May 6, 2020

Quarantined Ode to Moms

This Mother’s Day will be a little different as we all begin to emerge out of our homes to love on our Moms. Some still may safely quarantine.

With just four days before Mother’s Day, let’s ponder our moms for a bit.  What are you planning to do to honor your Mom?

This Mother’s Day, let’s try something different. Let’s try to write at least 31 memories or characteristics you’re grateful for with your Mom. Then write or type them, cut them into slips of paper, and give to her for Mother’s Day in a little glass jar or box. You can even buy them at the Dollar Store. She can enjoy reading a month of encouragement over and over, one for each day. This year is the fourth Mother’s Day I have written memories and will write 31 new memories this year (shhh, please don’t tell her). This blog or a box simply cannot contain my gratitude. The following are some the Mom gratitude memories:

1) Thank you, Mom, for your unconditional love and support as Lord nudged me to launch a new ministry in April called Blessings Brokers, a Christian Donor Development Consulting Firm. Your rock solid faith and courage continues to bolster mine.

2)  Thank you for serving as a patient gentle nurse and  caregiver in December/January as you helped me take care of my 67-year-old cousin and your nephew Mark as he suffered with a cirrhosis of the liver diagnosis. He was able to get into an assisted living facility in January thanks to your nursing his open wounds caused by edema. He lived 6 1/2 months and went to be with Jesus on 5/4/20. Thank you for helping me love him unconditionally.

3) Thank you for praying for me for years before I was even conceived. Since my only brother Jamie is 12 years older than me, you said you suffered a miscarriage and complications as you and Dad tried for more children after Jamie. You were about to give up when you found out you were pregnant with me.  Thanks be to God for His plan and His timing. Thank you for being my Mom.

4) Thank you for serving as a room mother in elementary school and chaperoning our field trips.

5) Thank you for dancing and for teaching me to dance. I always loved watching you and your brothers, your family shag dancing to beach music at my grandmother’s home growing up. I remember after Thanksgiving meals that the men would push aside the dinner table to create a large dance floor, perfect for dancing and making a “Soul Train”  line. We had so much fun. Watching you dance is a joy.

6) Thank you for displaying the Fruit of the Spirit each day and showing me Jesus’ unconditional love through you. “But the fruit of the Spirit IS (that means all one fruit) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and  self-control. Against such things there is no law.” –Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

7) Thank you for teaching me that if three or more cars are in line at a fast-food restaurant, it’s faster to go inside to order your food. I don’t eat fast food much, but I still abide by this.

8) Thank you taking such good care of  me five years ago after my serious six-car accident. You were there every moment, from meeting me at the Trauma Center soon after the ambulance transported me, to gently dressing my wounds, to serving every meal, driving me everywhere as I recuperated. Words cannot express my gratitude for you being there, being present.

9) Thank you for the example of your well-read, well-worn Bible that shows to me and to anyone how “Thy Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.” Psalm 119:105.  If we may be the only Bible someone may ever read, you radiate the Word. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” John 1:14a NIV

10) Thank you for making me have a curfew, even though I didn’t appreciate it at the time. I so respect the healthy rules and boundaries you set for me growing up. You set them with love.

11) Thank you for teaching me the love of flowers and God’s majesty. I appreciate that you asked me growing up to “dead-head” our 100+ roses each day after school in our garden. I will always remember the wonderful fragrance of roses in every room of our home growing up–what a gift.

12) Thank you for giving me the grace and freedom and wide open space to fail and succeed, knowing you would love me unconditionally.  You are the best cheerleader and encourager I know.

Do you struggle with this upcoming holiday?  Some have beloved Moms who are in heaven. Some struggle with their relationship with their Mom. If either is the case, my hearts hurts as yours does. I encourage you to seek out an older lady in your life who can or currently serves as a mentor to you. Please consider honoring her for Mother’s Day. Some Moms are blood-related. Others are related by the blood of Jesus. Happy Mother’s Day, friend.

Reflect:

–How do you plan to honor your Mom for Mother’s Day? Please comment.

Renew:

–“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” –Exodus 20:12 ESV

–“Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopus), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And he said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” –John 19-25-27 NLT

Recharge:

–Which mentor lady in your life will you show appreciation for?

—“All I am I owe to my Mother.” –Abraham Lincoln

April 19, 2020

Resurrection Reflections–Fear, Great Joy, Doubt, Women, Angels, & Folded Napkins

On this first week after Resurrection Sunday, five different Resurrection Reflections keep coming to my heart. As we still quarantine from COVID-19, we are all going through different emotions. May these lessons encourage each of us.

1.God shakes things up in tough times and miraculous times. On the third day morning after Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” discovered the miracle of Jesus’ Resurrection. They not only discovered the tomb empty, they experienced a great earthquake. “And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.” Matthew 28:2 ESV. They were shaken, just as we have been shaken with the COVID-19 pandemic. Three days before they had also experienced an earthquake on Good Friday after Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:51). Shaking happens during the tough times as well as during miraculous times.

2.It is normal to experience fear, great joy and doubt. The first thing the Angel said to the women was not to be afraid. It’s normal to feel afraid. That’s why It is said throughout the Bible, hundreds of times, “do not be afraid.”Then the angel confirmed what the women already knew. “He is not here, for He has risen! (Matt 28:6 ESV) The angel told them to “Go quickly and tell the disciples that he has risen from the dead.” (Matt 28:7 ESV).

The next verse struck me more than ever because of what we are all experiencing with the pandemic. “So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matt 28:8) Friends, it is OK to experience fear and great joy at the same time. The women, like each of us, were fulfilling their purpose. It’s OK to move forward in fear and great joy. Keep going.

A few verses later is The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, our high calling as Christians. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Whether we are going and telling disciples or going and making disciples, keep going. It’s what we were made to do.

Friend, Keep going, even when our knees shake.
Keep going, even when our world shakes.
Let’s keep going and telling, keep going and making with fear and great joy. We were made for this.

3. God often uses Women and Angels as His Messengers. Throughout the Old and New Testament, including the Resurrection, the Lord uses women and angels to deliver important messengers. I found it particularly amazing how God used angels here. Not only does God use women to discover Jesus’ tomb empty, He uses angels to roll the stone away, sit on it, and tell the women what to do. “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’… –John 20:11-14 ESV. 

Let’s look at another amazing place where angels were used. When Moses’ foreman Bezalel was building the ark of the covenant, “He made a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half was its length, and a cubit and a half was its breadth. And he made two cherubim of gold. He made them of hammered work on the two ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat he made the cherubim on its two ends.” –Exodus 37:6-8 ESV. 

Jesus’ empty tomb is our Mercy Seat with angels on both ends, just as Moses followed God’s commands 3000 years before!

4. Even after the miracle, we sometimes don’t recognize Jesus. On that Sunday afternoon of the Resurrection, Jesus was walking about seven miles from Jerusalem. He saw two of the disciples, probably Peter and John, although they didn’t recognize Him. Being the good Teacher He is, Jesus asked them about their conversation, and the two disciples told them all about Jesus of Nazareth. They STILL didn’t recognize Him. They invited him to stay with them. It wasn’t until they ate dinner together, “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him… They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'” –Luke 24: 31-32 ESV. How often do we find ourselves in God’s presence and don’t recognize the miracle we are experiencing until later? Be encouraged, friend. May our senses be heightened to recognize God’s presence and appreciate the beautiful miracles and people around us in real time.
5. Jesus’ empty tomb left another hint that He will return again. There is a verse in John 20 that has perplexed me, so I researched more. “Then Simon Peter came, following him (John), and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself” –John 20: 6-7

Was that important? Absolutely! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, it is helpful for us to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating.

The servant would not dare touch the table until the master was finished. Now if the master was finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth, then his beard, and wad up the napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. In those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”  This is like what Jesus said from the cross.

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back!” 

I asked my Messianic Jewish Scholar Steve J. of this Hebrew tradition’s validity aligned with the folded napkin: “I have heard that before, and think it has merit. Although the Gospel of John was written with a Gentile audience in mind…the fact it is mentioned at all in John beckons the question as to why, since we presume there is no wasted scripture.”

Let us be reminded daily during this post-Resurrection season, Jesus Christ is “Not Finished.” He is coming back for us as Believers who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Be encouraged, friend, and let’s do our best to spread the Good News of Jesus and His Word.  May we live every day as Resurrection Sunday knowing Jesus will return for us one day.

April 12, 2020

Holy Week Lessons Learned From Jesus–Resurrection & Follow-Through

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” –Matthew 28:6

Those few words changed the history of the universe. How exciting that Resurrection Day is the biggest event in human history! Happy Easter!

Today is the “Super Bowl” for us as Christians. Resurrection Sunday/Easter is my favorite day of the whole year.

Darkness and despair died.
Light, Love and Life overcame the grave. 
Hope and anticipation were born in the hearts of all who believe.

Jesus, the Ultimate Leader, set a gold standard for us all. Perhaps the most important Holy Week lesson we learn from Jesus is that He fulfilled His purpose, He did what He said He would do. He followed through with His word. Do we follow through with doing what we say we will do?

Not only did Jesus fulfill His destiny with being crucified and being raised on the third day, I found 44 prophecies where Jesus fulfilled prophecy and His purpose. It is an amazing list.

As we read each prophecy, I encourage you to say a quick Easter prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

44 Prophecies Jesus Christ Fulfilled Prophecies About Jesus: Old Testament Scripture, New Testament Fulfillment 

1. Messiah would be born of a woman. Genesis 3:15, Matthew 1:20, Galatians 4:4

2. Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-6

3. Messiah would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 1:26-31

4. Messiah would come from the line of Abraham. Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18, Matthew 1:1, Romans 9:5

5. Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 17:19, Genesis 21:12, Luke 3:34

6. Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. Numbers 24:17, Matthew 1:2

7. Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10, Luke 3:33, Hebrews 7:14

8.Messiah would be heir to King David’s throne. 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 9:7, Luke 1:32-33, Romans 1:3

9. Messiah’s throne will be anointed and eternal. Psalm 45:6-7, Daniel 2:44, Luke 1:33, Hebrews 1:8-12

10. Messiah would be called Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23

11. Messiah would spend a season in Egypt. Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:14-15

12. A massacre of children would happen at Messiah’s birthplace. Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:16-18

13. A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah. Isaiah 40:3-5, Luke 3:3-6

14. Messiah would be rejected by his own people. Psalm 69:8, Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11, John 7:5

15. Messiah would be a prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:20-22

16. Messiah would be preceded by Elijah. Malachi 4:5-6, Matthew 11:13-14

17. Messiah would be declared the Son of God. Psalm 2:7, Matthew 3:16-17

18. Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Isaiah 11:1, Matthew 2:23

19. Messiah would bring light to Galilee. Isaiah 9:1-2, Matthew 4:13-16

20. Messiah would speak in parables. Psalm 78:2-4, Isaiah 6:9-10, Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35

21. Messiah would be sent to heal the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19

22. Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:5-6

23. Messiah would be called King. Psalm 2:6, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 27:37, Mark 11:7-11

24. Messiah would be praised by little children. Psalm 8:2, Matthew 21:16

25. Messiah would be betrayed. Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12- 13, Luke 22:47-48, Matthew 26:14- 16

26. Messiah’s price money would be used to buy a potter’s field. Zechariah 11:12- 13, Matthew 27:9- 10

27. Messiah would be falsely accused. Psalm 35:11, Mark 14:57-58

28. Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah 53:7, Mark 15:4-5

29. Messiah would be spat upon and struck. Isaiah 50:6, Matthew 26:67

30. Messiah would be hated without cause. Psalm 35:19, Psalm 69:4, John 15:24-25

31. Messiah would be crucified with criminals. Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27-28

32. Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, John 19:28-30

33. Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10, John 20:25-27

34. Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. Psalm 22:7-8,  Luke 23:35

35. Soldiers would gamble for Messiah’s garments. Psalm 22:18, Luke 23:34, Matthew 27:35- 36

36. Messiah’s bones would not be broken. Exodus 12:46, Psalm 34:20, John 19:33-36

37. Messiah would be forsaken by God. Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46

38. Messiah would pray for his enemies. Psalm 109:4, Luke 23:34

39. Soldiers would pierce Messiah’s side. Zechariah 12:10, John 19:34

40. Messiah would be buried with the rich. Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:57- 60

41. Messiah would resurrect from the dead. Psalm 16:10, Psalm 49:15, Matthew 28:2-7, Acts 2:22-32–FOUR Bible passages!

42. Messiah would ascend to heaven. Psalm 24:7-10, Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51

43. Messiah would be seated at God’s right hand. Psalm 68:18, Psalm 110:1, Mark 16:19, Matthew 22:44

44. Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin. Isaiah 53:5-12, Romans 5:6-8

Friend, we know for sure that on the third day after His burial, the tomb was empty. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

What a day to celebrate! May every day be Resurrection Day in our souls.

Friend, have you accepted Jesus today as Lord and Savior, knowing that beautiful Truth? If not, today is the perfect day.

Here is how you can receive Christ:

  1. Admit your need. (I have sinned, have messed up).
  2. Be willing to turn away from your sins and make a fresh start (repent).
  3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
  4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and guide your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as Lord and Savior).

Simply pray this prayer:

Dear God,

I know that I am a a sinner and have messed up. All the tears I’ve cried and hurt I’ve felt–it’s Yours now.  I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life today, Resurrection Day. I want Him to come into my heart and guide my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

All of us here on earth and in heaven are celebrating with you, friend. IF you just prayed that prayer, please send me an email at danya.jordan777@gmail.com.  I’d love to send you a free small gift to celebrate the biggest decision of your life.

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