"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Today it seems that all of life is about the individual. It is all about what "I" think and how "I" express myself. People are going to greater and greater lengths to distinguish themselves from others. This neo-individualism manifests itself most tragically as selfishness. We can become so consumed with satisfying ourselves that we begin to do so at the expense of others. Adultery is an act of selfishness. Murder is an act of selfishness. Theft is an act of selfishness. And getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an act of selfishness. The opposite of love is not hate, but selfishness.
Beloved, God's design for humanity is togetherness and selflessness. It was God who looked down on Adam and decided that he should not be alone. It was God who told Adam and Eve to populate the earth. It was God who gathered a people who would carry forth his message of reconciliation to Himself, to one another and to all peoples. It was the Lord who said that we should love God with all of ourselves and similarly, love others as we love ourselves. We have been taught that it is better to give to others than to receive from others and to prefer others over ourselves.
The fact is we need each other. None of us were designed or destined to be alone. We heard the good news of the Lord's love from someone who cared and as a result are called to share that same good news with someone else. The benefit is that we all benefit. If we would all strive to take care of others, we ourselves would be taken care of by others and we would cease to know need. More so than ever we must bind ourselves together in the love of the Lord that we might live out his will for our lives and accomplish his good.
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
Friday, December 27, 2019
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Treasure in Subtleties
"Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established." Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)
There are subtle nuances in the words we read in today's bible. Most, however, escape us completely. The reason for this in large part is due to the fact that we are reading an English translation of another language. And though translators do the best they can to capture either word for word or thought for thought translation, depending on the version you use, there are times when meanings can only be approximated.
Consider how the above Scripture might be interpreted. Paul once said, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing," Romans 7:19 (NIV). We can all identify with this sentiment. We were raised to know right from wrong. Our bible teaches us the difference. The laws of the land are designed to communicate and enforce behaviors associated with society's definition of right and wrong. We still, however, find ourselves nudging our cars just over the speed limit. We still sin, sometimes willfully. And we still wonder why we do these things when we know better.
The word of the God says that if we just apply our minds to doing the things He has set before us to do, this will give us something good and beneficial to focus on, thus crowding out the desire to do otherwise. Done long and well enough, it becomes second nature and many unrighteous desires within us will simply fade away.
The word translated as "thoughts" can also be translated as "plans." Do you have a desire to be successful in any or all of your endeavors? How do you go about them? Is God a part of your plans? Did you seek Him out in prayer? Are the plans themselves godly? The word here also says that if you would focus on Him, align your will with His and submit to His commands, He will make your plans successful. How can you lose with God on your side?
Beloved, the subtleties dovetail in the most delightful ways. From this short verse alone, we can see the loving kindness of our benevolent God. We can see the purpose for which we were created. We can see solutions to our sin problems. We can see how to regulate our minds and gain focus. And we can see guarantees of success in whatever we purpose to do that is in keeping with His will. Just imagine the assurance that can be found in all of the other subtleties that exist in the Scriptures. We are barely scratching the surface.
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
There are subtle nuances in the words we read in today's bible. Most, however, escape us completely. The reason for this in large part is due to the fact that we are reading an English translation of another language. And though translators do the best they can to capture either word for word or thought for thought translation, depending on the version you use, there are times when meanings can only be approximated.
Consider how the above Scripture might be interpreted. Paul once said, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing," Romans 7:19 (NIV). We can all identify with this sentiment. We were raised to know right from wrong. Our bible teaches us the difference. The laws of the land are designed to communicate and enforce behaviors associated with society's definition of right and wrong. We still, however, find ourselves nudging our cars just over the speed limit. We still sin, sometimes willfully. And we still wonder why we do these things when we know better.
The word of the God says that if we just apply our minds to doing the things He has set before us to do, this will give us something good and beneficial to focus on, thus crowding out the desire to do otherwise. Done long and well enough, it becomes second nature and many unrighteous desires within us will simply fade away.
The word translated as "thoughts" can also be translated as "plans." Do you have a desire to be successful in any or all of your endeavors? How do you go about them? Is God a part of your plans? Did you seek Him out in prayer? Are the plans themselves godly? The word here also says that if you would focus on Him, align your will with His and submit to His commands, He will make your plans successful. How can you lose with God on your side?
Beloved, the subtleties dovetail in the most delightful ways. From this short verse alone, we can see the loving kindness of our benevolent God. We can see the purpose for which we were created. We can see solutions to our sin problems. We can see how to regulate our minds and gain focus. And we can see guarantees of success in whatever we purpose to do that is in keeping with His will. Just imagine the assurance that can be found in all of the other subtleties that exist in the Scriptures. We are barely scratching the surface.
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
Friday, December 6, 2019
Doing Right While Being Done Wrong
"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 to "turn the other cheek." This and other teaching helps establish 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. Offered for your consideration; however, is the example of Jesus. He was under near constant scrutiny, threat, persecution and intent to harm once he began his ministry in earnest. Despite this, 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. Among his last words on the cruel cross were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
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 them. 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. Let us do all we can to emulate his example.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
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 to "turn the other cheek." This and other teaching helps establish 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. Offered for your consideration; however, is the example of Jesus. He was under near constant scrutiny, threat, persecution and intent to harm once he began his ministry in earnest. Despite this, 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. Among his last words on the cruel cross were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
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 them. 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. Let us do all we can to emulate his example.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
Saturday, November 30, 2019
The Message to the Messenger
“'Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.'" Ezekiel 3:17-18
Every now and then I run across a Bible passage that makes my blood run cold. Ezekiel 3:17-21 is just such an example. The prophet Ezekiel was being sent by God to the rebellious people of Israel to deliver a warning from Him. One of the reasons he was being sent was so that the people would know that a prophet, and by extension, God Himself was among them. In turn, the message he was sent to deliver was designed to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways and return to the previously established covenant relationship lest they die.
The message God gave Ezekiel to deliver was a critical one, however, before he was given a word to speak, God impressed upon him the importance of carrying out the assigned task. In short, He told his prophet that if anyone perished (due to their own iniquity) without him having delivered the assigned message, he would bear responsibility.
Beloved, the reason this passage caused a chill to run down my spine is due to the realization that we have been given the same charge and bear that same responsibility. Those of us who call upon the name of Jesus are the messengers of God. We are sent to all nations to bear witness to the love of the Lord and to deliver His message (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to fill our mouths with His word and warn the stubborn, obstinate and unrighteous about the dangers associated with pursuing their current course. We are charged with nothing less than attempting to literally save the lives of the lost. Our failure to speak up and speak out condemns to death the people we refuse to warn just as if we failed to take the keys from an inebriated person attempting to get behind the wheel of a car. It is not our fault that the person is drunk, but we would bear responsibility for refusing to intercede if that person tragically died or worse, caused the death of someone else. Chilling indeed.
Let us not view our Christian lives simply as "going to Church," attending bible studies, participating in pot luck dinners and fellowshipping with those of like faith. Let us instead act as fire marshals engaged in literal fire prevention and fire fighters engaged in literal rescue of those in danger of being lost in the fire.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
Every now and then I run across a Bible passage that makes my blood run cold. Ezekiel 3:17-21 is just such an example. The prophet Ezekiel was being sent by God to the rebellious people of Israel to deliver a warning from Him. One of the reasons he was being sent was so that the people would know that a prophet, and by extension, God Himself was among them. In turn, the message he was sent to deliver was designed to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways and return to the previously established covenant relationship lest they die.
The message God gave Ezekiel to deliver was a critical one, however, before he was given a word to speak, God impressed upon him the importance of carrying out the assigned task. In short, He told his prophet that if anyone perished (due to their own iniquity) without him having delivered the assigned message, he would bear responsibility.
Beloved, the reason this passage caused a chill to run down my spine is due to the realization that we have been given the same charge and bear that same responsibility. Those of us who call upon the name of Jesus are the messengers of God. We are sent to all nations to bear witness to the love of the Lord and to deliver His message (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to fill our mouths with His word and warn the stubborn, obstinate and unrighteous about the dangers associated with pursuing their current course. We are charged with nothing less than attempting to literally save the lives of the lost. Our failure to speak up and speak out condemns to death the people we refuse to warn just as if we failed to take the keys from an inebriated person attempting to get behind the wheel of a car. It is not our fault that the person is drunk, but we would bear responsibility for refusing to intercede if that person tragically died or worse, caused the death of someone else. Chilling indeed.
Let us not view our Christian lives simply as "going to Church," attending bible studies, participating in pot luck dinners and fellowshipping with those of like faith. Let us instead act as fire marshals engaged in literal fire prevention and fire fighters engaged in literal rescue of those in danger of being lost in the fire.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Are You as Happy as You Think You Are?
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
More and more it seems that society equivocates on religion or rejects it altogether. Of course there are many reasons for this but among them is the perception that a relationship with God is too restrictive and too burdensome. There are so many bright, shiny, comfortable and sensually pleasurable things out there that seem to be prohibited by the Christian faith. As a result, many people choose to fulfill their momentary desires rather than secure their eternity.
A closer look reveals that the pursuit of pleasure and the rejection of the structure and discipline of righteous living comes with their own cages and are often difficult and costly to maintain. When our interpersonal relationships are our number one priority, there is no one who does not know the effort this can take and the heartbreak that it can involve. It is only Jesus who has truthfully said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," Hebrews 13:5. When we make working our priority for the sole purpose of gaining more and more and then conspicuously consuming it, we find that it is never enough and become trapped in a cycle of trying to protect what we've accumulated while attempting to gain even more. Jesus asked the question, "For what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose or forfeits himself [his soul]," Luke 9:25. Lastly, what of the things that look, feel and taste good to us? Does not the pursuit and enjoyment of some of these things cost us dearly in health, relationships, finances, time and inner peace? It is written, "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?" James 4:1.
Beloved, a relationship with the Lord and membership in his body is not the trap that some would make it out to be. It is submitted to you that living outside of a relationship with God is the true trap. We should know that from the Garden of Eden. All of the things outside of Him that are dangled in front of us are merely bait designed by the adversary to trap us and keep us imprisoned. Jesus offers freedom: freedom from worry, stress, strife, the eternal consequences of our sin and everlasting destruction. Are there observances that we must maintain, obey and respect? Absolutely, just as there are with everything from traffic laws, to work policies and procedures to family rules. None, however, are more beneficial than Jesus' offer of rest from the burdens and weariness generated by the detrimental choices we make. Available to us is an easier yoke with a lighter burden. Let all who have ears hear and let all that hear understand.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
More and more it seems that society equivocates on religion or rejects it altogether. Of course there are many reasons for this but among them is the perception that a relationship with God is too restrictive and too burdensome. There are so many bright, shiny, comfortable and sensually pleasurable things out there that seem to be prohibited by the Christian faith. As a result, many people choose to fulfill their momentary desires rather than secure their eternity.
A closer look reveals that the pursuit of pleasure and the rejection of the structure and discipline of righteous living comes with their own cages and are often difficult and costly to maintain. When our interpersonal relationships are our number one priority, there is no one who does not know the effort this can take and the heartbreak that it can involve. It is only Jesus who has truthfully said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," Hebrews 13:5. When we make working our priority for the sole purpose of gaining more and more and then conspicuously consuming it, we find that it is never enough and become trapped in a cycle of trying to protect what we've accumulated while attempting to gain even more. Jesus asked the question, "For what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose or forfeits himself [his soul]," Luke 9:25. Lastly, what of the things that look, feel and taste good to us? Does not the pursuit and enjoyment of some of these things cost us dearly in health, relationships, finances, time and inner peace? It is written, "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?" James 4:1.
Beloved, a relationship with the Lord and membership in his body is not the trap that some would make it out to be. It is submitted to you that living outside of a relationship with God is the true trap. We should know that from the Garden of Eden. All of the things outside of Him that are dangled in front of us are merely bait designed by the adversary to trap us and keep us imprisoned. Jesus offers freedom: freedom from worry, stress, strife, the eternal consequences of our sin and everlasting destruction. Are there observances that we must maintain, obey and respect? Absolutely, just as there are with everything from traffic laws, to work policies and procedures to family rules. None, however, are more beneficial than Jesus' offer of rest from the burdens and weariness generated by the detrimental choices we make. Available to us is an easier yoke with a lighter burden. Let all who have ears hear and let all that hear understand.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
Friday, November 15, 2019
God Does Not Supply Faith
"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
During a recent Bible study, I made the statement, "God does not supply faith." This was a shock to some, confusing to others and confirming to others still. The context was that we were contemplating faith in Mark 9:14-29, particularly verse 24, in which a distraught father desiring healing for his son cried out to Jesus saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief." To most present, it was felt that the man was asking Jesus for an additional measure of faith as if it was something that could be inserted, integrated and made to be a thought and behavior influencing part of a person as if it were some type of software upload. It does not work like that.
God gave all humans free will. This means we have the ability to choose God or not. We can believe in Him or not. We can have faith or not. To have faith, we must make a deliberate decision to believe and put confidence in all things, God. Romans 10:10, 17 states, "for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation... So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." What this reveals is that the Lord provides the information. Having been exposed to it via sermons, classes, study or any other presentation of the word, we then can choose to have faith based upon the information supplied.
Beloved, we so often pray that things would be given to us. While there is nothing wrong with this, it is important to understand how things typically work. God does His part but requires a part from us. We pray for strength. God does not supernaturally impute our bodies and psyches with enhanced ability, but he does put us in circumstances through which that strength can be developed and grow. It works the same way with faith. If after having a favorable response to information from and about God, faith is developed and grown by learning more about Him, spending more time with Him, trusting self less, and trusting Him more (Prov 3:5-7). Through these and other ways of living righteously, He will manifest himself to us more and more. We will ever more clearly see Him moving in our lives and this is what builds faith over time.
We all have gaps, lapses and failures in our faith. Even the disciples felt the sting of the words, "oh ye of little faith" from time to time. When these very human moments occur, let us not hope for some magical increase in our ability to stay on the narrow path. Let us instead avail ourselves of more information from and about our Lord and resolve to trust in Him with a renewed enthusiasm. Faith is a choice.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
During a recent Bible study, I made the statement, "God does not supply faith." This was a shock to some, confusing to others and confirming to others still. The context was that we were contemplating faith in Mark 9:14-29, particularly verse 24, in which a distraught father desiring healing for his son cried out to Jesus saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief." To most present, it was felt that the man was asking Jesus for an additional measure of faith as if it was something that could be inserted, integrated and made to be a thought and behavior influencing part of a person as if it were some type of software upload. It does not work like that.
God gave all humans free will. This means we have the ability to choose God or not. We can believe in Him or not. We can have faith or not. To have faith, we must make a deliberate decision to believe and put confidence in all things, God. Romans 10:10, 17 states, "for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation... So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." What this reveals is that the Lord provides the information. Having been exposed to it via sermons, classes, study or any other presentation of the word, we then can choose to have faith based upon the information supplied.
Beloved, we so often pray that things would be given to us. While there is nothing wrong with this, it is important to understand how things typically work. God does His part but requires a part from us. We pray for strength. God does not supernaturally impute our bodies and psyches with enhanced ability, but he does put us in circumstances through which that strength can be developed and grow. It works the same way with faith. If after having a favorable response to information from and about God, faith is developed and grown by learning more about Him, spending more time with Him, trusting self less, and trusting Him more (Prov 3:5-7). Through these and other ways of living righteously, He will manifest himself to us more and more. We will ever more clearly see Him moving in our lives and this is what builds faith over time.
We all have gaps, lapses and failures in our faith. Even the disciples felt the sting of the words, "oh ye of little faith" from time to time. When these very human moments occur, let us not hope for some magical increase in our ability to stay on the narrow path. Let us instead avail ourselves of more information from and about our Lord and resolve to trust in Him with a renewed enthusiasm. Faith is a choice.
In pursuit of a transformed life,
Lee
Friday, November 1, 2019
From Whom Will You Hear It?
"And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house --for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:27-31
A man known only as being rich, dressing well and eating sumptuously, found himself in the unenviable position of being in a place of torment after his death. During his life, it is evident that he did quite well for himself; however, there was a man named Lazarus whose place of torment was at the rich man's gate. Despite seeing him there begging and covered with sores, the rich man could not be bothered with displaying the slightest grace or mercy toward him. In the end, their places were reversed. Lazarus, in death, enjoyed peace and comfort.
The point being made here is not so much about the current situation of either man, but the pleas of the tormented to get the truth and reality of life after death to his relatives. In short, he begged that a warning, even one from beyond the grave, be sent to them that they might avoid his fate by seeking the righteousness that he failed to embrace. Unfortunately, the request was refused. Why?
Beloved, there are scant few of us who have not been exposed to the truth. What is determinative regarding our afterlife is what we do with the information. Jesus' "Parable of the Sower" is an excellent example of what can happen when we receive the word of truth and why. It is demonstrated in the parable that the spreading of the seed (the word of truth) is both ample and wide ranging, allowing everyone access. The impartation of the information originated with God communicating directly with man, then through His son and now through the written, preached and taught word of the Bible. It is available to everyone everywhere. We have every opportunity to embrace it while we yet live. Abraham refused the rich man's request because if there was/is no willingness to receive and repent based on all the ways righteousness is offered now, offering it yet another way will also fail to convince.
There is no better evangelist than the living Lord (Heb 1:2). Let us strive to hear him and encourage others to do so through us.
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
A man known only as being rich, dressing well and eating sumptuously, found himself in the unenviable position of being in a place of torment after his death. During his life, it is evident that he did quite well for himself; however, there was a man named Lazarus whose place of torment was at the rich man's gate. Despite seeing him there begging and covered with sores, the rich man could not be bothered with displaying the slightest grace or mercy toward him. In the end, their places were reversed. Lazarus, in death, enjoyed peace and comfort.
The point being made here is not so much about the current situation of either man, but the pleas of the tormented to get the truth and reality of life after death to his relatives. In short, he begged that a warning, even one from beyond the grave, be sent to them that they might avoid his fate by seeking the righteousness that he failed to embrace. Unfortunately, the request was refused. Why?
Beloved, there are scant few of us who have not been exposed to the truth. What is determinative regarding our afterlife is what we do with the information. Jesus' "Parable of the Sower" is an excellent example of what can happen when we receive the word of truth and why. It is demonstrated in the parable that the spreading of the seed (the word of truth) is both ample and wide ranging, allowing everyone access. The impartation of the information originated with God communicating directly with man, then through His son and now through the written, preached and taught word of the Bible. It is available to everyone everywhere. We have every opportunity to embrace it while we yet live. Abraham refused the rich man's request because if there was/is no willingness to receive and repent based on all the ways righteousness is offered now, offering it yet another way will also fail to convince.
There is no better evangelist than the living Lord (Heb 1:2). Let us strive to hear him and encourage others to do so through us.
Pursuing a transformed life,
Lee
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