"Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep." Jonah 1:2-5
Oftentimes, we as Christians suffer from spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). With our minds and mouths we acknowledge God as the King of our lives, our Creator, the Almighty and our Father. We are His people and we know it. We are to be obedient and we know it. He loves us and wants the best for us and we know it. Our actions from time to time, however, belie these truths. In fact, we will sometimes go out of our way to be out of His way.
Jonah was a prophet of God. His whole reason for existing was to impart God's word to those whom he was charged to give it. That said, not only did he refuse direct instructions from God to preach to a people desperately in need of the word, he actually paid money to get on a ship headed the opposite direction.
As we continue in our "Water Gospels" during our study time on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, note that it was on the water that God got Jonah's attention. The bible said that a great storm came upon the ship causing all to fear and seek out divine intervention.
Beloved we all have storms in our lives. They come in a variety of guises, but none of us is ignorant of a storm when we are in one. During these storms, we must ask ourselves if God is trying to get our attention.
It is interesting to know that once guilt ridden Jonah was thrown overboard at his own request, the storm that was afflicting the innocent around him ceased immediately. Further, Jonah spent the next three days in the belly of a fish. This was plenty of time to contemplate both the benefits of obedience and his relationship with God.
What will it take for God to get your attention?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
God Punishes, God Preserves-6/14/2011
"Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark — you and your sons and your wife, and your sons' wives with you." Gen 6:17-18
Today, men and women are given in marriage. Today there is a lot of evil present and things are being done that are scarcely imaginable. These things grieve God. People are corrupt and filled with violence. Despite this, however, there are some good people who follow God.
Though all of these statements are true in 2011, you will find the same conditions discussed in Genesis 6:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13. Then, it was these very stated situations that caused God to bring about the greatest calamity in history. To be sure, we have earthquakes, droughts, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods but nothing compares to what He brought about then.
Despite this, God ensured that mankind would survive by preserving the righteous Noah and his family. It should also be said that He gave all of mankind time to repent and seek safety in the vehicle prepared for salvation.
As we (on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise) look away from our own ark of safety in the midst of the sea, we can view what Noah and his family saw: water as far as the eye could see in all directions. In that the same conditions of Noah's time persist today, if they were deserving of destruction, what of us? Is the story of Noah a warning to the church? Is it a warning to us in our own personal lives?
God certainly punishes. According to Gen 8:1-5, God also relented in His punishment even as He does with us.
Beloved, the promise that He made then still holds true today. He will never destroy the earth with water again. He has always ensured that there will be a remnant of His people to continue to live and glorify His name. 1 Peter 3:20-21 says that, "the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." As there was a vehicle to save man in Noah's time, there is one that remains to save us to this day. Let us heed the warning while there is yet still time. God preserve us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Today, men and women are given in marriage. Today there is a lot of evil present and things are being done that are scarcely imaginable. These things grieve God. People are corrupt and filled with violence. Despite this, however, there are some good people who follow God.
Though all of these statements are true in 2011, you will find the same conditions discussed in Genesis 6:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13. Then, it was these very stated situations that caused God to bring about the greatest calamity in history. To be sure, we have earthquakes, droughts, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods but nothing compares to what He brought about then.
Despite this, God ensured that mankind would survive by preserving the righteous Noah and his family. It should also be said that He gave all of mankind time to repent and seek safety in the vehicle prepared for salvation.
As we (on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise) look away from our own ark of safety in the midst of the sea, we can view what Noah and his family saw: water as far as the eye could see in all directions. In that the same conditions of Noah's time persist today, if they were deserving of destruction, what of us? Is the story of Noah a warning to the church? Is it a warning to us in our own personal lives?
God certainly punishes. According to Gen 8:1-5, God also relented in His punishment even as He does with us.
Beloved, the promise that He made then still holds true today. He will never destroy the earth with water again. He has always ensured that there will be a remnant of His people to continue to live and glorify His name. 1 Peter 3:20-21 says that, "the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." As there was a vehicle to save man in Noah's time, there is one that remains to save us to this day. Let us heed the warning while there is yet still time. God preserve us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, June 13, 2011
God Provides-6/13/2011
Beloved,
Heartfelt thanks for all who prayed for the success of the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise. We had a glorious time in the Lord and all who went came away encouraged, edified and more educated. It was wonderful to see the beauty of God's creation, fellowship with the saints, study His word and build new bonds.
Each day, our study focused on a lesson that took place on the water. This week, I will share those lessons with you, faithful reader.
"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Gen 1:2
On a cruise, we are surrounded by water. This can be a very surreal sight. Just hours ago we were surrounded by asphalt, brick, mortar, steel and cement. Today, we visited a small island in the Bahamas with no asphalt, brick or mortar to speak of. As the travelers debarked for a day of fun, individuals were noticed, then people by the tens, hundreds and then thousands. There were big ones, small ones, male ones, female ones, young ones, old ones and folks form dozens of countries.
This all served to remind me of creation. In Gen 1:1, the scriptures reveal that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 2, the focus of the account is the earth. Water is the first created thing mentioned. In fact,the argument could be made that all that could be seen in the beginning was water. By simply looking out to the horizon, we can get a glimpse of what the earth may have looked like in it's infancy. Verse 6 goes on to say that the sky was created to separate the waters on the surface from the waters in the sky (clouds) and verse 9 sees the gathering of the waters into their designated areas thereby giving place to the land. On the land grew the trees and lived the animals and man. So even on the fist day of our journey, we have been reminded of the first days of the Master's creation.
Beloved, allow these true wonders to remind us that God provides. In His eternal self existence, He needed nothing. He embarked on this creative enterprise for His own glory and for the benefit of His creation's pinnacle, mankind. In creating all that we know, see and are, He has provided all we need to be fruitful, multiply and give Him all the glory!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Heartfelt thanks for all who prayed for the success of the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise. We had a glorious time in the Lord and all who went came away encouraged, edified and more educated. It was wonderful to see the beauty of God's creation, fellowship with the saints, study His word and build new bonds.
Each day, our study focused on a lesson that took place on the water. This week, I will share those lessons with you, faithful reader.
"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Gen 1:2
On a cruise, we are surrounded by water. This can be a very surreal sight. Just hours ago we were surrounded by asphalt, brick, mortar, steel and cement. Today, we visited a small island in the Bahamas with no asphalt, brick or mortar to speak of. As the travelers debarked for a day of fun, individuals were noticed, then people by the tens, hundreds and then thousands. There were big ones, small ones, male ones, female ones, young ones, old ones and folks form dozens of countries.
This all served to remind me of creation. In Gen 1:1, the scriptures reveal that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 2, the focus of the account is the earth. Water is the first created thing mentioned. In fact,the argument could be made that all that could be seen in the beginning was water. By simply looking out to the horizon, we can get a glimpse of what the earth may have looked like in it's infancy. Verse 6 goes on to say that the sky was created to separate the waters on the surface from the waters in the sky (clouds) and verse 9 sees the gathering of the waters into their designated areas thereby giving place to the land. On the land grew the trees and lived the animals and man. So even on the fist day of our journey, we have been reminded of the first days of the Master's creation.
Beloved, allow these true wonders to remind us that God provides. In His eternal self existence, He needed nothing. He embarked on this creative enterprise for His own glory and for the benefit of His creation's pinnacle, mankind. In creating all that we know, see and are, He has provided all we need to be fruitful, multiply and give Him all the glory!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Hiatus
Beloved,
As I am participating in the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise (and all of the communication challenges that involves), the Daily Devotional will be on hiatus this week.
As always, I encourage you to read your bible daily. Please also see www.ofallonminister.bloodspot.com to access previous devotions.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
As I am participating in the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise (and all of the communication challenges that involves), the Daily Devotional will be on hiatus this week.
As always, I encourage you to read your bible daily. Please also see www.ofallonminister.bloodspot.com to access previous devotions.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, June 3, 2011
Always II-6/3/2011
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17
It was during a conversation with the apostles that the Savior uttered these bittersweet words. The words were bitter in that he was informing them of his imminent departure. The words were sweet in that he was also informing them (and us) that we would not be left as orphans but that he would come to us.
Beloved it is critical that we understand the importance of these words. It was necessary for Jesus to be taken from the world physically in order to pay our debt. The good news, however, is twofold. First, his willing sacrifice enables us to become children of God rather than remaining orphans. Second his presence would not only be with us but within us! Through the Helper, also called the Comforter and Holy Spirit, we become temples because the presence of God has moved in! You will recall that in Acts 2:38, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit upon repentance and baptism. We also know that the Spirit, among other things is God's assurance of our redemption and inheritance, Eph 1:13-14.
Not only are we never alone after we have accepted Christ, he has told us that we will never be alone again. God truly lives within you.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It was during a conversation with the apostles that the Savior uttered these bittersweet words. The words were bitter in that he was informing them of his imminent departure. The words were sweet in that he was also informing them (and us) that we would not be left as orphans but that he would come to us.
Beloved it is critical that we understand the importance of these words. It was necessary for Jesus to be taken from the world physically in order to pay our debt. The good news, however, is twofold. First, his willing sacrifice enables us to become children of God rather than remaining orphans. Second his presence would not only be with us but within us! Through the Helper, also called the Comforter and Holy Spirit, we become temples because the presence of God has moved in! You will recall that in Acts 2:38, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit upon repentance and baptism. We also know that the Spirit, among other things is God's assurance of our redemption and inheritance, Eph 1:13-14.
Not only are we never alone after we have accepted Christ, he has told us that we will never be alone again. God truly lives within you.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Always 6/2/2011
"I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:20
It seems that people are constantly moving in and out of our lives. It has also been said that people enter our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Even this, however, does not speak to the quality of those relationships. We all know what it is like to experience the highest highs and lowest lows as a result of having interacted with the people who have touched our lives.
What we often lack in our relationships is stability and consistency. Think about it. Relationships designed to be permanent, like marriage, are deteriorating at a rate of fifty percent these days. Our children who we nurture from before birth eventually develop relationships of their own, leave home and even move away. Similarly, ask yourself if you have any former best friends.
Beloved, the one relationship that we can count on for quantity and quality is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He has said that he will never leave, nor forsake us, Heb 13:5. He has said that we are his friends, John 15:15. He has said that where he is, we will also be, John 14:3. He has laid down his life for us, John 15:13.
If you are ever feeling alone and are of a mind that no one cares or understands, know that Jesus does. Our relationship with him is one on which we can absolutely count.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It seems that people are constantly moving in and out of our lives. It has also been said that people enter our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Even this, however, does not speak to the quality of those relationships. We all know what it is like to experience the highest highs and lowest lows as a result of having interacted with the people who have touched our lives.
What we often lack in our relationships is stability and consistency. Think about it. Relationships designed to be permanent, like marriage, are deteriorating at a rate of fifty percent these days. Our children who we nurture from before birth eventually develop relationships of their own, leave home and even move away. Similarly, ask yourself if you have any former best friends.
Beloved, the one relationship that we can count on for quantity and quality is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He has said that he will never leave, nor forsake us, Heb 13:5. He has said that we are his friends, John 15:15. He has said that where he is, we will also be, John 14:3. He has laid down his life for us, John 15:13.
If you are ever feeling alone and are of a mind that no one cares or understands, know that Jesus does. Our relationship with him is one on which we can absolutely count.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Giving God the Glory 6/1/2011
"And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died." Acts 12:23
King Herod was a bad man. As the secular king of the Jews, he made sport of killing certain members of the church. In fact, he brought death to the apostle James. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he also took Peter into custody with the intent of doing the same thing, Acts 12:1-3. God delivered Peter from this fate through the agency of an angel.
Later, during an audience with a beholden people, Herod gave a great speech. Whether moved or motivated simply by the desire to find favor from the king on whom they depended for their very food, the people lavished praise upon him saying that his was "the voice of a god and not of a man." It was at this time that an angel of the Lord brought Herod's existence to a close.
Beloved, there are two points to be made here. First, the will of God will not be confounded. Jesus told James that he would drink from the cup and be baptized with the baptism that he himself would endure, indicating his suffering and death, Mark 10:39. He told Peter, however, that he would be given the keys to the kingdom, commonly understood to mean that he would be involved in opening the doors to the church, Acts 2. He was therefore preserved in the face of certain death.
Secondly, we must always be careful to give God the praise. Herod, again, secular king of God's own people, was happy to be spoken of in terms of Deity. Needless to say, the praise was not his to accept. Let us always remember that we are who we are, have what we have and do what we do by the grace of the Almighty. Should praise come our way for anything accomplished by His might and in His service, we must immediately give credit where credit is due.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
King Herod was a bad man. As the secular king of the Jews, he made sport of killing certain members of the church. In fact, he brought death to the apostle James. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he also took Peter into custody with the intent of doing the same thing, Acts 12:1-3. God delivered Peter from this fate through the agency of an angel.
Later, during an audience with a beholden people, Herod gave a great speech. Whether moved or motivated simply by the desire to find favor from the king on whom they depended for their very food, the people lavished praise upon him saying that his was "the voice of a god and not of a man." It was at this time that an angel of the Lord brought Herod's existence to a close.
Beloved, there are two points to be made here. First, the will of God will not be confounded. Jesus told James that he would drink from the cup and be baptized with the baptism that he himself would endure, indicating his suffering and death, Mark 10:39. He told Peter, however, that he would be given the keys to the kingdom, commonly understood to mean that he would be involved in opening the doors to the church, Acts 2. He was therefore preserved in the face of certain death.
Secondly, we must always be careful to give God the praise. Herod, again, secular king of God's own people, was happy to be spoken of in terms of Deity. Needless to say, the praise was not his to accept. Let us always remember that we are who we are, have what we have and do what we do by the grace of the Almighty. Should praise come our way for anything accomplished by His might and in His service, we must immediately give credit where credit is due.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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