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about: faith, friendship and a miracle

TEARS IN A BOTTLE COLLECTION Caryl Ramsdale, American Poet

NOW a certain man was sick, named Laz’-a-rus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Laz’-a-rus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. JOHN 11: 1-4 KJV

MARTHA Story:  A woman who witnessed a miracle after she worked through three kinds of faith—limited,  fundamental, and unlimited. Martha means "Lady"—its the feminine form of “Lord.” to Elizabeth Noble They lived near Jerusalem and Were known as close friends of Jesus; The sisters and brother were named, Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Where Jesus went others followed And He visited frequently; In the home this family shared— Felt comfortable with all three. Martha was the elder sister Who met household needs willingly; Women’s work and serving others Was her valued activity. So Martha didn’t realize That her busyness slowed her down; ‘Cause faith can’t grow when one can’t hear, Trust talked about all over town. Lazarus’ sister was troubled By things most others took lightly; She was care-worn—haunted—and short With those seeing things differently. When her sister sat at the feet Of the man that taught her to pray; Martha voiced her disapproval— Asked Him not to let Mary stay. She needed help serving but her Sister sat in a man’s circle; Listening to forever things— Good things—that touched everyone’s soul. Lazarus died of a sickness— Was buried—and resurrected; Martha learned...power has limits Unless faith is unlimited. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Laz’-a-rus, come forth.   And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin.  Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.  JOHN 11:43 & 44 KJV                                                                                                                                     ~ Pray for an unlimited faith that will reveal God’s glory...it pleases God. ~ © Copyright 1999-2007 Caryl Ramsdale. All rights reserved.

midi "Near to the Heart of God" permission Newsong Online.org October 01, 2005