Father, you know every decision we need to make and all the challenges we face. Forgive us for trying to figure life out on our own. Give us strength, wisdom and direction to walk in the path you have given us. Amen.
The Afters – Well Done (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X29hPMgKUyM
Today’s Passage: John 11:38-44; 12:1-8
Message [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: Scents of Life and Death – The Fifth Sunday in Lent by F. Scott Spencer, New Testament scholar.
“Can you smell that?” asks Scott Spencer’s wife. “No dear,” he replies, not to fret her, but because he genuinely doesn’t smell it. Spencer, author and New Testament scholar, says of today’s passage, John 11:38-44; 12:1-8, “It features co-mingled scents of life and death, powerful odors, from the most pleasant to the most putrid.” By the end of the passage, “The spring-like fragrance of fresh life deodorizes the whole scene.” But, in the four days between Lazarus’ death and being raised from the dead, Mary and Martha say to Jesus, “If only you had been here.” Have you ever uttered that phrase?…”If only…?” Spencer offers an alternative way to think. Listen as he prods us to consider the “what now…” of Lazarus’ resurrection and the “what now…” in our lives.
Rom. 5:3 (NKJ)
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings perseverance
Terrian – God With Us (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJbtWOSYjBM
It is said that the compensation for the effort, courage, tenacity, and endurance displayed during the journey was not happiness. Nor glory. What God offered as a reward was only rest. – Ingrid Betancourt
In Your Presence – Official Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecLQ0p08rk
Father, thank you for the strength, wisdom, joy, and peace you give. When life gets full of stress, may we be quick to remember you are in control of all things and turn to you in prayer. Amen.
Casting Crowns – Nobody (Official Music Video) ft. Matthew West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY
Luke 8:15
But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good hear, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.
Faithfully Yours Forever 