Thursday, May 12, 2011

what a woman

Not attempting to take away from the significance of John 20:10-18 I wanted to point out this stereotype of women that is personified by Mary Magdalene in verse 11. The verse before tells us that after discovering the empty tomb the disciples go back to their homes. And that Mary, representing the women well, "stood outside the tomb crying".

Isn't it just like a woman to let out a few tears from time to time!

When Mary looks into the tomb (of course because women are curious) she sees two angles sitting where the body of Jesus had been. The angles are first to ask the question. "Woman, why are you crying?" Mary responds very matter-of-factly, "They have take my Lord away and I don't know where they have put him".

Turning around, not yet aware that it is the Lord speaking to her, He asks Mary the question again: "Woman, why are you crying?"

What a question! Especially to be asked twice in such a short amount of time. What it would have been like to be Mary. Crying alone in a more distressful, but secretly hopeful, time than I can imagine. Goodness knows for me sometimes there is no justifiable answer as to why I cry, and I don't like always being asked to explain it either. How much more in Mary's case!

I love the detail that the Bible shows. Even to the extent of saying that the men went home and the woman stayed there to cry.... and what a woman she was!!

Friday, May 6, 2011

portable post-its

Throughout this past year I have acquired quite the collection of sticky notes above by desk and around my room in general.... I decided to take a break from packing and record them before they were taken down. Goodness knows I still need to remind myself of these truths. Thankful for the influencers in my life who lead me to continue to 'work out my salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12)!

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

"but as for you, be strong and do not give up for your work will be rewarded." 2 Corinthians 15:7

All death can glorify God it that life was lived in the will of God. The Lord said to Peter, 'You follow Me'. John 21:19-22

The meaning of Sunday lies in our connection with our Creator. Intentionally focussing on being in God's presence. Mark 2:27

be in the Word at more that one point throughout the day

proclivity to meticulousness

do not judge-you will be judged in the same measure you use. Matthew 7:1-5

My Master. His Mission. My Mate.

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3 flee the very temptation of evil

"By MY Spirit" Zechariah 4:6

speak only of my Savior

our path to success is uncompromising resolve in big and small things alike. Daniel 1

Proverbs 30:8 "Keep falsehood and lies far from me"
James 3:8 "the tongue is a relentless evil"

work to increase a standard of giving not a better standard of living Isaiah 23:18

Too busy living. Upon finishing a season, reflect back and appreciate what just happened and it's placement in the big picture

the Lord isn't just concerned about me. In my victory I must help my brothers until the Lord gives them rest. Joshua 1

"debt to love" Romans 13:8
"the time is short" 1 Corinthians 7:29

"Satan meant it for evil but God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20

What if every time I picked up my Bible I recognized that there was someone in the world who has need of this very message and pledged to do whatever necessary to make sure they hear? Be aware of the need!

Humble yourself therefore under God's might hand that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 my major anxiety lies in timing.

sometimes silence expresses our faith better than our words.

"You, as well as these articles are consecrated to the Lord. Guard them carefully." Ezekiel 8:28-29

Work towards: being an example; servanthood; a crown of glory; humility; eternity; self-control; resisting our enemy, the devil; being strong, firm and steadfast; rejoicing in suffering; loving; willing spirit. 1 Peter 4 and 5
Godliness is never accidental and victory is never coincidental.

"And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised." Hebrew 6:15