"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved, recognized and memorized passage of Scripture in all of the Bible. It is the "go to" resource in times of fear, sorrow, grief and pain when strength and reassurance are needed. It is also a source of great encouragement and a reminder of the provision, protection and great love of God toward his own.
As we endure the COVID-19 induced crisis, we find ourselves in the midst of the worst human and economic tragedy of our lifetime. People are dying, losing loved ones, and losing jobs, homes and hope. It is at times like these that the 23rd Psalm breaks through like the rotating beam of a cliff top lighthouse in the midst of a tempestuous storm, verse 4 in particular.
I marvel at the power and depth of the verse. Essentially it supplies that we can be fearless in the darkest of circumstances (as dark as death itself), due to the presence, care and leadership of God. To get the full impact of what is being expressed, it is important to know that God is our personal Shepherd whose function is to care for his sheep. He does so by personally guiding us to places of rest, sustenance and refreshment. It is also important to know that the path on which he leads us is one of righteousness. It is while following that Shepherd on that path that we can find ourselves in "the valley of the shadow of death." That tells us that 1) the path of righteousness can go through some very dark places, but it is no less the path of righteousness and 2) that no matter how dark the times or places, the Shepherd has not abandoned us but goes ahead of us, protecting us and charting our course to light. If a third consideration were to be added, it would be that as long as we stay on the path and keep the Shepherd in front of us, there is no cause for fear at all.
Beloved, having recently done an in depth study of this passage, it has become one of the most significant in my life. I have always known that it was there but I now have a fuller understanding of what it means, particularly in dark times like these. It is my prayer that you would take another look and reconsider what the Spirit of God is revealing to you.
May we all find confidence, comfort and peace in the presence, protection and provision of our Lord.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Friday, April 17, 2020
Who is Your God?
“Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you." Acts 17:22-23
The apostle Paul found himself in Athens, Greece, the one time center of the civilized world and the home of things such as democracy, the world's prevalent language and perhaps most importantly, philosophy (which literally means "love of wisdom"). It was a popular thing for intellectuals and "wanna be" intellectuals to sit around thinking about and discussing many things, such as existence, logic, aesthetics, morality and religion. As was his custom, Paul began to share the way of God with all who listened. The people were inclined to hear because they were always interested in being exposed to something new as if they wanted to be on the leading edge of the newest fad philosophy. Some believed and some did not.
Beloved, humanity has changed little. Everyone still has an opinion about everything and it is not difficult to attract followers to just about anything. There is no credible way to accurately quantify the number of religions practiced on the planet. Suffice it to say, most everyone is looking to believe in something higher than themselves that will eventually answer all of our questions. For this dilemma, Paul offers the one true living God.
Even in Christ, we must ask ourselves what we truly believe. It is true that we may claim Christianity and even attend worship in a church building, but who do we truly serve? Is it our possessions? Our relationships? Our vocations? Our habits? If you are unsure, examine where you spend most of your time and resources. This may very well be a strong indicator.
Surely God wants us all to have life, and that more abundantly. But let us always remember who provides that life. Let us remember that, "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation," Acts 17:24-26.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
The apostle Paul found himself in Athens, Greece, the one time center of the civilized world and the home of things such as democracy, the world's prevalent language and perhaps most importantly, philosophy (which literally means "love of wisdom"). It was a popular thing for intellectuals and "wanna be" intellectuals to sit around thinking about and discussing many things, such as existence, logic, aesthetics, morality and religion. As was his custom, Paul began to share the way of God with all who listened. The people were inclined to hear because they were always interested in being exposed to something new as if they wanted to be on the leading edge of the newest fad philosophy. Some believed and some did not.
Beloved, humanity has changed little. Everyone still has an opinion about everything and it is not difficult to attract followers to just about anything. There is no credible way to accurately quantify the number of religions practiced on the planet. Suffice it to say, most everyone is looking to believe in something higher than themselves that will eventually answer all of our questions. For this dilemma, Paul offers the one true living God.
Even in Christ, we must ask ourselves what we truly believe. It is true that we may claim Christianity and even attend worship in a church building, but who do we truly serve? Is it our possessions? Our relationships? Our vocations? Our habits? If you are unsure, examine where you spend most of your time and resources. This may very well be a strong indicator.
Surely God wants us all to have life, and that more abundantly. But let us always remember who provides that life. Let us remember that, "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation," Acts 17:24-26.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, April 10, 2020
Which One Was My Candle? A Good Friday Remembrance
"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46
Beloved, despite its sad origin, happy Good Friday! I'd like to share with you an experience I had several years ago on this date that still resonates today. I suspect we do not meditate on the importance of Good Friday very much these days as we go about our busy lives, but it is my hope that sharing this experience will cause us to reflect, even for a moment, on one of the most important days in all Christendom.
I'd like to share with you one of the most moving experiences of my life. Interestingly enough, it happened quite unexpectedly and even at this writing, some 12 hours later, I'm still a bit numb.
Last night, our youth minister, Chris Hughes, and several of the congregation's young people put together a Good Friday Service. Truth be told, I had never heard of such a thing. But Chris is kind of a spunky guy who has a great love for the Lord and is always wanting to try something new (you know how youth ministers are).
The service began with each person being required to light a candle in the foyer before entering the sanctuary. Once inside, Chris informed those who had gathered about what the service would consist of in pretty specific detail. He warned that it would be a heavy service and that it was not designed to bring joy, but to put us in the place of a disciple during the time of the trial, scourging and crucifixion. The service was to be lit primarily by candle, leaving participants mostly in the dark. I made note that he said that at the conclusion of the service, anyone who had the need or desire to stay could have all the time they needed. Little did I know that I would be the last to leave his seat.
Billed as a multi-sensory experience, the service began with a video montage, consisting primarily of clips from the film, "The Passion." If you've ever seen the movie, you know how much it can move you around emotionally. It started right there for me. It went downhill from there.
A chorus made up of the youth, Chris and the Horn family sang a beautiful song that seemed to both frame and echo the emotional content of the video's last scene; Mary was holding the battered and bleeding corpse of her dead son as the wind whipped her hair and tears cascaded down her face.
There then came a very well done dramatic presentation written by Megan Schwartz that represented the anger, despondency and confusion felt by Christ's apostles immediately after his death. By this point, I was, as the saying goes, all in. I was no longer aware of sitting in the third pew in a business suit, fulfilling my obligation to the members of our congregation by being present to support Chris and his efforts. I was there. 2000 years ago. I was there. It was happening to me. It was as if I had just witnessed the crucifixion of God's son whom I personally knew and had followed for years. It is difficult to explain...and it got worse.
The next portion of the service involved a reading of the account of Christ's ordeal from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to the time he hung his head and died. Chris and the kids took turns reading the account. Of course these are passages that we've read dozens or even hundreds of times. I was struck, despite my familiarity with the words, by how they hung in the air, rang in my ears and drilled down to my soul. The words seemed to have come to literal life. Even this was tremendously amplified by the fact that at every juncture in the scripture that an injustice was done or a betrayal committed, a candle on stage was blown out. It was painful to watch and I must admit that my eyes were either closed or looking at my hands the majority of the time. Hearing those words, picturing those images, feeling the weight of what Jesus went through and why, examining my own life and it's place in the scheme of why such a sacrifice was necessary, and watching Samantha Hearn step forward and blow those candles out at juncture after juncture was more than I could stand.
I wondered which candle would have been mine.
By the time the next to last candle had been blown out, I was barely coherent. Chris had earlier explained that when the last candle was blown out, the candle representing Jesus' life, the service would be over. After hearing the words of the soldier's spear piercing Jesus' side, only to find him already dead reverently and somberly read, Samantha approached the last light in the room, which poetically and ironically enough was placed on the altar, and disappeared with it behind the table. For a moment there was a glow that cast shadows...
...and then it was gone.
The sanctuary had fallen into the darkness reminiscent of the darkness that fell on that day 2000 years ago at Golgotha between noon and three.
Chris' voice intoned, "As you leave, note that the only light left is that from the candles you lit in the foyer before you came in. The only light left is the light in you."
I don't know how long I sat there.
I don't know how long I sat there suffering under the weight of it all. There were so many thoughts running through my head. There were so many emotions running through my soul. There was an overwhelming sense of sadness, grief, blame and responsibility. It felt as though I had just experienced a very real personal tragedy. I had. I sobbed uncontrollably. There is one thing I know for sure however; I wanted to go and get that candle back more than I've wanted to do anything in a very long time. But I knew I couldn't. No one could. Not even God would.
When I was able to gather myself (somewhat), I found Chris, grabbed him, held him and thanked him with every word I could muster, which admittedly were very few. I told him how I wanted to go and get that candle and it was about there that I lost it again. He assured me that it would be better Sunday. Knowing he was right, I reluctantly released him, turned, walked past a singing Christiana Horn, left the sanctuary, grabbed my daughter Torri and walked out of the building. I can only hope that the many members who all seemed to be lingering in the foyer didn't think me rude for not staying and chatting. For the first time in a long time, the preacher didn't have the words.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Beloved, despite its sad origin, happy Good Friday! I'd like to share with you an experience I had several years ago on this date that still resonates today. I suspect we do not meditate on the importance of Good Friday very much these days as we go about our busy lives, but it is my hope that sharing this experience will cause us to reflect, even for a moment, on one of the most important days in all Christendom.
***
I'd like to share with you one of the most moving experiences of my life. Interestingly enough, it happened quite unexpectedly and even at this writing, some 12 hours later, I'm still a bit numb.
Last night, our youth minister, Chris Hughes, and several of the congregation's young people put together a Good Friday Service. Truth be told, I had never heard of such a thing. But Chris is kind of a spunky guy who has a great love for the Lord and is always wanting to try something new (you know how youth ministers are).
The service began with each person being required to light a candle in the foyer before entering the sanctuary. Once inside, Chris informed those who had gathered about what the service would consist of in pretty specific detail. He warned that it would be a heavy service and that it was not designed to bring joy, but to put us in the place of a disciple during the time of the trial, scourging and crucifixion. The service was to be lit primarily by candle, leaving participants mostly in the dark. I made note that he said that at the conclusion of the service, anyone who had the need or desire to stay could have all the time they needed. Little did I know that I would be the last to leave his seat.
Billed as a multi-sensory experience, the service began with a video montage, consisting primarily of clips from the film, "The Passion." If you've ever seen the movie, you know how much it can move you around emotionally. It started right there for me. It went downhill from there.
A chorus made up of the youth, Chris and the Horn family sang a beautiful song that seemed to both frame and echo the emotional content of the video's last scene; Mary was holding the battered and bleeding corpse of her dead son as the wind whipped her hair and tears cascaded down her face.
There then came a very well done dramatic presentation written by Megan Schwartz that represented the anger, despondency and confusion felt by Christ's apostles immediately after his death. By this point, I was, as the saying goes, all in. I was no longer aware of sitting in the third pew in a business suit, fulfilling my obligation to the members of our congregation by being present to support Chris and his efforts. I was there. 2000 years ago. I was there. It was happening to me. It was as if I had just witnessed the crucifixion of God's son whom I personally knew and had followed for years. It is difficult to explain...and it got worse.
The next portion of the service involved a reading of the account of Christ's ordeal from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to the time he hung his head and died. Chris and the kids took turns reading the account. Of course these are passages that we've read dozens or even hundreds of times. I was struck, despite my familiarity with the words, by how they hung in the air, rang in my ears and drilled down to my soul. The words seemed to have come to literal life. Even this was tremendously amplified by the fact that at every juncture in the scripture that an injustice was done or a betrayal committed, a candle on stage was blown out. It was painful to watch and I must admit that my eyes were either closed or looking at my hands the majority of the time. Hearing those words, picturing those images, feeling the weight of what Jesus went through and why, examining my own life and it's place in the scheme of why such a sacrifice was necessary, and watching Samantha Hearn step forward and blow those candles out at juncture after juncture was more than I could stand.
I wondered which candle would have been mine.
By the time the next to last candle had been blown out, I was barely coherent. Chris had earlier explained that when the last candle was blown out, the candle representing Jesus' life, the service would be over. After hearing the words of the soldier's spear piercing Jesus' side, only to find him already dead reverently and somberly read, Samantha approached the last light in the room, which poetically and ironically enough was placed on the altar, and disappeared with it behind the table. For a moment there was a glow that cast shadows...
...and then it was gone.
The sanctuary had fallen into the darkness reminiscent of the darkness that fell on that day 2000 years ago at Golgotha between noon and three.
Chris' voice intoned, "As you leave, note that the only light left is that from the candles you lit in the foyer before you came in. The only light left is the light in you."
I don't know how long I sat there.
I don't know how long I sat there suffering under the weight of it all. There were so many thoughts running through my head. There were so many emotions running through my soul. There was an overwhelming sense of sadness, grief, blame and responsibility. It felt as though I had just experienced a very real personal tragedy. I had. I sobbed uncontrollably. There is one thing I know for sure however; I wanted to go and get that candle back more than I've wanted to do anything in a very long time. But I knew I couldn't. No one could. Not even God would.
When I was able to gather myself (somewhat), I found Chris, grabbed him, held him and thanked him with every word I could muster, which admittedly were very few. I told him how I wanted to go and get that candle and it was about there that I lost it again. He assured me that it would be better Sunday. Knowing he was right, I reluctantly released him, turned, walked past a singing Christiana Horn, left the sanctuary, grabbed my daughter Torri and walked out of the building. I can only hope that the many members who all seemed to be lingering in the foyer didn't think me rude for not staying and chatting. For the first time in a long time, the preacher didn't have the words.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, March 20, 2020
Be Encouraged
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" 1 Pet 1:6-7
There is not one among us who does not at one time or the other experience problems, difficulties, tragedies and loss. Issues come up in personal relationships, work situations, neighborhood interactions, finances and even misunderstandings among those with whom we worship. Speaking of worship, there may even be times that we are subjected to persecution because of our beliefs. None of us should be shocked by this. In fact this situations should actually encourage us and give us cause to rejoice.
Beloved, as Christians, we are called upon to be a different type of person with different beliefs, hopes, dreams, perspectives and certainly different responses to trials and difficulties. Our savior has taught us by his word and his example that life and reality are bigger than our current circumstances. There is an entire eternity before us against which many of the things we endure today diminish into triviality. We are sons and daughters of the living God! That must mean something to us and by extension, those who come into contact with us. We must look at these events, situations and circumstances as simply faith builders (our faith being more precious than pure and refined gold). Think about it this way: there is not a single situation out of which God has not delivered you or is not currently in the process of doing so. Not one. When he delivers us, our faith that he will do so the next time and the time after that and the time after that grows. We will eventually come to rely on him completely and begin to accept trials with joy, knowing that God has us now as He always has.
There is one more thing that helps us grow into this mindset and this truth: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" 1 Pet 1:3-5 (emphasis mine). We have every reason to be encouraged, even in the midst of the worse life has to offer.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
There is not one among us who does not at one time or the other experience problems, difficulties, tragedies and loss. Issues come up in personal relationships, work situations, neighborhood interactions, finances and even misunderstandings among those with whom we worship. Speaking of worship, there may even be times that we are subjected to persecution because of our beliefs. None of us should be shocked by this. In fact this situations should actually encourage us and give us cause to rejoice.
Beloved, as Christians, we are called upon to be a different type of person with different beliefs, hopes, dreams, perspectives and certainly different responses to trials and difficulties. Our savior has taught us by his word and his example that life and reality are bigger than our current circumstances. There is an entire eternity before us against which many of the things we endure today diminish into triviality. We are sons and daughters of the living God! That must mean something to us and by extension, those who come into contact with us. We must look at these events, situations and circumstances as simply faith builders (our faith being more precious than pure and refined gold). Think about it this way: there is not a single situation out of which God has not delivered you or is not currently in the process of doing so. Not one. When he delivers us, our faith that he will do so the next time and the time after that and the time after that grows. We will eventually come to rely on him completely and begin to accept trials with joy, knowing that God has us now as He always has.
There is one more thing that helps us grow into this mindset and this truth: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" 1 Pet 1:3-5 (emphasis mine). We have every reason to be encouraged, even in the midst of the worse life has to offer.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, March 13, 2020
Don't Go Back to Egypt
"All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, 'Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?' So they said to one another, 'Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.'” Numbers 14:2-4
It was on the receipt of a partially negative report about the land that God promised His chosen people that they rebelled. Just about 18-24 months had passed since they were delivered from 430 years of slavery, brought miraculously through the Red Sea, fed with bread from heaven and literally introduced to the God of their fathers. Yet because of the faithlessness of the representatives chosen to survey the land and their own fear and lack of trust, they expressed a desire to return to their slave masters and the condition under which they suffered for generations. They were even willing to stone the men through whom God effected their freedom, to go backward.
As we read and study these events some 3500 years later, we shake our heads and wonder why they could not see how immensely blessed they were. We are nearly exasperated at the shortness of their sight and the shallowness of their faith. We are amazed that they would willingly go back into certain death and be eternally lost over what we would consider a complete lack of perspective at minimum and relatively minor inconveniences at most. What could possibly have been wrong with those people? After all, they had seen the immense power of God first hand!
It is suggested beloved, that we not be quick to judge. How often do we long to visit the condition from which God brought us? None of us actually desire to re-enter the unsaved state that is Egypt, but there are times we do long for its comforts, familiarities and pleasures. Let's face it, if sin did not look good, feel good and taste good, few if any would be consumed by or interested in it. If Christianity was a simple walk in the park, everyone would be one. As the children of God, we must adopt the mindset of their Moses: "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible" Heb 11:25-27 (NIV).
In the face of doubt, fear and desire, Egypt can look attractive, but you are encouraged to never look back. God will not open the sea again for you to return. Instead, keep your eyes and your hope on the Promised Land. The way has already been made. We just need to be faithful enough to accept the good report and to cross over at the appointed time.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
It was on the receipt of a partially negative report about the land that God promised His chosen people that they rebelled. Just about 18-24 months had passed since they were delivered from 430 years of slavery, brought miraculously through the Red Sea, fed with bread from heaven and literally introduced to the God of their fathers. Yet because of the faithlessness of the representatives chosen to survey the land and their own fear and lack of trust, they expressed a desire to return to their slave masters and the condition under which they suffered for generations. They were even willing to stone the men through whom God effected their freedom, to go backward.
As we read and study these events some 3500 years later, we shake our heads and wonder why they could not see how immensely blessed they were. We are nearly exasperated at the shortness of their sight and the shallowness of their faith. We are amazed that they would willingly go back into certain death and be eternally lost over what we would consider a complete lack of perspective at minimum and relatively minor inconveniences at most. What could possibly have been wrong with those people? After all, they had seen the immense power of God first hand!
It is suggested beloved, that we not be quick to judge. How often do we long to visit the condition from which God brought us? None of us actually desire to re-enter the unsaved state that is Egypt, but there are times we do long for its comforts, familiarities and pleasures. Let's face it, if sin did not look good, feel good and taste good, few if any would be consumed by or interested in it. If Christianity was a simple walk in the park, everyone would be one. As the children of God, we must adopt the mindset of their Moses: "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible" Heb 11:25-27 (NIV).
In the face of doubt, fear and desire, Egypt can look attractive, but you are encouraged to never look back. God will not open the sea again for you to return. Instead, keep your eyes and your hope on the Promised Land. The way has already been made. We just need to be faithful enough to accept the good report and to cross over at the appointed time.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Friday, March 6, 2020
Listen for the Cross-examination
"In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines." Proverbs 18:17 (NIV)
Imagine the conversation between Eve and the Serpent in the Garden of Eden. He was clearly very skilled in making the argument that the things God told her could be otherwise interpreted. In fact, he told her that she would "not surely die" if she partook of the forbidden fruit. One of the things that made his words so effective at introducing doubt was her own desire. We are told that the fruit appealed to Eve's eye, looked delicious for eating and according to the Serpent, had the additional benefit of giving her at least one attribute of God. She therefore ate and introduced disastrous consequences that all of humanity still experiences today. It is submitted for your consideration that we are predisposed to entertain assertions such as those offered by the Serpent because of our own desires. It is written that, "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust" James 1:17.
Beloved, we ought to praise God for the advocate He has given us in Jesus (1 John 2:1). We can think of him not just as a lawyer who argues our case before God against the accusations of Satan, but one who has also already served our sentence and paid our debt, thereby releasing us from condemnation. You see Satan tried the same thing with Jesus that he did with Eve, however, he completely and utterly failed when the Lord refused him and answered him (cross-examined if you will) with the Word of God. He was unwilling to turn rocks into bread after a 40 day fast because it is the Word that sustains. He refused to throw himself toward the ground from dizzying heights to prove God would save him because he was unwilling to put God to the test. And he refused to accept the keys to the world from Satan for the "small" price of bowing down to him because he was only willing to worship God. Jesus knew better and did better because he sought the will of God and not his own.
Today there are many alternative views of what is good, bad, right and wrong. There are many who will tell you of different ways to achieve enlightenment, receive salvation, gain "heaven" and even reincarnate. To some these things are convincing as evidenced by the tremendous number of adherents to these different philosophies. Let us; however, wait for the cross-examination. There is more to know than what they say. May the Lord help us to overcome our own desires and seek His.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Imagine the conversation between Eve and the Serpent in the Garden of Eden. He was clearly very skilled in making the argument that the things God told her could be otherwise interpreted. In fact, he told her that she would "not surely die" if she partook of the forbidden fruit. One of the things that made his words so effective at introducing doubt was her own desire. We are told that the fruit appealed to Eve's eye, looked delicious for eating and according to the Serpent, had the additional benefit of giving her at least one attribute of God. She therefore ate and introduced disastrous consequences that all of humanity still experiences today. It is submitted for your consideration that we are predisposed to entertain assertions such as those offered by the Serpent because of our own desires. It is written that, "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust" James 1:17.
Beloved, we ought to praise God for the advocate He has given us in Jesus (1 John 2:1). We can think of him not just as a lawyer who argues our case before God against the accusations of Satan, but one who has also already served our sentence and paid our debt, thereby releasing us from condemnation. You see Satan tried the same thing with Jesus that he did with Eve, however, he completely and utterly failed when the Lord refused him and answered him (cross-examined if you will) with the Word of God. He was unwilling to turn rocks into bread after a 40 day fast because it is the Word that sustains. He refused to throw himself toward the ground from dizzying heights to prove God would save him because he was unwilling to put God to the test. And he refused to accept the keys to the world from Satan for the "small" price of bowing down to him because he was only willing to worship God. Jesus knew better and did better because he sought the will of God and not his own.
Today there are many alternative views of what is good, bad, right and wrong. There are many who will tell you of different ways to achieve enlightenment, receive salvation, gain "heaven" and even reincarnate. To some these things are convincing as evidenced by the tremendous number of adherents to these different philosophies. Let us; however, wait for the cross-examination. There is more to know than what they say. May the Lord help us to overcome our own desires and seek His.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Something Greater is on the Way
"And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body." Romans 8:23
I do not know about you but I am the type of person that always tries to have something to which to look forward. I remember how excited I would get as a kid when Christmas was around the corner or the time for the cross-country family vacation to Disney was near. I am sure I drove my parents to distraction talking about it. Interestingly enough, whenever something tough would happen, I would always think to myself that it did not matter because something big and good was coming. I am not the least bit ashamed to say that I still plan big things and still use the thought of them to get me through the tough times. Though trips and holidays are still a part of that thinking, over the years I have discovered something much greater.
Beloved, though we as Christians may not regularly think of it this way, there are unimaginably great things in store for us in the Lord. It is of first importance to know that through the agency of Jesus, we have been made members of the family of God. Evidence of this is that we have been given the Spirit as earnest in anticipation of receiving the full reward promised by God (Ephesians 1:13-14). As members of the family, we, through the grace of God, become entitled to big things including the ultimate excursion of all time! We need to know that our accommodations are even now being prepared and that at the proper time, we will be collected by our Savior (John 14:2-4). We can take heart that free transportation has already been arranged (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Lastly, what awaits can scarcely be described but we have surely been told about some of what we can expect (Revelation 21:1-7; 10-27; 22:1-5).
My encouragement to you today and all days is to keep an eye toward heaven and always keep your hand firmly clasped to His. Though the trials and tribulations of life come and go, let us all take heart that whatever circumstances in which we may find ourselves today do not represent the end. Something greater is on the way.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
I do not know about you but I am the type of person that always tries to have something to which to look forward. I remember how excited I would get as a kid when Christmas was around the corner or the time for the cross-country family vacation to Disney was near. I am sure I drove my parents to distraction talking about it. Interestingly enough, whenever something tough would happen, I would always think to myself that it did not matter because something big and good was coming. I am not the least bit ashamed to say that I still plan big things and still use the thought of them to get me through the tough times. Though trips and holidays are still a part of that thinking, over the years I have discovered something much greater.
Beloved, though we as Christians may not regularly think of it this way, there are unimaginably great things in store for us in the Lord. It is of first importance to know that through the agency of Jesus, we have been made members of the family of God. Evidence of this is that we have been given the Spirit as earnest in anticipation of receiving the full reward promised by God (Ephesians 1:13-14). As members of the family, we, through the grace of God, become entitled to big things including the ultimate excursion of all time! We need to know that our accommodations are even now being prepared and that at the proper time, we will be collected by our Savior (John 14:2-4). We can take heart that free transportation has already been arranged (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Lastly, what awaits can scarcely be described but we have surely been told about some of what we can expect (Revelation 21:1-7; 10-27; 22:1-5).
My encouragement to you today and all days is to keep an eye toward heaven and always keep your hand firmly clasped to His. Though the trials and tribulations of life come and go, let us all take heart that whatever circumstances in which we may find ourselves today do not represent the end. Something greater is on the way.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
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