Mary

First Day on the Road

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. Luke 2:4 ESV

Often I lie awake the night before a trip turning over in my mind whether we have enough food, clothing, and money for the days ahead. As Mary and Joseph gathered their belongings for Bethlehem, they had practical concerns to deal with also. How would they safely bring their tax money along roadways where thieves laid in wait? Who would give them a place to stay? Should they return to Nazareth?

Amazingly in spite of so many things they could have worried about, we don’t hear one single complaint from either one of them. But Mary and Joseph we

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re not some kind of super-heroes. The Bible is quite clear that they were just ordinary people who put their trust in God. They had questions just as we do. Mary wondered how she would become pregnant without a man. Joseph considered whether Mary was the right woman to marry. Yet they traveled together on a difficult road in peace because they had taken their questions and fears to God.

In what ways are you fearful about your future today? Do you wrestle with some doubts about God’s plan for your life? If you long to travel boldly, first bring God all your questions and then trust His answers. God knows the why and where of the road ahead.

Mary I Have News

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Does it feel as if God calling for change in your life tonight? Mary faced one of the biggest decisions of all time when Gabriel brought her a message from God. Her choice set the stage for our Savior’s birth. Here is a little early Christmas greeting and song for my friends – especially my family at Allied Skilled Nursing. Missing you all here in Florida but God has brought some changes to us all this year and has Good News for us each this Christmas. Blessings!

Original Lyrics and Music by Peter Caligiuri 2017

 

A Martha Heart at Thanksgiving

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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

With a big dinner in the works for many tomorrow I thought to re-post this article on Martha. Though we often admire Mary’s example we must not forget that Jesus also loved Martha. Martha was the bold one who publicly invited Jesus and all 12 of His disciples to her house for dinner! Just as Mary listened and learned from Jesus, Martha also learned in her own way.

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So if you find yourself up to your elbows in turkey on Thursday morning feeling a bit less than thankful ask God to give you a Martha heart.  Though she had begun her relationship with Jesus by complaining about her sister, she had also accepted correction opening the door for inner change. And a year later, when Jesus failed to come and heal her brother a Martha who was growing in her faith was waiting at the edge of town. This Martha who asked Him why He had allowed Lazarus to die, was also equally quick to believe when Jesus told her that He was the resurrection and the life.

After Jesus raised Lararus from the dead she did what she did best, She helped cook a gigantic thanksgiving feast! At that dinner Jesus came and sat by Lazarus and Mary came and washed His feet but instead of complaining this new Martha simply gratefully cooked the food and washed the plates. While her sister Mary lavished her love on Jesus with perfumed ointment, Martha lavished her love on the Master by putting food on His plate. In the same way that the air was filled with the fragrance of the perfume, it was also filled with the aroma of Martha’s cooking!

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Oh yes we know the story of Mary will be told forever, but we must never forget that Jesus also loved Martha. Martha also gave the best she had. So while you are serving a Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow remember your sister Martha.  Don’t let disappointment or discouragement keep you from just giving your best and keeping your eyes on Jesus no matter where you sit at His table!