Thursday, May 31, 2012

Being Certain-5/31/2012 (rp)

"...that you may know the certainty concerning the things of which you were instructed." Acts 1:4

The author of the book of Luke, in a letter addressed to his very good friend and evident pupil, Theophilus, is also penning what has become known as the book of Acts to continue his education and ours. This letter traces the origin of the church for us, but for Luke's student, it was designed to be additional evidence concerning Divine truths. If additional evidence is being presented, it stands to reason that there has been primary evidence presented. This, in fact, was the book of Luke.

Beloved, we have all been given everything we need to become convinced of the reality of God, the facts of the gospel and the certainty of His promises. Despite this, it is human nature to experience doubt and to have questions. When we experience uncertainty, we are in good company. John the Baptist, the apostle Thomas and many of the other apostles and disciples all needed to have their faith strengthend.

To combat this, we have two great tools at our disposal. We first have the holy and divinely inspired scriptures. John famously wrote, "These things have I written to you that you may know that you have eternal life, even to you that believe on the name of the Son of God" 1 John 5:13. Secondly, we have our own life experiences. We can all look back on our lives and see where God is and has been there and the differences He has made.

Let us, like the most excellent Theophilus, be certain concerning the things of which we were instructed.

Rejoicing in the Lord,
 Lee

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

When the Going Gets Tough-5/30/2012

"Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Sam 30:6

Though a powerful fighter and commander, the as yet uncrowned David was a troubled and conflicted person. As is the case with many leaders, godly or otherwise, when things go wrong the blame lands squarely on the shoulders of the person in charge. David and his mighty men left their wives, children and possessions in what they thought was a safe place while they went off to fight. They returned to find that an enemy had raided their base, stolen their possessions and kidnapped their wives and children. David himself had two wives captured.

Beloved we all know what it is like to go through bad times. Any number of things can send us into despair. Suppose a critical and costly error is made on the job. Imagine an at fault car accident that causes someone to become badly hurt. Consider the occurrence of a situation that jeopardizes your ability to provide for your family. These and many other things can cause even the strongest person to fall apart. The loneliness in such a situation is profound. David, however, is an example of what to do in situations like these. We must remember who we are and whose we are. God has never failed us. All any of us has to do is look back across our lives to see that He has delivered us EVERY time. In fact, our ability to look back is proof in and of itself.

There may not always be a person or persons around to console and comfort us. There may not be those with whom you can consult in a time of trouble. It may be that everyone is not only looking to you to resolve a situation but they may very well array themselves against you for lack of a better target for their anger and pain. It is at times like these that we must encourage ourselves. It is at times like these that we must tap into the presence of God within us and remember. Having done that, as David did, we must take it to God and then move according to His will. Not only did David (and his people) ultimately prevail, they exceeded their previous position and possessions and had enough to share with the elders of Judah who were their friends.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Servanthood-5/29/2012

"I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me." Philemon 1:11

Onesimus was a runaway slave. Not much is known about how and why this situation came to be, however it is known that he somehow came into contact with Paul. Paul often refers to himself as a slave but a slave (or bondservant) to Christ. In fact, at this time, he was literally imprisoned. These are not the only two things these men shared in common. As he was introduced to the gospel on the Damascus road through an experience with the resurrected Savior, Paul, in turn, shared the gospel with Onesimus. As Paul was obedient, so was Onesimus. As Paul's life was completely changed, the same could be said for his new "son" in the faith.

Beloved, the fact that Onesimus ran away from his responsibilities and obligations indicates he was useless to his master. Though slavery was part of the culture of that time and geography, we can easily make application to ourselves and how we may have handled some of our own responsibilities in the past. By sharing the gospel with Onesimus and his acceptance of it, he became very useful to literally all of mankind. Before, he thought only of himself. Now he willingly became a servant. Before he shirked his duties. Now he was ready to work. Before, he ran away. Now he is going back home to make right what was wrong.

Christ makes all of the difference in this world and the next in the life of the believer. Let us remember that Jesus came for a purpose and that purpose was to give us a purpose. Now that we have been made useful in the sight of the Lord, let us apply ourselves to servanthood to man through servanthood to him.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

P.S. Apologies for my absence last week.  I neglected to inform you that I would be traveling to Puerto Rico on business (and a little pleasure).  God's grace has safely returned my daughter and me home.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Will Alignment-5/21/2012 (rp)

"He said, 'Thus says the Lord, 'Make this valley full of trenches.' "For thus says the Lord, 'You shall not see wind nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts." 2 Kings 3:16-17

The kings of Judah and Edom had allied themselves with aggrieved king of Israel, Jehoram, in an effort to do battle with the offending king of Moab. It should be noted that Jehoram was a wicked king but the king of Judah was righteous. Having set their battle plan to go through an area of wilderness, they found themselves without water for their men and animals. Wisely, they sought the prophet Elijah to advocate for them with God. It should also be noted that Elijah would have had nothing to do with Jehoram had it not been for the presence of Judah's king.

God's instruction, in short, was to prepare themselves for a miraculous blessing. They would have all the water they needed if they followed His instructions. They would not be inundated by rain which might have actually hindered their efforts, yet the Lord promised that they would have water.

Beloved, we do not always know how God will accomplish those things for which we have prayed, but we should always be prepared for an affirmative answer when the request aligns with His will. In this case the Moabites had offended God and wronged His people. It may be in your life that God take action in order to accomplish His will. Perhaps you WILL receive that promotion in order to be able to carry His word to more people and contribute more financially to His kingdom. Perhaps you WILL recover your health in an effort to be more convinced of His grace and mercy and will in turn be an encouragement to others. Perhaps He WILL send a spouse to you in order to allow you to defeat temptation and thereby be preserved. But as the kings did, you must prepare to receive such blessings.

God truly delivered on His promise to the kings. Water was delivered to the people of God via a flash flood from a distant storm. Not only did they have water to drink, but the blood like appearance of the waters' reflection of the rising sun caused the enemy to believe the kings had fought among themselves. Thinking this they went out to meet the prepared army and were themselves consumed.

Our God is a mighty God who blesses His children in accordance with His will. Does yours align with His? Despite the fact that there may be Jehorams in your life, be sure that you are the Judah that finds favor. God always comes through.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Friday, May 18, 2012

Trust in Jesus-5/18/2012

"Peter said to Him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And He said, 'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus." Matt 14:28-29

In 2000, a very popular movie called "The Perfect Storm," starring George Clooney, hit the theatres. In short, it was about a man trying to make a living by fishing who got himself and his crew in real trouble by ignoring advice to seek haven from a massive storm system that featured a hurricane. I think of this movie when I imagine Peter getting out of a boat in a relatively similar storm. I wonder how much I would trust the Lord in a similar situation.

The first time the apostles found themselves on a boat in the middle of a massive storm, Jesus was asleep in the lower part of the vessel. The apostles feared for their very lives and angrily woke Jesus and asked him why he was sleeping and if he cared that their lives were in danger. In this case there was little trust. I say little because they were fearful of their lives in the presence of the universe's creator, but they did consult him indicating that they thought there was something that he could do about their dire situation.

The next time they were on a boat in a storm, Jesus was not with them but came walking across the water to them. Recognizing him, it is evidenced that at least one of the apostles had grown in his trust for the Lord. Think again about the movie and then think about Peter getting out of the boat and walking across the water toward the Lord held up only by his trust of him.

Beloved we are like the apostles. We know Jesus and we know at least intellectually that of which he is capable. But early in our Christianity our instinct is to continue to rely on ourselves rather than the Lord. This is sometimes true well into our Christianity. However, the more we spend time with him, the more we get to know him, the more we learn about him, the more we see that he rescues us from situations we could not possibly rescue ourselves, the more we will trust him. As we continue to grow, we can then fully embody the sentiment, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me" Phi 4:13. Try him. Trust him.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Trusting God II-5/17/2012


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding." Prov 3:5

What do you think of when you consider the word "trust?" Is it reliability? How about keeping confidence? Security? Safety? Assurance? How ever it is defined, trust is more than a positive trait. When trust is shared, there is no need to construct barriers or defenses. The comfort of being vulnerable is no threat at all because trust is its own protection.

Beloved we must assign these and other qualities to our relationship with God. He has proven trustworthy time and time again. It is Him that provides for our every need, who gave us everything we have and has promised an eternity filled with joy and His own presence. To be sure, this can be difficult when tough times come. Our first inclination is to cover, protect and defend. Further, if we feel that God has become untrustworthy because He failed to do what we think He should have done, we withdraw. It is at times like these when trusting Him is most important. Is trust that is never tested trust at all?

Remember Abraham who trusted God enough to obey the command to sacrifice His promised son. Remember how he was delivered. Remember how Noah trusted God enough to build an ark ahead of a first of its kind rain storm. Remember how he and his family were saved. Remember how Rahab went against her people in favor of the people of God. Remember how she and her family were preserved.

There is every reason to trust God. Whether we know it or not, He has never let us down.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee



Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Trusting God-5/16/2012

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15

Most of us are no strangers to the trials and tribulations of Job. We know that he lost his family and everything he owned. On top of that his closest friends first came along to comfort him but then began to pile on to his woes by adding their criticisms and questioning his character. Many of us know what it is to suffer loss. Whether it is a dear loved one, a job, a blow to our reputation, a friend, or any other thing we hold close, loss can be a gut wrenching experience. Some of us even get angry with God... It is natural to have these feelings. He is the highest power to whom we can look for help in our time of need. He is also the highest One to whom we assign blame when things do not go as we would choose.

Beloved the exhortation today is to do as Job did, trust Him come what may. He is the Creator of the universe and the creator of each and every one of us. By definition, His ways are farther above ours than the heavens are above earth. He is without constriction regarding time, place and knowledge. In short, He knows more than we do and has a plan that we do not understand. In the short run, we many experience negative impacts associated with living life, but if we would maintain trust in Him, "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us" Rom 8:18. Just ask Lazarus (Luke 16:20-25).

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Monday, May 14, 2012

No Weapon Formed-5/14/2012 (rp)

"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper" Isa 54:17

There is a man discussed in the scriptures whose name is Lazarus. This Lazarus is known for his suffering and his story is irrevocably connected to one who did not suffer at all in life. Lazarus' story is a heart wrenching one in that he is described as being so sick he had sores, so weak he was laid at the rich man's gate, so poor he is described as a beggar, so friendless dogs gave him his only compassion and so hungry he just begged for crumbs.

Beloved, life can throw all kinds of adversity our way. Whether it is sourced in health difficulties, financial situations, relationship issues, catastrophes, bereavement or general lack, we all experience problems. What is our approach to dealing with what can sometimes be devastating consequences? Does it strengthen our faith or weaken it?

Lazarus eventually died, but we are told that he was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom, ostensibly a place of comfort and peace. Every Christian can expect that same future. Though we may suffer mightily in this life, you must know that no weapon, be it any of the aforementioned difficulties, will prosper against you. As long as you hold on to God's unchanging hand, you will prevail, be it in this life or the next. The Almighty has said, "Live faithful unto death and you will receive a crown of life," Rev 2:10.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Thursday, May 10, 2012

When Satan is Not the Problem-5/10/2012

"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust." James 1:11

As human beings, we tend to play the blame game when we find ourselves in a disadvantageous situation. Rare are the times when we take complete responsibility. Case in point, when humanity fell in the Garden, Eve blamed the serpent, then Adam blamed Eve and God. Though Satan has the power and desire to tempt, he does not have the power to decide for us nor force us to do anything.

Beloved we must always be aware of our weak areas. Each of us knows where we are vulnerable and subject to slip out of God's will. It is important to do all that can be done to overcome and remove unrighteous desires (whatever they may be) in order that they not be used against us. In an effort to make a point (rather than being literal), Jesus once said, "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." Matt 5:29.

In the end, it is we who make the decisions and commit the actions that are righteous or unrighteous. In the end, they cannot be blamed on Satan or God. We were created with free will and are responsible for the choices that we make. To be sure, Satan is a problem but he is not THE problem.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Targeted By Satan-5/9/2012

"And behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ' This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.' Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Matt 3:17-4:1

Jesus was approximately 30 years old when he was baptized by John the Baptizer. This was not an unusual age for a young rabbi to leave the tutelage of his master and to begin taking on disciples of his own. Jesus, however, was no ordinary young rabbi. At his baptism, we are told that the Holy Spirit came upon him like a dove and the voice of God from heaven identified him as His son. One would think that this was a moment of triumph to be followed immediately by a whirlwind tour of the known world to announce that salvation had come to all of humanity. Instead, Jesus was put into a confrontation with the enemy.

Beloved, there are many who feel that hearing, believing, repenting, confessing (Christ as Lord) and being baptized (for remission of sin and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) is the goal and destination of Christianity and that the Lord will handle everything else after that. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it is upon becoming a child of God that one truly shows up on Satan's radar. By virtue of declaring allegiance to the Father of righteousness, a target is applied and the battle is engaged. For this reason, we must be hyper aware and hyper vigilant.

No one need fall to the fiery darts of the devil. Jesus is our example. Three times in the famous temptation narrative, Satan makes offers that appeal to the human lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life and three times Jesus answers him with the word of God. He resisted Satan and Satan left him alone...for a while. When he tried again through Peter, he was again rebuffed until he was ultimately defeated on the cross of Calvary. To be sure, he lost that day, but he is still active and he is still targeting you. Misery loves company.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Resisting Satan-5/8/2012

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

It is sure that Satan exists and that he has targeted humanity as a tactic in his war with God. It is also sure that God knows this and has provided for our protection by equipping us with armor (Eph 6:11-18). By virtue of these facts, it becomes obvious that we have a role to play in this epic struggle. It is certainly up to us to "put on the full armor of God" but prior even to this, we must make a decision to resist Satan rather than submitting to him.

Beloved, it is critical that we understand Satan means us no good. To be sure, we are enticed by him with great subtlety and the use of all kinds of things that appeal to us but we must constantly be aware that indulgence in these things will take us outside the will of our Father. Despite the sometimes very soft and quiet manner in which Satan approaches, it is important to understand that, "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," 1 Peter 5:8. He means us no good at all.

I'm reminded of a campaign launched in the late 80's which was designed to keep kids off drugs. It was called "Just Say No!" It was a remarkable effort that accomplished at least three great things. First, it created awareness of a life threatening promise. Second, it provided direction and methodology to deal with the problem. Lastly, it worked. All said, it was simply a new twist on tried and true advice: RESIST! The more we resist, the stronger we will become and the less of a problem he will be.  We can literally put the devil on the run. Once we have decided to resist him, the word of God says that we will be successful.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Monday, May 7, 2012

The Reality of Satan-5/7/2012

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Eph 6:10-11

Today we tend only to speak of Satan in passing and then in vague terms. It is almost as if we do not think that he exists (which suits him just fine). We also think in terms of some red guy with horns, a pitchfork and a pointed tail. If only that were the case. Should he fit the stereotype, he would be easily identifiable, we would be able to see him coming and most likely avoid him.

The truth about him is that he is much more subtle than that. Though not called Satan at the time, we have come to understand that it was him that was referred to as "the serpent" in the Genesis account. In one simple conversation he introduced lies, deception, subtlety, manipulation, sin, evil, separation, destruction and death to mankind. These things and more can readily be seen to this day. More importantly, however, his actions in the Garden were not against man per se, but a strategic chess move on the board of eternity against God. We know from Scripture that Satan was once favored of God but was banished from heaven along with a third of the angels whom he had influenced to literally war against God. The battle still wages.

Beloved, God knows that we are being used as pawns by Satan. Satan is attempting to turn us away from the very One and the very reason we were created, to glorify God. Every time he influences an individual to operate outside the will of the Father, he accomplishes another move. God, however, has equipped us for this fight. He has supplied all we need to protect ourselves from his attack. But He has done so in a way that causes us to make a choice just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden and as man has done from that time. We must put on the armor to be protected. Failure to do so leaves us vulnerable and in prime pawn position. Let us not allow ourselves to be used in the fight against God. Let us fight for God. The good news is that the battle has already been won.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Go Tell Somebody-5/3/2012

"We have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One and He Himself is the propitiation [atoning sacrifice] for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1b-2.

It seems that many of us are a bit hesitant about evangelism. Perhaps it is because we feel that we need special training or that we have to "know the bible" to be able to share our faith with those who do not know the Lord. This presnts us with a problem that most people do not realize they have. Jesus said to his apostles (and to us by extension), "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" Matt 28:19-20. For the purposes of our discussion, "commanded you" is the key phrase. The Lord has given us all instructions to share his message with others.

Beloved, I invite you to think about the best news you have ever heard. More to the point, I invite you to think about the best thing that has ever happened to you. No one has to tell you to share the good news. In fact, no one could keep you from doing it. It is not unusual to get on the phone with friends in loved ones, post to social media, tell acquaintances at work, school and even church about your blessed good fortune. There is often little technical knowledge necessary, you are simply relating a difference that has been made in your life. That is all evangelism really is; it is simply sharing the good news of the gospel with someone else. All you really need to know is what it took to convince you. Naturally you will come to know more and be able to share more both from a biblical education and a life experience perspective, but to start, it could be as little as inviting someone to attend services or an organized bible study with you.

When we think about the enormity of what has been shared with us and the difference that it has made to our lives, think about the importance of our sharing the same thing with each other. John wrote that Jesus sacrificed himself not only for those of us who have come to believe but for everyone who ever has and ever will live. Somebody has to tell people this amazing fact. That somebody is you.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

No Weapon Formed-5/2/2012 (rp)

"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper" Isa 54:17

There is a man discussed in the scriptures whose name is Lazarus. This Lazarus is known for his suffering and his story is irrevocably connected to one who did not suffer at all in life. Lazarus' story is a heart wrenching one in that he is described as being so sick he had sores, so weak he was laid at the rich man's gate, so poor he is described as a beggar, so friendless dogs gave him his only compassion and so hungry he just begged for crumbs.

Beloved, life can throw all kinds of adversity our way. Whether it is sourced in health difficulties, financial situations, relationship issues, catastrophes, bereavement or general lack, we all experience problems. What is our approach to dealing with what can sometimes be devastating consequences? Does it strengthen our faith or weaken it?

Lazarus eventually died, but we are told that he was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom, ostensibly a place of comfort and peace. Every Christian can expect that same future. Though we may suffer mightily in this life, you must know that no weapon, be it any of the aforementioned difficulties, will prosper against you. As long as you hold on to God's unchanging hand, you will prevail, be it in this life or the next. The Almighty has said, "Live faithful unto death and you will receive a crown of life," Rev 2:10.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee