Janice Hanna's Blog, page 9

August 25, 2024

The Word will Go Forth

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

Many years ago, I attended a Missions conference where many great men and women of God shared remarkable, inspiring testimonies about their time on the mission field. I was particularly intrigued by a story shared by missionary and pastor Jim Hester. 

Jim and his wife were preparing to leave for Russia, where they had planned to smuggle in 25,000 Bibles. Unfortunately, the time of their departure was coming quickly, and they had not raised enough funds to purchase all of the Bibles. Can you imagine? You’ve been entrusted to take the Word of God to people who’ve been tucked away behind the Iron Curtain, and you can’t afford the one thing you need the most? 

Each Russian Bible would cost fifty cents, and they were $7,000 short. That’s 14,000 Bibles short!  

God Always Has a Plan

Around that same time, God spoke to Jim and told him to give a sacrificial offering of $1,000 to a completely different ministry. Jim delayed. He knew that, in the natural, to give away $1,000 would take away from his ability to purchase more Bibles for his upcoming trip. 

But God! When God speaks, it’s best to listen, and obey!

Jim finally obeyed the voice of the Lord and gave away the thousand dollars to the other ministry. 

Then God did what only He can do. He supernaturally opened a door, and provided 110,000 Russian Bibles absolutely free! Wow! Can you imagine what might have happened if Jim had not listened to the voice of God?  

Obedience is always the key to God’s provision.

I don’t know where you are, or what you’re facing—financially or otherwise. But I do know that you can’t out-give God, no matter how hard you try. I also know that obedience is key. He speaks. We obey. He blesses. It’s a lovely formula for success! So, open your hands and your heart to be used to bless others. In turn, God will meet your every need.  


Challenging Thought: 

Have you ever witnessed God’s miraculous provision?


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Published on August 25, 2024 17:00

August 24, 2024

Stir up a Hornet’s Nest

No doubt you’ve heard the old adage, “He stirred up a hornet’s nest!” This week I actually lived this out in a very real way.

A few days ago, I spotted large red wasps and hornets buzzing around my backyard. With my dogs—especially my small foster pups—playing outside, I was concerned about the risk of stings. Determined to find the nest, I kept a close watch and soon saw a hornet emerging from my damaged grill, which had been wrecked during Hurricane Beryl. I quickly grabbed a can of wasp spray and prepared to tackle the problem.

Y’all.

A horror show awaited me. Angry red hornets came flying out of a nest that was about the size of a small cantaloupe. It all happened so fast. The hornets were massive and so were the white wormy-looking creatures also slithering out of the holes in the nest. I flew into action (pun intended) and did my best to kill as many as I could, ducking and swerving as I went. Thank God I did not get stung. The wasp spray was effective. Most of the hornets died, but a few got away, no doubt happy to live another day.

All’s Well that Ends Well?

I dragged the busted grill to the front of the garage so that I would remember to drag it to the curb on big trash day. But one problem remained: There were at least three VERY angry hornets searching for their nest and they made their presence known every single time I stepped outside in the days that followed. They were vicious. They were desperate. In short, they were stirred up. From that point on, I was marked as Enemy Number One and they dive-bombed me every chance they got. I’m still battling them, even as I write this post. The battle might go on for a while, but I won’t give up. I will conquer them.

There’s an implication (going back to the old adage) that you don’t want to be the one who stirs up the hornet’s nest. Just keep the peace. Don’t get worked up. And I get it. We don’t want to be troublemakers.

But, let’s look at this from a different angle.

We’re living in a day when the hornets are setting up camp all around us. They build their nests near our homes and they hover, ready to attack—our families, our friends, our beliefs, our churches, our schools. They dart and fly and threaten at every turn. We often walk right by them and pretend they are not there while they secretly grow the nest larger and larger.

Some would say, “Just leave those nests alone. Ignore them. For pity’s sake, don’t stir them up.”

But, folks. SOMEONE has to be brave enough to spray the nest. We might not get them all, but if no one speaks up, if no one calls evil EVIL, then before long the whole yard is infested and we can’t let the kids play outside anymore.

It takes courage to stand up to a culture that contradicts everything the Word of God teaches. But that same Word is far more powerful than any can of wasp spray. We can use it to take down strongholds and protect our homes, our families, and our hearts.

Sure, we’ll still have a few angry pests to battle on the daily once we make our presence known. But it will be worth it in the end, to get rid of the infestation. The kids will be safe to play in the yard again. And we can go to our graves, knowing that we took a stand for what was right. We can stand before God and say, “I gave it my best shot.”

All that to say…

I’m planning to stir up a few hornets’ nests while I’m here on the planet. I hope you will join me. And may the world be better off for it.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Cor 10:3-5

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Published on August 24, 2024 10:36

August 23, 2024

Bessie Mae’s Dewberry Cobbler

Welcome to Saturday baking day, where I post recipes from my novels. This is my first recipe post and I’ve started with a personal favorite!

If you’ve read Tracking Tilly, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, you are familiar with Aunt Bessie Mae. She’s an amazing older gal–the matriarch of the Hadley family. She’s also an amazing cook!

Bessie Mae is particularly good at making cobbler. I don’t know about you, but I’m crazy about cobbler, myself. If you follow my baking blog (Out of the Box Baking) no doubt you’ve already figured that out.

I have a terrific recipe for cobbler, which is just like Bessie Mae’s. So, I’m happy to share that here. And if you’re in the mood to check out more of my recipes at my baking blog, feel free!

Dewberry Cobbler Ingredients

FOR THE BERRY MIXTURE:1 pound frozen dewberries or blackberries3/4 cup granulated sugar3 tablespoons cornstarch1/4 cup water (more or less)2 tablespoons lemon juice1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)FOR THE CRUST:1 cup all purpose flourpinch salt1/2 cup Crisco1/8 cup cold wateregg (for wash)sugar (to sprinkle)
How to Make this Dewberry Cobbler

I’ve already shared the particulars on that over on my baking blog, so follow this link to read the post or check out the image below from the book.

If you make Bessie Mae’s cobbler, feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to get your thoughts!

I promise, you’re going to love this delicious recipe. And if you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought pie crust. (Shh! I won’t tell Bessie Mae, I promise!)

Speaking of Bessie Mae. . .

Enjoy this blurb from Tracking Tilly.

As we wrapped up the second round of dumplings, Bessie Mae pushed back her chair and attempted to stand. Poor dear was having a harder time lately getting around. Mason must’ve noticed. He sprang from his seat and helped her up.


“Well, thank you kindly.” She flashed him a warm smile. “And for that you’ll get a double portion of my dewberry cobbler once I get it whipped up.”


“Dewberry cobbler?” He rested his hand on his stomach. “Are you serious?”


“Well, sure. It’s dewberry season, and RaeLyn picked buckets of ’em last week. Our freezers are about to pop with berries. It won’t take me more than a few minutes to fashion up a cobbler, so I hope you’re not in a hurry. Would’ve done it sooner, but my back was giving me fits today.” She rested her hand on her side. “I’m at the age where my back goes out more than I do.” A little chuckle followed. “Now, am I gonna have to wash these berries all by myself, or are you two gonna get over here and help me?”


I guess that was an order to help. I rose and made my way toward them.


“Would you pass me that bowl of dewberries from the fridge, RaeLyn?” My aunt’s eyes twinkled as she offered instruction. “Let’s get this show on the road.”


I reached into the refrigerator for the huge bowl of fresh dewberries and set it on the counter next to her, then watched as she transferred them into a colander, which she placed in the sink. Moments later, the water was running over them.


Mason stuck his hand in the bowl and popped a juicy berry into his mouth. A look of delirium came over him. “How many times did we go dewberry picking together when we were kids, RaeLyn? A thousand?”


“At least.”


“Remember how we used to sneak onto the Jackson property to pick berries in the far back corner, just past that dilapidated old shed? They were the best in the county.”


“You stole berries from Wyatt Jackson?” Mom’s brows arched. “Don’t tell me that’s where you got these.


“Nope. These are all from our own property. Haven’t been to Wyatt’s place in years. And even then, it was on the far edge of his property, right alongside the field next to him.”


“Sure wouldn’t recommend trespassing over there these days,” Bessie Mae said. “He’d probably come after you with a shotgun.”


“No one ever picked his dewberries but us, so they would’ve just rotted on the vine.” I shrugged. “But they’re not worth dying over, so I won’t be going back. No need to worry.”


Enjoy the recipe and the book! Get your copy of Tracking Tilly at Amazon today!

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Published on August 23, 2024 21:55

Just Enough, and Just in Time

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

When you’re young, the world is your oyster. All you see are sunny skies ahead. And even after marrying, you’re convinced it’s going to be a breeze because you have each other. 

Unfortunately, most young couples go through unexpected struggles, and many face financial hardships. Such was the case when I was a young wife and mother. We had our daughters very quickly after marrying and finances were always tight, especially after our third daughter was born with health issues. 

Things Got Rough…

One particular month we got behind on our mortgage. It wasn’t a ton of money (just $300) but in the 80s that seemed huge to a young, struggling family. 

On a particular Wednesday night I went to church, burdened down with the weight of this problem. If I didn’t come up with $300—and soon—the mortgage company might take action against us. 

I walked the kids back to their classrooms and, as I made my way back to the sanctuary, a friend met me in the hallway. She handed me a plain white envelope with nothing written on it. 

“What’s this?” I asked. 

She shrugged. “It’s the strangest thing. Just now, a man in the sanctuary passed this to me and told me to give it to you. He said that God woke him up this morning, put your face in front of him, and said, “Give this woman $300.” 

“W-what?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I opened the envelope and, sure enough, found three crisp one-hundred-dollar bills inside. I gazed at my friend, dumbfounded. “What man? Who is he?”

She shook her head and smiled. “Nope. Can’t tell you. He said not to.” And then she turned and headed off down the hallway. 

It’s been nearly forty years since that remarkable evening, but I’ve never forgotten that God gave me just what I needed, and just in time! What a lesson I learned about placing my trust in Him. 

He will do the same for you, you know. He might not awaken a stranger to take care of your needs, but He sees and He is already making provision. So, place your trust in Him today. Out of an abundance of love, He’s covering you completely. 


Challenging Thought: 


Do you trust God to provide, even when the cupboard is bare?


Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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Published on August 23, 2024 16:55

August 22, 2024

Take Heart

Take Heart - a devotional for 2024 from author Janice Thompson

I don’t know what the upcoming days and weeks will look like. I suspect there will be hard times ahead, not just here in America, but across the globe.

I usually get this same sensation before a hurricane blows in, as I prep my house, my supplies, and my heart. I make sure I have everything I need for the days ahead. I check in on my family to make sure they’re ready. I text my friends to ask, “You guys okay?”

And I do my best to shift my focus from the incoming storm to the One who controls it all, because I know–hurricanes being so unpredictable–that I can’t put my trust in anything or anyone but Him.

We Can Trust Him, No Matter What

More than anything, I do my best to shift my thinking, from fear to confidence in Jesus. It’s easier these days, because I’ve been walking with Him for so long. I gave my heart to Jesus years ago, and knowing I’m safe in His arms gives me a strange and wonderful peace, even in the middle of the storm. I’ve settled the issue of where I’m going when this life is over, so I don’t have anything to fret, even when darkness closes in around me.

And let’s face it–there’s a lot of darkness out there right now.

If you’re reading this and you haven’t yet put your trust in the God who both created and adores you, this is the perfect time to do so! Jesus gave His life for you on the cross, taking on all of your sin and shame, so that you could spend eternity with Him.

Ask Him to come into your heart and take the reins of your life. Acknowledge Him as King and Savior. Give Him full control and He will give you peace in the days ahead, as well as discernment to understand the season we’re in–a season where we will need each other more than ever.

And then. . .take heart.

Merriam Webster defines “take heart” this way: to gain courage or confidence : to begin to feel better and more hopeful.

Take heart! No matter what the headlines say.

Take heart! No matter how high or low your bank balance.

Take heart! No matter what physical or psychological challenges you face.

Walk with courage. Walk with confidence. Walk with peace.

It’s all possible when you choose to walk with Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

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Published on August 22, 2024 01:20

August 17, 2024

Introducing: Tracking Tilly

TEXAS AUTHOR SETS FAITH-BASED NOVEL IN MABANK AREA

Spring, Texas, August 17th, 2024.  Award-winning Christian author Janice Thompson has tapped into her love of all-things-Texas in her latest cozy mystery series from Barbour Publishing. Book One in The Little Red Truck series is titled Tracking Tilly. This fun cozy mystery, set in the Cedar Creek Lake area, has just released and is already garnering great reviews! 

SYNOPSIS: The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

ABOUT THE SETTING: Thompson set the story in the Mabank area to honor her mother and step-father, Shirley and Billie Moseley, who lived in nearby Eustace. They were faithful members of 1st Baptist Church, Mabank. Janice’s memories of the area are warm and cozy, just like this fun story!  

According to reviewer Anne W, “This was a heartwarming story of family and friends, who had their own issues and lives, and yet they reached out to help with the search for Tilly, and to prepare the barn for the grand opening of the antique store. There is a large cast of characters in this delightful, sweet story. They are relatable and not easily forgotten.”

The story is a work of fiction but draws from the beautiful surroundings of the Cedar Creek Lake area. To pick up your copy of TRACKING TILLY, visit Amazon.comBarnes and Noble, or Christianbook.com.

Award-winning author Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage.

Janice has published over 160 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. Janice is the owner of Out of the Box Baking blog, where she shares recipes and baking tips.

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Published on August 17, 2024 15:14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEXAS AUTHOR SETS FAITH-BASED NOVEL IN MABANK AREA

Spring, Texas, August 17th, 2024.  Award-winning Christian author Janice Thompson has tapped into her love of all-things-Texas in her latest cozy mystery series from Barbour Publishing. Book One in The Little Red Truck series is titled Tracking Tilly. This fun cozy mystery, set in the Cedar Creek Lake area, has just released and is already garnering great reviews! 

SYNOPSIS: The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

ABOUT THE SETTING: Thompson set the story in the Mabank area to honor her mother and step-father, Shirley and Billie Moseley, who lived in nearby Eustace. They were faithful members of 1st Baptist Church, Mabank. Janice’s memories of the area are warm and cozy, just like this fun story!  

According to reviewer Anne W, “This was a heartwarming story of family and friends, who had their own issues and lives, and yet they reached out to help with the search for Tilly, and to prepare the barn for the grand opening of the antique store. There is a large cast of characters in this delightful, sweet story. They are relatable and not easily forgotten.”

The story is a work of fiction but draws from the beautiful surroundings of the Cedar Creek Lake area. To pick up your copy of TRACKING TILLY, visit Amazon.comBarnes and Noble, or Christianbook.com.

Award-winning author Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage.

Janice has published over 160 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. Janice is the owner of Out of the Box Baking blog, where she shares recipes and baking tips.

###

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Published on August 17, 2024 15:14

May 5, 2024

Unlock Your Potential: Dive into the World of Free Writing Lessons!

Are you ready to embark on a journey of creativity and self-expression? Look no further! Welcome to Free Writing Lessons, your gateway to honing your writing skills across various genres and styles.

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting to dip your toes into the writing pool, our free courses are designed to cater to all skill levels and interests. From crafting captivating fiction narratives to penning thought-provoking non-fiction pieces, from mastering the art of magazine article writing to creating compelling scripts, devotions, and beyond, we’ve got you covered.

What sets us apart? It’s simple – our commitment to providing quality education at absolutely no cost to you. Yes, you read that right. Our courses are completely free of charge, because we believe that everyone should have access to the tools and resources needed to nurture their passion for writing.

Free is Nice.

But it’s not just about affordability; it’s about empowerment. We’re here to empower you to unleash your creativity, overcome writer’s block, and discover your unique voice. Our lessons are not just about teaching you the technical aspects of writing; they’re about inspiring you to think outside the box, experiment with different styles, and embrace the joy of storytelling.

Words. . .Spring to Life!

Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your ideas come to life on the page, of captivating readers with your words, of leaving a lasting impact with your stories. It’s all within reach, and it all starts with taking that first step – following the drop-down menu to all of our free lessons.

So what are you waiting for? The world is waiting to hear your story. Join us at Free Writing Lessons and unlock your full potential as a writer. Let your creativity soar!

Check out the drop-down menu. Explore our range of free writing courses. Your journey to becoming a master wordsmith begins here.

Happy writing!

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Published on May 05, 2024 12:27

April 6, 2024

Sing a New Song!

I’m a huge lover of Christian music. We all have our own preferences, of course, but when it comes to worship (in my private time at home, or at church) I love any song that pulls me into the throne room and quiets my heart from outside noise. I love the songs that are horizontal (songs about Him) and vertical (songs to Him). I just love it all.

Recently I had a conversation with a friend about modern worship music. There’s been a lot of critique over the style, substance (or seeming lack thereof), and repetitive nature of many of the songs we sing on Sunday mornings. One common critique going around is that worship leaders manipulate congregations with crescendos. They know just when to add the rise and fall of a song to get people emotionally invested.

My question is. . .”And?” Every writer worth his weight in salt knows how to plot. I teach writers how to plot their novels. Songwriters have always known how to add highs and lows to a song to gain an emotional response.

Don’t believe me?

Head on over to page 287 of your hymnal and check out the chorus of “How Great Thou Art.” Crescendo, crescendo, crescendo. . .plummet to a soft response, then crescendo again. This is how it’s done. Think back to all of your favorite hymns. They build. They fall. They ebb. They flow. And (gasp) many of them are repetitive, as well. And they were written by people who, in their own generations, probably weren’t well received, either.

Speaking of generations, I’m currently leading a small group made up mostly of teens and our topic is biblical creativity. From week to week we’ve talked about all of the various art forms. I’ve got some talented artists, singers, writers, etc. in our group. But on the week when we covered music in depth, I kept stumbling across the same scripture: “Sing a new song.” This phrase appears dozens of times in the Bible.

So, why does God ask us to sing a new song?

What’s the point of it? I shared with the group that when we go through seasons of renewal He puts a new song in our hearts because He wants us to sing out of that new place, filled with joy over the work He’s done in our hearts.

So, consider this: IF it’s true that God says (repeatedly) to sing a new song and IF this current generation is genuinely hearing from God, penning the songs He’s giving them, do we really want to interrupt that process with our opinions, however right we think we might be?

Their songs might not be our cup of tea, but shouldn’t we be grateful that God is still speaking and 21st century musicians are still listening and writing what they hear by the Holy Spirit? I have four very musical daughters and several grandchildren who are musical, as well. If any one of them wrote a worship song I didn’t care for it, would I roll my eyes or weep tears of joy that they were listening to God and responding to His call?

This generation has been tasked with singing their new song. And the generation that comes next? They will do the same. I, for one, want a heart SO filled with gratitude for those who are using their gifts that I spend more time encouraging and training than critiquing.

Colossians 3:16: Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.

Psalm 40:3: He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God!

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Published on April 06, 2024 00:00

March 25, 2024

Some Thoughts on Holy Week

I’m 65 years old now, which means I’ve been to 65 Palm Sunday services in my life. But today, as I sat in my 65th, something occurred to me that I’d never noticed before. We were told our sermon was going to be from the book of Matthew, so I instinctively flipped to the (near) end of the book, thinking I would find the triumphal entry scene near the end.

Only, it’s not.

I kept flipping backwards–from 28 to 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22. . .no triumphal entry scene. Then our pastor said, “Let’s read from the 21st chapter of Matthew. . .”

And that’s when it hit me. One quarter of the gospel of Matthew is dedicated to the week that we often call Jesus’s worst/hardest week. His ministry lasted 3.5 years, so the first 3/4 of the gospel of Matthew covers this huge span of time, but then the clock slows. Everything comes to a crawl so that the story can be concluded with great depth and caring.

As I pondered that, I got to thinking, “Wait a minute. What actually happened during the hardest week of his life–outside of the crucifixion and the awful events leading up to it? What type of ministry did Jesus do, after arriving in Jerusalem?”

And here’s what I found:

CHAPTER 21:

1). Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He chewed out the people for turning his house into a den of iniquity.

2). Once there was room for the blind and crippled to get in, he healed them.

3). The religious leaders flipped out on him, so he left.

4). The following morning, he caused a fig tree to wither.

5). He went back to the temple to teach but the leaders asked for his credentials.

6). Jesus put the leaders in their place.

7). Jesus then shares the parable of the vineyard.

8. Jesus reveals Himself as the stone the builders rejected.

9). The pharisees want to arrest Jesus, but they’re afraid of the reaction of the people.

CHAPTER 22:

10). Jesus shares the parable of the wedding feast.

11). The Pharisees plot to arrest Jesus. They try to trap him with a question about Caesar.

12). The Saducees try to set Jesus up with a question they think He can’t answer.

13). Jesus flips the script on the Saducees.

14). Jesus is asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” and responds: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

CHAPTER 23:

15). Jesus shares an interesting truth: But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

16). Jesus gives a warning to the scribes and Pharisees, that they not make disciples, only to lead them down a hellish path.

17). He calls the spiritual leaders blind men.

18). He uses the phrase: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites” several times.

19). He tells the people that he longs to gather them as a hen gathers her chicks.

CHAPTER 24:

20). The disciples point to the temples and Jesus responds: “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

21). Jesus goes to the Mt. of Olives and the disciples ask when these things will happen, what signs will mark the end of the age.

22). Jesus responds: “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

23). Jesus warns that believers will be hated on his account. He explains that many will fall away and betray one another and that many false prophets will rise up.

24). Jesus says that the one who endures to the end will be saved.

25). He references the book of Daniel (a prophetic book) and says, “When you see these things happening, flee to the mountains.”

26). He references the tribulation and explains that very hard times are coming.

27). Jesus says: But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

29). Jesus says: And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

30). He shares the parable of the fig tree.

31). He explains that no one (not even the angels or himself) knows the day or the hour when these things will take place, but that (just like the days of Noah), people will be going about, living their lives, oblivious.

32). Jesus cautions them to be alert.

33). Jesus says: For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

CHAPTER 25:

34). Jesus shares the parable of the 10 virgins, urging them to keep their lamps lit.

35). Jesus shares the parable of the talents, encouraging us to use what he has given us to be most effective.

36). Jesus shares the story about the sheep and goats, encouraging us to choose the path of the sheep, not the goats. Sheep will care for those in need.

37). Jesus speaks of a terrible demise for the goats, the ones who don’t take care of others.

CHAPTER 26

38). Jesus tells his followers that after the upcoming passover, he will be crucified.

39). The chief priests and elders plot to kill Jesus.

40). A woman with an alabaster box anoints Jesus with oil. His followers are incensed that she wasted expensive oil, but he chastens them by saying: “Why are you bothering the woman? For she has done a good deed for Me. For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me.”

41). Jesus goes on to say that the woman was preparing Him for burial with the anointing of the oil.

42). Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

43). Passover is prepared.

44). The Last Supper takes place.

45). Jesus explains the bread and the wine.

46). After singing a hymn, Jesus and his followers went to the Mt. of Olives.

47). Jesus tells Peter that he will soon deny Him. Peter refuses to believe such a thing possible.

48). They go to the Garden of Gethsemane.

49). Jesus’ soul is deeply grieved, almost to the point of death.

50). Jesus wants some alone time so he tells his disciples to go away and pray.

49). He prays, ““My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

50). He finds His disciples sleeping. Jesus says to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

51). He goes back for more alone time. Once again Jesus prays, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.”

52). Once again He finds his disciples sleeping.

53). A third time, He prays. A third time He finds them sleeping. Then Jesus says: “Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

God’s Timetable is Remarkable!

And this, friends, is where the “Easter story” USUALLY picks up, about the time Jesus is betrayed into the hands of the religious leaders. But when you think about the week He just had, what was on his heart for much of it?

Us. His creation. His people. He wanted us to love one other, help one another, and remain faithful. Not to be caught up in deception or false belief systems, but to stay true to what He taught. Not to be puffed up with pride or convinced we have all the answers, (like the Pharisees and Saducees) but to remember that the least would be the greatest, and the greatest, the least.

Most of all, to keep our eyes wide open, because perilous times will come. Things will get rough. We will have to be brave. Strong. True to Him.

And, (I can’t help but notice), He wants us fully awake as troubles get closer and closer. THREE times He had to tell his own disciples to wake up. THREE times, they dozed off.

So, stay awake. Stay diligent. Stay in the Word. Stay humble. Keep your lamps lit. Keep that oil flowing. Spend time with Him. And love people. Deeply.

The post Some Thoughts on Holy Week appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

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Published on March 25, 2024 09:36

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