A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was in Bethany. So they went there not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had brought back to life. The chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too. Lazarus was the reason why many people were leaving the Jews and believing in Jesus.  John 12:9-11

Most of us have heard how Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, but how many realized the leaders hated losing their power so much they began to plot to murder Lazarus as well as Jesus.

Power and hate warps the soul as well as the mind. Many of the religious leaders, who were supposed to direct the people in the ways of Godliness, righteousness and truth, were so twisted they became the embodiment of evil.

How easy it is to seek to elevate our position in this world and totally miss what is most important--love, self-sacrifice...and truth.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:57 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, because with the LORD there is mercy and with him there is unlimited forgiveness.  Psalm 130:7 GW

Other religions create capricious "gods" who swing from sadistic to emotional, but, because they are created in man's image, there is little real real hope, security or comfort. To reach these so-called "gods," man must strive to gain and hold their attention through any number of benign to horrendous practices.

The God of the Bible, the God of Creation is different because He is the God of all. He is a God of principle, rationality, common sense...and love. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment we deserve for our sin. We cannot clean ourselves up or do anything to win His favor, except for one thing.

Accept the gift of life Jesus offered by dying on the cross and rising again. We don't clean up to come to Him. We hand Him our broken lives and let His forgiveness and love give new life, new hope, new direction.

God is the God of forgiveness and hope. All we need do is come.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:03 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

 (Jesus said) I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need.  John 10:10b GW 

How many of us live like Jesus isn't enough? Like we have to do everything on our own and, for good measure, top it off with a bit of religion? But Christianity isn't a religion  with a set of traditions that give us points to the kingdom.

Christianity is a person, Jesus Christ, who came, died and rose again that we might live in and through Him. He wants a relationship with us, wants us to know and abide in Him, giving Him control of today...and tomorrow.

If Jesus is the Creator. If He truly is God, He knows the future. Do I think I can then do a better job of directing my life than the God of all, the God who loves me enough to die for me? How foolish am I? Umm. Sometimes I don't want an answer to that question.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:58 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

If the LORD does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the LORD does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert.  Psalm 127:1 GW

We work, we strive, we finagle, not realizing God, not you or I is ultimately in control. Unless we are under His protecting Hand, unless we know His blessing by serving Him, everything we do is rubbish.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:35 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people now and forever.  Psalm 125:2

If we follow Jesus and seek to live for Him, we do not need to fear. In fact, fear is the opposite of faith.

As we dwell in Him, God surrounds us with His protection, His provision and His peace.

I need not fear for Jesus is always near. He may not take away the problem, but will be with me to comfort and guide through or around it.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:17 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

The official said to him, "Sir, come with me before my little boy dies." 

   Jesus told him, "Go home. Your son will live." The man believed what Jesus told him and left. While the official was on his way to Capernaum, his servants met him and told him that his boy was alive.  John 4:49-51 GW

The official had a need. Desperate, he sought Jesus. But unlike most of the people, the official didn't need to see to believe. He took Jesus at His word and God blessed.

What about me? Do I insist on proof God is working or do I trust He is working even when I see no evidence of it? Do I fuss and fret? Yup, afraid so. You'd think by now I'd get it right when things spin out of my control.

Jesus loves me. He is working on my behalf and all He asks is for me to trust Him. Jesus help my unbelief.

http://IDealinHope.com/author  

http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:39 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

The LORD guards you as you come and go, now and forever.  Psalm 121:8 GW

NEVER ALONE

© 2008 Carolyn R Scheidies

In my home,

All alone?

Not really.

In my car going to and from

All by myself?

Not hardly.

When all around no one is there

Or seems to care.

I'm all alone in my despair.

Never.

For God cannot be kept out of houses or cars.

Only out of our lives.

But He's exactly where He needs to be

Where He's invited.

The saying is true.

Jesus really is

Always there,

Only a prayer away.

By invitation, and

Never again, truly,

Alone.

http://IDealinHope.com/author  

http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:10 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

While they were talking about what had happened, Jesus stood among them. He said to them, "Peace be with you!" They were terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost. He asked them, "Why are you afraid? Why do you have doubts?  Luke 24:36-38 GW

Isn't this often our response when we pray and then see God answer our prayers? We're astonished and awed.

We claim God answers prayer. How lame is our faith when we're surprised when He does? Are we more comfortable with a maybe, a wait or a no, than a resounding yes?

If our faith is so weak and our trust in God so tenuous, is it any wonder He does so few miracles among us?

No wonder we don't penetrate the darkness with the gospel message. We don't believe it ourselves.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:08 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

One day Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courtyard and telling them the Good News. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders came up to him.  They asked him, "Tell us, what gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?" 
   Jesus answered them, "I, too, have a question for you. Tell me, did John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans?" 
   They talked about this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'from humans,' everyone will stone us to death. They're convinced that John was a prophet."  So they answered that they didn't know who gave John the right to baptize.
   Jesus told them, "Then I won't tell you why I have the right to do these things." Luke 20:1-8 GW 

Both the secular and the religious leaders of Jesus' day were more concerned with appearance than truth. So too, many of our political and religious leaders of today. So,, too, you and me. The question is “Am I so afraid of what others say or what might happen that I don't stand up for Jesus or my faith?” When I don't, I deny Him. How are the ways I deny Him? Is fear crowding out faith? What steps can I take to change that?

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:56 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

He who is faithful in the least is also faithful in much. And he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much.  Luke 16:10 MKJV

Why can't someone handle sudden wealth? Often it is because they already have a pattern of not managing their finances wisely. When someone regularly steals paper, clips or small things, it sets a pattern of stealing. What happens when that person has a chance at something bigger?

Do we tell small lies? Manipulate? Cheat? Often it is a matter of degree, but wrong is wrong. If we aren't honest in the small things, we'll be dishonest in the big things. Make no mistake, our behavior with be stamped not only on our reputation, but also on our character.

So also, when we choose to be honest even in the small things, we'll build positive patterns in our lives that help us become people of integrity and honor. That, too, will be reflected in both character (who we are) and reputation (what others think).

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:57 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

I got up before dawn, and I cried out for help. My hope is based on your word. Psalm 119:147 GW

Hope based on nothing, yields nothing. Hope built on deception, greed and evil, yields destruction and enslavement. Only hope based in Jesus Christ yields true help, a willing spirit, sacrifice, life and freedom.

On what is your hope based? Mine?

http://IDealinHope.com/author http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:04 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

With this letter I'm introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the Christian faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea. Give her a Christian welcome that shows you are God's holy people. Provide her with anything she may need, because she has provided help to many people, including me.  Romans 16:1-2 GW

The beauty of the gospel is the elevation of women. From Jesus ministry onward, women were not considered 2nd class representatives. The women had great respect from church leaders. God used women in roles outside the home as well as within.

The author of Romans did not denigrate the gifts and ministry women brought to the table. Men and women had roles to play, including teaching, sharing, caring for others. The early church understood God called women as well as men.

Each of us need to use the gifts God has given and recognize and encourage the use of those gifts in others.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:02 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

So those of us who have a strong faith must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose faith is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves. We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith.  Romans 16:1-2 GW

Life isn't just about me. Faith isn't centered on me. Happiness isn't derived from focusing only on me, for when I do, I miss the most important things in life. I miss the satisfaction of working hard and meeting a challenge. I miss the relief and gratitude on the faces of those I help. I miss the love of spouse and family and the joy of serving others.

Jesus was about reaching out, about integrity, about caring about others to the point of sacrificing His life that we might live. Jesus truly lived life fully and abundantly, because He lived giving to others.

How might I share my faith? By being more like Him. Caring enough to model Christ's other-centered love. Caring enough to give.

That is truly living.

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:19 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

WHEN DARKNESS DESCENDS
© 2008 Carolyn R Scheidies

When my way is dark,
You light my way.
When I cannot see,
You give me light
When I'm afraid
You illumine with hope.
When I cannot go on
You shine within
Giving me courage
Strength, Life
In You.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105 GW

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:03 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

I will never forget your guiding principles, because you gave me a new life through them.  Psalm 119:93 GW

Whatever we think or do, only God's way will truly bring enlightenment, understanding and joy. His way is the way of character and integrity as well as the way of true compassion centered on self-sacrifice.

As we come to Him, He will show us the right path to follow.

V.104-105 GW From your guiding principles I gain understanding. That is why I hate every path that leads to lying.  Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. 

http://IDealinHope.com/author 
http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 6:58 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink