"The Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.'" Job 1:8
Most of us are familiar with Job. His name is synonymous with patience, virtue and suffering with grace. Many of us turn to the pages on which his story is recorded for inspiration and reassurance during times of trouble.
Though the answer may seem to be obvious, have we really ever considered Job? Satan accused God of protecting him and thereby allowing him to maintain such integrity. I believe his statements were tantamount to saying that Job had been made that way by God. This is proven not to be the case. God merely identified him as a unique individual among all men. Noah was so identified in his time as well. They were both men that chose to lead godly lives and in Job's case, continued to make that choice under the most extreme conditions.
Beloved we all have trials and tribulations that we endure in this life. We suffer discomfort, want and loss at various times throughout our lives. Who among us, however, can claim to have endured what Job did? And if any among us can, who can claim to have steadfastly maintained such a beautiful perspective on his relationship with God and the realities of life? Who among us has avoided sin regardless of those trials and tribulations?
We all have the same ability to choose. We all serve that very same God. We can all look forward to the same rewards. Why do we seem to wilt under much lighter circumstances? Was Job anything special? Being just a man who made the ultimate choice to remain faithful no matter what, I would say so. But you and I have that same ability.
One last thought: It is amazing that Job lived such a life among men that it was known in heaven and offered as proof that we as His creation have the ability to truly live and serve as intended. Further, God had so much confidence in Job and his steadfastness that He allowed him to be tested severely. As much confidence as we have in God, can you imagine what it would be like for God to have that much confidence in you?
It could happen.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Sacrifice and Salvation 11/29/2012
"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
In the times of the Old Testament, it was necessary for animal sacrifices involving much blood to be made for the inadvertent sins of the people. It was a fairly complicated process that involved the high priest going into what was called the Holiest of Holies to render sacrifice to God. He had to first do so for himself and his family and then for all of Israel. This sacrifice of atonement as it was known, allowed the high priest to approach the very earthly presence of God (located in the Holiest of Holies) just once per year but it had to be done each year. This was done not to forgive his sins and that of the people, but was done merely as a reminder of sins. "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." Heb 10:3-4.
Beloved the sobering fact is that there was indeed a sacrifice that could take away sins and it was made by Jesus. It is only through his perfect obedience to God, his perfect and sinless life and the perfect nature of his sacrifice that we have access to salvation. His sacrifice ushered in a new covenant between God and man that did away with ritual offerings and provided the availability of a clear conscience for those who fear God as well as direct access to him through Jesus. Whereas formerly, only the high priest could approach the presence of God once a year and that with blood, we can all now approach God any time through the shedding of Christ's blood.
This act and this fact is nothing less than the very foundation of Christianity. And since he has given us access, we can take confidence in knowing that when he returns, it will be not to suffer as he has already done, but to receive those who have received him. Have you truly received Jesus?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
In the times of the Old Testament, it was necessary for animal sacrifices involving much blood to be made for the inadvertent sins of the people. It was a fairly complicated process that involved the high priest going into what was called the Holiest of Holies to render sacrifice to God. He had to first do so for himself and his family and then for all of Israel. This sacrifice of atonement as it was known, allowed the high priest to approach the very earthly presence of God (located in the Holiest of Holies) just once per year but it had to be done each year. This was done not to forgive his sins and that of the people, but was done merely as a reminder of sins. "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." Heb 10:3-4.
Beloved the sobering fact is that there was indeed a sacrifice that could take away sins and it was made by Jesus. It is only through his perfect obedience to God, his perfect and sinless life and the perfect nature of his sacrifice that we have access to salvation. His sacrifice ushered in a new covenant between God and man that did away with ritual offerings and provided the availability of a clear conscience for those who fear God as well as direct access to him through Jesus. Whereas formerly, only the high priest could approach the presence of God once a year and that with blood, we can all now approach God any time through the shedding of Christ's blood.
This act and this fact is nothing less than the very foundation of Christianity. And since he has given us access, we can take confidence in knowing that when he returns, it will be not to suffer as he has already done, but to receive those who have received him. Have you truly received Jesus?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Still Thankful 11/27/2012
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary." Ps 107:1-2
For the Christian, giving thanks to God neither begins, culminates or ends on a man inspired day to do so. Giving thanks is a way of life. It is a daily, even hourly habit that supersedes that of even brushing of teeth and washing of face.
There are a plethora of reasons to stop and give thanks throughout the day. None who give the smallest effort should have difficulty identifying reason after reason for doing so. The psalmist provides many reasons (which come from his close, warm, personal relationship with God). In particular, he lists the redemption, even salvation, from those who are arrayed against us. This could be anyone from a bad boss to Satan himself. Where as we were under the burden of slavery to our situation, habits, circumstances or enemies, God laid out a clear path inviting us to peace and prosperity. Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest" Matt 11:28. We did and he has.
Beloved, we as Christians should be the first in line to proclaim thanks to God and to tell His story to others. There are many who continued to be lost. There are many that continue to struggle daily with their various adversaries. And their yet remains One who can deliver them even as He has delivered us. Let us continue to give thanks day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute. One day we will all be able to stand united around the throne of grace and proclaim as the psalmist has:
"I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones" Ps 52:9.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Giving Thanks 11/21/2012 (rp)
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations." Ps 100:4-5
We are taught from the earliest age to simply say "thank you" when anyone gives to us or does for us. Michelle and I have a 20 month old grandson who is still formulating his vocabulary but "thank you" can already be found in his limited repetoire. It is one of the most polite yet fundamental things we can say in response to everything from the a "God bless you" when we sneeze to the very sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Beloved as our nation and much of the world has set aside tomorrow to stop, reflect and be thankful, let us as Christians, in our own way, lead this effort. Let us do so by placing our thanks where they belong, at the God's throne of grace. Let us do so by encouraging one another to count blessings rather than complaints. Let us give as we have been given. And let us do so not just on the 3rd Thurssday of November, but every moment of our lives. Surely God blesses us so.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
We are taught from the earliest age to simply say "thank you" when anyone gives to us or does for us. Michelle and I have a 20 month old grandson who is still formulating his vocabulary but "thank you" can already be found in his limited repetoire. It is one of the most polite yet fundamental things we can say in response to everything from the a "God bless you" when we sneeze to the very sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Beloved as our nation and much of the world has set aside tomorrow to stop, reflect and be thankful, let us as Christians, in our own way, lead this effort. Let us do so by placing our thanks where they belong, at the God's throne of grace. Let us do so by encouraging one another to count blessings rather than complaints. Let us give as we have been given. And let us do so not just on the 3rd Thurssday of November, but every moment of our lives. Surely God blesses us so.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Think to Thank 11/20/2012
"Then Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?' And He said to him, 'Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.'” Luke 17:17-19
There were ten who were suffering from leprosy who, against all social and legal conventions of the time, put themselves in proximity to Jesus and cried out loudly for relief of their suffering to the only one who could provide it. Jesus heard their cries had mercy on them and gave them instructions on how to become cleansed. Once accomplished, just one returned to give thanks while the others went their merry way. The one who returned was not one of God's own but a Samaritan, a traditional adversary of God's people.
Beloved how often have we found ourselves in the most heartfelt and desperate need? Be it physical, financial, psychological or relational, we have all been there at one time or another. We all know what it is like to need relief from an affliction, malady or situation. We then, like the lepers, cry out for help.
We may pursue our own means but sooner or later we get around to the Lord, placing ourselves at His mercy, begging for assistance. He is faithful and just and hears our cries to which He always responds. This can be said with confidence because none of us is suffering from the same malady as yesterday.
Since He comes to our aid just as Jesus came to the aid of the lepers, let us not be as those who went their merry way. Let us be as the one who came back, threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. Remember that this man was not of the people of God. May it never be said that those who are the children of God are less praising and thankful than those who are not.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
There were ten who were suffering from leprosy who, against all social and legal conventions of the time, put themselves in proximity to Jesus and cried out loudly for relief of their suffering to the only one who could provide it. Jesus heard their cries had mercy on them and gave them instructions on how to become cleansed. Once accomplished, just one returned to give thanks while the others went their merry way. The one who returned was not one of God's own but a Samaritan, a traditional adversary of God's people.
Beloved how often have we found ourselves in the most heartfelt and desperate need? Be it physical, financial, psychological or relational, we have all been there at one time or another. We all know what it is like to need relief from an affliction, malady or situation. We then, like the lepers, cry out for help.
We may pursue our own means but sooner or later we get around to the Lord, placing ourselves at His mercy, begging for assistance. He is faithful and just and hears our cries to which He always responds. This can be said with confidence because none of us is suffering from the same malady as yesterday.
Since He comes to our aid just as Jesus came to the aid of the lepers, let us not be as those who went their merry way. Let us be as the one who came back, threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. Remember that this man was not of the people of God. May it never be said that those who are the children of God are less praising and thankful than those who are not.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, November 19, 2012
This Little Light of Mine 11/19/2012
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matt 5:14-16
It is important for Christians to know that being a child of God is not simply a status, but a calling with a purpose and with responsibilities. It is true that there is a great inheritance reserved for us, however there is a great work we must do until such time as that inheritance is received. This work is not done in order to receive, but because it has already been set aside against the day of God's timing.
Beloved, we are God's advertising campaign. Though the majesty of His creation shouts His existence and love, we are the ones who are charged to tell the story, make the introductions and invite the world into a relationship with its creator. All that we say or do should be seasoned with that purpose in mind. We are advocates, representatives, ambassadors, samples and examples. It is only through His blessed family that others can and will come to Him. Let us engage in activities and behaviors that would draw all not to ourselves but to Him who made us all. Let us allow our light to shine brightly thus illuminating the very love of God.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is important for Christians to know that being a child of God is not simply a status, but a calling with a purpose and with responsibilities. It is true that there is a great inheritance reserved for us, however there is a great work we must do until such time as that inheritance is received. This work is not done in order to receive, but because it has already been set aside against the day of God's timing.
Beloved, we are God's advertising campaign. Though the majesty of His creation shouts His existence and love, we are the ones who are charged to tell the story, make the introductions and invite the world into a relationship with its creator. All that we say or do should be seasoned with that purpose in mind. We are advocates, representatives, ambassadors, samples and examples. It is only through His blessed family that others can and will come to Him. Let us engage in activities and behaviors that would draw all not to ourselves but to Him who made us all. Let us allow our light to shine brightly thus illuminating the very love of God.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Be Encouraged 11/15/2012
"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.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
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.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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