"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.'" Rom 15:1-3
One of the things for which the Bush Administration was famous was the concept of "No Child Left Behind." Though the execution and results were questionable, the doctrine was sound. The idea is not unlike the teaching of Paul from which it must have been inspired. We have been taught that no Christian is to be left behind.
Paul was addressing a church that consisted of both Jews and Gentiles who were trying to come together. His admonition to all was that we are brothers and sisters with a common Father and that we are to take care of one another. Though there are differences between us in heritage and habit (evidently considered weakness by some), it is critical that we band together to build one another up so that no one is left behind.
Beloved, the need for this teaching and its associated action is more relevant today than ever. There are so many that are falling away from the Lord. Distractions and deviations seem to multiply daily and once faithful believers are being recaptured by the enemy. This ought not be so. As any of us would protect and nurture the young ones in our blood families, we should all the more hold on tightly to those who are weaker in the faith. Imagine what it would be like to be at the judgment as depicted in Matthew 25 and look over and see someone who used to sit next to you in worship in line with those who did not visit, feed, clothe, etc. and are headed for everlasting destruction. We have a responsibility to one another. This is modeled by Christ who stands between us and Satan's accusations.
Let us do all we can to ensure that not only no Christian, but no individual is left behind.
Committed,
Lee
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Don't Major in Minor 3/11/2013
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Rom 14:19
Unfortunately, it is human nature to be critical of one another. When we see the way someone is dressed, how they do a certain thing or how they interact with others, our minds often go to the way we would do it as opposed to what we are witnessing. Further, we can become judgmental of individuals who do not do as we would do. This can lead to discord, damaged relationships and dis-fellowship.
As Jews and Gentiles began to come together in Christianity, there were numerous differences between them. Gentiles, for instance, had no problem eating all sorts of meat without regard to its origin or previous use in sacrificial ceremonies. Jews, on the other hand, avoided meat in an effort to remain ceremonially clean as thousands of years of heritage taught them. Paul made the case that God had long since given his permission to eat all kinds of food, but that those who knew this should not be critical of those who held on to their heritage and in so doing, served God in their way.
For this reason beloved, we must do all we can to seek peace and unity in our common faith. In some worship services it is common to wear suits, ties, dresses and hats, while in others, it is "come as you are." Some have the service arrayed in one order while others another. Some have praise teams while others have a single song leader. As long as we are adhering to the apostle's doctrine (the essentials of the Christian faith) and accomplishing God's good, we should be more tolerant of minor differences and not divide over "disputable matters." Even Jesus was criticized for being a friend of winebibbers, prostitutes and tax collectors. His goal was to seek and save the lost. This should also be our goal and there is more than one way to reach it. Let us seek to build one another up for the Christian task and avoid tearing each other down to the delight of the Enemy.
Committed,
Lee
Unfortunately, it is human nature to be critical of one another. When we see the way someone is dressed, how they do a certain thing or how they interact with others, our minds often go to the way we would do it as opposed to what we are witnessing. Further, we can become judgmental of individuals who do not do as we would do. This can lead to discord, damaged relationships and dis-fellowship.
As Jews and Gentiles began to come together in Christianity, there were numerous differences between them. Gentiles, for instance, had no problem eating all sorts of meat without regard to its origin or previous use in sacrificial ceremonies. Jews, on the other hand, avoided meat in an effort to remain ceremonially clean as thousands of years of heritage taught them. Paul made the case that God had long since given his permission to eat all kinds of food, but that those who knew this should not be critical of those who held on to their heritage and in so doing, served God in their way.
For this reason beloved, we must do all we can to seek peace and unity in our common faith. In some worship services it is common to wear suits, ties, dresses and hats, while in others, it is "come as you are." Some have the service arrayed in one order while others another. Some have praise teams while others have a single song leader. As long as we are adhering to the apostle's doctrine (the essentials of the Christian faith) and accomplishing God's good, we should be more tolerant of minor differences and not divide over "disputable matters." Even Jesus was criticized for being a friend of winebibbers, prostitutes and tax collectors. His goal was to seek and save the lost. This should also be our goal and there is more than one way to reach it. Let us seek to build one another up for the Christian task and avoid tearing each other down to the delight of the Enemy.
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Saying No to Naysayers 1/17/2013
"Then Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.'” 1 Sam 17:33
Naysayers. They are so pervasive in our lives, we often times become accustomed to their influence without realizing their impact. If we were to feel compelled by our love for God to evangelize our neighborhood, someone would inevitably come along side and whisper in our ears about the likelihood of rejection and futility. If we want to do a great work within the congregation to get us more focused on the things God would have us to do, someone will offer, "We've tried that before and it didn't work." There is no shortage of those who are all to willing to play the role of discourager. They are the first to criticize and the last to offer solutions or help.
Beloved we must be on guard against these influences. Were we to allow them to convince us to do nothing, the cause of Christ would never be served, we would fail to live up to our commitment and commission and we would cease to be the Lord's church, becoming an organization of people who play church.
David's answer to Saul was to share his experience going against the odds, the fact that God had always been with him and his confidence that he would prevail. He said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" 1 Sam 17:37. You have probably figured out by now that David was just a boy and the Philistine was the 9 ft giant, Goliath. The rest, as they say, is history. Let always remember that naysayers will come and go but that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Committed,
Lee
Naysayers. They are so pervasive in our lives, we often times become accustomed to their influence without realizing their impact. If we were to feel compelled by our love for God to evangelize our neighborhood, someone would inevitably come along side and whisper in our ears about the likelihood of rejection and futility. If we want to do a great work within the congregation to get us more focused on the things God would have us to do, someone will offer, "We've tried that before and it didn't work." There is no shortage of those who are all to willing to play the role of discourager. They are the first to criticize and the last to offer solutions or help.
Beloved we must be on guard against these influences. Were we to allow them to convince us to do nothing, the cause of Christ would never be served, we would fail to live up to our commitment and commission and we would cease to be the Lord's church, becoming an organization of people who play church.
David's answer to Saul was to share his experience going against the odds, the fact that God had always been with him and his confidence that he would prevail. He said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" 1 Sam 17:37. You have probably figured out by now that David was just a boy and the Philistine was the 9 ft giant, Goliath. The rest, as they say, is history. Let always remember that naysayers will come and go but that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Letter to my Younger Self 1/10/13
"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Prov 8:10-11
Beloved, Ellyn Spragins, editor-at-large for Fortune Small Business weekly, posed the question to 40 successful women: "If you could send a letter back through time to your younger self, what would the letter say?" The concept of "Letters To My Younger Self" was born. I have been peripherally aware of this book for some time but was recently reminded of it. It has inspired me to craft a spiritual version not so much to my younger self (which is pointless in and of itself) but written in this style for the benefit of anyone who may care to read it and avail themselves of the information it contains, particularly those who are young in Christ.
Beloved, Ellyn Spragins, editor-at-large for Fortune Small Business weekly, posed the question to 40 successful women: "If you could send a letter back through time to your younger self, what would the letter say?" The concept of "Letters To My Younger Self" was born. I have been peripherally aware of this book for some time but was recently reminded of it. It has inspired me to craft a spiritual version not so much to my younger self (which is pointless in and of itself) but written in this style for the benefit of anyone who may care to read it and avail themselves of the information it contains, particularly those who are young in Christ.
***
Dear Lee,
You were raised in a family that believed in the power and presence of God. You were taught that Jesus, through overwhelming love for you and all mankind, voluntarily died for your sins so that you could one day go to heaven. You didn't really understand what all of that meant or how it worked. You just went to church when Dad said it was time to go. You began to get a better understanding of all of this about the time you were 17 and for a time, became very devout. You were baptized of your own accord. You were in church every Sunday, participated in all of the activities, studied your bible and generally behaved yourself. You even managed to tell others about Christ and they began coming to worship. By the time you finished your first year of college, however, you had all but lost interest. Yes, you still claimed to be a Christian, but you were not living the Christian life. This is what I would like to talk to you about.
You have come to know God though not nearly as well as you eventually will. Hopefully you will get to know Him even more than I do now as I sit here and type this. You had a great start and a wonderful foundation. The path had been laid out for you. But you allowed spiritual immaturity to win the day. You allowed the offerings of the world to distract you from what you knew to be right. Not so suddenly, chasing girls became a priority in your life. Working long hours at a job that paid little to buy things you did not need stole your time. You folded up and placed in a closeted trunk the knowledge, joy, spiritual fulfillment, righteousness, obedience and strong love for the Lord like so many winter sweaters come spring.
I want to remind you that you are wonderfully and individually made by the Creator of the universe. He knows every hair on your head and every desire of your heart. He provides for you, protects you and preserves you through some of the huge messes you make for yourself. And He loves you with everything that He is. All he asks is that you love Him in return. That means being obedient to the things He has laid out for you. Just like with Dad, these things are for your own good and not just "because I said so." Like Dad, he wants you to have a happy, successful, safe and productive life. His ways are designed to guide you to this. Beyond Dad, he desires to behold you face to face, to wrap His loving arms around you and to welcome you into an eternity filled with His light, his love and His presence. He has done everything to make this a possibility, including sacrificing His own son.
I won't kid you. The girls can be appealing to a guy your age. Let's face it, they are appealing to guys of all ages. God made us that way. But he made us to be honorable and holy in all of our interactions. Stuff can be appealing too. But remember the rich young ruler who met Jesus had all kinds of stuff and that stuff kept him out of heaven. Time? Well you never know how much you have. Take a look at the obituaries. No one there thought that their time would be up at the moment that it was. Every moment you have should be lived with the goal of pleasing the One who has made you His son and an heir.
Let me close by saying this: You are going to make mistakes and bad decisions and believe it or not, that is ok. Everyone but Jesus has. My encouragement to you is to stay on the path that God has laid out for you. It is a path that leads home. It leads to the one true God who formed you in the womb. There may be stumbles and distractions along the way, but when you trip, get up, dust yourself off and keep moving forward. When you get distracted, look to the hills from whence cometh your help. And lastly remember this which will become your favorite scripture in all of the bible: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Never leave God, His will or His way. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Who knows, you might even make a fine preacher one day.
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
A Promise is a Promise 12/5/2012
"In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us." Heb 6:17-18
Throughout history there have been attempts to gain assurances regarding the reliability of a person's word. We are familiar with handshakes, blood oaths and even "pinkie swears" which are popular with pre-teens today. Biblically, it was customary to swear by someone or something greater than oneself though Christ encouraged saying simply "yes" or "no" rather than making oaths at all ( Matt 5:33-37). But we all know what it is like to have someone make assurances and promises but fail to deliver.
Beloved we can rejoice today because we serve a God that is not subject to the fickleness and failings of men and women. It is good to know that it is beyond His capability to lie and that therefore, He will do what He says He will do. God has an amazing track record. Within the context of the Hebrews passage, the Bible indicates that he made promises to Abraham but "since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself" Heb 6:13. Remember that he promised to make an old man and his barren wife the parents of descendants as numerous as the stars. Even we are products of that promise.
Let us then be grateful that God is true. Let us be encouraged by the things he has promised. Let us look forward with hope and faith to the day that the promises he has made regarding our living ever with him will come to pass.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
P.S. Thanks to all for the wonderful birthday wishes.
Throughout history there have been attempts to gain assurances regarding the reliability of a person's word. We are familiar with handshakes, blood oaths and even "pinkie swears" which are popular with pre-teens today. Biblically, it was customary to swear by someone or something greater than oneself though Christ encouraged saying simply "yes" or "no" rather than making oaths at all ( Matt 5:33-37). But we all know what it is like to have someone make assurances and promises but fail to deliver.
Beloved we can rejoice today because we serve a God that is not subject to the fickleness and failings of men and women. It is good to know that it is beyond His capability to lie and that therefore, He will do what He says He will do. God has an amazing track record. Within the context of the Hebrews passage, the Bible indicates that he made promises to Abraham but "since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself" Heb 6:13. Remember that he promised to make an old man and his barren wife the parents of descendants as numerous as the stars. Even we are products of that promise.
Let us then be grateful that God is true. Let us be encouraged by the things he has promised. Let us look forward with hope and faith to the day that the promises he has made regarding our living ever with him will come to pass.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
P.S. Thanks to all for the wonderful birthday wishes.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Be Encouraged 11/15/2012
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" 1 Pet 1:6-7
There is not one among us who does not at one time or the other experience problems, difficulties, tragedies and loss. Issues come up in personal relationships, work situations, neighborhood interactions, finances and even misunderstandings among those with whom we worship. Speaking of worship, there may even be times that we are subjected to persecution because of our beliefs. None of us should be shocked by this. In fact this situations should actually encourage us and give us cause to rejoice.
Beloved, as Christians, we are called upon to be a different type of person with different beliefs, hopes, dreams, perspectives and certainly different responses to trials and difficulties. Our savior has taught us by his word and his example that life and reality are bigger than our current circumstances. There is an entire eternity before us against which many of the things we endure today diminish into triviality. We are sons and daughters of the living God! That must mean something to us and by extension, those who come into contact with us. We must look at these events, situations and circumstances as simply faith builders (our faith being more precious than pure and refined gold). Think about it this way: there is not a single situation out of which God has not delivered you or is not currently in the process of doing so. Not one. When he delivers us, our faith that he will do so the next time and the time after that and the time after that grows. We will eventually come to rely on him completely and begin to accept trials with joy, knowing that God has us now as He always has.
There is one more thing that helps us grow into this mindset and this truth: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" 1 Pet 1:3-5 (emphasis mine). We have every reason to be encouraged, even in the midst of the worse life has to offer.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
There is not one among us who does not at one time or the other experience problems, difficulties, tragedies and loss. Issues come up in personal relationships, work situations, neighborhood interactions, finances and even misunderstandings among those with whom we worship. Speaking of worship, there may even be times that we are subjected to persecution because of our beliefs. None of us should be shocked by this. In fact this situations should actually encourage us and give us cause to rejoice.
Beloved, as Christians, we are called upon to be a different type of person with different beliefs, hopes, dreams, perspectives and certainly different responses to trials and difficulties. Our savior has taught us by his word and his example that life and reality are bigger than our current circumstances. There is an entire eternity before us against which many of the things we endure today diminish into triviality. We are sons and daughters of the living God! That must mean something to us and by extension, those who come into contact with us. We must look at these events, situations and circumstances as simply faith builders (our faith being more precious than pure and refined gold). Think about it this way: there is not a single situation out of which God has not delivered you or is not currently in the process of doing so. Not one. When he delivers us, our faith that he will do so the next time and the time after that and the time after that grows. We will eventually come to rely on him completely and begin to accept trials with joy, knowing that God has us now as He always has.
There is one more thing that helps us grow into this mindset and this truth: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" 1 Pet 1:3-5 (emphasis mine). We have every reason to be encouraged, even in the midst of the worse life has to offer.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
When the Going Gets Tough-5/30/2012
"Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Sam 30:6
Though a powerful fighter and commander, the as yet uncrowned David was a troubled and conflicted person. As is the case with many leaders, godly or otherwise, when things go wrong the blame lands squarely on the shoulders of the person in charge. David and his mighty men left their wives, children and possessions in what they thought was a safe place while they went off to fight. They returned to find that an enemy had raided their base, stolen their possessions and kidnapped their wives and children. David himself had two wives captured.
Beloved we all know what it is like to go through bad times. Any number of things can send us into despair. Suppose a critical and costly error is made on the job. Imagine an at fault car accident that causes someone to become badly hurt. Consider the occurrence of a situation that jeopardizes your ability to provide for your family. These and many other things can cause even the strongest person to fall apart. The loneliness in such a situation is profound. David, however, is an example of what to do in situations like these. We must remember who we are and whose we are. God has never failed us. All any of us has to do is look back across our lives to see that He has delivered us EVERY time. In fact, our ability to look back is proof in and of itself.
There may not always be a person or persons around to console and comfort us. There may not be those with whom you can consult in a time of trouble. It may be that everyone is not only looking to you to resolve a situation but they may very well array themselves against you for lack of a better target for their anger and pain. It is at times like these that we must encourage ourselves. It is at times like these that we must tap into the presence of God within us and remember. Having done that, as David did, we must take it to God and then move according to His will. Not only did David (and his people) ultimately prevail, they exceeded their previous position and possessions and had enough to share with the elders of Judah who were their friends.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Though a powerful fighter and commander, the as yet uncrowned David was a troubled and conflicted person. As is the case with many leaders, godly or otherwise, when things go wrong the blame lands squarely on the shoulders of the person in charge. David and his mighty men left their wives, children and possessions in what they thought was a safe place while they went off to fight. They returned to find that an enemy had raided their base, stolen their possessions and kidnapped their wives and children. David himself had two wives captured.
Beloved we all know what it is like to go through bad times. Any number of things can send us into despair. Suppose a critical and costly error is made on the job. Imagine an at fault car accident that causes someone to become badly hurt. Consider the occurrence of a situation that jeopardizes your ability to provide for your family. These and many other things can cause even the strongest person to fall apart. The loneliness in such a situation is profound. David, however, is an example of what to do in situations like these. We must remember who we are and whose we are. God has never failed us. All any of us has to do is look back across our lives to see that He has delivered us EVERY time. In fact, our ability to look back is proof in and of itself.
There may not always be a person or persons around to console and comfort us. There may not be those with whom you can consult in a time of trouble. It may be that everyone is not only looking to you to resolve a situation but they may very well array themselves against you for lack of a better target for their anger and pain. It is at times like these that we must encourage ourselves. It is at times like these that we must tap into the presence of God within us and remember. Having done that, as David did, we must take it to God and then move according to His will. Not only did David (and his people) ultimately prevail, they exceeded their previous position and possessions and had enough to share with the elders of Judah who were their friends.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Avoiding Complacency-3/8/2012
"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." Col 2:6-7
Every now and then, it is important that we are reminded of what our Christianity is all about. It easy to "let the seat back" and relax in our relationship with God. It becomes almost like some souvenir from an event gone by or picture on the wall of our living room. We relegate our faith to something that is just there. Yes, it is important, but not active.
Let us remember the fire we had when we were convicted in our hearts to be obedient to the gospel of Christ. Many came with hearts full of love, minds full of both resignation and resolution and eyes filled with tears. It was at this time we became converted, rooted and established. As we got to know our brothers and sisters in Christ, we began to mature in the faith, understanding what it means to be a member of the body of Christ and a child of God. To supplement our experience, we were taught in bible study, in worship, in personal studies and in prayer. We learned what it means to be a Christian, what it took to create that possibility (Jesus' great sacrifice) and the benefits associated with such a gracious blessing as becoming elect. In all this, we were thankful to God for saving us from the destruction for which we were destined. We never knew how dark was our existence until we were shown the light.
Beloved, let us always remember the beginnings of our relationship with the Lord and let us never lose our first love. God is easy to take for granted because He provides so much. Let us never fall into the trap of complacency but remain ever thankful in our hearts, diligent in our prays and faithful in our walk.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Every now and then, it is important that we are reminded of what our Christianity is all about. It easy to "let the seat back" and relax in our relationship with God. It becomes almost like some souvenir from an event gone by or picture on the wall of our living room. We relegate our faith to something that is just there. Yes, it is important, but not active.
Let us remember the fire we had when we were convicted in our hearts to be obedient to the gospel of Christ. Many came with hearts full of love, minds full of both resignation and resolution and eyes filled with tears. It was at this time we became converted, rooted and established. As we got to know our brothers and sisters in Christ, we began to mature in the faith, understanding what it means to be a member of the body of Christ and a child of God. To supplement our experience, we were taught in bible study, in worship, in personal studies and in prayer. We learned what it means to be a Christian, what it took to create that possibility (Jesus' great sacrifice) and the benefits associated with such a gracious blessing as becoming elect. In all this, we were thankful to God for saving us from the destruction for which we were destined. We never knew how dark was our existence until we were shown the light.
Beloved, let us always remember the beginnings of our relationship with the Lord and let us never lose our first love. God is easy to take for granted because He provides so much. Let us never fall into the trap of complacency but remain ever thankful in our hearts, diligent in our prays and faithful in our walk.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, January 27, 2012
Taking Our Temperature-1/27/2012 (rp)
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would that you were cold or hot."
Rev 3:15
In his letter to the church at Laodecia, the Lord was dealing with a problem of people being lukewarm. They were so prosperous that their relationship with the him had cooled to a nodding acknowledgement of his existence, but little more.
Beloved, sometimes we are too blessed. God has been so good to us that we have forgotten what it is like to truly need and depend upon him. When we are in "the valley of the shadow of death" we know exactly who He is and where to find Him. We cry out to Him. We beg Him. We plead to Him to deliver us from our circumstances. When He does, however, we forget the pain and the deliverance and busy ourselves enjoying the goodness of life He provides. Prayer, study, worship attendance and ministering to others all start to slip and the lessons are lost...until we find ourselves in another valley.
We must continue to stoke the fire the Lord within ourselves. The same God that made us and saved us is still with us and still loves us as much as He did when He did those things. We must remember our first love (for Him) and constantly live in it. Yes we get distracted from time to time, but we must always come back to what brought us to Him in the first place.
One last thought: in your mind, what does being "on fire" for the Lord look like? Do you have that picture in your mind? Now ask yourself what the difference is between that ideal and where you are in your walk right now. If there is any difference at all, add fuel, stoke the fire, fan the flames or do whatever it is necessary to do to heat up your love for the Lord, then "let your light so shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Matt 5:16
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Rev 3:15
In his letter to the church at Laodecia, the Lord was dealing with a problem of people being lukewarm. They were so prosperous that their relationship with the him had cooled to a nodding acknowledgement of his existence, but little more.
Beloved, sometimes we are too blessed. God has been so good to us that we have forgotten what it is like to truly need and depend upon him. When we are in "the valley of the shadow of death" we know exactly who He is and where to find Him. We cry out to Him. We beg Him. We plead to Him to deliver us from our circumstances. When He does, however, we forget the pain and the deliverance and busy ourselves enjoying the goodness of life He provides. Prayer, study, worship attendance and ministering to others all start to slip and the lessons are lost...until we find ourselves in another valley.
We must continue to stoke the fire the Lord within ourselves. The same God that made us and saved us is still with us and still loves us as much as He did when He did those things. We must remember our first love (for Him) and constantly live in it. Yes we get distracted from time to time, but we must always come back to what brought us to Him in the first place.
One last thought: in your mind, what does being "on fire" for the Lord look like? Do you have that picture in your mind? Now ask yourself what the difference is between that ideal and where you are in your walk right now. If there is any difference at all, add fuel, stoke the fire, fan the flames or do whatever it is necessary to do to heat up your love for the Lord, then "let your light so shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Matt 5:16
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Cost of Christianity-11/11/2011 (rp)
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23
What an eloquent verse this is that describes the requirements of the Christian faith.
First, you must believe. Heb 11:6 tells us that "He that cometh unto God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Following Jesus necessarily involves belief. No one would get on a plane that they did not feel could fly nor a boat they did not think could float. The desire to follow him means that the individual has been compelled to do so by recommendation, personal experience, need or fear of the alternative. All of these have belief as a foundational component.
Denying oneself contextually means to die to oneself. Clarity is found in Rom 12: 1 where we are told to make our bodies a living sacrifice. Otherwise said, we are no longer our own but now are to lead lives dedicated to the service of the Lord. Through baptism, we die to the flesh spiritually, are buried as dead and are resurrected into the newness of life even as Christ was. In so doing, we live lives dedicated to the accomplishing of his will rather than our own.
Taking up our cross demonstrates that our commitment is not to be entered into lightly. It involves the gritty reality of suffering, pain, ridicule, persecution, sacrifice and potentially, literal and figurative death. The cross is a heavy burden, but it is one that Christ shouldered for us. He now invites all that are weary and burdened to come to him from whom rest is available.
Finally beloved, we cannot just talk about it, but we must be about it. Calling ourselves Christians is meaningless without living the life that exemplifies that calling. A young man of many great possessions and authority was once invited to follow Christ but turned it down, once he heard what it involved. We must follow him in word, thought and deed regardless of the cost. Remember that we are bought with a price paid for by the blood of our savior.
One might ask why we should endure such things since they have already been done for us. The answer is that we should endure such things because they have been done for us. By taking up his own cross, Christ serves as an example for us. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Though we may sometimes find our faith to be challenging to maintain, we will find that the benefits to doing so are out of this world.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
What an eloquent verse this is that describes the requirements of the Christian faith.
First, you must believe. Heb 11:6 tells us that "He that cometh unto God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Following Jesus necessarily involves belief. No one would get on a plane that they did not feel could fly nor a boat they did not think could float. The desire to follow him means that the individual has been compelled to do so by recommendation, personal experience, need or fear of the alternative. All of these have belief as a foundational component.
Denying oneself contextually means to die to oneself. Clarity is found in Rom 12: 1 where we are told to make our bodies a living sacrifice. Otherwise said, we are no longer our own but now are to lead lives dedicated to the service of the Lord. Through baptism, we die to the flesh spiritually, are buried as dead and are resurrected into the newness of life even as Christ was. In so doing, we live lives dedicated to the accomplishing of his will rather than our own.
Taking up our cross demonstrates that our commitment is not to be entered into lightly. It involves the gritty reality of suffering, pain, ridicule, persecution, sacrifice and potentially, literal and figurative death. The cross is a heavy burden, but it is one that Christ shouldered for us. He now invites all that are weary and burdened to come to him from whom rest is available.
Finally beloved, we cannot just talk about it, but we must be about it. Calling ourselves Christians is meaningless without living the life that exemplifies that calling. A young man of many great possessions and authority was once invited to follow Christ but turned it down, once he heard what it involved. We must follow him in word, thought and deed regardless of the cost. Remember that we are bought with a price paid for by the blood of our savior.
One might ask why we should endure such things since they have already been done for us. The answer is that we should endure such things because they have been done for us. By taking up his own cross, Christ serves as an example for us. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Though we may sometimes find our faith to be challenging to maintain, we will find that the benefits to doing so are out of this world.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Living Your Christianity-7/26/2011
"...fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith." 1 Tim 1:18-19
There are those who wear Christianity as a banner, announcing to the world that they are set apart believers in Christ Jesus. Others, carry it quietly within themselves, piously humble, understanding the privilege and allowing it to direct their course. Still others hold it out in front of them as a shield, using it to deflect all accusations. Finally, some accept it as a calling for their own lives and use it as a motivator to call others to a relationship with him who is the author and the finisher of our faith.
Beloved, there will always be a diversity of views about and uses of Christianity. Rather than set ourselves up as judges of one another's faith, we must focus on our own motivations and actions. Paul encouraged Timothy to not neglect the gift that had been given him by God, but to use it to correct error, encourage others and to remain steadfast. His words reveal that this is no walk in the park. There will be challenges to our faith...if we are living it properly. When they come, we are to hold on tight to him who called us.
Sadly, there are those whose faith has little depth. You have seen those who have made their confession, been baptized and then never seen again. One of the great tragedies of spiritual life is witnessing those who knew enough to come but lacked the fortitude to stay. For this reason, we must do all we can not just to remain wrapped in His will ourselves, but to encourage others. It is through this that Christianity finds it's highest expression.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There are those who wear Christianity as a banner, announcing to the world that they are set apart believers in Christ Jesus. Others, carry it quietly within themselves, piously humble, understanding the privilege and allowing it to direct their course. Still others hold it out in front of them as a shield, using it to deflect all accusations. Finally, some accept it as a calling for their own lives and use it as a motivator to call others to a relationship with him who is the author and the finisher of our faith.
Beloved, there will always be a diversity of views about and uses of Christianity. Rather than set ourselves up as judges of one another's faith, we must focus on our own motivations and actions. Paul encouraged Timothy to not neglect the gift that had been given him by God, but to use it to correct error, encourage others and to remain steadfast. His words reveal that this is no walk in the park. There will be challenges to our faith...if we are living it properly. When they come, we are to hold on tight to him who called us.
Sadly, there are those whose faith has little depth. You have seen those who have made their confession, been baptized and then never seen again. One of the great tragedies of spiritual life is witnessing those who knew enough to come but lacked the fortitude to stay. For this reason, we must do all we can not just to remain wrapped in His will ourselves, but to encourage others. It is through this that Christianity finds it's highest expression.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Suffering and Comfort-DD 3/8/11
"For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ." 2 Cor 1:5
When the apostle Paul penned these words to the church at Corinth some 2000 years ago, he was speaking from an experience that is completely foreign to us. We have the ability to worship our God in relative ease and comfort and are not often challenged due to our belief. In fact, we spend more time challenging each other on the nuances and disputable matters of religion than we do celebrating the unity proscribed in scripture. That said, consider some of the things suffered by Paul:
When the apostle Paul penned these words to the church at Corinth some 2000 years ago, he was speaking from an experience that is completely foreign to us. We have the ability to worship our God in relative ease and comfort and are not often challenged due to our belief. In fact, we spend more time challenging each other on the nuances and disputable matters of religion than we do celebrating the unity proscribed in scripture. That said, consider some of the things suffered by Paul:
- "Are they servants of Christ? — I speak as if insane — I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches." 2 Cor 11:23-28
Beloved, this narrative goes on. Paul knew what it was to endure for the cause of Christ. In fact the Lord himself told him that he would suffer many things. Today, we have about as much appreciation for that as our children do for the struggles of living in a segregated society with its restrictions on everything from water fountains and bathrooms to education and jobs. They simply do not think about it because they do not have to endure it.
We must never lose touch with our history or, as the saying goes, we will be doomed to repeat it. Because we do not know the suffering, we do not realize the comfort. We are so well taken care of, we take our lives of relative ease for granted and then fall back to that from which we have been saved. The remedy? Study, reflect, remember, serve and praise.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, February 21, 2011
Encouragement-DD 2/21/2011
"They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed." Acts 16:40
Each of us needs encouragement. Sometimes we need to give it and other times we need to receive it. Encouragement reassures us that we can accomplish the goals that we set before ourselves. It is an urging to stay on the path laid out for us by God. It is positive reinforcement to continue fighting the good fight.
Paul and Silas had been jailed for doing the work of the Lord and found themselves released and begged by the authorities to leave the city. During their jail time, they were locked in the inner recesses and chained. Despite their situation, they sang praises to the Lord. God caused an earthquake that ultimately led to their freedom. Immediately upon being released, they went to the house of Lydia and encouraged those that gathered there. It should be noted that worship was held in homes rather than dedicated buildings in those days. In effect, they went to the church and encouraged the worshippers there.
Beloved, attend to the fact that Paul and Silas continued to praise the Lord, even in the worst of circumstances. Note also that God heard their prayers and gave them the desires of their heart. An examination of the passage will show that the jailer's life was saved and he and his family became Christians through these circumstances.
Not only were Paul and Silas encouraged by their faith, which in turn delivered them through their hardship, but they then shared their experiences with the church. No doubt, this was designed to let them know that God would be with them despite their circumstances and that he is our deliverer and protector. Imagine how that message inspired its hearers to strengthen their faith and continue to lead righteous lives. It is a story that still inspires today. Let us be encouraged and encourage others.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Each of us needs encouragement. Sometimes we need to give it and other times we need to receive it. Encouragement reassures us that we can accomplish the goals that we set before ourselves. It is an urging to stay on the path laid out for us by God. It is positive reinforcement to continue fighting the good fight.
Paul and Silas had been jailed for doing the work of the Lord and found themselves released and begged by the authorities to leave the city. During their jail time, they were locked in the inner recesses and chained. Despite their situation, they sang praises to the Lord. God caused an earthquake that ultimately led to their freedom. Immediately upon being released, they went to the house of Lydia and encouraged those that gathered there. It should be noted that worship was held in homes rather than dedicated buildings in those days. In effect, they went to the church and encouraged the worshippers there.
Beloved, attend to the fact that Paul and Silas continued to praise the Lord, even in the worst of circumstances. Note also that God heard their prayers and gave them the desires of their heart. An examination of the passage will show that the jailer's life was saved and he and his family became Christians through these circumstances.
Not only were Paul and Silas encouraged by their faith, which in turn delivered them through their hardship, but they then shared their experiences with the church. No doubt, this was designed to let them know that God would be with them despite their circumstances and that he is our deliverer and protector. Imagine how that message inspired its hearers to strengthen their faith and continue to lead righteous lives. It is a story that still inspires today. Let us be encouraged and encourage others.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Up Side of Suffering-DD 1/7/2011
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." Job 1:21-22
Beloved, there are so many things for which we have no answers. When we see someone suffer in ways that to our human mind are needless or even when we endure hardship, the inevitable question "why?" comes.
It is as if that because God exists, He should provide us with lives in the lap of luxury or at minimum, a pain and inconvenience free life. We take no thought of the possibility of a larger picture, most often because we are consumed with out own situation.
I visited with a dear sister last evening who has endured a great deal of pain and suffering as a result of a medical situation. She asked members of the body to pray for her last Lord's day due to the fact that her flame was beginning to flicker in the midst of such difficulty. She shared with me during our visit that she told a medical professional about my plans to visit with her. The therapist was shocked, relating that she could not imagine her minister coming to visit her under any circumstance. Our sister continued on telling her about the warm, loving and supportive reception she received when she attended worship this past week. The therapist was stunned, citing that nothing like that has or likely ever would happen at her church. She went on to say how self absorbed and uncaring the people there had been during her time of need. Our sister simply stated, "You are in the wrong church."
Now I'm not church bashing, but simply making the point that trials provide testimony. It remains to be seen what the Lord will do in this situation, but had our dear sister not been suffering, she likely would not ever have met that particular medical professional nor made this particular profession to anyone. In the midst of her suffering, her light shone forth and was an encouragement to someone else.
God does not cause our suffering but it certainly can be used to encourage others and glorify Him. Paul famously wrote, "there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Cor 12:7-9
The next time you find yourself suffering and perhaps failing to understand why, access your faith in Him who made you. Surely it will not last always and some good, somehow, somewhere at some time will come of it.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Beloved, there are so many things for which we have no answers. When we see someone suffer in ways that to our human mind are needless or even when we endure hardship, the inevitable question "why?" comes.
It is as if that because God exists, He should provide us with lives in the lap of luxury or at minimum, a pain and inconvenience free life. We take no thought of the possibility of a larger picture, most often because we are consumed with out own situation.
I visited with a dear sister last evening who has endured a great deal of pain and suffering as a result of a medical situation. She asked members of the body to pray for her last Lord's day due to the fact that her flame was beginning to flicker in the midst of such difficulty. She shared with me during our visit that she told a medical professional about my plans to visit with her. The therapist was shocked, relating that she could not imagine her minister coming to visit her under any circumstance. Our sister continued on telling her about the warm, loving and supportive reception she received when she attended worship this past week. The therapist was stunned, citing that nothing like that has or likely ever would happen at her church. She went on to say how self absorbed and uncaring the people there had been during her time of need. Our sister simply stated, "You are in the wrong church."
Now I'm not church bashing, but simply making the point that trials provide testimony. It remains to be seen what the Lord will do in this situation, but had our dear sister not been suffering, she likely would not ever have met that particular medical professional nor made this particular profession to anyone. In the midst of her suffering, her light shone forth and was an encouragement to someone else.
God does not cause our suffering but it certainly can be used to encourage others and glorify Him. Paul famously wrote, "there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Cor 12:7-9
The next time you find yourself suffering and perhaps failing to understand why, access your faith in Him who made you. Surely it will not last always and some good, somehow, somewhere at some time will come of it.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Maintaining Your Fortitude-DD 1/6/2011
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
Rev 3:8
Does it ever seem to you like the whole world is loosing its mind? A brief glance at the paper or the evening news shows reveals that society seems to have lost its moral center. This is true because individuals are distinguishing themselves by their excesses rather than their fortitude.
Is the size and financial health of your congregation shrinking? Even those who call upon the name of Jesus can get distracted by the things the world has to offer. As things that used to be absolutely taboo become more and more acceptable, many in the church move right along with the current and find that though they continue to believe, they have developed a "different view" of things.
And what about you? Do you pray as much as you once did? Do you find yourself making excuses to miss worship? Do you spend more on entertainment than you do on giving? Do you read the word of God at all?
Beloved, the Lord sees all and knows our struggles and triumphs. As with many things in life, there are benefits to persevering, overcoming obstacles and staying the positive and correct course. He has promised great things to those who are not overcome by temptations, led astray by fickle desires or are influenced to slide back into the darkness from whence we came. Be it society, congregation or even a lack of personal fortitude, let nothing prevent you from walking through the door that Christ has opened. We have come this far by faith. Let us remain diligent until the very end.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Rev 3:8
Does it ever seem to you like the whole world is loosing its mind? A brief glance at the paper or the evening news shows reveals that society seems to have lost its moral center. This is true because individuals are distinguishing themselves by their excesses rather than their fortitude.
Is the size and financial health of your congregation shrinking? Even those who call upon the name of Jesus can get distracted by the things the world has to offer. As things that used to be absolutely taboo become more and more acceptable, many in the church move right along with the current and find that though they continue to believe, they have developed a "different view" of things.
And what about you? Do you pray as much as you once did? Do you find yourself making excuses to miss worship? Do you spend more on entertainment than you do on giving? Do you read the word of God at all?
Beloved, the Lord sees all and knows our struggles and triumphs. As with many things in life, there are benefits to persevering, overcoming obstacles and staying the positive and correct course. He has promised great things to those who are not overcome by temptations, led astray by fickle desires or are influenced to slide back into the darkness from whence we came. Be it society, congregation or even a lack of personal fortitude, let nothing prevent you from walking through the door that Christ has opened. We have come this far by faith. Let us remain diligent until the very end.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Quiet Fight-DD 1/4/2011
"The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Ex 14:14
From a very early age, we are taught by our parents to fight back. I remember my own mom telling me that "If someone hits you, you hit them back!" This was designed to build in us an ability to defend ourselves and not let others take advantage or abuse us.
This foundational learning runs like a thread through our lives and can be seen throughout. We can see this mentality manifested in politics, relationships, sports and even traffic. We develop a tendency to attempt control of our environment, impressions of ourselves in the minds of others and even the things that may happen to us in the future.
The interesting thing about this is that we really do not control anything, with the possible exception of our responses to the things that happen to us. The way we respond, however, is more often a demonstration of our lack of control than the other way around. You see beloved, fighting back is a response. It is a reaction to being attacked. We do not control the attack at all.
Despite our best efforts to plan, set goals and even build defenses, it is not the least bit unusual for us to face circumstances and situations that we hoped would never come. Our response is to not only defend, but to sometimes go on the offensive. I invite you to consider God's advice to the Hebrews. They were under attack from the rear and facing an insurmountable obstacle in front of them. How often we do find ourselves in this situation. God says to trust Him, be still and to leave it in His hands. As it was with Moses, He will tell you what to do and when to do it. In His good time, you will see the power of his might...and your salvation, in life as well as in your seemingly insurmountable situations.
Be encouraged.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
From a very early age, we are taught by our parents to fight back. I remember my own mom telling me that "If someone hits you, you hit them back!" This was designed to build in us an ability to defend ourselves and not let others take advantage or abuse us.
This foundational learning runs like a thread through our lives and can be seen throughout. We can see this mentality manifested in politics, relationships, sports and even traffic. We develop a tendency to attempt control of our environment, impressions of ourselves in the minds of others and even the things that may happen to us in the future.
The interesting thing about this is that we really do not control anything, with the possible exception of our responses to the things that happen to us. The way we respond, however, is more often a demonstration of our lack of control than the other way around. You see beloved, fighting back is a response. It is a reaction to being attacked. We do not control the attack at all.
Despite our best efforts to plan, set goals and even build defenses, it is not the least bit unusual for us to face circumstances and situations that we hoped would never come. Our response is to not only defend, but to sometimes go on the offensive. I invite you to consider God's advice to the Hebrews. They were under attack from the rear and facing an insurmountable obstacle in front of them. How often we do find ourselves in this situation. God says to trust Him, be still and to leave it in His hands. As it was with Moses, He will tell you what to do and when to do it. In His good time, you will see the power of his might...and your salvation, in life as well as in your seemingly insurmountable situations.
Be encouraged.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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