"He said, 'Thus says the Lord, 'Make this valley full of trenches.' "For thus says the Lord, 'You shall not see wind nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts." 2 Kings 3:16-17
The kings of Judah and Edom had allied themselves with aggrieved king of Israel, Jehoram, in an effort to do battle with the offending king of Moab. It should be noted that Jehoram was a wicked king but the king of Judah was righteous. Having set their battle plan to go through an area of wilderness, they found themselves without water for their men and animals. Wisely, they sought the prophet Elijah to advocate for them with God. It should also be noted that Elijah would have had nothing to do with Jehoram had it not been for the presence of Judah's king.
God's instruction, in short, was to prepare themselves for a miraculous blessing. They would have all the water they needed if they followed His instructions. They would not be inundated by rain which might have actually hindered their efforts, yet the Lord promised that they would have water.
Beloved, we do not always know how God will accomplish those things for which we have prayed, but we should always be prepared for an affirmative answer when the request aligns with His will. In this case the Moabites had offended God and wronged His people. It may be in your life that God take action in order to accomplish His will. Perhaps you WILL receive that promotion in order to be able to carry His word to more people and contribute more financially to His kingdom. Perhaps you WILL recover your health in an effort to be more convinced of His grace and mercy and will in turn be an encouragement to others. Perhaps He WILL send a spouse to you in order to allow you to defeat temptation and thereby be preserved. But as the kings did, you must prepare to receive such blessings.
God truly delivered on His promise to the kings. Water was delivered to the people of God via a flash flood from a distant storm. Not only did they have water to drink, but the blood like appearance of the waters' reflection of the rising sun caused the enemy to believe the kings had fought among themselves. Thinking this they went out to meet the prepared army and were themselves consumed.
Our God is a mighty God who blesses His children in accordance with His will. Does yours align with His? Despite the fact that there may be Jehorams in your life, be sure that you are the Judah that finds favor. God always comes through.
Discipling,
Lee
Showing posts with label Preparation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preparation. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2021
Will Alignment
Thursday, August 9, 2018
For Such a Time as This 8/9/2018
"Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, 'Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?'” Esther 4:13-14
There are times when we wonder why we are in a particular situation or place. To be sure, we work hard to attain certain positions or circumstances but it is not unusual to occasionally look around and wonder if there is something more regarding the reason for being there. This can be especially true if we happen to have our spiritual glasses on that day.
Esther was a young Jewish orphaned woman who, through a chain of evidently God led events, became queen to the king of a vast empire. Unfortunately, one of the king's trusted noblemen developed an intense dislike for a Jewish man named Mordacai in particular and the Jewish people in general. This dislike was so intense that he plotted to kill each and every one of them. Upon hearing this, Mordecai urged his adopted daughter (Esther was actually his uncle's daughter) to get involved and make an appeal to the king. Due to a law that promised death to anyone who sought the king that was not summoned or to which he did not extend his golden scepter as permission to approach, Esther was reluctant to say the least.
Beloved, there may be times when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations were we may even be in some type of jeopardy. We should always be on the lookout for how we can make a positive difference. We must examine whether there is a way we can use the position or stature we have been granted by God to do the work of God. Though there may be benefits to us that result from the positions we hold or the situations we have attained, which was surely the case for Esther, it is more than possible that it is a platform for the Almighty and that we have been placed there for His glory.
Esther did indeed respond and as a result, all the Jews were spared and the enemy was destroyed. We can find ourselves enjoying our situations for many years, but let us always be ready to act on God's behalf when the opportunity presents itself. Understand that we are all placed "for such a time as this."
Building God's family,
Lee
There are times when we wonder why we are in a particular situation or place. To be sure, we work hard to attain certain positions or circumstances but it is not unusual to occasionally look around and wonder if there is something more regarding the reason for being there. This can be especially true if we happen to have our spiritual glasses on that day.
Esther was a young Jewish orphaned woman who, through a chain of evidently God led events, became queen to the king of a vast empire. Unfortunately, one of the king's trusted noblemen developed an intense dislike for a Jewish man named Mordacai in particular and the Jewish people in general. This dislike was so intense that he plotted to kill each and every one of them. Upon hearing this, Mordecai urged his adopted daughter (Esther was actually his uncle's daughter) to get involved and make an appeal to the king. Due to a law that promised death to anyone who sought the king that was not summoned or to which he did not extend his golden scepter as permission to approach, Esther was reluctant to say the least.
Beloved, there may be times when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations were we may even be in some type of jeopardy. We should always be on the lookout for how we can make a positive difference. We must examine whether there is a way we can use the position or stature we have been granted by God to do the work of God. Though there may be benefits to us that result from the positions we hold or the situations we have attained, which was surely the case for Esther, it is more than possible that it is a platform for the Almighty and that we have been placed there for His glory.
Esther did indeed respond and as a result, all the Jews were spared and the enemy was destroyed. We can find ourselves enjoying our situations for many years, but let us always be ready to act on God's behalf when the opportunity presents itself. Understand that we are all placed "for such a time as this."
Building God's family,
Lee
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Keep Your Feet (Don't Stumble) 9/17/2013
"But Peter said to Him, 'Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.' Jesus said to him, 'Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'” Matthew 26:33-34
Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to be experiencing his last night before being hung on a cruel cross and dying. Spending time with his inner circle, he had just partaken of what we know as the Last Supper and informed them that one of them would betray him. Subsequent to this, however, he told them that they would all fall away (or stumble). He quoted Zachariah 13:7 which states, "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." We all know that it was Judas that betrayed the Lord but what of those who stumbled? What does it even mean to stumble? And why was Peter pointed out in particular?
The simple truth is that most of us avoid trouble at all costs. Jesus was considered to be and treated as a criminal and the apostles were his closest associates. On that same night, while in the company of some of them, he was arrested, beaten and taken to trial. That is most certainly trouble. As it was predicted, the apostles, with the exception of John, all scattered. Peter in particular followed Jesus to the trials at some distance but did in fact deny him three times when people recognized that he had been one who walked with Jesus. It is also known that the apostles did not busy themselves carrying out the training and mission they had received but instead hid, returning to their prior vocation as fishermen. This is stumbling.
Beloved, we must ask ourselves if we ever stumble in our faith and purpose. Though Jesus is no longer physically being dragged through the streets and falsely accused, his cause is still under indictment by some. When atheists attempt to legislate the Lord out of our lives, do we make our voices heard? When we are attacked for our stance on God ordained relationships do we hide and cower? When Satan tempts us personally do we give in or tell him to go away? The potential to stumble most surely continues to exist among the followers of the Lord. Even the most ardent, such as Peter, can find themselves out of position. We therefore must guard against the impulse to flee the one who left heaven to seek and save us. Let us not stumble but let us keep our feet.
Committed,
Lee
Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to be experiencing his last night before being hung on a cruel cross and dying. Spending time with his inner circle, he had just partaken of what we know as the Last Supper and informed them that one of them would betray him. Subsequent to this, however, he told them that they would all fall away (or stumble). He quoted Zachariah 13:7 which states, "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." We all know that it was Judas that betrayed the Lord but what of those who stumbled? What does it even mean to stumble? And why was Peter pointed out in particular?
The simple truth is that most of us avoid trouble at all costs. Jesus was considered to be and treated as a criminal and the apostles were his closest associates. On that same night, while in the company of some of them, he was arrested, beaten and taken to trial. That is most certainly trouble. As it was predicted, the apostles, with the exception of John, all scattered. Peter in particular followed Jesus to the trials at some distance but did in fact deny him three times when people recognized that he had been one who walked with Jesus. It is also known that the apostles did not busy themselves carrying out the training and mission they had received but instead hid, returning to their prior vocation as fishermen. This is stumbling.
Beloved, we must ask ourselves if we ever stumble in our faith and purpose. Though Jesus is no longer physically being dragged through the streets and falsely accused, his cause is still under indictment by some. When atheists attempt to legislate the Lord out of our lives, do we make our voices heard? When we are attacked for our stance on God ordained relationships do we hide and cower? When Satan tempts us personally do we give in or tell him to go away? The potential to stumble most surely continues to exist among the followers of the Lord. Even the most ardent, such as Peter, can find themselves out of position. We therefore must guard against the impulse to flee the one who left heaven to seek and save us. Let us not stumble but let us keep our feet.
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Are You Ready? 5/1/2013
"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief..." 2 Pet 3:9-10a
Even during the first century there were scoffers about the Lord who asked, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation,” 2 Pet 3:4. The bible refers to these people who evidently take into no account the power of the God of all creation as "willingly ignorant." We are reminded that to the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The real question that should be asked is "Am I ready?".
Beloved, let us not take on the mentality of the "microwave generation" who wants immediate answers and gratification for all things. When the Lord, in his infinite wisdom and his own timing does come, it will be too soon for many. Jesus advised, "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be," Matt 24:38-39. Let us instead focus on being ready for his return. Let us focus on being found doing those things he commands. We can certainly learn from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins that when the time comes, there will be no opportunity to begin preparing the things that should already have been prepared. As it was with the foolish virgins, that will be an excellent way to be left out.
The Lord has been clear about the fact that he will return. He has also been clear that only God knows the timing. The best way to be ready is to get ready and stay ready.
Committed,
Lee
Even during the first century there were scoffers about the Lord who asked, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation,” 2 Pet 3:4. The bible refers to these people who evidently take into no account the power of the God of all creation as "willingly ignorant." We are reminded that to the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The real question that should be asked is "Am I ready?".
Beloved, let us not take on the mentality of the "microwave generation" who wants immediate answers and gratification for all things. When the Lord, in his infinite wisdom and his own timing does come, it will be too soon for many. Jesus advised, "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be," Matt 24:38-39. Let us instead focus on being ready for his return. Let us focus on being found doing those things he commands. We can certainly learn from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins that when the time comes, there will be no opportunity to begin preparing the things that should already have been prepared. As it was with the foolish virgins, that will be an excellent way to be left out.
The Lord has been clear about the fact that he will return. He has also been clear that only God knows the timing. The best way to be ready is to get ready and stay ready.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, October 22, 2012
Good News and Better News 10/22/2012
"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Heb 9:28 (NIV)
It is difficult for any human being to look upon Jesus' suffering on the cross as good news. The gospel account is actually quite horrifying and humiliating. Nevertheless, without it, humanity would be doomed to an an irreversible destruction. It is only because of our Savior's great sacrifice that we can be reconciled to the God who made us.
The one thing that mitigates the sorrowful treatment of God's son is the fact that he took up his life again. With resurrection power, he arose and walked out of his borrowed tomb to verify the truth of his words and spread the good news of their meaning. Having completed his work on earth, he returned to the heaven from which he came and now sits on the right hand of God.
Beloved, all of this is as if a cure has been discovered for a terrible disease to which we are all subject. The goodness of the news does not reach its zenith until we are ourselves inoculated. This will take place when the same Savior who rose into the clouds comes back in those clouds and reaps the harvest of all he has planted on earth. That is when good news will get even better.
Let us be sure that we are part of that harvest. Though he will return for those who are waiting for him, remember that we must be prepared in our waiting. As the wise virgins had their lamps filled with oil, ready for the bridegroom to arrive despite not knowing the hour, we too must have our lives in order. Only then we will be able to take advantage of the best news possible: the announcement that it is time to go home.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is difficult for any human being to look upon Jesus' suffering on the cross as good news. The gospel account is actually quite horrifying and humiliating. Nevertheless, without it, humanity would be doomed to an an irreversible destruction. It is only because of our Savior's great sacrifice that we can be reconciled to the God who made us.
The one thing that mitigates the sorrowful treatment of God's son is the fact that he took up his life again. With resurrection power, he arose and walked out of his borrowed tomb to verify the truth of his words and spread the good news of their meaning. Having completed his work on earth, he returned to the heaven from which he came and now sits on the right hand of God.
Beloved, all of this is as if a cure has been discovered for a terrible disease to which we are all subject. The goodness of the news does not reach its zenith until we are ourselves inoculated. This will take place when the same Savior who rose into the clouds comes back in those clouds and reaps the harvest of all he has planted on earth. That is when good news will get even better.
Let us be sure that we are part of that harvest. Though he will return for those who are waiting for him, remember that we must be prepared in our waiting. As the wise virgins had their lamps filled with oil, ready for the bridegroom to arrive despite not knowing the hour, we too must have our lives in order. Only then we will be able to take advantage of the best news possible: the announcement that it is time to go home.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, June 25, 2012
Are You Ready?-6/25/2012
"Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." 1 Thess 5:1-2
I have a wonderful relationship with my earthly father. This relationship was born out of love, nurturing, teaching, provision and discipline. I have many fond memories of being raised in his household. There was much laughter and joy and his vocation allowed my sister and I to see parts of the world of which many can only dream. I also remember the not-so-fun times when I had to answer for some of the mistakes I made.
Through all of it, however, I learned what love is and that my dad had plenty of it for me and the rest of our small family. Through it all I learned to love him with everything I am. It was because of both love and discipline that I learned to follow his directions because I knew they were for my good. When he said to have something done by the time he came back, it was not an option in my mind to do anything less.
Beloved we all have a great and loving heavenly Father. He likewise provides love, nurturing, teaching, discipline and all that we need for life. And while a point inevitably comes when our earthly fathers cease raising us, we are constantly being given encouragement, direction and resources to grow by our heavenly Father. Where that which can be provided by our earthly fathers comes to an end, it gets infinitely and everlastingly better with our heavenly Father if we heed His direction for our lives. For this reason, just as it did not occur to me to be unprepared for my earthly father's return, we should all likewise have the same attitude for the calling of the Lord. He has given us much to do in his absence, but has told us, "if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" John 14:3.
Are you ready?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
I have a wonderful relationship with my earthly father. This relationship was born out of love, nurturing, teaching, provision and discipline. I have many fond memories of being raised in his household. There was much laughter and joy and his vocation allowed my sister and I to see parts of the world of which many can only dream. I also remember the not-so-fun times when I had to answer for some of the mistakes I made.
Through all of it, however, I learned what love is and that my dad had plenty of it for me and the rest of our small family. Through it all I learned to love him with everything I am. It was because of both love and discipline that I learned to follow his directions because I knew they were for my good. When he said to have something done by the time he came back, it was not an option in my mind to do anything less.
Beloved we all have a great and loving heavenly Father. He likewise provides love, nurturing, teaching, discipline and all that we need for life. And while a point inevitably comes when our earthly fathers cease raising us, we are constantly being given encouragement, direction and resources to grow by our heavenly Father. Where that which can be provided by our earthly fathers comes to an end, it gets infinitely and everlastingly better with our heavenly Father if we heed His direction for our lives. For this reason, just as it did not occur to me to be unprepared for my earthly father's return, we should all likewise have the same attitude for the calling of the Lord. He has given us much to do in his absence, but has told us, "if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" John 14:3.
Are you ready?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, April 13, 2012
Warning vs. Timing-4/13/2012
"So they went into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which was the breath of life. Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD closed it behind him." Gen 7:15-16
Most everyone is familiar with the famous story of Noah and the ark. It serves as a cautionary tale for several subjects including the wrath of God, the power of God, the mercy of God and even the tender heart of God. What moved my spirit today, however, are the warnings of God and the timing of God.
Theories range from 40 to 120 years between the time that God instructed Noah to begin building the ark and the time that the rains came. Noah, also referred to as a preacher, used this time to let his neighbors know what was to come. In the end, only Noah and his family were inside the ark when the door was shut by God Himself.
Beloved, as the people of Noah's time were warned, so are we. None should be surprised when the Lord comes. Yes He is to come as a thief in the night, but we are told in Matt 24:43-44 "But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." As the saying goes, to be forewarned is to be fore armed.
Though we do not know the specific time, God has been gracious enough to warn us of the fact. Are we wise enough to be prepared?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most everyone is familiar with the famous story of Noah and the ark. It serves as a cautionary tale for several subjects including the wrath of God, the power of God, the mercy of God and even the tender heart of God. What moved my spirit today, however, are the warnings of God and the timing of God.
Theories range from 40 to 120 years between the time that God instructed Noah to begin building the ark and the time that the rains came. Noah, also referred to as a preacher, used this time to let his neighbors know what was to come. In the end, only Noah and his family were inside the ark when the door was shut by God Himself.
Beloved, as the people of Noah's time were warned, so are we. None should be surprised when the Lord comes. Yes He is to come as a thief in the night, but we are told in Matt 24:43-44 "But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." As the saying goes, to be forewarned is to be fore armed.
Though we do not know the specific time, God has been gracious enough to warn us of the fact. Are we wise enough to be prepared?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Gift of Time-11/28/2011
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet 3:9
Contextually, Peter is addressing the taunts of those who question, at worst, the existence of God and at best, the prophesied return of the Lord. He reminds his audience that God is not on man’s timetable. Before we ever existed, He created all that there is and that there was never a time that He did not exist. Citing that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” he establishes that God is above and beyond time. This said, Peter further relates that God is doing us a tremendous favor by delaying the end of the age.
Beloved, there are some that are anxious for the return of the Lord. Looking as we do at the prevailing condition of this world and the people who occupy it, some are hungry for righteousness and justice to prevail and things to be set right by He who is the Master of the Universe. Others are not so anxious for the day to come due to the root cause of a lack of readiness. Regardless of one’s position, all should rejoice in the wisdom and love of the Lord. For those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, know that the delay is due to God’s fervent desire that none are lost. What could be more righteous? For those who are “not ready” you are the object of His longsuffering. His coming, however, is as certain as the fact that the past has already occurred. In that when the time comes it will take place in an instant and that we do not know when that time will come, we only have this moment to be ready. The next moment is not promised. We therefore must not delay as He has done on our behalf. Surely whatever motives anyone has for doing so are nonsensical. The time He is giving is a gift and that gift has an unknown expiration date. Better use it. Now.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Contextually, Peter is addressing the taunts of those who question, at worst, the existence of God and at best, the prophesied return of the Lord. He reminds his audience that God is not on man’s timetable. Before we ever existed, He created all that there is and that there was never a time that He did not exist. Citing that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” he establishes that God is above and beyond time. This said, Peter further relates that God is doing us a tremendous favor by delaying the end of the age.
Beloved, there are some that are anxious for the return of the Lord. Looking as we do at the prevailing condition of this world and the people who occupy it, some are hungry for righteousness and justice to prevail and things to be set right by He who is the Master of the Universe. Others are not so anxious for the day to come due to the root cause of a lack of readiness. Regardless of one’s position, all should rejoice in the wisdom and love of the Lord. For those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, know that the delay is due to God’s fervent desire that none are lost. What could be more righteous? For those who are “not ready” you are the object of His longsuffering. His coming, however, is as certain as the fact that the past has already occurred. In that when the time comes it will take place in an instant and that we do not know when that time will come, we only have this moment to be ready. The next moment is not promised. We therefore must not delay as He has done on our behalf. Surely whatever motives anyone has for doing so are nonsensical. The time He is giving is a gift and that gift has an unknown expiration date. Better use it. Now.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Preparation and Provision-9/20/2011
"In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:2-3
God has always set us up for success. He has done so through preparation and provision. Think about it. He prepared the earth as a dwelling place full of all we need to live. In the midst of our disobedience, He prepared a way for us to multiply and to be fruitful. When we went our own way and did our own thing, He set aside a people through whom salvation for all mankind would come. He provided them with love, laws and land to preserve them. Through them He prepared a savior who would provide the opportunity for both restoration to the originally intended relationship with Himself and deliverance from that which would keep us in spiritual darkness and cause our ultimate destruction.
Even now, beloved, that preparation continues. As a bird builds a nest, as a parent prepares the nursery, Jesus is preparing a place for those who desire to be with him. Note that we are to be housed together as a family. Note also that we are not simply left to find our way but that he is coming to retrieve us.
As we go through the ups and downs of our daily lives and the worries and cares of this world, let our spirits be lifted by the fact that preparations are being made for us. Let us be encouraged that our separation from He who made us will come to a permanent end. Let us experience joy that just as with the return of the prodigal son, a great banquet, robe of righteousness and a signet ring of identification awaits us.
One day, we will all go home.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
God has always set us up for success. He has done so through preparation and provision. Think about it. He prepared the earth as a dwelling place full of all we need to live. In the midst of our disobedience, He prepared a way for us to multiply and to be fruitful. When we went our own way and did our own thing, He set aside a people through whom salvation for all mankind would come. He provided them with love, laws and land to preserve them. Through them He prepared a savior who would provide the opportunity for both restoration to the originally intended relationship with Himself and deliverance from that which would keep us in spiritual darkness and cause our ultimate destruction.
Even now, beloved, that preparation continues. As a bird builds a nest, as a parent prepares the nursery, Jesus is preparing a place for those who desire to be with him. Note that we are to be housed together as a family. Note also that we are not simply left to find our way but that he is coming to retrieve us.
As we go through the ups and downs of our daily lives and the worries and cares of this world, let our spirits be lifted by the fact that preparations are being made for us. Let us be encouraged that our separation from He who made us will come to a permanent end. Let us experience joy that just as with the return of the prodigal son, a great banquet, robe of righteousness and a signet ring of identification awaits us.
One day, we will all go home.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Are You Ready-9/1/2011
"And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut." Matt 27:10
Foundational to our Christian belief is that we serve a risen Lord who has promised to come back for us one day, John 14:2-3. What has not been promised is that we would know when. According to Mark 13:32, this information is given neither to man, angels or even the Son, but remains with the Father.
There are numerous scriptures that discuss the return of Christ. Many of them feature phrases like, "in the twinkling of an eye," "as a thief in the night," and "suddenly." Since no one knows neither the date nor the time, the very best thing we can do is to be ready for his return at all times. As outlined in the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were properly prepared and 5 were not. They who find themselves scrambling to get ready and get right when the Lord arrives will find that it will be too late. Those who are leading faithful lives, Rev 2:10, will find themselves recipients of the promises of the Lord.
We all understand the challenges to leading righteous lives in these perilous times however; we must cast our eyes back to all that has been suffered on our behalf and forward to all that has been prepared. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.
Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt 24:44. Are you ready?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Foundational to our Christian belief is that we serve a risen Lord who has promised to come back for us one day, John 14:2-3. What has not been promised is that we would know when. According to Mark 13:32, this information is given neither to man, angels or even the Son, but remains with the Father.
There are numerous scriptures that discuss the return of Christ. Many of them feature phrases like, "in the twinkling of an eye," "as a thief in the night," and "suddenly." Since no one knows neither the date nor the time, the very best thing we can do is to be ready for his return at all times. As outlined in the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were properly prepared and 5 were not. They who find themselves scrambling to get ready and get right when the Lord arrives will find that it will be too late. Those who are leading faithful lives, Rev 2:10, will find themselves recipients of the promises of the Lord.
We all understand the challenges to leading righteous lives in these perilous times however; we must cast our eyes back to all that has been suffered on our behalf and forward to all that has been prepared. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.
Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt 24:44. Are you ready?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Watch Out-7/21/2011
"It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them." Luke 12:37
With all that vies for our attention these days, it is easy to become distracted. We scurry through our lives attending to matters of great importance at times and of no consequence at all at others. Some of these things are necessary to life and others place our mortal souls in jeopardy. The Lord, however, promises blessings upon those who prioritize those things with eternal ramifications.
Beloved, to be watchful is to be prepared. It is nothing short of both anticipating his coming being ready for it. Jesus says, "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour you think not, the Son of man comes." Matt 24:43-44 How many of us have had something stolen or vandalism done and wished that we had been there when it was about to take place? While it may not be practical stand guard over our homes and property 24 hours a day, we can certainly be diligent over our spiritual lives at all times.
The reward for this steadfastness is vast. We will experience nothing short of being collected by the Lord and then served by him. Rev 3:20 says that whosoever opens the door when he knocks will feast with him. That is one meal, one existence and one eternity to which we should all aspire. The price has already been paid. We just have to be ready.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
With all that vies for our attention these days, it is easy to become distracted. We scurry through our lives attending to matters of great importance at times and of no consequence at all at others. Some of these things are necessary to life and others place our mortal souls in jeopardy. The Lord, however, promises blessings upon those who prioritize those things with eternal ramifications.
Beloved, to be watchful is to be prepared. It is nothing short of both anticipating his coming being ready for it. Jesus says, "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour you think not, the Son of man comes." Matt 24:43-44 How many of us have had something stolen or vandalism done and wished that we had been there when it was about to take place? While it may not be practical stand guard over our homes and property 24 hours a day, we can certainly be diligent over our spiritual lives at all times.
The reward for this steadfastness is vast. We will experience nothing short of being collected by the Lord and then served by him. Rev 3:20 says that whosoever opens the door when he knocks will feast with him. That is one meal, one existence and one eternity to which we should all aspire. The price has already been paid. We just have to be ready.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Preparation-DD 5/26/2011 (rp)
"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.
Beloved, the encouragement 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.
Loving Like Jesus,
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.
Beloved, the encouragement 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.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Do the Word-DD 3/7/2011
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22
Undoubtedly, we as Christians attend bible studies and worship services where the word of God is taught and preached. It is hoped that the man of God in particular and all of those who have taken on the responsibility to expound upon the scriptures and teach sound doctrine, do so after taking a great deal of time in prayer and study in order to act as the oracles of God. Surely they are messengers of the Almighty and the messages they deliver are gifts from Him who made us.
As with any gift, it is only as effective as the receiver’s value of and use of it. This in no way expresses the absolute and immeasurable value of God’s word, however, what is the effect of a cure to the afflicted who will not avail themselves of it?
Beloved, we must not just attend classes and worship for the purposes of fulfilling some requirement or to be entertained. We must live by the very word of God, Matt 4:4. God has given us our marching orders. We must carry them out to the letter in order to be found within his will. The word of God is living and active. Its power is seen, felt and experienced when we carry out His word in all that we say, do and think.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Undoubtedly, we as Christians attend bible studies and worship services where the word of God is taught and preached. It is hoped that the man of God in particular and all of those who have taken on the responsibility to expound upon the scriptures and teach sound doctrine, do so after taking a great deal of time in prayer and study in order to act as the oracles of God. Surely they are messengers of the Almighty and the messages they deliver are gifts from Him who made us.
As with any gift, it is only as effective as the receiver’s value of and use of it. This in no way expresses the absolute and immeasurable value of God’s word, however, what is the effect of a cure to the afflicted who will not avail themselves of it?
Beloved, we must not just attend classes and worship for the purposes of fulfilling some requirement or to be entertained. We must live by the very word of God, Matt 4:4. God has given us our marching orders. We must carry them out to the letter in order to be found within his will. The word of God is living and active. Its power is seen, felt and experienced when we carry out His word in all that we say, do and think.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Matter of Time-DD 2/11/2011
"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
Time is an amazing concept. It is not tangible and is wholly theoretical. Though it exist as an indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another, we rely upon it to regulate our very lives. It exists to relate sequences to each other in order to consider them past, present or future. We measure our lives in relation to both our birth and anticipated death; our beginning and our end. Eternity is a difficult concept to grasp because it represents either the absence of time or infinite time.
In this passage, time is highlighted for two reasons. First, Peter is addressing the mockery of non-believers who, question the faith due to the as yet unseen second coming of the Lord. We are reminded that God is not constrained by time and that He operates on a different scale than we do. You will recall that, "with the Lord, a thousand years is like one day and one day like a thousand years." Second and more important, God is not negligent in His promises. He said that the Lord will return and he will. Any delay, real or perceived, is designed to give us time to come to full repentance thereby developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with our Creator.
Beloved, be assured that God will do what He said He would do. It is just a matter of time. The sad tragedy is that when that moment comes, it will be as a thief in the night, which is to say, by the time we realize what has happened, it will have been too late. And if we find ourselves on the outside looking in after this great moment has occurred, the one thing we will wish we had is just a little more time.
We have time now. We have this very moment. Nothing else is promised. Nothing else is assured.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Time is an amazing concept. It is not tangible and is wholly theoretical. Though it exist as an indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another, we rely upon it to regulate our very lives. It exists to relate sequences to each other in order to consider them past, present or future. We measure our lives in relation to both our birth and anticipated death; our beginning and our end. Eternity is a difficult concept to grasp because it represents either the absence of time or infinite time.
In this passage, time is highlighted for two reasons. First, Peter is addressing the mockery of non-believers who, question the faith due to the as yet unseen second coming of the Lord. We are reminded that God is not constrained by time and that He operates on a different scale than we do. You will recall that, "with the Lord, a thousand years is like one day and one day like a thousand years." Second and more important, God is not negligent in His promises. He said that the Lord will return and he will. Any delay, real or perceived, is designed to give us time to come to full repentance thereby developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with our Creator.
Beloved, be assured that God will do what He said He would do. It is just a matter of time. The sad tragedy is that when that moment comes, it will be as a thief in the night, which is to say, by the time we realize what has happened, it will have been too late. And if we find ourselves on the outside looking in after this great moment has occurred, the one thing we will wish we had is just a little more time.
We have time now. We have this very moment. Nothing else is promised. Nothing else is assured.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, January 10, 2011
Are You Ready?-DD 1/10/2011
"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matt 24:42
Is there any of us that does not expect to wake up tomorrow and do what we might do on any normal day? Whether it is going to work, school, community based activities or working around the house, we all expect to do what we always do. If we are leading lives that involve loving God with all our hearts, all of our souls and all of our minds, this represents a plan for success. If we are not, that is another matter all together.
Without giving it much thought, we assume that one day will lead to the next and the next and the next. If any of us gives thought at all to what comes after life as we know it, we typically push it out years if not decades into the future. The problem with this is that we do not assign any urgency to improving the aspects of our lives that are wanting. We think we have all the time in the world. Without constant vigilance, we may find that our lives could be required of us at any moment and that we may not be ready. It was said of those of Noah's time, "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Matt 24:38-39
The positive beloved, is that we have today. This moment is the only one of which we can be assured. And it is at this moment that we must take inventory and work on the things that are lacking. Just as we shore up our personal security by locking our homes and cars, we must, with the help of the Holy Spirit, shore up our spiritual lives. We do this by constantly seeking God's face and doing his will. Let us all get ready and stay ready, for surely the Lord is coming.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Is there any of us that does not expect to wake up tomorrow and do what we might do on any normal day? Whether it is going to work, school, community based activities or working around the house, we all expect to do what we always do. If we are leading lives that involve loving God with all our hearts, all of our souls and all of our minds, this represents a plan for success. If we are not, that is another matter all together.
Without giving it much thought, we assume that one day will lead to the next and the next and the next. If any of us gives thought at all to what comes after life as we know it, we typically push it out years if not decades into the future. The problem with this is that we do not assign any urgency to improving the aspects of our lives that are wanting. We think we have all the time in the world. Without constant vigilance, we may find that our lives could be required of us at any moment and that we may not be ready. It was said of those of Noah's time, "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Matt 24:38-39
The positive beloved, is that we have today. This moment is the only one of which we can be assured. And it is at this moment that we must take inventory and work on the things that are lacking. Just as we shore up our personal security by locking our homes and cars, we must, with the help of the Holy Spirit, shore up our spiritual lives. We do this by constantly seeking God's face and doing his will. Let us all get ready and stay ready, for surely the Lord is coming.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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