Month: July 2018

Bible Studies, Devotionals, Resurrection

Plot and Main Character

Pam Ford Davis

 

photo credit: hoyasmeg <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/62126383@N00/520147887″>Roadside Tomb_0656</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a&gt; <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>(license)</a&gt;

The plot was conspiracy.  

The MC (main character) was Christ.

“When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him.  But they were saying, ‘Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people (Matthew 26:1-5 NASB).”   

Many people witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion.

Mary first witnessed the resurrected LORD!

“But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;  and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.  And they said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means, Teacher).  Jesus said to her, Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and that He had said these things to her (John 20:11-18 NASB).”

 

 

 

 

Devotionals

Purple Patti

Pam Ford Davis

*Old 2009 Challenge writing contest [creative non-fiction article] (with a few edits)

In the memory of my dear friend, Pat Liesche McNamee (2/24/1935 – 7/20/18)

Purple Patti lives in the land of Sedgwick and welcomes you today. Enter the door to enchantment and fulfillment. Fear not, change leads to freedom. Leave your cares behind and be prepared for many pleasant surprises.

Patti moved to the mysterious Sedgwick kingdom seven years ago. She tip-toed inside looking back over her shoulder at the security she left behind. She knew there would be no turning back. She’d make this her new home and make emotional adjustments. The rulers of the land welcomed her. Would others be nice or would she be an outsider left to cower in a corner?

Residents came from various villages and backgrounds. Each shared their unique stories that led them to Sedgwick kingdom. Some would embrace her warmly. Others like her were afraid and would keep her at arm’s length. What would be her place?

Would she have a role to play or simply pass time marking days off a calendar?

Patti first reacted to this big change with depression and resentment. She did not belong in this foreign land. Why didn’t she hear from those outside of the kingdom walls? They could call or visit. She felt like the doors and windows held invisible bars keeping her in and others out.

Slowly, she began to put down roots to make Sedgwick her new home. Looking for the positive side in change, she found a new outlook. The leaders did seem to really look out for her best interest. She not only received three square meals a day but also medical care and a large variety of forms of entertainment and recreation.

Maybe this would not be so bad after all…

Purple Patti is now a regular greeter at ‘Sedgwick Heights’ assisted living facility. Her bright smile, cheerful laughter, and warm embraces help newcomers feel welcome. She knows from personal experience how difficult those first months can be.

Her desire is to encourage others and lead them to see the benefits provided. She continues to serve on the Residents Council giving input on upcoming activities, menu planning and more.
Purple Patti lives with passion.

She tenderly shares her passion for her Lord Jesus. Memories of being born again bring thanksgiving and faith. When she hears residents complain about their lot in life she reminds them of their many blessings. She trusts God with her problems and they can, too. The passion for people follows her passion for God.

It is easy to see why she calls so many people her friends. She shows genuine interest in their stories. There is always something going on in her new home. They take walks together, go for day shopping trips, and dine at the finest restaurants. Each summer they enjoy luncheon lake boat cruises and more. Friendships are built upon trust and Patti is tried and true. Purple Patti will be remembered by residents and staff as the little lady with a ‘passion for life.’

She doesn’t believe in getting old and giving up. She is too busy living each day with the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve. Mystery is tucked behind each sunrise and she can’t wait to follow the clues. Surprises include visitors from all age groups.

Children think she is one of them because her 4’ 8” frame is not much taller than theirs. Visitors bring dogs, which quickly snuggle up in her lap and relax under her tender touch.

How did Patti get her nickname?

Our little lady is passionate about purple.

Her room, wardrobe and jewelry box display a variety of shades of purple. Deep purples, delicate orchid and lavender are seen everywhere. Her birthday falls in February and amethyst is a regular reminder of her purple passion. It is easy to shop for Patti; if it is purple, it will be perfect. Everyone can learn valuable life lessons from Patti.

Look around you and see who needs an extra touch of tender loving care. Hugs are free and we have a never ending supply. The more you give away, the more you will receive. Live today like Patti, with passion and purpose.

Tomorrow will be a better day!

 

Bible Studies

Solomon, The 2nd Time Around

Pam Ford Davis

 

 

photo credit: king David Israel <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/37017545@N03/3573882493″>JERUSALEM.</a&gt; via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a&gt; <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>(license)</a&gt;

Twice blessed…

Solomon had his first major encounter with God.

“In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’

Solomon said to God, ‘You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place.  Now, O Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?’ God said to Solomon, ‘Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,  wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you (2 Chronicles 1:1-12 NASB).”

The 2nd time around…

“Now it came about when Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord, and the king’s house, and all that Solomon desired to do, that the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. The Lord said to him, ‘I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, just as I promised to your father David, saying, You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

‘But if you or your sons indeed turn away from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them, and the house which I have consecrated for My name, I will cast out of My sight. So Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And this house will become a heap of ruins; everyone who passes by will be astonished and hiss and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ And they will say, ‘Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and adopted other gods and worshiped them and served them, therefore the Lord has brought all this adversity on them (1 Kings 9:1-9 NASB).”