"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Heb 12:1
Who among us does not swell with pride at the winning performance of loved ones or favorite teams on the fields and courts of competition? Do we not also perhaps remember our own competitive days during which we heard the encouraging screams and yells from fans and supporters of our own?
Our scripture for the day analogizes just such a thing. First, our fore runners in the faith are cheering for us to carry the gospel forward by both sharing it verbally and leading godly lives. Imagine a packed stadium dotted with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Ruth, Esther and so many others urging us forward. They are described as "so great a cloud of witnesses." Surely this speaks to both number and accomplishment in the Lord.
And while you were perhaps competing, do you recall hearing those encouraging yells urging you onward to even better performance? The second part of the verse is designed to do just that. There is an inherent warning that the things that can hinder our performance and therefore affect our outcome are never far away and are an ever present danger. The admonition is to be aware of those things, shed them if you've got them, keep them away if you don't and to stay the course. That is the only way that we can participate in the victory that has already been won.
Those witnesses? They ran before we did. But before they stopped, they handed the baton to us. To whom will you pass it?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Meaning of Life-DD 4/13/2010
"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
There is an age old question that asks , "What is the meaning of life?" Surely there are many answers depending ones perspective. For the Christian however, the answer is clear. We are the pinnacle of Gods creation. We are the result of his love, whose purpose is to bring glory to His name.
Without doubt, there are a variety of ways to accomplish this. Our priorities in life can easily be determined simply be observing how we spend our time, effort and energy. Other than attending Sunday services, is there anything else in our lives that is indicative our faith? I submit to you that Christians should be known not just for profession, but for action. We have a purpose. That purpose was prepared by God. We need to talk the talk and walk the walk. That is what God's workmanship does.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
There is an age old question that asks , "What is the meaning of life?" Surely there are many answers depending ones perspective. For the Christian however, the answer is clear. We are the pinnacle of Gods creation. We are the result of his love, whose purpose is to bring glory to His name.
Without doubt, there are a variety of ways to accomplish this. Our priorities in life can easily be determined simply be observing how we spend our time, effort and energy. Other than attending Sunday services, is there anything else in our lives that is indicative our faith? I submit to you that Christians should be known not just for profession, but for action. We have a purpose. That purpose was prepared by God. We need to talk the talk and walk the walk. That is what God's workmanship does.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Trust Him-DD 4/12/2010
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Rom 8:28
There are times when we all look to the heavens and cry "Why me Lord?" Whether medical malady, financial challenges, matters of the heart or just some perceived unfortunate happenstance, we wonder why bad things happen to good people...to us.
The reality is that both good and bad happen to both "good" and "bad". For some reason, we as Christians feel as though bad should not happen to us, particularly if we are doing the best we can to lead upright lives. Christ clearly told us to expect adversity, if nothing else, because of our Christianity. As long as we live on this earth, we will be subject to what we consider happenstance and perhaps more importantly, consequences for our actions (a topic for another devotional).
While we are thinking, have we ever take time to look back over our lives, particularly the difficult times and seen the good that has come of it? Did losing one job pave the way for a better one? Did being sick in the hospital allow you to share the gospel with someone that needed it? Did experiencing the lowest of lows teach you that God is all you need?
There is ample scriptural evidence to support that God is in control and that he knows what He is doing. Do we ever stop to think about why Jesus had to endure what he did even though he lived a perfect life? More importantly, when we look at our own lives, we can see that we should trust Him.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
There are times when we all look to the heavens and cry "Why me Lord?" Whether medical malady, financial challenges, matters of the heart or just some perceived unfortunate happenstance, we wonder why bad things happen to good people...to us.
The reality is that both good and bad happen to both "good" and "bad". For some reason, we as Christians feel as though bad should not happen to us, particularly if we are doing the best we can to lead upright lives. Christ clearly told us to expect adversity, if nothing else, because of our Christianity. As long as we live on this earth, we will be subject to what we consider happenstance and perhaps more importantly, consequences for our actions (a topic for another devotional).
While we are thinking, have we ever take time to look back over our lives, particularly the difficult times and seen the good that has come of it? Did losing one job pave the way for a better one? Did being sick in the hospital allow you to share the gospel with someone that needed it? Did experiencing the lowest of lows teach you that God is all you need?
There is ample scriptural evidence to support that God is in control and that he knows what He is doing. Do we ever stop to think about why Jesus had to endure what he did even though he lived a perfect life? More importantly, when we look at our own lives, we can see that we should trust Him.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, April 9, 2010
Your Personal Miracle-DD 4/9/2010
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee..." Jer 1:5
To my young daughter, the new mother:
My precious one, the parting of the Red Sea, a fish large enough to swallow Jonah, manna falling from heaven and Jesus walking on the waves and calling the dead forth from the grave are miracles to be sure. I know you struggle with such things. But the perfection which God has caused to be through the birth of your son is even more miraculous than His other feats.
Look at his perfect little hands. Look at his beautiful little eyes. Count every little hair on his little head and know that God put them there. Know that He knew the little one before you did and has entrusted him to your care. When you look at him, see God.
Though other miracles can be so far away, so difficult to grasp, so tough to believe, so challenging to your faith, He has given you your own personal miracle that you can see, hold and love. I know this because years ago, He gave me one too. He gave me you.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
To my young daughter, the new mother:
My precious one, the parting of the Red Sea, a fish large enough to swallow Jonah, manna falling from heaven and Jesus walking on the waves and calling the dead forth from the grave are miracles to be sure. I know you struggle with such things. But the perfection which God has caused to be through the birth of your son is even more miraculous than His other feats.
Look at his perfect little hands. Look at his beautiful little eyes. Count every little hair on his little head and know that God put them there. Know that He knew the little one before you did and has entrusted him to your care. When you look at him, see God.
Though other miracles can be so far away, so difficult to grasp, so tough to believe, so challenging to your faith, He has given you your own personal miracle that you can see, hold and love. I know this because years ago, He gave me one too. He gave me you.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Count Your Blessings-DD 4/8/10
"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. " Matt 6:31-33
Anyone who even casually examines his or her life must acknowledge that they are blessed. Our Father is so benevolent, so kind, so long suffering, so gracious and so merciful, how could any deny it? How could anyone miss it?
In reality, we miss it all the time. We miss it because of God's over abundance, Eph 3:20-21. This gives us the very interesting trait of focusing on the things that are wrong, challenging, inconvenient, painful or wanting in our lives. It is as if we expect to lead lives where every whim is satisfied, and every desire is delivered. That is just not reality for anyone. The more we get the more we want and are thus never satisfied.
What is in fact reality is that all of us could lead lives that are far worse, regardless of our current circumstance. Fortunately we serve a God who not only knows our needs, but supplies them (and ever so many of our wants). Whom do you know that is without food, drink, clothing and shelter, even if it is supplied by others?
If we would take the time to count our blessings, we would see how vastly they outweigh the things we think are wanting. We serve a glorious Creator. How could we do anything less than seek His righteousness and His kingdom?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Anyone who even casually examines his or her life must acknowledge that they are blessed. Our Father is so benevolent, so kind, so long suffering, so gracious and so merciful, how could any deny it? How could anyone miss it?
In reality, we miss it all the time. We miss it because of God's over abundance, Eph 3:20-21. This gives us the very interesting trait of focusing on the things that are wrong, challenging, inconvenient, painful or wanting in our lives. It is as if we expect to lead lives where every whim is satisfied, and every desire is delivered. That is just not reality for anyone. The more we get the more we want and are thus never satisfied.
What is in fact reality is that all of us could lead lives that are far worse, regardless of our current circumstance. Fortunately we serve a God who not only knows our needs, but supplies them (and ever so many of our wants). Whom do you know that is without food, drink, clothing and shelter, even if it is supplied by others?
If we would take the time to count our blessings, we would see how vastly they outweigh the things we think are wanting. We serve a glorious Creator. How could we do anything less than seek His righteousness and His kingdom?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
If Not Us, Who?-DD 4/7/10
"...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." Jude 3-4
It should be no secret to anyone that Christianity is under attack. In fact the tradition of attacking our beliefs and our Savior has existed since he walked the earth, John 15:18-19. We have been told numerous times in scripture to expect this.
Most of us lead comfortable lives that are free from what we consider persecution. We have come to enjoy and rely on God's blessings so much that we have become complacent as a body of believers.
Prayer has been taken away from our children in school and we did not prevent it. The concept of marriage being limited to a man and a woman as it is in scripture is being set on its ear, state by state, day by day and we hide behind political correctness. During a time of tragedy when a gospel preacher was killed by his wife, the church was vilified by Nancy Grace who referred to us as a cult. We grumbled but watched. There are even efforts to have "In God We Trust" taken off of the currency and "one nation under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance though we are a nation built on a foundation of faith. If we are not careful, it will happen.
We must contend for the faith. We must stand up for what we believe in. Proof that the enemy is alive, well and active is all around us. We must remain vigilant. We must remain engaged. We must not allow ourselves to be pushed back into the catacombs where we would be forced to practice our beliefs in secret. We must protect the faith and advance the boundaries of the Kingdom.
If not us, who?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
It should be no secret to anyone that Christianity is under attack. In fact the tradition of attacking our beliefs and our Savior has existed since he walked the earth, John 15:18-19. We have been told numerous times in scripture to expect this.
Most of us lead comfortable lives that are free from what we consider persecution. We have come to enjoy and rely on God's blessings so much that we have become complacent as a body of believers.
Prayer has been taken away from our children in school and we did not prevent it. The concept of marriage being limited to a man and a woman as it is in scripture is being set on its ear, state by state, day by day and we hide behind political correctness. During a time of tragedy when a gospel preacher was killed by his wife, the church was vilified by Nancy Grace who referred to us as a cult. We grumbled but watched. There are even efforts to have "In God We Trust" taken off of the currency and "one nation under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance though we are a nation built on a foundation of faith. If we are not careful, it will happen.
We must contend for the faith. We must stand up for what we believe in. Proof that the enemy is alive, well and active is all around us. We must remain vigilant. We must remain engaged. We must not allow ourselves to be pushed back into the catacombs where we would be forced to practice our beliefs in secret. We must protect the faith and advance the boundaries of the Kingdom.
If not us, who?
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, April 5, 2010
Faith Works-DD 4/6/10
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you." Prov 3:27-28
So often we tell our brothers and sisters in need that we will pray for them. We, in all of our faithful piety trust that God will work a miracle in their lives. We'll start prayer chains, mention them to the church secretary to put in the bulletin and share the request with all the faithful people that we know.
While prayer is a wonderful and necessary thing, there is nothing like action. We are called upon to put our faith to work. James captures this thought beautifully in 2:14-15 of his eponymous epistle: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Further, we may be completely magnanimous toward people we know or those who are members of our congregation, but what about he beggar on the street? What about the enclave of the homeless? What about those who are not friendly or loving toward us? What about our enemies? Matt 5:44-45 contains the very instructions of Jesus in these matters and reveals that God blesses all, regardless of station or status.
Beloved, when someone prays to God, it should be we, His earthen vessels, that show up, and that quickly.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
So often we tell our brothers and sisters in need that we will pray for them. We, in all of our faithful piety trust that God will work a miracle in their lives. We'll start prayer chains, mention them to the church secretary to put in the bulletin and share the request with all the faithful people that we know.
While prayer is a wonderful and necessary thing, there is nothing like action. We are called upon to put our faith to work. James captures this thought beautifully in 2:14-15 of his eponymous epistle: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Further, we may be completely magnanimous toward people we know or those who are members of our congregation, but what about he beggar on the street? What about the enclave of the homeless? What about those who are not friendly or loving toward us? What about our enemies? Matt 5:44-45 contains the very instructions of Jesus in these matters and reveals that God blesses all, regardless of station or status.
Beloved, when someone prays to God, it should be we, His earthen vessels, that show up, and that quickly.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 2:5-11]
In Revival,
Lee
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