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While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper (Matthew 26v6) Your identity isn't in your name, nor in your job but in Him. Jesus loves to spend time with you. Nothing is too much bother because you are priceless to Him. It has nothing to do with whether you are working class, middle class or upper class. Whether you are unemployed or have a career as a top flight executive. It has little if anything to do with your achievements or your failings. Simon (in this account) was described as a leper. This is not a [...]

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. (Matthew 26v8) No love offering made to God should be looked down on. He accepts it and so should you. You can demonstrate your love for Him by loving everyone around you and do it unconditionally. Not because they may deserve it and certainly not because it may make you feel good. There is no place for sentimentality. The extravagant expression of love by this woman revealed her heart. It also exposed the hardness of the hearts of those in the room. Watch and guard your heart [...]

This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor. (Matthew 26v9) They could only see monetary value in what she had. To Jesus it was an act of love and devotion. Don't let money be your measure. Love should be the driving force that motivates you. Don't even be driven by need. There is always more need than you can possibly meet. Look to Him who is the solution to your deepest needs. He is also their salvation not just yours. The question is: what do you value the most? The need [...]

When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial (Matthew 26v12) Jesus knew the significance of what she was doing. Even if she didn't. She was preparing Him. She was also prepared for Him. He recognised it as a sign of what was to come. Are you ready for what is to come? It wasn't some random act. This wasn't Jesus being morbid about His future. He recognised what His mission and purpose was. He was doing it out of love. What He was about to do was the most extravagant act of [...]

Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. (Mark 14v1 NIV) We may not be in the business of killing people for their religious beliefs. But we are ready to kill an idea if it doesn't fit in with our own. We regularly assassinate our brothers and sisters in words, in thought and in our actions or lack of them. Especially if we don't agree with them or they don't agree with us. We use [...]

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. (Mark 14v3) This perfume was worth a year's wages. A lot of money in anyone's book. Make sure that what you give to Him is of value and not the scraps. He doesn't deserve the left overs. Give Him the devotion of your heart. Nothing less than that is acceptable to the king of kings. Nard came from [...]

It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. (Mark 14v5 NIV) What is your reaction to someone when they fail you or let you down? If what they said or did hurt you, don't let your emotions and feelings decide how you are going to respond. People will let you down. You most likely have been hurt. But Jesus has never let you down. You may have let Him down. Yet He forgives you every single time, time and time again. So forgive everyone no [...]

The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. (Mark 14v7) Make Him the main thing in your life. Worship Him. Not your desperate efforts to please Him. Self worship is when you put yourself before Him. When your feelings to have greater value than His Presence. Love Him first before you even try to love others. This is so you can truly show His kind of love. Check if He really is the most important thing in your life. Do your feelings dictate whether [...]

“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14v9 NIV) People will know you and be blessed because of you. Make it your aim to show them His love. So that when they meet you they meet Him. He wants all of you not just bits of you. You already have all of Him. You are made to be a blessing. How are you going to be a blessing to people today? Find ways to express His love today. It is harder not [...]

A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. (Luke 7v37 NIV) Here was a brilliant example demonstrating that Jesus was comfortable with everyone. He is never shocked or surprised. He was in the house of a Pharisee and a prostitute walks in, imagine that. The Pharisee was the pillar of society, separated from the average person. Because we can't fully appreciate the position and role of a Pharisee in that culture the shear audacity is lost on us somewhat. [...]

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” (Luke 7v39 NIV) We judge people externally and believe some deserve it more than others. What He looks for is on the inside. We judge only what we can see and hear externally. He is often never that impressed with our version of righteousness. What criteria do you judge people on? Now ask Him how He sees people. When you ask Him what [...]

Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  (Luke 7v41 NIV) We owe God everything.  We owe Him a huge, unplayable debt.  How big is that debt to you?  Do you think that life owes you something.   Do you believe that God owes you something? Ask Him to make you aware of what He has done for you. It will make you humble. Humble yourself before Him. As you allow the Holy Spirit to make you aware of the debt you owe respond by thanking Him.  Find ten things [...]

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. (Luke 7v43 NIV) Simon replied correctly, 10 out of 10.  If your answer would be the same, what are you going to do about it? Walk away and forget or make some changes in the way you love and forgive others?  That is the true measure of how much you believe you have been forgiven. How you treat others, especially those who have let you down, disappointed you or hurt you. We have all been hurt and let down, some more than others.  We [...]

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. (Luke 7v45 NIV) Kissing is an intimate act. It shows love and affection. Don't stop kissing His feet. It keeps you from being proud. It sets you apart from those who are observers. Some people want to be in the same room as Jesus but don't want to kiss His feet. How humble are you? This may seem like a strange question to answer and quantify. Who do you identify most in this story? Ask God to show you if [...]

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7v47 NIV) Don't love little, draw closer to Him and you will see how much He loves you.  Remind yourself what He has done for you. Imagine life without Him, that should get you. You can do nothing but be undone by it.  The closer you are the more you cannot help love Him.  Deliberately and intentionally spending time with Him, drawing close to Him will change everything. Ask Him what love looks like?  It might [...]

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7v49 NIV) How long does it take to restore someone who has fallen?  Do you judge and condemn someone who has fallen, sinned and say that they are permanently disqualified.  If He forgives then you forgive, no question.  You should forgive others their failings and forgive yourselves.  How many times should you forgive?  Lots and lots.  More than you can count.  We can't make people forgive us but we can forgive others.  Forgiveness is very powerful to heal but bitterness is very destructive to [...]

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  (Luke 10v38 NIV) Notice that it is Martha opened her home not Mary. It was Martha who invited Him in. You too need to open your heart to Him.  When you open our heart to Him you welcome Him in.  He doesn't gatecrash your life.  Although it can feel like it sometimes.  Invite Him.  Make Him welcome.  As good hosts everything that is yours is His.  Be a friend to Jesus and anyone else He calls [...]

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10v40 NIV) Martha was serving Jesus. She was busy. But too busy to listen. She was busy making sandwiches that Jesus hadn't ordered. In her role and function she was being the perfect hostess.  She was doing what seemed was the right thing.  Unfortunately it wasn't the best thing. She was missing out because of the cultural expectation placed [...]

“but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10v42 NIV) Mary and Marthas had the same choices.  Both Mary and Martha knew their responsibilities to visiting guests.  But Mary chose what was the most important thing at that moment of time.  A greater culture was here. Martha decided to follow duty and expectation.  Don't let the expectations of others drive you.  Seek Him above all else.  Don't let the fear of what people will think stop you sitting at His feet.  What is driving [...]

This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. (John 11v2 NIV) John's reference is to Luke 7.  One way or another Mary was going to be remembered.  Do you want to be remembered?  How do you want to be remembered? Live the life He has given you to the full.  That way you will leave a powerful legacy.  Live a life of faith.  Trusting in Him. He may be able to encourage people through you long after you have gone. Ask God what [...]

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”  (John 11v4 NIV) This was Jesus' declaration of faith.  He was making a statement which appeared not to be true. Lazarus did die (but not for long).  However, He made it clear that there was a bigger issue here.  He recognised what this event would signify.  Are you willing to allow God to be glorified in and through you?  It may not be comfortable but it will be glorious.  Do you still [...]

So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where He was two more days,  (John 11v6 NIV) This seems a strange response.  Why didn’t He hurry back? He didn't just take His time.  He knew that delaying might upset Mary and Martha.  He ran the risk that they wouldn’t understand.  He knew that it was for a greater purpose. When you pray is there a delay in getting an answer? He knows the pain you feel.  He knows the hurt that can eat away at you.  He understands that disappointment can stop you enjoying life.  But He is [...]

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” (John 11v8 NIV) The disciples wondered if Jesus was going to commit suicide.  They knew the dangers He and they faced.  They saw the threats and tried to persuade Him otherwise. Their comments were an attempt to get Him to change His mind.  Jesus knows exactly what He was doing.  Even if they didn’t.  Your walk with Him is different to anyone else’s.  It is not identical from one person to the next.  He may take you on a [...]

It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11v10 NIV) If you are led by your thoughts, feelings and emotions you are being led by something unreliable.  Walking in the light means to walk by the light of the Holy Spirit.  That light is inside of you. How bright is it? Has it dimmed? Has all hope, joy and passion evaporated? There is only one absolute truth.  There are no certainties except Jesus.  His reality is greater than yours. He is The Light not a light.  He is The Truth not [...]

His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”  (John 11v12 NIV) They completely missed the point.  I wonder how many times we miss the point.  Listen carefully to what He says.  Especially if He asks you a question.  He isn’t asking you because He doesn’t know.  But your answers are important.  So don’t try to fudge it.  Talk to Him but especially listen to Him.  In the context of the story the disciples’ answer seems a bit silly. Almost unspiritual.  They spent a lot of time with Him and yet didn’t get the subtlety of His comments.  [...]

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,  (John 11v14 NIV) He is so gracious that He explained exactly what He meant.  So that they would understand that He knew what was about to happen.  He will speak plainly to you so you are left in no doubt. If He is being cryptic it is most likely to either teach you a deeper truth.  Or get your attention.  Don't worry if you don't understand the significance of everything He says.  In time you will. You’ll only see the dots joined up when you look back.

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11v16 NIV) They only saw the world through their own eyes.  Influenced by what they saw, heard and felt.  That is normal but when you meet Jesus everything changes.  What used to make sense doesn't any more.  What seemed mysterious suddenly makes sense.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit revealing the kingdom of God to you. He is revealing reality to you. A greater reality. It is like waking up from a dream. A [...]

Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, (John 11v18 NIV) Bethany was a place that was kept out of sight of Jerusalem.  It was a passing though place for Galileans travelling to Jerusalem on pilgrimage.  It was not considered important. If you feel that no one takes you seriously just remember this, He does.  He knows your name and He knows where you live.  He knows how to find you and communicate with you.  He knows all about you.  Every single detail.  Every thought.  The very motives of your heart are known to Him.  You are not forgotten.  [...]

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. (John 11v20 NIV) Notice Martha was the one who went.  This is such a contrast to when Mary was the one sitting at His feet.  This was a reversal of roles.  Martha was now the pragmatic one.  Mary was the one overcome with emotion.  Whatever you may think about Martha she was the one who went to see Jesus.  Be kind to yourself.  Especially if you identify more with Martha than with Mary. Don’t condemn others, Jesus doesn’t.  Go to meet Him.  [...]

“But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11v22 NIV) Notice she didn't wallow in self pity. She didn’t criticise Him.  She didn't launch a tirade against Him.  She didn’t blame Him.  Even though she was possibly disappointed and probably frustrated.  Enveloped in a supercharged emotionally driven environment.  Somehow her heart was soft enough to know His heart.  She was pragmatic.  She knew enough about Jesus to know that all was not lost.  Even though it looked like it was hopeless.  She had faith in Jesus.  Martha's statement is so wonderfully profound.  She believed [...]

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11v24 NIV) Martha had been listening to what Jesus had been saying.  I would presume that when Mary had been sitting at Jesus' feet either Martha did the same or had heard enough to understand.  Scripture doesn't tell us.  Martha wanted clarity.  She was looking at His face intently.  She examined His words carefully to see if He meant what she hoped He meant.  This was clever of Martha.  Not just a smart reply. She was more astute than most.  Use everything you have [...]

“and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11v26 NIV) He is still being quite cryptic.  This suggests that He is making a very important point.  He is trying to emphasise the eternal over the temporal.  Even though the issue at hand was the resurrection of Lazarus it had an even greater significance. Most things that Jesus said and did had a greater and deeper significance.  If you believe in Him, then trust in Him.  This means actually trusting Him.  If you believe that He loves you then rejoice.  He wants you to [...]

After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”  (John 11v28 NIV) Jesus never mentioned that He wanted to speak to Mary.  This time Martha was doing the right thing.  She also was thinking of her sister.  She wanted Mary to get the same revelation as she did.  Martha was pragmatic and logical.  Mary was emotional and sensitive. Which ever type you are don’t let anyone tell you that it is wrong.  Be who you are and love people.  So either Martha was trying [...]

Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.  (John 11v30 NIV) Jesus was never in a rush.  He was never overwhelmed by the pressure nor the emotion of the moment.  But why was He hesitating or what was He waiting for? Had Martha said something else to Him? Who knows? Was He waiting for Mary away from the mourners and others?  Had something else happened or was happening?  Whatever the reason don't be swayed by the emotion of the moment but be convinced by your faith.  He created us [...]

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11v32 NIV) Don’t get religious with Jesus. Get to the point.  Address the issue.  Mary echoed Martha.  They shared the same complaint.  Do you adopt other people’s values rather than your own.  This was what had been burning in Mary’s heart.  She knew He could've prevented this from happening.  She had seen and heard Him do miracles.  They were confused.  It didn’t make sense.  It was if Jesus had [...]

“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. (John 11v34 NIV) Jesus is consumed with a passion for you.  He is interested in all that you do.  He doesn't just solve problems for you.  They kept faith with Him. They didn’t rant and rave and stomp off. They didn’t allow themselves to be overcome with emotion. He engages with you to show you that you are part of the solution.  Jesus is not at your beck and call.  He is not a slot machine to satisfy our desires.  Open your heart up to Him.  Listen [...]

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11v36 NIV) Jesus identified with those around Him.  So surround yourself with Him.  He knew who and what He was yet He can identify with you.  He did indeed love Lazarus.  He loved everyone.  It is possible He realised what was going to happen to Him.  That He too was going to be laid in a tomb and that many would grieve because of Him.  Even though the world would rejoiced.  His love for you is real.  It is not just words on a page.  Nor just an encouraging message [...]

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.  (John 11v38 NIV) Unless you have never read the scriptures or heard the story you should know what happens next. But no-one there really knew what to expect. But they were expectant or intrigued. Jesus seemed to be coming apart.  He was acting emotionally.  He seemed to be struggling. He normally was very confident and self-assured.  This was clearly a struggle for Jesus.  He had to fight through His emotions.  The atmosphere was emotionally charged.  This was His friend.  These [...]

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11v40 NIV) He was trying to break the power and influence of the atmosphere around them.  It was getting a grip of Martha and Mary.  It was reaching the point where their unbelief would prevent Him from doing this miracle.  He had to act.  To remind them of what He said and who He was.  He needed to drive home the message 'if you believe...'.  This was important for Mary, Martha and probably most of all for His disciples.  If [...]

“I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11v42 NIV) His relationship with the Heavenly Father was always His highest priority. It should be ours as well.   Jesus was preparing them for that relationship.  He is preparing you for that relationship.  Constantly.  Open your heart up to Him.  It is not a performance.  You are not to weigh yourself in the scales to see if you are good enough.   Comparing yourself to others won’t help. If you compare [...]

The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. (John 11v44 NIV) This must've been quite a spectacular sight.  I wonder what went through Lazarus' mind when he came back to life, I would love to ask Him.  When Jesus speaks to you, you come alive.  His words are life.  They can seem like commands.  But they are more than a list of do’s and don’ts.  They have eternal life in them.  They carry authority. He speaks plainly.  We have a part to play.  He has given us the [...]

But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.  (John 11v46 NIV) There was no question what they saw.  Yet why did they go to the Pharisees?  What was their motive?  To stir up trouble?  Maybe.  What are your motives like? Jesus knows your heart.  Demonstrating His love melts hearts.  Not everyone who says, Jesus, Jesus is necessarily in love with Him.  The power demonstration at the tomb set in motion a series of events.  Signs, wonders and miracles do not guarantee the expected reaction.  Respond with a pure heart.  Believing in Him is [...]

If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” (John 11v48 NIV) This is true, in part.  Everyone will believe and that is the point.  So they wheel fear in as a motivating factor to justify their actions.  They believed they were doing it for the right reasons.  In the interests of the nation and their culture.  They felt under threat and they went on the attack. Whenever God pours out His grace there is resistance.  Whether a revival or an [...]

Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  (John 12v2 NIV) What a wonderful scene.  There must’ve been all lot of joy and excitement.  Jesus was there and Lazarus was there.  Mary and Martha must have been buzzing around everyone.  Little did they know what was going to unfold in the next few days.  Jesus knew. Whatever your circumstances honour Him in everything you do.  This is the simplest of settings.  Notice the contrast to when He visited them preciously.  Martha was serving without complaining.  Lazarus was [...]

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,  (John 12v4 NIV) What a contrasting study between Judas and Mary.  A critical spirit is an indication of a rotten heart.  A lovely scene is shattered by the ugliness of what he was planning to do.  As for you keep your attitude and motives pure.  It may look good to others. But He will know. It doesn’t matter how long you have been a Christian.  It doesn’t matter how many miracles you have seen.  It doesn’t matter what you’ve done for God.  If your heart isn’t [...]

He [Judas] 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. (John 12v6 NIV) Here is the true motive.  It is so sad that in the face of so much love.  Judas’ heart was still not right.  Judas saw at first hand the miracles.  He heard the very words of Jesus with His own ears.  It still wasn't enough to change his heart.  Nor did it alter his actions.  His heart was frozen solid.  It was [...]

You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12v8 NIV) Jesus was not being callous.  He was emphasising that Mary was doing something of great significance and value.  Jesus must always comes first, always.  His presence was greater than their environment.  There was so much need around them. Yet He was the true answer to all that need. The enemy had got them off track. To focus on the problem not the solution. He is the solution and answer to every need. Their minds were full of criticism.  They objected to this [...]

So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,  (John 12v10 NIV) In my opinion this is one of the most absurd statements in the bible.  They were planning to kill someone because they had a problem with someone who had already died once and been brought back to life.  Their hearts were so hard that they wanted to exterminate any evidence of the goodness of God.  They knew God had done this yet they were still scheming. Their hearts were so full of jealousy and selfish ambition.  To them Jesus was a real threat and that included [...]

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. (John 12v12 NIV) The rumour mill was now in full swing.  The disciples must've thought that this was Jesus’ time. He was going to made king or something like that.  He will finally, show them who is boss.  To take His place at the top and liberate the jews.  They must've thought that He was going to His coronation, not His crucifixion.  Avoid being swept along by the tide of popular opinion.  The majority does not equal right.  The [...]

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: (John 12v14  NIV) He knew who He was.  He knew that He was a king.  The King of kings.  Unfortunately just not their kind of king.  Jesus knew the scriptures and that the donkey was a fulfilment of them.  This was all part and parcel of what was to take place.  Your identity is in Him not in what you have done. Know who you are.  Remain humble.  Know what you can do.  Do it without fanfare.  It is between God and you.  Don’t do anything just [...]

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. (John 12v16 NIV) This shows that they were clueless at the time to the significance of these events.  So be encouraged if you don't understand everything that is happening around you. God has a plan and He knows what He is doing and why.  He knows you don’t understand but He asks you to trust Him and believe in Him.  That means believing when He says [...]

Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him.  (John 12v18 NIV) He was a spectacle.  He was a curiosity.  People were (and still are) fascinated with Him.  Whether they believe in Him or not. He is an enigma.  Nobody else in history has been talked about so much.  People failed to see was what was about to happen.  They must’ve known that the leaders were not going to sit back and let this happen. The intense pressure on Jesus at this time must have been unbearable.  It seems surreal.  He knew [...]

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.  (Luke 24:50 NIV) How wonderful to be blessed by Jesus. He still does it today. He is the blessing. Just know His love. His goodness. And His kindness. It is more than a church service. More than a hearty song. He is The Blessing. Nothing else compares. He may take you outside your comfort zone. He may take you away from the familiar. He could’ve done what He did anywhere. He did it near Bethany. This was a significant place. It [...]

Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  (Luke 24:52 NIV) Worship and joy go together. They are meant to be inseparable. They knew who He really was. They may have had doubts before. They certainly didn’t understand everything He said. Now it was crystal clear. This was worship for who He was. It was spontaneous. There wasn’t an allocated worship leader. No musicians (as far as we know). We are meant to be worshippers. Those are the ones He is looking for. Worship is meant to be from the heart. Deliberate and intentional. It is in [...]

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,” (Luke 10v41 NIV) Jesus was so gentle with her and He will be with you.  But He got straight to the point.  Straight to the issue at hand.  He won’t mince His words. He loves you too much to ignore you. He knew what was going on inside her.  He knows exactly what is going on inside you.  Let Him speak peace into you.  He can only speak peace into you if you are listening. If you are afraid that He will tell you something you don't [...]

“but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10v42 NIV) Mary and Martha had the same choices.  Both Mary and Martha knew their responsibilities to visiting guests.  But Mary chose what was the most important thing at that moment of time.  A greater culture was here. Martha decided to follow duty and expectation.  Don't let the expectations of others drive you.  Seek Him above all else.  Don't let the fear of what people will think stop you sitting at His feet.  What is driving [...]

This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. (John 11v2 NIV) John's reference is to Luke 7.  One way or another Mary was going to be remembered.  Do you want to be remembered?  How do you want to be remembered? Live the life He has given you to the full.  That way you will leave a powerful legacy.  Live a life of faith, trusting in Him. He may be able to encourage people through you long after you have gone. Ask God what [...]

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11v4 NIV) This was Jesus' declaration of faith.  He was making a statement which appeared not to be true. Lazarus did die (but not for long).  However, He made it clear that there was a bigger issue here.  He recognised what this event would signify.  Are you willing to allow God to be glorified in and through you?  It may not be comfortable but it will be glorious.  Do you still [...]

So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days, (John 11v6 NIV) This seems a strange response. Why didn’t He hurry back? He didn't just take His time. He knew that delaying might upset Mary and Martha. He ran the risk that they wouldn’t understand. He knew that it was for a greater purpose. When you pray, is there a delay in getting an answer? He knows the pain you feel. He knows the hurt that can eat away at you. He understands that disappointment can stop you enjoying life. But He is [...]

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” (John 11v8 NIV) The disciples wondered if Jesus was going to commit suicide.  They knew the dangers He and they faced.  They saw the threats and tried to persuade Him otherwise. Their comments were an attempt to get Him to change His mind.  Jesus knew exactly what He was doing.  Even if they didn’t.  Your walk with Him is different to anyone else’s.  It is not identical from one person to the next.  He may take you on a [...]

It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11v10 NIV) If you are led by your thoughts, feelings and emotions you are being led by something unreliable.  Walking in the light means to walk by the light of the Holy Spirit.  That light is inside of you. How bright is it? Has it dimmed? Has all hope, joy and passion evaporated? There is only one absolute truth.  There are no certainties except Jesus.  His reality is greater than yours. He is The Light not a light.  He is The Truth not [...]

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11v16 NIV) They only saw the world through their own eyes.  Influenced by what they saw, heard and felt.  That is normal but when you meet Jesus everything changes.  What used to make sense doesn't any more.  What seemed mysterious suddenly makes sense.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit revealing the Kingdom of God to you. He is revealing reality to you. A greater reality. It is like waking up from a dream. A [...]