"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." Ex 14:13
Worrying is an interesting pursuit. It comes naturally to us all. Whenever we find ourselves in a conundrum without the ability to affect the outcome, worrying is a default reaction. We fret, we discuss it with our friends, we cry, we get depressed and become despondent. Did you ever notice the effectiveness of that particular tactic?
The fact is, worrying has never accomplished a thing. Faith in God, however, always yields results, even if the result is greater reliance on Him. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1. That substance and that evidence are products and proof of His existence. It is when we come to the end of our own abilities and efforts, possessing no other means to affect the situation that we are forced to stand still. It is during these still moments and times that the glory of God burns brightest.
Do you want to see God? Stand still!
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Forgive-DD 4/29/2010
"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."
Matt 6:14-15
Forgiving others can be an awful tough thing to do. Man is capable of all kinds of inhumanity to man. It is unnecessary to list offenses because it is suspected that at the reading of the scripture, many if not all of us went to a place in our minds where a struggle to forgive resides.
Sometimes we just have to get down to biblical brass tacks. There is no maybe, there is no probably and there is no might. The Lord unequivocally says that we are to forgive, period. He even goes further to say that His forgiveness of us is absolutely conditional upon our forgiveness of others. Let us be clear; if we do not forgive others, He will not forgive us!
Beware also of "forgiveness fatigue," when faced with the need to forgive more than once or twice. "Then came Peter to him and siad, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Seven times? Jesus said to him, 'Not seven times, but seventy times seven.'" Matt 18:24.
Perhaps the best perspective to adopt when considering the wrongs that have been done to us is this: recall every single thing you have ever done that is outside the will of God. Everything. Remember then how you earnestly prayed, sometimes to the point of tears that God would forgive you. Then imagine God saying, "No. I will not forgive you for that. I will remember it throughout eternity and will periodically remind you of what you have done." Who among us would be able to live under such condemnation? When we fail to forgive, we not only subject our fellow human beings to the earthly version of this, but we perhaps unwittingly, subject ourselves to the eternal version of this.
"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions." Mark 11:25
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."
Matt 6:14-15
Forgiving others can be an awful tough thing to do. Man is capable of all kinds of inhumanity to man. It is unnecessary to list offenses because it is suspected that at the reading of the scripture, many if not all of us went to a place in our minds where a struggle to forgive resides.
Sometimes we just have to get down to biblical brass tacks. There is no maybe, there is no probably and there is no might. The Lord unequivocally says that we are to forgive, period. He even goes further to say that His forgiveness of us is absolutely conditional upon our forgiveness of others. Let us be clear; if we do not forgive others, He will not forgive us!
Beware also of "forgiveness fatigue," when faced with the need to forgive more than once or twice. "Then came Peter to him and siad, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Seven times? Jesus said to him, 'Not seven times, but seventy times seven.'" Matt 18:24.
Perhaps the best perspective to adopt when considering the wrongs that have been done to us is this: recall every single thing you have ever done that is outside the will of God. Everything. Remember then how you earnestly prayed, sometimes to the point of tears that God would forgive you. Then imagine God saying, "No. I will not forgive you for that. I will remember it throughout eternity and will periodically remind you of what you have done." Who among us would be able to live under such condemnation? When we fail to forgive, we not only subject our fellow human beings to the earthly version of this, but we perhaps unwittingly, subject ourselves to the eternal version of this.
"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions." Mark 11:25
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Love Your Enemies-DD 4/28/2010
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matt 5:44
To be sure, we all, if not now then at some point in our lives, have endured adversarial relationships. There are so many ways that we as individuals find ourselves at cross purposes with others. These situations can range from mild avoidance to open hostility. We are often involved in employing an offensive strategy of retribution for past transgressions or a defensive strategy when we are under attack. This seldom, if ever, accomplishes anything at all.
Whenever we think about our enemies, we should immediately think about ourselves and our relationship with God. He has said, "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20
We must also remember that at one time, we were enemies of our very Creator, yet He loved us and saved us through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son. We know from the scene at the garden of Gethsemane that this was not an easy thing. Likewise, it may be difficult to reconcile with your own enemies. The Lord, however, has given us both the command and the example to love despite it all. To be sure, your enemies may not respond favorably to your overtures. Know that God never commanded or equipped you to make your enemies love you, but for you to love them demonstrably through prayer and good deeds.
The more enemies you love, the fewer you will have.
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
To be sure, we all, if not now then at some point in our lives, have endured adversarial relationships. There are so many ways that we as individuals find ourselves at cross purposes with others. These situations can range from mild avoidance to open hostility. We are often involved in employing an offensive strategy of retribution for past transgressions or a defensive strategy when we are under attack. This seldom, if ever, accomplishes anything at all.
Whenever we think about our enemies, we should immediately think about ourselves and our relationship with God. He has said, "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20
We must also remember that at one time, we were enemies of our very Creator, yet He loved us and saved us through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son. We know from the scene at the garden of Gethsemane that this was not an easy thing. Likewise, it may be difficult to reconcile with your own enemies. The Lord, however, has given us both the command and the example to love despite it all. To be sure, your enemies may not respond favorably to your overtures. Know that God never commanded or equipped you to make your enemies love you, but for you to love them demonstrably through prayer and good deeds.
The more enemies you love, the fewer you will have.
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mmm Mmm Good-DD 4/27/2010
" As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"
1 Peter 2:2
With a new baby in the house, it is easy to find resonance in this scripture. The little ones have neither the ability nor the desire to eat a big juicy steak or a quick burger at the local fast food franchise. As newborns, they need one thing and one thing only for their nourishment. They need milk.
Milk, particularly mother's milk, provides them with ever nutrient needed to facilitate their growth and development. It has properties that help them to resist illness and build up their immune systems. It is nothing short of the perfect food. If you have ever seen one of the little ones go after it, you will know that their desire for it is strong and seemingly continuous. Before, long, their weight and vitality begins to multiply. Lastly, the feeding is an incredible bonding experience between mother and child.
As Christians, we too need spiritual food. Our food is the word. Like milk, it is the perfect food for us. It promotes spiritual growth and helps us increase our resistance to sin. There is nothing in it that is not needed and none of it should go to waste. We are to crave the word, needing to access it frequently lest we begin to perish, or worse, seek junk food creeds and catechisms that will ultimately destroy us. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness found therein. This hunger brings us ever closer to our Lord.
Whether we come into contact with the written or spoken word, the scriptures are vital to our Christian lives and good for our souls.
"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalms 119:103
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival
Lee
1 Peter 2:2
With a new baby in the house, it is easy to find resonance in this scripture. The little ones have neither the ability nor the desire to eat a big juicy steak or a quick burger at the local fast food franchise. As newborns, they need one thing and one thing only for their nourishment. They need milk.
Milk, particularly mother's milk, provides them with ever nutrient needed to facilitate their growth and development. It has properties that help them to resist illness and build up their immune systems. It is nothing short of the perfect food. If you have ever seen one of the little ones go after it, you will know that their desire for it is strong and seemingly continuous. Before, long, their weight and vitality begins to multiply. Lastly, the feeding is an incredible bonding experience between mother and child.
As Christians, we too need spiritual food. Our food is the word. Like milk, it is the perfect food for us. It promotes spiritual growth and helps us increase our resistance to sin. There is nothing in it that is not needed and none of it should go to waste. We are to crave the word, needing to access it frequently lest we begin to perish, or worse, seek junk food creeds and catechisms that will ultimately destroy us. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness found therein. This hunger brings us ever closer to our Lord.
Whether we come into contact with the written or spoken word, the scriptures are vital to our Christian lives and good for our souls.
"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalms 119:103
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival
Lee
Monday, April 26, 2010
If The Lord Wills-DD 4/26/2010
"Come now, you who say, " Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, " If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." James 4:13-15
In this day and age, we busy ourselves with all kinds of pursuits. They are many and varied in their content and scope. These activities often involve setting goals, creating action steps and measuring impact or results. This is what every job teaches us to do. That training filters into our family life and becomes who we are.
I submit to you that there is a missing component in all of our grand planning. Too often, we fail to consult God. Surely he has equipped us with ability, however, the greater gift is His ability. The scriptures are replete with examples of times and events where God's direction was sought in prayer and times when it was not.
To be clear, prayer does not guarantee the success of our plans. The point is that He may have other plans for us or the situation. We are but a small component of the His grand plan and we do not often see or understand our place in it. This is where faith comes in. We must rely upon our Father to know what is best and to do what is best.
When you plan pray. When you pray always pray that your righteous desires will fit within the will of the Almighty.
[Memory verse of the week: Revelation 3:20-21]
In Revival,
In this day and age, we busy ourselves with all kinds of pursuits. They are many and varied in their content and scope. These activities often involve setting goals, creating action steps and measuring impact or results. This is what every job teaches us to do. That training filters into our family life and becomes who we are.
I submit to you that there is a missing component in all of our grand planning. Too often, we fail to consult God. Surely he has equipped us with ability, however, the greater gift is His ability. The scriptures are replete with examples of times and events where God's direction was sought in prayer and times when it was not.
To be clear, prayer does not guarantee the success of our plans. The point is that He may have other plans for us or the situation. We are but a small component of the His grand plan and we do not often see or understand our place in it. This is where faith comes in. We must rely upon our Father to know what is best and to do what is best.
When you plan pray. When you pray always pray that your righteous desires will fit within the will of the Almighty.
[Memory verse of the week: Revelation 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, April 23, 2010
Resist Temptation-DD 4/23/2010
"Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt 26:41
One of the great realities in life is that we know right from wrong. Whether we receive our morals from the bible, law, society or upbringing, we are fitted with an innate sense of good and evil. Depending on the afforementioned sources, what may be absolutely right for some may be absolutely wrong for others. Romans 14:5 bears this thought out. Romans 14:22-23 tells us that we get into trouble when we start operating outside of our convictions (just read the whole chapter). Let us then, each consider the following as it relates to ourselves and not what we see in others.
Having an understanding of righteousness, why are we so easily tempted to dabble, if not jump completely into sin? We were all born with a sin nature. We were all born into darkness. It is in fact, our native tongue and from whence we come. Thanks be to God that we were saved from sin but in truth, we are never far from it. We make many frequent visits to our former home whether it is through the desires of the eye, the flesh or our pride, 1 John 2:16.
Our ever present task is to resist temptation. This is absolutely critical to our spiritual health and welfare. Though sin may be attractive to our old selves because of the way it looks, feels, smells and tastes, we must know that these temporary pleasures end in death. In that none of us are free from sin, resisting temptation represents a difficulty for all of us. Be assured that it is not as difficult as leaving heaven, being abused by those you created and dying an agonizing self sacrificing death for people who to this day do not accept it or believe it. How is that for perspective?
We are not, however, without help. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Cor 10:13. It is up to us to use the escape God provides.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
One of the great realities in life is that we know right from wrong. Whether we receive our morals from the bible, law, society or upbringing, we are fitted with an innate sense of good and evil. Depending on the afforementioned sources, what may be absolutely right for some may be absolutely wrong for others. Romans 14:5 bears this thought out. Romans 14:22-23 tells us that we get into trouble when we start operating outside of our convictions (just read the whole chapter). Let us then, each consider the following as it relates to ourselves and not what we see in others.
Having an understanding of righteousness, why are we so easily tempted to dabble, if not jump completely into sin? We were all born with a sin nature. We were all born into darkness. It is in fact, our native tongue and from whence we come. Thanks be to God that we were saved from sin but in truth, we are never far from it. We make many frequent visits to our former home whether it is through the desires of the eye, the flesh or our pride, 1 John 2:16.
Our ever present task is to resist temptation. This is absolutely critical to our spiritual health and welfare. Though sin may be attractive to our old selves because of the way it looks, feels, smells and tastes, we must know that these temporary pleasures end in death. In that none of us are free from sin, resisting temptation represents a difficulty for all of us. Be assured that it is not as difficult as leaving heaven, being abused by those you created and dying an agonizing self sacrificing death for people who to this day do not accept it or believe it. How is that for perspective?
We are not, however, without help. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Cor 10:13. It is up to us to use the escape God provides.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Stuff vs. Heaven-DD 4/22/2010
"But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions." Matt 19:21
It can hardly be argued that we live in society that esteems material possessions highly. People who have accumulated great wealth are often placed on pedestals. Their "wrongs" are overlooked and their "rights" are magnified. Many of us aspire to be like them or to position ourselves close to them in the hopes that we can somehow come close to their lifestyle. Earthly wealth and success however, can be an amazingly short term thing. Jesus said in Matt 19:24, "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
Moses, when faced with the decision to continue living in the lap of luxury or sacrifice all in pursuit of God, willingly left the position, power and possessions of Egypt. The rich young ruler made a different choice. While Moses looked forward to Christ, the young ruler spoke to him face to face. When he was told to leave his possessions in order to gain heaven, he famously walked away.
Beloved, we must all be acutely aware that our present is not our future. Whether abjectly poor or fabulously opulent, we must all know that an eternity with the Father will be beyond what we have the ability to conceive. Nothing that we possess in this present time should be allowed to keep us from that future. Put another way, don't let anything on earth keep you out of heaven.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
It can hardly be argued that we live in society that esteems material possessions highly. People who have accumulated great wealth are often placed on pedestals. Their "wrongs" are overlooked and their "rights" are magnified. Many of us aspire to be like them or to position ourselves close to them in the hopes that we can somehow come close to their lifestyle. Earthly wealth and success however, can be an amazingly short term thing. Jesus said in Matt 19:24, "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
Moses, when faced with the decision to continue living in the lap of luxury or sacrifice all in pursuit of God, willingly left the position, power and possessions of Egypt. The rich young ruler made a different choice. While Moses looked forward to Christ, the young ruler spoke to him face to face. When he was told to leave his possessions in order to gain heaven, he famously walked away.
Beloved, we must all be acutely aware that our present is not our future. Whether abjectly poor or fabulously opulent, we must all know that an eternity with the Father will be beyond what we have the ability to conceive. Nothing that we possess in this present time should be allowed to keep us from that future. Put another way, don't let anything on earth keep you out of heaven.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Experiencing Anger-DD 4/21/2010
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." Eph 4:26-27
It goes without saying that there is no shortage of things in life that can cause us to become angry. Between traffic, co-workers, the kids and yes, even brothers and sisters in the church, it is not unusual to find ourselves experiencing this emotion from time to time.
You might be surprised to know that in the 234 times it is mentioned in the KJV, the bible does not speak against experiencing anger. In fact, God is described as being angry on a number of occasions. The scriptures do, however, give parameters. Among others, we are to be slow to anger. Eph 4:38 advises us to put a great deal of distance between anger and ourselves. Our scripture of the day encourages us to not allow it to linger.
Further, we must continue to evaluate within ourselves what makes us angry, why any given thing causes us anger and perhaps most importantly of all, how we handle that anger. When Jesus became angry at the cleansing of the temple, it was due to a failure in righteousness. What would life be like if this was the only thing that upset us?
In all things, let us be sure to not give place to Satan. Surely it is a better use of our time to rejoice in the Lord and again I say, rejoice!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13, 14]
In Revival,
Lee
It goes without saying that there is no shortage of things in life that can cause us to become angry. Between traffic, co-workers, the kids and yes, even brothers and sisters in the church, it is not unusual to find ourselves experiencing this emotion from time to time.
You might be surprised to know that in the 234 times it is mentioned in the KJV, the bible does not speak against experiencing anger. In fact, God is described as being angry on a number of occasions. The scriptures do, however, give parameters. Among others, we are to be slow to anger. Eph 4:38 advises us to put a great deal of distance between anger and ourselves. Our scripture of the day encourages us to not allow it to linger.
Further, we must continue to evaluate within ourselves what makes us angry, why any given thing causes us anger and perhaps most importantly of all, how we handle that anger. When Jesus became angry at the cleansing of the temple, it was due to a failure in righteousness. What would life be like if this was the only thing that upset us?
In all things, let us be sure to not give place to Satan. Surely it is a better use of our time to rejoice in the Lord and again I say, rejoice!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13, 14]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Stone Praise-DD 4/20/2010
"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
Luke 19:38
When Jesus made his triumphant yet ill fated entrance into Jerusalem, the bible records that the people spread their clothes on the ground for his mount to walk upon and that "they began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen." Naturally, not everyone felt that same jubilation. In fact there were those who did not understand what all the fuss was about and were clearly irritated. They asked Jesus to shut them up.
Beloved it is right for the people of God to praise Him. The scriptures are replete with encouragements to "praise ye the Lord!" There are also many scriptural examples of people who stood against the Lord and those that praise Him. Now as then, the sons and daughters of the Almighty should never allow anyone to legislate nor dictate our adoration for the Lord. He is indeed worthy of any and all glory and honor we can muster, for He is the great I AM! The redeemed of the Lord who have seen His mighty hand ought to say so!
If we do not praise our Father for all He has done, is doing and is about to do, the very stones of the earth will cry out. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to let a rock out praise me!
PRAISE THE LORD!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
Luke 19:38
When Jesus made his triumphant yet ill fated entrance into Jerusalem, the bible records that the people spread their clothes on the ground for his mount to walk upon and that "they began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen." Naturally, not everyone felt that same jubilation. In fact there were those who did not understand what all the fuss was about and were clearly irritated. They asked Jesus to shut them up.
Beloved it is right for the people of God to praise Him. The scriptures are replete with encouragements to "praise ye the Lord!" There are also many scriptural examples of people who stood against the Lord and those that praise Him. Now as then, the sons and daughters of the Almighty should never allow anyone to legislate nor dictate our adoration for the Lord. He is indeed worthy of any and all glory and honor we can muster, for He is the great I AM! The redeemed of the Lord who have seen His mighty hand ought to say so!
If we do not praise our Father for all He has done, is doing and is about to do, the very stones of the earth will cry out. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to let a rock out praise me!
PRAISE THE LORD!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, April 19, 2010
Serve The Lord-DD 4/19/2010
"...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15b
At a point very near his death, Joshua took the time to address the people he had lead for a significant portion of his life. He reminded them of all the great things God had done for them. He reminded them of the condition that was formerly theirs. He also reminded them of the terrible decisions they had made as it related to their obedience to God.
Joshua then issues some advice and a choice. His advice, based on all that God had done for them was to serve him in sincerity and to not be an idolatrous people. He then gives the people the same choice that God gives us all; choose Him or don't.
Beloved we still have that choice. We make that choice every day. We make that choice based on the things we think, do and say. We make it based on the way that we live our lives. Like the people of Joshua's time, we can choose to participate in the sinful behaviors we enjoyed before we became Christians, or we can "forget those things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things which are before (us), press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus." Phi 3:13-14.
As for not just me, but all of my household, we will serve the Lord.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13,14]
In Revival,
Lee
At a point very near his death, Joshua took the time to address the people he had lead for a significant portion of his life. He reminded them of all the great things God had done for them. He reminded them of the condition that was formerly theirs. He also reminded them of the terrible decisions they had made as it related to their obedience to God.
Joshua then issues some advice and a choice. His advice, based on all that God had done for them was to serve him in sincerity and to not be an idolatrous people. He then gives the people the same choice that God gives us all; choose Him or don't.
Beloved we still have that choice. We make that choice every day. We make that choice based on the things we think, do and say. We make it based on the way that we live our lives. Like the people of Joshua's time, we can choose to participate in the sinful behaviors we enjoyed before we became Christians, or we can "forget those things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things which are before (us), press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus." Phi 3:13-14.
As for not just me, but all of my household, we will serve the Lord.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13,14]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, April 16, 2010
Follow His Lead-DD 4/16/2010
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psa 23:1
So begins one of the most beautiful and well known passages of scripture to be found within the pages of inspiration. Though we may know the words by heart, do we understand their meaning? Written by one who himself was once responsible for tending sheep, the correlation is more powerful than the words themselves.
We, analogized as sheep throughout scripture, have a need to be led. Even with leadership we tend to wander off and must be retrieved for our own good, lest we fall into peril, even death. We depend on the Shepherd to show us the safe and right way to go. This is in opposition to being driven like cattle. We do not respond well to being pushed from behind, but led from the front.
Our Shepherd likewise provides for all of our needs. This is accomplished because He knows what we need and knows how and where to lead us to obtain what is necessary for the extension of our lives. He provides things that we, in and of ourselves, would not be able to acquire.
What a wonderful Shepherd we have. He has said, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14. If we would but follow where He leads, we will find ourselves in the ultimate eternal pasture.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
So begins one of the most beautiful and well known passages of scripture to be found within the pages of inspiration. Though we may know the words by heart, do we understand their meaning? Written by one who himself was once responsible for tending sheep, the correlation is more powerful than the words themselves.
We, analogized as sheep throughout scripture, have a need to be led. Even with leadership we tend to wander off and must be retrieved for our own good, lest we fall into peril, even death. We depend on the Shepherd to show us the safe and right way to go. This is in opposition to being driven like cattle. We do not respond well to being pushed from behind, but led from the front.
Our Shepherd likewise provides for all of our needs. This is accomplished because He knows what we need and knows how and where to lead us to obtain what is necessary for the extension of our lives. He provides things that we, in and of ourselves, would not be able to acquire.
What a wonderful Shepherd we have. He has said, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14. If we would but follow where He leads, we will find ourselves in the ultimate eternal pasture.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 15, 2010
How Is Your Portfolio?-DD 4/15/2010
"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." Heb 11:24-26
There are many who look at the Christian life as one of restriction and denial of many things to which all people are entitled. As times continue to advance, it seems that society allows more and more of the things that are counter to the teaching of Christ and to the very commands of God. Of course these things are not new. There has been sin and debauchery virtually since the creation of man. The enjoyment of these things creates a natural division between those who are endeavoring to live according to God's word and those who are not.
The focus today is not on those who are not, but those who are. Paul said in 1Cor 6:12 that all things were lawful to him but not expedient (profitable). We all have the ability and the right to go out and do whatever we want but would things contrary to leading godly lives be profitable? I submit to you that they in fact could be extremely costly.
As a member of Pharaoh's household, Moses might have enjoyed a life filled with luxury, wealth and the satisfaction of the slightest whim throughout all the days of his life. He clearly realized that compared with eternity, the pleasures of this world are insignificant. He was willing to invest in the Lord and His guarantees of the ultimate return. How is your spiritual portfolio?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." Heb 11:24-26
There are many who look at the Christian life as one of restriction and denial of many things to which all people are entitled. As times continue to advance, it seems that society allows more and more of the things that are counter to the teaching of Christ and to the very commands of God. Of course these things are not new. There has been sin and debauchery virtually since the creation of man. The enjoyment of these things creates a natural division between those who are endeavoring to live according to God's word and those who are not.
The focus today is not on those who are not, but those who are. Paul said in 1Cor 6:12 that all things were lawful to him but not expedient (profitable). We all have the ability and the right to go out and do whatever we want but would things contrary to leading godly lives be profitable? I submit to you that they in fact could be extremely costly.
As a member of Pharaoh's household, Moses might have enjoyed a life filled with luxury, wealth and the satisfaction of the slightest whim throughout all the days of his life. He clearly realized that compared with eternity, the pleasures of this world are insignificant. He was willing to invest in the Lord and His guarantees of the ultimate return. How is your spiritual portfolio?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Relay-DD 4/14/2010
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Heb 12:1
Who among us does not swell with pride at the winning performance of loved ones or favorite teams on the fields and courts of competition? Do we not also perhaps remember our own competitive days during which we heard the encouraging screams and yells from fans and supporters of our own?
Our scripture for the day analogizes just such a thing. First, our fore runners in the faith are cheering for us to carry the gospel forward by both sharing it verbally and leading godly lives. Imagine a packed stadium dotted with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Ruth, Esther and so many others urging us forward. They are described as "so great a cloud of witnesses." Surely this speaks to both number and accomplishment in the Lord.
And while you were perhaps competing, do you recall hearing those encouraging yells urging you onward to even better performance? The second part of the verse is designed to do just that. There is an inherent warning that the things that can hinder our performance and therefore affect our outcome are never far away and are an ever present danger. The admonition is to be aware of those things, shed them if you've got them, keep them away if you don't and to stay the course. That is the only way that we can participate in the victory that has already been won.
Those witnesses? They ran before we did. But before they stopped, they handed the baton to us. To whom will you pass it?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Who among us does not swell with pride at the winning performance of loved ones or favorite teams on the fields and courts of competition? Do we not also perhaps remember our own competitive days during which we heard the encouraging screams and yells from fans and supporters of our own?
Our scripture for the day analogizes just such a thing. First, our fore runners in the faith are cheering for us to carry the gospel forward by both sharing it verbally and leading godly lives. Imagine a packed stadium dotted with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Ruth, Esther and so many others urging us forward. They are described as "so great a cloud of witnesses." Surely this speaks to both number and accomplishment in the Lord.
And while you were perhaps competing, do you recall hearing those encouraging yells urging you onward to even better performance? The second part of the verse is designed to do just that. There is an inherent warning that the things that can hinder our performance and therefore affect our outcome are never far away and are an ever present danger. The admonition is to be aware of those things, shed them if you've got them, keep them away if you don't and to stay the course. That is the only way that we can participate in the victory that has already been won.
Those witnesses? They ran before we did. But before they stopped, they handed the baton to us. To whom will you pass it?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Meaning of Life-DD 4/13/2010
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Eph 2:10
There is an age old question that asks , "What is the meaning of life?" Surely there are many answers depending ones perspective. For the Christian however, the answer is clear. We are the pinnacle of Gods creation. We are the result of his love, whose purpose is to bring glory to His name.
Without doubt, there are a variety of ways to accomplish this. Our priorities in life can easily be determined simply be observing how we spend our time, effort and energy. Other than attending Sunday services, is there anything else in our lives that is indicative our faith? I submit to you that Christians should be known not just for profession, but for action. We have a purpose. That purpose was prepared by God. We need to talk the talk and walk the walk. That is what God's workmanship does.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
There is an age old question that asks , "What is the meaning of life?" Surely there are many answers depending ones perspective. For the Christian however, the answer is clear. We are the pinnacle of Gods creation. We are the result of his love, whose purpose is to bring glory to His name.
Without doubt, there are a variety of ways to accomplish this. Our priorities in life can easily be determined simply be observing how we spend our time, effort and energy. Other than attending Sunday services, is there anything else in our lives that is indicative our faith? I submit to you that Christians should be known not just for profession, but for action. We have a purpose. That purpose was prepared by God. We need to talk the talk and walk the walk. That is what God's workmanship does.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Trust Him-DD 4/12/2010
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Rom 8:28
There are times when we all look to the heavens and cry "Why me Lord?" Whether medical malady, financial challenges, matters of the heart or just some perceived unfortunate happenstance, we wonder why bad things happen to good people...to us.
The reality is that both good and bad happen to both "good" and "bad". For some reason, we as Christians feel as though bad should not happen to us, particularly if we are doing the best we can to lead upright lives. Christ clearly told us to expect adversity, if nothing else, because of our Christianity. As long as we live on this earth, we will be subject to what we consider happenstance and perhaps more importantly, consequences for our actions (a topic for another devotional).
While we are thinking, have we ever take time to look back over our lives, particularly the difficult times and seen the good that has come of it? Did losing one job pave the way for a better one? Did being sick in the hospital allow you to share the gospel with someone that needed it? Did experiencing the lowest of lows teach you that God is all you need?
There is ample scriptural evidence to support that God is in control and that he knows what He is doing. Do we ever stop to think about why Jesus had to endure what he did even though he lived a perfect life? More importantly, when we look at our own lives, we can see that we should trust Him.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
There are times when we all look to the heavens and cry "Why me Lord?" Whether medical malady, financial challenges, matters of the heart or just some perceived unfortunate happenstance, we wonder why bad things happen to good people...to us.
The reality is that both good and bad happen to both "good" and "bad". For some reason, we as Christians feel as though bad should not happen to us, particularly if we are doing the best we can to lead upright lives. Christ clearly told us to expect adversity, if nothing else, because of our Christianity. As long as we live on this earth, we will be subject to what we consider happenstance and perhaps more importantly, consequences for our actions (a topic for another devotional).
While we are thinking, have we ever take time to look back over our lives, particularly the difficult times and seen the good that has come of it? Did losing one job pave the way for a better one? Did being sick in the hospital allow you to share the gospel with someone that needed it? Did experiencing the lowest of lows teach you that God is all you need?
There is ample scriptural evidence to support that God is in control and that he knows what He is doing. Do we ever stop to think about why Jesus had to endure what he did even though he lived a perfect life? More importantly, when we look at our own lives, we can see that we should trust Him.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, April 9, 2010
Your Personal Miracle-DD 4/9/2010
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee..." Jer 1:5
To my young daughter, the new mother:
My precious one, the parting of the Red Sea, a fish large enough to swallow Jonah, manna falling from heaven and Jesus walking on the waves and calling the dead forth from the grave are miracles to be sure. I know you struggle with such things. But the perfection which God has caused to be through the birth of your son is even more miraculous than His other feats.
Look at his perfect little hands. Look at his beautiful little eyes. Count every little hair on his little head and know that God put them there. Know that He knew the little one before you did and has entrusted him to your care. When you look at him, see God.
Though other miracles can be so far away, so difficult to grasp, so tough to believe, so challenging to your faith, He has given you your own personal miracle that you can see, hold and love. I know this because years ago, He gave me one too. He gave me you.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
To my young daughter, the new mother:
My precious one, the parting of the Red Sea, a fish large enough to swallow Jonah, manna falling from heaven and Jesus walking on the waves and calling the dead forth from the grave are miracles to be sure. I know you struggle with such things. But the perfection which God has caused to be through the birth of your son is even more miraculous than His other feats.
Look at his perfect little hands. Look at his beautiful little eyes. Count every little hair on his little head and know that God put them there. Know that He knew the little one before you did and has entrusted him to your care. When you look at him, see God.
Though other miracles can be so far away, so difficult to grasp, so tough to believe, so challenging to your faith, He has given you your own personal miracle that you can see, hold and love. I know this because years ago, He gave me one too. He gave me you.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Count Your Blessings-DD 4/8/10
"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. " Matt 6:31-33
Anyone who even casually examines his or her life must acknowledge that they are blessed. Our Father is so benevolent, so kind, so long suffering, so gracious and so merciful, how could any deny it? How could anyone miss it?
In reality, we miss it all the time. We miss it because of God's over abundance, Eph 3:20-21. This gives us the very interesting trait of focusing on the things that are wrong, challenging, inconvenient, painful or wanting in our lives. It is as if we expect to lead lives where every whim is satisfied, and every desire is delivered. That is just not reality for anyone. The more we get the more we want and are thus never satisfied.
What is in fact reality is that all of us could lead lives that are far worse, regardless of our current circumstance. Fortunately we serve a God who not only knows our needs, but supplies them (and ever so many of our wants). Whom do you know that is without food, drink, clothing and shelter, even if it is supplied by others?
If we would take the time to count our blessings, we would see how vastly they outweigh the things we think are wanting. We serve a glorious Creator. How could we do anything less than seek His righteousness and His kingdom?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Anyone who even casually examines his or her life must acknowledge that they are blessed. Our Father is so benevolent, so kind, so long suffering, so gracious and so merciful, how could any deny it? How could anyone miss it?
In reality, we miss it all the time. We miss it because of God's over abundance, Eph 3:20-21. This gives us the very interesting trait of focusing on the things that are wrong, challenging, inconvenient, painful or wanting in our lives. It is as if we expect to lead lives where every whim is satisfied, and every desire is delivered. That is just not reality for anyone. The more we get the more we want and are thus never satisfied.
What is in fact reality is that all of us could lead lives that are far worse, regardless of our current circumstance. Fortunately we serve a God who not only knows our needs, but supplies them (and ever so many of our wants). Whom do you know that is without food, drink, clothing and shelter, even if it is supplied by others?
If we would take the time to count our blessings, we would see how vastly they outweigh the things we think are wanting. We serve a glorious Creator. How could we do anything less than seek His righteousness and His kingdom?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
If Not Us, Who?-DD 4/7/10
"...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. If we are not careful, it will 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?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
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. If we are not careful, it will 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?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, April 5, 2010
Faith Works-DD 4/6/10
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you." Prov 3:27-28
So often we tell our brothers and sisters in need that we will pray for them. We, in all of our faithful piety trust that God will work a miracle in their lives. We'll start prayer chains, mention them to the church secretary to put in the bulletin and share the request with all the faithful people that we know.
While prayer is a wonderful and necessary thing, there is nothing like action. We are called upon to put our faith to work. James captures this thought beautifully in 2:14-15 of his eponymous epistle: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Further, we may be completely magnanimous toward people we know or those who are members of our congregation, but what about he beggar on the street? What about the enclave of the homeless? What about those who are not friendly or loving toward us? What about our enemies? Matt 5:44-45 contains the very instructions of Jesus in these matters and reveals that God blesses all, regardless of station or status.
Beloved, when someone prays to God, it should be we, His earthen vessels, that show up, and that quickly.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
So often we tell our brothers and sisters in need that we will pray for them. We, in all of our faithful piety trust that God will work a miracle in their lives. We'll start prayer chains, mention them to the church secretary to put in the bulletin and share the request with all the faithful people that we know.
While prayer is a wonderful and necessary thing, there is nothing like action. We are called upon to put our faith to work. James captures this thought beautifully in 2:14-15 of his eponymous epistle: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Further, we may be completely magnanimous toward people we know or those who are members of our congregation, but what about he beggar on the street? What about the enclave of the homeless? What about those who are not friendly or loving toward us? What about our enemies? Matt 5:44-45 contains the very instructions of Jesus in these matters and reveals that God blesses all, regardless of station or status.
Beloved, when someone prays to God, it should be we, His earthen vessels, that show up, and that quickly.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Pilate Lessons-DD 4/5/2010
Christians should always maintain a resurection mindset. Though there are a limitless number of biblical topics we can and should pursue, the fact that makes them all relevant is that he rose. Having just celebrated resurrection day, in worship we discussed lessons that can be gleaned from the activities of Christ's executioner, Pontius Pilate. These thoughts have been compiled and serve as today's Daily Devotion. I hope, trust and pray that we keep these and other biblical lessons uppermost in our hearts and Jesus' resurrection uppermost in our minds.
"When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it." Matt 27:24
1) If you want to be claimed, claim him.
"Therefore everyone who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” Matt 10:32-33
2) There is no substitute for Jesus. Jesus substituted for you.
“… and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. “ 1 Pet 2:24
3) If advice is sound and wise, take it.
“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Heb 3:12-13
4) You are washed by blood that can’t be washed. Stay clean.
“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Rom 5:9
5) Always do the right thing.
“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Jas 4:17
[Memory Verse(s) of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, April 2, 2010
Free Indeed-DD 4/2/2010
"Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses." Exodus 14:30-31
This passage is easily recognized as the epilogue of the Red Sea experience. After 430 years of slavery to the Egyptians and an even longer time of residence in a foreign land, the people of God had been delivered in the most miraculous of ways. It is scarecely imaginable what it must have been like to move through a canyon of water while the ground underneath was dry. When the Hebrews came up out of the sea, they were free from that which held them captive for so long.
God has likewise delivered us from slavery, darkness, hopelessness and death. He did it by exercising His great love and power by sending His Son as a necessary and atoning sacrifice. He did it by sending us through the Red Sea of baptism, 1 Cor 10:1-2. He did it by causing us to come up out of that baptism free from the old man of sin, Rom 6:6-7. He did it that we might ever live with Him, clothed in His glory, mercy, grace and love.
We must therefore saints, live as a free people. We should not imitate our ancestors in the faith and dig up the old man desiring to live again in slavery. We must live in a manner befitting our new found blood bought status. We are free to worship. We are free to lead righteous lives. We are free to have hope. We are free from that which can cause the destruction of our souls.
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
In Revival,
Lee
This passage is easily recognized as the epilogue of the Red Sea experience. After 430 years of slavery to the Egyptians and an even longer time of residence in a foreign land, the people of God had been delivered in the most miraculous of ways. It is scarecely imaginable what it must have been like to move through a canyon of water while the ground underneath was dry. When the Hebrews came up out of the sea, they were free from that which held them captive for so long.
God has likewise delivered us from slavery, darkness, hopelessness and death. He did it by exercising His great love and power by sending His Son as a necessary and atoning sacrifice. He did it by sending us through the Red Sea of baptism, 1 Cor 10:1-2. He did it by causing us to come up out of that baptism free from the old man of sin, Rom 6:6-7. He did it that we might ever live with Him, clothed in His glory, mercy, grace and love.
We must therefore saints, live as a free people. We should not imitate our ancestors in the faith and dig up the old man desiring to live again in slavery. We must live in a manner befitting our new found blood bought status. We are free to worship. We are free to lead righteous lives. We are free to have hope. We are free from that which can cause the destruction of our souls.
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Are You Ready?-DD 4/1/2010
"And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut." Matt 27:10
Foundational to our Christian belief is that we serve a risen Lord who has promised to come back for us one day, John 14:2-3. What has not been promised is that we would know when. According to Mark 13:32, this information is given neither to man, angels or even the Son, but remains with the Father.
There are numerous scriptures that discuss the return of Christ. Many of them feature phrases like, "in the twinkling of an eye," "as a thief in the night," and "suddenly." Since no one knows neither the date nor the time, the very best thing we can do is to be ready for his return at all times. As outlined in the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were properly prepared and 5 were not. They who find themselves scrambling to get ready and get right when the Lord arrives will find that it will be too late. Those who are leading faithful lives, Rev 2:10, will find themselves recipients of the promises of the Lord.
We all understand the challenges to leading righteous lives in these perilous times however; we must cast our eyes back to all that has been suffered on our behalf and forward to all that has been prepared. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.
Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt 24:44. Are you ready?
In Revival,
Lee
Foundational to our Christian belief is that we serve a risen Lord who has promised to come back for us one day, John 14:2-3. What has not been promised is that we would know when. According to Mark 13:32, this information is given neither to man, angels or even the Son, but remains with the Father.
There are numerous scriptures that discuss the return of Christ. Many of them feature phrases like, "in the twinkling of an eye," "as a thief in the night," and "suddenly." Since no one knows neither the date nor the time, the very best thing we can do is to be ready for his return at all times. As outlined in the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were properly prepared and 5 were not. They who find themselves scrambling to get ready and get right when the Lord arrives will find that it will be too late. Those who are leading faithful lives, Rev 2:10, will find themselves recipients of the promises of the Lord.
We all understand the challenges to leading righteous lives in these perilous times however; we must cast our eyes back to all that has been suffered on our behalf and forward to all that has been prepared. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.
Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt 24:44. Are you ready?
In Revival,
Lee
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