who we are?: a confused identity

 who we are?: a confused identity by ric gustafson

We live in a time of identity confusion. Some identity is God given and some is not. What we believe about God is central to our Christian life. When we lie about our identity, our thoughts and emotions get tangled up. We are made up as a body, soul and spirit. The Bible says our body is a temple. Our soul is our mind, will and emotions. Our spirit affects our feelings. The human heart can be selfish and wicked. God wants us to turn away from sinful desires. Words are powerful. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

who we are?: identity matters

 who we are?: identity matters by ric gustafson

Identity describes who you are. It's the truth about the real you. God has given you an identity. We are on an identity journey. Circumstances tests our identity. According to John 8:32, the truth will set you free. Life is complicated. God wants us to open our heart. He wants to tell us what he wants to do in our life. As one of God's own, we have a purpose. God wants us to fulfill that purpose. 

According to John 17:3, life is eternal life. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Defined who God says you are' by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lazarus page 1

 Lazarus page 1 by ric gustafson

Tears came to the eyes of Lazarus. Even though it was his 30th birthday, he was sad. Thirty days ago, his wife Eliza had died in childbirth along with his newborn son. Today was the end of his official mourning. It was spring and time to go back to his vineyards. His friend Judah informed him about the new Roman governor. His name was Pontius Pilate.

Judah grinned. " I have other news my friend".

" What news?".

" There is a new prophet". He smiled. " His name is John".

" Is he a true prophet of the Lord". His voice hesitated. " Or a fool".

" I need to go see for myself".

When they reached Lazarus's home, his sister Martha had a huge meal prepared for them. She kept the house, vineyards and servants in good shape while he was gone.

Lazarus enjoyed the evening with his friend. He still missed his wife and son.

research help: ' When Jesus Wept' by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Martha page 19

 Martha page 19 by ric gustafson

One morning, Martha had a breakfast of bread and fruit. She was tired and she was lonely.

There was a knock at the gate. She opened it to reveal Nathan.

" Hello Martha". He smiled. " Did Zilpah present my proposal?".

" She did". She sighed. " And the reasons why".

" Martha, I want to be more than a friend".

She gave him a puzzled look. " What do you mean Nathan?".

He grinned. " I wish you to be my wife".

" Nathan". She smiled. " I would be honored to be your wife".

" I am the most fortunate of men".

They embraced.

The End.

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Martha page 18

 Martha page 18 by ric gustafson

Lazarus watched Jesus ascend into a cloud. Then two angels told them that he would return the same way. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was John.

" Religious leaders are plotting your death". The disciple frowned. " Your life is in danger".

" Thank you my friend for the warning".

" We will manage Lazarus". Martha sighed. " Your safety is more important".

They quickly returned home. Martha gathered provisions for her brother's journey.

Thomas spoke up. " I have relatives in Damascus". He smiled. " They will take care of you".

" Thank you Thomas".

Thomas grinned. " They are believers".

When it was time to leave, Lazarus embraced his sister. " Thank you for being more than a sister to me".

He began to walk down the road.

Martha cried.

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Martha page 17

 Martha page 17 by ric gustafson

Lazarus led his sister to a canopy. It was open and there Mary joined Thomas in marriage. Rabbi Hezekiah officiated. It was a simple ceremony with profound words. Tears welled up in Martha's eyes. It was a subdued group.

Hezekiah blessed the new couple.

The celebration was brief. The guests left for home early. Mary's wedding dress was put back into a small chest.

One day, they were invited to come to the Mount of Olives. There, they saw the remaining ten disciples. In the middle of the group was a smiling Jesus. Overcome with joy, all three ran over and embraced him. 

" Master".

They touched his wounds.

" All things must be fulfilled which are written in the law".

Martha grinned. " Yes Lord".

" You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth".

" Yes Lord".

Jesus quietly began to rise into the air. He disappeared into a cloud.

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Martha page 16

 Martha page 16 by ric gustafson

Jesus, Martha and Mary walked toward a tomb. Martha saw tears come down her Master's face. They stopped in front of a tomb with a large stone against the entrance.

" Take away the stone".

" Lord, there is a stench". Martha frowned. " He has been dead four days".

" Just believe".

Nathan, Simon and Tobias moved the heavy stone from the entrance.

Jesus looked up. " Father, thank you for hearing me". He quietly walked up to the entrance. " Lazarus, come forth".

From the darkness came a wrapped figure. 

Martha and Mary cried with joy.

" Loose him and let him go".

" Sister". Martha embraced Mary. " Our brother is restored to us".

Jesus and his disciples stayed with them for two days.

On the third day, they had to leave.

Martha embraced Jesus. " Thank you Master for bringing back my brother".

" It gave me joy to restore one I love dearly to his family".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric