“Dorcas, arise.” As Dorcas opened her eyes, the room slowly came into focus. Looking around, she saw the apostle Peter kneeling beside her. Quickly she sat up in bed and tried to make sense of her surroundings. "Where am I? Where is my Lord? Why have I been taken from Him?", Dorcas asked with a tremor in her voice. Peter gently took her hand in his and replied, "My dear sister, God has performed a mighty miracle through you."

Still confused, all Dorcas knew at that moment was the pain she felt at having to leave paradise and her Savior's side. "Dorcas", Peter said softly. "I know the agony of being separated from our beloved Lord Jesus. I too long for nothing more than to be at His side once again. But your work here on this earth is not finished. And God will use your life as a great testimony through which many will be saved." Not finding much comfort in Peter's words, through tears Dorcas asked, "Why me?" 

"Listen", Peter replied. And as Dorcas turned her head to the door, she heard a great many wailings and cries of sorrow. "Those are for you.", Peter continued. "For me?", asked a surprised Dorcas. Peter went on to tell of how he was ministering in the nearby town of Lydda when he was approached by two disciples urging him to quickly go to Joppa. For their beloved disciple Dorcas had died from a sickness, leaving many broken hearted. And on the way, they had shared with Peter stories of the many abounding deeds of kindness and charity Dorcas selflessly performed. They sang praises of her love and care for orphans and widows, and of her devotion to the Lord.

 "See for yourself", said Peter, as he motioned with his arm around the room. Dorcas looked and saw piles of tunics and other garments strewn over the furniture. "What are these?", she asked the apostle. "These are the evidence of your faith and love for others.", replied Peter. "the widows who brought them wanted me to see the great care you put in every stitch." Dorcas was deeply moved by the womens devotion. She hadn’t before realized all of those she had touched. And even though her heart still felt the chill of disappointment, it was beginning to warm from the outpouring of love.

"Are you ready?", Peter asked "It's time to show the people the mighty love, mercy, and hand of God at work." "I am!", answered Dorcas. And she got out bed, took Peter's arm, and let him lead her out to the many people gathered in prayer and anticipation. At her appearance, shouts first of disbelief, and then joy grew so loud, they spilled out into the street. People rushed up to hug her, and many fell to their knees praising God. Tears of joy and sounds of laughter now turned the once solemn house into a place of jubilation, and many stayed long into the night worshiping and celebrating.

Peter left Dorcas and went to stay with his friend Simon. But often he would return to check on her. For she had become a local celebrity, and many came from miles around to see the "living miracle" and to hear her story. Yet she still remained humble, and Peter was filled with joy as he watched her pick right up where she left off in her work for God's kingdom. For Dorcas often told of God's great love in not only in saving her, but saving us all through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. And in her heart she longed for the day when she would once again return to her Master and hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

(Dorcas reminds me of the apostle Paul who in Philippians 1:23 says, “I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” I too often cry out, “Maranatha, come quickly Lord Jesus!” But if Dorcas has shown me anything, it’s the importance of continuing God’s work until the day He calls us home. How about you? Are sitting idly by, until the Lord’s return? Or are you using each precious day He gives you to glorify Him and work for His kingdom?)

Mary, Mother Of John Mark

Mary lifted the lamp just enough to peer out of the window, then quickly lowered it back to her side. The house must be kept dark, for the guards were nearby. And if not for the strange noise she had heard, Mary wouldn't have taken the chance. For these were perilous times. King Herod had stepped up his campaign of persecution. Now Christians, some Mary loved and called friends, were being arrested and tortured. Even the disciples of Jesus, James and Peter had been captured. And to find favor with the Jews, Herod already had James killed. Now Peter was in a prison cell awaiting the same fate. "Not if I can help it.", said Mary softly. "For this is a house of faith! In it we worship the Almighty, Living, God! Furthermore, no enemy, not even the great Herod can stop God's will from being done!" And with that, Mary turned defiantly and headed for the great room where the others were gathered. 

Mary's house was indeed a house of great faith, prayer, and worship. And that was all due to her nephew, Barnabas. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. A follower of Jesus, it was through his ministry that Mary and her son, John Mark, came to know the Lord. Barnabas had taken John Mark under his wing, and helped him become a mighty evangelist for Christ. And watching all her nephew and son gave to God, no matter the cost, Mary knew she could do no less.

Opening up her home to fellow believers was both risky, and dangerous, but Mary felt led to do just that. It was important that those who needed a safe haven to pray and worship could do so freely. And even though at any given moment the doors could burst open and Herod's guards take them all, Mary was never afraid. For she trusted in God alone, and knew the promises of Jesus; her Savior who gave His life to save hers. And it was those very promises she was clinging to now.

As Mary returned with her lamp to the gathering room, the mood was somber. The fragrant voices of many prayers filled the air from the people on their knees. A vigil was being held for Peter, and petitions were being made to God for his release from prison. For tonight was the disciple's scheduled execution and time was running out. 

It was getting late, and the people were tired, but not a single one lost hope, nor resolve. "We'll stay as long as it takes.", said a man kneeled in the corner. And as others around the room agreed, Mary was filled with love and happiness at the strength of the fellowship around her. When suddenly, that happiness was disturbed by a loud knock at the gate.

"Who could that be?", a startled Mary wondered. "If it were Herod's men, surely they wouldn't bother to knock. Yet who would come at such a late hour?" Not wanting to arouse suspicion, reluctantly Mary sent her servant girl Rhoda to see who was calling. The minutes Rhoda was gone felt like hours. And just when Mary thought she couldn't take another second of waiting, in ran the girl, out of breath and too excited to talk. 

Finally after a few deep breaths Rhoda managed to get out, "Our prayers have been answered. It's Peter! Peter is at the gate!" Surely the girl was mistaken. In her zeal and the shadows of the night, she must have mistaken whoever it was for Peter. But the girl persisted. "I tell you it's Peter!, she declared. Even when someone offered the explanation of the stranger being Peter's angel, the girl wouldn't back down. And as Mary looked into the girl's eyes, now filled with tears, there was another knock at the gate. Knowing her servant to be truthful, Mary and the others went themselves to see who was knocking.

Her heart skipped a beat when Mary opened the gate and saw her beloved friend and leader Peter, standing on the other side. Afraid of attracting unwanted attention, quickly they ushered the disciple in. After they had tended his wounds and filled his belly, they gathered around to hear Peter's tale. They listened in amazement as Peter told of the appearance of God's angel, who had rescued him from prison. He spared no detail, and everyone who heard began praising the Lord for His love and faithfulness. 

Although Mary wanted desperately for Peter to stay, the danger was too great. He needed to leave before the morning light and news of his escape reached the ears of Herod. "Mary", said Peter. "Tell what you have heard and seen here to James and the brethren." And after grabbing a small sack of food for the road, Peter turned, smiled, and headed out into the darkness. 

As Mary locked the gate, she looked up at the stars and said a prayer of thanks. If she were to be honest, there had been times when she wondered if all of her sacrifices had been worth it. But in His grace and love, God had blessed Mary by letting her see His mighty hand at work in the miracle He performed. And as she blew out her lamp and climbed into bed, joy filled Mary's heart. For God was faithful, His promises rang true, and He had rewarded her obedience far beyond what Mary could have imagined. Excited and rejuvenated, Mary could hardly wait until morning to continue the work of the Lord.

(Mary, Mother Of John Mark, is one my heroes. She risked everything to follow Jesus. And so I ask myself, can I be a Mary? Am I willing to place everything I hold dear in the hands of the Lord? Is any sacrifice too great? Am I as powerful a prayer warrior as she? And do I have the faith to trust that God answers all petitions made by the ones He loves?)

 

Mary of Bethany

As Mary weaved in and out of the crowded street, she felt a wave of excitement in the air. Passover was in six days, and the city was abuzz with preparations being made and celebrations planned. But this day was especially exciting for Mary. Because her beloved Master and Friend, Jesus of Nazareth, was coming for dinner.

Oh how Mary loved when Jesus came. She could think of nothing better than sitting before the Lord and listening to Him teach. Even though she’d been scolded before by her sister Martha for not helping, and frowned upon by daring to sit with the men surrounding Jesus, she didn’t care. For Mary felt deep in her heart that her place was there at the feet of her Savior, drinking in His every word.

When Jesus arrived, Mary’s heart overflowed with glee as she ran to meet her Lord. Leading Him to the table, she helped Jesus get comfortable while her sister Martha began to serve the meal. And as dinner progressed, Mary got caught up in the laughter, happiness, and fellowship of the evening. It was always like that when Jesus was around. Just being in His presence brought an abundance of joy, love, and unshakable peace. 

As Mary looked around the table her heart was full. There surrounding it, were all of the people she loved most in the world. Her eyes settled on her brother Lazarus, who was smiling as he enjoyed another helping of Martha’s famous vegetable stew. And for a moment, Mary’s heart grew heavy as she thought back to a time not so long ago when her brother lay dead in a tomb.

Lazarus had come down with an incurable illness. Right away Mary and Martha send word to Jesus, begging Him to come quickly and heal their brother. Confident the Lord would hurry along, Mary told Lazarus to hold on, and comforted him with affirmations of the healing Christ was sure to perform. 

But Jesus didn’t come, and Lazarus got sicker. And as the days passed, Mary was filled with agony as she watched her brother get weaker and weaker until he finally breathed no more. Devastated, Mary stayed in her room, her grief and disappointment beyond measuring. She couldn’t understand how this could be. How could the One she loved so dearly and followed so devoutly let this happen? Was she wrong in her trust of this Messiah and His promises? 

When news came that Jesus had finally arrived, her sister Martha ran out to meet Him. But not Mary. In her grief, she couldn’t bring herself to look upon His face. It was only when her Teacher asked for her by name, that she finally came to Him. And again she fell at His feet. But this time it was in pain, torment, and great anguish. Sobbing uncontrollably, and barely able get the words out, she wailed, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

Moved by her pain, Jesus asked to be taken to the tomb of Lazarus, and Mary followed behind. She watched as the Lord, through tears of compassion commanded the stone in front of the tomb be rolled away. A gasp came from the crowd that had gathered. Lazarus had already been dead four days. What was this man thinking? As the stone was moved, Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven and said, “Lazarus, come forth.” To everyone’s shock and joy, out walked Lazarus, alive and healthy! And many who saw, believed in Jesus that day while a small few ran off to report to the Pharisees about the miracle Jesus performed.

Mary felt her heart would burst with love when she remembered how Jesus hadn’t abandoned her at all, but instead used her family mightily that day. And she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt knowing the miracle He granted would be used to incite hate against Him. Suddenly Mary was jolted from her memories. And jumping up from the table she ran to her room. There she grabbed her most precious possession, an alabaster jar filled with a pound of pure nard; a very costly perfume valued at a years worth of wages. 

Running back to the table, for the last time, Mary fell once more at the feet of Jesus. Breaking open the jar, she used her greatest treasure to anoint her Savior. And taking down her hair, in humility and love, wiped the oil from His feet. She didn’t care that Jewish women weren’t supposed to let their hair down in public. And she drowned out the cries of criticism for the “so called” waste of money.

All that mattered to Mary was that she showed her Lord how thankful she was for His sacrifices, His blessings, His miracles, and above all else, His love. Even if no one else understood her actions, Jesus did. He knew she treasured Him above all others, and how her love for Him ran deep in her heart. And as Mary looked up into the eyes of her Master, she knew once again that  there was no better place to be, than at the feet of Jesus. 

Matthew 12

If you saw someone who was hungry, would you not want that person  to have means of satisfying their hunger? Would you perhaps even offer some food to them if you had it to give? That seems like what any decent person would do for another.  But the Pharisees were not that compassionate. They were focused on rules, rituals and performance. They were not focused on the true need of their fellow humans. 

Jesus disciples were hungry and so naturally they grabbed some grain as they were passing through a field to ease their hunger pains and nurture their bodies. But the Pharisees had no compassion or mercy to offer. They only had condemnation to give because they performed this act on the Sabbath. Jesus calls them out in this, pointing out instances in the Bible when God allowed the hungry to perform similar actions to quell their hunger. And then he makes it clear they should have a better understanding of God’s priorities and God’s compassion. “If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” (v7)

This phrase ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’ comes from a passage in Hosea 6. During this time, the Israelites were doing all of the “rituals” of serving the Lord, but they were not doing so out of love, gratitude or from having a personal relationship with God. They were also serving their own interests and worshiping other gods. Through the words of Hosea, God expresses longing for a better relationship with His people.

““Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” “What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth— then my judgments go forth like the sun. For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

‭‭Hosea‬ ‭6:1-6‬ 

Usually, during the Christmas holidays, we see lots of compassion, charity and expressed goodwill toward humanity manifested in our communities and even our media. But, this holiday season has unfortunately been impacted by the tensions and unrest of the strange events of 2020. There are so many opposing groups and expressed frustrations that it can quite frankly feel cold and unsettling. Now, more than ever, the world needs our compassion, our mercy and to feel God’s love. We may not be giving out hugs and attending parties but we can still intentionally connect to others and show that we care. We can remind ourselves that behind every mask is a real person with real needs and one of the biggest needs is to know that God loves them and accepts them for who they are. We need to put aside our differences and judgements and find ways to embrace and encourage each other. This Holiday season, may we be reminded that God wants our mercy far beyond our sacrifice. He also wants to revive and restore us. It’s why He sent His Son. 

What immediately comes to mind when you think of the word sacrifice? How about a sweet calm demeanor, or inexplicable joy!? Are you drawn to rejoicing; jumping for joy when you think of having to make sacrifices?

If you're anything like me, your answer will be, "No. In fact, quite the opposite!" Doesn't the world entice us to "have it all"? Which is why I found it odd that Paul includes the word, rejoice in the same sentence as, sacrifice. 

Have you ever wondered what exactly Paul meant by, "drink offering"? And being, "poured out"? I thought this offered a pretty good explanation:

" What we do know is that the pouring out of a drink offering is a metaphor for the blood Jesus spilled on the cross. Jesus spoke to this directly in Luke 22:20 when He instituted the New Covenant. He picked up a cup of wine and said, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” Jesus’ sacrifice fulfilled the need of a drink offering, His blood literally pouring out when the soldier pierced His side with a spear (John 19:34).Paul took the metaphor further, twice using the image of a drink offering to describe his own service. In Philippians 2:17, he challenged the church in Philippi to live a life worthy of his dedication to them." -Got Questions 

Okay, but what about the joy we are to experience when living a life dedicated to God? A joy that would cause Jesus to endure the cross.


My answer came when I reread The Practice of the Presence of God over the summer. (A Link to a free copy of entire book is below for you to download if you like.)

Bro. Lawrence describes sacrifice this way :
I "resolve to give the all for the All: so after having given myself wholly to GOD, to make all the satisfaction I could for my sins, I renounced, for the love of Him, everything that was not He; and I began to live as if there was none but He and I in the world. Sometimes I considered myself before Him as a poor criminal at the feet of his judge; at other times I beheld Him in my heart as my FATHER, as my GOD: I worshipped Him the oftenest that I could, keeping my mind in His holy Presence, and recalling it as often as I found it wandered from Him." 

The joy comes from walking with God as though nothing else in this world matters. Jesus, Paul and Brother Lawrence all joyously laid down everything this life had to offer for the precious moments spent in The Father's presence. Oh, to be able to be able to experience all these men experience! I'll admit I'm not there quite yet, for there is still too much of the world in me, but I can say I've experienced glimpses recently, and the joy is inexpressible! It's as though God's Spirit comes through like the winds of a hurricane, yet in the center of His will there is His peace! Overwhelming peace that makes you want to pause to take in all the blessings you've just experienced!!

The good news is, this is an attainable goal for all of us. Look what the author had to say about Bro. Lawrence and imagine someone writing this about you one day:

"As Bro. Lawrence had found such an advantage in walking in the presence of GOD, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could propose. His very countenance was edifying; such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it, as could not but affect the beholders. And it was observed, that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen, he still preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even uninterrupted composure and tranquility of spirit. “The time of business,” said he, “does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.”
I pray you and I experience the joy of being wholly surrendered and poured out for our Lord this side of heaven!

Blessings!
sue

Here is a link to a free PDF file of Bro. Lawrence's book:
The Practice of the Presence of God 

Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is Romans 12:1..

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)

It is a challenging world we live in…let’s face it…it is a me-first world. People focus their entire being on how they can get the most out of THIS life, how much they can accumulate, how much “fun” they can have, how little they can give, but how much they can get.  But Paul puts it pretty plainly to US in this verse. As followers of Christ, as His children, we are to offer our entire bodies - offer ourselves, our hearts, our minds, our wills, and yes our bodies - as a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” 

In the old testament animal sacrifices were given to cleanse a people or person from sin, and the animals went unknowingly, and I am sure sometimes unwilling. BUT NO LONGER!  We sacrifice ourselves knowing exactly what we are doing and we do so willingly. When we worship we give up our entire beings. When we worship it’s an all-encompassing, all-engaging, all-consuming sacrifice to our God for what His Son did for us - for He gave us His all.

Here is message from John Piper I found when researching…I pray it edifies and blesses you.

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/present-your-bodies-as-a-living-sacrifice-to-god

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Week Forty-five...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Romans 3:21 - 1 Corinthians 6...

1. In what significant ways has God changed your life? What specific sins have you conquered in the last year or two? Thank God for delivering you from your old way of life and clothing you in His righteousness. Ask Him to show you how you can change today.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our LORD. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (Romans 7:24-25)

2. Someone has wryly observed that the problem with living sacrifices is that we tend to keep crawling off the altar. Which areas of your life do you have the hardest time submitting to the LORD ship of Christ? Take each one openly and honestly to the LORD in prayer.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask? (Romans 12:1)

3. What does it mean to you that Christ was killed, sacrificed, in your place? How do you respond to such a profound truth?

Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Saturday, September 22, 2018

This coming week's memory verse is Luke 7:47...

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. (NIV)

Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

“I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” 

Listen:
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’
 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord's table may be despised.  When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts.  
 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 
 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand." Malachi 1:6-10 (emphasis mine)

Can you see God’s heart in these verses? Can you hear the longing in His words?

Israel had been back from captivity for a hundred years now, and they’ve mixed in with many foreigners once more. The Temple has been rebuilt and they are now worshiping and serving God “religiously”. But what they still don’t understand is that it’s not about a religion, but a relationship!

What exactly are the priests being accused of?

• Honoring people more than God (v.8)
• Despising God (v.12)
• Complaining about the work (v.13)
• Offering defective and stolen goods as sacrifices (v.13)
• Attempting to deceive God with their sacrifices (v.14)

AND why is this important to us today? 

Because we are now called a royal priesthood, (“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” -1Peter 2:9) And we’ve got to be careful that we’re not guilty of doing the same type of things these priests we’re doing!!

There seems to be a growing trend in many churches today of creating a “seeker friendly” church. At some point the focus on worship stopped being about God and more about what individuals wanted. It seems that in many churches today, the music and the message are now focused on our pleasure. Paul warned us that this would happen eventually, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” – 2Tim 4:3

It was the same for Israel in the days of Malachi. Prophets and priests tickled the ears of the congregation and favored whomever contributed the most money. The religious leaders chose to speak on the positive and popular aspects of God's blessing, and stay clear of the negative, unpopular aspects of His Word. Ultimately, the leaders were more concerned with the approval of men than with glorifying God at the risk of man's rejection.

With their view of God diminished they neither sought to glorify nor fear God; they were simply going through the rituals; offering the One who they owed their very life and existence to, far less than their best, and we must be very careful we don’t fall into the same patterns.

All that we do; every decision we make must be made for the purpose of honoring God!

I wonder, is there anyone who can honestly claim that every decision they make is based on whether it honors the Lord or not apart from Christ Jesus, Himself?

• When we dress for church, are we dressing to please Him? 
• When we sing, are we only singing to an audience of One? 
• Are we opening His Word to hear only from Him, or are we more interested in listening to others? 
• When we give, are we giving the whole tithe from our "first-fruits", or are we keeping some for ourselves?
• When we serve, whom are we ultimately serving?  

God wants all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength in all that we do, but especially when we worship. If we are not striving to worship according to the way He desires, and with the right mindset, it would be better for us not to worship at all. (v.10)

He isn’t seeking perfection in our worship only our heart.  --A worshiper, whose greatest desire is to love and glorify Him.

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Do you yearn to experience more of the love of Jesus in your life this fall? Come join our New Testament study with an eclectic group of women from around the world!

Together we'll read through the entire New Testament and grow to love our Lord & Savior even more! Trust in Him, and begin an adventure that will transform your life and maybe others as well!
Begins August 31st! on Women in the Word.