"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Eccl 4:9-12
Today it seems that all of life is about the individual. It is all about what "I" think and how "I" express myself. People are going to greater and greater lengths to distinguish themselves from others. This neo-individualism manifests itself most tragically as selfishness. We can become so consumed with satisfying ourselves that we begin to do so at the expense of others. Adultery is an act of selfishness. Murder is an act of selfishness. Theft is an act of selfishness. And getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an act of selfishness. The opposite of love is not hate, but selfishness.
Beloved, God's design for humanity is togetherness and selflessness. It was God who looked down on Adam and decided that he should not be alone. It was God who told Adam and Eve to populate the earth. It was God who gathered to himself a people who would carry forth his message of reconciliation to himself and to one another to all peoples. It was the Lord who said that we should love God with all of ourselves and similarly, love others as we love ourselves. We have been taught that it is better to give to others than to receive from others and to prefer others over ourselves.
The fact is we need each other. None of us were designed or destined to be alone. We heard the good news of the Lord's love from someone who cared and as a result are called to share that same good news with someone else. The benefit is that we all benefit. If we would all strive to take care of others, we ourselves would be taken care of by others and we would cease to know need. More so than ever we must bind ourselves together in the love of the Lord that we might live out his will for our lives and accomplish his good.
Committed,
Lee
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Evangelism 5/13/2013
"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matt 24:13-14
I do not know about you but I long for the coming of the Lord. As we look around us, it seems that there are so many things that are wrong in this world. Natural disasters are rampant, there are wars and rumors of wars, new things are having a negative impact on our health every day and it seems as though the world has lost all sense of morality. It reminds me of the last verse of the book of Judges which says, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." This stands in stark opposition to that which is right according to the Lord.
Beloved, only God knows when he will move us into a different age but in his word he has said that the time will come when the gospel is shared in all the world. We might think that with the advent of television, radio, books and the Internet, the world has been covered many times over with the gospel, but do you know if the family across the street has heard it? Have you ever sat down with anyone and shared it? Sometimes "all nations" begins not in some far away country but right in your own neighborhood.
As those with whom the gospel has been shared, we have a responsibility to share it with others. Jesus gave us all the "great commission" in Matt 28:19-20. He shared the good news with 12 who shared it with many from all over the known world at the time. This sharing has come down to you and me who must now take up the charge and carry it forward to the next generation until everyone has heard it. It is when this is finally accomplished that the Lord has said he will come.
Committed,
Lee
I do not know about you but I long for the coming of the Lord. As we look around us, it seems that there are so many things that are wrong in this world. Natural disasters are rampant, there are wars and rumors of wars, new things are having a negative impact on our health every day and it seems as though the world has lost all sense of morality. It reminds me of the last verse of the book of Judges which says, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." This stands in stark opposition to that which is right according to the Lord.
Beloved, only God knows when he will move us into a different age but in his word he has said that the time will come when the gospel is shared in all the world. We might think that with the advent of television, radio, books and the Internet, the world has been covered many times over with the gospel, but do you know if the family across the street has heard it? Have you ever sat down with anyone and shared it? Sometimes "all nations" begins not in some far away country but right in your own neighborhood.
As those with whom the gospel has been shared, we have a responsibility to share it with others. Jesus gave us all the "great commission" in Matt 28:19-20. He shared the good news with 12 who shared it with many from all over the known world at the time. This sharing has come down to you and me who must now take up the charge and carry it forward to the next generation until everyone has heard it. It is when this is finally accomplished that the Lord has said he will come.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, May 10, 2013
Contending For the Faith 5/10/2013
"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints." Jude 3-4
What is it in life that is worth fighting for to you? Though physical fighting may immediately come to mind, think more along the line of struggling, defending or taking a stand. Nearly all of us would come to the aid of a family member, an innocent or a victim. Some will do so for a principle or a way of life. Others still would do so for their rights under the law or for what they consider to be "right." In fact, passions can run so highly about these and other subjects that physical fighting and even killing can result.
Beloved, as Christians, our highest priority is the conviction we have for the truth of the gospel and the salvation to which it connects us. It literally is what distinguishes us as Christians. There are many things about which we are told to "turn the other cheek" or to "why not suffer wrong" (to be done to us); however, we are never told to let our faith slip. On the contrary we are repeatedly warned against it. Our faith is to be established, grown, matured and defended at all cost. Though the context of Jude's writing is to defend against false teachers in particular, we must be willing to fight hard against anything that would threaten our individual faith and the faith. Our salvation depends on it.
Committed,
Lee
What is it in life that is worth fighting for to you? Though physical fighting may immediately come to mind, think more along the line of struggling, defending or taking a stand. Nearly all of us would come to the aid of a family member, an innocent or a victim. Some will do so for a principle or a way of life. Others still would do so for their rights under the law or for what they consider to be "right." In fact, passions can run so highly about these and other subjects that physical fighting and even killing can result.
Beloved, as Christians, our highest priority is the conviction we have for the truth of the gospel and the salvation to which it connects us. It literally is what distinguishes us as Christians. There are many things about which we are told to "turn the other cheek" or to "why not suffer wrong" (to be done to us); however, we are never told to let our faith slip. On the contrary we are repeatedly warned against it. Our faith is to be established, grown, matured and defended at all cost. Though the context of Jude's writing is to defend against false teachers in particular, we must be willing to fight hard against anything that would threaten our individual faith and the faith. Our salvation depends on it.
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
What About Me? 5/8/2013
"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matt 7:12
When most people think about the "Golden Rule," they think more about how they want to be treated than how they treat others. In fact, treating others well can be a means to an end rather than a pursuit of virtue. The reason for pursuing this thought is that there are those who become disenfranchised with their local congregations, particularly around the time that they stop attending for one reason or the other. Members get upset if no one comes to check on them and see how they are doing.
Let it first be said that they have a point. Who among us does not want to feel cared for by our brothers and sisters in Christ? It is a fact that the congregation has a responsibility to its members. If we do not care for one another who will? We must love others as we love ourselves and as Christ loves us.
That said, it must also be considered why members forsake the fellowship. To be sure there are a variety of reasons and it exceeds the purpose of this writing to consider them per se. Instead, the question must be asked to some of those who feel wronged, "Do you visit the absent?"
Beloved it is easy to ask oneself, "What about me?" but not as easy to make the sacrifice and show the love for others by visiting them in their need, particularly when they may have, for one reason or the other, lost their way. Much is said about cliques in the church and how only certain people get the attention of the masses. While this can be seen in any organization (let us not forget that we are still humans and still short of perfection despite our calling) this can be defeated by being the friend we wish to have. If everyone focused on building relationships and reaching out to the person normally on the nearby pew that you have not seen in a while, the problem could be virtually eliminated. In so doing, we will likely find ourselves being treated the way we have treated others. Let us think on these things.
Committed,
Lee
When most people think about the "Golden Rule," they think more about how they want to be treated than how they treat others. In fact, treating others well can be a means to an end rather than a pursuit of virtue. The reason for pursuing this thought is that there are those who become disenfranchised with their local congregations, particularly around the time that they stop attending for one reason or the other. Members get upset if no one comes to check on them and see how they are doing.
Let it first be said that they have a point. Who among us does not want to feel cared for by our brothers and sisters in Christ? It is a fact that the congregation has a responsibility to its members. If we do not care for one another who will? We must love others as we love ourselves and as Christ loves us.
That said, it must also be considered why members forsake the fellowship. To be sure there are a variety of reasons and it exceeds the purpose of this writing to consider them per se. Instead, the question must be asked to some of those who feel wronged, "Do you visit the absent?"
Beloved it is easy to ask oneself, "What about me?" but not as easy to make the sacrifice and show the love for others by visiting them in their need, particularly when they may have, for one reason or the other, lost their way. Much is said about cliques in the church and how only certain people get the attention of the masses. While this can be seen in any organization (let us not forget that we are still humans and still short of perfection despite our calling) this can be defeated by being the friend we wish to have. If everyone focused on building relationships and reaching out to the person normally on the nearby pew that you have not seen in a while, the problem could be virtually eliminated. In so doing, we will likely find ourselves being treated the way we have treated others. Let us think on these things.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, May 6, 2013
Trust Him 5/6/2013
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
There is a young man with whom I am acquainted that happens to be going through some very challenging times. The pain in his life has caused him to question God. It is not that he questions the existence of God but the presence of God.
Beloved, there are times in each of our lives when, for one cause or another, that we become very uncomfortable. Whether it is physical pain, emotional turmoil or mental exasperation, we who find it quite natural to want to avoid discomfort find ourselves appealing to God to make it all go away. We must not think of God as some magical creature who, like a genie in a bottle, pops out and grants our wishes whenever we call him. If that were the case, the Almighty Creator of the universe would be little more than the kid at the fast food restaurant that puts burgers and fries in the bag for us and we would be gods.
God is most certainly present throughout our daily lives even when we may feel that he is missing, especially during our troubled times. Our faith must give us the assurance that he is ever with us and is working things out for our good. Throughout Joseph's troubled life of hatred by his brothers, being kidnapped at their hands, being placed in servitude, accused of immorality and even imprisoned, God was not only with him the whole time, but was preparing him to save not one, but two nations. Without his troubles and God's presence, it would not have been possible. It was the difficult and painful times that gave him the knowledge and the experience to succeed.
So to all who may be in a tough spot right now, trust him.
Committed,
Lee
There is a young man with whom I am acquainted that happens to be going through some very challenging times. The pain in his life has caused him to question God. It is not that he questions the existence of God but the presence of God.
Beloved, there are times in each of our lives when, for one cause or another, that we become very uncomfortable. Whether it is physical pain, emotional turmoil or mental exasperation, we who find it quite natural to want to avoid discomfort find ourselves appealing to God to make it all go away. We must not think of God as some magical creature who, like a genie in a bottle, pops out and grants our wishes whenever we call him. If that were the case, the Almighty Creator of the universe would be little more than the kid at the fast food restaurant that puts burgers and fries in the bag for us and we would be gods.
God is most certainly present throughout our daily lives even when we may feel that he is missing, especially during our troubled times. Our faith must give us the assurance that he is ever with us and is working things out for our good. Throughout Joseph's troubled life of hatred by his brothers, being kidnapped at their hands, being placed in servitude, accused of immorality and even imprisoned, God was not only with him the whole time, but was preparing him to save not one, but two nations. Without his troubles and God's presence, it would not have been possible. It was the difficult and painful times that gave him the knowledge and the experience to succeed.
So to all who may be in a tough spot right now, trust him.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, May 3, 2013
Can You Hear Him Now? 5/3/2013 (rp)
"So the Lord called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel,"'Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening.'" 1 Sam 3:8-10
God in His divine wisdom saw fit to call a young boy into his service. Samuel was a product of a devout father and a mother who struggled to bear children. For years she cried and prayed that God would bless her and that if He did, she would give the child to Him. God answered her prayer and she kept her promise. She left the boy with God's man Eli at a tender age and he began to be instructed in the way of the Lord. Then at a God determined point in his life, he was called into service by the very voice of the Almighty.
Beloved, there are many things that call to us today. We are inundated with messages from a variety of media that contend for our attention. Some of these messages are positive, some neutral and some negative. We must ask ourselves, however, if we are tuned in to God. It is His call that is quiet but firm, powerful and consistent. He placed within each of us to recognize His voice. Paul writes, "...that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse" Rom 1:19-20. Contextually, this is a chastisement for those who have ignored the call of God and have acted unrighteously. But it clearly reveals that He has placed within us the ability to know and Him.
Further, His voice can be heard in our morality; our sense of right and wrong. Whether one is a believer or not, we all have a sense of what would we should do over against what we should not. This is then the God channel. It is not here stated that we hear God's audible call today. In fact Heb 1:1-2 tells us a bit of the history of His communication with us. The point is He still speaks. Be it through observed nature that make His existence evident or the conscience He has placed within us to respond to Him, He still speaks. When He calls, we need to turn everything else off and respond, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Committed,
Lee
God in His divine wisdom saw fit to call a young boy into his service. Samuel was a product of a devout father and a mother who struggled to bear children. For years she cried and prayed that God would bless her and that if He did, she would give the child to Him. God answered her prayer and she kept her promise. She left the boy with God's man Eli at a tender age and he began to be instructed in the way of the Lord. Then at a God determined point in his life, he was called into service by the very voice of the Almighty.
Beloved, there are many things that call to us today. We are inundated with messages from a variety of media that contend for our attention. Some of these messages are positive, some neutral and some negative. We must ask ourselves, however, if we are tuned in to God. It is His call that is quiet but firm, powerful and consistent. He placed within each of us to recognize His voice. Paul writes, "...that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse" Rom 1:19-20. Contextually, this is a chastisement for those who have ignored the call of God and have acted unrighteously. But it clearly reveals that He has placed within us the ability to know and Him.
Further, His voice can be heard in our morality; our sense of right and wrong. Whether one is a believer or not, we all have a sense of what would we should do over against what we should not. This is then the God channel. It is not here stated that we hear God's audible call today. In fact Heb 1:1-2 tells us a bit of the history of His communication with us. The point is He still speaks. Be it through observed nature that make His existence evident or the conscience He has placed within us to respond to Him, He still speaks. When He calls, we need to turn everything else off and respond, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Are You Ready? 5/1/2013
"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. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief..." 2 Pet 3:9-10a
Even during the first century there were scoffers about the Lord who asked, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation,” 2 Pet 3:4. The bible refers to these people who evidently take into no account the power of the God of all creation as "willingly ignorant." We are reminded that to the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The real question that should be asked is "Am I ready?".
Beloved, let us not take on the mentality of the "microwave generation" who wants immediate answers and gratification for all things. When the Lord, in his infinite wisdom and his own timing does come, it will be too soon for many. Jesus advised, "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be," Matt 24:38-39. Let us instead focus on being ready for his return. Let us focus on being found doing those things he commands. We can certainly learn from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins that when the time comes, there will be no opportunity to begin preparing the things that should already have been prepared. As it was with the foolish virgins, that will be an excellent way to be left out.
The Lord has been clear about the fact that he will return. He has also been clear that only God knows the timing. The best way to be ready is to get ready and stay ready.
Committed,
Lee
Even during the first century there were scoffers about the Lord who asked, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation,” 2 Pet 3:4. The bible refers to these people who evidently take into no account the power of the God of all creation as "willingly ignorant." We are reminded that to the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The real question that should be asked is "Am I ready?".
Beloved, let us not take on the mentality of the "microwave generation" who wants immediate answers and gratification for all things. When the Lord, in his infinite wisdom and his own timing does come, it will be too soon for many. Jesus advised, "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be," Matt 24:38-39. Let us instead focus on being ready for his return. Let us focus on being found doing those things he commands. We can certainly learn from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins that when the time comes, there will be no opportunity to begin preparing the things that should already have been prepared. As it was with the foolish virgins, that will be an excellent way to be left out.
The Lord has been clear about the fact that he will return. He has also been clear that only God knows the timing. The best way to be ready is to get ready and stay ready.
Committed,
Lee
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