Monday, September 5, 2011

Believe at all costs... a miracle awaits

John 11:1-29
The Death of Lazarus
In today's passage, Martha and Mary (poured expensive oil) ask Jesus to come and heal their brother Lazarus.  Jesus comes 4 days after Lazarus has been buried. Even his disciples question why he is returning to Bethany, Judea for the Pharisees want to kill him.  Jesus assures his disciples that they will be in safe in the "light".  He is greeted by Martha and Jesus asks if she knows Lazarus will rise again.  Martha replies, "Yes, when everyone else rises on resurrection day" (24).
We all, most of us anyways, have shadows of doubt.  I suppose it's human nature.  We don't have the innocence of children, we have the behaviours of sin. I believe in the existence of miracles, yet I am hard pressed to believe that it would happen for me.  For me, it's a means of protecting myself from being heart broken and disappointed, I guess... Father, I am casting my doubts, burdens and worries to you.  I don't want to think about them anymore. I just want to be grateful and satified with what you have blessed me with already.

2 Timothy 2:8-14

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ (cont'd)
We shouldn't argue over words. Such arguements are useless and can ruin those who hear them. (14) Yes, some really are adament about language.  That's why we have so many types of Christians.  That's something I really couldn't figure out.  Why do we profess to be different if we are all seeking the same thing... eternal life with God in heaven?

Paul shares this lovely saying (11-13):
If we die with him,
     we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship,
   we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
   he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot deny himself.

How beautiful this saying is. I pray Father for your continued strength and encouragement to walk the path you have lit for me.  Help me to not get distracted by my earthly desires and things that would disappoint you.

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