"Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see:"
Matt 11:2-4
Dear John was truly in a bad way when his faith seemingly slipped. By all accounts he had lived a righteous life and now found himself in prison for doing nothing more than that which is right. As despondent as any of us might be in his situation, he sent his followers to ask a question that was critically important to him then as it is to us today.
This, however, is not about John's questions. It is about Christ's answer. Christ is not reported to have been annoyed at the question though he could easily have been. You see it was John that baptized him, witnessed the Holy Spirit landing on his head like a Dove and heard the voice of God verify that he indeed was His son. No, Christ answered with indulgence and evidence.
As much as this is about Christ's answer, it is about your answer. Most of us who have obeyed the gospel do a less than stellar job sharing that same gospel. It is like receiving a cure for a fatal disease and then refusing to share it with others who need it because we do not know how it works. Beloved, if you are fortunate enough to have someone ask about the source of your faith because of what they have observed in your walk, you do not have to be a theologian to answer the question. You only have to tell them what Christ has done and is doing in your life. Tell them about how far he has brought you from who you used to be and that even now, he is working in your life. Tell them about the different way you look at and respond to things based on what you have been taught by and about him. Tell them how you fell in love with him. Tell them what you have heard and seen.
Remarkably, this same information is not just an excellent answer, but it is also an excellent conversation starter.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Golden Life 10/28/2011 (rp)
"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you." Luke 6:31
Whether you ever knew that the "Golden Rule" came from scripture or not, you will recognize this most basic tenant of both Christianity and humanity. It makes so much sense that it is difficult to fathom why we do not all ascribe to it.
We spend so much time being unhappy in our relationships. Usually this is because someone has done something to us or failed to do something for us. We start out being displeased, then upset, then disagreeable and then hostile. We begin to display un-Christ-like behavior and could potentially lose our faith altogether, not because of what Christ has or has not done, but because of man. Is our faith so weak? Are we so short sighted?
The real tragedy is that we often view ourselves as passive in these situations. We take the stance that these things just happen to us through no fault of our own. What we fail to do is to examine our role in relationships that are less than optimal and less than loving. We rarely ask ourselves the tough questions, "What could I have done to prevent this?" or "What can I do to fix it?"
Beloved if we spent more time being the friend that we desire, we might find that we would have the friends we desire.
Whether you ever knew that the "Golden Rule" came from scripture or not, you will recognize this most basic tenant of both Christianity and humanity. It makes so much sense that it is difficult to fathom why we do not all ascribe to it.
We spend so much time being unhappy in our relationships. Usually this is because someone has done something to us or failed to do something for us. We start out being displeased, then upset, then disagreeable and then hostile. We begin to display un-Christ-like behavior and could potentially lose our faith altogether, not because of what Christ has or has not done, but because of man. Is our faith so weak? Are we so short sighted?
The real tragedy is that we often view ourselves as passive in these situations. We take the stance that these things just happen to us through no fault of our own. What we fail to do is to examine our role in relationships that are less than optimal and less than loving. We rarely ask ourselves the tough questions, "What could I have done to prevent this?" or "What can I do to fix it?"
Beloved if we spent more time being the friend that we desire, we might find that we would have the friends we desire.
- Do you want someone to celebrate your accomplishments with you? Celebrate with others.
- Do you want your birthday remembered? Acknowledge others'.
- Do you want to be forgiven when you offend? Be forgiving.
- Do you want help when it is needed? Lend a hand to someone else.
- Do you want visits or phone calls when you are down? Be there for your brothers and sisters.
- Do you want understanding? Provide it.
- Do you want to see God? Be His representative to those in your world.
It takes more effort to maintain grudges, to remember to be hard hearted and to remain angry than it does to cast those things off and decide to be happy. This is the way of God.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Best Predictor of Future Performance-10/27/2011
"Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying." Matt 28:5-6
One of the many responsibilities of human resources professionals is to evaluate candidates for potential employment. This is a critical task in every business. The HR professional must evaluate a previously unknown individual to determine whether they would be an asset or a liability to the company. One of the most important tools used to accomplish this is known as behavioral interviewing. The theory behind this practice is, "The best predictor of future performance is past performance."
Beloved, we play the role of HR professional in our lives every day. The only reason we get on planes is because we've seen them take off and more importantly, land safely. We eat at restaurants where we do not actually see our food being prepared, because of the health department rating in every window. We believe in Jesus because he did what he said he would.
Jesus frequently told his disciples that he would give up his life but that he would take it up again. Though they did not fully understand it at the time (and Thomas not believing it all until he saw the ressurected Savior), they continued to follow him. They had seen him heal the sick, feed the hungry, minister to those in need, withstand hypocritical authorities and perform miracles never before seen. His performance lead to the establishment of their faith. They believed him so much that they completely changed their lives and began to live for him.
Jesus has said, "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 14:2-3. On those rare occasions when your faith may get a little shaky, remember his past performance and look forward to his future performance. Jesus will do just what he said he would just as he always has.
Loving like Jesus,
Lee
One of the many responsibilities of human resources professionals is to evaluate candidates for potential employment. This is a critical task in every business. The HR professional must evaluate a previously unknown individual to determine whether they would be an asset or a liability to the company. One of the most important tools used to accomplish this is known as behavioral interviewing. The theory behind this practice is, "The best predictor of future performance is past performance."
Beloved, we play the role of HR professional in our lives every day. The only reason we get on planes is because we've seen them take off and more importantly, land safely. We eat at restaurants where we do not actually see our food being prepared, because of the health department rating in every window. We believe in Jesus because he did what he said he would.
Jesus frequently told his disciples that he would give up his life but that he would take it up again. Though they did not fully understand it at the time (and Thomas not believing it all until he saw the ressurected Savior), they continued to follow him. They had seen him heal the sick, feed the hungry, minister to those in need, withstand hypocritical authorities and perform miracles never before seen. His performance lead to the establishment of their faith. They believed him so much that they completely changed their lives and began to live for him.
Jesus has said, "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 14:2-3. On those rare occasions when your faith may get a little shaky, remember his past performance and look forward to his future performance. Jesus will do just what he said he would just as he always has.
Loving like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Purpose of the Thorn-10/26/2011
"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 Cor 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.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
It is Time to Get Up and Go to Work-10/25/2011
"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Rom 13:11
Every morning we are blessed to see a new day. As some of us bound out of bed toward an invigorating cup of coffee and all the exciting tasks the day brings (or as some of us hang on to our pillows and the last shreds of unconsciousness as if it were the cure to all of life's ills), let us be reminded of what it means to wake up and get up. We do so because there is a time for sleeping and a time for waking. There is a time for resting and a time for working. There is a time for being still and a time for being active. Sleep, rest and stillness merely serve to recharge us for the things that must be done.
Beloved, far too often we clutch the pillow of neglect in our spiritual lives. Times when we are called to go to the harvest, visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, work while it is day and to rejoice and be glad in that day, we instead pull the covers over our heads while slapping the alarm clock to silence. In so doing, we are clinging to the darkness in our lives and it is a darkness from which we have been saved. In so doing, we are neglecting that salvation. The Hebrew writer asked rhetorically, "How shall we escape [just punishment]if we neglect so great a salvation?" Heb 2:3.
We must wake up and, as Jesus said, "Work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes when no man can work." John 9:4. Just as in the fable of the Grasshopper and the Ant, there will come a time when a season (or a lifetime) of idleness and improvidence will show up demanding payment, at which time it will be too late to attempt to get things done. Do you remember the people of Noah's time?
There are no easy chairs in the house of the Lord. Let us focus on accomplishing what we were saved to do. Let us rise with glad hearts, thankful for the blessing of waking and the ability to accomplish. And let us cheerfully seek and accomplish the work of the Lord. "For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love' and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thes 5:7.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Every morning we are blessed to see a new day. As some of us bound out of bed toward an invigorating cup of coffee and all the exciting tasks the day brings (or as some of us hang on to our pillows and the last shreds of unconsciousness as if it were the cure to all of life's ills), let us be reminded of what it means to wake up and get up. We do so because there is a time for sleeping and a time for waking. There is a time for resting and a time for working. There is a time for being still and a time for being active. Sleep, rest and stillness merely serve to recharge us for the things that must be done.
Beloved, far too often we clutch the pillow of neglect in our spiritual lives. Times when we are called to go to the harvest, visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, work while it is day and to rejoice and be glad in that day, we instead pull the covers over our heads while slapping the alarm clock to silence. In so doing, we are clinging to the darkness in our lives and it is a darkness from which we have been saved. In so doing, we are neglecting that salvation. The Hebrew writer asked rhetorically, "How shall we escape [just punishment]if we neglect so great a salvation?" Heb 2:3.
We must wake up and, as Jesus said, "Work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes when no man can work." John 9:4. Just as in the fable of the Grasshopper and the Ant, there will come a time when a season (or a lifetime) of idleness and improvidence will show up demanding payment, at which time it will be too late to attempt to get things done. Do you remember the people of Noah's time?
There are no easy chairs in the house of the Lord. Let us focus on accomplishing what we were saved to do. Let us rise with glad hearts, thankful for the blessing of waking and the ability to accomplish. And let us cheerfully seek and accomplish the work of the Lord. "For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love' and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thes 5:7.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, October 24, 2011
Upgrade-10/24/2011
"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 Cor 5:1-2
It is no secret to any of us that we are but mortals. None of us in our current form will live forever. In fact, death is as much a part of life as living is. Though we experience fear, mourning, despair and sorrow at the thought of passing from this life, we also know that it is necessary in order to gain the next. The interesting thing is that as much as we may fear leaving this life, so many of us are dissatisfied with it.
Beloved, Jesus has told us that he has gone to prepare a place for us. Paul has informed us that the "perishable must put on the imperishable" in order to gain heaven. These to facts alone should fill us with confidence that where we are now is not where we will ultimately be. Though we were placed on this earth for a time and given things we must accomplish in the service of the Lord, this life is nowhere near what is meant for the Christian.
Let us remember that these fallible bodies, subject to all kinds of defects and breakdowns are temporary vessels to one day be replaced with perfect ones. The pains of this world will not last always. Let us remember that this fallible existence full of all kinds of discomforts, temptations and unwholesome desires will be replaced by the presence of the Father. Let us look forward to an upgrade that is out of this world.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It is no secret to any of us that we are but mortals. None of us in our current form will live forever. In fact, death is as much a part of life as living is. Though we experience fear, mourning, despair and sorrow at the thought of passing from this life, we also know that it is necessary in order to gain the next. The interesting thing is that as much as we may fear leaving this life, so many of us are dissatisfied with it.
Beloved, Jesus has told us that he has gone to prepare a place for us. Paul has informed us that the "perishable must put on the imperishable" in order to gain heaven. These to facts alone should fill us with confidence that where we are now is not where we will ultimately be. Though we were placed on this earth for a time and given things we must accomplish in the service of the Lord, this life is nowhere near what is meant for the Christian.
Let us remember that these fallible bodies, subject to all kinds of defects and breakdowns are temporary vessels to one day be replaced with perfect ones. The pains of this world will not last always. Let us remember that this fallible existence full of all kinds of discomforts, temptations and unwholesome desires will be replaced by the presence of the Father. Let us look forward to an upgrade that is out of this world.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, October 21, 2011
Our Protector-10/21/2011
"Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you." Deut 23:14
It is important that we know God is intimately involved in our individual and corporate lives. We are his people and He is our God. He knows all, can do everything and is everywhere at all times. Having created us, He has chosen to provide for us, forgive us, extend His grace and mercy to us and even take on flesh to live among us. He indeed is in the midst of our very lives.
In this context, His purpose is revealed in one of His many names, Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, our Protector, Psa 46:7. Not only is He present, but He is actively engaged in establishing a hedge of safety around us. You will recall, however, that where God is, sin cannot be. Moses was required to remove his shoes when He was on holy ground. When Jesus asked, "Why have you forsaken me?" it was because God could not be where sin was, even to comfort His own son on whose shoulders the sins of the world hung.
Beloved, we should not be under any illusion that anything has changed. God is still holy and still requires holiness of us. We must be ever diligent as it relates to our individual lives and the lives of our congregations. God will not be where sin is and where God is not actively protecting, the enemy can walk right in and destroy. Do not be caught dead without Him.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It is important that we know God is intimately involved in our individual and corporate lives. We are his people and He is our God. He knows all, can do everything and is everywhere at all times. Having created us, He has chosen to provide for us, forgive us, extend His grace and mercy to us and even take on flesh to live among us. He indeed is in the midst of our very lives.
In this context, His purpose is revealed in one of His many names, Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, our Protector, Psa 46:7. Not only is He present, but He is actively engaged in establishing a hedge of safety around us. You will recall, however, that where God is, sin cannot be. Moses was required to remove his shoes when He was on holy ground. When Jesus asked, "Why have you forsaken me?" it was because God could not be where sin was, even to comfort His own son on whose shoulders the sins of the world hung.
Beloved, we should not be under any illusion that anything has changed. God is still holy and still requires holiness of us. We must be ever diligent as it relates to our individual lives and the lives of our congregations. God will not be where sin is and where God is not actively protecting, the enemy can walk right in and destroy. Do not be caught dead without Him.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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