LydieBug_2022

Dear Friends, I am delighted to invite you to embark on a profound journey through the Gospel of Luke with our online Wednesday Bible Study sessions. Beginning on April 24, 2024, we will delve into the rich teachings of Jesus as He imparts wisdom, love, and guidance to His disciples. About the Study: In this series, we will focus on the Book of Luke, one of the four canonical Gospels, which offers a detailed and compelling account of Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, and parables. Luke, often described as the Gospel of compassion and inclusivity, presents Jesus as the Savior who reaches out to all people, irrespective of their background or social status. Purpose: Our aim is to deepen our understanding of Jesus' ministry and its relevance to our lives today. By studying His interactions with His disciples, we will gain insights into His teachings on faith, love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Through reflection and discussion, we will seek to apply these timeless truths to our daily walk with Christ. Format: Each Wednesday, we will gather online with the option of leaving comments for further discussion. This format encourages participation from all attendees and allows for ongoing dialogue beyond the live session. Together, we will explore the preachings of Jesus to His disciples and engage in meaningful conversations about their significance for our lives. Schedule: • Date: Starting April 24, 2024 • Time: 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time • Duration: Approximately 10 minutes • Locations: How to Join: If you're interested in participating, simply follow the above contact information. Preparation: For our sessions, the following weeks bible verse(s) will be included in the online video, familiarizing yourself with the context and themes. Reflect on any questions or insights that arise as you engage with the text. Closing Thoughts: As we anticipate this enriching journey through the Gospel of Luke, let us approach it with open hearts and minds, ready to encounter the living Word of God. Together, may we grow in our love for Jesus and our commitment to following Him faithfully. I look forward to studying God's Word with you all and experiencing the transformative power of His teachings in our lives. Blessings, Elder Ward

The Phenomenon of Pentecost The account of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13 is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, marking the fulfillment of Jesus Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower his disciples. This event, which occurred fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, brought about a dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the gathered believers. Through a five-point outline, we will explore the key aspects of this transformative event: The Day of Pentecost, Amazement and Astonishment, Questions and Skepticism, Unity in Diversity, and Perplexity and Inquiry. Each point is accompanied by relevant Bible verses, summaries, and image suggestions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the profound significance of Pentecost and its enduring impact on the early Christian community.

Acts 1:15-26 captures a crucial moment in the early Christian community, marked by unity, discernment, and divine guidance. Through the gathering of believers, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the deliberate process of apostolic succession, the disciples demonstrate their commitment to preserving the integrity of their witness and leadership. The passage underscores the importance of community, prayer, and reliance on God's sovereignty in navigating significant decisions and transitions within the Church. Ultimately, the selection of Matthias as the twelfth apostle highlights God's active involvement in establishing leadership and fulfilling His purposes through His chosen servants. As modern-day believers, we are reminded of the significance of unity, discernment, and trust in God's guidance as we seek to fulfill our own roles within the body of Christ.

Jesus: The Prince of the Kings of the Earth And from Jesus Christ, . . . the prince of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:5 Jesus is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. A prince is one who is waiting for the throne that he will formally assume in the future. Jesus is the Prince who will assume His throne at His second return. Then He’ll be the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). However, His future reign doesn’t deny His present rulership in the hearts of His followers or His sovereignty in Heaven. He wants to sit on the throne of your heart. Jesus, I pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), for the future millennium. But for today, I want You to rule my heart. Jesus is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth; but now, in His sovereign plan, He allows each earthly ruler to rule. Whereas many earthly leaders ignore Christ and violate His laws, still “the powers [rulers] that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). Those who rebel at His authority will be punished when they stand before the judgment throne. Even when rulers rebel against God, He works His plans through them. Many rulers think that they’re doing whatever they want, but the Bible teaches, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; . . . He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). Jesus, You have all power in Heaven and Earth. I marvel at Your patience and I praise You for working all things together for good to us who love You (Romans 8:28). Amen.

Jesus: The Righteous Judge Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day. 2 Timothy 4:8 Jesus is the Righteous Judge. When you come into future judgment, He will not punish you for your sins, because He died for your sins. Your sins were judged on the cross (John 12:31-32; 16:11), and all your iniquities were covered by the blood. When you appear before the Righteous Judge, He will reward you for your faithfulness and service. Every good thing you’ve ever done will be evaluated by Him (1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Then He’ll give you your rewards, also called crowns (James 1:12). Lord, You are the Righteous Judge. Thank You for forgiveness of sins. Thank You for mercy and grace. I don’t deserve it, but I accept it. The Righteous Judge will not make mistakes when He judges people at the end of this age. Because He is omnipotent, with all power, He can bring every person and all facts into His presence. Because He is omnipresent and omniscient, He knows all things; He understands everyone’s actions and motivations. Because He is God, you can count on Him to be a Righteous Judge. Whereas some corrupt judges can be bribed on this earth, Jesus will give the right judgment in the right way. He will look at all the merits of your case when you appear before Him. You will get the appropriate rewards from the Righteous Judge. Lord, I know You are righteous, so I rest securely in Your presence. I know You will judge me rightly. Amen.

In Acts 1:12-14, we witness the profound unity and fervent prayer of the early disciples as they awaited the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of communal fellowship, spiritual preparation, and steadfast faith in the life of every believer. Just as the disciples gathered in anticipation, we too are called to unite in prayer, trusting in God's faithfulness and eagerly awaiting His guidance and empowerment in our lives. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in the history of the early Church, may we be inspired to cultivate a similar spirit of expectant waiting and unwavering faith in our journey of discipleship today.

Jesus: The Only Begotten of the Father And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Jesus is the Only Begotten of the Father, which means He comes from the Father and is the unique personification of the Father. Jesus’ being begotten of the Father means that He is the expression of the Father. John 1:14 emphasizes Jesus’ characteristic of being “the Word,” which means that the message and meaning of the Word reflects the Father. When the Father wants to make an utterance to the world, He does it through Jesus, the Word. Lord Jesus, I come asking You to teach me what the Father in Heaven is like. I want to love the Father more than ever, but I must know Him better to love Him better. Jesus is the Only Begotten of the Father, which means that He is just like the Father. If you want to see what the Father is like, look at Jesus in the Scriptures. If you want to know how the Father relates to you, look at how Jesus related to people. If you want to approach the Father, go to Him through His Son. To know the Father better, know Jesus. Lord Jesus, I look to You to see the Father. I know that the Father is loving, because I see how You loved people. I know the Father is powerful, because I see Your awesome power in creating the universe and in transforming individuals. I know the Father is kind and gentle, because You are patient with me and forgiving toward me. Amen. Go Deeper: John 1:14-28 To better know the Father, learn about Jesus. Tomorrow...The Trinity: Almighty God (El Shaddai)

The Holy Spirit: The Finger of God Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them. Exodus 8:19 The Holy Spirit is the Finger of God. He is the One used by the Father and Son to carry out divine work in the world. The Holy Spirit was the Finger of God that wrote the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone. He was the judgmental Finger that brought 10 plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 8:16-19). He is the weather Finger that controls storms and drought. He can be the Finger of God to touch your life today. The Holy Spirit wants to direct your actions and control your destiny. With God’s Finger, you can touch your world. Will you yield to the control of the Holy Spirit today? Holy Spirit, touch me. Just as I touch things in this world, I want You to touch me today. Use me. Give me new purpose and new energy. The Finger of God can touch you with power so you can do the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Finger of God who can touch your circumstances to solve problems and put things in order. The Finger of God can point you in the direction you should go. Look to the Holy Spirit for direction; trust Him for spiritual power; and yield to His control. Holy Spirit, I need Your presence today. Come live in my body. I want to touch You with my prayers, but most important, I want to touch You with my heart. Amen. Go Deeper: Exodus 8:16-19; Luke 11:14-23 God uses the Holy Spirit to get things done. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Light of the Glorious Gospel

Jesus: The Lion of the Tribe of Judah One of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." Revelation 5:5 Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He fulfilled the Old Testament prediction that the King-Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8-9). Just as the lion is called the ruler of the jungle, so the lion symbol is used to describe earthly rulers. Jesus is pictured as a lion because He will rule all mankind. Let Him rule your heart and lead you to a better life. Lord, come rule my heart, because I cannot rule it. Sometimes I don’t do the things I want to do, and sometimes I do the things I don’t want to do (Romans 7:15). Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who will prevail in the future to open the book and loose the seals (Revelation 5:5), so He can prevail against your unruly heart. He can rule your life and help you control your desires. He can keep you from excesses and lawlessness. But you must yield to Him so that He can control your life. Just as John was counseled not to weep because he couldn’t open the book, so you shouldn’t despair because of your weaknesses. Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; He has strength to help control your life today. Lord, I surrender my rebellious spirit to You, but I also want You to give me the power to do the will of God. When I lack inner strength and fortitude, I look to Your great strength. I yield to Your rule for this day. Amen. Go Deeper: Revelation 5:1-5 Jesus can give you strength to control your weaknesses. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God

The Father: Our Father in Heaven When you pray, say: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Luke 11:2 You should pray, “Our Father in Heaven.” This is the phrase Jesus used to teach you how to pray. Notice that He didn’t use the singular possessive pronoun “my.” The plural possessive “our” includes Jesus and you. So when you pray, “Our Father,” you are coming to the Father with Jesus. That means the Father will hear and answer your prayers because Jesus is your Intercessor (Hebrews 7:24-25). It also means you are coming through the blood of Jesus’ cross (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus is near to the Father’s heart, so when you pray “Our Father” with Jesus, you get immediate intimacy with the Father. By coming to the Father with Jesus, you can be as close to the Father as Jesus is. Our Father, I come to You with Jesus, so I pray, “Our Father, may Your name be holy in my life today as Your name is revered in Heaven.” Because you were identified with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection, you can pray “Our Father.” Because you’ve invited Christ to live in your heart, you can pray “Our Father” (Ephesians 3:17). You can have confidence when you come to the Father with Jesus. Our Father in Heaven, rule Your kingdom from the throne of my heart. May I obey Your will in my life today on Earth, as Your will is obeyed in Heaven. Amen.

Based on Mark Chapter 16, here's an outline of the events that occurred on Sunday, the day following Good Saturday (the Sabbath): Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome visit the tomb: Early in the morning on the first day of the week (Sunday), the three women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, come to the tomb where Jesus was buried (Mark 16:1). Discovery of the empty tomb: Upon arriving at the tomb, the women see that the large stone covering the entrance has been rolled away (Mark 16:4). They enter the tomb and find that Jesus' body is not there (Mark 16:5). Encounter with a young man in white: Inside the tomb, the women encounter a young man dressed in a long white robe, who tells them not to be alarmed (Mark 16:5). The young man announces to the women that Jesus has risen from the dead (Mark 16:6). Instructions from the young man: The young man instructs the women to go and tell Jesus' disciples, including Peter, that Jesus has risen and will meet them in Galilee (Mark 16:7). Reaction of the women: The women flee from the tomb in fear and amazement, trembling and astonished by what they have witnessed (Mark 16:8). Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus: Mark 16:9-11 describes how Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons. Mary Magdalene goes and tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord, but they do not believe her (Mark 16:9-11). This outline summarizes the events described in Mark Chapter 16, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus and the reactions of the women who first discover the empty tomb and encounter the risen Lord.

Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the day that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, several significant events took place on Good Friday: 1. Trials of Jesus: After his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane on Thursday night, Jesus underwent multiple trials: • He was first brought before the Jewish religious authorities, including the high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses testified against him. • He was then taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who found no basis for charging Jesus but, under pressure from the crowd, handed him over to be crucified. • Jesus was then sent to King Herod Antipas, who mocked him and sent him back to Pilate. 2. Scourging and Mockery: Before the crucifixion, Jesus was scourged, a brutal form of punishment involving whipping or beating. He was also subjected to mockery and humiliation by the Roman soldiers. 3. The Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa): Jesus carried his cross along the Via Dolorosa, the traditional route in Jerusalem believed to be the path he walked on his way to Golgotha (Calvary), the site of his crucifixion. 4. Crucifixion: Jesus was nailed to the cross and crucified at Golgotha, alongside two criminals. He endured great suffering and agony on the cross, and during this time, he uttered several famous statements, including "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" and "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 5. Death: Jesus died on the cross in the afternoon, around 3 PM. According to the Gospels, there were several supernatural events that occurred at the moment of his death, including darkness covering the land and the temple veil being torn in two. 6. Burial: After his death, Jesus' body was taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple, and placed in a tomb. The tomb was sealed with a large stone, and guards were posted to prevent tampering. Good Friday is observed with solemnity and reflection by Christians worldwide as they remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. It is a day of mourning but also a day of profound significance in Christian theology, as it marks the culmination of Jesus' earthly mission and the beginning of the salvation of humanity through his death and resurrection.

In this passage, Paul was quoting from Isaiah 52:7, where we read: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings glad tidings, who announces peace, who brings good news, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion: ‘Your God reigns!’” God could have chosen any way to bring the message of salvation—perhaps with an angelic messenger or by working directly without a human preacher. However, God’s “normal” way of bringing people to Jesus Christ is through the preaching of the gospel, and He has chosen you to do it. We rejoice with all those who have been saved by Jesus around the world. But still, it’s not enough. A lot of work still needs to be done. Let me show you some numbers related to this topic. The total world population is nearly eight billion people. A French researcher, Sebastian Fath, estimates that there are 2.5 billion Christians around the world, and only 660 million are considered evangelical Christians. People’s rejection of the gospel is no excuse for us to not proclaim it. It does not take away our responsibility to preach to every creature. Paul also says in 2 Timothy 4:1-2: “I urge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the Dead in his manifestation and in his kingdom, that you preach the Word; that you urge in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all patience and doctrine.” By Edgar Castor

I work part-time as a housekeeper at a local hotel; it’s a fairly new gig for me. Admittedly, it’s a task that requires more humility than I tend to possess . . . especially when I first began. I was elbow deep in a mess that wasn’t my own, complaining about the carelessness of guests, and arguing in my spirit about having such a menial job when the Lord simply asked, “Can you make beds for my glory?” I said, “Yes,” hastily, but “How, Jesus?” was my immediate rebuttal. You see, the goal of a housekeeper is to remain rather unseen. We quietly invade a space just long enough to make it welcoming again. The only thing that should linger is a fresh scent! So, aside from the bedside Bible, I didn’t know what inspiration was to be found in fluffed pillows or hospital corners. Is it even possible to share the good news of Jesus when nobody is present to receive Him? Well, I’m beginning to understand that nothing is wasted in God’s economy! Our Lord makes Himself visible in all sorts of ways, including the inconspicuous deeds of a housekeeper. For wherever we shine our light, that place is illuminated, even if only one’s spirit is able to perceive it. When there are no words exchanged to convey our faith, our willingness becomes our witness. The works of our hands point to the heart of Jesus, for service speaks of God’s love in a language that every homesick soul can understand. Reflection Prayer Father, help us to seek Your glory, and may You make Yourself evident in all our deeds. Please soften our hearts to serve one another in genuine love and humility. Oh, Lord, that You would make us bearers of Your light in every task, we pray. Amen. By Sarah Grimes

While growing up, my father often shared with me one of his favorite Bible verses, Daniel 12:3: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” “Julie, win souls to Christ!” he often exclaimed. My earliest recollection of his evangelistic zeal was when I was 12. One Saturday morning, I experi enced his “waffle evangelism.” My father had met a family at a department store and brought them home with him. “Julie, grind the wheat. It’s time for a waffles!” Eventually, the whole family of eight came to know Christ. As I watched my father more closely, I learned his strategy. It all started with fervent prayer. Even after he retired, my father woke up early in the morning and began to pray fervent prayers for “divine appointments.” Dad befriended people at supermarkets, de partment stores, or just on the street. There, he would meet people open to the gospel and lead them to Christ. When international students and refugees started arriving, things became really wild! In 1979, a member the king’s Cabinet from a far-off country fled to Omaha. My father befriended the majority religion leader and eventually, his daughter came to live with us. In the evenings, she would often read the Bible with me. Here was a young lady from a 99 percent majority religion country reading God’s Word with me. Recently, one family member came to Christ and was baptized.

Dreaming is interesting. In some dreams, we possess gifts we don’t actually have, like powers that allow us to fly, great wealth, or fame. In other dreams, the gifts we take for granted are taken away. We’ve all had a dream where something was chasing us while we were unable to run away. Or what about the dreams where we want to warn someone or cry out for help, but our voice doesn’t seem to work? Personally, these are the dreams that affect me the most. Unable to flee from the evil that is pursuing me, I feel powerless. When I call for help and no one hears my call, I feel hopeless and fearful. That is what makes this passage so beautiful. Forgiveness, while a truly amazing gift, is not the only gift present in the passage. It is not even the first gift given to us. God, in His provisional grace, gives us the ability to seek and call Him. Who are we that we can seek the eternal Creator and Judge and find Him? Even more, who are we that He listens when we call? Why should a holy God hear the calls of those who act as His enemy? According to His character, His gifts continue to come. God gives an invitation for the wicked to turn from sin and receive compassion, not justice. Wow! The all-knowing and all-powerful Judge invites the guilty to receive a pardon. Reflection Prayer Father, we thank You that You may be found by those who seek You. Though there are many who are lost, that are hopeless, fearful, and powerless, You can still be found by those who seek You. We thank You that You hear us when we call. We give You glory and praise! Amen. By Willie Johnson

Queen Esther risked everything to go before the king to help bring salvation to her people. There was a point when she said it was time to act. Her mentor, Mordecai, said, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). In our world today, people are desperate for rescue from empty lives and fears that plague them. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says that the time of God’s favor and the day of salvation is now. Let’s pray powerful prayers asking God to use us for such a time as this in our society to share His salvation, that people will receive His love for them. by Amy Roedding

When I was a kid, I had an intense dislike for one of my brothers who was seven years my senior. He was a yeller. He hit me often. He kept me from doing fun things. I was relieved when he went off to the Army’s basic training. However, my celebration was short-lived because he was an Army Reservist who was bound to come home after a few months. When I grew a little older, since my brother was a boxer, I took up boxing lessons in hopes that one day I could give him a taste of his own medicine. Years went by, and I left the nest. By then, my former nemesis became more loving and caring toward me. He even came to visit me several times, which was neither a cheap nor short trip. To this day, I cannot remember when my anger toward him subsided, but it did. The people who are the closest to us can cause the deepest wounds and the longest heartbreaks. Often, their behavior towards us was the product of their own brokenness, insecurities, or jealousies. God used my relationship with my brother to allow me to extend forgiveness and for me to witness redemption. Is God able to turn the offense, the wound, or the evil perpetrated against you by your loved one into something good? REFLECTION PRAYER Dear Lord, when a transgression is perpetrated against me by a loved one or someone else, please help me declare, “What someone meant for evil, God meant it for good,” as I witness Your perfect will unfold in my life! Thank You for Your steadfastness. Amen. By Victor Matos

Bryann T.'s Winter Revival

Bryann T.'s Winter Revival