"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." James 5:7-8
The greatest hope of every Christian is to gain heaven at the coming of the Lord. Many of us, however, go about our lives as if we don't expect him any time soon. Because we are not told of the day nor the time, we behave as if we have all the time in he world. Scripture directs us to watch for this very reason.
It is our duty and privilege to lead lives that are pleasing to God. Too often, our mentality involves seeing how close to the lines we can paint. We like to live with one foot in righteousness and one foot in the sinful life. Beloved this is a disaster in the making. Do we really want to be found with our hand in the proverbial cookie jar when the Lord returns? Do want more for which to answer on judgement day?
Let us demonstrate our love and obedience by serving Him acceptably all the days of our lives that we might be worthy of what he has prepared for us. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2-3
[Memory verse of the week: John 14:2-3]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
But If Not...-DD 5/7/2010
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Dan 3:17-18
In this passage of scripture resides the story of three of God's men who, though part of the captivity in Babylon, were given positions of authority and responsibility by the king. Subsequent to this, the king erected an image and directed everyone to fall down and worship it at the appointed time. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego refused.
Beloved, God is not in the wish fulfilling business. He is neither fairy, leprechaun nor genie. He is the sovereign Lord, creator of the universe and He does what pleases Him. God has a plan not just for all of us, but for everything in creation. We may not understand why things are the way they are or why certain things happen, but we must know that He is in control. The Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
We, however, are charged to be in the faith business. Even though we may not be able to "see the big picture" or know what is coming around the next corner, we must trust that God does and keep ourselves firmly within the center of His will. This can be challenging due to the many things we experience in life. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and bosses can push us to our limits, but it is important that we think beyond our present circumstances and sacrifice neither our faith nor our obedience. We are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego knew that if they did not comply with the king's command to leave the will of God, they would be subjected to the flames of the furnace. They stood their ground. They remained faithful. They were preserved and even made to prosper. God is so good is He not?
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
In this passage of scripture resides the story of three of God's men who, though part of the captivity in Babylon, were given positions of authority and responsibility by the king. Subsequent to this, the king erected an image and directed everyone to fall down and worship it at the appointed time. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego refused.
Beloved, God is not in the wish fulfilling business. He is neither fairy, leprechaun nor genie. He is the sovereign Lord, creator of the universe and He does what pleases Him. God has a plan not just for all of us, but for everything in creation. We may not understand why things are the way they are or why certain things happen, but we must know that He is in control. The Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
We, however, are charged to be in the faith business. Even though we may not be able to "see the big picture" or know what is coming around the next corner, we must trust that God does and keep ourselves firmly within the center of His will. This can be challenging due to the many things we experience in life. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and bosses can push us to our limits, but it is important that we think beyond our present circumstances and sacrifice neither our faith nor our obedience. We are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego knew that if they did not comply with the king's command to leave the will of God, they would be subjected to the flames of the furnace. They stood their ground. They remained faithful. They were preserved and even made to prosper. God is so good is He not?
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Main Thing-DD 5/6/2010
"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." Eph 4:11-13
My beloved, we are members of the same body. Each member of the body has a God determined purpose. The mission of this body with Christ as its head is to grow, to be a blessing to non members (with the hope and intent of them being added to the body) and ultimately to glorify God.
I submit to you that none of these would be possible without members of the body being united. We often confuse unity with conformity or sameness. Contextually, it simply means that we have faith in and knowledge of the Son of God or in other words, we believe as though we were one person.
This being the case, we must ask ourselves why we persist in finding so many things over which to divide. We divide over clapping, "lifting holy hands" during worship, saying "amen" and disagreements over things being done differently than we ourselves might do them. Interestingly enough, when we display a lack of unity, it often has nothing whatsoever to do with scripture, but instead, traditions or personal preferences. Paul famously asked the members of the body at Corinth, "Is Christ divided?" He went on to say that this is indicative of being men of flesh rather than men of spirit.
We need to keep the main thing the main thing and that is attaining the fullness of Christ. This is certainly a spiritual pursuit.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
My beloved, we are members of the same body. Each member of the body has a God determined purpose. The mission of this body with Christ as its head is to grow, to be a blessing to non members (with the hope and intent of them being added to the body) and ultimately to glorify God.
I submit to you that none of these would be possible without members of the body being united. We often confuse unity with conformity or sameness. Contextually, it simply means that we have faith in and knowledge of the Son of God or in other words, we believe as though we were one person.
This being the case, we must ask ourselves why we persist in finding so many things over which to divide. We divide over clapping, "lifting holy hands" during worship, saying "amen" and disagreements over things being done differently than we ourselves might do them. Interestingly enough, when we display a lack of unity, it often has nothing whatsoever to do with scripture, but instead, traditions or personal preferences. Paul famously asked the members of the body at Corinth, "Is Christ divided?" He went on to say that this is indicative of being men of flesh rather than men of spirit.
We need to keep the main thing the main thing and that is attaining the fullness of Christ. This is certainly a spiritual pursuit.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Finding Your Way-DD 5/5/2010
"'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' Luke 15:18-19
At one time or the other, we are all guilty of straying away from the Lord in one shape, fashion or form. As with the prodigal son, we leave too soon, go too far, spend too much and stay too long. Though sometimes we err through weakness or do so unaware, other times we knowingly shake the fist of rebellion in the face of the Lord. We know full well what we are doing and either steady ourselves for any consequences that may come, or pray to that same Father that they do not.
If we are fortunate and wise, we will come to our senses and realize that being outside the will of God is nowhere to be. It is not enough to simply realize our perilous position. We must be willing to admit (confess) our wrongs, humble ourselves and return to the Father. If we do, we will find that He will run to you, embrace you, kiss you, place a ring on your finger and the finest robe on your shoulder. And at the celebration He will have for you, He will state without hesitation that, "this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:19
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
At one time or the other, we are all guilty of straying away from the Lord in one shape, fashion or form. As with the prodigal son, we leave too soon, go too far, spend too much and stay too long. Though sometimes we err through weakness or do so unaware, other times we knowingly shake the fist of rebellion in the face of the Lord. We know full well what we are doing and either steady ourselves for any consequences that may come, or pray to that same Father that they do not.
If we are fortunate and wise, we will come to our senses and realize that being outside the will of God is nowhere to be. It is not enough to simply realize our perilous position. We must be willing to admit (confess) our wrongs, humble ourselves and return to the Father. If we do, we will find that He will run to you, embrace you, kiss you, place a ring on your finger and the finest robe on your shoulder. And at the celebration He will have for you, He will state without hesitation that, "this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:19
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It's What You Do-DD 5/4/2010
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22
If there is anything in the world that is easy to claim, it is certainly belief in God. In fact, a recent poll revealed that fully 92% of Americans believe in God or some higher power. Further, 83% of Americans claim to be Christians.
The question must be asked, however, that if that is so, why is this country in the shape that it is in? Violent crime is rampant, sin and debauchery are present at every echelon of society, same sex marriage is being legalized and God is being legislated out of our lives. More to the point, consider our own individual lives. What is it that we Christians see in the mirror every time we remove our public masks and gaze upon it?
Make no mistake, Jesus has already spoken about this: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." Matt 7:21 My beloved, it is not about what we claim, it is all about what we do.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
If there is anything in the world that is easy to claim, it is certainly belief in God. In fact, a recent poll revealed that fully 92% of Americans believe in God or some higher power. Further, 83% of Americans claim to be Christians.
The question must be asked, however, that if that is so, why is this country in the shape that it is in? Violent crime is rampant, sin and debauchery are present at every echelon of society, same sex marriage is being legalized and God is being legislated out of our lives. More to the point, consider our own individual lives. What is it that we Christians see in the mirror every time we remove our public masks and gaze upon it?
Make no mistake, Jesus has already spoken about this: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." Matt 7:21 My beloved, it is not about what we claim, it is all about what we do.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Monday, May 3, 2010
God's Plan For You-DD 5/3/2010
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Gen 50:20
Young Joseph, known for his dreams and his coat of many colors, suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers. At one point they planned to take his life, but in the end decided to sell him into slavery in order that a profit might be earned. As a slave, Joseph suffered many indignities including false accusations, imprisonment and broken promises. Along the way, however; he learned a great many skills as an administrator, manager, logistician, commodities broker and quartermaster. Most importantly, God was with him.
It came to pass that Joseph was made second in command of the greatest nation on earth at the time. In becoming such, he was eventually put in a position to save his long lost family, including the brothers who harmed him, from the worst famine ever known. When that time came, he did exactly that.
Beloved life takes us through all kinds of ups and downs. Our interactions with others can involve the highest highs and the lowest lows. Whether it is the boss making our lives miserable, neighbors causing us difficulty or even family members behaving toward us like anything but, God is with us and He has a plan for our lives. Let us focus our attention and affections on the One who made us. In doing so let us learn all we can from our circumstances in order that we might be prepared for His plan to be manifested.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Young Joseph, known for his dreams and his coat of many colors, suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers. At one point they planned to take his life, but in the end decided to sell him into slavery in order that a profit might be earned. As a slave, Joseph suffered many indignities including false accusations, imprisonment and broken promises. Along the way, however; he learned a great many skills as an administrator, manager, logistician, commodities broker and quartermaster. Most importantly, God was with him.
It came to pass that Joseph was made second in command of the greatest nation on earth at the time. In becoming such, he was eventually put in a position to save his long lost family, including the brothers who harmed him, from the worst famine ever known. When that time came, he did exactly that.
Beloved life takes us through all kinds of ups and downs. Our interactions with others can involve the highest highs and the lowest lows. Whether it is the boss making our lives miserable, neighbors causing us difficulty or even family members behaving toward us like anything but, God is with us and He has a plan for our lives. Let us focus our attention and affections on the One who made us. In doing so let us learn all we can from our circumstances in order that we might be prepared for His plan to be manifested.
[Memory verse of the week: Rom 8:38-39]
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Stand Still-DD 4/30/2010
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." Ex 14:13
Worrying is an interesting pursuit. It comes naturally to us all. Whenever we find ourselves in a conundrum without the ability to affect the outcome, worrying is a default reaction. We fret, we discuss it with our friends, we cry, we get depressed and become despondent. Did you ever notice the effectiveness of that particular tactic?
The fact is, worrying has never accomplished a thing. Faith in God, however, always yields results, even if the result is greater reliance on Him. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1. That substance and that evidence are products and proof of His existence. It is when we come to the end of our own abilities and efforts, possessing no other means to affect the situation that we are forced to stand still. It is during these still moments and times that the glory of God burns brightest.
Do you want to see God? Stand still!
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
Worrying is an interesting pursuit. It comes naturally to us all. Whenever we find ourselves in a conundrum without the ability to affect the outcome, worrying is a default reaction. We fret, we discuss it with our friends, we cry, we get depressed and become despondent. Did you ever notice the effectiveness of that particular tactic?
The fact is, worrying has never accomplished a thing. Faith in God, however, always yields results, even if the result is greater reliance on Him. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1. That substance and that evidence are products and proof of His existence. It is when we come to the end of our own abilities and efforts, possessing no other means to affect the situation that we are forced to stand still. It is during these still moments and times that the glory of God burns brightest.
Do you want to see God? Stand still!
[Memory verse of the week: Rev 3:20-21]
In Revival,
Lee
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