"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." Eph 4:26-27
It goes without saying that there is no shortage of things in life that can cause us to become angry. Between traffic, co-workers, the kids and yes, even brothers and sisters in the church, it is not unusual to find ourselves experiencing this emotion from time to time.
You might be surprised to know that in the 234 times it is mentioned in the KJV, the bible does not speak against experiencing anger. In fact, God is described as being angry on a number of occasions. The scriptures do, however, give parameters. Among others, we are to be slow to anger. Eph 4:38 advises us to put a great deal of distance between anger and ourselves. Our scripture of the day encourages us to not allow it to linger.
Further, we must continue to evaluate within ourselves what makes us angry, why any given thing causes us anger and perhaps most importantly of all, how we handle that anger. When Jesus became angry at the cleansing of the temple, it was due to a failure in righteousness. What would life be like if this was the only thing that upset us?
In all things, let us be sure to not give place to Satan. Surely it is a better use of our time to rejoice in the Lord and again I say, rejoice!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13, 14]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Stone Praise-DD 4/20/2010
"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
Luke 19:38
When Jesus made his triumphant yet ill fated entrance into Jerusalem, the bible records that the people spread their clothes on the ground for his mount to walk upon and that "they began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen." Naturally, not everyone felt that same jubilation. In fact there were those who did not understand what all the fuss was about and were clearly irritated. They asked Jesus to shut them up.
Beloved it is right for the people of God to praise Him. The scriptures are replete with encouragements to "praise ye the Lord!" There are also many scriptural examples of people who stood against the Lord and those that praise Him. Now as then, the sons and daughters of the Almighty should never allow anyone to legislate nor dictate our adoration for the Lord. He is indeed worthy of any and all glory and honor we can muster, for He is the great I AM! The redeemed of the Lord who have seen His mighty hand ought to say so!
If we do not praise our Father for all He has done, is doing and is about to do, the very stones of the earth will cry out. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to let a rock out praise me!
PRAISE THE LORD!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
Luke 19:38
When Jesus made his triumphant yet ill fated entrance into Jerusalem, the bible records that the people spread their clothes on the ground for his mount to walk upon and that "they began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen." Naturally, not everyone felt that same jubilation. In fact there were those who did not understand what all the fuss was about and were clearly irritated. They asked Jesus to shut them up.
Beloved it is right for the people of God to praise Him. The scriptures are replete with encouragements to "praise ye the Lord!" There are also many scriptural examples of people who stood against the Lord and those that praise Him. Now as then, the sons and daughters of the Almighty should never allow anyone to legislate nor dictate our adoration for the Lord. He is indeed worthy of any and all glory and honor we can muster, for He is the great I AM! The redeemed of the Lord who have seen His mighty hand ought to say so!
If we do not praise our Father for all He has done, is doing and is about to do, the very stones of the earth will cry out. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to let a rock out praise me!
PRAISE THE LORD!
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, April 19, 2010
Serve The Lord-DD 4/19/2010
"...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15b
At a point very near his death, Joshua took the time to address the people he had lead for a significant portion of his life. He reminded them of all the great things God had done for them. He reminded them of the condition that was formerly theirs. He also reminded them of the terrible decisions they had made as it related to their obedience to God.
Joshua then issues some advice and a choice. His advice, based on all that God had done for them was to serve him in sincerity and to not be an idolatrous people. He then gives the people the same choice that God gives us all; choose Him or don't.
Beloved we still have that choice. We make that choice every day. We make that choice based on the things we think, do and say. We make it based on the way that we live our lives. Like the people of Joshua's time, we can choose to participate in the sinful behaviors we enjoyed before we became Christians, or we can "forget those things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things which are before (us), press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus." Phi 3:13-14.
As for not just me, but all of my household, we will serve the Lord.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13,14]
In Revival,
Lee
At a point very near his death, Joshua took the time to address the people he had lead for a significant portion of his life. He reminded them of all the great things God had done for them. He reminded them of the condition that was formerly theirs. He also reminded them of the terrible decisions they had made as it related to their obedience to God.
Joshua then issues some advice and a choice. His advice, based on all that God had done for them was to serve him in sincerity and to not be an idolatrous people. He then gives the people the same choice that God gives us all; choose Him or don't.
Beloved we still have that choice. We make that choice every day. We make that choice based on the things we think, do and say. We make it based on the way that we live our lives. Like the people of Joshua's time, we can choose to participate in the sinful behaviors we enjoyed before we became Christians, or we can "forget those things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things which are before (us), press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus." Phi 3:13-14.
As for not just me, but all of my household, we will serve the Lord.
[Memory verse of the week: Phi 3:13,14]
In Revival,
Lee
Friday, April 16, 2010
Follow His Lead-DD 4/16/2010
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psa 23:1
So begins one of the most beautiful and well known passages of scripture to be found within the pages of inspiration. Though we may know the words by heart, do we understand their meaning? Written by one who himself was once responsible for tending sheep, the correlation is more powerful than the words themselves.
We, analogized as sheep throughout scripture, have a need to be led. Even with leadership we tend to wander off and must be retrieved for our own good, lest we fall into peril, even death. We depend on the Shepherd to show us the safe and right way to go. This is in opposition to being driven like cattle. We do not respond well to being pushed from behind, but led from the front.
Our Shepherd likewise provides for all of our needs. This is accomplished because He knows what we need and knows how and where to lead us to obtain what is necessary for the extension of our lives. He provides things that we, in and of ourselves, would not be able to acquire.
What a wonderful Shepherd we have. He has said, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14. If we would but follow where He leads, we will find ourselves in the ultimate eternal pasture.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
So begins one of the most beautiful and well known passages of scripture to be found within the pages of inspiration. Though we may know the words by heart, do we understand their meaning? Written by one who himself was once responsible for tending sheep, the correlation is more powerful than the words themselves.
We, analogized as sheep throughout scripture, have a need to be led. Even with leadership we tend to wander off and must be retrieved for our own good, lest we fall into peril, even death. We depend on the Shepherd to show us the safe and right way to go. This is in opposition to being driven like cattle. We do not respond well to being pushed from behind, but led from the front.
Our Shepherd likewise provides for all of our needs. This is accomplished because He knows what we need and knows how and where to lead us to obtain what is necessary for the extension of our lives. He provides things that we, in and of ourselves, would not be able to acquire.
What a wonderful Shepherd we have. He has said, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14. If we would but follow where He leads, we will find ourselves in the ultimate eternal pasture.
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 15, 2010
How Is Your Portfolio?-DD 4/15/2010
"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." Heb 11:24-26
There are many who look at the Christian life as one of restriction and denial of many things to which all people are entitled. As times continue to advance, it seems that society allows more and more of the things that are counter to the teaching of Christ and to the very commands of God. Of course these things are not new. There has been sin and debauchery virtually since the creation of man. The enjoyment of these things creates a natural division between those who are endeavoring to live according to God's word and those who are not.
The focus today is not on those who are not, but those who are. Paul said in 1Cor 6:12 that all things were lawful to him but not expedient (profitable). We all have the ability and the right to go out and do whatever we want but would things contrary to leading godly lives be profitable? I submit to you that they in fact could be extremely costly.
As a member of Pharaoh's household, Moses might have enjoyed a life filled with luxury, wealth and the satisfaction of the slightest whim throughout all the days of his life. He clearly realized that compared with eternity, the pleasures of this world are insignificant. He was willing to invest in the Lord and His guarantees of the ultimate return. How is your spiritual portfolio?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." Heb 11:24-26
There are many who look at the Christian life as one of restriction and denial of many things to which all people are entitled. As times continue to advance, it seems that society allows more and more of the things that are counter to the teaching of Christ and to the very commands of God. Of course these things are not new. There has been sin and debauchery virtually since the creation of man. The enjoyment of these things creates a natural division between those who are endeavoring to live according to God's word and those who are not.
The focus today is not on those who are not, but those who are. Paul said in 1Cor 6:12 that all things were lawful to him but not expedient (profitable). We all have the ability and the right to go out and do whatever we want but would things contrary to leading godly lives be profitable? I submit to you that they in fact could be extremely costly.
As a member of Pharaoh's household, Moses might have enjoyed a life filled with luxury, wealth and the satisfaction of the slightest whim throughout all the days of his life. He clearly realized that compared with eternity, the pleasures of this world are insignificant. He was willing to invest in the Lord and His guarantees of the ultimate return. How is your spiritual portfolio?
[Memory verse of the week: Prov 3:5-6]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Relay-DD 4/14/2010
"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
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
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
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