While researching the story of Mary and Martha I came across an article where the author mentioned a Soul Retreat. Those words stuck in my mind a little differently than she had used them, but I do believe that God used them as an invitation for me to go away with Him. The thought of running away and taking a day off had great appeal to me and I decided to spend a night at our weekend retreat in the middle of the week by myself. I began preparing by gathering studies and devotionals and making an agenda of all the things I wanted to do in a few short…

It’s always exciting to start a new month and a new study. As I began researching the story of Mary and Martha I was in awe of how everything over the last few months starting coming together. Messages and encouragement that I had received from God began to fall into place like strategically placed puzzle pieces. Words that stayed on my mind and in my heart began to open with divine clarity. Again, I am amazed at how God orchestrates everything with His perfect timing. I need the messages and lessons from the story of Mary and Martha now more than ever before. This season of my life feels like…

For the month of July we will discover some the many lessons that can be learned from studying the lives of Mary and Martha. Overview – Hospitality Mary and Martha were sisters and more importantly friends of Jesus.  Many times their home had been the Master’s place of resting and relaxing as well as a gathering place for teaching.   Making sure a guest is welcomed, warmed, and well fed requires creativity, organization, and teamwork.  Their ability to accomplish these goals made them one of the best hospitality teams in the bible.  There were always mouths to feed and work to be done.  For Martha this meant taking care of…

We were made for friendship with God and He does not just want us to know about Him; He wants us to know Him — and to experience His friendship. I came across a site called Kid’s World and I loved the simplicity of this truth written from a child’s point of view. Dear Friend, Jesus is my Savior and my Lord; He is also my special Best Friend! Perhaps you are thinking, “Why do you say that Jesus is your special Best Friend?” I was hoping that you would ask that question! Let me tell you why He is my special Best Friend. Jesus is my special Best Friend because He knows me better…

From the beginning of time God did not intend for us to be alone. He gave Adam a companion in Eve and He walked with talked with them in the cool of the day. We were created for relationship with God. Think about that for just a moment and take in the magnitude of that statement. The creator of the Universe wants a relationship with you. He has surrounded you with all types of friends for your own good. What a thoughtful and loving God we serve. Just knowing that you are not alone has tremendous power to overcome so many of life’s obstacles. Recognizing the gift of friendship that…

When Ruth went to work in the fields of Boaz, little did she know that he would eventually become her husband. While working for him, she experienced his Godly character when he provided for her and protected her. Likewise, Boaz saw Ruth’s actions and her heart and commented that she was a woman of noble character. Both Ruth and Boaz not only did what was right, but did it right away. They shared the quality of thinking of others before themselves and the Lord orchestrated a beautiful relationship through their thoughtful actions. Sometimes in life we encounter people by what might seem as chance. But each and every person enters…

Who doesn’t like a good deal, a sale or a special event. We don’t know everything so it’s nice to have watchful friends who will share the good news when it’s found. The disciple Andrew was this type of friend. He was a follower of John the Baptist and was watching and waiting for John’s words about the coming Messiah to be fulfulled. When John pointed him to Jesus saying, ” Behold, the Lamb of God,” Andrew immediately left and followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did after meeting Jesus was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah!” And he brought him to Jesus.…

Don’t you just love those old commercials that played the song, “I sorry. So Sorry,” and showed pictures of cute little puppies staring at you. How could you stay mad at them and not forgive whatever mess they made with those big puppy eyes melting your heart. If only it was that easy; forgiveness that is. It would definitely make things so much easier, but the reality is that forgiveness is often very difficult. Why is that? I recently read a book that explained how we not only need to forgive the offence but the effects that it may cause in the future. That’s why forgiveness is a continual process,…