I AM

 I had a little extra time this morning so after I read my Jesus Calling I went on to the Bible verse  at the bottom of the reading.  It was Exodus - God talking to Moses and Moses asks basically, hey what is your name?

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

I always wondered - did Moses hear it wrong - was it Ian - maybe God did have a name - maybe it is Iam

I am not sure what God has sent me into this world for and that is part of my Lenten Journey this year. 

My journey is not about giving anything up, it is finding what God wants me to find. Did you find it yet?

Ash Wednesday 2026

Turn from evil, and do good, and dwell in the land for ever. For the Lord loves justice; he does not forsake his faithful ones. (Psalms 37:28–29) 

Turn from evil -- it could be a person, a group, or a bad habit. And do good.   There are so many people that need help from monetary to a simple smile.   For the Lord loves  justice, oh man I am not sure he is pleased with us right now - BUT remember he does not forsake, or forget his faithful ones.

I have been going through some issues lately.  One is a person I truly need to turn away from.   Plus some health issues that recently cropped up.  I think it is time for me to just stop, drop and pray.  

I need guidance and as I travel through Lent, I will take you along.

The great hope of Ash Wednesday is that God’s compassion does not fail.

Today is when we sit among the ashes of our life gone. Think of things we did wrong and how we are going to change our life around and do them right.

Today we stand and brushes off the ashes, brush or comb our hair, wash our face and move forward in the right path..  Searching scriptures that will help us on that personal journey.

For me:

Guidance for Dealing with Manipulative People

The Bible encourages believers to:

• Be discerning: Recognize flattery, deceit, and hidden motives (Proverbs 26:24-26, Proverbs 12:5).
• Maintain integrity: Live honestly and transparently, avoiding manipulation yourself (Proverbs 12:22, James 1:22).
• Set boundaries: Keep distance from those who cause divisions or lead others astray (Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 15:33).
• Rely on God’s protection: Trust in God to deliver from deceit and evil (Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 34:7).
  By understanding these verses, believers can navigate relationships with manipulative individuals wisely, protecting their hearts while responding with love and truth.

Amen

Searching the Scriptures

1 Peter 4:

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Trials, challenges and tribulations will come your way - they are inevitable.  But it is how we face the challenge is where we as Christians to rejoice.  Well, that is not so easy - I know where we first go. Its oh, heck no I am not doing it.  Or maybe WHY God why.  

I just got a list of procedures, and when I looked at it - I thought - Oh, hell no.  But really in the scheme of things, it is minor.  I don't want to do them.  But I will do them.  My first thought though, honestly was maybe I should retire.  I am tired of this crap but then there are other obstacles like money.  So, I shall pull up my big girl panties and face the day, this is nothing compared to the sufferings of Christ, but he did it for us.  

And sometimes, we need to give God glory for the minor challenges of life.  He still walks with us, even in the little matters.  And then he is there for the bigger ones. 

With everything that is happening in the world right now you might find it harder to be a Christian.  There may be a future time where you are cursed for being one but know that in the Power of Christ you are blessed and the Holy Spirit is with you.  Do not give in to the demons of the world.  Remember who you are in God and that God is with you 24/7.

Finding the Holy Spirit

 I was lucky.  I found God and Jesus when I was very young.  I need someone in my young life who loved me unconditionally and they found me.  I enjoyed Sunday School - there wasn't a Sunday I didn't go unless I was sick.  

Now though all I see on social media are meditation sights, alternatives to the Holy Spirit basically.

Even though I found Jesus early - I am talking under 10 years of age, there were times where I felt that heart rush of finding him again.  Once in July of 1977 - you see my born-again friends convinced me that on 7/7/77 the world as we knew it was ending.  I was prepared I took Jesus as my savior and well, the world didn't end,

There have been motivational speakers who have made the heart flutter to and each time I know it's the Holy Spirit reminding me that it is there.   

Why does it seem like a society we are moving away from God - the whole half time show debate was so unnecessary - we have had plenty of things happen in the half time shows that were controversial.  Has politics split this country so bad that we can't love anymore.   

I liked the half time show - so what if I don't speak Spanish - there was great dance music - I never understand half the singers anymore - sure sign I am getting old.  

My favorite part - Lady GAGA.  I love her.

So much fun.  Why can't we just have fun anymore. Everything seems to cause a problem.  

Well, I am going to try to follow the Holy Spirit this month.  Reflect on Lenten Readings.  Maybe share a few here.  That is how this blog started.  

Back in 1969 John Lennon did a song entitled "Give Peace a Chance"  The song champions for the cessation of war and the promotion of peace among all people in the world.

He was calling for love and tolerance in a bid to achieve world peace.  He was calling on all peoples to put an end to the trifle differenced that have caused so much pain and suffering and embrace a united front that aims at promoting love, unity and peace.

That was 1969 - I guess we haven't changed at all.