answer? "We just need to baptise and confirm them, and we will never see them again!" :-D


A peaceful start to the day :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI_v5WnkDGM


Praying for all those who are considering a commitment within the church at this time. Cx :-)

Hello all

Day 35 now of the book I chose to read during the 40 days of Lent.

Chapter 35: God's Power In Your Weakness.
We are weak....yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
(2 Corinthians 13:4 New International Version.)

It is both challenging and interesting to read Scripture taken from
so many different bibles.

Thinking of new babies born today and the staff who care for Mothers and babies. xx

Good morning :-)

It's a beautiful morning here - I hope others are experiencing the sunshine too. :-)


Something to ponder on.....

One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village
The child of a peasant woman
He grew up in another obscure village
Where he worked in a carpenter shop
Until he was thirty when public opinion turned against him

He never wrote a book
He never held an office
He never went to college
He never visited a big city
He never travelled more than two hundred miles
From the place where he was born
He did none of the things
Usually associated with greatness
He had no credentials but himself

He was only thirty three

His friends ran away
One of them denied him
He was turned over to his enemies
And went through the mockery of a trial
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves
While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing
The only property he had on earth

When he was dead
He was laid in a borrowed grave
Through the pity of a friend

Nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race
And the leader of mankind's progress
All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that ever reigned put together
Have not affected the life of mankind on earth
As powerfully as that one solitary life

Dr James Allan Francis 1926.


Christianity is about a relationship with a risen Saviour.