"Then Barak said to her, 'If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.'” Judg 3:8
The context of this admittedly obscure passage of scripture is that a man by the name of Barak was told by God to take ten thousand men to a pre appointed place where He would deliver the enemy of Israel into his hand. This information was delivered by Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. God was setting him up for success.
Beloved, it is easy to say that we believe in God. In fact, if you ask most people in this country whether they believe in the one true God, the answer would be a resounding yes. Unfortunately, that is where it usually stops. Believing in God is easy because it is conceptual. It requires no effort whatsoever to believe in an idea, a perceived fact or even an individual. Believing God, however, is an entirely different matter. Believing God means not only accepting as true His existence but conducting your life in accordance with this fact. It means accepting that if He can create the universe then He can most certainly take on flesh, walk on water, still storms, feed five thousand with a few fish and pieces of bread, call the dead to life, forgive our sins and save our very souls. It means having confidence that He can and will do what He says and it means conducting our lives in a manner reflective of that.
It is recorded in scripture, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19. Essentially, believing in God is something even the devil can claim but do we believe Him enough to do what he says?
It is clear that Barak believed in God. He was of the house of Israel and he gave credence to the words of the one who God placed in a leadership position over them. It is just as clear that Barak did not believe God would deliver the enemy into his hand, opting instead to only obey God if she accompanied him as if He was more likely to keep His promise where she was concerned than to himself whom God actually called. This, in effect, allowed Deborah to have the preeminence in the situation. She believed God would do what He said and told Barak, "'I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh" Judg 3:9. The enemy was in fact delivered into the hands of a woman. Believe God.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Friday, June 10, 2016
Death & Faith 6/10/2016
Beloved,
Many of you faithful readers are aware that my wife Michelle's mother was recently called home to be with the Lord. In my capacity as a minister, it is part of my calling to deal with death and help others find understanding, meaning and hopefully a strengthened faith in the loss of a loved one. This is the first time, however, it has struck so closely to home. I have eulogized many but never a relative.
There may be some of you that have endured such a loss or perhaps are dealing with it even now. If neither of these are the case, there will surely come a time when a knock on the door of your heart will come. The following preciously written devotional is offered for us all.
"Then the Lord struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them. Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, 'Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!' But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, 'Is the child dead?' And they said, 'He is dead.' So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped." 2 Sam 12:15-20
Despite being "a man after God's own heart," David was very human with all of the flaws and weaknesses that can be found in any human being. He famously sinned with Bathsheba, impregnated her and had her husband killed when he refused to go into her during a weekend pass designed to cover David's tracks. Despite his contrition and repentance and God's forgiveness, there were consequences for his actions. One of the consequences unfortunately involved the death of the child. David then experienced a depth of sorrow that every parent dreads. The illness and expected passing of his baby made him inconsolable.
Beloved, I pray that you will never know such loss, particularly as a result of your own sin. Nevertheless, we all, at some point in our lives, have known or will know despair. If we haven't yet, we will someday experience pain that is unimaginable. Despite the best efforts of others to comfort us, there seems to be no word that can be spoken, no medicine that can be taken and no prayer that can be prayed that will deliver us from our sorrow. This is a normal part of our human existence. The key is to remain faithful despite these trials and tribulations.
When there was nothing more to be said or done, David cleaned himself up and went to worship. What we learn from him is that despite his sin, punishment and pain, he never lost contact with the God who made Him. He remained prayerful throughout his ordeal. Through fasting, he sacrificed to the Lord hoping to find favor. And when he found that God's judgment was final, he worshiped him. He never broke faith with God nor lost faith in Him despite having the worst experience of his life. When his servants asked why he despaired so when the child was still alive but recovered so quickly upon his death, he shared concerning his child, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me," 2 Samuel 12:23. Even this was an amazing display of faith in the Father. When storms come, let us all be sure to do likewise.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Many of you faithful readers are aware that my wife Michelle's mother was recently called home to be with the Lord. In my capacity as a minister, it is part of my calling to deal with death and help others find understanding, meaning and hopefully a strengthened faith in the loss of a loved one. This is the first time, however, it has struck so closely to home. I have eulogized many but never a relative.
There may be some of you that have endured such a loss or perhaps are dealing with it even now. If neither of these are the case, there will surely come a time when a knock on the door of your heart will come. The following preciously written devotional is offered for us all.
***
"Then the Lord struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them. Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, 'Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!' But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, 'Is the child dead?' And they said, 'He is dead.' So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped." 2 Sam 12:15-20
Despite being "a man after God's own heart," David was very human with all of the flaws and weaknesses that can be found in any human being. He famously sinned with Bathsheba, impregnated her and had her husband killed when he refused to go into her during a weekend pass designed to cover David's tracks. Despite his contrition and repentance and God's forgiveness, there were consequences for his actions. One of the consequences unfortunately involved the death of the child. David then experienced a depth of sorrow that every parent dreads. The illness and expected passing of his baby made him inconsolable.
Beloved, I pray that you will never know such loss, particularly as a result of your own sin. Nevertheless, we all, at some point in our lives, have known or will know despair. If we haven't yet, we will someday experience pain that is unimaginable. Despite the best efforts of others to comfort us, there seems to be no word that can be spoken, no medicine that can be taken and no prayer that can be prayed that will deliver us from our sorrow. This is a normal part of our human existence. The key is to remain faithful despite these trials and tribulations.
When there was nothing more to be said or done, David cleaned himself up and went to worship. What we learn from him is that despite his sin, punishment and pain, he never lost contact with the God who made Him. He remained prayerful throughout his ordeal. Through fasting, he sacrificed to the Lord hoping to find favor. And when he found that God's judgment was final, he worshiped him. He never broke faith with God nor lost faith in Him despite having the worst experience of his life. When his servants asked why he despaired so when the child was still alive but recovered so quickly upon his death, he shared concerning his child, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me," 2 Samuel 12:23. Even this was an amazing display of faith in the Father. When storms come, let us all be sure to do likewise.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Location, Location, Location 5/12/2016
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-28
Did you know that sand is a pretty good substance on which to build a house? In fact, according to the University of Minnesota Extension, "If the subsoil is coarse (sand, loamy sand), water drains through it rapidly (assuming there is no high water table). Coarse-textured soils are easily excavated and quite stable during both dry and wet conditions." Of course a firm and solid foundation of bedrock is a good place to build too. Considering this passage, however, there are two things most of us miss.
First, it is the location of the sand. Whenever we think sand, we think beach. When we think beach we think ocean. In reality, those in Israel were more familiar with the desert and something called wadies. A wadi is a dry riverbed. Though water does not consistently flow there, when the rare rains come, even if they occur miles away, they are subject to torrential flash flooding. These flood are responsible for killing more people in the wilderness than heat, thirst and animals combined. Because of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the sand lined wadis, they just don't make good places to build homes. Note the wording of a portion of the passage in the NIV (emphasis mine): "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Second, we get so caught up in houses, construction and materials, we miss the message that compares the way the houses withstand the sudden onset of potential calamity with hearing and acting on the word of God.
Beloved, it is a sure thing that problems, challenges, threats and storms will come our way. Nowhere in the bible is it promised that these things will not happen. It is actually implied that they will. Rains, winds and floods happen every day to this day. The difference in wisdom and foolishness and the difference in the outcome of the storms is found in the decision to adhere to the given word of God. It is important to note that hearing or being aware of what God has to say to us is not enough. Acting on the word or according to it is the critical piece. Our parents told us not to put anything into electrical sockets. We all heard it. Only those who heeded do not have stories of suffering to share (unless they are relating those of others).
Let us not subject ourselves to a great fall. We know the difference between good and bad and right and wrong. We know what God has said. Even if we do not agree, if our desire is to be contrary or if we are skeptical of the outcome, God is worthy of our trust. Let us be wise. Let us not build our lives in areas that are in harms way but let us elevate out of the river bottom and build on the Rock that is Jesus who sits on high where surely there is safety even in the storm.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Did you know that sand is a pretty good substance on which to build a house? In fact, according to the University of Minnesota Extension, "If the subsoil is coarse (sand, loamy sand), water drains through it rapidly (assuming there is no high water table). Coarse-textured soils are easily excavated and quite stable during both dry and wet conditions." Of course a firm and solid foundation of bedrock is a good place to build too. Considering this passage, however, there are two things most of us miss.
First, it is the location of the sand. Whenever we think sand, we think beach. When we think beach we think ocean. In reality, those in Israel were more familiar with the desert and something called wadies. A wadi is a dry riverbed. Though water does not consistently flow there, when the rare rains come, even if they occur miles away, they are subject to torrential flash flooding. These flood are responsible for killing more people in the wilderness than heat, thirst and animals combined. Because of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the sand lined wadis, they just don't make good places to build homes. Note the wording of a portion of the passage in the NIV (emphasis mine): "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Second, we get so caught up in houses, construction and materials, we miss the message that compares the way the houses withstand the sudden onset of potential calamity with hearing and acting on the word of God.
Beloved, it is a sure thing that problems, challenges, threats and storms will come our way. Nowhere in the bible is it promised that these things will not happen. It is actually implied that they will. Rains, winds and floods happen every day to this day. The difference in wisdom and foolishness and the difference in the outcome of the storms is found in the decision to adhere to the given word of God. It is important to note that hearing or being aware of what God has to say to us is not enough. Acting on the word or according to it is the critical piece. Our parents told us not to put anything into electrical sockets. We all heard it. Only those who heeded do not have stories of suffering to share (unless they are relating those of others).
Let us not subject ourselves to a great fall. We know the difference between good and bad and right and wrong. We know what God has said. Even if we do not agree, if our desire is to be contrary or if we are skeptical of the outcome, God is worthy of our trust. Let us be wise. Let us not build our lives in areas that are in harms way but let us elevate out of the river bottom and build on the Rock that is Jesus who sits on high where surely there is safety even in the storm.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Just Believing 4/28/2016
"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.'” Luke 8:50 (NIV)
There was once a man named Jairus who the Bible describes as a synagogue leader. His responsibilities would have been to conduct services, select participants and supervise the worship. In Christianity, the equivelant might be a worship leader, deacon or even minister. In any case, Jairus had a daughter who was very near death. Knowing of Jesus and his capabilities and knowing that he was in the area, he ran to him, fell at his feet and begged him to come to his home and save his daughter.
As a parent, I do not have to imagine what Jairus was going through. I remember writing in my daughter's baby book as she lay in my arms just days old that it was my job and my promise to love her and protect her from all threats. I found out as Jairus found out that you can't protect your babies from everything. I found out that there are things for which there is no defense. I found out what it is like to see her lying in bed and praying that God would just let me trade places with her, knowing all the while that it was nothing more than a desparate father's wish and that it could never happen. I know what it is like to be utterly helpless and reduced to wracking sobs. But like Jairus, I also know what it is like to have hope and faith in Jesus.
Beloved, there are so many things that are beyond our power to affect. We wonder why these things happen while struggling to hold on to God with everything we've got. Our faith is stong but it is SO hard and it hurts so much. It is particularly hurtful to have to stand by and watch someone we love struggle in their affliction. Jairus was told that his daughter had died and to stop "bothering" Jesus (Luke 8:49), but praise God, Jesus said to not be afraid and to just believe. Jesus went to his home and healed his daughter.
Only God can control the outcome of such things, but we are called upon to control our level of faith. I'm reminded of the three Hebrew boys whose lives were threatened by their king. Their response to his challenge to fall down and worship another god was this: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” Daniel 3:16-18. No matter what, we must all rely on Him for we know that ultimately, all things will work together for our good. Just believe.
Practically speaking,
Lee
There was once a man named Jairus who the Bible describes as a synagogue leader. His responsibilities would have been to conduct services, select participants and supervise the worship. In Christianity, the equivelant might be a worship leader, deacon or even minister. In any case, Jairus had a daughter who was very near death. Knowing of Jesus and his capabilities and knowing that he was in the area, he ran to him, fell at his feet and begged him to come to his home and save his daughter.
As a parent, I do not have to imagine what Jairus was going through. I remember writing in my daughter's baby book as she lay in my arms just days old that it was my job and my promise to love her and protect her from all threats. I found out as Jairus found out that you can't protect your babies from everything. I found out that there are things for which there is no defense. I found out what it is like to see her lying in bed and praying that God would just let me trade places with her, knowing all the while that it was nothing more than a desparate father's wish and that it could never happen. I know what it is like to be utterly helpless and reduced to wracking sobs. But like Jairus, I also know what it is like to have hope and faith in Jesus.
Beloved, there are so many things that are beyond our power to affect. We wonder why these things happen while struggling to hold on to God with everything we've got. Our faith is stong but it is SO hard and it hurts so much. It is particularly hurtful to have to stand by and watch someone we love struggle in their affliction. Jairus was told that his daughter had died and to stop "bothering" Jesus (Luke 8:49), but praise God, Jesus said to not be afraid and to just believe. Jesus went to his home and healed his daughter.
Only God can control the outcome of such things, but we are called upon to control our level of faith. I'm reminded of the three Hebrew boys whose lives were threatened by their king. Their response to his challenge to fall down and worship another god was this: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” Daniel 3:16-18. No matter what, we must all rely on Him for we know that ultimately, all things will work together for our good. Just believe.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Doing Right While Being Done Wrong 4/21/2016
"But Jesus said to him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?' When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, 'Lord, shall we strike with the sword?' And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, 'Stop! No more of this.' And He touched his ear and healed him." Luke 22:48-51
Almost without fail, our natural reaction to being offended or wronged is to retaliate. It is practically an automatic response. The fact is that many parents, Christians among them, teach their children from the earliest age to hit back if someone hits them first, rather than "turn the other cheek." This and other teaching builds into how we handle conflict as adults.
This said, it is not suggested that we should refrain from teaching our children to avoid conflict and/or defend themselves nor that we should not do similarly, however, offered for your consideration is the example of Jesus. He was under near constant scrutiny, threat, persecution and intent to harm once he began his ministry in earnest. Nevertheless, he never deviated from his mission to seek and save you and me. Even as he was betrayed and accosted by soldiers with clubs and swords, he still advocated for peace and would see no one harmed despite what he faced.
Beloved, let us always think twice about how we react. Let us remember the Christianity that we claim, the God that we serve, the Son who saves us and all of the thinking and behavior that goes with it. Let us also consider the relative smallness of the things that cause us injury or offense, yet how easily and quickly we respond. It is easy to talk the Christian talk but quite another thing to walk the Christian walk. And though we may suffer in the name of the Lord personally, great good can come of it. Peter wrote, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened" 1 Pet 4:14. He further states, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Pet 4:19. This is what Jesus did.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Almost without fail, our natural reaction to being offended or wronged is to retaliate. It is practically an automatic response. The fact is that many parents, Christians among them, teach their children from the earliest age to hit back if someone hits them first, rather than "turn the other cheek." This and other teaching builds into how we handle conflict as adults.
This said, it is not suggested that we should refrain from teaching our children to avoid conflict and/or defend themselves nor that we should not do similarly, however, offered for your consideration is the example of Jesus. He was under near constant scrutiny, threat, persecution and intent to harm once he began his ministry in earnest. Nevertheless, he never deviated from his mission to seek and save you and me. Even as he was betrayed and accosted by soldiers with clubs and swords, he still advocated for peace and would see no one harmed despite what he faced.
Beloved, let us always think twice about how we react. Let us remember the Christianity that we claim, the God that we serve, the Son who saves us and all of the thinking and behavior that goes with it. Let us also consider the relative smallness of the things that cause us injury or offense, yet how easily and quickly we respond. It is easy to talk the Christian talk but quite another thing to walk the Christian walk. And though we may suffer in the name of the Lord personally, great good can come of it. Peter wrote, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened" 1 Pet 4:14. He further states, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Pet 4:19. This is what Jesus did.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Handling the Little Things 4/14/2016
"He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." Job 1:21-22
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. We seek or are referred to his story during times of duress and great tribulation. We are fascinated by the depth and breadth of his calamities. We are also fascinated by the grace and humility with which he faced them. He always kept God at the forefront. These thousands of years later, we still draw strength from his life.
This is presented not to give us inspiration to endure our lowest lows, but to cast in relief our smaller trials. Let us consider the things that send us off the deep end. We are subject to road rage in traffic. We often argue with the ones we love over trivialities. We are ready to feud if someone slights us socially. If the boss has a less than complementary word for us, it turns into a bad day for everyone with whom we come into contact. If our child has a disappointing showing on the field of play, we forget how proud we are to have them as flesh of our flesh.
Beloved, we spend an inordinate amount of our time majoring in minor. Let us not allow the smaller things to be blown out of proportion. To be sure, the significant accidents, diagnoses, employment situations, losses, etc., will come to us personally or to someone with whom we are close. Proportional reactions in those case would be able to be understood by anyone. Remember, however, the grace with which Job handled the worst incidents imaginable. Consider then, how would he have handled the smaller things.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Most everyone is familiar with the story of Job. We seek or are referred to his story during times of duress and great tribulation. We are fascinated by the depth and breadth of his calamities. We are also fascinated by the grace and humility with which he faced them. He always kept God at the forefront. These thousands of years later, we still draw strength from his life.
This is presented not to give us inspiration to endure our lowest lows, but to cast in relief our smaller trials. Let us consider the things that send us off the deep end. We are subject to road rage in traffic. We often argue with the ones we love over trivialities. We are ready to feud if someone slights us socially. If the boss has a less than complementary word for us, it turns into a bad day for everyone with whom we come into contact. If our child has a disappointing showing on the field of play, we forget how proud we are to have them as flesh of our flesh.
Beloved, we spend an inordinate amount of our time majoring in minor. Let us not allow the smaller things to be blown out of proportion. To be sure, the significant accidents, diagnoses, employment situations, losses, etc., will come to us personally or to someone with whom we are close. Proportional reactions in those case would be able to be understood by anyone. Remember, however, the grace with which Job handled the worst incidents imaginable. Consider then, how would he have handled the smaller things.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Thursday, March 31, 2016
The Best Predictor of Future Performance 3/31/2016
"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.
Practically speaking,
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.
Practically speaking,
Lee
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