Looking Ahead
Today is Tuesday, October 30, 2012 Hurricane Sandy is one cold lady! Irony: I came from Louisiana and ended up on the edge of a hurricane! I encourage you to read this powerful message on the Sovereignty of God by my pastor, Charlie Bailey. Our newest short story collection, Christmas Jelly, is now available. I’ve posted one of my favorite short stories from the new book. Order here: Lazarus’ Second Funeral is from my latest book, Christmas Jelly. This story is one of several fictional ones in the new book. It comes from a thought I had: Lazarus died again. He died, was raised from the dead by Jesus, then later died again. That led to this short story. Enjoy! Lazarus’ Second Funeral I guess I’m only one who attended both of Boaz Lazurus’ funerals. The second one was yesterday. The first one was thirty-one years ago. Folks around here simply call me “Rabbi.” It’s a name I like. I remember Lazarus’ funeral well. I was a young rabbi, only recently assigned to the Bethany synagogue. I’ll never forget the raw grief of his two sisters, Mary and Martha. I had grown to love the Lazarus family and spent lots of time with them in the days leading up to his death. It was like being on a storm in the sea. Up one minute, down the next. The sisters had such hope that The Teacher would come and heal him. Martha, the older of the sisters, stood at the edge of town for two days waiting for Jesus to arrive. He didn’t come. And Lazarus died. Like the sisters, I questioned why the Teacher didn’t come when summoned. He’d supposedly healed the blind and lame. He could’ve healed his dear friend. But Lazarus died. I helped with the preparation, funeral, and burial. I was gone for a week after his burial. First Jerusalem then Jericho. On my way home to Bethany, I began hearing strange stories as I encountered travelers. Jesus had raised a man from the dead. A man from Bethany. The rumors used many names. Boaz was such a common name. It couldn’t be him. I had felt his cold body. I had helped bury him. Lazarus had died.
Curt’s Current Six Words
Curt’s Current Six words Pray Passionately Walk Daily Connect in Relationships Focused Simplicity Live with Gratitude! LLL be a Life Long Learner As of Oct. 19, 2012
Matthew 6:33 A Verse to Live By
My life verse is Matthew 6:33. Here are several one of my English language versions. 33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. NKJV 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. ASV 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ESV Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. The Message
