"Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, 'Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?'” Esther 4:13-14
There are times when we wonder why we are in a particular situation or place. To be sure, we work hard to attain certain positions or circumstances but it is not unusual to occasionally look around and wonder if there is something more regarding the reason for being there. This can be especially true if we happen to have our spiritual glasses on that day.
Esther was a young Jewish orphaned woman who, through a chain of evidently God led events, became queen to the king of a vast empire. Unfortunately, one of the king's trusted noblemen developed an intense dislike for a Jewish man named Mordacai in particular and the Jewish people in general. This dislike was so intense that he plotted to kill each and every one of them. Upon hearing this, Mordecai urged his adopted daughter (Esther was actually his uncle's daughter) to get involved and make an appeal to the king. Due to a law that promised death to anyone who sought the king that was not summoned or to which he did not extend his golden scepter as permission to approach, Esther was reluctant to say the least.
Beloved, there may be times when we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations were we may even be in some type of jeopardy. We should always be on the lookout for how we can make a positive difference. We must examine whether there is a way we can use the position or stature we have been granted by God to do the work of God. Though there may be benefits to us that result from the positions we hold or the situations we have attained, which was surely the case for Esther, it is more than possible that it is a platform for the Almighty and that we have been placed there for His glory.
Esther did indeed respond and as a result, all the Jews were spared and the enemy was destroyed. We can find ourselves enjoying our situations for many years, but let us always be ready to act on God's behalf when the opportunity presents itself. Understand that we are all placed "for such a time as this."
Building God's family,
Lee
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? 7/26/2018
"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" Gen 18:14
The Lord had just appeared to Abraham on His way to Sodom and Gomorrah. As He enjoyed Abraham's hospitality, He informed him that despite his age of nearly 100 years that He would indeed give him a son by his nearly 90 year old wife. Sarah overhead this exchange and was clearly amused. The Lord inquired about Sarah's laughter.
Many of us fail to understand the might and power of our God. Sarah thought she was far beyond her child bearing years. Her amusement quickly gave way to another emotion when God called her on it. The point here is that the greatness of God is certainly seen in creation, but the significance is seen in our daily lives. God made a promise to (a) man and fully intended to keep it. The expression of His power is most seen when ordinary things happen under the most extraordinary circumstances. It was common for a woman to have a baby, but at nearly a century old? It was common to have wine at a wedding but made from water? It was common for storms to rise up, but to be able to walk on them?
Beloved, we often despair in our various situations and circumstances despite our status as children of the Almighty. When told that God will deliver us, we may even, like Sarah, laugh and simply point out the impossibility of our situation. It may very well be that the response, whether spoken or not, will be the same that Sarah received: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Building God's family,
Lee
The Lord had just appeared to Abraham on His way to Sodom and Gomorrah. As He enjoyed Abraham's hospitality, He informed him that despite his age of nearly 100 years that He would indeed give him a son by his nearly 90 year old wife. Sarah overhead this exchange and was clearly amused. The Lord inquired about Sarah's laughter.
Many of us fail to understand the might and power of our God. Sarah thought she was far beyond her child bearing years. Her amusement quickly gave way to another emotion when God called her on it. The point here is that the greatness of God is certainly seen in creation, but the significance is seen in our daily lives. God made a promise to (a) man and fully intended to keep it. The expression of His power is most seen when ordinary things happen under the most extraordinary circumstances. It was common for a woman to have a baby, but at nearly a century old? It was common to have wine at a wedding but made from water? It was common for storms to rise up, but to be able to walk on them?
Beloved, we often despair in our various situations and circumstances despite our status as children of the Almighty. When told that God will deliver us, we may even, like Sarah, laugh and simply point out the impossibility of our situation. It may very well be that the response, whether spoken or not, will be the same that Sarah received: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Building God's family,
Lee
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Handling the Little Things 7/12/2018
"He said, " Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." Job 1:21-22
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. We seek or are referred to his story during times of duress and great tribulation. We are fascinated by the depth and breadth of his calamities. We are also fascinated by the grace and humility with which he faced them. He always kept God at the forefront. These thousands of years later, we still draw strength from his life.
This is presented not to give us inspiration to endure our lowest lows, but to cast in relief our smaller trials. Let us consider the things that send us off the deep end. We are subject to road rage in traffic. We often argue with the ones we love over trivialities. We are ready to feud if someone slights us socially. If the boss has a less than complementary word for us, it turns into a bad day for everyone with whom we come into contact. If our child has a disappointing showing on the field of play, we forget how proud we are to have them as flesh of our flesh.
Beloved, we spend an inordinate amount of our time majoring in minor. Let us not allow the smaller things to be blown out of proportion. To be sure, the significant accidents, diagnoses, employment situations, losses, etc., will come to us personally or to someone with whom we are close. Proportional reactions in those case would be able to be understood by anyone. Remember, however, the grace with which Job handled the worst incidents imaginable. Consider then, how would he have handled the smaller things.
Building God's family,
Lee
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. We seek or are referred to his story during times of duress and great tribulation. We are fascinated by the depth and breadth of his calamities. We are also fascinated by the grace and humility with which he faced them. He always kept God at the forefront. These thousands of years later, we still draw strength from his life.
This is presented not to give us inspiration to endure our lowest lows, but to cast in relief our smaller trials. Let us consider the things that send us off the deep end. We are subject to road rage in traffic. We often argue with the ones we love over trivialities. We are ready to feud if someone slights us socially. If the boss has a less than complementary word for us, it turns into a bad day for everyone with whom we come into contact. If our child has a disappointing showing on the field of play, we forget how proud we are to have them as flesh of our flesh.
Beloved, we spend an inordinate amount of our time majoring in minor. Let us not allow the smaller things to be blown out of proportion. To be sure, the significant accidents, diagnoses, employment situations, losses, etc., will come to us personally or to someone with whom we are close. Proportional reactions in those case would be able to be understood by anyone. Remember, however, the grace with which Job handled the worst incidents imaginable. Consider then, how would he have handled the smaller things.
Building God's family,
Lee
Monday, July 2, 2018
Doing all Spiritual Things Through His Strengthening 7/2/2018
"I can do all things through Him that strengthens me." Phi 4:13
This scripture has been used as source of strength for many despite the fact that is often taken out of context. What comes immediately to mind is its use by athletes going into competition, most notably boxers. Sometimes, both boxers or contestants are wearing the same scripture. While reliance on God is admirable, what does it say to the wearer and the audience if there is a loss? Can one NOT do all things with the strength of the Lord?
Beloved, it is important that we understand what the author was trying to convey to his original audience when we read, study and use scripture. In this case, Paul was in prison. He was relaying via messenger to the church at Philippi that he was well. He admitted that his situation was a bit tough at the moment but also talked about the times things were fantastic. His point was that he had learned how to be content in both the best and worst circumstances. He gives Jesus the credit for giving him this ability.
With the proper understanding of this famous passage, we too can use it for strength in situations when we are on the mountain top as well as when we are in the valley. We, like Paul, have been divinely equipped, not to win the next ball game, but the next spiritual battle, the next seemingly hopeless situation, the next despair and the next prosperous situation (which for some is handled worse than tough times).
Building God's family,
Lee
This scripture has been used as source of strength for many despite the fact that is often taken out of context. What comes immediately to mind is its use by athletes going into competition, most notably boxers. Sometimes, both boxers or contestants are wearing the same scripture. While reliance on God is admirable, what does it say to the wearer and the audience if there is a loss? Can one NOT do all things with the strength of the Lord?
Beloved, it is important that we understand what the author was trying to convey to his original audience when we read, study and use scripture. In this case, Paul was in prison. He was relaying via messenger to the church at Philippi that he was well. He admitted that his situation was a bit tough at the moment but also talked about the times things were fantastic. His point was that he had learned how to be content in both the best and worst circumstances. He gives Jesus the credit for giving him this ability.
With the proper understanding of this famous passage, we too can use it for strength in situations when we are on the mountain top as well as when we are in the valley. We, like Paul, have been divinely equipped, not to win the next ball game, but the next spiritual battle, the next seemingly hopeless situation, the next despair and the next prosperous situation (which for some is handled worse than tough times).
Building God's family,
Lee
Friday, June 8, 2018
Sleeping in Worship 6/8/2018
"And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead." Acts 20:9
Beloved, this started out as a light hearted tale of the dangers of falling asleep in church. At some point, we have all done it or been dangerously close to doing it. My mind raced with all of the things I've seen from the pulpit when people fall asleep, such as snoring and startling oneself awake, heads bouncing from nodding, mouths hanging open, etc.
It then occurred to me that there are larger issues. Are we sleepwalking through our spiritual lives? Are the things that God is trying to show us being missed because we are dosing? As it was with the disciples in the garden, are we leaving the Lord hanging?
It is interesting to note that the young man in the window who was evidently a Christian and was there to hear a word from the Lord not only fell asleep but fell to his death. What a great tragedy to think that we can lose consciousness of the word while literally listening to the word and fall away to our ultimate death. I guess it is not so funny after all. Let us remain focused and diligent in our Christian lives. Let us not come this far by faith and come up short.
Of course I can almost hear someone responding, "Well if the long winded preacher wasn't preaching all night the poor child would have never fallen asleep!" I guess that's sort of funny.
No it isn't.
Building God's family,
Lee
Beloved, this started out as a light hearted tale of the dangers of falling asleep in church. At some point, we have all done it or been dangerously close to doing it. My mind raced with all of the things I've seen from the pulpit when people fall asleep, such as snoring and startling oneself awake, heads bouncing from nodding, mouths hanging open, etc.
It then occurred to me that there are larger issues. Are we sleepwalking through our spiritual lives? Are the things that God is trying to show us being missed because we are dosing? As it was with the disciples in the garden, are we leaving the Lord hanging?
It is interesting to note that the young man in the window who was evidently a Christian and was there to hear a word from the Lord not only fell asleep but fell to his death. What a great tragedy to think that we can lose consciousness of the word while literally listening to the word and fall away to our ultimate death. I guess it is not so funny after all. Let us remain focused and diligent in our Christian lives. Let us not come this far by faith and come up short.
Of course I can almost hear someone responding, "Well if the long winded preacher wasn't preaching all night the poor child would have never fallen asleep!" I guess that's sort of funny.
No it isn't.
Building God's family,
Lee
Friday, May 25, 2018
The Message to the Messenger 5/25/2018
“'Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.'" Ezekiel 3:17-18
Every now and then I run across a Bible passage that makes my blood run cold. Ezekiel 3:17-21 is just such an example. The prophet Ezekiel was being sent by God to the rebellious people of Israel to deliver a warning from Him. One of the reasons he was being sent was so that the people would know that a prophet, and by extension, God Himself was among them. In turn, the message he was sent to deliver was designed to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways and return to the previously established covenant relationship lest they die.
The message God gave Ezekiel to deliver was a critical one, however, before he was given a word to speak, God impressed upon him the importance of carrying out the assigned task. In short, He told his prophet that if anyone perished (due to their own iniquity) without him having delivered the assigned message, he would bear responsibility.
Beloved, the reason this passage caused a chill to run down my spine is due to the realization that we have been given the same charge and bear that same responsibility. Those of us who call upon the name of Jesus are the messengers of God. We are sent to all nations to bear witness to the love of the Lord and to deliver His message (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to fill our mouths with His word and warn the stubborn, obstinate and unrighteous about the dangers associated with pursuing their current course. We are charged with nothing less than attempting to literally save the lives of the lost. Our failure to speak up and speak out condemns to death the people we refuse to warn just as if we failed to take the keys from an inebriated person attempting to get behind the wheel of a car. It is not our fault that the person is drunk, but we would bear responsibility for refusing to intercede if that person tragically died or worse, caused the death of someone else. Chilling indeed.
Let us not view our Christian lives simply as "going to Church," attending bible studies, participating in pot luck dinners and fellowshipping with those of like faith. Let us instead act as fire marshals engaged in literal fire prevention and fire fighters engaged in literal rescue of those in danger of being lost in the fire.
Building God's family,
Lee
Every now and then I run across a Bible passage that makes my blood run cold. Ezekiel 3:17-21 is just such an example. The prophet Ezekiel was being sent by God to the rebellious people of Israel to deliver a warning from Him. One of the reasons he was being sent was so that the people would know that a prophet, and by extension, God Himself was among them. In turn, the message he was sent to deliver was designed to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways and return to the previously established covenant relationship lest they die.
The message God gave Ezekiel to deliver was a critical one, however, before he was given a word to speak, God impressed upon him the importance of carrying out the assigned task. In short, He told his prophet that if anyone perished (due to their own iniquity) without him having delivered the assigned message, he would bear responsibility.
Beloved, the reason this passage caused a chill to run down my spine is due to the realization that we have been given the same charge and bear that same responsibility. Those of us who call upon the name of Jesus are the messengers of God. We are sent to all nations to bear witness to the love of the Lord and to deliver His message (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to fill our mouths with His word and warn the stubborn, obstinate and unrighteous about the dangers associated with pursuing their current course. We are charged with nothing less than attempting to literally save the lives of the lost. Our failure to speak up and speak out condemns to death the people we refuse to warn just as if we failed to take the keys from an inebriated person attempting to get behind the wheel of a car. It is not our fault that the person is drunk, but we would bear responsibility for refusing to intercede if that person tragically died or worse, caused the death of someone else. Chilling indeed.
Let us not view our Christian lives simply as "going to Church," attending bible studies, participating in pot luck dinners and fellowshipping with those of like faith. Let us instead act as fire marshals engaged in literal fire prevention and fire fighters engaged in literal rescue of those in danger of being lost in the fire.
Building God's family,
Lee
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
A Promise is a Promise 5/22/2018
"In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us." Heb 6:17-18
Throughout history there have been attempts to gain assurances regarding the reliability of a person's word. We are familiar with handshakes, blood oaths and even "pinkie swears" which are popular with pre-teens today. Biblically, it was customary to swear by someone or something greater than oneself though Christ encouraged saying simply "yes" or "no" rather than making oaths at all ( Matt 5:33-37). But we all know what it is like to have someone make assurances and promises but fail to deliver.
Beloved we can rejoice today because we serve a God that is not subject to the fickleness and failings of men and women. It is good to know that it is beyond His capability to lie and that therefore, He will do what He says He will do. God has an amazing track record. Within the context of the Hebrews passage, the Bible indicates that he made promises to Abraham but "since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself" Heb 6:13. Remember that he promised to make an old man and his barren wife the parents of descendants as numerous as the stars. Even we are products of that promise.
Let us then be grateful that God is true. Let us be encouraged by the things he has promised. Let us look forward with hope and faith to the day that the promises he has made regarding our living ever with him will come to pass.
Building God's family,
Lee
Throughout history there have been attempts to gain assurances regarding the reliability of a person's word. We are familiar with handshakes, blood oaths and even "pinkie swears" which are popular with pre-teens today. Biblically, it was customary to swear by someone or something greater than oneself though Christ encouraged saying simply "yes" or "no" rather than making oaths at all ( Matt 5:33-37). But we all know what it is like to have someone make assurances and promises but fail to deliver.
Beloved we can rejoice today because we serve a God that is not subject to the fickleness and failings of men and women. It is good to know that it is beyond His capability to lie and that therefore, He will do what He says He will do. God has an amazing track record. Within the context of the Hebrews passage, the Bible indicates that he made promises to Abraham but "since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself" Heb 6:13. Remember that he promised to make an old man and his barren wife the parents of descendants as numerous as the stars. Even we are products of that promise.
Let us then be grateful that God is true. Let us be encouraged by the things he has promised. Let us look forward with hope and faith to the day that the promises he has made regarding our living ever with him will come to pass.
Building God's family,
Lee
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