"The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philipians 4:9
In today's social media driven world, one of the things by which people are known and sometimes evaluated is by how many followers they have. Whether it is the number of friends on Facebook or followers on Twitter, it says something about your fame and popularity (or lack thereof). For this reason, we are constantly invited to "friend," "like," or "follow" individuals, companies and institutions. The question, however, is why?
When you follow your favorite athlete, singer or actor, what is the benefit? You may be among the first to know about their next event. You may be a part of the "in crowd" that learns what happens to them before the news media blasts it all over the world. Mostly what you will get are their opinions (qualified or not) about other people and their circumstances. It is virtually an every day occurrence that someone is forced to apologize for something they said about someone else our of anger, retribution, jealousy or influence of substances via social media because so many are following them.
Beloved, the apostle Paul made an audacious yet qualified "follow" request 2000 years before it was the mainstream thing to do. He was able to do this for three very important reasons. First, he was personally commissioned by the Lord to do it (Acts 9:15). Second, the example he offered was one designed to benefit the follower (Galatians 2:20). And finally, the destination of the follow-ship he requested was not himself, but Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Let us be mindful of who we follow, why we follow them and most importantly, where we are allowing ourselves to be led. Jesus once famously said, "If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit" Matthew 15:14b.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, August 23, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Being Like Jesus 8/21/2013
"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher." Luke 6:40
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said to his apostles, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The very definition of the word disciple is one who believes and helps to spread the doctrine or teaching of another. This said, it would seem to imply that Jesus is instructing those in his inner circle (and by extension, us) to teach others about him, baptize them into him (Galatians 3:27) and continue to teach. Our instruction in the Lord is therefore foundational, continual and required to achieve the highest ideal of being like him.
Beloved we are often fascinated by the exploits of people who can do the things that we cannot. Athletes, famous musicians, singers and dancers, and in my case, people who perform as part of the amazing Cirque du Soleil seem to have abilities that are unobtainable by "normal" people. The fact is that they are "normal" people but have had teaching and training from a very early age. This comparison is made to indicate that it is possible to live holy lives full of joy and spirit in the Lord if we would avail ourselves of his teaching and discipline ourselves to follow it. It is entirely possible for us to go from the bumps, bruises, trips and falls of early Christian adolescence to the dexterity and agility of Christian maturity if we would adhere to the Word.
A church member once said to his pastor, who also happened to be a Bible scholar and had memorized vast portions of the word, "I would give my life to know the Bible as well as you do." The pastor replied, "That's what I did." The path to being like our Lord is paved with his teaching but we must be propelled by our own desire to pursue him.
Committed,
Lee
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said to his apostles, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The very definition of the word disciple is one who believes and helps to spread the doctrine or teaching of another. This said, it would seem to imply that Jesus is instructing those in his inner circle (and by extension, us) to teach others about him, baptize them into him (Galatians 3:27) and continue to teach. Our instruction in the Lord is therefore foundational, continual and required to achieve the highest ideal of being like him.
Beloved we are often fascinated by the exploits of people who can do the things that we cannot. Athletes, famous musicians, singers and dancers, and in my case, people who perform as part of the amazing Cirque du Soleil seem to have abilities that are unobtainable by "normal" people. The fact is that they are "normal" people but have had teaching and training from a very early age. This comparison is made to indicate that it is possible to live holy lives full of joy and spirit in the Lord if we would avail ourselves of his teaching and discipline ourselves to follow it. It is entirely possible for us to go from the bumps, bruises, trips and falls of early Christian adolescence to the dexterity and agility of Christian maturity if we would adhere to the Word.
A church member once said to his pastor, who also happened to be a Bible scholar and had memorized vast portions of the word, "I would give my life to know the Bible as well as you do." The pastor replied, "That's what I did." The path to being like our Lord is paved with his teaching but we must be propelled by our own desire to pursue him.
Committed,
Lee
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Keeping the Fire Burning 8/20/2013 (rp)
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11 (NIV)
It is a natural thing for the fire in some relationships to cool. This is not to say that the relationship is destroyed or becomes any less important but that the intensity and enthusiasm can either wane or become transformed to something more comfortable. Think about romantic relationships. In the beginning, we are given to writing poetry, dedicating songs, remaining on the phone (or text) all hours of the day and night and that person is almost all that is on our minds. We present ourselves in the best possible light by carefully and purposefully choosing our attire, hair style, make-up (in the case of the ladies) and scent. Emotions run high and feelings soar.
Let us fast forward 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, then 20. How much poetry has been written lately? How purposeful are we in our dress now? It is not to say that the love is no longer there but the urgency once known seems to have faded over time.
Beloved, our zeal for the Lord should never suffer this fate. As much good as he had to say about the church at Ephesus, the Lord said to them, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 3:4-5a. We must remember that the Lord's fervent love for us never fades and never diminishes. Despite our many shortcomings, the Spirit has said that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:39. For this reason, for the very love of him, we must constantly feed and re-stoke the fire of love and adoration that burned within us when we first met him and when we gave ourselves to him. Never let it be said that we have forsaken our first love.
Committed,
Lee
It is a natural thing for the fire in some relationships to cool. This is not to say that the relationship is destroyed or becomes any less important but that the intensity and enthusiasm can either wane or become transformed to something more comfortable. Think about romantic relationships. In the beginning, we are given to writing poetry, dedicating songs, remaining on the phone (or text) all hours of the day and night and that person is almost all that is on our minds. We present ourselves in the best possible light by carefully and purposefully choosing our attire, hair style, make-up (in the case of the ladies) and scent. Emotions run high and feelings soar.
Let us fast forward 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, then 20. How much poetry has been written lately? How purposeful are we in our dress now? It is not to say that the love is no longer there but the urgency once known seems to have faded over time.
Beloved, our zeal for the Lord should never suffer this fate. As much good as he had to say about the church at Ephesus, the Lord said to them, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 3:4-5a. We must remember that the Lord's fervent love for us never fades and never diminishes. Despite our many shortcomings, the Spirit has said that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:39. For this reason, for the very love of him, we must constantly feed and re-stoke the fire of love and adoration that burned within us when we first met him and when we gave ourselves to him. Never let it be said that we have forsaken our first love.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, August 19, 2013
Dealing With Despair Caused by Others 8/19/2013
"Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, 'For,' he said, 'God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.' He named the second Ephraim, 'For,' he said, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.'” Gen 41:51-52
It is difficult to think of Joseph without thinking of both tragedy and triumph. From a very early age, he was hated by his brothers. Those same brothers thought to kill him but instead sold him into slavery, thus removing him from every one and everything he knew and loved. While in slavery he was falsely accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison. From there he was forgotten by someone whom he helped. But we also know that God was with him through it all and that ultimately, he was given a position of power and privilege whereby he was able to preserve the lives of many through a crippling famine, including the same family that did grievous harm to him.
Beloved, it is tragically unfortunate when we become devastated by others. This is multiplied exponentially when the wrong done to us is at the hands of close friends, loved ones and especially, family. Sadly, none of us are immune to the possibility of very hurtful and harmful things happening to us through the agency of those with whom we are the most familiar. But if there is anything we can learn from the experiences of Joseph is that as children of God, we are never alone. Through the worst of our trials, our Heavenly Father is right there.
Some may ask why He would allow us to endure such pain. Far be it from me to provide THE answer for such a question. We know that God's ways and thoughts are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). But in the case of Joseph, God was not only sustaining him through these unearned difficulties, He was using them to prepare Joseph for a great work that would preserve the people of God from which we today are spiritually descended. Further, Joseph did not know the end of the story while he was in the middle of it. It may be that he was filled with despair at times, but over and over he gives God the glory and never seems to lose his faith.
Pain surely hurts. It is not unusual to want to throw up your hands and just give up. But I beseech you beloved, that when the night falls, that is the time to hold even more closely to God. He has already written the end of your story, so remain faithful that He will deliver you, learn all you can from the situation you are in, and when the opportunity presents itself to do some good because of it, take it with all of your energy, even if those who hurt you benefit. Consider the words and actions of Joseph on the other side of his suffering: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them," Genesis 50:20-21.
Committed,
Lee
It is difficult to think of Joseph without thinking of both tragedy and triumph. From a very early age, he was hated by his brothers. Those same brothers thought to kill him but instead sold him into slavery, thus removing him from every one and everything he knew and loved. While in slavery he was falsely accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison. From there he was forgotten by someone whom he helped. But we also know that God was with him through it all and that ultimately, he was given a position of power and privilege whereby he was able to preserve the lives of many through a crippling famine, including the same family that did grievous harm to him.
Beloved, it is tragically unfortunate when we become devastated by others. This is multiplied exponentially when the wrong done to us is at the hands of close friends, loved ones and especially, family. Sadly, none of us are immune to the possibility of very hurtful and harmful things happening to us through the agency of those with whom we are the most familiar. But if there is anything we can learn from the experiences of Joseph is that as children of God, we are never alone. Through the worst of our trials, our Heavenly Father is right there.
Some may ask why He would allow us to endure such pain. Far be it from me to provide THE answer for such a question. We know that God's ways and thoughts are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). But in the case of Joseph, God was not only sustaining him through these unearned difficulties, He was using them to prepare Joseph for a great work that would preserve the people of God from which we today are spiritually descended. Further, Joseph did not know the end of the story while he was in the middle of it. It may be that he was filled with despair at times, but over and over he gives God the glory and never seems to lose his faith.
Pain surely hurts. It is not unusual to want to throw up your hands and just give up. But I beseech you beloved, that when the night falls, that is the time to hold even more closely to God. He has already written the end of your story, so remain faithful that He will deliver you, learn all you can from the situation you are in, and when the opportunity presents itself to do some good because of it, take it with all of your energy, even if those who hurt you benefit. Consider the words and actions of Joseph on the other side of his suffering: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them," Genesis 50:20-21.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, August 16, 2013
Seeking Wisdom 8/16/2013
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
That they may be ready on your lips." Proverbs 22:17-18
Think about all of the many influences on our thinking and how we interact with the world. We are constantly inundated by songs on the radio (or from our music collection), the opinions of pundits on the news, television shows, movies and across the back fence chat. Think harder about how much of that we seek and why we do so.
The book of Proverbs is primarily a collection of wise sayings written by Solomon to his son. In it, he both advises that he avail himself of the godly wisdom he shares and then conduct himself according to it. This is still great advice for us today. It was Jesus who said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’” Matthew 4:4. This elevates the Word of God from interesting information to that which is necessary for life.
Beloved, it is important that we are aware of what goes on around us. It is ok to seek entertainment and participate in community activities. It is necessary that we communicate with each other and with our neighbors. The advice today, however, is that we make seeking the wisdom of God a priority in our lives. And we need to know that it is available just for the asking (James 1:5). If we would seek out wisdom and apply it, not only will our lives be enriched but we will then be in a position to pass it along to others who may be in need of it.
Committed,
Lee
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
That they may be ready on your lips." Proverbs 22:17-18
Think about all of the many influences on our thinking and how we interact with the world. We are constantly inundated by songs on the radio (or from our music collection), the opinions of pundits on the news, television shows, movies and across the back fence chat. Think harder about how much of that we seek and why we do so.
The book of Proverbs is primarily a collection of wise sayings written by Solomon to his son. In it, he both advises that he avail himself of the godly wisdom he shares and then conduct himself according to it. This is still great advice for us today. It was Jesus who said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’” Matthew 4:4. This elevates the Word of God from interesting information to that which is necessary for life.
Beloved, it is important that we are aware of what goes on around us. It is ok to seek entertainment and participate in community activities. It is necessary that we communicate with each other and with our neighbors. The advice today, however, is that we make seeking the wisdom of God a priority in our lives. And we need to know that it is available just for the asking (James 1:5). If we would seek out wisdom and apply it, not only will our lives be enriched but we will then be in a position to pass it along to others who may be in need of it.
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
A House Not Made With Hands 8/14/2013
"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven," 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
It was God who instructed Moses to build a Tabernacle (or tent) which was to be His dwelling place among men. The instructions were very exact and included specifics regarding measurements, materials, design and contents. Naturally, the Tabernacle would suffer wear and tear due to movement and the natural deterioration of materials. Ultimately it was superseded by a lavish brick and mortar building with inner walls of gold. It was quite glorious to see. Even this, however, was merely a shadow of the heavenly dwelling place of God (Hebrews 8:5; 9:24).
Beloved, as God once established a dwelling place among men that was made by human hands, He now makes his dwelling place within our bodies. The apostle Paul rhetorically asked, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19. Being made with hands, though, it will eventually go the way of the old Tabernacle. Otherwise put, all of our physical bodies will one day die. The good news for Christians, however, is that as God occupies a permanent dwelling in heaven, so too shall our essential selves receive a new and permanent dwelling place; it will be a new body NOT made through the efforts of human flesh, but given to each of us by the very hand of our eternal Father.
It is natural for human beings to deteriorate bodily and to fear death. To this Paul said, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day" 2 Corinthians 4:16. He expressed both hope and joy when he said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," Philippians 1:21. Lastly, he revealed that it is a necessary part of the plan to obtain an eternity with the Father when he said, "Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable" 1 Corinthians 15:50.
Let us now enjoy the life we have been given and do the work that has been set before us. Let us also look forward to the life to come and the new bodies that will allow us to experience eternity.
Committed,
Lee
It was God who instructed Moses to build a Tabernacle (or tent) which was to be His dwelling place among men. The instructions were very exact and included specifics regarding measurements, materials, design and contents. Naturally, the Tabernacle would suffer wear and tear due to movement and the natural deterioration of materials. Ultimately it was superseded by a lavish brick and mortar building with inner walls of gold. It was quite glorious to see. Even this, however, was merely a shadow of the heavenly dwelling place of God (Hebrews 8:5; 9:24).
Beloved, as God once established a dwelling place among men that was made by human hands, He now makes his dwelling place within our bodies. The apostle Paul rhetorically asked, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19. Being made with hands, though, it will eventually go the way of the old Tabernacle. Otherwise put, all of our physical bodies will one day die. The good news for Christians, however, is that as God occupies a permanent dwelling in heaven, so too shall our essential selves receive a new and permanent dwelling place; it will be a new body NOT made through the efforts of human flesh, but given to each of us by the very hand of our eternal Father.
It is natural for human beings to deteriorate bodily and to fear death. To this Paul said, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day" 2 Corinthians 4:16. He expressed both hope and joy when he said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," Philippians 1:21. Lastly, he revealed that it is a necessary part of the plan to obtain an eternity with the Father when he said, "Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable" 1 Corinthians 15:50.
Let us now enjoy the life we have been given and do the work that has been set before us. Let us also look forward to the life to come and the new bodies that will allow us to experience eternity.
Committed,
Lee
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Witness II 8/13/2013
"John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, 'This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” John 1:15 (NKJV)
Yesterday we discussed the power of witness. We approached it from the standpoint of how we today can accept and believe the reality of Christ. Accepting and believing, however, is short of the full intent of witness for us.
In Jesus day, particularly at his prosecution by the local religious leaders, many false witnesses were sought and obtained to testify against him. There was a strong desire to discredit him, defame him and ultimately, end his life. After all, he claimed to be the very son of God, even God in the flesh which was considered blasphemy by the religious elite. One wonders what their religion was all about if they rejected the prophesied Messiah. Nevertheless, there were problems with their witnesses. "Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree" Mark 14:55-56. Then as now, for witness to be credible, it must be consistent and found in the mouths of more than one.
Beloved, our witness is true because it comes from those who were there. Further, we can testify to the truth of our own experiences with the Lord. We are then called upon by him to share our witness with the world. What he told the apostles remains true for us today: "...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8. We know that the false witnesses gathered by the Adversary are still active. Let us combat falsehood with truth. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" Psalm 107:2.
Committed,
Lee
Yesterday we discussed the power of witness. We approached it from the standpoint of how we today can accept and believe the reality of Christ. Accepting and believing, however, is short of the full intent of witness for us.
In Jesus day, particularly at his prosecution by the local religious leaders, many false witnesses were sought and obtained to testify against him. There was a strong desire to discredit him, defame him and ultimately, end his life. After all, he claimed to be the very son of God, even God in the flesh which was considered blasphemy by the religious elite. One wonders what their religion was all about if they rejected the prophesied Messiah. Nevertheless, there were problems with their witnesses. "Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree" Mark 14:55-56. Then as now, for witness to be credible, it must be consistent and found in the mouths of more than one.
Beloved, our witness is true because it comes from those who were there. Further, we can testify to the truth of our own experiences with the Lord. We are then called upon by him to share our witness with the world. What he told the apostles remains true for us today: "...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8. We know that the false witnesses gathered by the Adversary are still active. Let us combat falsehood with truth. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" Psalm 107:2.
Committed,
Lee
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