"But Jesus called for them, saying, 'Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.'" Luke 18:16-17
By this time, Jesus had become quite famous. Everywhere he went he attracted both detractors and the hopeful. In this case, worried and distraught parents were bringing their children to him to be blessed and healed. Unfortunately, it was Jesus' own disciples that took on the role of security guards (rather than facilitators) when they began to rebuke the parents for presumably wasting the Savior's time. Jesus used this opportunity as an object lesson for all.
Children are so wide eyed as they experience the world. There's is a faith that is so fundamental that they are not even aware of alternative explanations or perspectives. Their entire point of view is a combination of their own experience and what they have been told by loving parents. Based on these two things, they just accept. Watch small children as they interact with others like themselves on the playground or in the play room and you will see love and sharing. It is also at this stage of life when they are the most obedient and have not yet learned to talk back or premeditatedly misbehave. And finally, they are completely dependent upon their parents for everything from the basics of food, water, clothing and shelter to education, health care, affection and love. It is all a little one needs.
Beloved, when Jesus mentions receiving the kingdom of God like a child, he is talking about nothing less than these things. As adults and followers of Christ, we must shed our rebellion and faithlessness and understand that he provides for every one of our needs. We must love the Lord with the nearly blind faith and absoluteness of a child. All other alternatives must seem otherworldly. To do less than this endangers our ability to gain the heaven we all seek. If there is any area in which a grown, hard working, responsible adult should be childish, this is most certainly it.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Best Predictor of Future Performance 10/29/2012 (rp)
"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.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
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.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, October 26, 2012
Upgrade 10/26/2012 (rp)
"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 two 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 ultimately 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.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
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 two 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 ultimately 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.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Forgiven!! 10/25/2012
"There sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary." Heb 10:17-18
If we were to think about our needs and think beyond those things pertaining to the body such as food, air, water and shelter, we would sooner or later get around to our critical need for forgiveness. Once we become aware that God exists and that He has expectations for us and once we realize that we operate outside of those expectations, we realize that we need forgiveness. Once we fall in love with Him and realize He loved us since before we existed, we realize that we need forgiveness. Once we realize that there are benefits for obedience and consequences for a lack of obedience, we realize that we need forgiveness.
In ancient times, this realization existed among the Hebrews. Once understood, they obeyed God by sacrificing bulls, goats and birds to mitigate their sin. It is important to know that full forgiveness was not yet available to them but simply rolled forward for them. These practices were designed to pave the way for the coming and sacrificing of the Messiah, the only Sacrifice adequate enough to create the possibility of forgiveness.
Beloved, the amazing news is that Jesus the Messiah did come and did provide the ultimate sacrifice. In so doing, he did away with the need to slaughter animals to mitigate our sins. His one time sacrifice was perfect for all time and covers all who avail themselves of it by giving Christ headship over their lives. When this is sincerely done through hearing the word, believing it, recognizing that we sin and repenting of it, confessing that Jesus is the son of God and our savior and being baptized for the remission of those sins, we do indeed receive forgiveness of those sins and become members of God's family. Once done, forgiveness becomes perpetual as long as we continue to pursue godly lives. What blessed peace there is in knowing that our greatest need has been provided for by our heavenly Father.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
If we were to think about our needs and think beyond those things pertaining to the body such as food, air, water and shelter, we would sooner or later get around to our critical need for forgiveness. Once we become aware that God exists and that He has expectations for us and once we realize that we operate outside of those expectations, we realize that we need forgiveness. Once we fall in love with Him and realize He loved us since before we existed, we realize that we need forgiveness. Once we realize that there are benefits for obedience and consequences for a lack of obedience, we realize that we need forgiveness.
In ancient times, this realization existed among the Hebrews. Once understood, they obeyed God by sacrificing bulls, goats and birds to mitigate their sin. It is important to know that full forgiveness was not yet available to them but simply rolled forward for them. These practices were designed to pave the way for the coming and sacrificing of the Messiah, the only Sacrifice adequate enough to create the possibility of forgiveness.
Beloved, the amazing news is that Jesus the Messiah did come and did provide the ultimate sacrifice. In so doing, he did away with the need to slaughter animals to mitigate our sins. His one time sacrifice was perfect for all time and covers all who avail themselves of it by giving Christ headship over their lives. When this is sincerely done through hearing the word, believing it, recognizing that we sin and repenting of it, confessing that Jesus is the son of God and our savior and being baptized for the remission of those sins, we do indeed receive forgiveness of those sins and become members of God's family. Once done, forgiveness becomes perpetual as long as we continue to pursue godly lives. What blessed peace there is in knowing that our greatest need has been provided for by our heavenly Father.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, October 22, 2012
Good News and Better News 10/22/2012
"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Heb 9:28 (NIV)
It is difficult for any human being to look upon Jesus' suffering on the cross as good news. The gospel account is actually quite horrifying and humiliating. Nevertheless, without it, humanity would be doomed to an an irreversible destruction. It is only because of our Savior's great sacrifice that we can be reconciled to the God who made us.
The one thing that mitigates the sorrowful treatment of God's son is the fact that he took up his life again. With resurrection power, he arose and walked out of his borrowed tomb to verify the truth of his words and spread the good news of their meaning. Having completed his work on earth, he returned to the heaven from which he came and now sits on the right hand of God.
Beloved, all of this is as if a cure has been discovered for a terrible disease to which we are all subject. The goodness of the news does not reach its zenith until we are ourselves inoculated. This will take place when the same Savior who rose into the clouds comes back in those clouds and reaps the harvest of all he has planted on earth. That is when good news will get even better.
Let us be sure that we are part of that harvest. Though he will return for those who are waiting for him, remember that we must be prepared in our waiting. As the wise virgins had their lamps filled with oil, ready for the bridegroom to arrive despite not knowing the hour, we too must have our lives in order. Only then we will be able to take advantage of the best news possible: the announcement that it is time to go home.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is difficult for any human being to look upon Jesus' suffering on the cross as good news. The gospel account is actually quite horrifying and humiliating. Nevertheless, without it, humanity would be doomed to an an irreversible destruction. It is only because of our Savior's great sacrifice that we can be reconciled to the God who made us.
The one thing that mitigates the sorrowful treatment of God's son is the fact that he took up his life again. With resurrection power, he arose and walked out of his borrowed tomb to verify the truth of his words and spread the good news of their meaning. Having completed his work on earth, he returned to the heaven from which he came and now sits on the right hand of God.
Beloved, all of this is as if a cure has been discovered for a terrible disease to which we are all subject. The goodness of the news does not reach its zenith until we are ourselves inoculated. This will take place when the same Savior who rose into the clouds comes back in those clouds and reaps the harvest of all he has planted on earth. That is when good news will get even better.
Let us be sure that we are part of that harvest. Though he will return for those who are waiting for him, remember that we must be prepared in our waiting. As the wise virgins had their lamps filled with oil, ready for the bridegroom to arrive despite not knowing the hour, we too must have our lives in order. Only then we will be able to take advantage of the best news possible: the announcement that it is time to go home.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, October 19, 2012
Who is Jesus? 10/19/2012
"And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Heb 1:3
Most who call upon the name of Christ have a working knowledge of who he is. We understand what he has done and is doing for us, that he loves us and that we should love and obey him. But do we ever go beyond those surface facts. Scripture reveals some very powerful truths about our Savior.
It is important to know that Jesus is God in the flesh. There are many scriptures that bear out this critical fact. One well known example can be found in Phi 2:5-8. You are encouraged to examine this for yourself. This means that Jesus was not and is not just a "good man," "an excellent teacher," or a "wise prophet."
Jesus is God the Son and is able to, as the scripture says, uphold all things by the word of His power." For further insight into what this means, read John 1:1-3. Once this has been done, journey to verse 14 of the same book and chapter to understand who wields this power and to know that our Savior is indeed King of Kings who loved us enough to put on flesh and live among us.
Understanding these things, we must then become convinced that only his death could pay the price of our sin. The sacrificing of animals and agricultural products could never do. The death of any other person, no matter how righteous would accomplish nothing for him or herself nor the human race. Only God could accomplish such a thing. And now, his earthly work done, he has returned to the heaven which he left for us, and is preparing a place for us to be there with him.
Beloved let us always keep in mind that Jesus is not just a slogan, an idea, a historical figure or a quaint notion. He is the Master of the universe and the personal savior of all who call upon him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most who call upon the name of Christ have a working knowledge of who he is. We understand what he has done and is doing for us, that he loves us and that we should love and obey him. But do we ever go beyond those surface facts. Scripture reveals some very powerful truths about our Savior.
It is important to know that Jesus is God in the flesh. There are many scriptures that bear out this critical fact. One well known example can be found in Phi 2:5-8. You are encouraged to examine this for yourself. This means that Jesus was not and is not just a "good man," "an excellent teacher," or a "wise prophet."
Jesus is God the Son and is able to, as the scripture says, uphold all things by the word of His power." For further insight into what this means, read John 1:1-3. Once this has been done, journey to verse 14 of the same book and chapter to understand who wields this power and to know that our Savior is indeed King of Kings who loved us enough to put on flesh and live among us.
Understanding these things, we must then become convinced that only his death could pay the price of our sin. The sacrificing of animals and agricultural products could never do. The death of any other person, no matter how righteous would accomplish nothing for him or herself nor the human race. Only God could accomplish such a thing. And now, his earthly work done, he has returned to the heaven which he left for us, and is preparing a place for us to be there with him.
Beloved let us always keep in mind that Jesus is not just a slogan, an idea, a historical figure or a quaint notion. He is the Master of the universe and the personal savior of all who call upon him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, October 18, 2012
GPS 10/18/2012 (rp)
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
We live in a choice driven world. Everyone seems to want to either blaze their own trail and go their own way or chose from a plethora of trails to get to a common destination. We seek to distinguish ourselves by being different than the next person. For this reason standards become diluted. Whereas this human trait may be responsible for many of the advances we have achieved, when it comes to salvation, there has only ever been one way.
Beloved, Jesus is the doorway through which we must enter in order to gain our heavenly home. He emphatically states in Jn 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me." Though we change, the Way does not. The Hebrew writer offers, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." The standard has been established and is accessible to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Many will espouse different ways to reach paradise but make no mistake, the only road map, established by God, gives one route and one route only. Let us follow the ultimate GPS (God Positioning System) and share the directions with others.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
We live in a choice driven world. Everyone seems to want to either blaze their own trail and go their own way or chose from a plethora of trails to get to a common destination. We seek to distinguish ourselves by being different than the next person. For this reason standards become diluted. Whereas this human trait may be responsible for many of the advances we have achieved, when it comes to salvation, there has only ever been one way.
Beloved, Jesus is the doorway through which we must enter in order to gain our heavenly home. He emphatically states in Jn 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me." Though we change, the Way does not. The Hebrew writer offers, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." The standard has been established and is accessible to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Many will espouse different ways to reach paradise but make no mistake, the only road map, established by God, gives one route and one route only. Let us follow the ultimate GPS (God Positioning System) and share the directions with others.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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