"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14-16
In this, Jesus' heartfelt yet triumphant prayer rendered just hours before his death, he is mindful of his apostles and those who would believe in him based on their words. It can first be seen that Jesus has prepared them by educating them. He taught them the word of God as it was given to Jesus himself. The Hebrews (which they were) were very familiar with God's word through what we now refer to as the Old Testament, however, Jesus came and, for all intents and purposes, updated those things written by the prophets. It was this word that he lived, breathed and taught. And it is this word that we still enjoy today.
Secondly, he acknowledges that this same word would cause real difficulties for those who embrace it. It is no secret that when one goes against the societal grain, things can become rough. Jesus challenged the status quo of not only the Jewish religious hierarchy but unrighteousness in general. No one likes their negative deeds exposed to and by the light, but Jesus is in fact that Light and called upon all of his followers to be light also. The goal was not to shame or blame but to offer salvation from the darkness. Some would be willing, and others would fight to preserve their dark real estate.
For this reason, Jesus granted ambassadorship for all who accepted him. This means that our home is a heavenly one but that our residence is an earthly one. The reason we reside is to do the work of an ambassador who represents the heavenly realm of origin. We therefore are not lifted out of our circumstances but Jesus prays for our protection within our circumstances because darkness, be it human or spiritual, means us no good.
From all of this beloved, we can derive our purpose as disciples of Christ. We have work to do. That work is sometimes unpopular and uncomfortable, but also rewarding and soul saving. We are already citizens of heaven but yet on assignment in a foreign field. Let us earnestly and enthusiastically embrace our assignment in anticipation of one day going home. Let us be one in deed and in purpose with our Savior.
One,
Lee
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Monday, July 15, 2013
Overcoming Inertia
"Do this, knowing the time, that it is already
the hour for you to awaken
from sleep; for now salvation is nearer
to us than when we believed. The
night is almost gone, and the
day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the
deeds of darkness and put on the
armor of light." Romans 13:11-12
It happens that I have a vocation that causes me to fly quite a bit. One of the most fascinating things to me about flight is the takeoff. For the sake of argument, let us say that the average plane weighs 180,000 lbs as it sits at the head of the runway. It takes the engines screaming at near 100% of their capacity (32,000 pound/force) to get all that weight airborne from a dead stop. It is amazing really. Much less power is required to maintain flight once achieved because the aircraft is then in motion.
The reason this comes to mind is because many of us are at a dead stop in our Christianity and one wonders what force value it would take for us to achieve flight. Once we have accepted the gospel and fallen in love with Christ, some of us lose focus, direction and drive. Sure we make it to worship most of the time and go through the motions but do we study the word of God on our own throughout the week? Do we actively practice loving others through demonstrable things like visitation, providing help when needed or sharing the gospel with others? Jesus said to his disciples (as opposed to the general public), "Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest" John 4:35. In essence, his message was and is that we should stop giving ourselves excuses to not do the work that is obviously laid out for us and needing to be done.
Beloved, Christianity is not a status or a label but a calling (Ephesians 4:1). We should not consider ourselves safe and for that reason, close and lock the doors and board up the windows until Jesus comes. On the contrary, we should consider ourselves saved and then workout that salvation by being representatives of Jesus to the whole world. Yes it takes effort and power to move us from being still to being in motion but remember, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name," John 1:12. We have the power. We only need apply it. Once we do, we will find that it becomes a way of life and requires much less energy than getting started.
Committed,
Lee
It happens that I have a vocation that causes me to fly quite a bit. One of the most fascinating things to me about flight is the takeoff. For the sake of argument, let us say that the average plane weighs 180,000 lbs as it sits at the head of the runway. It takes the engines screaming at near 100% of their capacity (32,000 pound/force) to get all that weight airborne from a dead stop. It is amazing really. Much less power is required to maintain flight once achieved because the aircraft is then in motion.
The reason this comes to mind is because many of us are at a dead stop in our Christianity and one wonders what force value it would take for us to achieve flight. Once we have accepted the gospel and fallen in love with Christ, some of us lose focus, direction and drive. Sure we make it to worship most of the time and go through the motions but do we study the word of God on our own throughout the week? Do we actively practice loving others through demonstrable things like visitation, providing help when needed or sharing the gospel with others? Jesus said to his disciples (as opposed to the general public), "Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest" John 4:35. In essence, his message was and is that we should stop giving ourselves excuses to not do the work that is obviously laid out for us and needing to be done.
Beloved, Christianity is not a status or a label but a calling (Ephesians 4:1). We should not consider ourselves safe and for that reason, close and lock the doors and board up the windows until Jesus comes. On the contrary, we should consider ourselves saved and then workout that salvation by being representatives of Jesus to the whole world. Yes it takes effort and power to move us from being still to being in motion but remember, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name," John 1:12. We have the power. We only need apply it. Once we do, we will find that it becomes a way of life and requires much less energy than getting started.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wake Up! 11/5/2012
"These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." Revelation 3:1
Early in the book of Revelation, the Lord writes letters to seven congregations. Interpretations of these letters range from them being specific messages to specific and actual churches to being metaphors of the state of "the church" through the ages. Without regard to where one stands on this and many other controversial issues involving Revelation, there is still a word from God to be heard by each of us.
In the case of the letter to the church at Sardis, the Lord has an indictment. It is stated that the church enjoys a reputation for things that are no longer the case. In short, he describes them as being dead. Of course there would be no need to write a letter to those who are not alive to read it. What is meant is that the "life" has gone out of their worship and their relationship with God. Whereas they were once known for the fire and passion associated with Christian living, there is no longer anything observable that can substantiate this image.
Beloved, we must not only be aware of this pitfall in our congregational life, we must be aware of it in our personal lives. Reflections of our individuality can be seen in our corporate settings. Each must consider what is being done or what is failing that would cause the Lord to describe us as being dead. Are we attending worship regularly? Our we studying the word daily? Are we giving like we should? Are we putting others before ourselves? Are we sharing the gospel with the people we meet? We then must look at our congregation and make the same evaluation.
Jesus has given us a twofold solution to this critical problem. First he says, "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God" (v. 2). As long as we have life, we are not dead yet, however, the first step in correcting a problem is to recognize it. Waking up involves a sincere and honest self assessment. Secondly he says, "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent" (v. 3). We must be willing to turn from our "dead" ways, remind ourselves both of what God had done for us and requires of us and get to work. If we our successful, the Lord has promised that he will never blot out our names from the book of life and will acknowledge our names before God and the heavenly host.
Wake up!
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Early in the book of Revelation, the Lord writes letters to seven congregations. Interpretations of these letters range from them being specific messages to specific and actual churches to being metaphors of the state of "the church" through the ages. Without regard to where one stands on this and many other controversial issues involving Revelation, there is still a word from God to be heard by each of us.
In the case of the letter to the church at Sardis, the Lord has an indictment. It is stated that the church enjoys a reputation for things that are no longer the case. In short, he describes them as being dead. Of course there would be no need to write a letter to those who are not alive to read it. What is meant is that the "life" has gone out of their worship and their relationship with God. Whereas they were once known for the fire and passion associated with Christian living, there is no longer anything observable that can substantiate this image.
Beloved, we must not only be aware of this pitfall in our congregational life, we must be aware of it in our personal lives. Reflections of our individuality can be seen in our corporate settings. Each must consider what is being done or what is failing that would cause the Lord to describe us as being dead. Are we attending worship regularly? Our we studying the word daily? Are we giving like we should? Are we putting others before ourselves? Are we sharing the gospel with the people we meet? We then must look at our congregation and make the same evaluation.
Jesus has given us a twofold solution to this critical problem. First he says, "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God" (v. 2). As long as we have life, we are not dead yet, however, the first step in correcting a problem is to recognize it. Waking up involves a sincere and honest self assessment. Secondly he says, "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent" (v. 3). We must be willing to turn from our "dead" ways, remind ourselves both of what God had done for us and requires of us and get to work. If we our successful, the Lord has promised that he will never blot out our names from the book of life and will acknowledge our names before God and the heavenly host.
Wake up!
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Meaning of Life 6/7/2012
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Eph 2:10
It is an age old question to consider the meaning of life. Many a person has looked toward the heavens and contemplated their reason and purpose for existing. Thousands of philosophies, religions, theories and social constructs have arisen in attempt to answer such questions. In truth, we only need look to the originator of life to find the answer.
Beloved it is God who created each and every one of us whether we acknowledge Him or not. He did not create us to sit around in the lap of luxury but to accomplish that which would glorify Him. Even in the Garden, Adam had responsibility to carry out the will of the Father. Throughout the history of mankind it can be seen that there were always those involved in transmitting the word of God and exemplifying the behaviors He expects of His children. The more contrarily the world population behaved, the stronger the message became. God has always seen to it that there is a consistent message from Him expressed to all from those faithful to Him. We were created to do His will. What is His will? Most simply put, we must love Him and each other. On these two things hang all the lessons of the inspired Scriptures.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is an age old question to consider the meaning of life. Many a person has looked toward the heavens and contemplated their reason and purpose for existing. Thousands of philosophies, religions, theories and social constructs have arisen in attempt to answer such questions. In truth, we only need look to the originator of life to find the answer.
Beloved it is God who created each and every one of us whether we acknowledge Him or not. He did not create us to sit around in the lap of luxury but to accomplish that which would glorify Him. Even in the Garden, Adam had responsibility to carry out the will of the Father. Throughout the history of mankind it can be seen that there were always those involved in transmitting the word of God and exemplifying the behaviors He expects of His children. The more contrarily the world population behaved, the stronger the message became. God has always seen to it that there is a consistent message from Him expressed to all from those faithful to Him. We were created to do His will. What is His will? Most simply put, we must love Him and each other. On these two things hang all the lessons of the inspired Scriptures.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Rewarding Work 6/6/2012
"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." Matt 16:27 (NIV)
Who among us does not like to be recognized and rewarded for his or her work? In the business world, reward, recognition and pay are among the top motivators for employee performance. It is the same in the world of sports, music, acting and art. In fact, it is the same for every human endeavor regardless of age, gender, national origin or ethnicity. Naturally there are those who excel in their chosen areas and some who rise to near universal notoriety because of their accomplishments. Conversely, there are many more who accomplish little and receive little.
Beloved it is important for all believers to know that Christianity is not a destination but a pursuit. Having been blessed by the Lord with salvation, one does not at that time sit and wait thinking that he or she has arrived and that Jesus will take care of everything else. He spoke about this frequently, including the familiar passages, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me" John 5:17, and "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few," Matt 9:37. We are also familiar with the parable of the talents that involved great reward for those who accomplished a return on the Lord's investment while the one who did not was "cast into outer darkness," in verse 30.
No one can interact with the Scriptures and come away with anything less than that there are expectations associated with being a child of God, just as we have expectations of our children. We reward them when they do well. Though we cannot possibly earn the free gift of salvation, rewards, according to the word of the Lord, can be earned. Are you motivated?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Who among us does not like to be recognized and rewarded for his or her work? In the business world, reward, recognition and pay are among the top motivators for employee performance. It is the same in the world of sports, music, acting and art. In fact, it is the same for every human endeavor regardless of age, gender, national origin or ethnicity. Naturally there are those who excel in their chosen areas and some who rise to near universal notoriety because of their accomplishments. Conversely, there are many more who accomplish little and receive little.
Beloved it is important for all believers to know that Christianity is not a destination but a pursuit. Having been blessed by the Lord with salvation, one does not at that time sit and wait thinking that he or she has arrived and that Jesus will take care of everything else. He spoke about this frequently, including the familiar passages, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me" John 5:17, and "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few," Matt 9:37. We are also familiar with the parable of the talents that involved great reward for those who accomplished a return on the Lord's investment while the one who did not was "cast into outer darkness," in verse 30.
No one can interact with the Scriptures and come away with anything less than that there are expectations associated with being a child of God, just as we have expectations of our children. We reward them when they do well. Though we cannot possibly earn the free gift of salvation, rewards, according to the word of the Lord, can be earned. Are you motivated?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Coming to Jesus Pt.1-2/29/2012
"...after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” Mark 5:27-28
There are many reasons people make their way to Jesus. Some come because they are called. Some come out of intellectual curiosity followed by what they feel is a logical decision. Others come out of need. In order to maximize our evangelistic efforts, it is important that we as Christians understand the motivations people have for coming to the Lord. The best place to research this (other than the Bible) is to consider first our own reason for coming to the Lord and then, through fellowship, understanding the testimony of those with whom we worship.
The story is told of the woman with the issue of blood. She had suffered for more than a decade, spent all that she had on doctors and was only made worse by their treatments. Having exhausted all that was within her means, she turned to the one about whom she had heard. She knew the stories of Jesus' miraculous deeds and thought within herself that if she could just touch him, all of her physical woes would be cured. To be sure, some may call this desperation. Jesus would later call it faith.
Beloved, this woman came to Jesus out of need and that is alright. We all have needs. Despite whatever reason with which we may label our own conversion, need is at the root of it. Recognizing this will allow us to help conduct those who are seeking (whether they realize it or not) to the great physician and lover of our souls. And if they should approach us, whether individually or as a visitor to a bible study or worship service, we can respond with compassion based on this knowledge.
Let us remember that the harvest is plenteous as we go about as workers in the kingdom.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
P.S. Some of you may know that I am pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. For this I humbly request your prayers. As part of an assignment, I was required to study, develop, write, preach and record a sermon on a specific text for a grade. I chose Mark 5:25-34. Realizing that some of you have never seen or heard me speak, I am making the link available to you. If you so choose, you may view the sermon at http://youtu.be/_tVkbgmJCms. I pray that you will be edified and encouraged.
There are many reasons people make their way to Jesus. Some come because they are called. Some come out of intellectual curiosity followed by what they feel is a logical decision. Others come out of need. In order to maximize our evangelistic efforts, it is important that we as Christians understand the motivations people have for coming to the Lord. The best place to research this (other than the Bible) is to consider first our own reason for coming to the Lord and then, through fellowship, understanding the testimony of those with whom we worship.
The story is told of the woman with the issue of blood. She had suffered for more than a decade, spent all that she had on doctors and was only made worse by their treatments. Having exhausted all that was within her means, she turned to the one about whom she had heard. She knew the stories of Jesus' miraculous deeds and thought within herself that if she could just touch him, all of her physical woes would be cured. To be sure, some may call this desperation. Jesus would later call it faith.
Beloved, this woman came to Jesus out of need and that is alright. We all have needs. Despite whatever reason with which we may label our own conversion, need is at the root of it. Recognizing this will allow us to help conduct those who are seeking (whether they realize it or not) to the great physician and lover of our souls. And if they should approach us, whether individually or as a visitor to a bible study or worship service, we can respond with compassion based on this knowledge.
Let us remember that the harvest is plenteous as we go about as workers in the kingdom.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
P.S. Some of you may know that I am pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. For this I humbly request your prayers. As part of an assignment, I was required to study, develop, write, preach and record a sermon on a specific text for a grade. I chose Mark 5:25-34. Realizing that some of you have never seen or heard me speak, I am making the link available to you. If you so choose, you may view the sermon at http://youtu.be/_tVkbgmJCms. I pray that you will be edified and encouraged.
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
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
It is Time to Get Up and Go to Work-10/25/2011
"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Rom 13:11
Every morning we are blessed to see a new day. As some of us bound out of bed toward an invigorating cup of coffee and all the exciting tasks the day brings (or as some of us hang on to our pillows and the last shreds of unconsciousness as if it were the cure to all of life's ills), let us be reminded of what it means to wake up and get up. We do so because there is a time for sleeping and a time for waking. There is a time for resting and a time for working. There is a time for being still and a time for being active. Sleep, rest and stillness merely serve to recharge us for the things that must be done.
Beloved, far too often we clutch the pillow of neglect in our spiritual lives. Times when we are called to go to the harvest, visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, work while it is day and to rejoice and be glad in that day, we instead pull the covers over our heads while slapping the alarm clock to silence. In so doing, we are clinging to the darkness in our lives and it is a darkness from which we have been saved. In so doing, we are neglecting that salvation. The Hebrew writer asked rhetorically, "How shall we escape [just punishment]if we neglect so great a salvation?" Heb 2:3.
We must wake up and, as Jesus said, "Work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes when no man can work." John 9:4. Just as in the fable of the Grasshopper and the Ant, there will come a time when a season (or a lifetime) of idleness and improvidence will show up demanding payment, at which time it will be too late to attempt to get things done. Do you remember the people of Noah's time?
There are no easy chairs in the house of the Lord. Let us focus on accomplishing what we were saved to do. Let us rise with glad hearts, thankful for the blessing of waking and the ability to accomplish. And let us cheerfully seek and accomplish the work of the Lord. "For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love' and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thes 5:7.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Every morning we are blessed to see a new day. As some of us bound out of bed toward an invigorating cup of coffee and all the exciting tasks the day brings (or as some of us hang on to our pillows and the last shreds of unconsciousness as if it were the cure to all of life's ills), let us be reminded of what it means to wake up and get up. We do so because there is a time for sleeping and a time for waking. There is a time for resting and a time for working. There is a time for being still and a time for being active. Sleep, rest and stillness merely serve to recharge us for the things that must be done.
Beloved, far too often we clutch the pillow of neglect in our spiritual lives. Times when we are called to go to the harvest, visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, work while it is day and to rejoice and be glad in that day, we instead pull the covers over our heads while slapping the alarm clock to silence. In so doing, we are clinging to the darkness in our lives and it is a darkness from which we have been saved. In so doing, we are neglecting that salvation. The Hebrew writer asked rhetorically, "How shall we escape [just punishment]if we neglect so great a salvation?" Heb 2:3.
We must wake up and, as Jesus said, "Work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes when no man can work." John 9:4. Just as in the fable of the Grasshopper and the Ant, there will come a time when a season (or a lifetime) of idleness and improvidence will show up demanding payment, at which time it will be too late to attempt to get things done. Do you remember the people of Noah's time?
There are no easy chairs in the house of the Lord. Let us focus on accomplishing what we were saved to do. Let us rise with glad hearts, thankful for the blessing of waking and the ability to accomplish. And let us cheerfully seek and accomplish the work of the Lord. "For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love' and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thes 5:7.
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
Monday, May 16, 2011
God's Plan For You-DD 5/16/2011
"And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are these all the children?" And he said, " There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep." Then Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." David Anointed So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, " Arise, anoint him; for this is he."
1 Sam 16:11-12
During this conversation, young David was completely unaware he was being discussed. He was minding his own business. As a shepherd, that business was in fact, his father's. That said, his whole future had already been decided by God and was now being discussed with his family. He would ultimately remain in his (heavenly) Father's employ for the rest of his days.
Beloved, we rarely know what God has in store for us. We go about our lives pursuing our own dreams of education, family and career but how many of us dream of our place in God's employ? Surely He has equipped us for all that He has set for us to do. All that is left is for us to desire and accomplish His will.
David had walked with God all of his life. They had already accomplished great things together. His career would start in earnest when he came face to face with Goliath. Are there any Goliath's in your life?
The point is that God has a plan for all of us. We don't always know what it is nor do we necessarily see it coming, but it is as sure as where we have already been. Seek out His purpose for your life. When it is revealed, embrace it. Most likely, He has been preparing you longer than you know.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
1 Sam 16:11-12
During this conversation, young David was completely unaware he was being discussed. He was minding his own business. As a shepherd, that business was in fact, his father's. That said, his whole future had already been decided by God and was now being discussed with his family. He would ultimately remain in his (heavenly) Father's employ for the rest of his days.
Beloved, we rarely know what God has in store for us. We go about our lives pursuing our own dreams of education, family and career but how many of us dream of our place in God's employ? Surely He has equipped us for all that He has set for us to do. All that is left is for us to desire and accomplish His will.
David had walked with God all of his life. They had already accomplished great things together. His career would start in earnest when he came face to face with Goliath. Are there any Goliath's in your life?
The point is that God has a plan for all of us. We don't always know what it is nor do we necessarily see it coming, but it is as sure as where we have already been. Seek out His purpose for your life. When it is revealed, embrace it. Most likely, He has been preparing you longer than you know.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, May 13, 2011
Embracing Your Role-DD 5/13/2011(rp)
"Thus he said to him, " Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also." 1 Sam 23:17
Beloved there are times when we have the grandest of plans for our own lives. We pursue education, athletics, apprenticeship in construction or the arts with the greatest of intentions to make a significant impact on the world. Whether through hard work or birthright, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have a particular function or station in life.
Consider Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In monarchy, it is a foregone conclusion that the son follows the father to the throne and that the family would rule in perpetuity. Johnathan had every right to expect to become king after his father. Scripture reveals, however, that God had other plans. He had already chosen David to be the next king early in Saul's reign.
Despite what we think or plan, we must realize that we do not have all of the answers and that God has His own ideas about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to be. We may serve His purpose best by working at a not for profit organization rather than holding the office of CEO at a Fortune 500 organization. It may be that we are placed with a spouse of questionable values and morals rather than a steadfast and upright mate for the glory of God.
Surely we must place ourselves in the hollow of the Father's hand and embrace whatever role He has for us with gladness. Not only was Jonathan not angry about David being the future king, but he made a covenant with him and "...he loved him as he loved his own life." 1 Sam 20:17 It may very well be that God put you exactly where you are. It is from there that you can get to exactly where He is.
Beloved there are times when we have the grandest of plans for our own lives. We pursue education, athletics, apprenticeship in construction or the arts with the greatest of intentions to make a significant impact on the world. Whether through hard work or birthright, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have a particular function or station in life.
Consider Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In monarchy, it is a foregone conclusion that the son follows the father to the throne and that the family would rule in perpetuity. Johnathan had every right to expect to become king after his father. Scripture reveals, however, that God had other plans. He had already chosen David to be the next king early in Saul's reign.
Despite what we think or plan, we must realize that we do not have all of the answers and that God has His own ideas about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to be. We may serve His purpose best by working at a not for profit organization rather than holding the office of CEO at a Fortune 500 organization. It may be that we are placed with a spouse of questionable values and morals rather than a steadfast and upright mate for the glory of God.
Surely we must place ourselves in the hollow of the Father's hand and embrace whatever role He has for us with gladness. Not only was Jonathan not angry about David being the future king, but he made a covenant with him and "...he loved him as he loved his own life." 1 Sam 20:17 It may very well be that God put you exactly where you are. It is from there that you can get to exactly where He is.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Do What YOU Can Do-DD 5/12/2011 (repost)
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor 3:6
When it comes to doing the work of the Lord, it is not unusual that we sometimes get discouraged. Whether it involves work in and around the congregation like teaching or serving or external things like evangelism or acts of benevolence toward others, sometimes the enormity of the work can be overwhelming. Christ said in Matt 9:37, "...the harvest truly is plenteous but the workers are few."
To make things even more challenging, it seems that it is always the same people that do all the work. As much as there are those around us who are part of the fellowship and enjoy a relationship with God as we do, it seems that some do not quite demonstrate their love through the actions the Lord calls upon us to take. [Be cautious about presuming what others do for the cause of Christ in their own way and their own time]
The encouragement to you beloved is simply to do what you can do. We are called upon to serve. We all have diverse talents and as members of the body, are responsible to the whole for doing the things that we have been gifted to do. To carry the biblical analogy of the body a bit further, if you are an ear in the body, your job is to hear. You do not have the ability to see or digest food. That is someone else's responsibility. It takes all of us doing our part in order for the body to work as it was designed.
As Christians, we are called upon to plant seeds and water them. Those seeds may fall into a variety of places that are hostile to growth, but some find fertile soil. And for even those to grow, it is God that adds the increase, not ourselves. Be not weary in well doing. Do what you can do and encourage others to do what they can do.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
When it comes to doing the work of the Lord, it is not unusual that we sometimes get discouraged. Whether it involves work in and around the congregation like teaching or serving or external things like evangelism or acts of benevolence toward others, sometimes the enormity of the work can be overwhelming. Christ said in Matt 9:37, "...the harvest truly is plenteous but the workers are few."
To make things even more challenging, it seems that it is always the same people that do all the work. As much as there are those around us who are part of the fellowship and enjoy a relationship with God as we do, it seems that some do not quite demonstrate their love through the actions the Lord calls upon us to take. [Be cautious about presuming what others do for the cause of Christ in their own way and their own time]
The encouragement to you beloved is simply to do what you can do. We are called upon to serve. We all have diverse talents and as members of the body, are responsible to the whole for doing the things that we have been gifted to do. To carry the biblical analogy of the body a bit further, if you are an ear in the body, your job is to hear. You do not have the ability to see or digest food. That is someone else's responsibility. It takes all of us doing our part in order for the body to work as it was designed.
As Christians, we are called upon to plant seeds and water them. Those seeds may fall into a variety of places that are hostile to growth, but some find fertile soil. And for even those to grow, it is God that adds the increase, not ourselves. Be not weary in well doing. Do what you can do and encourage others to do what they can do.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, May 6, 2011
Not of This World-DD 5/6/2011
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." Phil 3:20-21
To be sure, we are sojourners on this planet. Though we are natives here by virtue of being born here, when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we became sons and daughters of heaven. Both reborn and adopted, we are Gods own and no longer claim the earth as our home. It remains, however, our dwelling place. Jesus prayed, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:15-18
Beloved, this means that we are not mere citizens, but workers; ambassadors if you will. Jesus asks not that we be removed from the earth at this time because there is much work to do before we go home. We must therefore live out our purpose as we sojourn here.
The good news is when the work is done and when we are called home, all things will be made new. As he came to join us in the flesh, we will join him in the incorruptible glory which he made possible. Let us work toward home while it is day. Soon night will come when no man can work.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
To be sure, we are sojourners on this planet. Though we are natives here by virtue of being born here, when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we became sons and daughters of heaven. Both reborn and adopted, we are Gods own and no longer claim the earth as our home. It remains, however, our dwelling place. Jesus prayed, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:15-18
Beloved, this means that we are not mere citizens, but workers; ambassadors if you will. Jesus asks not that we be removed from the earth at this time because there is much work to do before we go home. We must therefore live out our purpose as we sojourn here.
The good news is when the work is done and when we are called home, all things will be made new. As he came to join us in the flesh, we will join him in the incorruptible glory which he made possible. Let us work toward home while it is day. Soon night will come when no man can work.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Hard Work, Easy Rest-DD 1/18/2011
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going." Eccl 9:10
Our lives are gifts from God. During the brief time we have on the earth, there is much to learn, know and then do. It is during this wisp of time that our eternity is decided. Will we be obedient to the God that made us or will we reject His salvation?
To be sure, we are very busy constructing our eternity, whatever it may be. Either we are leading lives that our pleasing to God or leading lives that are pleasing to the Adversary. As much as we might try, we cannot please both (Matt 6:24).
Beloved, we must, as Noah did, work as hard as we can for as long as God allows in order that we might be prepared for the coming conflagration. As it was with Noah, it will not be our hard work that will save us, but God who equips us. Our salvation is His gift and cannot be derived by our own works. But it is our works that honor God and make salvation known to others through Him. And this we must do today, for there surely will come night when no one can work. It is then that the workers will enter His rest.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Our lives are gifts from God. During the brief time we have on the earth, there is much to learn, know and then do. It is during this wisp of time that our eternity is decided. Will we be obedient to the God that made us or will we reject His salvation?
To be sure, we are very busy constructing our eternity, whatever it may be. Either we are leading lives that our pleasing to God or leading lives that are pleasing to the Adversary. As much as we might try, we cannot please both (Matt 6:24).
Beloved, we must, as Noah did, work as hard as we can for as long as God allows in order that we might be prepared for the coming conflagration. As it was with Noah, it will not be our hard work that will save us, but God who equips us. Our salvation is His gift and cannot be derived by our own works. But it is our works that honor God and make salvation known to others through Him. And this we must do today, for there surely will come night when no one can work. It is then that the workers will enter His rest.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)