"It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them." Luke 12:37
With all that vies for our attention these days, it is easy to become distracted. We scurry through our lives attending to matters of great importance at times and of no consequence at all at others. Some of these things are necessary to life and others place our mortal souls in jeopardy. The Lord, however, promises blessings upon those who prioritize those things with eternal ramifications.
Beloved, to be watchful is to be prepared. It is nothing short of both anticipating his coming being ready for it. Jesus says, "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour you think not, the Son of man comes." Matt 24:43-44 How many of us have had something stolen or vandalism done and wished that we had been there when it was about to take place? While it may not be practical stand guard over our homes and property 24 hours a day, we can certainly be diligent over our spiritual lives at all times.
The reward for this steadfastness is vast. We will experience nothing short of being collected by the Lord and then served by him. Rev 3:20 says that whosoever opens the door when he knocks will feast with him. That is one meal, one existence and one eternity to which we should all aspire. The price has already been paid. We just have to be ready.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Pause for the Cause-7/20/2011
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Prov 15:1
It is not reasonable to expect that we can go through life without running afoul of others. Whether it be our fault or theirs, it is not unusual that the temptation to exchange harsh words with another happens from time to time. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a pause button to stop any given situation in time, in order to think about our next word? In the heat of the moment we may strongly desire to engage in verbal battles that will let another person know exactly with whom they are messing. Inflamed passions cause our defenses (and offenses) to fly to the forefront of our minds and tongues. But what about the pause button?
Taking time to consider the ramifications of our next statements can go a long way in helping us determine the best course of action. We can ask ourselves, "Am I wrong? Is this my fault? Does the person have a point?" If we are the aggrieved, we can likewise consider, "Can a lesson be learned or taught here? Is this an opportunity to establish or enhance a relationship? Is this an opportunity to win a soul? How can I please God with my response?"
Beloved, we are called upon to be people of a gentle nature, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are representatives and children of the Almighty. The whole of the faith is judged by what can be seen in us. To be sure, it can be a heavy burden but it is made light by the Lord. As long as we conduct ourselves according to His purpose, we know that all things will work together for good. This knowledge should help us engage the pause, circumspectly consider the entire situation, think beyond ourselves and the moment and respond in a godly manner. A gentle treatment has the power to diffuse the most difficult of situations.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It is not reasonable to expect that we can go through life without running afoul of others. Whether it be our fault or theirs, it is not unusual that the temptation to exchange harsh words with another happens from time to time. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a pause button to stop any given situation in time, in order to think about our next word? In the heat of the moment we may strongly desire to engage in verbal battles that will let another person know exactly with whom they are messing. Inflamed passions cause our defenses (and offenses) to fly to the forefront of our minds and tongues. But what about the pause button?
Taking time to consider the ramifications of our next statements can go a long way in helping us determine the best course of action. We can ask ourselves, "Am I wrong? Is this my fault? Does the person have a point?" If we are the aggrieved, we can likewise consider, "Can a lesson be learned or taught here? Is this an opportunity to establish or enhance a relationship? Is this an opportunity to win a soul? How can I please God with my response?"
Beloved, we are called upon to be people of a gentle nature, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are representatives and children of the Almighty. The whole of the faith is judged by what can be seen in us. To be sure, it can be a heavy burden but it is made light by the Lord. As long as we conduct ourselves according to His purpose, we know that all things will work together for good. This knowledge should help us engage the pause, circumspectly consider the entire situation, think beyond ourselves and the moment and respond in a godly manner. A gentle treatment has the power to diffuse the most difficult of situations.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
What Do You Do?-7/19/2011
"And whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col 3:17
Early last century, a study was done at the Hawthorn Works factory just outside of Chicago. The goal was to determine which, if any, lighting level was most conducive to increased productivity from the workers. Productivity seemed to increase whenever changes were made regardless of whether the lighting level was raised or lowered. Production decreased when the study concluded. What became known as the "Hawthorn Effect" shows that people improve or modify aspects of the behavior when they are being evaluated...or watched.
Beloved, Christians are called on to be their best at all times, not so much because God is watching, but because we desire to do His will. We are nothing short of His representatives. We are His children. We should always be on our best behavior, do our best work and be our best selves because of this simple fact.
The simple fact is, however, that we are being watched. People with whom we come into contact are constantly evaluating our behavior in terms of our claims. They are quick to assign labels from "religious" to "hypocrite," all from their observations. And as previously mentioned, God is always aware of even our internal intent. We must conduct ourselves in a godly fashion in order to win others. It was through watching someone that your beloved became a child of the King. When God saw this, He accepted me.
So when you are in traffic and get cut off, what will you do? When you see a person in need, what will you do? When you find a lost wallet, what will you do? When Sunday morning comes around, what will you do? When you do not want to go in to work but your health is fine, what will you do? Let us be productive while the lights are on (it is day), for night comes when no man can work.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Early last century, a study was done at the Hawthorn Works factory just outside of Chicago. The goal was to determine which, if any, lighting level was most conducive to increased productivity from the workers. Productivity seemed to increase whenever changes were made regardless of whether the lighting level was raised or lowered. Production decreased when the study concluded. What became known as the "Hawthorn Effect" shows that people improve or modify aspects of the behavior when they are being evaluated...or watched.
Beloved, Christians are called on to be their best at all times, not so much because God is watching, but because we desire to do His will. We are nothing short of His representatives. We are His children. We should always be on our best behavior, do our best work and be our best selves because of this simple fact.
The simple fact is, however, that we are being watched. People with whom we come into contact are constantly evaluating our behavior in terms of our claims. They are quick to assign labels from "religious" to "hypocrite," all from their observations. And as previously mentioned, God is always aware of even our internal intent. We must conduct ourselves in a godly fashion in order to win others. It was through watching someone that your beloved became a child of the King. When God saw this, He accepted me.
So when you are in traffic and get cut off, what will you do? When you see a person in need, what will you do? When you find a lost wallet, what will you do? When Sunday morning comes around, what will you do? When you do not want to go in to work but your health is fine, what will you do? Let us be productive while the lights are on (it is day), for night comes when no man can work.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, July 18, 2011
Mmm Mmm Good-7/18/2011 (rp)
" As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"
1 Peter 2:2
With a new baby in the house, it is easy to find resonance in this scripture. The little ones have neither the ability nor the desire to eat a big juicy steak or a quick burger at the local fast food franchise. As newborns, they need one thing and one thing only for their nourishment. They need milk.
Milk, particularly mother's milk, provides them with ever nutrient needed to facilitate their growth and development. It has properties that help them to resist illness and build up their immune systems. It is nothing short of the perfect food. If you have ever seen one of the little ones go after it, you will know that their desire for it is strong and seemingly continuous. Before, long, their weight and vitality begins to multiply. Lastly, the feeding is an incredible bonding experience between mother and child.
As Christians, we too need spiritual food. Our food is the word. Like milk, it is the perfect food for us. It promotes spiritual growth and helps us increase our resistance to sin. There is nothing in it that is not needed and none of it should go to waste. We are to crave the word, needing to access it frequently lest we begin to perish, or worse, seek junk food creeds and catechisms that will ultimately destroy us. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness found therein. This hunger brings us ever closer to our Lord.
Whether we come into contact with the written or spoken word, the scriptures are vital to our Christian lives and good for our souls.
"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalms 119:103
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
1 Peter 2:2
With a new baby in the house, it is easy to find resonance in this scripture. The little ones have neither the ability nor the desire to eat a big juicy steak or a quick burger at the local fast food franchise. As newborns, they need one thing and one thing only for their nourishment. They need milk.
Milk, particularly mother's milk, provides them with ever nutrient needed to facilitate their growth and development. It has properties that help them to resist illness and build up their immune systems. It is nothing short of the perfect food. If you have ever seen one of the little ones go after it, you will know that their desire for it is strong and seemingly continuous. Before, long, their weight and vitality begins to multiply. Lastly, the feeding is an incredible bonding experience between mother and child.
As Christians, we too need spiritual food. Our food is the word. Like milk, it is the perfect food for us. It promotes spiritual growth and helps us increase our resistance to sin. There is nothing in it that is not needed and none of it should go to waste. We are to crave the word, needing to access it frequently lest we begin to perish, or worse, seek junk food creeds and catechisms that will ultimately destroy us. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness found therein. This hunger brings us ever closer to our Lord.
Whether we come into contact with the written or spoken word, the scriptures are vital to our Christian lives and good for our souls.
"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalms 119:103
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Unpopularity of the Faith (Part III)-7/15/2011
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." Deut 6:6-7
There are unfortunately many times when the unpopularity of the faith finds its most significant expression among our own children. As we teach our kids everything they know about life, from their first steps and words, to avoiding electrical sockets and hot irons to looking both ways when the cross the street, to how to deal with heartbreak, we spend a significant part of our lives preparing them to live theirs. Naturally when we attend worship, we bring them along, send them to their classes, take them to vacation bible school and work side by side with them on church work days or visiting the sick.
Somewhere along the way, however, the world intrudes into this idyllic existence. They discover that there are people out there that are their age that do not necessarily share the same beliefs with which they were raised. They discover that there is music out there that attracts them despite their questionable lyrics. There is alcohol, cigarettes, coarse language, drugs, sex and homosexuality. And because their friends and what those friends think is cool becomes more and more important in their lives, an erosion of everything we have tried to teach them about God and righteousness begins to erode. It is then when the kids begin to question the existence of God, not because He is not real, but because in their minds, He stands against everything that has become increasingly important to them.
Beloved, many parents are experiencing these very things every day. Some even try home schooling in order to limit outside influences but have found that Satan is pervasive, persistent and patient. There are three things we must remember. First, give your children the best biblical and spiritual foundation possible. Ensure that they develop their own relationship with God and that He is much or more a part of their reality as your love for them. From this they will never depart. Second, guard them as much as you can. Watch TV, listen to music, read books and pursue other entertainment and activities with them while teaching them what is acceptable and good and what is not. Third, understand that the world will break in. Just remember your own youth and the first time you tried ________. It is absolutely inevitable. And lastly, stay with your child through their mistakes and experimentation. The purpose is not to approve what they do, but to love them. Constantly encourage them toward the faith and constantly remind them of the spiritual and biblical lessons with which they were raised. Remind them that God is and that He loves them and that you do to.
Heartbreak is an unavoidable hazard of parenting, but we can mitigate the loss of our children to Satan by following these steps. Certainly others involve seeking the counsel of your trusted clergyman, fellowshipping with other parents and families and always, always, always seeking the Lord in prayer. Our children are truly under attack. Let us protect them with the same vigor that we always have against all threats. God will help.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There are unfortunately many times when the unpopularity of the faith finds its most significant expression among our own children. As we teach our kids everything they know about life, from their first steps and words, to avoiding electrical sockets and hot irons to looking both ways when the cross the street, to how to deal with heartbreak, we spend a significant part of our lives preparing them to live theirs. Naturally when we attend worship, we bring them along, send them to their classes, take them to vacation bible school and work side by side with them on church work days or visiting the sick.
Somewhere along the way, however, the world intrudes into this idyllic existence. They discover that there are people out there that are their age that do not necessarily share the same beliefs with which they were raised. They discover that there is music out there that attracts them despite their questionable lyrics. There is alcohol, cigarettes, coarse language, drugs, sex and homosexuality. And because their friends and what those friends think is cool becomes more and more important in their lives, an erosion of everything we have tried to teach them about God and righteousness begins to erode. It is then when the kids begin to question the existence of God, not because He is not real, but because in their minds, He stands against everything that has become increasingly important to them.
Beloved, many parents are experiencing these very things every day. Some even try home schooling in order to limit outside influences but have found that Satan is pervasive, persistent and patient. There are three things we must remember. First, give your children the best biblical and spiritual foundation possible. Ensure that they develop their own relationship with God and that He is much or more a part of their reality as your love for them. From this they will never depart. Second, guard them as much as you can. Watch TV, listen to music, read books and pursue other entertainment and activities with them while teaching them what is acceptable and good and what is not. Third, understand that the world will break in. Just remember your own youth and the first time you tried ________. It is absolutely inevitable. And lastly, stay with your child through their mistakes and experimentation. The purpose is not to approve what they do, but to love them. Constantly encourage them toward the faith and constantly remind them of the spiritual and biblical lessons with which they were raised. Remind them that God is and that He loves them and that you do to.
Heartbreak is an unavoidable hazard of parenting, but we can mitigate the loss of our children to Satan by following these steps. Certainly others involve seeking the counsel of your trusted clergyman, fellowshipping with other parents and families and always, always, always seeking the Lord in prayer. Our children are truly under attack. Let us protect them with the same vigor that we always have against all threats. God will help.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Unpoularity of the Faith (Part II)-7/14/2011
"'Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property." Matt 19:21-22
People resist or outright reject the faith for a variety of reasons but primary among them is the belief that there is too much to give up. The uninitiated and uninformed feel that the Christian life is too restrictive and does not provide the latitude to indulge in certain popular activities and habits and be true to the faith at the same time. To this the response must be that the same is true with almost anything. We cannot wear pajamas to work. We cannot watch watch personal DVDs during class time at school. We cannot legally drink and drive. We cannot walk into a store and leave with whatever we want without paying. As members of society, we all agree to have certain liberties suspended in order to maintain a life style that is reasonably safe and orderly.
Christianity, among other things, is about safety and orderliness in this life and the next. The rich young ruler came to Jesus looking for heaven. Clearly he recognized the benefits, but the view of salvation's surpassing value was obscured by the vision of giving up earthly things. What good is it to gain (or maintain) the whole world and lose one's very soul? The argument that "he who dies with the most toys wins" is ridiculous and points to our lack of vision and prioritization. The goal of life is to live...eternally!
Beloved, it is incumbent upon us to educate the masses about the benefits of serving God. Restrictions on sexual sin free us from the consequences of diseases, ruined relationships and unwanted children. Restrictions on alcohol usage free us from the disease of alcoholism and the deaths associated with drinking and driving. Prohibitions against lying, cheating and stealing make us better as individuals and contribute to a better society. Attendance at worship contribute to us getting to know our Creator and our fellow man, thus preparing us for the heaven that nearly everyone, regardless of religious participation, desires.
Gal 5:13 states that we have been called to liberty. Let us accept and enjoy the freedom that comes from a relationship with Christ. We may find that the only thing we are truly giving up are the things that contribute to our demise.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
People resist or outright reject the faith for a variety of reasons but primary among them is the belief that there is too much to give up. The uninitiated and uninformed feel that the Christian life is too restrictive and does not provide the latitude to indulge in certain popular activities and habits and be true to the faith at the same time. To this the response must be that the same is true with almost anything. We cannot wear pajamas to work. We cannot watch watch personal DVDs during class time at school. We cannot legally drink and drive. We cannot walk into a store and leave with whatever we want without paying. As members of society, we all agree to have certain liberties suspended in order to maintain a life style that is reasonably safe and orderly.
Christianity, among other things, is about safety and orderliness in this life and the next. The rich young ruler came to Jesus looking for heaven. Clearly he recognized the benefits, but the view of salvation's surpassing value was obscured by the vision of giving up earthly things. What good is it to gain (or maintain) the whole world and lose one's very soul? The argument that "he who dies with the most toys wins" is ridiculous and points to our lack of vision and prioritization. The goal of life is to live...eternally!
Beloved, it is incumbent upon us to educate the masses about the benefits of serving God. Restrictions on sexual sin free us from the consequences of diseases, ruined relationships and unwanted children. Restrictions on alcohol usage free us from the disease of alcoholism and the deaths associated with drinking and driving. Prohibitions against lying, cheating and stealing make us better as individuals and contribute to a better society. Attendance at worship contribute to us getting to know our Creator and our fellow man, thus preparing us for the heaven that nearly everyone, regardless of religious participation, desires.
Gal 5:13 states that we have been called to liberty. Let us accept and enjoy the freedom that comes from a relationship with Christ. We may find that the only thing we are truly giving up are the things that contribute to our demise.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Unpopularity of The Faith (Part I)-7/13/2011
"'Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?' And they took offense at Him." Mark 6:3
No sooner than you turn to God and begin living a life according to His calling will you notice not everyone shares your new found faith nor is overjoyed at your conversion. Initial reactions can go from "Great!" to "Hmmm." Over time this can migrate to everything from ambivalence to hostility. Why? It is because there is a difference between those who serve the Lord and those who do not. 1 Pet 2:9 refers to Christians as a peculiar people. This means that we are a purchased possession of God and have obtained His grace and mercy. Others do not understand this because it is not a part of their lives. Jesus said that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it. It is not unusual for people to become hostile toward that which they do not understand.
Beloved, if you find yourself at odds with your friends and family over your faith, do not think it strange. Those who knew Jesus, knew his family and watched him grow up had no love for him once his ministry began. He said, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, and among his own relatives and in his own house" Mark 6:4.
Do not be discouraged when those close to you do not support your faith. Be encouraged that you are both in excellent company and a member of the ultimate family with Almighty God at its head. Rejoice also at the fact that your first opportunity to add to that great family is close at hand. What a blessing it is to lead friends and loved ones to salvation. God would have all to be saved, even those who do not initially share your faith. Though your efforts will not always be successful, know that God knows your efforts and will reward them.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
No sooner than you turn to God and begin living a life according to His calling will you notice not everyone shares your new found faith nor is overjoyed at your conversion. Initial reactions can go from "Great!" to "Hmmm." Over time this can migrate to everything from ambivalence to hostility. Why? It is because there is a difference between those who serve the Lord and those who do not. 1 Pet 2:9 refers to Christians as a peculiar people. This means that we are a purchased possession of God and have obtained His grace and mercy. Others do not understand this because it is not a part of their lives. Jesus said that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it. It is not unusual for people to become hostile toward that which they do not understand.
Beloved, if you find yourself at odds with your friends and family over your faith, do not think it strange. Those who knew Jesus, knew his family and watched him grow up had no love for him once his ministry began. He said, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, and among his own relatives and in his own house" Mark 6:4.
Do not be discouraged when those close to you do not support your faith. Be encouraged that you are both in excellent company and a member of the ultimate family with Almighty God at its head. Rejoice also at the fact that your first opportunity to add to that great family is close at hand. What a blessing it is to lead friends and loved ones to salvation. God would have all to be saved, even those who do not initially share your faith. Though your efforts will not always be successful, know that God knows your efforts and will reward them.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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