Tag: dead

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, She, Volume 1

Martha, Part 2

Posted on by

Adapted from the study ‘She, volume 1, p 31-32

Read: John 11:1-24

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

John 11:5, 20-23, and 12:2

As both Scripture and our study guide point out, Martha “had a history of being moved to action by her love for Jesus.” We see this truth in action after Lazarus dies, and Martha hears that Jesus is coming – she immediately goes to meet Him. It is unclear if she even told Mary that He was coming or that she was going out to meet Him. The fact that Mary remained sitting in the house leads one to believe that she may not have known.

 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

John 11:21

While Martha’s statement to Jesus can be seen as an accusation, it is also possible and even probable that it was simply a statement of sorrow, coupled with Martha’s strong faith that, had Jesus been there, the outcome could have been different. One commentary explains it like this: In full context, her meaning is something like, “this is not how I hoped things would be.” Which was followed by her next statement: “But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.“1 Can you imagine her delight when, after seeing/hearing her faith, Jesus responded: “Your brother shall rise again.”

So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Reflection/Application
  • What example(s) does Martha set for us in today’s passage?
  • What could you be doing while you wait for His return?
The More We Know

It is worth noting this piece of trivia from the study guide: “The last time Martha is mentioned she served supper.” – “There they made Him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him.” John 12:2

  1. Bibleref.com ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Life through His Crucifixion

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w3d2

Scripture and Observation:

Read: Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 3:18

But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.

Isaiah 53:5

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

1 Peter 3:18

Peter writes about the reality of Isaiah’s prophecy. A reality that is very much to our benefit and is the incredible testimony of our God’s mercy, love, and grace. Christ was crucified, suffered, and died so that we could be healed from our sins and shame. Why? Because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and the wages of those sins is death; but God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in HIm should not perish but have eternal life.

Without the suffering of Christ on the cross – pierced, crushed, and beaten – sinners/humanity – you and I would never know peace with God. You see, while Christ is sinless(righteous), we are sinful(unrighteous), which is why Peter wrote: “…the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God …”

Living Out the Journey: Application

The Love God Greatly journal entry for today explains that “The crucifixion was not just a tragic event; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus willingly laid down His life, bearing the weight of our sins. This selfless act of love satisfied the justice of God, who cannot overlook sin. By carrying our sins, He willingly took on the punishment that you and I both deserve. Jesus made it possible for us to receive forgiveness and be restored to a right relationship with God.”

Friends, our sin rendered us lifeless and hopeless and destined for death, but in love, God made a way for us to come back into a right relationship with Him and enjoy eternal life in His presence. May we return His love and enter into that relationship wholeheartedly. May our faith rest firm in the foundation of His death and resurrection, through which we have new hearts, peace, and healing. May we live not as the sinners we were but as the new creations we’ve become – covered in the righteousness of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit.

Prayer for the Journey

Father God, thank You for the crucifixion – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank You for sending Jesus to take our place on a cross of sin and shame and suffering – that we might be healed and receive Your free gift of salvation by grace through faith that leads to eternal life. This is the hope and joy we cling to and give You praise – now and forever more – Amen!

The More We Know

The crucifixion also reveals the incredible depth of God’s love for us that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son to save us. This act of grace is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our salvation.

Love God Greatly, Firm Foundation/p97

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Live Out Loud

Posted on by
Today’s Verse: James 2:17

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

I was saved at a young age and I have witnessed God strengthening my faith through the years. Actually, He continues to strengthen it day by day, trial by trial, miracle by miracle, and unending mercy, love, and grace. I can look back now and see how God pursued me when I wasn’t pursuing Him. In His goodness He convicted me when my life’s actions did not align with my profession of faith.

Today’s verse is a reminder to stay in God’s Word and live like Jesus every day – so that our faith will continually be strengthened and always accompanied by actions that speak louder than words.

What does active faith look like?

It looks like Jesus – which includes things like …

  • loving others like He loved us
  • forgiving others who wrong us
  • showing kindness to friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies
  • helping a ‘neighbor’ in need
  • loving even your enemy
  • loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength
  • sharing with others in need
  • Sharing the Gospel message
  • and so much more, not the least of which is
    • laying down your life for your friend and
    • dying to self – daily

Wake the neighbors, get the word out
So come on crank up the music, climb a mountain and shout
This is life we’ve been given, made to be lived out loud

Steven Curtis Chapman – Live Out Loud

May we let the evidence of God and His goodness flow from our lives and words everyday – all day!

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'Our Daily Verse'