Articles by Jeff Lee at Heartlight

Give Mary Credit

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600

We seldom give Mary, the mother of the Lord, much credit. She did far more than just raising Jesus up, she had an incredible faith.

"Nothing is impossible for God!" Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant! Let it happen as you have said." (Luke 1:37-38 CEV)

"Oh, God, I am willing ... if only you'll do it my way." If we're honest, that's what we often say ... or at least mean. So let's be honest with ourselves. What would it take for me to really be able to say, "I am the Lord's servant! Let it happen as you have said"?

Website: iDevote

Vulnerably Successful

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500

"I feel useless!" the retired minister confided.

"Why don't you let us minister you, instead of you ministering to us?" I gently reminded him.

"Surely, I cannot sit there just listening and not exercise my gifts?" he said.

I knew what he said was more of frustration rather than bitterness, but this whole incident got me thinking.

Are we only productive when we serve, serve, and serve in church?

Some of us actually believe that we are called to give and give, and others are to receive and benefit from what we offer. Somehow we feel it is wrong to receive any ministry back.

Yes, it is difficult to just sit there listening to others preach, teach, or share, because we've got -- at least in our minds -- "better" insights. If we are honest, we sometimes can hear ourselves thinking. "I, too, would prefer to do many things myself because my method is far superior, and God forbid that anyone else should do it differently because 'I do it the right way.'"

Somewhere in this balance of serving and needing to be served in the church family, we must realize that none of us is super-human; we are all actually vulnerable and we should let others minister to us.

Even a fantastic apostle like Paul accepted care and help from those he served. Despite being able to say, "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need ..." he had to also add, "But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty" (Philippians 4:13-17 NLT).

We are only successful and useful in the Lord's ministry when we and those we are called to serve, become dependent on each other and our mutual ministry to each other!

Website: iDevote

Clear Conscience

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Somehow, my friend and I started talking about the tragedy of a mutual friend.

"I'd rather not talk about him. People openly questioned how he ever got into such a mess," he said painfully. "One day, before God, he will give his own account, and we will too."

"I just pray that I will always have a clear conscience," he added.

Many of us are unaware that a "good conscience" is really a Biblical concept. We wrongly think that if God knows and examine our hearts, why is there a need for having a clear conscience?

Keeping a clear conscience is a must for apostle Paul. His ministry took him everywhere and often it seemed that he had little supervision or accountability. Yet, he took great pain to avoid any impropriety and impression of abuses.

This is how Paul defended himself before his accusers:

"I have hope in God, just as these men do, that he will raise both the righteous and the ungodly. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else. After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God" (Acts 24:15-17 NLT).

Having a clear conscience is not only being blameless before men and before God; it is also about being just equally zealous in pleasing God before our accusers.

So, is my conscience clear?

Website: iDevote

Mountain on Your Right

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600

"Where are you now?" my friend asked over the cell phone, trying to guide me to his office.

"Can't tell where the sun is. It's too cloudy." I answered with frustration.

"If the mountain is on your right, you are heading the right direction." He said assuredly, "It does not move."

A prominent landmark gives stray travelers a sense of direction. However, in a world of ever-changing laws and moral standards, what assures believers that we are living His way?

Paul sought to help his "son in the faith" find his way through similar confusion. His familiar instruction was meant not only for Timothy, but for the whole church.

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (1 Timothy 3: 15–17 NLT)

Many people consider the Bible obsolete, going against the social norms, and even politically incorrect. However, God's way is always consistent with the message of the Bible. Have we gone soft on the Scriptures in the name of tolerance and being seeker-friendly? And, do I actually live by what the Bible spells out? Do I seek His truth and not my own preferences?

For further consideration:

God warned us and promised us the following many years ago:

There is a way that seems right to people. But that way leads only to death. (Proverbs 16:25 ERV)

[The Lord said] "Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. But you must also be strong and brave about another thing. You must be sure to obey the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, then you will be successful in everything you do. Always remember the things written in that book of law. Study that book day and night. Then you can be sure to obey the things that are written there. If you do this, then you will be wise and successful in everything you do. Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. So don’t be scared, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9)

Jesus also reinforced this same basic truth:

"Not every person that says that I am his Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people that will enter the kingdom of heaven are those people that do the things that my Father in heaven wants. On the last day many people will say to me, 'You are our Lord! We spoke for you. And for you we forced out demons and did many miracles.' Then I will tell those people clearly, 'Go away from me, you people that do wrong. I never knew you.'
"Every person that hears these things I say and obeys is like a wise man. The wise man built his house on rock. It rained hard and the water rose. The winds blew and hit that house. But the house did not fall, because the house was built on rock. But the person that hears the things I teach and does not obey those things is like a foolish man. The foolish man built his house on sand. It rained hard, the water rose, and the winds blew and hit that house. And the house fell with a loud noise." (Matthew 7:21-27)

Website: iDevote

Christmas Fear Factor?

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600

"If you know the movie is scary, why watch it?" we questioned our teens who had nightmares afterward.

"You don't understand! It's fun!" they said.

Many adults have long given up the notion of being frightened as a way of entertainment. We have vowed never to get on any rides in the amusement park that will raise our blood pressure or churn our stomachs.

Unfortunately, many of us have also mellowed spiritually. We prefer not to be emotional or passionate about any thing. Even Christmas has become just another holiday tradition -- mildly fun, but hardly exciting.

For the shepherds, that very first Christmas was an action-packed thriller, filled with all sorts of fear factors. Would they still live after witnessing the angels and the glory of God? Humans were not normally allowed into the presence of God's glory! How would the Messiah's family receive them? After all, they were only lowly shepherds! What would others think of them and their story of angels? Their story hardly seemed believable.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!" (Luke 2:8-10 NLT)

Admittedly, for many of us the Christmas story has become predictably dull. Yes, we know the where and how of Jesus' birth, we know the plot but long have forgotten the purpose of the Nativity, and many even contend that we cannot know the date of the Lord's birth with certainty so why even bother with celebrating it on a certain day? For us, there are no more fear factors -- only tradition, routine, and detached discussion.

What would make this Christmas a little bit more thrilling like that holy night the shepherds first met God's Messiah and their Savior?

What would open our hearts to the Lord's glory like the shepherds experienced the heavenly host in all of their heavenly glory?

What risk are we willing to take at Christmas to share in the joy of Jesus' birth like the shepherds?

Maybe we've forgotten that it's fun ... and thrilling ... and glorious ... joyous ... and holy!

Website: iDevote

Thank You Once Again

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sun, 27 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0600

"Would you make sure you thank the family for me when you visit them?" my father asked repeatedly.

"I thought they already know how much you appreciate them. They were so kind and treated you as family many years ago," I said.

"But, whenever I think about it, I need to let them know one more time," he added emphatically.

How many times do we have to continue thanking people for the same kind act? Do we need to set a limit?

When Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, he made special mention of a family who risked their own lives to bless him:

Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila, who have worked hand in hand with me in serving Jesus. They once put their lives on the line for me. And I'm not the only one grateful to them. All the non-Jewish gatherings of believers also owe them plenty, to say nothing of the church that meets in their house. (Romans 16:3-4 MSG)

This couple was more than Paul's ministry partner; they risked their lives to save him. Paul felt forever grateful to them. He considered all the churches he served equally indebted to Priscilla and Aquila as well. How can you ever thank these kinds of people enough? They are blessings from God.

As we take this special week of the year to give thanks to God for all His goodness, who are the people we need to say thank you one more time?

Website: iDevote

A Perfect Opportunity

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sat, 29 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500

"I'm not into traditions, holidays, or anything nostalgic," my new friend whined. "And, church got too many."

Even regular churchgoers feel a bit overwhelmed as we enter yet another holiday season -- you know ... the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's run.

Moses instituted many holidays that the Jews observe, most notably, the Passover. Generations after generations, this special tradition is commemorated with one purpose in mind.

"You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. And when you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. And when your children say to you, 'What do you mean by this service?' you shall say, 'It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.'" And the people bowed their heads and worshiped. (Exodus 12:24-27 ESV)

There are rich meanings in the specially prepared meal, the rituals and the manner of eating it. It is much more than an annual family gathering, a special meal or even a day off. Celebration of the Passover is meant to give the Jewish parents a perfect opportunity to tell their children what God has done way back, year after year.

What special tradition do I have as a family, to celebrate, to remind our children what God has done for the family and us, the parents specifically?

Website: iDevote

Signs of a Dying Church?

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500

Do any of these describe my church?

Plenty of beautiful, unused space

Declining or steady number of baptism, attendance, and giving

Worship services are proper but "blah"

Little excitement for outreach or mission to save the lost

Sins of the saints tolerated

Few new and young families

Church work is perceived as what takes place inside the church building only

Message is biblically-sound but does not connect with the need of people, or needs-based ministry but without reference to what the Bible says

Prevailing sense of complacency

Chronic shortage of leaders

Leaders and members function out of a sense of duty, rather out of joy and vision

Witness and outreach effort are done mainly by the pastors

Real decision-making is done in a small group of older, better-known members

A high percentage of inactive members

These are the contemporary signs that a church is either at a plateau or declining, like the Laodicean church in the Book of Revelation. To them, Jesus said:

"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot -- far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. (Revelation 3:15-17 MSG)

The solution to such problems? Jesus replies:

"Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:19-20 NLT)

(Adapted from Overcome the Laodecean Mind-Set, Earl Waldrup)

Website: iDevote

Extreme Hospitality

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0500

"Why are we always the ones paying for the meal?" my son protested. "People will assume we have so much. And, no one is going to remember the good things we did."

"No!" we gently corrected. "We are supposed to be hospitable whether people notice, remember, or not!"

As parents, we desire to instill the value of Christian hospitality to our children. Yet to the young mind, Biblical generosity reaps no visible benefits.

Nehemiah is known for the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, but much less is known about his "extreme generosity":

Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people. (Nehemiah 5:17-19 ESV)

People thought Nehemiah was merely using the official fund to entertain, but it was actually out-of-his pocket hospitality. And, this generosity lasted for 12 years.

Sure, there will always by cynics and doubters who rush to discount how filthy rich Nehemiah and others like him possibly are. However, each of us has to decide how we want to be remembered and how we want to honor God.

Do I want to be remembered as generous, hospitable, and willing to share?

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. (1 Peter 4:7-9 NLT)

Website: iDevote

The Gracious Hand of Our God

idevote@ccim.org (Jeff Lee) — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0500

"Found the help you needed for the youth activities?" I asked, knowing it was unlikely that any volunteers would spend two nights in church with the teens.

"God's hand was in it!" he smiled and said. "Several wonderful parents came out to help. Thank you for your prayer."

Does God really have anything to do with ministry going smoothly, having enough people and resources? Some will prefer to resort to better planning or simply not doing it.

Ezra realized that he did not have a single Levite joining his journey back to Jerusalem to serve in the Temple:

I sent them to Iddo, the leader of the Levites at Casiphia, to ask him and his relatives and the Temple servants to send us ministers for the Temple of God at Jerusalem. Since the gracious hand of our God was on us, they sent us a man named Sherebiah, along with eighteen of his sons and brothers. He was a very astute man and a descendant of Mahli, who was a descendant of Levi son of Israel. (Ezra 8:17-18 NLT)

Certainly, Ezra had the authority, influence and connection to demand assistance, but the quality and quantity of what he received "surprised" him. A devote and passionate man of God, Ezra knew that God made it possible.

Do I see the "gracious hand of our God" working at all?

When I put my hands together, His hand begins to work.

Leave nothing to chance: pray!

Website: iDevote