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TerryLema

A Glorious Ministry (Part One)

by TerryLema

I was reading about the New Covenant Ministry in 2Corinthians. [3:7-18]

Paul described the Old Covenant as a “ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stones.” While it once had glory, considering the New Covenant, that old glory had faded. Then Paul asks a wonderful question, “how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?” [vs8]

Because believers now abide in the New Covenant sealed by Christ’s blood at the cross, we have a great hope.  Because of that great hope, we also are to have great boldness. [vs12]

Boldness. The word is parrésia and it means freedom of speech, confidence, openness. It is the idea of leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered and taken seriously.

It requires great courage to be bold in our social climate today. That courage comes from the ministry of the Holy Spirit in us. He reminds us constantly of all we have in Christ Jesus. He reminds repeated of the great hope that is ours because of the cross of Christ.

He provides opportunities to witness with boldness, as well as the wisdom about how to witness. He also goes ahead of us and prepares hearts to receive our witness.

No matter how much the world would like us to sit down and stay quiet, the Holy Spirit in us gives us great boldness, freedom of speech, confidence to express our testimony about the truth of the Word of God.

 

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Whatever!

by TerryLema

There are times in life when we cannot do what we used to do. When those times come, they can be a temporary change, or they can become a permanent change.

For example, in my 20’s I had three children under the age of six. I could not do what I did before because now my primary responsibility was to my little ones.  But that was temporary. Once they grew older, I was able to go back to much of what I did before they arrived on the scene.

Then there are times when we experience more permanent changes in our life. We age, we have a health issue that impedes us, our financial security diminishes. Permanent changes in our bodies or lifestyles are a part of life on this earth.

The one thing God has been speaking to me lately is, “Do what you can still do. Let go of what you used to do.”

My life verse is Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” [HCSB]

Paul added a second “whatever” in that Colossians chapter, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the LORD and not for men….” [vs 23]

Would you not think by having “whatever you do” as part of my life verse for five decades that it would be easy to do “whatever,” even when my “whatever” is different from my “whatever” used to be?

I know that “whatever” I find to do now will be different than what I used to do. My “whatever” will be restricted by those permanent changes I have experienced over the last few years. Still, the “whatever” I can do now, will be what God is calling me to do now, and by doing it, I will be abundantly blessed.

 

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You’ll Never Walk Alone

by TerryLema

It is funny the things that run through your mind in the night. I had one of “those” nights recently, a night where the dreams were odd, and I woke every two hours. Finally, I just gave up and got up around 4:15 AM. That is even a bit early for me since I have been sleeping in until around 6 AM.

After a night of fitful sleep and unsettling dreams, I woke up with a song going through my mind that I have not heard or sung in ages. “Walk on! Walk on! With hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone. You’ll never walk alone.” [written by Rogers and Hammerstein for the musical Carousel]

It has been decades since I saw the musical Carousel. I cannot remember the last time I heard the music. I can’t even fathom what prompted that song – unless God wanted to remind me that no matter what, I am never alone, ever.

We have a most precious promise, given by God Himself. “He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” [Hebrews 13:5-6 HCSB]

We could answer that last question, “What can man do to me?” with many scenarios – man can do a lot to us!

BUT, the one thing man cannot do is cause God to leave us or forsake us. He has promised that we will never walk alone. He has promised to be our “Helper” in every circumstance and trial.

BECAUSE of that promise, we can boldly say, “I will not be afraid!”

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Change Who?

by TerryLema

Last Sunday’s message at Christian Faith Center (CFC) Caldwell brought back a memory of a book I read very early in my walk with God. I do not remember the title, but the subject centered on the truth that the only person you can change is yourself – which was the nugget of truth I brought home from church last Sunday.

I remember reading the book. I remember thinking what a great book it was! I also remember thinking of several friends as I got to the final pages who I thought also needed the book. Then I got to the final page and there was this message.

“The End. Now if you are thinking about giving this book to someone else, go back and read it again.”

I completely missed the message of the book – the only person you have the power to change is yourself.

There are times when I still think I have totally missed the message of the book.  I am still trying to change others when I only have the power to change me.

To change, we must do two basic things. The first thing is to realize we need to change. The second thing is to set that change in motion. And if we need wisdom on how to do that, God has promised that we simply need to ask Him for that wisdom. [James 1:5]

Our Father loves us. He wants us to be like Him. That means a lifestyle that embraces the goal of reflecting His character ….

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” [Ephesians 5:1-2 HCSB]

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Rain, Rain, Go Away!

by TerryLema

Last Friday night we went to an outdoor wedding in a neighboring town. It rained. Not just a light shower. It poured. In fact, our area was under a flood watch, expecting two inches of rain between 10Am-10Pm.

The wedding was at a vineyard and the venue was breathtaking. Set on the edge of a cliff, it overlooked a deep canyon. But in Idaho, in June, there is always the chance of rain. And this venue did not provide tents, or much shelter for guests. (They did provide umbrellas for which I am very grateful.) And thankfully, there was shelter for the bride and her attendants.

The start time for the wedding was delayed waiting for the storm to pass. When it did the wedding took place. Everyone was a little “damp,” but the bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, and when all was said and done, it was a joyous time.

The next morning, I thought about how life often happens that way. We make our plans, good plans, but there are no guarantees that “life” won’t change what we planned. I was reminded that standing in that downpour what we were all seeking (and needed) was shelter from the storm.

“You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.” [Psalm 119:114 HCSB]

The Scriptures are full of God’s promises to be a shelter, a refuge, a fortress, a hiding place for all those who seek Him. He provides hope, compassion, reconciliation, salvation, an inheritance, and so much more. He is the Glory and the One who lifts our head when the storms of life threaten to beat us down.

Thank you, LORD.

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The Final Word

by TerryLema

I looked around today and my heart was saddened by what I saw. While there is so much that makes life beautiful, there is also so much which makes life ugly.  (Most of which we can find on the evening news.)

I am tired of politics and the often-hurtful rhetoric that accompanies it. I am sick at the increase of violence. I struggle with what is going on in our education systems, our businesses, our social media, our neighborhoods.

In much of our nation, Christianity is under attack. The very ones that demand tolerance for their lifestyle refuse to grant it to others.

Perhaps even worse, some people who claim to “be” Christians, act like anything but what Christians should act like.

There is much to discourage. Still … If we believe we are heading closer each day to the LORD’s return, we also must acknowledge that the days and times will become more challenging for those who long for it.

But we can be comforted even amid the trouble because God WILL have the last word.

“We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” [Proverbs 16:1 Good News Translation]

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Because

by TerryLema

One of the greatest privileges is to pray for another. One of the greatest pleasures is to see God answer those prayers.

I came across a phrase in the Book of Daniel that touched my heart. It came on the heels of someone telling me that what I had prayed for them God granted.  That phrase is “I have come because of your prayers” and was spoken to Daniel.

“’Don’t be afraid, Daniel,’” he said to me, ‘for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.’” [Daniel 10:12 HCSB]

Daniel had been mourning and praying for three full weeks for his people. He had fasted during that time. At the end of that time Daniel had a glorious vision of a heavenly being. This being told Daniel that he had been sent to Daniel immediately after Daniel prayed but there had been opposition in the heavenlies that delayed the answer’s arrival.

Even though the answer was delayed, the impetus for the answer was because Daniel was prayed.

“I have come because of your prayers.”

God dispatched a heavenly answer just because Daniel prayed.

Imagine what God will do because we pray!

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That Will Be Enough

by TerryLema

I love the beginning chapter of the Book of Philippians. Paul opens with his greeting and immediately flows into a passage of gratitude and prayer for his readers. Then he talks of his imprisonment and how even that works to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul has no idea where his imprisonment in Rome will lead.  It may lead to freedom; it may lead to death. In verses 21 to 26 he wrestles with those two options. He reveals his heart in verse 21.  “For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”  [CSB]

For the Christian, Paul’s options are our options. In this world, Christ Jesus is our life. When we leave this life, we will gain even more for we shall see our LORD and King face to face in all His glory. We shall enter a life that is completely free from sin, free from temptation, free from pain, free from fear, free from dying. We shall abide eternally with the One Who Died For Us.

But until that day comes, we have a purpose to fulfill. We have a certain number of days to achieve that purpose that have already been determined for us. Whether we are weak or strong physically, young or old, man or woman, educated or not, rich or poor, God calls us to live for Christ.

How that command works out in our individual lives is not what is most important. We may not be able to do much more than pray for others, give a kind word to someone, or offer a smile in the name of the LORD. Maybe all we can do is live our life joyfully in Christ during trying circumstances as an example to others, but, that will be enough.

What is truly important is that we do it!

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How Precious! How Vast!

by TerryLema

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  [James 1:17 CSB]

verything God creates is productive, just, and good. Everything God does has value and loveliness.  He does everything in love and concern for our best and eternal interests. He wants us to flow with the desires of His Holy Spirit so that we will agree with His purpose worked out in our lives.

God never seeks to harm us.  He will, however, not force us to love Him and He’s given us free will to reject Him and will allow us to live (and die) with that choice, but, that has never been His purpose for our eternal good.

One of the most beautiful songs ever written is Psalms 139. Take a moment to read it. One thing you notice immediately is that it contains no negative undertones. It is an entirely positive outpouring of how we are in the care of God – we are remarkably and wondrously made, God is always with us, He knows our deepest thoughts and desires and loves us still!

To me, the most beautiful verses are 17 and 18: “God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is! If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you.”

Our Father is thinking about us all the time. Think about that! God, the Omnipotent One, the All-Knowing One, thinks about us. Of the billions of people alive on this planet now … God thinks about me and you—about each one of us individually. What a remarkable truth.

I sing with the Psalmist … “God, how precious your thoughts are to me!”

 

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He Grieves, Do We?

by TerryLema

In Mark 8, Jesus asked the great question … “Who do you say I am?” [v29]

Peter, of course, gave the great response, “You are the Messiah,” and then moments later turned around and said something foolish causing Jesus to rebuke him.

Jesus used that moment to teach his disciples about His purpose in coming and His upcoming death at the hands of the elders, chief priests and scribes.  Then He invited the crowd to not just listen, but to join Him.

“Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it.  For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?  What can anyone give in exchange for his life?’” [vs 34-37 CSB]

Jesus asks the crowd, and us, two profound questions. First, what good is it to gain everything in this world and yet lose your eternal life, and second, what does anyone have that could be exchanged for that eternal life?

How valuable a human soul! If lost, not even everything in this world can buy it back.

God values a human soul far more than we do. We look at the lost, at the openly hostile to everything sacred, and we write them off as unredeemable, or not worth the effort to pray for or witness to. Yet, I truly believe that up until that last breath they take, God does not write them off. And when they die apart from Him, He grieves for their choice to reject Him.

Do we?

 

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