“Marley was dead: to begin with.” This is how Charles Dickens begins A Christmas Carol, and the story of Lazarus in John 11 began similarly. It could be read “Lazarus was sick: to begin with.” Like Scrooge’s business partner Marley, Lazarus’s sickness and death take place out of view of the reader, so that by the time Jesus arrived at his tomb, there is no doubt that Lazarus was dead. And as Dickens would continue, “This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.”
While Marley and Lazarus were both dead, the similarity ends there. Marley’s ghost had lines in the opening chapter of A Christmas Carol; Lazarus does not speak in the Gospel of John. Lazarus’s personality is not given to the reader. We don’t get a chance to reflect on his actions and consider whether there is something we might learn from them. We can only relate to him in two ways.
The first is that, even if we are confident we are loved by Jesus, we can still suffer. Lazarus’s sisters sent a message to Jesus that calls Lazarus “the one you love.” The most important thing about him is that he is among those that Jesus loves. Mary and Martha expected that Jesus’s love for Lazarus would prompt Him to come and heal Lazarus, as He had done for so many others. But this did not happen. Scripture doesn’t say if He sent a message in return. His response was, as far as we know, silence.
What must it have been like for Lazarus to know that Jesus loved him and yet allowed him to die? Did Mary and Martha have moments of doubt during the delay? If Jesus really loved Lazarus, why didn’t He come? Like them, Jesus can sometimes seem to be absent from the crisis moments of our lives. They are crises in part because of this absence we feel.
And yet, when Jesus did arrive, Mary and Martha learned that Jesus never stopped loving Lazarus, even when he was in the tomb. He had allowed Lazarus to suffer death, but His love prompted Him to reverse all that Lazarus had suffered. The tears shed at Lazarus’s death, including Jesus’s own, were wiped away.
The second way we can relate to Lazarus is that we also are in need of resurrection. We “were dead in…trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). This story is an assurance of God’s love and power to rescue us from death. And it is also a call to faith—Jesus is not just the one who raises others from the dead. He is the resurrection from the dead. In Him, we, too, are made alive.
Are you lying in the grave today, waiting for the enlivening word of the One who loves you? Remember that you exist because you are loved into being and sustained by the love of Jesus, and His “love is as strong as death” (Song of Songs 8:6).
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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60 thoughts on "Lazarus"
Amen
Love this ❤️
❤✝️
Amen
I’ve always been comforted by the words, “Jesus wept.” I’m not sure he wept so much because Lazarus died, but because his sisters were so hurt and sad that their brother was dead. He felt their pain so deeply that he went with them. It brings comfort that Jesus understands our grief, and weeps with us. He knows the end of the story … that death is truly not the end. But He hurts with us in our pain. We still hurt, but He understands.
I have a friend, Debbie, who had major surgery in April, and had to have a wound vac to help the incision drain. Then, all of a sudden, I couldn’t reach her by text or phone. I finally reached her yesterday. She’s been in ICU for the past 45 days! She got an infection in the incision, her kidneys “went to sleep,” and her body gained 65 lbs of fluid from the waist down. She was transferred to a rehab yesterday. She’s on dialysis three times a week, but her kidneys have started working and they anticipate she will eventually getting off dialysis. She will have to relearn how to walk, and expects to be in rehab for several weeks. Please pray for Debbie, that her body will continue to heal, and she will be able to get off dialysis and lose all this fluid. Her goal is to get home in time to attend our 50th HS reunion in late October.
Praying for healing for Debbie
❤️
Tracie….thank you as well for the ways you have shared your heeart and testimony of Tanner’s life. Your honest, transparent sharing has challenged, encouraged, brought comfort, strength and perspective. May the Lord’s presence continually surround you and fill you with great peace❤️
As many times as I have read this story, today it just seems like the conversation in v. 5-18 makes no sense at all. I’m sure the disciples were confused about both Jesus’ words and his actions. But even with our 20/20 hindsight and knowing that Jesus was trying to point them to a greater truth, it just seems SO confusing. Much like our walk of faith, it often just doesn’t make sense.
REPLY directly is still no go for me, so…
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CHERYL BLOW – thank you! ❤
Amen to all comments this morning! ❤️
Tina I can’t respond for some reason. You are so special to me. Your words helped me through such a hard time. I know you understand more than some. I hurt for your loss of Julee more than words can say.
Tough read today.
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I prayed all of Tanner’s life for a cure. Only for it to come a little too late. He was tested to be the 3rd patient in a stem cell transplant trial and had progressed to the point that they wouldn’t allow him in the study. It was a death sentence.
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Where was my God?! I begged, cried, prayed with what felt like I wasn’t receiving an answer. It took awhile, but I realized that God took Tanner home with Him. He was no longer suffering. Oh but the heartache for myself…I literally had heart pains.
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Then God gave me a vision 3 times! Tanner looking at me with a big smile saying that he was okay. Thank you, thank you, thank you, God. You gave me peace after struggling to believe in prayer anymore. I was angry and you showed me your love. I was broken and you comforted me.
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I really enjoyed the commentary today. Gave me a lot to think about. Thankful for God’s everlasting love and power over death. For those who are struggling and having a hard time seeing or feeling the Lord I pray that today was a reminder that
Dear Shes
While the “reply” button is not responding, I rest assured our prayers for each other & appreciation for one another transcend the capriciousness of technology!! Ours is a transformative Tuesday, any way!!
This was a miracle! God showed up! Even when there was doubt, He showed up! We can be assured that our JESUS will show up even when everything around us there is no hope! BUT GOD….our precious JESUS comes as HE promises and sometimes in ways we least expect Him to because our Father God, our JESUS, our “daddy” knows best! Happy Tuesday sweet She’s!
Sister Shes
I am haunted by these verses from John 11…
(9) “Aren’t there twelve hours in a day?” Jesus answered. “If anyone walks during the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. (10) But if anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.”
I gather this to mean, He is the light. And when we place our trust in Him we can be steadfast & surefooted. Unlike the doubters in the dark.
Lord, teach me that though You may tarry in my requests, You are swift in ultimate revelations for my good. Animated by Your Word.
Amen❤️
Sorry to triple post sisters, but I have been studying Amos and just read something in Wiersbe’s commentary on Amos 8 that reflects on our study here (for me, anyway):
“What a tragedy to have plenty of religion but no word from the Lord! Note the striking similarity in the contemporary world with its proliferation of religions and spirituality without truth or substance.
That means no light in the darkness, no nourishment for the soul, no direction for making decisions, no protection from the lies of the enemy.
The people in Amos’s day as well as ours stagger like drunks from place to place, always hoping to find food and drink for their bodies and spiritual sustenance for their souls.
When Jesus called Zacchaeus, he didn’t stumble; when Jesus called to Lazarus, Lazarus knew right where to go.
Zacchaeus threw off the bonds of his reputation and livelihood to follow Jesus.
Lazarus threw off his grave clothes. Both followed Jesus, not as drunks staggering place to place, but seeking the Light and the Truth. Reminds me of HEBREWS 12:1-
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
From Wiersbe:
While not naming any specific sin, the writer was probably referring to the sin of unbelief. Unbelief had kept Israel out of the Promised Land, and unbelief hinders us from entering into our spiritual inheritance in Christ. The phrase “by faith” (or “through faith”) is used twenty-one times in chapter 11, indicating that faith in Christ is what enables us to endure.
Beautiful insights everyone! Thanks for sharing the songs and prayer requests. I am praying.
We don’t always understand God’s timing but we can trust His heart. This seems to be the theme for me this year is really trusting God when I don’t understand. Oh, but I know His live and His heart! He gave up His only son for me! Trust me, I could never deserve that! BUT God has a plan!
Have a beautiful day!
♥️
The Lazarus account was the sermon on Sunday at our church Here a couple of take aways that were meaningful to me.
Jesus commanded the people “Roll away the Stone! “
Jesus could have moved the stone himself but he didn’t. There was work to do.. The people present worked with Jesus in bringing this miracle about.
Jesus didn’t go into the tomb to raise Lazarus. He called to him. Lazarus had to obey the call to come out of death into Life!
So do we.
Have to cut this short. Need to pick up the grandbabies today
❤️
We all face moments when hope feels dead—when prayers seem unanswered and we sit in the silence, wondering where Jesus is. But the story of Lazarus reminds us that Jesus is never too late. His timing is perfect, and He is always working for God’s glory and our good, even in the darkest moments.
And just like Lazarus, Jesus calls each of us by name, calling us out of old patterns, out of despair, out of spiritual death—into new life. The same voice that called Lazarus out of the grave calls to us today: “Come out!” Step into the light. Let the grave clothes fall. Walk forward in the power of the resurrection.
Beautifuly said. ❤️
Your words are beautifully written, Ashley M. Amen!
As we read these passages it feels to me like Jesus is not in a rush – attentive, yes, but panic mode, no. It reminds me that His timing is not ours….sigh. In my desperate prayers, I want Jesus to show up right now and this is no doubt a desperate situation. The heart of Jesus is evident as He weeps and shows the emotion of His own broken heart and we are reminded He weeps with us in our heartache and sorrow. And then, we are reminded in John 11:4 that it is all for the glory of God. We do not choose our story, but it is ours to steward well. Authentically, intentionally, not without hardship and suffering but seeking to keep our eyes in Jesus. Oh my….not easy at all to keep things in focus and I have struggled with my own story in so many ways. But, as we read these passages today, the Truth of scripture, no matter our journey, God’s timing is always right, He walks beside us every step of the way, holding our hands and our tears and through it He will be honored and glorified. May it be so in my life. Soli Deo Gloria.
Reply button still not working for me today, but thank you all for sharing your hearts, insights and wisdom these last couple days.
Tina, I weep for your loss and sorrow. and praise God for the ways He has worked through your story to point our hearts to Jesus. Your example through the greatest of losses is so honoring to our Lord. Thank you for sharing. Hugs to you.❤️
RHONDA J, I was working on my comment while you were posting yours. Similar thoughts. ❤
Thanks for your words of encouragement under my comment yesterday. No reply available. :(
TERESA DONLEY (and anyone else who feels alone and not seen) did you read that last paragraph?! “Are you lying in the grave today, waiting for the enlivening word of the One who loves you? Remember that you exist because you are loved into being and sustained by the love of Jesus, and His “love is as strong as death” (Song of Songs 8:6).” You are loved, sustained and SEEN by a good, good Father! ❤️
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I had never thought of a correlation between Lazarus’ death, and “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
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Duh.
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In The Chosen… Ramah was not delivered in one of the episodes, and Thomas wondered why.
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We would be wise to remember how everything (both good AND bad) are for His glory. That is a hard pill to swallow much of the time, but…
A very old song from an artist called Carmen. It’s worth a listen.
This is another story where when Jesus called someones name the supernatural happened!
This passage really highlights the humanity of Christ. He wept, he had personal friends that he enjoyed hanging out with.
The Chosen episode was well done.
Thank you She’s for every word of advice and encouragement. I love you ladies. I needed the words and prayers. So grateful for this group of she warriors and counselors.
I am the resurrection and the Life
He that believeth in me
Though he were dead
Yet shall he live
A certain man had died
In the town of Bethany
And Lazarus was his name
The Bible says he was
A man that Jesus loved
And his sisters thought
It was a shame
Mary and Martha longed
For Jesus healing touch
To come and raise their brother
Cause they loved that boy so much
But Jesus had a plan not known to any man
That would soon take away their pain
They was waiting for Jesus
To come and say
Lazarus, Lazarus, Lazarus Come Forth
When he died he went to where
The saints of God did stay
In the holding place
They lived beyond the tomb
And there he saw Elijah, Moses, Samuel, even Ruth
And all the others jammed up in a room
He turned around and saw
Ol’ Gideon standin’ by the door
He walked up and said hey brother
What’s this group here for
Well Giddie said
Well alright this is testimony night
Have a seat man cause
The meeting is starting soon
While Mary and Martha
Just wanted to see
Lazarus, Lazarus, Lazarus Come Forth
Moses shook his stick
Said now this meeting come to order
Can I get a witness
For the Lord tonight
Abraham kicked it off
Said I want y’all know
That I knew him
He gave a child to my barren wife
Isaac waived his hand said
Hey daddy I knew him too
Jacob jumped up says
Amen Grandpa, preach it
Old dignified Solomon
Adjusted his robe and said
I knew him, He made me so smart
I started to teach it
Ezekiel said I knew him
As a wheel within a wheel
Job said man he healed me
When I was almost dead
Sampson said I knew him
When some Philistines tried to jump me
I took a donkey jawbone and busted a few heads
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said
We knew him in the fiery furnace
Jonah said man he gave me a second chance
Daniel cried out I knew him
In a hungry den of lions
The Holy Ghost hit King David
He just started to dance
Lazarus got so excited
He shouted Hey I knew him too
Moses put down his stick
Said hey who’s the new kid
Needless to say the room got real quiet
When Lazarus said But I knew him
In a way you all never did
You see man I walked with him and talked with him
I saw how his teachings awed the crowds
Those famous tears of compassion I could actually see
He used to come over to my house after church
And my sisters would make him dinner
And every month I even supported his ministry
You see man I watched him confront the Pharisees
I was there when he fed the five thousand
I heard the people gasp when he healed the lame
You see man I even remember the littlest things
The things that most folks would forget
Like the simple, loving way He’d just call my name
Up at the grave stone rolled away
With a loud voice Jesus started to say, Lazarus
You see it just seems like yesterday
I could hear that man saying my name
Lazarus
As a matter of a fact it seemed like today
Lazarus
Excuse me brothers I think I hear him calling me now
Lazarus
Jesus
Lazarus……….Jesus
Lazarus……….Jesus
Lazarus……….Jesus
Lazarus……….Hey Jesus
Lazarus, Come Forth
Come Forth, I command you, Come Forth
Jesus said, Lazarus, Lazarus, Lazarus Come Forth
Like he was saying sickness be healed
Mountains be moved
When he said, Lazarus Come Forth
Mary don’t weep Martha don’t moan
Here come your boy Comin’ Forth
He that believeth in me
Though he were dead
Yet shall he live
I love Carmen’s song!!
Tina – it’s not letting me reply directly to you so I am doing so here. I am crying reading your words as I’m sure many of us are. A mother’s worst nightmare! BUT GOD how he has done an amazing work in your life. Wow, wow, wow! You have been and continue to be steadfast, running after Jesus with open arms, and allowing us to witness the transformation he has wrought in your life. This gives hope that he can do the same for us. He truly has brought beauty from ashes! I want to thank you for your vulnerability and your honesty, your willingness to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is a model for all of us. Xo
Hi Tami!
Greetings from She Reads Truth HQ. We hope to have this error resolved soon! Thank you so much for your continued patience and understanding.
Tina–your words carry much weight by their truth, pain, love…
Your story…Julee’s story is known and continues to make a Godly impact because of your faith.
Thank you for sharing your insights each day.
SEARCHING- Your mention of the song RISE UP reminded me of one of my favorites that I haven’t heard in a while:
STILL ROLLING STONES by Lauren Daigle
Out of the shadows
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
Six feet under
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
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I just live the hard driving beat of this song!
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No particular insights today. Just the reminder that, ad the devo mentioned, when we wonder where Jesus is when prayers aren’t answered our way, He is right beside us. He will walk with us through the times of hardship.
Yes, Jesus could have healed Lazarus from where He was, but that was not part of the plan to bring glory to God nor would that have made the same impression on the disciples or the Jews.
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God’s will trumps our wants.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
THANK YOU, MERCY, and others praying for me! I am on the mend!!! Sitting on my deck in low 70 temps this morning! ❤
Verge praying for you! Thank you for sharing the song. One of cc my favorites.
This is a story with a miraculous ending! They were in loss and sadness, and Jesus came and changed everything. In their waiting and sorrow, they had no idea that Jesus was still going to do something BIG! What we don’t expect is that despite the miracle that was coming, Jesus wept. He was moved to tears. This is big, because it shows how much Jesus cares for us, he loves us, and he is sad when he sees us sad. When we lose a loved one, he sees us and cares for us in our grief. He meets us there.
I can imagine this story also evokes some anger for those who have indeed prayed fiercely and earnestly for a miracle for their loved ones, and yet their loved one perished. We are told to pray for healing. We have heard of miraculous healings, they still happen today. But it is a terrible, gut wrenching thing, when our prayers aren’t answered in the way we hope.
God’s will is the best. He works all things for the good of those who love him, we know. He comes when we call, and he cries with us, and holds us tight. He answers in the way that is best. We believe in faith.
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I love this story. I wish we knew more about Lazarus.
In Jesus we are alive! ❤️✝️
Oh man, this, had me tearing! I felt every word written. It took me back to those days when I was told I was losing my girl and that it would take a miracle..
I was told God would heal my girl.. so i prayed and prayed and prayed..
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She died..
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My heart broken.. forever..
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BUT GOD..
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It’s easy to believe that the LORD doesn’t care, or that your prayers are put in the bin because you, or your child are not worthy. It’s easy to feel rejected with the negative thoughts going on in your head, trust me, that road has been mine to walk..
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BUT GOD..
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He had not forgotten my girl or me..
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I have tears as I write this, but it’s true and the truth.. Julee is where she is supposed to be now, she is at peace, in no more pain and hospitals and needles, stress and anxiety.. she has peace and she IS with the LORD, safe, until we are reunited when I am called home..
I know this because I was given a vision by God, even when I was being disrespectful to Him, HE was blessing me with a picture of my girl happy and running through a meadow, waving and telling me she is well and happy.
Okay, the tears freely roll down my cheeks now..
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And me, Oh, God heard my every cry ..
He has loved me back to a place of happy, comfortable, grateful peace, and i know His love and care is stronger than death. His love can bring you out of any grave, I died that day with my girl..
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BUT GOD..
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He hears.
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He loves.
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He restores.
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He renews.
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He repurposes.
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He loves.
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He is faithful to His Word, always…
Not always how or what we expect.. BUT He is faithful to His Word!
My girl was healed just not this side of heaven, but she is made whole in heaven. I have seen.
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Amen.
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Much love to all today.. Happy Tuesday..❤️
As usual, Tina, your words are so encouraging. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Tina, for your words of encouragement this morning. I wrestled all night with worry, asking God to give me peace and rest. Your words of encouragement have given me hope.
Tina, your momma’s heart reaches mine and I thank you for your testimony about your sweet girl. All glory to God. ✨✨✨
Tina, I am so grateful for your words today. They brought tears to my eyes, but also a firm reminder of the love of my Father in Heaven.
Tina, thank you for sharing your heart! I still think you should write a book of your journey!
Praying for you today and all the moms who listen their children too early.
Tina, thank you for sharing your story and your heart. I’m so amazed at the way God has worked in your life.
Amen, KELLY (NEO) …reply button still broken.
button fixed now :)
John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.
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Loved, so He stayed, not: loved, so He went as fast as possible.
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Backing up to v 4, When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
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All for God’s glory!
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35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
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Oh, yeah – keep watching! :) Our God can do anything, anything, anything… (an oldie )
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Songs:
Rise Up, by Cain (writers: Ethan Hulse, Logan Cain, Madison Cain, Nick Schwarz, Taylor Cain)
My Name is Lazarus, By Greater Vision (written by Rodney Griffin)
(If you think your little problem is too big for Him to solve
Take it from the one who’s heard the mighty voice of God
A living testimony of His death-defying touch, my name is Lazarus)
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MERCY – great points yesterday! “When we change our position, we change our perspective” ❤️
TERESA DONLEY – seeing you, sister, and praying for you and Amanda
RHONDA J – praying for your nephew
TAMI – praying for Brett, his siblings and other cousins to see and know The Light of the World, Jesus
TRACI GENDRON – thank you for your testimony ❤️
CINDY HANNA ❤️
CEE GEE love the contrasts! ❤️
CHERYL BLOW – praise for your nephew-in-law’s miraculous health
TANYA ❤️
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Continuing to pray for my family and med + care team, and the teens
Praying!
I’ve often wondered how old Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were. Of the three unmarried siblings, was Lazarus the oldest or did the sisters come under his care as the only brother? So many questions about the family.
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This was the last “sign” that John gives pointing to Jesus being the Messiah. Instead of rejoicing that the Christ was in their midst, this hardened the hearts of the religious leaders, bringing them together as enemies of Jesus.
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Lord, may seeing the mighty works you do in other’s lives continue to draw me to You. May pride or jealousy never turn my heart from You in response to the kindness You shower on another.
RHONDA J – praying your nephew’s heart continues to soften.
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CHERYL – great news about your nephew-in-law.
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CHELSEA ISHAK – praying you are still with us, in the Bible every day
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ERB ❤️
Amen❤️
Amen