"Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief." Mark 9:24
Jesus' disciples had just failed at casting a demon that caused convulsions out of a young boy when the desperate father came to the Lord and asked him to do something if he could. Jesus replied that "all things are possible to him who believes."
Having faith in anything we cannot see with our own eyes and touch with our own hands can sometimes be difficult. As long as we are clothed in flesh, we will always be subject to its limitations. Matters of the Spirit do not come natural to us, yet as a moth to a guiding light, we are drawn to them.
We seek the Lord in all of his glory, wisdom, benevolence and love while sometimes doubting his very existence somewhere within ourselves. We sometimes think, "After all, it is possible that he exist(ed) but are all the things recorded about him literal and true? Can I really look forward to a heaven where I will see him or will we just cease to exist?"
If these thoughts sometimes float through your mind, don't be too hard on yourself. John the Baptist was once described by Jesus as the greatest man that ever lived. Consider this: "Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" Matt 11:2-3. John had seen with his own eyes, touched with his own hands, saw the Spirit descend on him like a dove, heard the voice of God acknowledge and identify him and he still had questions!
Surely if Christ's forerunner needed reassurance, we ourselves might have the same issue. In response, the Lord sent word back to him that was not a rebuke, but an assurance. He told John's followers to tell him what the Lord had been seen doing, not what he said.
Beloved, should your faith ever falter, consider the things the Lord has done in your life. Remember the prayers that have been answered. Remember the healing you have experienced. Consider the meals you have never missed and the children that make your heart swell. Most of all, remember the quiet times when it was just you and him. Remember what that communion and that peace felt like. It is still there. Always there. He is help for your unbelief.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Freedom in Christ-7/5/2011
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." Rom 8:1-2
Many are familiar with the apostle Paul's mea culpa in which he admits that, "The good which I would do, I do not: but the evil which I would not, I practice," Rom 7:19. The truth is that we are all guilty of sin and trespass against the God who made us. No matter how clean and innocent we may delude ourselves into thinking that we are, none can escape the fact of what the greatest gospel writer freely and publicly admits.
Fortunately for us beloved, that is not the end of the story. The good news is that those who have named the name of Jesus have been freed from the spiritual consequences of our shortcomings. This freedom is not obtained through our own efforts but the efforts of our savior. Many at that time were advocating a return to the observance of a legalism they felt would earn them heaven. In fact this was never the design of the law nor a possible outcome. The law was presented to mankind to point toward the need of a savior, Jesus, through whom redemption is available.
Though we must continue to deal with the earthly consequences of our actions, God has delivered us from the threat of everlasting punishment through His son. Let us busy ourselves praising Him for His loving kindness and sharing the good news of freedom's availability to all who are spiritually incarcerated.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Many are familiar with the apostle Paul's mea culpa in which he admits that, "The good which I would do, I do not: but the evil which I would not, I practice," Rom 7:19. The truth is that we are all guilty of sin and trespass against the God who made us. No matter how clean and innocent we may delude ourselves into thinking that we are, none can escape the fact of what the greatest gospel writer freely and publicly admits.
Fortunately for us beloved, that is not the end of the story. The good news is that those who have named the name of Jesus have been freed from the spiritual consequences of our shortcomings. This freedom is not obtained through our own efforts but the efforts of our savior. Many at that time were advocating a return to the observance of a legalism they felt would earn them heaven. In fact this was never the design of the law nor a possible outcome. The law was presented to mankind to point toward the need of a savior, Jesus, through whom redemption is available.
Though we must continue to deal with the earthly consequences of our actions, God has delivered us from the threat of everlasting punishment through His son. Let us busy ourselves praising Him for His loving kindness and sharing the good news of freedom's availability to all who are spiritually incarcerated.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, July 1, 2011
Word is Bond-7/1/2011
"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." 2 Pet 3:9
We put a lot of stock into what people say when it comes to things they say they are going to do. Failure to deliver on promises or just plain lying are some of the biggest offenses we know and can tend to label a person for life. We also put a lot of effort into making sure that those things are done. Today there are lengthy contracts, the legal vocation, notarizations and sworn testimonies to keep people honest and provide for remedies if they are not. Seldom will we take people at their word on important matters.
Beloved, we must always strive to be people of our word because we serve a God of His word. Jesus said that we are to live lives that are credible enough not to have to make promises that are based on the surety of things that are beyond us but to instead let our yes be yes and our no be no, Matt 5:33-37.
As Christians, we have faith in the promises of God. We have that faith because He has never lied and has always done what He said that He would. We have that faith because we earnestly desire the day that we will shed our current circumstances in favor of being with Him for all time. This He has promised and will do. Let us do likewise in all things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
We put a lot of stock into what people say when it comes to things they say they are going to do. Failure to deliver on promises or just plain lying are some of the biggest offenses we know and can tend to label a person for life. We also put a lot of effort into making sure that those things are done. Today there are lengthy contracts, the legal vocation, notarizations and sworn testimonies to keep people honest and provide for remedies if they are not. Seldom will we take people at their word on important matters.
Beloved, we must always strive to be people of our word because we serve a God of His word. Jesus said that we are to live lives that are credible enough not to have to make promises that are based on the surety of things that are beyond us but to instead let our yes be yes and our no be no, Matt 5:33-37.
As Christians, we have faith in the promises of God. We have that faith because He has never lied and has always done what He said that He would. We have that faith because we earnestly desire the day that we will shed our current circumstances in favor of being with Him for all time. This He has promised and will do. Let us do likewise in all things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, June 30, 2011
If Not Us, Who?-6/30/2011
"...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. In fact, NBC edited out that portion of the Pledge as recited by some children during a recent national broadcast. If we are not diligent, it will all 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?
Loving Like Jesus,
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. In fact, NBC edited out that portion of the Pledge as recited by some children during a recent national broadcast. If we are not diligent, it will all 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?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Eye On The Prize 6/29/2011 (rp)
"...let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Heb 12:1
When the epistles of the New Testament were written, they were done so in a language that the common person could understand. They often used parables, analogies, stories and turns of phrase that though contemporary for them, may be lost to us. In this case however, we certainly can understand the analogy of a race as it relates to Christian living.
The reader is invited to think in terms of the Olympic games. We can easily make this connection since we still celebrate a form of those games. Note how that in the "a" part of the verse it talks about a cloud of witnesses. Picture a stadium full of fans urging the runners on. The picture then shifts to us as the competing athletes. In order to run our fastest, it is necessary for us to shed some things. Those who study history may be aware that in the original games, athletes competed without clothing. Attire was considered an encumbrance that would serve to easily slow them down.
We are likewise encouraged to discard everything that would in any way hinder us from doing the will of the Lord. Certainly sin can and does prevent us from running an efficient race (living an effective Christian life) but there are other things that distract us that may not be sinful at all. Do you have the habit of missing worship because of your season tickets for the games of a local sports franchise? Does focusing all of your time and effort on the upkeep of your own home prevent you from using your ability to help someone less able with theirs? Does disposable income spent on self prevent you from giving more to the cause of Christ.
Beloved our desire must be to gain the approval of the Lord. We can do so by being diligent in our Christian living and continually striving for the prize.
Remember that "cloud of witnesses?" They ran the race before us and are now cheering us. That makes this race a relay. Not only was the gospel baton handed off to us, but we must hand it off to those who come after us. While we are running, however; we must endure and we must keep our eye on the prize.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
When the epistles of the New Testament were written, they were done so in a language that the common person could understand. They often used parables, analogies, stories and turns of phrase that though contemporary for them, may be lost to us. In this case however, we certainly can understand the analogy of a race as it relates to Christian living.
The reader is invited to think in terms of the Olympic games. We can easily make this connection since we still celebrate a form of those games. Note how that in the "a" part of the verse it talks about a cloud of witnesses. Picture a stadium full of fans urging the runners on. The picture then shifts to us as the competing athletes. In order to run our fastest, it is necessary for us to shed some things. Those who study history may be aware that in the original games, athletes competed without clothing. Attire was considered an encumbrance that would serve to easily slow them down.
We are likewise encouraged to discard everything that would in any way hinder us from doing the will of the Lord. Certainly sin can and does prevent us from running an efficient race (living an effective Christian life) but there are other things that distract us that may not be sinful at all. Do you have the habit of missing worship because of your season tickets for the games of a local sports franchise? Does focusing all of your time and effort on the upkeep of your own home prevent you from using your ability to help someone less able with theirs? Does disposable income spent on self prevent you from giving more to the cause of Christ.
Beloved our desire must be to gain the approval of the Lord. We can do so by being diligent in our Christian living and continually striving for the prize.
Remember that "cloud of witnesses?" They ran the race before us and are now cheering us. That makes this race a relay. Not only was the gospel baton handed off to us, but we must hand it off to those who come after us. While we are running, however; we must endure and we must keep our eye on the prize.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Walking the Walk-6/28/2011
“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
Nearing the end of his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus issues a warning to both believers and non believers. To the believers he says to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves, Matt 7:15. Though they may appear to be people of God, their true identity can be determined by their activities and habits.
To those who are simply pretending to serve the Almighty, Jesus also says that they will come to him attempting to make their case, claiming that they have done many righteous things in his name. He who is a discerner of the heart will send them away, labeling them as evil doers.
Beloved, their are two who know the true heart and mind: oneself and Jesus. Despite whatever facade we present or image we attempt to maintain, the truth is known and it is that truth that will determine our eternity. Let us not be so quick to identify disguised wolves outside of ourselves. We need to begin in the mirror and never walk too far away from it.
Jesus has said that a simple claim, in and of itself, will not do. It is not enough to talk the talk, but it is everything to walk the walk.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Nearing the end of his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus issues a warning to both believers and non believers. To the believers he says to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves, Matt 7:15. Though they may appear to be people of God, their true identity can be determined by their activities and habits.
To those who are simply pretending to serve the Almighty, Jesus also says that they will come to him attempting to make their case, claiming that they have done many righteous things in his name. He who is a discerner of the heart will send them away, labeling them as evil doers.
Beloved, their are two who know the true heart and mind: oneself and Jesus. Despite whatever facade we present or image we attempt to maintain, the truth is known and it is that truth that will determine our eternity. Let us not be so quick to identify disguised wolves outside of ourselves. We need to begin in the mirror and never walk too far away from it.
Jesus has said that a simple claim, in and of itself, will not do. It is not enough to talk the talk, but it is everything to walk the walk.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, June 27, 2011
Pay Closer Attention-6/272011
"For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it." Heb 2:1
Chapter 1 of the book of Hebrews relates two basic but important pieces of information. First, it imparts that God speaks to us. He always has and does so even now through His son, Jesus. Second, it makes a clear distinction between Jesus and any other entity.
Beloved, because God is and because Jesus is who he is, we would be well served to listen to what He as revealed to us in His holy and divinely inspired word. Though the bible could never contain all that God is, it does contain all we need to know about Him. The scriptures are God breathed. In them are found the words of life. In fact, we should be so interested in Him who made us that we pattern ourselves after the Bereans (who searched the scriptures daily). It is by this that we will be able to determine who He is and what His will and way is for our lives.
In the word, we also learn all we need to know about our Savior. It tells us how and why he came to this earth, took on flesh, fed, taught, healed and eventually hung, bled and died, that we might have access to everlasting life. No other living being could have accomplished this. Our salvation is absolutely dependant upon this fact.
For this reason, we must attend ourselves to the things that have been given to us through the word of God.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Chapter 1 of the book of Hebrews relates two basic but important pieces of information. First, it imparts that God speaks to us. He always has and does so even now through His son, Jesus. Second, it makes a clear distinction between Jesus and any other entity.
Beloved, because God is and because Jesus is who he is, we would be well served to listen to what He as revealed to us in His holy and divinely inspired word. Though the bible could never contain all that God is, it does contain all we need to know about Him. The scriptures are God breathed. In them are found the words of life. In fact, we should be so interested in Him who made us that we pattern ourselves after the Bereans (who searched the scriptures daily). It is by this that we will be able to determine who He is and what His will and way is for our lives.
In the word, we also learn all we need to know about our Savior. It tells us how and why he came to this earth, took on flesh, fed, taught, healed and eventually hung, bled and died, that we might have access to everlasting life. No other living being could have accomplished this. Our salvation is absolutely dependant upon this fact.
For this reason, we must attend ourselves to the things that have been given to us through the word of God.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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