"The men of David said to him, 'Behold, this is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly." 1 Sam 24:4
David was on the run from king Saul. Despite being guilty of nothing, Saul desired to kill David and was even then attempting to hunt him down. David and his men were in a cave hiding when the king came in to relieve himself. David was encouraged by his men to take the king's life but instead, he took evidence that he could have but refrained from killing him.
Beloved there are at least three broad lessons that can be learned from these circumstances. First, no one is immune to being a victim. At any time, misfortune, pain, illness, financial challenge or slander may befall us. This can be particularly painful if it is at the hand of others to whom we have been close as David once was to Saul. Second, vengeance is not ours to take but Gods'. Even though we may be driven by a sense of our own justice and encouraged by our friends, we should refrain in that God has claimed this for Himself. Lastly, we must always do the right thing. David knew Saul to be God's anointed despite how bad a king he had become. Though he had no reason to maintain loyalty to Saul, he had every reason to maintain loyalty to the Father. This is a matter of integrity and commitment. David was so convicted by this thought that he mourned the fact that he had gone so far as to cut his cloak.
We certainly can take our example from David. Even more we can take our example from Jesus who was victimized by man, could have called down a legion of angels to save himself but did not, and from the cross, prayed that God would forgive those who participated in his death.
The Lord, our protector and redeemer, has promised to take care of us. Let us be careful to honor Him in all that we think, say and do.
Committed,
Lee
Showing posts with label committment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label committment. Show all posts
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
"New" 12/28/2012
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Cor 5:17
As we prepare to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new, we are often filled with both optimism and determination concerning our soon to be renewed opportunity to start afresh. We make resolutions to be better than we have been in order to become better than we are. Whether it is to lead a healthier life, improve relationships, be smarter about finances or even read the bible more, many of us use this time of year as a point of demarcation with hopes of having accomplished our goals this time next year.
Beloved it is a wonderful thing to resolve to be better. This demonstrates our awareness that we are but fragile creatures who are prone to make mistakes and live beneath our potential. It is this humility that makes it possible to improve. Without regard to the time of year, the best example of this is when we became Christians. We clearly knew that we were outside of where we wanted and needed to be. When we learned about Christ, each of us was introduced to a way for us to become better. Through God's grace we were given a chance to become new. This was not, however, a destination, but the beginning of the journey toward perfection (completion) in Christ. We are on a path to becoming what we were created to be.
Let us then be mindful of the opportunity we have been given to be made new. Let us also look not just to the first day of a new year but to every day we wake and draw breath as an opportunity to renew our efforts to please God and spend eternity with Him. Surely we will become better along the journey.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
As we prepare to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new, we are often filled with both optimism and determination concerning our soon to be renewed opportunity to start afresh. We make resolutions to be better than we have been in order to become better than we are. Whether it is to lead a healthier life, improve relationships, be smarter about finances or even read the bible more, many of us use this time of year as a point of demarcation with hopes of having accomplished our goals this time next year.
Beloved it is a wonderful thing to resolve to be better. This demonstrates our awareness that we are but fragile creatures who are prone to make mistakes and live beneath our potential. It is this humility that makes it possible to improve. Without regard to the time of year, the best example of this is when we became Christians. We clearly knew that we were outside of where we wanted and needed to be. When we learned about Christ, each of us was introduced to a way for us to become better. Through God's grace we were given a chance to become new. This was not, however, a destination, but the beginning of the journey toward perfection (completion) in Christ. We are on a path to becoming what we were created to be.
Let us then be mindful of the opportunity we have been given to be made new. Let us also look not just to the first day of a new year but to every day we wake and draw breath as an opportunity to renew our efforts to please God and spend eternity with Him. Surely we will become better along the journey.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Follow the Light 9/20/2012
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Ps 119:105
Beloved, it is not unusual for us to lose our way from time to time. Seasons, events and circumstances can conspire to draw our attention away from the direction we are traveling. Friends, family and earthly responsibilities can cause us to divert into the weeds, brush and dark forests of life.
We must remember that we have a guide for our journey. Though our attention is inevitably diverted, it is important to know that our path has been laid out and well lit for us. It is none other than our heavenly Father that has carved out a way home for those who would follow him. There is no need for us to blaze our own trail. He has lovingly provided for us.
If you temporarily lose your way, consult the map of His word. Even in the darkest night, His light can be seen. Follow it to find your way home. Follow it to find Him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Keeping the Fire Burning 9/11/2012
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11 (NIV)
It is a natural thing for the fire in some relationships to cool. This is not to say that the relationship is destroyed or becomes any less important but that the intensity and enthusiasm can either wane or become transformed to something more comfortable. Think about romantic relationships. In the beginning, we are given to writing poetry, dedicating songs, remaining on the phone (or text) all hours of the day and night and that person is almost all that is on our minds. We present ourselves in the best possible light by carefully and purposefully choosing our attire, hair style, make-up (in the case of the ladies) and scent. Emotions run high and feelings soar.
Let us fast forward 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, then 20. How much poetry has been written lately? How purposeful are we in our dress now? It is not to say that the love is no longer there but the urgency once known seems to have faded over time.
Beloved, our zeal for the Lord should never suffer this fate. As much good as he had to say about the church at Ephesus, the Lord said to them, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 3:4-5a. We must remember that the Lord's fervent love for us never fades and never diminishes. Despite our many shortcomings, the Spirit has said that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:39. For this reason, for the very love of him, we must constantly feed and re-stoke the fire of love and adoration that burned within us when we first met him and when we gave ourselves to him. Never let it be said that we have forsaken our first love.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is a natural thing for the fire in some relationships to cool. This is not to say that the relationship is destroyed or becomes any less important but that the intensity and enthusiasm can either wane or become transformed to something more comfortable. Think about romantic relationships. In the beginning, we are given to writing poetry, dedicating songs, remaining on the phone (or text) all hours of the day and night and that person is almost all that is on our minds. We present ourselves in the best possible light by carefully and purposefully choosing our attire, hair style, make-up (in the case of the ladies) and scent. Emotions run high and feelings soar.
Let us fast forward 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, then 20. How much poetry has been written lately? How purposeful are we in our dress now? It is not to say that the love is no longer there but the urgency once known seems to have faded over time.
Beloved, our zeal for the Lord should never suffer this fate. As much good as he had to say about the church at Ephesus, the Lord said to them, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 3:4-5a. We must remember that the Lord's fervent love for us never fades and never diminishes. Despite our many shortcomings, the Spirit has said that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:39. For this reason, for the very love of him, we must constantly feed and re-stoke the fire of love and adoration that burned within us when we first met him and when we gave ourselves to him. Never let it be said that we have forsaken our first love.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, July 9, 2012
Well Done Christianity-7/9/2012
"Ephraim mixes himself with the nations;Ephraim has become a cake not turned." Hosea 7:8
You may be aware that the House of Israel was separated into two kingdoms after the death of David's son, Solomon. The northern kingdom, sometimes referred to as Ephraim was exceedingly wicked. The distance they had traveled away from God and the activities and other gods was both tragic and profound. Despite this, God sent his servant Hosea to make one last appeal to the adulterous nation. In so doing, he referred to them as "a cake not turned." In their refusal to heed, they were taken into captivity and to this day, never brought together again as a nation.
Most of know what it is like to make pancakes. We mix up the batter, pour it on the griddle, wait until it begins to bubble and then flip it over, keeping it there until done. Can you imagine what it would be like to pour the batter and remove it in order to serve it once it starts to bubble without cooking the other side? I doubt you would get many takers.
Beloved, most of us know enough about God to understand the basics, to know right from wrong, to know that there is a glorious eternity available and that the cost has been paid for it through the sacrifice of Jesus. This is our cooked side. This is the part of us that has significant value and usefulness. There is, however, another side, a side not turned. This is the side that, like Ephraim (who knew God but was wildly unfaithful), pursues other gods, be they job, home, relationships, money, leisure pursuits, ego, etc. This is the side that is away from God. And like a half done pancake, it is ultimately of no use, no value, fails to achieve its purpose or bring pleasure and is a waste to be discarded. In the end, the cooked side will go into the garbage with the uncooked side.
Let us not be "half-baked" in our Christianity, but let us pursue well done good and faithful servants.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
You may be aware that the House of Israel was separated into two kingdoms after the death of David's son, Solomon. The northern kingdom, sometimes referred to as Ephraim was exceedingly wicked. The distance they had traveled away from God and the activities and other gods was both tragic and profound. Despite this, God sent his servant Hosea to make one last appeal to the adulterous nation. In so doing, he referred to them as "a cake not turned." In their refusal to heed, they were taken into captivity and to this day, never brought together again as a nation.
Most of know what it is like to make pancakes. We mix up the batter, pour it on the griddle, wait until it begins to bubble and then flip it over, keeping it there until done. Can you imagine what it would be like to pour the batter and remove it in order to serve it once it starts to bubble without cooking the other side? I doubt you would get many takers.
Beloved, most of us know enough about God to understand the basics, to know right from wrong, to know that there is a glorious eternity available and that the cost has been paid for it through the sacrifice of Jesus. This is our cooked side. This is the part of us that has significant value and usefulness. There is, however, another side, a side not turned. This is the side that, like Ephraim (who knew God but was wildly unfaithful), pursues other gods, be they job, home, relationships, money, leisure pursuits, ego, etc. This is the side that is away from God. And like a half done pancake, it is ultimately of no use, no value, fails to achieve its purpose or bring pleasure and is a waste to be discarded. In the end, the cooked side will go into the garbage with the uncooked side.
Let us not be "half-baked" in our Christianity, but let us pursue well done good and faithful servants.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Blessedness in Things We Do Not Do-2/23/2012
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night." Ps 1:1-2
In Christ, we are to be known both internally and externally as much for the things we do not do as the things we do. Observe the progression of things that lead us away from God.
Walking is our manner of life. It is the combination of things that make us who we are. For example, in Col 1:10, we are encourage to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." The wicked, also called the ungodly, are those who have failed to embrace the Almighty and live according to his word. They are dedicated to walking their own path without seeking the face of He who made us.
Once this path has been taken, ones feet become planted in a sinful life. Since God is not a factor in the lives of the godless, the barometer of morality becomes irrelevant and seeking after the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life become a pattern and thus, its own way of life.
Once an individual becomes rooted in a way of life, a home is made there. All things are brought in to support the decision and the likelihood of change, though not impossible, is unlikely. Not only do the scornful not embrace God, but actively reject Him. These are the atheists (in word and deed) among us. Not only do they not accept the Great Lover of our souls, they actively oppose (scorn) him.
But all praises to our Father, beloved, who has made a way for us to avoid this reprehensible progression of soul destruction. He has, through the Holy Spirit, given us His word. The more we read, study, concentrate on and live by the words of life, the less likely it is that we would ever need concern ourselves with the slippery slope that leads away from him. This is why the language used regarding the blessedness of those who avoid that walking, standing and sitting is emphatic. What a TREMENDOUS blessing it is to not do such things! Further, it is to be read, "How very blessed is THAT person..." indicating that not everyone avoids the pitfall, but the very fortunate and few who pursue the right path.
Let us always be aware of both the right way and the wrong way. With the grace of God and the constant pursuit of His word, let us be careful to choose the right and enjoy the very blessedness thereof.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
In Christ, we are to be known both internally and externally as much for the things we do not do as the things we do. Observe the progression of things that lead us away from God.
Walking is our manner of life. It is the combination of things that make us who we are. For example, in Col 1:10, we are encourage to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." The wicked, also called the ungodly, are those who have failed to embrace the Almighty and live according to his word. They are dedicated to walking their own path without seeking the face of He who made us.
Once this path has been taken, ones feet become planted in a sinful life. Since God is not a factor in the lives of the godless, the barometer of morality becomes irrelevant and seeking after the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life become a pattern and thus, its own way of life.
Once an individual becomes rooted in a way of life, a home is made there. All things are brought in to support the decision and the likelihood of change, though not impossible, is unlikely. Not only do the scornful not embrace God, but actively reject Him. These are the atheists (in word and deed) among us. Not only do they not accept the Great Lover of our souls, they actively oppose (scorn) him.
But all praises to our Father, beloved, who has made a way for us to avoid this reprehensible progression of soul destruction. He has, through the Holy Spirit, given us His word. The more we read, study, concentrate on and live by the words of life, the less likely it is that we would ever need concern ourselves with the slippery slope that leads away from him. This is why the language used regarding the blessedness of those who avoid that walking, standing and sitting is emphatic. What a TREMENDOUS blessing it is to not do such things! Further, it is to be read, "How very blessed is THAT person..." indicating that not everyone avoids the pitfall, but the very fortunate and few who pursue the right path.
Let us always be aware of both the right way and the wrong way. With the grace of God and the constant pursuit of His word, let us be careful to choose the right and enjoy the very blessedness thereof.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Protect Your Birthright-7/7/2011
"But Jacob said, 'First sell me your birthright.' Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?” Gen 25:31-32
Esau was the first born of his father, Isaac. The culture in those times gave the first born son certain rights and privileges that superseded that of all of the other children. He would typically become the heir and thus receive the vast majority of his father's possessions upon his death.
Esau had just come from the field where he presumably was working. Due to hunger he described as putting him into proximity of death, Esau willingly sold his birthright to his younger twin brother for a bowl of soup.
Beloved, through baptism, we have been born into the family of God. We have been made joint heirs with Christ, Rom 8:17. This is the most wonderful, yet costly gift we can ever receive. It is available nowhere else. It is of such surpassing value that it will literally determine our eternity.
Esau sold his inheritance for the temporary relief of hunger and pleasure of eating. He is described as having despised his birthright. For how little are we willing to sacrifice our inheritance in our daily lives? For what whim or temporary pleasure are we willing to jeopardize our birthright? We must place it within the safety deposit box of sanctity and literally guard it with our lives because once it is gone,it is gone forever.
Loving Like Jesus
Lee
Esau was the first born of his father, Isaac. The culture in those times gave the first born son certain rights and privileges that superseded that of all of the other children. He would typically become the heir and thus receive the vast majority of his father's possessions upon his death.
Esau had just come from the field where he presumably was working. Due to hunger he described as putting him into proximity of death, Esau willingly sold his birthright to his younger twin brother for a bowl of soup.
Beloved, through baptism, we have been born into the family of God. We have been made joint heirs with Christ, Rom 8:17. This is the most wonderful, yet costly gift we can ever receive. It is available nowhere else. It is of such surpassing value that it will literally determine our eternity.
Esau sold his inheritance for the temporary relief of hunger and pleasure of eating. He is described as having despised his birthright. For how little are we willing to sacrifice our inheritance in our daily lives? For what whim or temporary pleasure are we willing to jeopardize our birthright? We must place it within the safety deposit box of sanctity and literally guard it with our lives because once it is gone,it is gone forever.
Loving Like Jesus
Lee
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