Thursday, June 30, 2011

If Not Us, Who?-6/30/2011

"...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." Jude 3-4

It should be no secret to anyone that Christianity is under attack. In fact the tradition of attacking our beliefs and our Savior has existed since he walked the earth, John 15:18-19. We have been told numerous times in scripture to expect this.

Most of us lead comfortable lives that are free from what we consider persecution. We have come to enjoy and rely on God's blessings so much that we have become complacent as a body of believers.

Prayer has been taken away from our children in school and we did not prevent it. The concept of marriage being limited to a man and a woman as it is in scripture is being set on its ear, state by state, day by day and we hide behind political correctness. During a time of tragedy when a gospel preacher was killed by his wife, the church was vilified by Nancy Grace who referred to us as a cult. We grumbled but watched. There are even efforts to have "In God We Trust" taken off of the currency and "one nation under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance though we are a nation built on a foundation of faith. In fact, NBC edited out that portion of the Pledge as recited by some children during a recent national broadcast. If we are not diligent, it will all happen.

We must contend for the faith. We must stand up for what we believe in. Proof that the enemy is alive, well and active is all around us. We must remain vigilant. We must remain engaged. We must not allow ourselves to be pushed back into the catacombs where we would be forced to practice our beliefs in secret. We must protect the faith and advance the boundaries of the Kingdom.

If not us, who?

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Eye On The Prize 6/29/2011 (rp)

"...let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Heb 12:1

When the epistles of the New Testament were written, they were done so in a language that the common person could understand. They often used parables, analogies, stories and turns of phrase that though contemporary for them, may be lost to us. In this case however, we certainly can understand the analogy of a race as it relates to Christian living.

The reader is invited to think in terms of the Olympic games. We can easily make this connection since we still celebrate a form of those games. Note how that in the "a" part of the verse it talks about a cloud of witnesses. Picture a stadium full of fans urging the runners on. The picture then shifts to us as the competing athletes. In order to run our fastest, it is necessary for us to shed some things. Those who study history may be aware that in the original games, athletes competed without clothing. Attire was considered an encumbrance that would serve to easily slow them down.

We are likewise encouraged to discard everything that would in any way hinder us from doing the will of the Lord. Certainly sin can and does prevent us from running an efficient race (living an effective Christian life) but there are other things that distract us that may not be sinful at all. Do you have the habit of missing worship because of your season tickets for the games of a local sports franchise? Does focusing all of your time and effort on the upkeep of your own home prevent you from using your ability to help someone less able with theirs? Does disposable income spent on self prevent you from giving more to the cause of Christ.

Beloved our desire must be to gain the approval of the Lord. We can do so by being diligent in our Christian living and continually striving for the prize.

Remember that "cloud of witnesses?" They ran the race before us and are now cheering us. That makes this race a relay. Not only was the gospel baton handed off to us, but we must hand it off to those who come after us. While we are running, however; we must endure and we must keep our eye on the prize.


Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Walking the Walk-6/28/2011

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." Matt 7:21

Nearing the end of his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus issues a warning to both believers and non believers. To the believers he says to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves, Matt 7:15. Though they may appear to be people of God, their true identity can be determined by their activities and habits.

To those who are simply pretending to serve the Almighty, Jesus also says that they will come to him attempting to make their case, claiming that they have done many righteous things in his name. He who is a discerner of the heart will send them away, labeling them as evil doers.

Beloved, their are two who know the true heart and mind: oneself and Jesus. Despite whatever facade we present or image we attempt to maintain, the truth is known and it is that truth that will determine our eternity. Let us not be so quick to identify disguised wolves outside of ourselves. We need to begin in the mirror and never walk too far away from it.

Jesus has said that a simple claim, in and of itself, will not do. It is not enough to talk the talk, but it is everything to walk the walk.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Monday, June 27, 2011

Pay Closer Attention-6/272011

"For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it." Heb 2:1

Chapter 1 of the book of Hebrews relates two basic but important pieces of information. First, it imparts that God speaks to us. He always has and does so even now through His son, Jesus. Second, it makes a clear distinction between Jesus and any other entity.

Beloved, because God is and because Jesus is who he is, we would be well served to listen to what He as revealed to us in His holy and divinely inspired word. Though the bible could never contain all that God is, it does contain all we need to know about Him. The scriptures are God breathed. In them are found the words of life. In fact, we should be so interested in Him who made us that we pattern ourselves after the Bereans (who searched the scriptures daily). It is by this that we will be able to determine who He is and what His will and way is for our lives.

In the word, we also learn all we need to know about our Savior. It tells us how and why he came to this earth, took on flesh, fed, taught, healed and eventually hung, bled and died, that we might have access to everlasting life. No other living being could have accomplished this. Our salvation is absolutely dependant upon this fact.

For this reason, we must attend ourselves to the things that have been given to us through the word of God.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Friday, June 24, 2011

When We Do Wrong 6/24/2011

"Nathan said to David, 'You are the man!'" 2 Sam 12:7

This scripture is the culmination of a series of events that literally tested the relationship between God and the one man that was closest to his heart. Most of us know the story of how David went from seeing a beautiful woman on a roof top to sending her husband to the front lines of a war, causing him to be killed.

God sent Nathan to him with a hypothetical situation about a man who had stolen something very dear and precious from another even though the man had plenty. David was very angry and ruled that the thief be punished, even mentioning death. It was at this time that Nathan revealed that it was he who was the thief.

Beloved has God ever sent someone to you under similar circumstances? If so, how did you receive them? The fact is, we all know when we do wrong. In fact, we do as much as possible to cover that wrong. Despite our best efforts, there is the possibility that we could be discovered. Whether we are or not, God knows. In this case, God was angry with David, yet loved him enough to correct and eventually restore him. He sent a friend.

We must seek to do the will of God in every word, thought and deed. Should there be a time when we fall short and someone comes in the spirit of meekness to inform and restore us, let us receive them as David did Nathan. And let us realign ourselves with the will of the Father. We all make mistakes but we do not have to become them.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Futility of Accumulation-6/23/2011

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." Prov 22:1

This bit of wisdom is counter to the conspicuous consumption norms we see in society today. We judge and are judged by the type of cars we drive, the watches we wear and the addresses we maintain. But to what end?

Beloved, the Christian's main priority is to be in possession of the grace and mercy of God. Should we feel the need to be judged by man, let it be that we are blameless, children of the Almighty, disciples of Christ and lovers of all mankind. If there is anything we boast, let it be the love of the Lord.

It has been said that one never sees a U-Haul following a hearse. Likewise, it is not the things that we accumulate in this life that will follow us into eternity, but our manner of living that will determine our eternity.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Praise The Lord!-6/22/2011

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!" Psa 150:6

What comes to mind when we think of the word "praise?" Within the context of scripture it literally means to brag, commend and celebrate. Is that not what we do when one of our little ones succeed in little league sports, school or cleaning his or her room? For the older of us, do we not experience a sense of pride when we tell others about our children's exploits in business, education or relationships?

Beloved we are no strangers to praise. In fact, we often seek praise ourselves when we feel that we have accomplished something worthy of commendation. Much of what we do is sourced in the desire to receive positive feedback.

Since we are so well acquainted with the concept, why not give praise to whom it is primarily due? He who created us is worthy of our praise. He who came that we might have life and that more abundantly is worthy of our praise. He who supplies all of our needs is worthy of our praise. It is He from whom all blessings flow that is worthy of our praise.

As we go about our day to day activities in this life that He supplies, let us make an effort to praise Him in the highest for all that He has done, is doing and is about to do. Let us brag on His goodness, commend Him for His creation and celebrate His grace and mercy. As long as we have breath, let us praise the Lord!

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Monday, June 20, 2011

Jesus is First-6/21/2011

"For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. " He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Matt 10:35-37

Beloved, this both a complex and challenging passage of scripture. How could our loving savior say such a thing? Are we not to love one another, especially our families? Are we not instructed to honor our mothers and fathers and grieve not our children and children to obey parents?

Jesus is using a device that takes things to the extreme in order to make a point. This was also done when he spoke of plucking out one's offending eye and cutting off one's right hand rather than enter hell whole and with full sight, Matt 18:8-9. The message here is twofold.

First, being a child of God is an all or nothing proposition. Either you pursue a life of righteousness or you do not. Either you resist and even fight evil or you do not. You are on one side of the line between darkness and light or the other. One need only think back to the American Civil War to know that brother fought against brother over divided loyalties and mutually exclusive ideals. Think then, of your own family. How many of your relatives are non Christians? Is there ever hostility surrounding your spiritually based differences with them?

The drawing of battle lines between us is not here suggested, for we battle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. As Christians, our responsibility is to win those who remain in darkness. That said, however, all who are not of God are ultimately the enemies of God.

Secondly, as important as it is to lead righteous lives and therefore be examples to our non Christian family members, we ultimately must prioritize God. Parents, in-laws, siblings and cousins have no ability to save our souls. This is the sole domain of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Since he is our creator and redeemer, the one who died on the cross that we might live, all other relationships and priorities should pale into insignificance compared to our relationship with him. We are to love him with all our heart, soul and might.

Love your family. Love them hard and be the presence of Christ to them. But always put first the One from whom all blessings flow.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Fishers of Men-6/20/2011

"...Jesus said to Simon, 'Fear not; from henceforth you shall catch men.' And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all and followed him." Luke 5:10-11

Jesus, continuing to do the work of the Father who sent him, found himself pressed in on all sides by a multitude desiring to hear a word from him. In that he was on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, he entered the boat of his friend Simon and asked him to put out a little from the land so that he could address the people.

When this was concluded, he instructed Simon to launch out into the deep and put down his nets (Simon was a fisherman). Simon noted the oddity of the request, because the traditional time of fishing had passed and that when he had fished, he caught nothing. Nevertheless, he complied with Jesus' instructions. In so doing, he caught so many fish that his boat and that of his partners, James and John, were in danger of sinking.

Beloved, Jesus gives us the greatest example of being about the Father's business. He showed that there would always be a need to care for the people. Through the metaphor of Simon's great catch, he also showed that "the harvest (of souls) was abundant but that the workers were few." We are to be about our Father's business at all times and in all ways. As all Christians are part of the harvest, we in turn need to harvest others.

As they made it to shore, Jesus supplied them with their mission in life; they were to become fishers of men.

As we bring to a close our Water Gospels and make plans to exit the ship tomorrow and thus bring to a conclusion the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, let us take this final lesson with us: We have learned much on the sea, but the work of the Lord is on the land. That said, we must observe a particular caution.

In John 21, Jesus has been crucified and resurrected and could now be seen interacting with the people, but what about his apostles? "Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter *said to them, “I am going fishing.” They *said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:2-3

Once we have left the classroom of the sea, let us not return to it and indulge old habits and practices. We have been given a great mission. Let us pursue it with all vigor. To go back, as the disciples found, produces nothing.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Friday, June 17, 2011

The Patience of God-6/17/2011

And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, " You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matt 14:29-31

Jesus had just fed the five thousand plus. He then sent his apostles away to cross the Sea of Galilee while he took some time to himself to pray. Just as Jesus needed time away from the rigors of his mission to spend time with the Father, we likewise are sequestered from our day to day responsibilities to enjoy the Family Gospel Cruise and focus on communing with our Lord.

Soon, the apostles found themselves enduring yet another storm. You'll recall in yesterday's lesson, Jesus was with them on the ship asleep. This time, he walked on the water through the storm to get to them. It is clear that he is the master of creation but more to the point, he is the master over our storms. One might ask why he allows us to go through storms at all. Should you ask that question, ask also if you have not come out of every storm better than when you went in.

Since the last storm, Peter had grown in his faith enough to be convinced that if Jesus would call him, he would be able to walk on the waves as well. Jesus called him and he did just that. The bible says, however, that once he took his eyes off Jesus, the storm began to consume him.

Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we continue to focus on him, we can walk on our storms until we, as the apostles were, are delivered. Jesus saved Peter and by calming the sea, he not only also saved the apostles, he them to be at their destination immediately.

Despite our doubts, fears, concerns and worries, our God is patient with us and if we are willing, He saves.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Jesus vs. Our Storms-6/16/2011

"And there *arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up." Mark 4:37

Today's installment of the "Water Gospels" is related as a series of statements and thought provoking questions.

We agreed yesterday (as we considered Jonah's woes) that storms enter all of our lives.
What are some storms that you have endured?
How did you get through them?

The disciples found themselves enduring a storm. The bible says that they were very
frightened.
Have your storms ever frightened you?
What did you do?

Scripture tells us that Jesus was asleep.
What does it meant that Jesus was sleeping?
Is the point really that he was there?
Has he been there in your storms?

The disciples were concerned about dying and questioned whether the savior cared.
Are there times when you think God is not with you, or not paying attention?
Have you ever read the poem "Footsteps in the Sand?"
Our saviour has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Jesus calmed the storm by speaking words.
What does that say about him?
Does it remind you of the creation account?
What does it say about your storms?
What does our fear say about our faith?

The disciples wondered what manner of man he was?
What does that tell us about them?
What does it tell us about ourselves?

In our next lesson, we will talk about how they found out just what manner of man he
is.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Spiritual ADD-6/15/2011

"Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep." Jonah 1:2-5

Oftentimes, we as Christians suffer from spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). With our minds and mouths we acknowledge God as the King of our lives, our Creator, the Almighty and our Father. We are His people and we know it. We are to be obedient and we know it. He loves us and wants the best for us and we know it. Our actions from time to time, however, belie these truths. In fact, we will sometimes go out of our way to be out of His way.

Jonah was a prophet of God. His whole reason for existing was to impart God's word to those whom he was charged to give it. That said, not only did he refuse direct instructions from God to preach to a people desperately in need of the word, he actually paid money to get on a ship headed the opposite direction.

As we continue in our "Water Gospels" during our study time on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, note that it was on the water that God got Jonah's attention. The bible said that a great storm came upon the ship causing all to fear and seek out divine intervention.

Beloved we all have storms in our lives. They come in a variety of guises, but none of us is ignorant of a storm when we are in one. During these storms, we must ask ourselves if God is trying to get our attention.

It is interesting to know that once guilt ridden Jonah was thrown overboard at his own request, the storm that was afflicting the innocent around him ceased immediately. Further, Jonah spent the next three days in the belly of a fish. This was plenty of time to contemplate both the benefits of obedience and his relationship with God.

What will it take for God to get your attention?

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

God Punishes, God Preserves-6/14/2011

"Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark — you and your sons and your wife, and your sons' wives with you." Gen 6:17-18

Today, men and women are given in marriage. Today there is a lot of evil present and things are being done that are scarcely imaginable. These things grieve God. People are corrupt and filled with violence. Despite this, however, there are some good people who follow God.

Though all of these statements are true in 2011, you will find the same conditions discussed in Genesis 6:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13. Then, it was these very stated situations that caused God to bring about the greatest calamity in history. To be sure, we have earthquakes, droughts, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods but nothing compares to what He brought about then.

Despite this, God ensured that mankind would survive by preserving the righteous Noah and his family. It should also be said that He gave all of mankind time to repent and seek safety in the vehicle prepared for salvation.

As we (on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise) look away from our own ark of safety in the midst of the sea, we can view what Noah and his family saw: water as far as the eye could see in all directions. In that the same conditions of Noah's time persist today, if they were deserving of destruction, what of us? Is the story of Noah a warning to the church? Is it a warning to us in our own personal lives?

God certainly punishes. According to Gen 8:1-5, God also relented in His punishment even as He does with us.

Beloved, the promise that He made then still holds true today. He will never destroy the earth with water again. He has always ensured that there will be a remnant of His people to continue to live and glorify His name. 1 Peter 3:20-21 says that, "the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." As there was a vehicle to save man in Noah's time, there is one that remains to save us to this day. Let us heed the warning while there is yet still time. God preserve us.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Monday, June 13, 2011

God Provides-6/13/2011

Beloved,

Heartfelt thanks for all who prayed for the success of the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise. We had a glorious time in the Lord and all who went came away encouraged, edified and more educated. It was wonderful to see the beauty of God's creation, fellowship with the saints, study His word and build new bonds.

Each day, our study focused on a lesson that took place on the water. This week, I will share those lessons with you, faithful reader.


"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Gen 1:2

On a cruise, we are surrounded by water. This can be a very surreal sight. Just hours ago we were surrounded by asphalt, brick, mortar, steel and cement. Today, we visited a small island in the Bahamas with no asphalt, brick or mortar to speak of. As the travelers debarked for a day of fun, individuals were noticed, then people by the tens, hundreds and then thousands. There were big ones, small ones, male ones, female ones, young ones, old ones and folks form dozens of countries.

This all served to remind me of creation. In Gen 1:1, the scriptures reveal that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 2, the focus of the account is the earth. Water is the first created thing mentioned. In fact,the argument could be made that all that could be seen in the beginning was water. By simply looking out to the horizon, we can get a glimpse of what the earth may have looked like in it's infancy. Verse 6 goes on to say that the sky was created to separate the waters on the surface from the waters in the sky (clouds) and verse 9 sees the gathering of the waters into their designated areas thereby giving place to the land. On the land grew the trees and lived the animals and man. So even on the fist day of our journey, we have been reminded of the first days of the Master's creation.

Beloved, allow these true wonders to remind us that God provides. In His eternal self existence, He needed nothing. He embarked on this creative enterprise for His own glory and for the benefit of His creation's pinnacle, mankind. In creating all that we know, see and are, He has provided all we need to be fruitful, multiply and give Him all the glory!

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Hiatus

Beloved,

As I am participating in the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise (and all of the communication challenges that involves), the Daily Devotional will be on hiatus this week.

As always, I encourage you to read your bible daily. Please also see www.ofallonminister.bloodspot.com to access previous devotions.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Friday, June 3, 2011

Always II-6/3/2011

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17

It was during a conversation with the apostles that the Savior uttered these bittersweet words. The words were bitter in that he was informing them of his imminent departure. The words were sweet in that he was also informing them (and us) that we would not be left as orphans but that he would come to us.

Beloved it is critical that we understand the importance of these words. It was necessary for Jesus to be taken from the world physically in order to pay our debt. The good news, however, is twofold. First, his willing sacrifice enables us to become children of God rather than remaining orphans. Second his presence would not only be with us but within us! Through the Helper, also called the Comforter and Holy Spirit, we become temples because the presence of God has moved in! You will recall that in Acts 2:38, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit upon repentance and baptism. We also know that the Spirit, among other things is God's assurance of our redemption and inheritance, Eph 1:13-14.

Not only are we never alone after we have accepted Christ, he has told us that we will never be alone again. God truly lives within you.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Always 6/2/2011

"I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:20

It seems that people are constantly moving in and out of our lives. It has also been said that people enter our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Even this, however, does not speak to the quality of those relationships. We all know what it is like to experience the highest highs and lowest lows as a result of having interacted with the people who have touched our lives.

What we often lack in our relationships is stability and consistency. Think about it. Relationships designed to be permanent, like marriage, are deteriorating at a rate of fifty percent these days. Our children who we nurture from before birth eventually develop relationships of their own, leave home and even move away. Similarly, ask yourself if you have any former best friends.

Beloved, the one relationship that we can count on for quantity and quality is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He has said that he will never leave, nor forsake us, Heb 13:5. He has said that we are his friends, John 15:15. He has said that where he is, we will also be, John 14:3. He has laid down his life for us, John 15:13.

If you are ever feeling alone and are of a mind that no one cares or understands, know that Jesus does. Our relationship with him is one on which we can absolutely count.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Giving God the Glory 6/1/2011

"And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died." Acts 12:23

King Herod was a bad man. As the secular king of the Jews, he made sport of killing certain members of the church. In fact, he brought death to the apostle James. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he also took Peter into custody with the intent of doing the same thing, Acts 12:1-3. God delivered Peter from this fate through the agency of an angel.

Later, during an audience with a beholden people, Herod gave a great speech. Whether moved or motivated simply by the desire to find favor from the king on whom they depended for their very food, the people lavished praise upon him saying that his was "the voice of a god and not of a man." It was at this time that an angel of the Lord brought Herod's existence to a close.

Beloved, there are two points to be made here. First, the will of God will not be confounded. Jesus told James that he would drink from the cup and be baptized with the baptism that he himself would endure, indicating his suffering and death, Mark 10:39. He told Peter, however, that he would be given the keys to the kingdom, commonly understood to mean that he would be involved in opening the doors to the church, Acts 2. He was therefore preserved in the face of certain death.

Secondly, we must always be careful to give God the praise. Herod, again, secular king of God's own people, was happy to be spoken of in terms of Deity. Needless to say, the praise was not his to accept. Let us always remember that we are who we are, have what we have and do what we do by the grace of the Almighty. Should praise come our way for anything accomplished by His might and in His service, we must immediately give credit where credit is due.

Loving Like Jesus,
Lee