"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps 118:24
Perspective is an interesting thing. It goes a long way in determining how we interact with environments, individuals and situations. The great thing about perspective is that many times we can choose the one we will employ. An example is the classic question of looking at a glass half empty or half full.
This leads me to the following question: have you ever had a bad day? Without a doubt we all endure challenging circumstances from time to time. The unforeseen happens all of the time whether we are prepared for it or not. It is not unusual for this things to seemingly move in a direction that is not in our favor. This in turn has an effect on our mentality and our outlook. If you are anything like me, once things start to go down hill, you probably bring a lot of other things that have nothing to do with it into the situation since you are headed that direction. I even have a name for it. I call it the "vortex."
My personal issues aside, I realized some time ago that I have a choice in how I view and react to things. I can look at them as inconveniences, problems I do not want to deal with and shout to the rooftops, "Why me Lord?" or I can look at them as opportunities to apply my faith, help others, be an example and (gasp) thank the Lord.
Beloved, as easy as it is to decide that we are having a bad day, we can decide that it is a good day. It is one more day that the Lord has given us to live, to laugh, to love and to glorify him. If we decide not to do that because of our circumstances or situations, it is no fault of his. He gave us another beautiful glorious day and let us decide how we use it. If you were told that today would be the last one you had, how would that affect your outlook? How would it affect what you do with the time? What would your perspective be then?
Rejoice!
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Of Love and Of Wrath-DD 5/27/10
"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Heb 10:31
Most of us think of our God as kind, loving, benevolent, merciful and full of grace. To be sure, He is all of those things and more. But He is also a God of justice, vengeance and wrath.
During a study of the book of Hebrews, it can be found that the writer endeavors to influence his audience not to return to temple worship but to continue on in their faith in Jesus and their Christian beliefs. He spends a great deal of the book favorably comparing Jesus to many of the tenants of their former religion. Christ is spoken of as being better in every way than angels, Moses and the High Priest. In fact the writer provides a great number of positive reasons to maintain their faith in the Lord.
The inspired writer, however, was not above using a stick along with his carrot approach. He records, "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." Heb 10:26-30
Beloved it is true that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, but He is very fond of His son as well. He will not stand for any trampling underfoot of His son's life and death, particularly because he served as a sacrifice for the very people who would do the trampling. As you can imagine (and read) vengeance and wrath are certainly part of God's divine repertoire.
I recommend the carrot.
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Most of us think of our God as kind, loving, benevolent, merciful and full of grace. To be sure, He is all of those things and more. But He is also a God of justice, vengeance and wrath.
During a study of the book of Hebrews, it can be found that the writer endeavors to influence his audience not to return to temple worship but to continue on in their faith in Jesus and their Christian beliefs. He spends a great deal of the book favorably comparing Jesus to many of the tenants of their former religion. Christ is spoken of as being better in every way than angels, Moses and the High Priest. In fact the writer provides a great number of positive reasons to maintain their faith in the Lord.
The inspired writer, however, was not above using a stick along with his carrot approach. He records, "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." Heb 10:26-30
Beloved it is true that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, but He is very fond of His son as well. He will not stand for any trampling underfoot of His son's life and death, particularly because he served as a sacrifice for the very people who would do the trampling. As you can imagine (and read) vengeance and wrath are certainly part of God's divine repertoire.
I recommend the carrot.
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Faith on Faith-DD 5/26/2010
"So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." John 20:25
Have you ever met anyone like Thomas? I'm not talking about those who have no belief at all. I'm not even talking about those who might need some help with their unbelief. I'm talking about those who have walked with the Lord and talked with the Lord but when they come into contact with those who are claiming miraculous blessings, they fold their arms over their chests and demand proof. You've met them. Some of them sit in the pew next to you. Some reside in your mirror.
Our problem can sometimes be that we will only believe God so far. We assign the finite to the infinite, the common and explainable to the miraculous and happenstance to blessings. We are quick to give credit for job promotions to a person's perseverance, intellect and perhaps even office politics rather than to God from whom all blessings flow. Why not give God the credit, especially because you have seen Him work in your own life?
Thomas was an apostle of Christ. Those closest to him should have been the first to believe, nevertheless because Thomas did not see his much predicted return with his own eyes, he refused to believe. It makes one wonder why he spent three years of his life following someone around who was evidently in his eyes at best an ideologue and at worst a liar. What must that say about Thomas? What must it say about us when we allow our faith to retreat? What kind of example are we setting for those with no belief at all?
Fortunately, the Lord is patient. He was patient with John when his faith faltered and he was patient with Thomas. He was in fact so patient with him that he returned and offered to have Thomas place his fingers into his wounds. Thomas was given the opportunity to have his faith verified by what he saw, however, we, beloved, must walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus put it better when he said, "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." John 20:29b
Believe and you will see...
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Have you ever met anyone like Thomas? I'm not talking about those who have no belief at all. I'm not even talking about those who might need some help with their unbelief. I'm talking about those who have walked with the Lord and talked with the Lord but when they come into contact with those who are claiming miraculous blessings, they fold their arms over their chests and demand proof. You've met them. Some of them sit in the pew next to you. Some reside in your mirror.
Our problem can sometimes be that we will only believe God so far. We assign the finite to the infinite, the common and explainable to the miraculous and happenstance to blessings. We are quick to give credit for job promotions to a person's perseverance, intellect and perhaps even office politics rather than to God from whom all blessings flow. Why not give God the credit, especially because you have seen Him work in your own life?
Thomas was an apostle of Christ. Those closest to him should have been the first to believe, nevertheless because Thomas did not see his much predicted return with his own eyes, he refused to believe. It makes one wonder why he spent three years of his life following someone around who was evidently in his eyes at best an ideologue and at worst a liar. What must that say about Thomas? What must it say about us when we allow our faith to retreat? What kind of example are we setting for those with no belief at all?
Fortunately, the Lord is patient. He was patient with John when his faith faltered and he was patient with Thomas. He was in fact so patient with him that he returned and offered to have Thomas place his fingers into his wounds. Thomas was given the opportunity to have his faith verified by what he saw, however, we, beloved, must walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus put it better when he said, "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." John 20:29b
Believe and you will see...
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Gospel-DD 5/25/2010
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
The goodness of God is, to borrow an often poorly and insufficiently used term, AWESOME! We all know that having been the recipients of all creation, we could not be satisfied with everything but one tree. This placed us at a distance from the Father that was not intended. We became guilty of sin and debtors to righteousness.
God is just and holy and cannot abide sin. Though we are the pinnacle of His creation, His justice and holiness required that a sacrifice be made to place the scale back into balance. Our problem was that we had nothing that could accomplish this. Nothing! Beloved here is where it gets AWESOME! Loving us as He does and knowing that we did not have the ability to bring ourselves back into alignment with Him, He, in His infinite wisdom and love, provided the price through the sacrifice of His absolutely unique son Jesus. It is only through that ultimate sacrifice that we have the ability to be spiritually returned to our original relationship with the Father.
Imagine your mortgage holder selling off its most valuable asset in order to give you the money to pay off your mortgage. Imagine the only requirement to qualify being the willingness to accept the offer. Would it seem ridiculous to not take advantage of such an AWESOME opportunity? Would a reasonable person not want to imitate the kindness of the mortgage company by demonstrating similar kindnesses to others?
You have just heard the gospel.
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
The goodness of God is, to borrow an often poorly and insufficiently used term, AWESOME! We all know that having been the recipients of all creation, we could not be satisfied with everything but one tree. This placed us at a distance from the Father that was not intended. We became guilty of sin and debtors to righteousness.
God is just and holy and cannot abide sin. Though we are the pinnacle of His creation, His justice and holiness required that a sacrifice be made to place the scale back into balance. Our problem was that we had nothing that could accomplish this. Nothing! Beloved here is where it gets AWESOME! Loving us as He does and knowing that we did not have the ability to bring ourselves back into alignment with Him, He, in His infinite wisdom and love, provided the price through the sacrifice of His absolutely unique son Jesus. It is only through that ultimate sacrifice that we have the ability to be spiritually returned to our original relationship with the Father.
Imagine your mortgage holder selling off its most valuable asset in order to give you the money to pay off your mortgage. Imagine the only requirement to qualify being the willingness to accept the offer. Would it seem ridiculous to not take advantage of such an AWESOME opportunity? Would a reasonable person not want to imitate the kindness of the mortgage company by demonstrating similar kindnesses to others?
You have just heard the gospel.
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, May 24, 2010
One With Another-DD 5/24/2010
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Rom 12:15
As a Christian body, we are part of one another. We are affected and afflicted by those things which affect and afflict others in the body. As a Christian family, we are to sympathize with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, sharing in their emotions under the best and worst circumstances. After all of the calamities that Job endured, his close friends sat with him and wept with him. Likewise, at the return of the prodigal son, his friends and family celebrated,
Beloved, sharing a common eternity begins with sharing a common Father and a common Savior, then a common life. The New Testament is replete with advisements of how we are to encourage, support, edify and bear each other's burdens. We are to be kind, to be at peace and to love one another fervently. It is only through developing strong spiritual and familial bonds that these things are possible. The fact is, we need each other to gain heaven. How can we love the Father whom we have not seen and not love His other children, our brothers and sisters whom we have?
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
As a Christian body, we are part of one another. We are affected and afflicted by those things which affect and afflict others in the body. As a Christian family, we are to sympathize with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, sharing in their emotions under the best and worst circumstances. After all of the calamities that Job endured, his close friends sat with him and wept with him. Likewise, at the return of the prodigal son, his friends and family celebrated,
Beloved, sharing a common eternity begins with sharing a common Father and a common Savior, then a common life. The New Testament is replete with advisements of how we are to encourage, support, edify and bear each other's burdens. We are to be kind, to be at peace and to love one another fervently. It is only through developing strong spiritual and familial bonds that these things are possible. The fact is, we need each other to gain heaven. How can we love the Father whom we have not seen and not love His other children, our brothers and sisters whom we have?
[Memory verse of the week: Isa 9:6]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, May 21, 2010
Help For Your Unbelief-DD 5/21/2010
"Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief." Mark 9:24
Jesus' disciples had just failed at casting a demon that caused convulsions out of a young boy when the desperate father came to the Lord and asked him to do something if he could. Jesus replied that "all things are possible to him who believes."
Having faith in anything we cannot see with our own eyes and touch with our own hands can sometimes be difficult. As long as we are clothed in flesh, we will always be subject to its limitations. Matters of the Spirit do not come natural to us, yet as a moth to a guiding light, we are drawn to them.
We seek the Lord in all of his glory, wisdom, benevolence and love while sometimes doubting his very existence somewhere within ourselves. We sometimes think, "After all, it is possible that he exist(ed) but are all the things recorded about him literal and true? Can I really look forward to a heaven where I will see him or will we just cease to exist?"
If these thoughts sometimes float through your mind, don't be too hard on yourself. John the Baptist was once described by Jesus as the greatest man that ever lived. Consider this: "Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" Matt 11:2-3. John had seen with his own eyes, touched with his own hands, saw the Spirit descend on him like a dove, heard the voice of God acknowledge and identify him and he still had questions!
Surely if Christ's forerunner needed reassurance, we ourselves might have the same issue. In response, the Lord sent word back to him that was not a rebuke, but an assurance. He told John's followers to tell him what the Lord had been seen doing, not what he said.
Beloved, should your faith ever falter, consider the things the Lord has done in your life. Remember the prayers that have been answered. Remember the healing you have experienced. Consider the meals you have never missed and the children that make your heart swell. Most of all, remember the quiet times when it was just you and him. Remember what that communion and that peace felt like. It is still there. Always there. He is help for your unbelief.
[Memory verse of the week: Psa 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Jesus' disciples had just failed at casting a demon that caused convulsions out of a young boy when the desperate father came to the Lord and asked him to do something if he could. Jesus replied that "all things are possible to him who believes."
Having faith in anything we cannot see with our own eyes and touch with our own hands can sometimes be difficult. As long as we are clothed in flesh, we will always be subject to its limitations. Matters of the Spirit do not come natural to us, yet as a moth to a guiding light, we are drawn to them.
We seek the Lord in all of his glory, wisdom, benevolence and love while sometimes doubting his very existence somewhere within ourselves. We sometimes think, "After all, it is possible that he exist(ed) but are all the things recorded about him literal and true? Can I really look forward to a heaven where I will see him or will we just cease to exist?"
If these thoughts sometimes float through your mind, don't be too hard on yourself. John the Baptist was once described by Jesus as the greatest man that ever lived. Consider this: "Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" Matt 11:2-3. John had seen with his own eyes, touched with his own hands, saw the Spirit descend on him like a dove, heard the voice of God acknowledge and identify him and he still had questions!
Surely if Christ's forerunner needed reassurance, we ourselves might have the same issue. In response, the Lord sent word back to him that was not a rebuke, but an assurance. He told John's followers to tell him what the Lord had been seen doing, not what he said.
Beloved, should your faith ever falter, consider the things the Lord has done in your life. Remember the prayers that have been answered. Remember the healing you have experienced. Consider the meals you have never missed and the children that make your heart swell. Most of all, remember the quiet times when it was just you and him. Remember what that communion and that peace felt like. It is still there. Always there. He is help for your unbelief.
[Memory verse of the week: Psa 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Eye On The Prize-DD 5/20/2010
"...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.
[Memory verse of the week: Psa 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
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.
[Memory verse of the week: Psa 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Apathy-DD 5/19/10
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
Rev 3:15-16
Contextually the Lord is sending a message to the church at Laodecia who apparently had some problems with their conviction. Three things jump out here: the Lord has a desire for us, our condition is less than desirable and there are consequences.
First, notice how the word says that he wishes that we were hot or cold. The word wish (or "would" in some versions) comes from a Greek word that involves a desire that is not likely to ever be met. The Lord knows that there are those of us who will remain non committal to him and to the faith. You'll recall in Noah's time, this was true as well.
Then, it is interesting to note that Jesus would rather that we were cold or hot. While one would think that the Lord would want us all to be "on fire" in the faith, Jesus seems OK with some being cold. Make no mistake, God would have all men to be saved. There are times throughout scripture when the Spirit inspired writers to use extreme examples to make a point. The point here is that it would be better even to be cold than to be lukewarm. With the cold, at least it can be said that there is no guile or hypocrisy.
Finally, it is this desire to sit on the fence, hang out in the middle of the road and failure to make a choice for against the cause of Christ that does not make him angry, but in fact, makes him sick. Beloved this is a significant charge that we all would be well advised to examine. Are we playing Christian or being Christian? Are we feigning love or loving with fervor? Do we mean what we say or are we merely going through the motions? Think hard. The Holy Lamb of God has said that he will vomit those out who are guilty of spiritual apathy. Separation from God is the very definition of hell. Again, think hard. Are you harboring a spirit of apathy?
Rev 3:15-16
Contextually the Lord is sending a message to the church at Laodecia who apparently had some problems with their conviction. Three things jump out here: the Lord has a desire for us, our condition is less than desirable and there are consequences.
First, notice how the word says that he wishes that we were hot or cold. The word wish (or "would" in some versions) comes from a Greek word that involves a desire that is not likely to ever be met. The Lord knows that there are those of us who will remain non committal to him and to the faith. You'll recall in Noah's time, this was true as well.
Then, it is interesting to note that Jesus would rather that we were cold or hot. While one would think that the Lord would want us all to be "on fire" in the faith, Jesus seems OK with some being cold. Make no mistake, God would have all men to be saved. There are times throughout scripture when the Spirit inspired writers to use extreme examples to make a point. The point here is that it would be better even to be cold than to be lukewarm. With the cold, at least it can be said that there is no guile or hypocrisy.
Finally, it is this desire to sit on the fence, hang out in the middle of the road and failure to make a choice for against the cause of Christ that does not make him angry, but in fact, makes him sick. Beloved this is a significant charge that we all would be well advised to examine. Are we playing Christian or being Christian? Are we feigning love or loving with fervor? Do we mean what we say or are we merely going through the motions? Think hard. The Holy Lamb of God has said that he will vomit those out who are guilty of spiritual apathy. Separation from God is the very definition of hell. Again, think hard. Are you harboring a spirit of apathy?
[Memory verse of the week: Psalm 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
God's Plan-DD 5/18/2010
"...this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God," Acts 2:23
Beloved, we can scarcely wrap our minds around infinite wisdom, knowledge and love. Before time existed, before the universe was created, before He blew his breath into a mound of dirt and man became a living soul, God knew that we would need a deliverer. He saw across time that the pinnacle of His creation would almost immediately fall into the deepest abyss of sin.
Having this infinite foreknowledge, He developed a plan. The plan was to purchase the redemption of mankind with the blood of His absolutely unique Son through His infinite love. He knew that this precious life would be taken through the agency of those whom the death was meant to save. In truth, it was never man who took Jesus' life, but God who gave it. Through infinite wisdom He gave the life of the Son of Man for us (rather than through a method or being with whom we could not identify), even while we were and are yet in our sins.
His life, death and resurrection to life should be celebrated with joy. Such a costly gift made freely available is to be accepted with awe and thanksgiving and the resultant life from death, lived to His glory. God's plan is for us to become, through faith in Jesus, who we were made to be.
[Memory verse of the week: Psalm 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Beloved, we can scarcely wrap our minds around infinite wisdom, knowledge and love. Before time existed, before the universe was created, before He blew his breath into a mound of dirt and man became a living soul, God knew that we would need a deliverer. He saw across time that the pinnacle of His creation would almost immediately fall into the deepest abyss of sin.
Having this infinite foreknowledge, He developed a plan. The plan was to purchase the redemption of mankind with the blood of His absolutely unique Son through His infinite love. He knew that this precious life would be taken through the agency of those whom the death was meant to save. In truth, it was never man who took Jesus' life, but God who gave it. Through infinite wisdom He gave the life of the Son of Man for us (rather than through a method or being with whom we could not identify), even while we were and are yet in our sins.
His life, death and resurrection to life should be celebrated with joy. Such a costly gift made freely available is to be accepted with awe and thanksgiving and the resultant life from death, lived to His glory. God's plan is for us to become, through faith in Jesus, who we were made to be.
[Memory verse of the week: Psalm 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, May 17, 2010
Do What You Can Do-DD 5/17/10
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor 3:6
When it comes to doing the work of the Lord, it is not unusual that we sometimes get discouraged. Whether it involves work in and around the congregation like teaching or serving or external things like evangelism or acts of benevolence toward others, sometimes the enormity of the work can be overwhelming. Christ said in Matt 9:37, "...the harvest truly is plenteous but the workers are few."
To make things even more challenging, it seems that it is always the same people that do all the work. As much as there are those around us who are part of the fellowship and enjoy a relationship with God as we do, it seems that some do not quite demonstrate their love through the actions the Lord calls upon us to take. [Be cautious about presuming what others do for the cause of Christ in their own way and their own time]
The encouragement to you beloved is simply to do what you can do. We are called upon to serve. We all have diverse talents and as members of the body, are responsible to the whole for doing the things that we have been gifted to do. To carry the biblical analogy of the body a bit further, if you are an ear in the body, your job is to hear. You do not have the ability to see or digest food. That is someone else's responsibility. It takes all of us doing our part in order for the body to work as it was designed.
As Christians, we are called upon to plant seeds and water them. Those seeds may fall into a variety of places that are hostile to growth, but some find fertile soil. And for even those to grow, it is God that adds the increase, not ourselves. Be not weary in well doing. Do what you can do and encourage others to do what they can do.
[Memory verse of the week: Psalm 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
When it comes to doing the work of the Lord, it is not unusual that we sometimes get discouraged. Whether it involves work in and around the congregation like teaching or serving or external things like evangelism or acts of benevolence toward others, sometimes the enormity of the work can be overwhelming. Christ said in Matt 9:37, "...the harvest truly is plenteous but the workers are few."
To make things even more challenging, it seems that it is always the same people that do all the work. As much as there are those around us who are part of the fellowship and enjoy a relationship with God as we do, it seems that some do not quite demonstrate their love through the actions the Lord calls upon us to take. [Be cautious about presuming what others do for the cause of Christ in their own way and their own time]
The encouragement to you beloved is simply to do what you can do. We are called upon to serve. We all have diverse talents and as members of the body, are responsible to the whole for doing the things that we have been gifted to do. To carry the biblical analogy of the body a bit further, if you are an ear in the body, your job is to hear. You do not have the ability to see or digest food. That is someone else's responsibility. It takes all of us doing our part in order for the body to work as it was designed.
As Christians, we are called upon to plant seeds and water them. Those seeds may fall into a variety of places that are hostile to growth, but some find fertile soil. And for even those to grow, it is God that adds the increase, not ourselves. Be not weary in well doing. Do what you can do and encourage others to do what they can do.
[Memory verse of the week: Psalm 34:1-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, May 14, 2010
You and the Word-DD 5/14/2010
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deut 6:6-9
The word of God is to be everything to the Christian. According to Heb 1:1-2, God previously educated us though prophets who spoke to the heads of families who in turn, taught their families. In these last days however, He speaks to us through His word. Make no mistake, the primary way we can get to know our Father and His will for our lives is to consult His word.
Though no book can possibly contain Yahweh, all we need to know about Him is contained therein. That word, devinely inspired by Him, is to not only to become a part of who we are, but to be constantly on our minds and hearts. We are to teach it to our children.
God's people have always pursued a tradition of passing down knowledge and information. Is that tradition still intact with us? Before you say yes, ask yourself when was the last time you sat down and spent time studying His word for yourself. Yes, we go to worship services and attend bible classes but do you "talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up?" When is the last time you actually conducted a study with your family or your friends?
Beloved, learn God's word for yourself. After all, it was provided specifically for you.
[Memory verse of the week: John 2:2-4]
In Revival,
Lee
The word of God is to be everything to the Christian. According to Heb 1:1-2, God previously educated us though prophets who spoke to the heads of families who in turn, taught their families. In these last days however, He speaks to us through His word. Make no mistake, the primary way we can get to know our Father and His will for our lives is to consult His word.
Though no book can possibly contain Yahweh, all we need to know about Him is contained therein. That word, devinely inspired by Him, is to not only to become a part of who we are, but to be constantly on our minds and hearts. We are to teach it to our children.
God's people have always pursued a tradition of passing down knowledge and information. Is that tradition still intact with us? Before you say yes, ask yourself when was the last time you sat down and spent time studying His word for yourself. Yes, we go to worship services and attend bible classes but do you "talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up?" When is the last time you actually conducted a study with your family or your friends?
Beloved, learn God's word for yourself. After all, it was provided specifically for you.
[Memory verse of the week: John 2:2-4]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Don't Fool Yourself-DD 5/13/2010
"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was." James 1:22-24
One of the saddest things in life is for those who were once enlightened to fall back into darkness. The loving Father has taken every necessary step to create a path back to Him from original sin. That path is paved with the blood of Jesus. Though many of us stumble from time to time, with the help of the Spirit, we get back up, brush ourselves off and keep moving forward. The tragedy is that there are those who wander off the path, head in the opposite direction or just wallow on the ground to which they have fallen. Sadder still, we will often rationalize our actions and decisions and somehow make God alright with the wrong we are doing because He is such a forgiving God. This is the essence of deluding ourselves.
There is a sobering bit of scripture for those who refuse to walk in the newness of life: "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame" Heb 6:4-6. Beloved can any of us imagine being the soldier that nailed Christ to the cross. In essence, we are doing just that when we leave the faith and leave the Father for the alluring yet false promises of sins pleasures.
Still not getting the message? If one decides that this is the course of action that they wish to pursue, God will grant you an assist: "For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." 2 Thess 2:11-12
Let us all endeavor to keep our eye on the prize, our nose to the grindstone and our feet on the path to glory.
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
One of the saddest things in life is for those who were once enlightened to fall back into darkness. The loving Father has taken every necessary step to create a path back to Him from original sin. That path is paved with the blood of Jesus. Though many of us stumble from time to time, with the help of the Spirit, we get back up, brush ourselves off and keep moving forward. The tragedy is that there are those who wander off the path, head in the opposite direction or just wallow on the ground to which they have fallen. Sadder still, we will often rationalize our actions and decisions and somehow make God alright with the wrong we are doing because He is such a forgiving God. This is the essence of deluding ourselves.
There is a sobering bit of scripture for those who refuse to walk in the newness of life: "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame" Heb 6:4-6. Beloved can any of us imagine being the soldier that nailed Christ to the cross. In essence, we are doing just that when we leave the faith and leave the Father for the alluring yet false promises of sins pleasures.
Still not getting the message? If one decides that this is the course of action that they wish to pursue, God will grant you an assist: "For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." 2 Thess 2:11-12
Let us all endeavor to keep our eye on the prize, our nose to the grindstone and our feet on the path to glory.
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Embracing Your Role-DD 5/12/2010
"Thus he said to him, " Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also." 1 Sam 23:17
Beloved there are times when we have the grandest of plans for our own lives. We pursue education, athletics, apprenticeship in construction or the arts with the greatest of intentions to make a significant impact on the world. Whether through hard work or birthright, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have a particular function or station in life.
Consider Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In monarchy, it is a foregone conclusion that the son follows the father to the throne and that the family would rule in perpetuity. Johnathan had every right to expect to become king after his father. Scripture reveals, however, that God had other plans. He had already chosen David to be the next king early in Saul's reign.
Despite what we think or plan, we must realize that we do not have all of the answers and that God has His own ideas about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to be. We may serve His purpose best by working at a not for profit organization rather than holding the office of CEO at a Fortune 500 organization. It may be that we are placed with a spouse of questionable values and morals rather than a steadfast and upright mate for the glory of God.
Surely we must place ourselves in the hollow of the Father's hand and embrace whatever role He has for us with gladness. Not only was Jonathan not angry about David being the future king, but he made a covenant with him and "...he loved him as he loved his own life." 1 Sam 20:17 It may very well be that God put you exactly where you are. It is from there that you can get to exactly where He is.
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Beloved there are times when we have the grandest of plans for our own lives. We pursue education, athletics, apprenticeship in construction or the arts with the greatest of intentions to make a significant impact on the world. Whether through hard work or birthright, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have a particular function or station in life.
Consider Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In monarchy, it is a foregone conclusion that the son follows the father to the throne and that the family would rule in perpetuity. Johnathan had every right to expect to become king after his father. Scripture reveals, however, that God had other plans. He had already chosen David to be the next king early in Saul's reign.
Despite what we think or plan, we must realize that we do not have all of the answers and that God has His own ideas about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to be. We may serve His purpose best by working at a not for profit organization rather than holding the office of CEO at a Fortune 500 organization. It may be that we are placed with a spouse of questionable values and morals rather than a steadfast and upright mate for the glory of God.
Surely we must place ourselves in the hollow of the Father's hand and embrace whatever role He has for us with gladness. Not only was Jonathan not angry about David being the future king, but he made a covenant with him and "...he loved him as he loved his own life." 1 Sam 20:17 It may very well be that God put you exactly where you are. It is from there that you can get to exactly where He is.
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Preparation-DD 5/11/2010
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor 15:58
The preceding verses in this passage of scripture focus on our future. Paul shares with the Corinthians the fact of the promise as well as how it is to take place. He says that though we are fleshly creatures descended from the first fleshly man, Adam, we are also spiritual creatures descended from the first spiritual man, Jesus. We will not enter heaven in our current flesh, but will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Whether we have passed from this life or are in the very midst of living it, death will have been defeated and the righteous shall live ever more with Him.
The encouragement then is to not get tired, to not faint and to not give up. We must be firm in our convictions, certain in our belief, dedicated in our service and convinced of the truth. There are many things that will challenge us, but we are to constantly redouble our efforts by doing the work of our Lord and keeping our minds occupied with him. Surely this is not a useless pursuit or waste of time, but preparation for what comes next.
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
The preceding verses in this passage of scripture focus on our future. Paul shares with the Corinthians the fact of the promise as well as how it is to take place. He says that though we are fleshly creatures descended from the first fleshly man, Adam, we are also spiritual creatures descended from the first spiritual man, Jesus. We will not enter heaven in our current flesh, but will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Whether we have passed from this life or are in the very midst of living it, death will have been defeated and the righteous shall live ever more with Him.
The encouragement then is to not get tired, to not faint and to not give up. We must be firm in our convictions, certain in our belief, dedicated in our service and convinced of the truth. There are many things that will challenge us, but we are to constantly redouble our efforts by doing the work of our Lord and keeping our minds occupied with him. Surely this is not a useless pursuit or waste of time, but preparation for what comes next.
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, May 10, 2010
Be Ready-DD 5/10/2010
"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." James 5:7-8
The greatest hope of every Christian is to gain heaven at the coming of the Lord. Many of us, however, go about our lives as if we don't expect him any time soon. Because we are not told of the day nor the time, we behave as if we have all the time in he world. Scripture directs us to watch for this very reason.
It is our duty and privilege to lead lives that are pleasing to God. Too often, our mentality involves seeing how close to the lines we can paint. We like to live with one foot in righteousness and one foot in the sinful life. Beloved this is a disaster in the making. Do we really want to be found with our hand in the proverbial cookie jar when the Lord returns? Do want more for which to answer on judgement day?
Let us demonstrate our love and obedience by serving Him acceptably all the days of our lives that we might be worthy of what he has prepared for us. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2-3
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
The greatest hope of every Christian is to gain heaven at the coming of the Lord. Many of us, however, go about our lives as if we don't expect him any time soon. Because we are not told of the day nor the time, we behave as if we have all the time in he world. Scripture directs us to watch for this very reason.
It is our duty and privilege to lead lives that are pleasing to God. Too often, our mentality involves seeing how close to the lines we can paint. We like to live with one foot in righteousness and one foot in the sinful life. Beloved this is a disaster in the making. Do we really want to be found with our hand in the proverbial cookie jar when the Lord returns? Do want more for which to answer on judgement day?
Let us demonstrate our love and obedience by serving Him acceptably all the days of our lives that we might be worthy of what he has prepared for us. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2-3
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, May 7, 2010
But If Not...-DD 5/7/2010
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Dan 3:17-18
In this passage of scripture resides the story of three of God's men who, though part of the captivity in Babylon, were given positions of authority and responsibility by the king. Subsequent to this, the king erected an image and directed everyone to fall down and worship it at the appointed time. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego refused.
Beloved, God is not in the wish fulfilling business. He is neither fairy, leprechaun nor genie. He is the sovereign Lord, creator of the universe and He does what pleases Him. God has a plan not just for all of us, but for everything in creation. We may not understand why things are the way they are or why certain things happen, but we must know that He is in control. The Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
We, however, are charged to be in the faith business. Even though we may not be able to "see the big picture" or know what is coming around the next corner, we must trust that God does and keep ourselves firmly within the center of His will. This can be challenging due to the many things we experience in life. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and bosses can push us to our limits, but it is important that we think beyond our present circumstances and sacrifice neither our faith nor our obedience. We are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego knew that if they did not comply with the king's command to leave the will of God, they would be subjected to the flames of the furnace. They stood their ground. They remained faithful. They were preserved and even made to prosper. God is so good is He not?
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
In this passage of scripture resides the story of three of God's men who, though part of the captivity in Babylon, were given positions of authority and responsibility by the king. Subsequent to this, the king erected an image and directed everyone to fall down and worship it at the appointed time. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego refused.
Beloved, God is not in the wish fulfilling business. He is neither fairy, leprechaun nor genie. He is the sovereign Lord, creator of the universe and He does what pleases Him. God has a plan not just for all of us, but for everything in creation. We may not understand why things are the way they are or why certain things happen, but we must know that He is in control. The Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
We, however, are charged to be in the faith business. Even though we may not be able to "see the big picture" or know what is coming around the next corner, we must trust that God does and keep ourselves firmly within the center of His will. This can be challenging due to the many things we experience in life. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and bosses can push us to our limits, but it is important that we think beyond our present circumstances and sacrifice neither our faith nor our obedience. We are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego knew that if they did not comply with the king's command to leave the will of God, they would be subjected to the flames of the furnace. They stood their ground. They remained faithful. They were preserved and even made to prosper. God is so good is He not?
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Main Thing-DD 5/6/2010
"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." Eph 4:11-13
My beloved, we are members of the same body. Each member of the body has a God determined purpose. The mission of this body with Christ as its head is to grow, to be a blessing to non members (with the hope and intent of them being added to the body) and ultimately to glorify God.
I submit to you that none of these would be possible without members of the body being united. We often confuse unity with conformity or sameness. Contextually, it simply means that we have faith in and knowledge of the Son of God or in other words, we believe as though we were one person.
This being the case, we must ask ourselves why we persist in finding so many things over which to divide. We divide over clapping, "lifting holy hands" during worship, saying "amen" and disagreements over things being done differently than we ourselves might do them. Interestingly enough, when we display a lack of unity, it often has nothing whatsoever to do with scripture, but instead, traditions or personal preferences. Paul famously asked the members of the body at Corinth, "Is Christ divided?" He went on to say that this is indicative of being men of flesh rather than men of spirit.
We need to keep the main thing the main thing and that is attaining the fullness of Christ. This is certainly a spiritual pursuit.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
My beloved, we are members of the same body. Each member of the body has a God determined purpose. The mission of this body with Christ as its head is to grow, to be a blessing to non members (with the hope and intent of them being added to the body) and ultimately to glorify God.
I submit to you that none of these would be possible without members of the body being united. We often confuse unity with conformity or sameness. Contextually, it simply means that we have faith in and knowledge of the Son of God or in other words, we believe as though we were one person.
This being the case, we must ask ourselves why we persist in finding so many things over which to divide. We divide over clapping, "lifting holy hands" during worship, saying "amen" and disagreements over things being done differently than we ourselves might do them. Interestingly enough, when we display a lack of unity, it often has nothing whatsoever to do with scripture, but instead, traditions or personal preferences. Paul famously asked the members of the body at Corinth, "Is Christ divided?" He went on to say that this is indicative of being men of flesh rather than men of spirit.
We need to keep the main thing the main thing and that is attaining the fullness of Christ. This is certainly a spiritual pursuit.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Finding Your Way-DD 5/5/2010
"'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' Luke 15:18-19
At one time or the other, we are all guilty of straying away from the Lord in one shape, fashion or form. As with the prodigal son, we leave too soon, go too far, spend too much and stay too long. Though sometimes we err through weakness or do so unaware, other times we knowingly shake the fist of rebellion in the face of the Lord. We know full well what we are doing and either steady ourselves for any consequences that may come, or pray to that same Father that they do not.
If we are fortunate and wise, we will come to our senses and realize that being outside the will of God is nowhere to be. It is not enough to simply realize our perilous position. We must be willing to admit (confess) our wrongs, humble ourselves and return to the Father. If we do, we will find that He will run to you, embrace you, kiss you, place a ring on your finger and the finest robe on your shoulder. And at the celebration He will have for you, He will state without hesitation that, "this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:19
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
At one time or the other, we are all guilty of straying away from the Lord in one shape, fashion or form. As with the prodigal son, we leave too soon, go too far, spend too much and stay too long. Though sometimes we err through weakness or do so unaware, other times we knowingly shake the fist of rebellion in the face of the Lord. We know full well what we are doing and either steady ourselves for any consequences that may come, or pray to that same Father that they do not.
If we are fortunate and wise, we will come to our senses and realize that being outside the will of God is nowhere to be. It is not enough to simply realize our perilous position. We must be willing to admit (confess) our wrongs, humble ourselves and return to the Father. If we do, we will find that He will run to you, embrace you, kiss you, place a ring on your finger and the finest robe on your shoulder. And at the celebration He will have for you, He will state without hesitation that, "this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:19
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It's What You Do-DD 5/4/2010
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22
If there is anything in the world that is easy to claim, it is certainly belief in God. In fact, a recent poll revealed that fully 92% of Americans believe in God or some higher power. Further, 83% of Americans claim to be Christians.
The question must be asked, however, that if that is so, why is this country in the shape that it is in? Violent crime is rampant, sin and debauchery are present at every echelon of society, same sex marriage is being legalized and God is being legislated out of our lives. More to the point, consider our own individual lives. What is it that we Christians see in the mirror every time we remove our public masks and gaze upon it?
Make no mistake, Jesus has already spoken about this: "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 My beloved, it is not about what we claim, it is all about what we do.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
If there is anything in the world that is easy to claim, it is certainly belief in God. In fact, a recent poll revealed that fully 92% of Americans believe in God or some higher power. Further, 83% of Americans claim to be Christians.
The question must be asked, however, that if that is so, why is this country in the shape that it is in? Violent crime is rampant, sin and debauchery are present at every echelon of society, same sex marriage is being legalized and God is being legislated out of our lives. More to the point, consider our own individual lives. What is it that we Christians see in the mirror every time we remove our public masks and gaze upon it?
Make no mistake, Jesus has already spoken about this: "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 My beloved, it is not about what we claim, it is all about what we do.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, May 3, 2010
God's Plan For You-DD 5/3/2010
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Gen 50:20
Young Joseph, known for his dreams and his coat of many colors, suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers. At one point they planned to take his life, but in the end decided to sell him into slavery in order that a profit might be earned. As a slave, Joseph suffered many indignities including false accusations, imprisonment and broken promises. Along the way, however; he learned a great many skills as an administrator, manager, logistician, commodities broker and quartermaster. Most importantly, God was with him.
It came to pass that Joseph was made second in command of the greatest nation on earth at the time. In becoming such, he was eventually put in a position to save his long lost family, including the brothers who harmed him, from the worst famine ever known. When that time came, he did exactly that.
Beloved life takes us through all kinds of ups and downs. Our interactions with others can involve the highest highs and the lowest lows. Whether it is the boss making our lives miserable, neighbors causing us difficulty or even family members behaving toward us like anything but, God is with us and He has a plan for our lives. Let us focus our attention and affections on the One who made us. In doing so let us learn all we can from our circumstances in order that we might be prepared for His plan to be manifested.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Young Joseph, known for his dreams and his coat of many colors, suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers. At one point they planned to take his life, but in the end decided to sell him into slavery in order that a profit might be earned. As a slave, Joseph suffered many indignities including false accusations, imprisonment and broken promises. Along the way, however; he learned a great many skills as an administrator, manager, logistician, commodities broker and quartermaster. Most importantly, God was with him.
It came to pass that Joseph was made second in command of the greatest nation on earth at the time. In becoming such, he was eventually put in a position to save his long lost family, including the brothers who harmed him, from the worst famine ever known. When that time came, he did exactly that.
Beloved life takes us through all kinds of ups and downs. Our interactions with others can involve the highest highs and the lowest lows. Whether it is the boss making our lives miserable, neighbors causing us difficulty or even family members behaving toward us like anything but, God is with us and He has a plan for our lives. Let us focus our attention and affections on the One who made us. In doing so let us learn all we can from our circumstances in order that we might be prepared for His plan to be manifested.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
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