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Devotions

To His Glory

by TerryLema

I have spent the last couple days looking at the rewards that we will one day see if we remain faithful to our Christian walk and those “good deeds” that God has given us to do. Yesterday I wrote of the crowns that God has planned for His own.

Perhaps the most glorious thing about having a crown in heaven is what we get to do with them!

“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, the One who lives forever and ever, the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne, and say: Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.” [Revelation 4:9-11 HCSB]

Many commentators see the Church represented in the 24 elders in this passage. And whenever these elders (the church) hear those “living creatures” around God’s throne begin to give Him glory, they join in … casting their crowns before the thrones to honor the LORD.

Then they begin to join those living creatures in honoring and glorifying God, “You are worthy to receive glory, and honor and power ….”

The only reason we have a reward, whether that is our inheritance, rewards from eternal works we do now, or crowns, is because our LORD and Savior went to the cross. He took on our sins and their punishment. He drank our cup of rejection and judgment. His work there overcame death and all the loss associated with our sin.

Our crowns should be His and one day in thanksgiving we will take those crowns and lay them at His feet. What a sight that will be!

 

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Crowns

by TerryLema

I have a pink straw hat that I wear when I walk outside in the sunshine. Still, I have never been much of a “hat” person, not like the English Royalty! Head coverings for the English Royalty take on a life of their own. I love the pictures of the ladies wearing their enormous hats during the Derby.

Queen Elizabeth always seems to have a hat that exactly matches her outfits. Then there are the high events when the Queen sheds her hats and dons a crown. When I see those occasions, I usually wonder how she can even hold her head up – that royal crown must be so heavy.

God promises crowns for His own in the Scriptures.  There are five.

The Imperishable Crown: This is the reward for living a spirit-filled, disciplined life. [1 Corinthians 9:24-25]

The Crown of Rejoicing: The reward for evangelism and discipleship. [1Thessalonians 2:19]

The Crown of Righteousness: This is the reward for those who live obediently in anticipation of Christ’s return. [2Timothy 4:8]

The Crown of Glory: This is the crown for those who have served the church as elders. [1Peter 5:4]

The Crown of Life: Finally, this is the crown for those who have endured trials and hardships without denying Christ or giving up their faith. [Revelation 2:10]

Our God loves us lavishly now and will lavish gifts on His own when we stand in His presence. A soft word spoken about His love to someone who does not know Him will earn a crown. Standing firm in the trials of life and remaining faithful to Him will earn a crown. Living obediently while longing for His Coming will earn a crown.

I can’t wait to see you wearing a crown!

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Deeds

by TerryLema

A while back a home in our neighborhood caught fire. Our neighbor and his friend were driving by and saw the flames. They pounded on the door and could hear people inside, but no one would open the door. They finally kicked it in and found a teenager and three young children inside. They were able to get them and their little dog out safely.

The house sat there for quite some time afterwards. We thought they would tear it all down and start over, but apparently much of the house survived the fire. They began reconstruction by clearing out the rubble and determining what was still good and could be left for rebuilding.

In a way that reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians about our work to build God’s church.

“For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.” [1 Corinthians 3:11-14 HCSB]

The Church Corporate has one foundation, Christ Jesus our Lord. We are to build on that foundation. One day when we gather at the Throne, our works will be judged to determine their quality. Each one of us has a choice of building materials. Eternal ones are represented by gold, silver, costly stones. Temporal ones by wood, hay, straw. Some will stand the test; others will be consumed.

I am sure that our heart’s motivation will be a key component of quality, along with the actual work itself. Rewards will be received by all those whose work survives. We must always look for God’s direction to build His Church His way and for His glory.

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Inheritance

by TerryLema

I received an inheritance once when my aunt died. She and my uncle had no children of their own and were like second parents to my brother and me. It was a blessing for our family at the time. We knew she did it out of love for us.

Our LORD has also promised us what Paul calls “the reward of an inheritance.”

“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord.” [Colossians 3:23 HCSB]

Paul reminded us that when we do something, we are to do it as if we were doing it for the LORD Himself. Whatever that is … it could be teaching a Sunday School class or doing the dishes. It could be digging a ditch or writing a play.  The keys are “whatever” and doing it “for the LORD and not for men.”

God, in His great mercy and love gives us a down payment on that inheritance now.

 “When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.  He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.” [Ephesians 1:13:15 HCSB]

The marvelous thing about the down payment of our inheritance (the Holy Spirit) is that it is the power of God’s Own Spirit that enables us to do all the “whatever’s … for the LORD and not for men” so that we might receive that “reward of an inheritance from the Lord.”

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Rewards

by TerryLema

My husband has worked outside most of his life. He talks about working on his grandfather’s farm when he was a boy. He joined the Marine Corps after high school (which is pretty much an outdoor activity). Then after the Marines, he went into underground construction. He loves being outside.

After a lifetime outdoors, he really hates being in the house. He constantly wants to get in the car and go … to the store, to a sporting shop, to check this out or check that out somewhere. With the price of gas, those activities are eating into our budget.

So, we made a pact, beginning with just two weekdays spent at home would get a reward of eating out at week’s end. (Eating out is one of his favorite things also, but with inflation … well, you get my drift.)

Recently he stayed home two full weekdays, so I let him pick the place. He had been hearing about a Chinese buffet in our area he wanted to try, so we headed there for our “reward.” It turned out to be the worst Chinese food we ever had. A very disappointing reward.

We will try a different reward-place this week, but that got me thinking about rewards we will receive as Christians.

The Scripture reminds us that there is a reward even just for seeking God.  “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6 HCSB]

We are not in this Christian walk solely for rewards, but just like we love giving gifts to those we love, God out of His great love for His own loves to gift His children with “rewards.”

(More tomorrow)

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Loss

by TerryLema

I have been fussing a little lately. And I know I have been fussing a little lately. I even know why I have been fussing a little lately – and that is over the loss of physical capabilities.

When I was younger, I never gave much thought to being able to do things. I walked where I wanted to go. I could lift heavy pans of water and cast-iron skillets. I did not need a cane for balance. I could go up and down stairs without having to concentrate on each one.  I could get on the floor and get right back up.

I did not give a thought to my physical capabilities – until I lost them.

Loss: “The act or fact of being unable to keep or maintain something or someone.” [Merriam-Webster]

I mentioned a while back that whenever I am in a difficult situation, I pray the 23 Psalm in my mind. As I was fussing lately, God brought back just one verse. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.” [Psalm 23:5}

Loss is an enemy. Loss is part of the curse of sin and death. While both have been conquered by Christ Jesus on the cross, we are waiting to see the ultimate fulfillment of that victory when we see Him face-to-face. We are yearning for His return so that death (and all its associated loss) will forever be gone.

While we wait, our Beloved Good Shepherd sets a table of abundance for us before our enemies. He comforts us with anointing oil as we “fuss” in our waiting. Our cup of grace and mercy truly overflows.

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The LORD is in His Holy Temple

by TerryLema

I had a sleepless night recently. I drifted off to sleep my usual time, 9 PM, but was up at 10:30 PM, 12:30 AM, and 2 AM. I decided at 2 AM to try sleeping in the recliner. Stayed about an hour when I concluded that was not going to work, so headed back to bed. After fussing in bed for a while, I just got up. 3:30 AM. Not quite wide awake, but still unable to sleep.

sent out and posted my devotions. And then I just sat there. The house and neighborhood were quiet. That is a rarity.

As I focused on the quiet, I heard the Spirit whisper … “The Lord is in His holy temple; let everyone on earth be silent in His presence.” [Habakkuk 2:20 HCSB]

I obeyed the Spirit of God. I kept silent. I leaned in to hear what the LORD might whisper to me in that silence [as He whispered to Elijah in the cave.] [1Kings 19]

What profound truths would He reveal? What great and mighty directives might He give? I heard one word, “comfort.”

I was coming off a difficult week. The enemy of my soul had roughed me up pretty good that week. I thought I had failed a friend, failed the LORD as well. I had allowed some anxiety in, and a bit of depression was creeping around the corner. I had battled, rebuked, and done everything I thought I needed to do.  Everything but one thing.

I had not allowed the LORD to comfort me. God wanted to give me His comfort, but I would not let Him. I did not feel worthy of it.  Until that early morning when I could not sleep, too tired to fight, He reminded me in the quiet before dawn that He is in His Holy Temple.

Amen & Amen

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The Just Judge

by TerryLema

So often I hear people demanding justice. They want wrongs made right. They want to see the ones who pervert the law held accountable. There is something in us that looks for someone to stand up against the evil that too often reigns in this life.

Did you know there is a Psalm about “The Just Judge?” It is Psalm 94, and it is a cry out to the “LORD, God of vengeance” to appear and repay the proud and wicked what they deserve. As I was reading it this morning in the HCSB, I came across two startling translations of verses 8 and 20.

Verse 8 demands of those who think God does not see their wickedness to “Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise.”

Verse 20 speaks of those in authority who band together to condemn the righteous and the innocent. “Can a corrupt throne (government)—one that creates trouble by law—become Your ally?”

Wow! I would say that it looks like we have not learned a lot down through the centuries. Fools still deny God. Corruption is still prevalent in those who rule.

But I hate to end on that note, so I will remind you also of the promise of God found in Psalm 94:18-19. “If I say, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your faithful love will support me, LORD. When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.”

Just a reminder, no matter what we see flourish around us (fools or corruption), our God is still on the throne, still supporting us with His faithful love, still singing over us with joy!

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Hate

by TerryLema

For decades Bob and I moved a lot. Because of that we did not accumulate “stuff.” But since we moved into this house in Caldwell in 2007, that pattern changed. I have a lot of stuff, much of which I do not need. I have been trying to rid this house of things I do not need, nor use, so that my kids will not have to do it one day.

A few months ago, I found a container in the garage. When I looked inside, I found all my old journals and a few books that I called “JoyBooks” where I would jot down sayings, jokes, and where I kept old comics and cards that I received in the 1990’s. I threw away the journals but kept the JoyBooks.

I have been posting things out of my JoyBooks on Facebook each day. The other day I found the following quote attributed to Booker T. Washington.

“I am determined to permit no man to narrow or degrade my soul by making me hate him.”  

We know that God is love. We know that we are to love God and allow Him to love us. We know we are to love not only our friends but also our enemies. Why? Because “love builds up.” [1 Corinthians 8:1 HCSB]

Love edifies others. It builds them up. And it builds us up as we exercise it. Hate, however, tears down. It degrades our own souls even more than those we aim it towards. Wonder why our culture is in such danger? One reason may be that we are allowing hate to flourish and degrade the soul of our society.

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In the Year That …

by TerryLema

“In the year that ….” That phrase opens up the distinguished and familiar Chapter 6 of Isaiah. “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple ….”

Isaiah saw the LORD, and heard the Seraphim calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.” [vs3]

King Uzziah was one of the good kings of Judah. He became king at the age of 16 and reigned for 52 years. He was an innovative and intelligent king and under him the nation prospered. He made a personal mistake in his later years when he tried to usurp duties that belonged only to priests (and died a leper), still he is regarded as a good and godly king.

As I read that opening verse, I wondered what there was about the death of King Uzziah that led to the vision of the LORD. Did Isaiah note that simply to record the date? Or was there something else that caused him to note that his marvelous vision that also signaled his commission to “go” was in the year King Uzziah died?

While the date is recorded as 736BC, King Uzziah death brought an end to the prosperity and wellbeing that the nation had enjoyed under him. Uncertainty and threats filled the horizon creating anxiety among the people. The Assyrians were becoming powerful creating fearful times.

Perhaps it was the weight of what Isaiah saw happening to his nation that drove him to the temple where he was confronted by God and commissioned to “Go!”.

Perhaps it will be the weight of what we see happening in our nation that will drive us to the temple where we will be confronted by God and commissioned to “Go!”?

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