"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 2 Cor 5:1-2
It is no secret to any of us that we are but mortals. None of us in our current form will live forever. In fact, death is as much a part of life as living is. Though we experience fear, mourning, despair and sorrow at the thought of passing from this life, we also know that it is necessary in order to gain the next. The interesting thing is that as much as we may fear leaving this life, so many of us are dissatisfied with it.
Beloved, Jesus has told us that he has gone to prepare a place for us. Paul has informed us that the "perishable must put on the imperishable" in order to gain heaven. These to facts alone should fill us with confidence that where we are now is not where we will ultimately be. Though we were placed on this earth for a time and given things we must accomplish in the service of the Lord, this life is nowhere near what is meant for the Christian.
Let us remember that these fallible bodies, subject to all kinds of defects and breakdowns are temporary vessels to one day be replaced with perfect ones. The pains of this world will not last always. Let us remember that this fallible existence full of all kinds of discomforts, temptations and unwholesome desires will be replaced by the presence of the Father. Let us look forward to an upgrade that is out of this world.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Showing posts with label eternity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eternity. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
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
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Freedom in Christ-7/5/2011
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." Rom 8:1-2
Many are familiar with the apostle Paul's mea culpa in which he admits that, "The good which I would do, I do not: but the evil which I would not, I practice," Rom 7:19. The truth is that we are all guilty of sin and trespass against the God who made us. No matter how clean and innocent we may delude ourselves into thinking that we are, none can escape the fact of what the greatest gospel writer freely and publicly admits.
Fortunately for us beloved, that is not the end of the story. The good news is that those who have named the name of Jesus have been freed from the spiritual consequences of our shortcomings. This freedom is not obtained through our own efforts but the efforts of our savior. Many at that time were advocating a return to the observance of a legalism they felt would earn them heaven. In fact this was never the design of the law nor a possible outcome. The law was presented to mankind to point toward the need of a savior, Jesus, through whom redemption is available.
Though we must continue to deal with the earthly consequences of our actions, God has delivered us from the threat of everlasting punishment through His son. Let us busy ourselves praising Him for His loving kindness and sharing the good news of freedom's availability to all who are spiritually incarcerated.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Many are familiar with the apostle Paul's mea culpa in which he admits that, "The good which I would do, I do not: but the evil which I would not, I practice," Rom 7:19. The truth is that we are all guilty of sin and trespass against the God who made us. No matter how clean and innocent we may delude ourselves into thinking that we are, none can escape the fact of what the greatest gospel writer freely and publicly admits.
Fortunately for us beloved, that is not the end of the story. The good news is that those who have named the name of Jesus have been freed from the spiritual consequences of our shortcomings. This freedom is not obtained through our own efforts but the efforts of our savior. Many at that time were advocating a return to the observance of a legalism they felt would earn them heaven. In fact this was never the design of the law nor a possible outcome. The law was presented to mankind to point toward the need of a savior, Jesus, through whom redemption is available.
Though we must continue to deal with the earthly consequences of our actions, God has delivered us from the threat of everlasting punishment through His son. Let us busy ourselves praising Him for His loving kindness and sharing the good news of freedom's availability to all who are spiritually incarcerated.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sharing Eternity-DD 1/17/2010
"So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ." Rom 10:17
This first day of the rest of our lives, let us ponder how we became believers and subsequently Christians. Did you come seeking for him as was said by Isaiah: "I was found by those who did not seek me. I became manifest to those who did not ask for me?" Or was it a friend, neighbor, co-worker, relative or clergyman that planted the seed of an idea about Christ that germinated and grew over time? Have you ever contemplated what your life and even eternity might be like if that person had not taken the time and that conversation had never happened? Is it possible that someone else's eternity hangs on whether or not you share the word?
Beloved, Paul once wrote: "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" Rom 10:13-15. In this case, a preacher is simply someone who brings the good news of Christ. That is all of us. And according to the scripture, we are all sent. Surely we were made for a purpose and sent to a people, just as those were who shared with us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
This first day of the rest of our lives, let us ponder how we became believers and subsequently Christians. Did you come seeking for him as was said by Isaiah: "I was found by those who did not seek me. I became manifest to those who did not ask for me?" Or was it a friend, neighbor, co-worker, relative or clergyman that planted the seed of an idea about Christ that germinated and grew over time? Have you ever contemplated what your life and even eternity might be like if that person had not taken the time and that conversation had never happened? Is it possible that someone else's eternity hangs on whether or not you share the word?
Beloved, Paul once wrote: "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" Rom 10:13-15. In this case, a preacher is simply someone who brings the good news of Christ. That is all of us. And according to the scripture, we are all sent. Surely we were made for a purpose and sent to a people, just as those were who shared with us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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