“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 Oh, Mary and Martha! Two Sisters and a brother! A brother who became ill while Jesus was ministering across the Jordan. How did these two sisters handle this? Read John 11: 1-6. Why did they do this? What did they expect, in your opinion? Mary and Martha had seen Jesus’s works of healing; they believed Jesus could do it again. Martha and Mary knew that Jesus loved them, and they knew Jesus had their most immeasurable interest at heart. They expected Jesus to come immediately. However, what did Jesus do? Jesus said that the sickness was not…
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Mary and Martha: Part 1
“If any man is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.'” John 7:37-38 Mary and Martha, two sisters who are very different from one another. They are two disciples. These two ladies show us much about pure worship and the kind of worship Jesus takes delight in. Let’s read John 10: 38-39. This is where we are introduced to Mary and Martha. What are your thoughts about Mary? What are your thoughts about Martha? How does Mary act toward Jesus? She was so hungry to learn more about Jesus. She…
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Advent: Day Two
After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1: 24-25 Elizabeth experienced a miracle. For years she was barren. For her, there was no hope that she would ever conceive. She was past the age of being able to conceive. Yet God gave her a child. She conceived at an old age. In our world today, we are probably more apprehensive than the anticipation of anything good. God has created life. Even in this life of…
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When God Speaks Life
I am the resurrection and the life. Luke 11:25 What do you think God is speaking to you about? Read John 11:4, When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.; 11:25-26- Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? Let’s do a little review of this chapter. Lazarus became ill. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. Jesus waited two extra days…
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The Presence of Jesus Brings Joy
“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalms 16:11 There are two upcoming weddings in our immediate family! There is excitement, stress, and joy all around. I hope that both sets of couples will take the time to enjoy the process of coming together. That they have the joy in each other’s presence like the day their dad and I got married. One is happening this month and the other next summer. I am getting two lovely daughter in laws. They are taking their single lives and are joining together with their spouse. Marriage is…
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Our Shepherds Joy
Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 How do you handle disappointments? Or how do you handle unmet expectations? Did you know that expectations can be an idol?? Did you know that joy is not based on your circumstances but in the choice to live in God’s extravagant grace? The first Christmas had both unmet expectations and unexpected circumstances. What were Joseph and Mary’s unmet expectations and unexpected circumstances? I don’t think they expected baby Jesus to be born so far from their home! Or how about the manger?? What mother would want to…
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Passover Week Devotions: Jesus Feet Anointed With Oil
Day 1: Friday Before: Arrival in Bethany Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one the his disciples (he who was about to betray Him) said, ” Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii…