Easter - The Promised Light Eternal

I AM the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.  (John 8:12)

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.   (John 1:4-5)


Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. (Mark 16:2)  

That morning must have been preceded by a very long night. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and Salome (along with the other women) had witnessed Jesus' body being wrapped and laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus just prior to the Sabbath.

As they approached the tomb with the prepared burial spices, they stood in stunned silence. The large stone had been rolled away.  Who could have done such a thing?  They went inside and found the body was gone.  Perplexed, they were startled by two men who stood nearby in shining garments. Seeing that they were afraid, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!"  (Luke 24:5-6)

Easter is a celebratory time for Christians worldwide.  The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the greatest pivotal event in history.  The gateway from death to eternal life was opened for everyone who believes in and accepts Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah.

This Easter spend time reflecting on what His life, death, burial and resurrection means to you personally. 

May we ~

Rejoice in the Lamb's Blood

Marvel at the Father's acceptance 

Glory in our Eternal home 

Please enjoy my other Easter posts from prior years...

The Cross is Passing You By

Empty Tomb to Full Heart

One of my all-time favorite worship songs to enjoy...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Easter - The Promised Light Eternal

Eyes Wide Open

My dear friend's daughter is fighting the battle of her life. While walking and praying for her, I felt the Lord lay on my heart the chorus from the song
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth 

will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

As I journeyed further in my prayer walk I began to see with my mind's eye what that meant:

Turn your eyes  is a specific directive - one that dictates effort and deliberateness. We must redirect our full attention to Jesus, expecting His loving and gracious response.

Look full in His wonderful face  denotes an intense pondering of Jesus and His majestic character. It has been said that as angelic beings encircle the Throne in heaven they behold another facet of His glory each time they go by. An infinite array of bewilderment and awe settles upon each gaze.

The things of earth will grow dim  as we focus on heaven's glory. Our eyes are extremely sensitive to light. As we move from darkness into His illumination - we behold the brightness of His countenance. Conversely, as the light diminishes and we strain to see clearly - earth's allure fades and dims.

We have a unique opportunity as His children (if we are willing) to "be still, and know He is God." (Psalm 46:10)  I am preaching to myself here. One of the hardest things I face is stilling my mind and pausing to take in the Lord's loving kindness and grace extended to me.

Are you in a spiritual battle - unsure of your strength and resolve?  Do you face a monumental difficulty in your marriage?  Is there a loved one far from God's fold and living in rebellion?

"Then go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place." (Matthew 6:6) Steal away with the lover of your soul.  Hence you can say, "My eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."  (Isaiah 6:5)

As you meet privately with Jesus - keep your eyes wide open and your heart tender. When you gaze into His loving face be sure to recall what a great price was paid for your redemption. Praise Him for His gift of salvation.  Rejoice in a day of  celebration when we will behold Him as He truly is...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Eyes Wide Open

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 2)

Martha exhibited great faith after watching her brother Lazarus die.  In John chapter 11, we’re told Jesus purposely stayed away from Bethany for two more days after He was told her brother was sick.  He did this that His Glory might be manifested for their benefit (vs. 14-15).  In John 11 verses 21-22 Martha said, “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.”  Jesus answered her, “Your brother will rise again.”  To which Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  

Then Jesus unveiled His Glory to her and said, “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?”  Martha then says,  “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”  With that incredible encounter, she goes to her sister who is wrought with grief and shares the news secretly that The Teacher has come and is calling for her.  What love and compassion she had for her sister – confronting her friend and Savior about His delay in what seemed to be a heartbreaking catastrophe. 

Mary then runs to Jesus, just outside of town, where onlookers assumed she was venturing out to the tomb of her deceased brother for a good cry.  When she found Jesus, she fell at His feet, crying, and said, “Lord, If You had been here, my brother would not have died.”  She watched as Jesus wept for her brother, and His beloved friend Lazarus.  But they were not tears of sadness. He would ask that the stone that hid his body be rolled away – to which Martha blurted out, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”  

"Martha, Martha…"  Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Looking again at the passage in Luke 10, Jesus lovingly rebuked Martha for being worried and troubled about many things.  Here in John 11 He reminds her of what He said to her previously concerning the glory of God being manifested.  And so they all witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus. 

Mary, not saying a word, watched as her brother walk forth from the grave, loosed from the cloth wrapping that enveloped him.  This was the same woman who, just a few days later, while dining again with her sister Martha and her now infamous brother Lazarus, brought out a very expensive and ornate alabaster flask containing oil of spikenard, and anointed the Lord (John 11:2).   It was the ultimate sign of extravagant giving unto her Lord and Savior as she lavishly doused Him.  

Just as she had previously pleased Him by sitting at His feet, and listening to His teaching (by choosing that good part – Luke 10:42), she similarly pleased Him with her gift from a heart of true worship.  Jesus said in Mark 14:8-9, “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.  Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what this woman did will also be spoken of as a memorial to her.”  John 12:1-11 tell us that it was six days prior to the Passover, that Jesus came to Bethany, had supper with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and delighted in Mary’s act of worship as the house was filled with the fragrant oil.

Mary and Martha were not unlike many others who served the cause of Christ throughout the generations that followed His death.  Women have a special place in the Heart of God. There are Marys and Marthas in our congregations.  We all know someone that exemplifies service and hospitality to the Body of Christ, as well as prayer warriors and worshipers that reside in His Throne room.  

My prayer is that I would be known as exhibiting a little bit of both:: passionate towards the things of God and having a servant's heart in a world that would call Mary and Martha “outdated”…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 2)

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 1)

The town of Bethany was near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of Mt. Olivet.  Mary and Martha, along with their brother Lazarus, were close personal friends of the Lord Jesus.  It is thought that they might have grown up in the part of Galilee where Jesus had lived, and moved to

the town of Bethany at a later date.  They held a special place in Jesus’ heart, as evidenced in the Scriptures (John 11:3; 5).

Both of the gospels of John and Luke tell us Jesus frequented their home, most likely for a hearty meal and much needed fellowship.  The narrative in John 11:1-44 tells us of the intimate bond they all shared.   Remember, John was one of the three closest disciples.  He was part of the inner circle: Peter, James and John.  He had a unique perspective as he watched his Lord interact with people, and lovingly taught them with His life story.  Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry traveling the hillsides surrounding the region of Galilee, which bordered the sea of Galilee.  There He preached His first sermon, performed His first miracle, called His first disciples, and spent the majority of His time as a traveling preacher and teacher. 

Mary and Martha were sisters with very different personalities.  As it is with most sisters, they probably got on each other’s nerves.  Martha is thought to have been a widow, as we are told it was her house (Luke 10:38).  Perhaps she was the housekeeper and caretaker of it, as it is also referred to as Simon (the leper’s) house in Mark 14.  Martha might have also been the eldest daughter – which may explain her great empathy for her sister’s well-being (John 11:19-20), as well as her overt agitation with her sister’s lack of concern for the dinner preparations (Luke 10:39-40).   

Martha must have had a very close relationship with Jesus for her to confront the Lord in such a manner as to “vent” to Him about Mary.  In Luke 10:40 she said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  Wow, what nerve she had – demanding anything from Jesus.  She was definitely flustered as she swarmed about the simmering pots, stone oven, and tables overflowing with grains, fruits and vegetables.

Martha was well organized and was a “take-charge” person.  I have always liked Martha because I relate to her so much.  I’m a doer – a servant at heart.  I see a need and I try to meet it.  I like to come alongside and help.  Lend a hand.  Get ‘er done mentality.  Martha was probably a great cook and hostess.  She no doubt spent many hours in preparation for Jesus and His disciples to dine with them during His ministry on earth.  I have always read the passage about Martha being “distracted with much serving” and thought to myself, “Well, it’s not going to get done all by itself!”  Yep, that’s me…The good, the bad, and the ugly.  But, as Martha observed her sister near their guest, instead of looking at her with distain - you’d think it would have piqued her interest in what He was saying.

As I spend more time in God’s Word, and mature as a Christian, I relate more and more to Mary.  I love to study Scripture and learn about our Lord Jesus.  I want to sit at His feet and learn from Him.  As I grow older, I am less concerned with what the house looks like, and more concerned with my heart’s condition, and the inside of my spiritual temple.  I am slowly coming to the realization that I need to emulate Mary more and more.  I need to take time to build that intimate relationship with Jesus.  

I need a balance of Mary and Martha in my life. What about you?

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 1)

I AM The Good Shepherd

In Scripture, Jesus is portrayed as our Shepherd:

John 10:11... I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.  (Provider – Caretaker)

I Peter 5:4 …and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
(Protector – Sustainer – Guide)

Hebrews 13:30 …that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. (Trustworthy – Protector)

Jesus tells us in Luke15:4-6 the parable of the lost sheep: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”

In biblical times, shepherds were employed to tend, feed and guard the sheep. Abel, Rachel and David were all keepers of sheep. The shepherd’s equipment consisted of a scrip made of goat’s skin with legs tied, and in which was placed food & other articles. He usually carried a sling to protect himself and the sheep against wild animals. He carried a rod (stick) about 30 inches long with a knob on one end. He had a staff that looked like our walking cane, usually with a crook on one end. Oftentimes he carried a flute made of reeds to entertain himself and comfort his sheep. He led his sheep, and knew them all by name, and they knew his voice.  In the villages, Jewish shepherds kept their flocks in communal sheepfolds. These sheepfolds would have had gatekeepers who knew all the shepherds who kept their sheep there. As he entered through the gate, and walked among the sheep, only his own sheep would respond to him, thus following him out to the pasture.

John 10:3-5 states, “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus was of course illustrating the relationship between Himself and His spiritual children (believers).

The Old Testament often portrays God as the Shepherd of Israel. Psalm 78:52 says, “But he made His own people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock”; Psalm 95:7, “For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand”; and Psalm 100:3 tells us, “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Then, in Ezekiel 34:31, “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God.” Says the Lord GOD. Isaiah 53 tells us that the Messiah came to redeem His wayward flock as portrayed in verse 6: “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way…” Jesus fulfilled His role as our Great Shepherd (I Peter 5:4) through the New Covenant – His blood.


Psalm 23, written by King David, was a vivid tribute to his LORD – calling Him his very own shepherd. David knew the qualities that a shepherd possessed, and he eloquently penned what he felt in his heart regarding the love he had for his God. We have a beautiful picture of provision, nourishment, refreshment, protection, consolation, exaltation, and contentment as David worshiped in this very personal psalm.

David was called a “man after God’s own heart”, and I can’t help but wonder if just maybe Jesus had a special place in His heart for shepherds…

I AM The Good Shepherd