"And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch." 2 Corinthians 12:7
Most Christians and many non-Christians are familiar with the plight of Paul's thorn in the flesh. He attributes it to having visited heaven and witnessed things too amazing to describe. He then specifically states that the discomfort he was given (not a literal thorn in literal flesh) was given, for all intents and purposes, to keep him humble.
Beloved there are at least two messages here. To the Christian, the benefits of a relationship with God should be obvious. In fact, it would exceed the available space to even try to list them all; however, this would be a great place to pause and give quiet thought to how good God has been to you throughout your lifetime. That done, none of us have to look far to see those who have been so blessed by God that they think they have accomplished and acquired everything in and of themselves and therefore do not need God. These folks have missed the point entirely. In situations like this, it would be better to have some sort of reminder of both the hierarchy associated with our very existence and the source of every blessing than to lose sight of both because of His overwhelming goodness. One might think, "Why does such a reminder necessarily involve pain?" We should not assume that Paul's malady involved pain; however we know that whatever it was not only kept him in line but served as an example to others and glorified God. Have you ever been inspired by the faith of someone less fortunate than you?
To the non-Christian considering membership in God's family, it should be known that it is not all cookies and cream. God never promised us an easy row to hoe. In fact, there is full disclosure given regarding the difficulties that can be expected from faithfully living the Christian life. Our purpose in life is to glorify Him through our praise, worship, love, obedience and sharing with others. In so doing, we may become scuffed or inconvenienced, but the benefits of being a child of God are beyond imagination and eternal. Paul experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, but learned ultimately to depend on God for everything and accept His will in all things. That is the purpose of the thorn.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, February 21, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Worship: Not a Spectator Sport
"Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts," Psalm 95:6-8
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts," Psalm 95:6-8
Last week, I ran into two different people, both former members of congregations that now "worship at home." Perhaps you know of someone or several someones who fit this description. Now, rather than going to the assembly on the Lord's day, they listen to the local Christian radio station, or watch one or more of the televangelists on cable, or do nothing at all. Of course our brothers and sisters say they still love God, still believe in Him and pray regularly but just do not currently "go to church."
There are a variety of reasons why people pursue this avenue. Some disagree with the way things are done at their local congregation. Some have suffered hurt associated with someone who attends. Some have looked into the mirror of their lives and found themselves unfit, lacking the ability to forgive themselves despite believing that they have been forgiven by God. And some just flat out do not think it is necessary. There are many other reasons that people give for such a tragic departure.
Beloved, I will be the first to tell you that the work of the church is not primarily done inside the church building but outside. I would likewise say that worship is not confined to the church building in that we should all be in a constant state of worshiping our God. I will say; however, that the assembly is a necessary component of our relationship with God and with each other. Let me share with you just a few scriptures that bear this out.
- Acts 2:40-47-From its inception, the church (more accurately phrased "the assembly") has been about the people of God being and doing together
- Ephesians 4:11-16-We together form one body, made so by divine will for a divine and beneficial purpose
- John 10:14-16-Being identified as flock whose shepherd is Jesus, our togetherness is implicit
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27-Each of us has a role in the body/assembly that we are gifted to fulfill and on which others depend
- Hebrews 10:24-26-The assembly is as much about others as it is about us and we should not forsake it
This is by no means an exhaustive list. The word of God consistently speaks of believers as a people, a body, a flock and a church that is designed to be together in word, thought, deed and most certainly in worship. While some televangelist have their uses, if a person is watching one, they are watching not just the preacher but those who are members of that congregation who have gathered together to worship. Worship is not about spectating, but participating.
May this be an encouragement to you and may you share it with those who you know that have forsaken the assembly.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, January 31, 2020
Are You a Secret Disciple?
"After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight." John 19:38-39
It is not until the aftermath of Jesus' traumatic sacrifice that we are introduced to Joseph of Arimathea. We are told in Mark's account that he was a prominent member of the council. Though previously introduced, we are also made aware of Nicodemus who himself is a member of the council. There are two other very interesting things that that this duo has in common. One is that they both wanted to take responsibility for the body of Jesus after his death. The other is that they are "secret disciples," Nicodemus having previously come to Jesus under cover of darkness.
The question must be asked, can one truly be a disciple of the Lord in secret? It is true that both of these men are described as lovers of God. It is true that they ultimately acted in the service of the Lord. It is also true, however, that during Christ's ministry, they kept their feelings for him to themselves and did nothing to support his mission. Scriptures reveal that fear was what caused them to remain hidden.
Beloved, we are not in the same place, time, circumstance or culture as these men but so many of us share "secret discipleship" with them. This condition involves internal acknowledgement and perhaps even love for the Savior but little to no external acknowledgement outside the occasional worship attendance and little to no works of service in his name. The "secret disciples" do not share their faith or the gospel out of fear of being ridiculed, ostracized or perhaps fired. Invitations to worship and bible studies are not extended to acquaintances and friends may not even realize that Christianity is part of their lives. Traits like these must beg the question whether a person is a Christian at all.
It is true that Jesus warned his followers that the Christian life would potentially be unpopular among the masses, but he encouraged that we live the Christian life and proclaim the gospel boldly. Most notably, Jesus said in Mark 8:38, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” I don't know about you, church, but I want to be claimed by the Lord so I am sure to claim him every day.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
It is not until the aftermath of Jesus' traumatic sacrifice that we are introduced to Joseph of Arimathea. We are told in Mark's account that he was a prominent member of the council. Though previously introduced, we are also made aware of Nicodemus who himself is a member of the council. There are two other very interesting things that that this duo has in common. One is that they both wanted to take responsibility for the body of Jesus after his death. The other is that they are "secret disciples," Nicodemus having previously come to Jesus under cover of darkness.
The question must be asked, can one truly be a disciple of the Lord in secret? It is true that both of these men are described as lovers of God. It is true that they ultimately acted in the service of the Lord. It is also true, however, that during Christ's ministry, they kept their feelings for him to themselves and did nothing to support his mission. Scriptures reveal that fear was what caused them to remain hidden.
Beloved, we are not in the same place, time, circumstance or culture as these men but so many of us share "secret discipleship" with them. This condition involves internal acknowledgement and perhaps even love for the Savior but little to no external acknowledgement outside the occasional worship attendance and little to no works of service in his name. The "secret disciples" do not share their faith or the gospel out of fear of being ridiculed, ostracized or perhaps fired. Invitations to worship and bible studies are not extended to acquaintances and friends may not even realize that Christianity is part of their lives. Traits like these must beg the question whether a person is a Christian at all.
It is true that Jesus warned his followers that the Christian life would potentially be unpopular among the masses, but he encouraged that we live the Christian life and proclaim the gospel boldly. Most notably, Jesus said in Mark 8:38, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” I don't know about you, church, but I want to be claimed by the Lord so I am sure to claim him every day.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, January 24, 2020
The Greener Grass
"So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord." Genesis 13:11-13
Abram, later known as Abraham, obediently followed the word of the Lord when He told him to leave his home and his family and go to a land that would ultimately be given to his descendants. Along the way, he and his nephew, Lot, would become so prosperous that their herdsmen began to fight amongst themselves over grazing and watering their respective herds. Not wanting any strife between the two of them Abram suggested that they separate. He gave Lot the choice. Lot, surveying all in front of him chose the fertile valley (the greener grass if you will). Along with this choice he also put himself and his family in proximity to arguably the worst and most godless people on earth at the time.
Beloved, we make choices every day of our lives. Some are minor and require little thought while others are momentous and should be made after considerable thought, research and prayer. Too often, we choose based on what seems to be most advantageous at the time. And while this may make some sense, prayer and the weighing of all pros and cons will likely produce better choices. Life has given us the colloquialisms that "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" and that "all that glitters is not gold." These sayings, no doubt, came from hard lessons experienced by many over a long period of time, yet we continue to fall victim to bad decisions.
Though it may have appeared to be a wise choice at the time (the evil of Sodom notwithstanding), we know that Lot endured kidnapping (Genesis 14:12), the vexing of his righteous soul (2 Peter 2:7) and ultimately the loss of everything, including his wife, during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Abram, on the other hand, kept his trust in God rather than what he could see and became the father of a nation and the one from whose faith, all believers are descendants.
Let us not make choices based on the greenness of the grass but on the faithfulness of God.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Abram, later known as Abraham, obediently followed the word of the Lord when He told him to leave his home and his family and go to a land that would ultimately be given to his descendants. Along the way, he and his nephew, Lot, would become so prosperous that their herdsmen began to fight amongst themselves over grazing and watering their respective herds. Not wanting any strife between the two of them Abram suggested that they separate. He gave Lot the choice. Lot, surveying all in front of him chose the fertile valley (the greener grass if you will). Along with this choice he also put himself and his family in proximity to arguably the worst and most godless people on earth at the time.
Beloved, we make choices every day of our lives. Some are minor and require little thought while others are momentous and should be made after considerable thought, research and prayer. Too often, we choose based on what seems to be most advantageous at the time. And while this may make some sense, prayer and the weighing of all pros and cons will likely produce better choices. Life has given us the colloquialisms that "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" and that "all that glitters is not gold." These sayings, no doubt, came from hard lessons experienced by many over a long period of time, yet we continue to fall victim to bad decisions.
Though it may have appeared to be a wise choice at the time (the evil of Sodom notwithstanding), we know that Lot endured kidnapping (Genesis 14:12), the vexing of his righteous soul (2 Peter 2:7) and ultimately the loss of everything, including his wife, during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Abram, on the other hand, kept his trust in God rather than what he could see and became the father of a nation and the one from whose faith, all believers are descendants.
Let us not make choices based on the greenness of the grass but on the faithfulness of God.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, January 17, 2020
Wrestling With Your Faith
"Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Gen 32:24-26
Jacob was facing the daunting task of being confronted by the brother whose birthright and blessing he had stolen and from whom he then escaped. In the ensuing time period, he had prospered mightily under adverse conditions. Having fulfilled his obligations and built his family, it was now time for him to find a place of his own. To do so, it was necessary to cross the territory of his estranged brother and he was fearful. Having isolated himself, he was accosted by an unnamed and unidentified angel (Ho 12:4) with whom he wrestled and won.
Beloved, there are many quiet moments we endure before facing daunting tasks or situations. These situations can challenge our faith mightily. We ask both ourselves and God, "Why am I in this situation? Why is this happening?" We are often unsure of what to do and even what is real. At some point, we must come to a decision about whether we are going to trust God or go it alone.
There are a variety of opinions surrounding the meaning of Jacob's wrestling match. For our purposes here, it is submitted to you that it is not unusual to contend with our faith but as with Jacob, we should ever seek the blessings associated with it. This is a stark reminder that the Lord is always aware of our plights because He is ever with us. If we would but stay in the fight, we will prevail against doubt, despondency and faithlessness, and we will be blessed.
The very next morning: "Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." Gen 33:4
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Jacob was facing the daunting task of being confronted by the brother whose birthright and blessing he had stolen and from whom he then escaped. In the ensuing time period, he had prospered mightily under adverse conditions. Having fulfilled his obligations and built his family, it was now time for him to find a place of his own. To do so, it was necessary to cross the territory of his estranged brother and he was fearful. Having isolated himself, he was accosted by an unnamed and unidentified angel (Ho 12:4) with whom he wrestled and won.
Beloved, there are many quiet moments we endure before facing daunting tasks or situations. These situations can challenge our faith mightily. We ask both ourselves and God, "Why am I in this situation? Why is this happening?" We are often unsure of what to do and even what is real. At some point, we must come to a decision about whether we are going to trust God or go it alone.
There are a variety of opinions surrounding the meaning of Jacob's wrestling match. For our purposes here, it is submitted to you that it is not unusual to contend with our faith but as with Jacob, we should ever seek the blessings associated with it. This is a stark reminder that the Lord is always aware of our plights because He is ever with us. If we would but stay in the fight, we will prevail against doubt, despondency and faithlessness, and we will be blessed.
The very next morning: "Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." Gen 33:4
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, January 10, 2020
Fighting Fear, Worry and Anxiety
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having lunch with an old friend, protégé and now, preacher. We laughed and talked about many things but when the conversation turned to travel, he began to speak of his fear of extended plane trips and traveling over large bodies of water. We also talked about health and I noticed how he began to speculate about the worst case scenario of an impending visit to his physician. Of course he had 2 Tim 1:7 firmly placed in his mind but his anxiety was nonetheless present and visible.
Most assuredly, we can all identify with experiencing fear, worry and anxiety. It is an unfortunate byproduct of being wrapped in flesh. Our minds are designed to look for and recognize patterns, particularly those that impact our safety, security and well being. Our past experiences are recorded in memory and when we recognize the pattern of a previous event, we bring forward the emotions associated with the it, whether good or bad, but particularly those we deem to be a threat. For this reason, we need coping mechanisms.
Beloved, even Jesus experienced emotions like these. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus famously wept, and due to his trepidation about the trial and crucifixion he would soon endure, he, "being in agony prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground," Luke 22:44. Even his friends failed him in this, the time of his greatest need and fear. Notice; however, that he gathered himself, evidently embracing who he was, whose he was and what his mission was. He then proceeded and fulfilled his ministry and all prophecy. Ultimately, he knew that once he endured all he was facing, he would go home to the Father and be glorified, John 17:1-5.
One of my favorite passages in all of the Bible is John 14:1-3. Therein lies a promise that I believe, that is inspiration for all I do and is an amazing deterrent to the fear, worry and anxiety I sometimes face. My coping mechanism is to "bottom line" things. What this means is, that in view of that Scripture, I know that I am going to one day go home and experience the glory of the Father, see my savior at His right hand and take my place in a dwelling place reserved just for me, regardless of anything that may happen to me or affect my life. I cannot tell you how much peace this gives me or how much it allows me to navigate through both the best and worst of times in an even and grounded manner. In times of fear and worry, consider 1 John 4:16-18. In times of fear and worry, consider Jesus.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having lunch with an old friend, protégé and now, preacher. We laughed and talked about many things but when the conversation turned to travel, he began to speak of his fear of extended plane trips and traveling over large bodies of water. We also talked about health and I noticed how he began to speculate about the worst case scenario of an impending visit to his physician. Of course he had 2 Tim 1:7 firmly placed in his mind but his anxiety was nonetheless present and visible.
Most assuredly, we can all identify with experiencing fear, worry and anxiety. It is an unfortunate byproduct of being wrapped in flesh. Our minds are designed to look for and recognize patterns, particularly those that impact our safety, security and well being. Our past experiences are recorded in memory and when we recognize the pattern of a previous event, we bring forward the emotions associated with the it, whether good or bad, but particularly those we deem to be a threat. For this reason, we need coping mechanisms.
Beloved, even Jesus experienced emotions like these. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus famously wept, and due to his trepidation about the trial and crucifixion he would soon endure, he, "being in agony prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground," Luke 22:44. Even his friends failed him in this, the time of his greatest need and fear. Notice; however, that he gathered himself, evidently embracing who he was, whose he was and what his mission was. He then proceeded and fulfilled his ministry and all prophecy. Ultimately, he knew that once he endured all he was facing, he would go home to the Father and be glorified, John 17:1-5.
One of my favorite passages in all of the Bible is John 14:1-3. Therein lies a promise that I believe, that is inspiration for all I do and is an amazing deterrent to the fear, worry and anxiety I sometimes face. My coping mechanism is to "bottom line" things. What this means is, that in view of that Scripture, I know that I am going to one day go home and experience the glory of the Father, see my savior at His right hand and take my place in a dwelling place reserved just for me, regardless of anything that may happen to me or affect my life. I cannot tell you how much peace this gives me or how much it allows me to navigate through both the best and worst of times in an even and grounded manner. In times of fear and worry, consider 1 John 4:16-18. In times of fear and worry, consider Jesus.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, January 3, 2020
Forgiveness Day
"You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family." Leviticus 25:10
As we come to the end of another joyous holiday season, we are still cognizant of our thoughts being more altruistic in nature as were many of our actions. During Thanksgiving, many assessed their lives and took stock of all the reasons for which they had to be thankful. As Christmas came into view, our thoughts turned to our Lord and Savior, Jesus and all he stands for. We thought of peace, harmony, unselfishness, service, gratitude and giving. And as New Year's Day arrived, we thought of celebrations, resolutions and hope for a blessed new year where, ostensibly, things will be even better than they were over the past year.
Beloved, it has occurred to me that we are missing a holiday. Would not this season be perfect for a Forgiveness Day? While most of us are feeling and exemplifying our best, forgiveness of others would be a perfect addition. Think about it. When Jesus was teaching the apostles to pray, included were the words, "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," Matthew 6:12. In fact, closer consideration reveals that forgiving others has benefits for those who forgive. Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven," Luke 6:37 (NIV).
Well it turns out that there is a precedent of sorts associated with a forgiveness holiday. In the Jewish tradition, it was called the Year of Jubilee. Concisely put, it took place the year after 7 periods of 7 years. Though one of the major features was to allow the land to rest from farming for a year, it also involved forgiving debts, the releasing of slaves and the return of (traditional tribal) properties to those who may have sold them. Of course not all of the tenants apply to 21st century American culture but the concept can easily be borrowed to establish a day of forgiveness for the disputes, offences and wrongs for which we sometimes grudgingly hold others captive.
Again, the holiday season brings out the best in us. Let us not leave unconsidered and unaddressed what could be one of our worst traits. And while it is doubtful that a national holiday will be established around this concept anytime soon, none of us are prevented from creating and celebrating Forgiveness Day in our own hearts and minds. In fact, we could celebrate it everyday...
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
As we come to the end of another joyous holiday season, we are still cognizant of our thoughts being more altruistic in nature as were many of our actions. During Thanksgiving, many assessed their lives and took stock of all the reasons for which they had to be thankful. As Christmas came into view, our thoughts turned to our Lord and Savior, Jesus and all he stands for. We thought of peace, harmony, unselfishness, service, gratitude and giving. And as New Year's Day arrived, we thought of celebrations, resolutions and hope for a blessed new year where, ostensibly, things will be even better than they were over the past year.
Beloved, it has occurred to me that we are missing a holiday. Would not this season be perfect for a Forgiveness Day? While most of us are feeling and exemplifying our best, forgiveness of others would be a perfect addition. Think about it. When Jesus was teaching the apostles to pray, included were the words, "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," Matthew 6:12. In fact, closer consideration reveals that forgiving others has benefits for those who forgive. Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven," Luke 6:37 (NIV).
Well it turns out that there is a precedent of sorts associated with a forgiveness holiday. In the Jewish tradition, it was called the Year of Jubilee. Concisely put, it took place the year after 7 periods of 7 years. Though one of the major features was to allow the land to rest from farming for a year, it also involved forgiving debts, the releasing of slaves and the return of (traditional tribal) properties to those who may have sold them. Of course not all of the tenants apply to 21st century American culture but the concept can easily be borrowed to establish a day of forgiveness for the disputes, offences and wrongs for which we sometimes grudgingly hold others captive.
Again, the holiday season brings out the best in us. Let us not leave unconsidered and unaddressed what could be one of our worst traits. And while it is doubtful that a national holiday will be established around this concept anytime soon, none of us are prevented from creating and celebrating Forgiveness Day in our own hearts and minds. In fact, we could celebrate it everyday...
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
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