It’s a frequent analogy used throughout scripture. The subject of marriage captures the heart of Jesus’ relationship with his church. Spiritual infidelity, lack of respect shown to our Lord as well as Jesus and the continual faithfulness of our Bridegroom are pictured throughout the Bible. Jesus’ parables are always simple pictures with incredibly deep concepts. Down through the annals of time, God has loved his people with a passionate, single-minded, un-deflected devotion. God has even used the prophetic pens in scripture to write of His love for people that could easily be put to music. Isaiah mentions in v. 5 of his 45th chapter that Israel’s maker was also her husband. Later in chapter 62, he painted the picture of God’s rejoicing over the people as being like a bridegroom delighting in his bride. Jeremiah understood these concepts as well. In fact, God told the people through His prophet, “I am your Husband.” Even though Israel continued to practice infidelity, God always remained faithful. God is a persistent, patient and pure husband. In the 19th verse of Hosea chapter 2 it says God’s wife might fail, but his love for her never would. It’s not that we deserve the kind of love he has to offer. We’ve done very little to return the magnitude of his love! But, while we don’t deserve it, we can’t resist it either. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul tells us in verse 11 that we have obtained an inheritance in Jesus Christ. The long and short of this is that God inherited us the same way we inherited God: through Jesus Christ! This is a win-win situation if our appreciation bleeds over into our commitment to God. Faithfulness is key in serving Christ Jesus. It’s a love story, pure and simple. It’s the story of two lovers: Christ and His bride. If you’ve pledged your life to Christ, you should be longing for the “shout of the Bridegroom”. If you’ve never made that commitment to Him, that day will be horrific.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin
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Col. 3:12-15 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” One would think this particular subject would be the most simple to incorporate...just love each other. Show genuine concern for someone other than yourself. Make sure you look out for the wellbeing of those around you. And, yet sometimes it appears to be the most difficult. At times it becomes increasingly allusive. Our society grows more and more distant from each other. Husbands and wives become disinterested with each other. Siblings grow apart; communities remain aloof one from another. The result of all this alienation makes Paul’s admonition to the folks in Colossae very difficult to emulate! Have we stopped recently to consider why human beings are so disconnected these days? In some areas of the world if you were to speak to another person, they might look at you as if you just beamed down from another planet! I’ve received looks from others after trying to be cordial that made me ask myself why I even bothered in the first place! But, just because the world doesn’t know the concept of putting on tender mercies toward others, doesn’t mean God’s people shouldn’t know! Notice Paul addresses this admonition to God’s ELECT. Responsibility to put on tender mercies doesn’t belong to the world. It belongs to God’s people! So, the next time you’re cordial to someone and they snub you in return, don’t return their scoff. Pray for them. Pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you. (Matt. 7:12; Matt 5:43-48).
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin A song made popular by pop artist Billy Joel in 1989 touts, “We didn’t start the fire. It was always burning since the world’s been turning. We didn’t start the fire, no, we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it.” The lunacy which exists in our world today is blamed on a variety of things: the latest presidential exchange, economic unrest, political upheaval, societal injustices, and abuses of substances, policies and aid programs. So many seem to have a finger pointed at something. Somebody; someone has to be blamed for all the craziness. Far too often we wrap ourselves up in the kingdom of this world and lose sight of the Kingdom of God. Dallas Willard asks a poignant question: “why did early believers believe what they did? Was it because they HAD to? Was it because if they didn’t they would be doing something wrong or bad? NO! They concluded that they would have been fools to disregard it! THAT was the basis of their conversion.” While it’s true that our world is in utter confusion, to blame that confusion on one person is absurd. Through the media, the “fire” of fear is spread by biased journalist who douse our minds with bizarre quotes which lead to societal unrest and concern. It’s in times like these that we must remember who we are and WHOSE we are! Our life as God’s people doesn’t consist of us immersing ourselves in the kingdom of this world. This is Satan’s domain! Our life as God’s people should consist of us allowing the light of Christ to burn in us brightly. If you see our current political administration as those who are out to destroy the lives of innocent American citizens, go back to when David was King of Israel. Because of his lust, lies and corruption, Israel went through intense political unrest. When Judah was exiled to Babylon or Israel to Assyria did it change the fact that they were God’s people called to do God’s bidding? No! It’s far easier to point a finger than it is to look in a mirror. Why are things unfolding as they are? Could it be that our Loving God doesn’t want us to have attachments to this world as much as we do?
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Listen to what the Apostle Paul shares with the folks in Athens in Acts 17: 22f. “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place; that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way towards him and find him, yet He is actually not far from each of us.”
One of the greatest comforts I have is knowing that God has predetermined how long I will inhabit this earth as well as where I’ll live. If you think about it, God destined us to live in HIS world for a certain allotted time to seek Him. It’s comical to think that folks attempt to claim independence by determining their own lot in life. God purposefully placed us here at this time in history to not only seek him but to share Him with others. Just as God has predetermined our dwelling place and the amount of time we’ll be here, he has also determined this for all of mankind. Our reason for living should be HIS purpose for putting us here in the first place! Share this truth with someone you care for. Let them know God has predetermined their existence in order that they might seek Him, know Him, love Him and serve Him. It’s one of the greatest gift God has afforded us. Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Sometimes the deepest pain we receive comes from those of whom we love the most. Life’s battles have a way of testing us, shaping us and (at times) even hardening us to life’s difficulties. Peter reminds his readers that they shouldn’t be surprised when faced with difficulties this side of eternity. 1 Peter 4: 12-13 says, “Don’t be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange thing were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” Jesus reminded his disciples in John 16:33 that in this life we will have tribulations, but to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world. I don’t know about you, but I’m not one who generally rejoices over heartache. Even if I were to try to fake it, I’d fail miserably because too often I wear my emotions on my sleeve. It’s not that we’ve been called to “pretend” all is well in the midst of our trials. Jesus wept in the midst of his. What makes us think we’re stronger than he is? The only way he could endure the cross was to look forward to what awaited him once the cross served its purpose. Jesus wasn’t a masochist. He didn’t enjoy the humiliation and shame of the cross. He DESPISED it. But, joy awaited Jesus after Satan had his day. Soon the Son of God would be reunited with His Father in heaven. The joy we experience must be of such that we look forward to what awaits us once this life is over. That doesn’t mean we can’t experience joy in this life. It only means that the joy that we have to look forward to in the life to come isn’t even worth comparing to the life we have now. (Rom. 8: 13).
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you. Kevin In this season of giving, sharing & caring it’s easy to see how one could celebrate this time of year with God’s gift to the world (Jesus Christ). If, on the other hand, we allow ourselves to become too theologically correct in working to determine when Jesus came, we can miss the simplistic joy of knowing that God brought Jesus into the world as a baby. But, why a baby? I don’t know of too many folks who’ve never seen a baby. Most people like them. Little, dependent and at times loud, most people like babies until they require maintenance such as diaper changes, feeding, washing and the like. The question remains: Why did God choose for Christ to come to us as a baby? He did it because not only does God desire we love Him but that we fear Him as well. Not only did He long to rule over his people, but to know them as well. There’s one thing a baby does well…they observe; they pay attention. They watch human behavior and at times liken themselves to that behavior. Childhood, adolescence, and teen-age years are all a part of growing up. God knew that childhood and familial surroundings are timeless teaching grounds for young people to learn more about human nature than attending even the greatest of institutions. Christ Jesus entered this world through the lowliest state possible. He humbled himself and became obedient to the will of His Father by coming to us in our very own likeness so we would have the opportunity to return the favor someday. He longs for us to be conformed to HIS image as opposed to our own. This time of year isn’t about opening presents. It’s about being present for his presence to radiate through us for all the world to see.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Thomas Watson once said, “Faith is to prayer what the feather is to the arrow; it feathers the arrow of prayer, and makes it fly swifter and enables it to pierce the throne of grace.” In this holiday time of what we call “Thanksgiving”, it’s sometimes hard to see through the veneer of life to recognize the hand of God. Life certainly isn’t easy, is it? Obligations scream out at us. Deadlines need met. Children need attention. Bills need paid. On top of the daily requirements of everyday living we’re sometimes faced with odds which seem overwhelming. A bad report from the doctor, financial crisis’ which seem insurmountable, grief over a loved one who has died. In today’s message we’re going to ask a question the Israelites asked in Psalm 78:19, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” In times that appear impossible, God’s power comes crashing in through ways that we’re often oblivious to. The ‘negative grace’ of God leading us to our own “Red Sea” often leaves us feeling fearful, irritable or simply alone. Recognize that God always has reasons for doing what He does. It may not make sense to us while we’re going through a wilderness experience, but there’s always purpose in what God is doing. I don’t like negative experiences I go through in life, but I love knowing that God is with me regardless as to how insurmountable my situation appears. When we are weak, He is strong. Rely less on your own strength and more on His.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Many of you know how much I like to ride my bicycle. If you were to look in my basement, you’d see at least six bicycles hanging on the wall. Actually, only two of the six are mine. I have one bicycle I use on the trail and one I ride on the road. The other bikes belong to my family. Cycling allows me the opportunity to ‘reboot’ my mind. It affords me the chance of releasing any pent-up aggravations I might be carrying from the stresses of life. One of the hardest things I’ve found in what I do is disconnecting myself from the hurt others experience. Cycling became that disconnect for me many years ago. I’ve read articles on how to improve my time as I ride. I’ve purchased special shoes, clothing, helmets, cyclometers and gloves to make the experience enjoyable. I’ve even scheduled rides that have spanned over the course of weeks at a time. But have I really plugged into what riding is all about? Years ago I rode to win races. I rode for bragging rights; to show others I could compete and win. Those days are long gone. I’ve been humiliated by others older than me reminding me of my limits. I share this with you to point out something we may have missed in regard to Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28: 18-20. Jesus told his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” There are some who have become a Christian simply because they don’t want to go to hell. There are sort of like the bike riders I’ve encountered who ride just to avoid being ridiculed by their peers for NOT riding. Then, there are those who ride because they know they have to do SOMETHING to stay in shape. They can’t see themselves running. They don’t like to swim or lift weights, so this is the obvious choice. These are the Christians who come to church because they know it’s the right thing to do; who do things because they know they have to do something. And, then, there are the dedicated riders. They ride 100+ miles a week. They eat stuff that would make a dog puke. They take supplements and vitamins to get the most out of their training. These are the Christians who understand what Christ did for them on the cross. These are the ones so thankful to God for saving them that they are willing to give up the passing pleasures of sin for a season in order to experience the joy Christ offers. They go the extra mile. They spend time training to perfect their testimony. The person they compete against is themselves. They’re not out to shame others. They’re out to improve on their own time. So too is the conscience Christian. He grows through study. He serves willingly, not out of compulsion. He betters himself so as to serve Christ and not others. I close with the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9: 26, “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” Don’t serve the Lord out of compulsion. Serve out of appreciation and willingness.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Me and my siblings all suffered from the same childhood issue…we all had a “drug” problem. Our parents “drug” us to church three times a week. Every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night we were in church services without fail. The only time we weren’t “drug” to church was when it had rained incessantly and flooded the road below our house which made it impossible to reach our destination. I have to admit there were times I didn’t want to go. We lived so far out in the sticks that an hour school bus ride at the end of the day pretty much did me in. Sometimes the last thing I wanted to do was to occupy the back seat of my parents Plymouth station wagon and head back into town. I’m sure dad was weary after a long day of work as well. He too had a long drive home at the end of the day. And, yet, without fail, we all piled in the car and headed back to town every Wednesday evening. There were times on Sunday when an “all-important” football game was on television. I knew better than to beg dad to let us miss church “just this once” to watch the end of the game. The television was switched off and we piled back in the station wagon each Sunday evening to head back to Clarksburg. I don’t’ share that story with you so you’ll feel sorry for me and my siblings and our “drug” problem. I share that story with you because of the importance of regularly meeting with the saints. There are those who have little problem attending Sunday morning, but see little need for meeting again that evening or mid-week. I know it’s getting dark earlier. I know that after you come home from a long day of work the last thing on your mind is dragging your family back into town, but, honestly I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything. The reason I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything is because all those times my parents dragged me to church I learned just a little more of who my God is. It helped me to appreciate the importance of meeting regularly with the saints and it embedded the love of God deep within my heart. There’s no guarantee that your children will be faithful to the Lord if you drag them to services three times a week, but I can assure you they’ll have a much better chance of fidelity to God than if you don’t!
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin |
Kevin's KolumnKevin Lough is the minister at the Whitehall Church of Christ in Fairmont WV. Archives
September 2019
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