"Nathan said to David, 'You are the man!'" 2 Sam 12:7
This scripture is the culmination of a series of events that literally tested the relationship between God and the one man that was closest to his heart. Most of us know the story of how David went from seeing a beautiful woman on a roof top to sending her husband to the front lines of a war, causing him to be killed.
God sent Nathan to him with a hypothetical situation about a man who had stolen something very dear and precious from another even though the man had plenty. David was very angry and ruled that the thief be punished, even mentioning death. It was at this time that Nathan revealed that it was he who was the thief.
Beloved has God ever sent someone to you under similar circumstances? If so, how did you receive them? The fact is, we all know when we do wrong. In fact, we do as much as possible to cover that wrong. Despite our best efforts, there is the possibility that we could be discovered. Whether we are or not, God knows. In this case, God was angry with David, yet loved him enough to correct and eventually restore him. He sent a friend.
We must seek to do the will of God in every word, thought and deed. Should there be a time when we fall short and someone comes in the spirit of meekness to inform and restore us, let us receive them as David did Nathan. And let us realign ourselves with the will of the Father. We all make mistakes but we do not have to become them.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Futility of Accumulation-6/23/2011
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." Prov 22:1
This bit of wisdom is counter to the conspicuous consumption norms we see in society today. We judge and are judged by the type of cars we drive, the watches we wear and the addresses we maintain. But to what end?
Beloved, the Christian's main priority is to be in possession of the grace and mercy of God. Should we feel the need to be judged by man, let it be that we are blameless, children of the Almighty, disciples of Christ and lovers of all mankind. If there is anything we boast, let it be the love of the Lord.
It has been said that one never sees a U-Haul following a hearse. Likewise, it is not the things that we accumulate in this life that will follow us into eternity, but our manner of living that will determine our eternity.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
This bit of wisdom is counter to the conspicuous consumption norms we see in society today. We judge and are judged by the type of cars we drive, the watches we wear and the addresses we maintain. But to what end?
Beloved, the Christian's main priority is to be in possession of the grace and mercy of God. Should we feel the need to be judged by man, let it be that we are blameless, children of the Almighty, disciples of Christ and lovers of all mankind. If there is anything we boast, let it be the love of the Lord.
It has been said that one never sees a U-Haul following a hearse. Likewise, it is not the things that we accumulate in this life that will follow us into eternity, but our manner of living that will determine our eternity.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Praise The Lord!-6/22/2011
"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!" Psa 150:6
What comes to mind when we think of the word "praise?" Within the context of scripture it literally means to brag, commend and celebrate. Is that not what we do when one of our little ones succeed in little league sports, school or cleaning his or her room? For the older of us, do we not experience a sense of pride when we tell others about our children's exploits in business, education or relationships?
Beloved we are no strangers to praise. In fact, we often seek praise ourselves when we feel that we have accomplished something worthy of commendation. Much of what we do is sourced in the desire to receive positive feedback.
Since we are so well acquainted with the concept, why not give praise to whom it is primarily due? He who created us is worthy of our praise. He who came that we might have life and that more abundantly is worthy of our praise. He who supplies all of our needs is worthy of our praise. It is He from whom all blessings flow that is worthy of our praise.
As we go about our day to day activities in this life that He supplies, let us make an effort to praise Him in the highest for all that He has done, is doing and is about to do. Let us brag on His goodness, commend Him for His creation and celebrate His grace and mercy. As long as we have breath, let us praise the Lord!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
What comes to mind when we think of the word "praise?" Within the context of scripture it literally means to brag, commend and celebrate. Is that not what we do when one of our little ones succeed in little league sports, school or cleaning his or her room? For the older of us, do we not experience a sense of pride when we tell others about our children's exploits in business, education or relationships?
Beloved we are no strangers to praise. In fact, we often seek praise ourselves when we feel that we have accomplished something worthy of commendation. Much of what we do is sourced in the desire to receive positive feedback.
Since we are so well acquainted with the concept, why not give praise to whom it is primarily due? He who created us is worthy of our praise. He who came that we might have life and that more abundantly is worthy of our praise. He who supplies all of our needs is worthy of our praise. It is He from whom all blessings flow that is worthy of our praise.
As we go about our day to day activities in this life that He supplies, let us make an effort to praise Him in the highest for all that He has done, is doing and is about to do. Let us brag on His goodness, commend Him for His creation and celebrate His grace and mercy. As long as we have breath, let us praise the Lord!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, June 20, 2011
Jesus is First-6/21/2011
"For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. " He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Matt 10:35-37
Beloved, this both a complex and challenging passage of scripture. How could our loving savior say such a thing? Are we not to love one another, especially our families? Are we not instructed to honor our mothers and fathers and grieve not our children and children to obey parents?
Jesus is using a device that takes things to the extreme in order to make a point. This was also done when he spoke of plucking out one's offending eye and cutting off one's right hand rather than enter hell whole and with full sight, Matt 18:8-9. The message here is twofold.
First, being a child of God is an all or nothing proposition. Either you pursue a life of righteousness or you do not. Either you resist and even fight evil or you do not. You are on one side of the line between darkness and light or the other. One need only think back to the American Civil War to know that brother fought against brother over divided loyalties and mutually exclusive ideals. Think then, of your own family. How many of your relatives are non Christians? Is there ever hostility surrounding your spiritually based differences with them?
The drawing of battle lines between us is not here suggested, for we battle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. As Christians, our responsibility is to win those who remain in darkness. That said, however, all who are not of God are ultimately the enemies of God.
Secondly, as important as it is to lead righteous lives and therefore be examples to our non Christian family members, we ultimately must prioritize God. Parents, in-laws, siblings and cousins have no ability to save our souls. This is the sole domain of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Since he is our creator and redeemer, the one who died on the cross that we might live, all other relationships and priorities should pale into insignificance compared to our relationship with him. We are to love him with all our heart, soul and might.
Love your family. Love them hard and be the presence of Christ to them. But always put first the One from whom all blessings flow.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Beloved, this both a complex and challenging passage of scripture. How could our loving savior say such a thing? Are we not to love one another, especially our families? Are we not instructed to honor our mothers and fathers and grieve not our children and children to obey parents?
Jesus is using a device that takes things to the extreme in order to make a point. This was also done when he spoke of plucking out one's offending eye and cutting off one's right hand rather than enter hell whole and with full sight, Matt 18:8-9. The message here is twofold.
First, being a child of God is an all or nothing proposition. Either you pursue a life of righteousness or you do not. Either you resist and even fight evil or you do not. You are on one side of the line between darkness and light or the other. One need only think back to the American Civil War to know that brother fought against brother over divided loyalties and mutually exclusive ideals. Think then, of your own family. How many of your relatives are non Christians? Is there ever hostility surrounding your spiritually based differences with them?
The drawing of battle lines between us is not here suggested, for we battle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. As Christians, our responsibility is to win those who remain in darkness. That said, however, all who are not of God are ultimately the enemies of God.
Secondly, as important as it is to lead righteous lives and therefore be examples to our non Christian family members, we ultimately must prioritize God. Parents, in-laws, siblings and cousins have no ability to save our souls. This is the sole domain of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Since he is our creator and redeemer, the one who died on the cross that we might live, all other relationships and priorities should pale into insignificance compared to our relationship with him. We are to love him with all our heart, soul and might.
Love your family. Love them hard and be the presence of Christ to them. But always put first the One from whom all blessings flow.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Fishers of Men-6/20/2011
"...Jesus said to Simon, 'Fear not; from henceforth you shall catch men.' And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all and followed him." Luke 5:10-11
Jesus, continuing to do the work of the Father who sent him, found himself pressed in on all sides by a multitude desiring to hear a word from him. In that he was on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, he entered the boat of his friend Simon and asked him to put out a little from the land so that he could address the people.
When this was concluded, he instructed Simon to launch out into the deep and put down his nets (Simon was a fisherman). Simon noted the oddity of the request, because the traditional time of fishing had passed and that when he had fished, he caught nothing. Nevertheless, he complied with Jesus' instructions. In so doing, he caught so many fish that his boat and that of his partners, James and John, were in danger of sinking.
Beloved, Jesus gives us the greatest example of being about the Father's business. He showed that there would always be a need to care for the people. Through the metaphor of Simon's great catch, he also showed that "the harvest (of souls) was abundant but that the workers were few." We are to be about our Father's business at all times and in all ways. As all Christians are part of the harvest, we in turn need to harvest others.
As they made it to shore, Jesus supplied them with their mission in life; they were to become fishers of men.
As we bring to a close our Water Gospels and make plans to exit the ship tomorrow and thus bring to a conclusion the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, let us take this final lesson with us: We have learned much on the sea, but the work of the Lord is on the land. That said, we must observe a particular caution.
In John 21, Jesus has been crucified and resurrected and could now be seen interacting with the people, but what about his apostles? "Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter *said to them, “I am going fishing.” They *said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:2-3
Once we have left the classroom of the sea, let us not return to it and indulge old habits and practices. We have been given a great mission. Let us pursue it with all vigor. To go back, as the disciples found, produces nothing.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Jesus, continuing to do the work of the Father who sent him, found himself pressed in on all sides by a multitude desiring to hear a word from him. In that he was on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, he entered the boat of his friend Simon and asked him to put out a little from the land so that he could address the people.
When this was concluded, he instructed Simon to launch out into the deep and put down his nets (Simon was a fisherman). Simon noted the oddity of the request, because the traditional time of fishing had passed and that when he had fished, he caught nothing. Nevertheless, he complied with Jesus' instructions. In so doing, he caught so many fish that his boat and that of his partners, James and John, were in danger of sinking.
Beloved, Jesus gives us the greatest example of being about the Father's business. He showed that there would always be a need to care for the people. Through the metaphor of Simon's great catch, he also showed that "the harvest (of souls) was abundant but that the workers were few." We are to be about our Father's business at all times and in all ways. As all Christians are part of the harvest, we in turn need to harvest others.
As they made it to shore, Jesus supplied them with their mission in life; they were to become fishers of men.
As we bring to a close our Water Gospels and make plans to exit the ship tomorrow and thus bring to a conclusion the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, let us take this final lesson with us: We have learned much on the sea, but the work of the Lord is on the land. That said, we must observe a particular caution.
In John 21, Jesus has been crucified and resurrected and could now be seen interacting with the people, but what about his apostles? "Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter *said to them, “I am going fishing.” They *said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:2-3
Once we have left the classroom of the sea, let us not return to it and indulge old habits and practices. We have been given a great mission. Let us pursue it with all vigor. To go back, as the disciples found, produces nothing.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Patience of God-6/17/2011
And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, " You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matt 14:29-31
Jesus had just fed the five thousand plus. He then sent his apostles away to cross the Sea of Galilee while he took some time to himself to pray. Just as Jesus needed time away from the rigors of his mission to spend time with the Father, we likewise are sequestered from our day to day responsibilities to enjoy the Family Gospel Cruise and focus on communing with our Lord.
Soon, the apostles found themselves enduring yet another storm. You'll recall in yesterday's lesson, Jesus was with them on the ship asleep. This time, he walked on the water through the storm to get to them. It is clear that he is the master of creation but more to the point, he is the master over our storms. One might ask why he allows us to go through storms at all. Should you ask that question, ask also if you have not come out of every storm better than when you went in.
Since the last storm, Peter had grown in his faith enough to be convinced that if Jesus would call him, he would be able to walk on the waves as well. Jesus called him and he did just that. The bible says, however, that once he took his eyes off Jesus, the storm began to consume him.
Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we continue to focus on him, we can walk on our storms until we, as the apostles were, are delivered. Jesus saved Peter and by calming the sea, he not only also saved the apostles, he them to be at their destination immediately.
Despite our doubts, fears, concerns and worries, our God is patient with us and if we are willing, He saves.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Jesus had just fed the five thousand plus. He then sent his apostles away to cross the Sea of Galilee while he took some time to himself to pray. Just as Jesus needed time away from the rigors of his mission to spend time with the Father, we likewise are sequestered from our day to day responsibilities to enjoy the Family Gospel Cruise and focus on communing with our Lord.
Soon, the apostles found themselves enduring yet another storm. You'll recall in yesterday's lesson, Jesus was with them on the ship asleep. This time, he walked on the water through the storm to get to them. It is clear that he is the master of creation but more to the point, he is the master over our storms. One might ask why he allows us to go through storms at all. Should you ask that question, ask also if you have not come out of every storm better than when you went in.
Since the last storm, Peter had grown in his faith enough to be convinced that if Jesus would call him, he would be able to walk on the waves as well. Jesus called him and he did just that. The bible says, however, that once he took his eyes off Jesus, the storm began to consume him.
Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we continue to focus on him, we can walk on our storms until we, as the apostles were, are delivered. Jesus saved Peter and by calming the sea, he not only also saved the apostles, he them to be at their destination immediately.
Despite our doubts, fears, concerns and worries, our God is patient with us and if we are willing, He saves.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Jesus vs. Our Storms-6/16/2011
"And there *arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up." Mark 4:37
Today's installment of the "Water Gospels" is related as a series of statements and thought provoking questions.
We agreed yesterday (as we considered Jonah's woes) that storms enter all of our lives.
What are some storms that you have endured?
How did you get through them?
The disciples found themselves enduring a storm. The bible says that they were very
frightened.
Have your storms ever frightened you?
What did you do?
Scripture tells us that Jesus was asleep.
What does it meant that Jesus was sleeping?
Is the point really that he was there?
Has he been there in your storms?
The disciples were concerned about dying and questioned whether the savior cared.
Are there times when you think God is not with you, or not paying attention?
Have you ever read the poem "Footsteps in the Sand?"
Our saviour has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Jesus calmed the storm by speaking words.
What does that say about him?
Does it remind you of the creation account?
What does it say about your storms?
What does our fear say about our faith?
The disciples wondered what manner of man he was?
What does that tell us about them?
What does it tell us about ourselves?
In our next lesson, we will talk about how they found out just what manner of man he
is.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Today's installment of the "Water Gospels" is related as a series of statements and thought provoking questions.
We agreed yesterday (as we considered Jonah's woes) that storms enter all of our lives.
What are some storms that you have endured?
How did you get through them?
The disciples found themselves enduring a storm. The bible says that they were very
frightened.
Have your storms ever frightened you?
What did you do?
Scripture tells us that Jesus was asleep.
What does it meant that Jesus was sleeping?
Is the point really that he was there?
Has he been there in your storms?
The disciples were concerned about dying and questioned whether the savior cared.
Are there times when you think God is not with you, or not paying attention?
Have you ever read the poem "Footsteps in the Sand?"
Our saviour has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Jesus calmed the storm by speaking words.
What does that say about him?
Does it remind you of the creation account?
What does it say about your storms?
What does our fear say about our faith?
The disciples wondered what manner of man he was?
What does that tell us about them?
What does it tell us about ourselves?
In our next lesson, we will talk about how they found out just what manner of man he
is.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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