Rules, laws, commandments, statutes to obey and follow surround our daily lives. Even among the crowd of stay at home parents who make it their career to raise the children every day of the week. Daycares exist for the purpose to have someone else watch over our kids during the day so we can see to raising enough money to send them to college and then some. Those that choose to keep their kids at home must sacrifice a great deal and allow for a single income home and one parent laying down the ground rules for the children. Parents however must also learn to live by a set of rules as well.
My first rule is the one I am disobeying while typing this, here laying on the couch with my pajamas on in the middle of the afternoon. Now before you judge, all stay at home parents do this from time to time, if not too often. The problem is once you make the choice in the morning not to get dressed, you will not get there. Rule number one is then, “Get Dressed!” If for no other reason when you go out to get the mail, the guy in the truck doesn’t give you the look of either envy or pride thinking he has a job and you don’t. “Come inside buddy, I’ll show you a job.”
Wake up for the day ready to get things done, to accomplish much, and most importantly enjoy it thoroughly. You have a great responsibility ahead of you, so you might want to be ready for anything. My second rule ties right into this one because it is to “Get Devotional!” Putting God first in the day is as important as taking that shower and choosing a good outfit. But more on rule two later… Your children will be looking up to you, how you look is important. Not in a superficial way of course, but in a way which will lead them to live healthy respectful lives.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Winter
Winter is one of those words which brings to mind the dark chilly cold of blistering weather. Oklahoma knows how to perform a decent season, complete with the frost bite, the slippery icy roads, and an occasional snow drift. Preferably if it is going to snow, in we would much have good healthy snow man building piles in our front yard so we can have a good reason to call in sick. So far this season has just been cold, a little bit of ice, but mostly just enough to make you hope spring will come early.
Something about the cold air makes you want to cuddle up more against a warm fire, read a good electronic book, or just grab some coco. But most of all be thankful to not be working outside. My children are however getting a slice of too much indoors, especially the four year old Miss Avery who knows what playing in the grass and feeling the cool wind on your face can do to your energy. My babies have yet to really get out much, so we are all looking forward to warmer weather. But for now its still January.
Developmentally our little ones are still working to improve, slowly, but getting there. I mean they are only five months old, younger really if they had been born closer to due dates. Who is to say when a baby is due, its not like the Lord got them out early. He had a plan all along for them to come in the heat of August for a valid reason! Still watching them grow is a fascinating process. Kenneth is getting good at rolling from tummy to back, which makes it hard to keep him on his tummy. Erin is working at getting her head held up, so shes got to work on it some more.
We have noticed since our babies have been home, rather than in daycare, we go through a lot less diapers and wipes then we did with Avery. Seemed like we were buying more with her, then with the twins, not sure how its possible though. Since she had more diaper rash, you almost get the feeling they shared diapers and wipes among all the children. Kind of wish I had kept track, but numbers really wouldn’t amount to much and serve no purpose other than to say, hey you guys are ripping us off here.
Anyway its good to have the babies in a better environment to avoid the nasty bugs floating around. Hopefully they do not get them in the Spring when we do plan to get out of this house more. For now we are pretty much stuck here, since its winter outside. I think we all look forward to warmer weather.
Something about the cold air makes you want to cuddle up more against a warm fire, read a good electronic book, or just grab some coco. But most of all be thankful to not be working outside. My children are however getting a slice of too much indoors, especially the four year old Miss Avery who knows what playing in the grass and feeling the cool wind on your face can do to your energy. My babies have yet to really get out much, so we are all looking forward to warmer weather. But for now its still January.
Developmentally our little ones are still working to improve, slowly, but getting there. I mean they are only five months old, younger really if they had been born closer to due dates. Who is to say when a baby is due, its not like the Lord got them out early. He had a plan all along for them to come in the heat of August for a valid reason! Still watching them grow is a fascinating process. Kenneth is getting good at rolling from tummy to back, which makes it hard to keep him on his tummy. Erin is working at getting her head held up, so shes got to work on it some more.
We have noticed since our babies have been home, rather than in daycare, we go through a lot less diapers and wipes then we did with Avery. Seemed like we were buying more with her, then with the twins, not sure how its possible though. Since she had more diaper rash, you almost get the feeling they shared diapers and wipes among all the children. Kind of wish I had kept track, but numbers really wouldn’t amount to much and serve no purpose other than to say, hey you guys are ripping us off here.
Anyway its good to have the babies in a better environment to avoid the nasty bugs floating around. Hopefully they do not get them in the Spring when we do plan to get out of this house more. For now we are pretty much stuck here, since its winter outside. I think we all look forward to warmer weather.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Psalm 74:12-23
Psalm 74:12-23
You think you have troubles and hardship in your lifetime, and still none compare to what the Lord has already done in history for His people. Our Bible if nothing else serves as a huge red flag of hope for those drowning in a sea of difficult circumstances. Look at every person in the Scripture and see how the Lord’s deliverance is always the focus. Men and women of both ordinary and noble blood, both rich and poor, all had faith in God Most High and in His Word of Truth.
Remember the well mentioned in the Bible. Really should be plural because there are several wells referenced in both New and Old Testaments. God always seems to deal with people at a well, perhaps because it’s the source of water and water is necessary for life. This well I speak of now is the one Jesus drank from when speaking with the Samaritan woman. She there has knowledge of the ancestors of Israel, and knows of God’s great deeds. She knew Messiah was coming, and Jesus declared Himself to her in that time as the One whom she was seeking. See our God is one who wants us to remember, for in our memories we find truth and hope that does not disappoint.
God will not forget the cry of the helpless, nor the voice of the haughty before the throne. He will have victory for He has conquered all things. He is the one in control of the sunrise, the seasons, the borders of the earth. He who is Creator and sustainer, is also the author and finisher of our faith. So remember what the Lord has done, what He is going to do, and what He is doing now with you. Go to the wellspring of living water which is His Word, in there you will have life abundantly.
You think you have troubles and hardship in your lifetime, and still none compare to what the Lord has already done in history for His people. Our Bible if nothing else serves as a huge red flag of hope for those drowning in a sea of difficult circumstances. Look at every person in the Scripture and see how the Lord’s deliverance is always the focus. Men and women of both ordinary and noble blood, both rich and poor, all had faith in God Most High and in His Word of Truth.
Remember the well mentioned in the Bible. Really should be plural because there are several wells referenced in both New and Old Testaments. God always seems to deal with people at a well, perhaps because it’s the source of water and water is necessary for life. This well I speak of now is the one Jesus drank from when speaking with the Samaritan woman. She there has knowledge of the ancestors of Israel, and knows of God’s great deeds. She knew Messiah was coming, and Jesus declared Himself to her in that time as the One whom she was seeking. See our God is one who wants us to remember, for in our memories we find truth and hope that does not disappoint.
God will not forget the cry of the helpless, nor the voice of the haughty before the throne. He will have victory for He has conquered all things. He is the one in control of the sunrise, the seasons, the borders of the earth. He who is Creator and sustainer, is also the author and finisher of our faith. So remember what the Lord has done, what He is going to do, and what He is doing now with you. Go to the wellspring of living water which is His Word, in there you will have life abundantly.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Psalm 74:1-11
Psalm 74
A Contemplation[a] of Asaph.
O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed— This Mount Zion where You have dwelt. Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees. And now they break down its carved work, all at once, With axes and hammers. They have set fire to Your sanctuary; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. We do not see our signs; There is no longer any prophet; Nor is there any among us who knows how long. O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.
Psalm 74:1-11
Our God is a great victorious general of war. From the very beginning he is the one who had set out with a curse against the prince of sin and the darkness which blinded Adam and Eve. He is not a defensive God, though He does defend His children. He is always on the offenses working ahead of the enemies schemes, to mold everything according to His perfect plan, even when it came to the destruction of His own Temple.
Psalm 74 is a prophetic picture of two separate times when Israel’s enemies plundered the city and destroyed the Temple. In 167 B.C Antiochus Ephiphanes profaned the temple and placed an image of Jupiter in the holy place. This is the called the Adomination of Desolation (Daniel 8,9). In A.D 70 the Roman official Titus leveled the temple to the ground as Jesus predicted in Luke 21. During the Great Tribulation there will be a final Abomination of Desolation in the holy place. This indicates there will again be a Temple standing in Israel where God’s people will sacrifice and worship. Your adversary is real, he hates you because you are loved by God. Darkness will always be on the attack in your life, but be not afraid He is your shield. God is already been at war with the one at war with your soul. Jesus defeated death and showed He had power over life by rising from the grave. He stands now at the right hand of God not only praying for you but constantly at work battling against the one who is called the destroyer. Be not afraid, He who lives within you is the victorious warrior.
A Contemplation[a] of Asaph.
O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed— This Mount Zion where You have dwelt. Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees. And now they break down its carved work, all at once, With axes and hammers. They have set fire to Your sanctuary; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. We do not see our signs; There is no longer any prophet; Nor is there any among us who knows how long. O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.
Psalm 74:1-11
Our God is a great victorious general of war. From the very beginning he is the one who had set out with a curse against the prince of sin and the darkness which blinded Adam and Eve. He is not a defensive God, though He does defend His children. He is always on the offenses working ahead of the enemies schemes, to mold everything according to His perfect plan, even when it came to the destruction of His own Temple.
Psalm 74 is a prophetic picture of two separate times when Israel’s enemies plundered the city and destroyed the Temple. In 167 B.C Antiochus Ephiphanes profaned the temple and placed an image of Jupiter in the holy place. This is the called the Adomination of Desolation (Daniel 8,9). In A.D 70 the Roman official Titus leveled the temple to the ground as Jesus predicted in Luke 21. During the Great Tribulation there will be a final Abomination of Desolation in the holy place. This indicates there will again be a Temple standing in Israel where God’s people will sacrifice and worship. Your adversary is real, he hates you because you are loved by God. Darkness will always be on the attack in your life, but be not afraid He is your shield. God is already been at war with the one at war with your soul. Jesus defeated death and showed He had power over life by rising from the grave. He stands now at the right hand of God not only praying for you but constantly at work battling against the one who is called the destroyer. Be not afraid, He who lives within you is the victorious warrior.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Lazarus
No amount of heat blazing off the hot desert sun could stop him from racing with his message. Perhaps not the youth he once was, but still a man of compassion and always full of eagerness to help. This was going to be a difficult message to bring, it wasn’t one of happiness, one of joy, but one of grief and full of fear. Mary had seemed sure the messenger would not be needed, but Martha insisted. When the man got to the clearing where the rabbi sat among his friends, he was both weary and relived.
“I need to see Jesus!” the man exclaimed. “Yes my dear boy, as do all of us. But come I will take you to the Master.” Philip one of the twelve disciples brought the exhausted fellow to deliver his message to Jesus. “Lord, Lord. Master. “ The servant paused for breath. “Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus of Bethany have sent me. Saying to me, Lord, the one whom you love is sick.”
Jesus stood up among the disciples, they too broke from their casual relaxation to see what their Master was going to say. He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
The servant seemed surprised by the response of Jesus. It appeared as usual Jesus spoke with certainty, as if he knew every word he ever spoke was true and would come to pass. It calmed his own racing heart, still beating rapidly from his journey.
As the hour was already late the servant understood why Jesus did not seem quick to get everyone moving toward Bethany. Certainty it would be best to travel at an early start with a full day ahead. But when the Master returned to the camp after his morning prayer, rather than preparing a departure speech, he began to preach. All day the messages coming from Jesus were honey to his soul, water to his parched throat. Still the young man could not stop thinking of Mary and Martha, what of the sisters.
Lazarus was indeed a man Jesus loved, Mary and Martha as well. He stayed in their home with his disciples as often as he was in Bethany. It was just a short trip to Jerusalem from their which made it easier to attend festivals and speak in the Temple. It was bothering the young man still. Why wait? If your loved ones are sick, shouldn’t you rush to their side? Still Jesus waited two whole days. Finally he turned to the disciples. “Let us go to Judea again.” Peter stunned by the announcement responded, “Teacher, the Jews have made it public knowledge of their desire to stone you. And you want go back there?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” Looking around at the faces of those whom he loved, he said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” Andrew said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” The mood on Jesus’ face changed. It became a determination mixed with sadness. Jesus turned his face toward Bethany and with a heavy heart told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” They each packed up what little they had, knowing walking into Judea was dangerous for all of them.
Jesus sent the messenger ahead to let Martha know they were coming. Mary had shut herself in the house and remained. As he and the disciples arrived outside of town, Martha came out to meet him. With tears in her eyes she through her arms around Jesus and buried her face in his shoulder. “Rabbi…Rabbi…” was all she could say. The disciples all felt deep sadness. Lazarus was a great friend, one of those who you always enjoyed being in their company. It was difficult now, for even while they mourned the enemies of Jesus were watching closely every move he made.
Martha began to collect herself enough to speak. Jesus met her eyes and spoke quietly over her. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Her longing eyes remained in his and then drifted off to a distant cloud. Her mind was reflecting back to last time Jesus visited her home.
Jesus and the disciples had been traveling around from village to village talking about the Kingdom of Heaven and teaching various parables. It was during this time, being weary from his journey, he and the twelve stayed with Martha and her family. As soon as she heard Jesus was staying he quickly prepared a large meal for the thirteen hungry travelers along to enjoy. Lazarus always laughed she carried about with her recipes and orders to the servants. Her sister Mary, remained sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. She had been so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Finally out of not so very humble tiredness she came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered full of compassion in his eyes, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Now it was in this moment, after her brother had been in the tomb for four days, she felt like there was nothing more she could do. Martha was always so quick to be the busy hard working woman in the home, always picking up after her brother and sister; now she could do nothing. Nothing but listen. There was nothing else but to trust in her Lord. She didn’t need a parable or teaching, she was living right in the middle of one.
From the wilds of her weary heart Jesus brought her back to present saying, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Peter, Philip, and the other disciples and servants all listened quietly far enough to give them space but close enough to hear the powerful words. Martha left and returned to the house to find Mary. She did not know why Mary had not come out of the house to greet Jesus, surely she knew He had come. She find her sister knelling by her bed.
“The Teacher has come and is calling for you.”Mary hearing the words of her sister rose quickly to find Jesus. Many of the women who were mourning with Mary saw her leave the house and followed assuming she was heading to the tomb. Mary ran through the streets of Bethany out the gate and found the place where Jesus and the disciples were gathered. She didn’t stop running until she fell at his feet weeping. She grabbed hold of the ground and cried out, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus gently gathered her up into his arms being troubled in spirit. “Where have you laid him?” The servants who followed Mary said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”
Jesus wept.
Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus arrived at the place where the body of Lazarus was buried. It was common for many of the higher class in those days to have tombs made from a cave and a large stone laid upon the opening. Many countrymen, leaders from Jerusalem, and disciples of Jesus were gathered together. Jesus groaned when He approached the tomb. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”
Silence for a moment fell among all who were watching. Did they hear Jesus correctly? Did this teacher from Nazareth just cry out for the rising of the dead? In the next moment it was not the stench of death filling the air but the gasps of amazement. For out of the tomb bound hand and foot with graveclothes walked Lazarus, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. The man who had been dead for four days was now alive. The Lord Jesus had risen this man from the dead.
Jesus looking at the people standing around said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” Martha and Mary joined their brother in cheers and tears of celebration. The Lord Jesus is the author if life, and has power over death. This same thing which made them glad, also troubled the religious leadership greatly. They feared a man who could raise the dead. How could such a man ever be defeated.
--- Many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.
And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
(as told by David Bowlby)
“I need to see Jesus!” the man exclaimed. “Yes my dear boy, as do all of us. But come I will take you to the Master.” Philip one of the twelve disciples brought the exhausted fellow to deliver his message to Jesus. “Lord, Lord. Master. “ The servant paused for breath. “Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus of Bethany have sent me. Saying to me, Lord, the one whom you love is sick.”
Jesus stood up among the disciples, they too broke from their casual relaxation to see what their Master was going to say. He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
The servant seemed surprised by the response of Jesus. It appeared as usual Jesus spoke with certainty, as if he knew every word he ever spoke was true and would come to pass. It calmed his own racing heart, still beating rapidly from his journey.
As the hour was already late the servant understood why Jesus did not seem quick to get everyone moving toward Bethany. Certainty it would be best to travel at an early start with a full day ahead. But when the Master returned to the camp after his morning prayer, rather than preparing a departure speech, he began to preach. All day the messages coming from Jesus were honey to his soul, water to his parched throat. Still the young man could not stop thinking of Mary and Martha, what of the sisters.
Lazarus was indeed a man Jesus loved, Mary and Martha as well. He stayed in their home with his disciples as often as he was in Bethany. It was just a short trip to Jerusalem from their which made it easier to attend festivals and speak in the Temple. It was bothering the young man still. Why wait? If your loved ones are sick, shouldn’t you rush to their side? Still Jesus waited two whole days. Finally he turned to the disciples. “Let us go to Judea again.” Peter stunned by the announcement responded, “Teacher, the Jews have made it public knowledge of their desire to stone you. And you want go back there?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” Looking around at the faces of those whom he loved, he said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” Andrew said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” The mood on Jesus’ face changed. It became a determination mixed with sadness. Jesus turned his face toward Bethany and with a heavy heart told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” They each packed up what little they had, knowing walking into Judea was dangerous for all of them.
Jesus sent the messenger ahead to let Martha know they were coming. Mary had shut herself in the house and remained. As he and the disciples arrived outside of town, Martha came out to meet him. With tears in her eyes she through her arms around Jesus and buried her face in his shoulder. “Rabbi…Rabbi…” was all she could say. The disciples all felt deep sadness. Lazarus was a great friend, one of those who you always enjoyed being in their company. It was difficult now, for even while they mourned the enemies of Jesus were watching closely every move he made.
Martha began to collect herself enough to speak. Jesus met her eyes and spoke quietly over her. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Her longing eyes remained in his and then drifted off to a distant cloud. Her mind was reflecting back to last time Jesus visited her home.
Jesus and the disciples had been traveling around from village to village talking about the Kingdom of Heaven and teaching various parables. It was during this time, being weary from his journey, he and the twelve stayed with Martha and her family. As soon as she heard Jesus was staying he quickly prepared a large meal for the thirteen hungry travelers along to enjoy. Lazarus always laughed she carried about with her recipes and orders to the servants. Her sister Mary, remained sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. She had been so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Finally out of not so very humble tiredness she came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered full of compassion in his eyes, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Now it was in this moment, after her brother had been in the tomb for four days, she felt like there was nothing more she could do. Martha was always so quick to be the busy hard working woman in the home, always picking up after her brother and sister; now she could do nothing. Nothing but listen. There was nothing else but to trust in her Lord. She didn’t need a parable or teaching, she was living right in the middle of one.
From the wilds of her weary heart Jesus brought her back to present saying, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Peter, Philip, and the other disciples and servants all listened quietly far enough to give them space but close enough to hear the powerful words. Martha left and returned to the house to find Mary. She did not know why Mary had not come out of the house to greet Jesus, surely she knew He had come. She find her sister knelling by her bed.
“The Teacher has come and is calling for you.”Mary hearing the words of her sister rose quickly to find Jesus. Many of the women who were mourning with Mary saw her leave the house and followed assuming she was heading to the tomb. Mary ran through the streets of Bethany out the gate and found the place where Jesus and the disciples were gathered. She didn’t stop running until she fell at his feet weeping. She grabbed hold of the ground and cried out, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus gently gathered her up into his arms being troubled in spirit. “Where have you laid him?” The servants who followed Mary said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”
Jesus wept.
Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus arrived at the place where the body of Lazarus was buried. It was common for many of the higher class in those days to have tombs made from a cave and a large stone laid upon the opening. Many countrymen, leaders from Jerusalem, and disciples of Jesus were gathered together. Jesus groaned when He approached the tomb. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”
Silence for a moment fell among all who were watching. Did they hear Jesus correctly? Did this teacher from Nazareth just cry out for the rising of the dead? In the next moment it was not the stench of death filling the air but the gasps of amazement. For out of the tomb bound hand and foot with graveclothes walked Lazarus, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. The man who had been dead for four days was now alive. The Lord Jesus had risen this man from the dead.
Jesus looking at the people standing around said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” Martha and Mary joined their brother in cheers and tears of celebration. The Lord Jesus is the author if life, and has power over death. This same thing which made them glad, also troubled the religious leadership greatly. They feared a man who could raise the dead. How could such a man ever be defeated.
--- Many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.
And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
(as told by David Bowlby)
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Welcome to 2011
Fifteen minutes is all it would take to enter into the blogosphere and relate the daily events. A few moments of my day, of my week, of my month, time goes so fast it feels as if each day is a bandaid being ripped from my life. One moment its there, the next you are staring wide eyed into a new year. Hardly believe my own lack of posts in the past month, December was pretty full, but then the hardest things in life rarely find themselves time to be written.
Forget not the wisdom of the ages, of those who have passed. Remember the great things, the memories you share, the kindness the honesty the true. Good. Holly’s grandfather passed away this morning of the 18th of December. We knew the time was coming, yet all too soon and we miss him now. This past summer seemed like such a major struggle for us while Holly was on bedrest, we had to take Avery out of Daycare since we simply could not afford the expense.
Holly’s stepmom and her Granny helped so graciously during those months. I am thankful now even in the midst of the struggles we were having, Avery was getting precious memories with her grandfather before he passed. Jesus knew. Jesus always knows and plans everything even the most painful things to bring good.
We thank the Lord for His blessings, even though they were difficult to overcome… and still are. Each new day as they say… begin each new day with the praise of the Lord on your lips. Even every new year. I know now in the quiet of the living room with the twins sleeping and Avery perched on my shoulder, it’s the beginning of the day we should be giving to the Lord. For in those moments before the chaos of the day, He speaks and we can hear. Now after the long first day of 2011 all I can think on is how many things I could have done differently, how I could have responded better to those around me clamoring for my attention. Some drawing irritation, some causing desperation, each and every one seemingly to test every new years resolution I may have started.
My car radio blessed me this morning as I headed off to work. Brandon Heath was singing, “Hes no finished with me yet!” Perfect song for a new year, for a realization struggles would remain, but the Lord would remain even stronger. I cannot sum up the month of December any more than I could the whole year. My dad came in for a few weeks, followed by my sister, both very helpful and much missed now. As we approach the new year, even as we approach the end of day one, we can be thankful the Lord has blessed each new morning with mercy for the day ahead. So blessed are we for a God who renews us, and loves us still despite our qualifications.
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