Acceptance in the Community (Ruth 2:5-12; 3:9-11)
The coach of the local football team began his season opening address by saying he wanted his team to be relevant when the league’s playoff picture began taking shape in the last few weeks of the season. I don’t ever remember hearing a coach use the term relevant to measure the success or failure of his team.
Relevant. Important. Impactful. Vital. Significant. A team could play well for a few games and still have no bearing on the championship. A team could be surrounded with enough drama to grab the headlines of the evening news and the daily paper and still have a stranglehold on last place. Its roster could be loaded with players capable of padding their individual stats, making all-star teams, and shattering performance records, and still be irrelevant in the hunt for the prize.
Relevant for Her Works
Ruth was relevant. By her good works, she caused people to notice her and she made a positive impact on those around her. Having turned down her mother-in-law’s “greener pastures” offer, this Moabite woman stood by Naomi. She unassumingly toiled behind the regular harvesters, content with the leftover grain rather than demanding the best the fields had to offer. She also expressed kindness and loyalty to Boaz. He noticed, and word spread to all of the people of the area who had taken notice of Ruth’s character (Ruth 3:11).
Motivated by His Love
There are plenty of people in our communities who pull on the jersey of faith and attempt to be players for Christ. Some on our team want to exercise their world-class criticism talent to point out the faults and sins of others. Many of us are more tactical. We boycott and denounce ideas and initiatives with which we disagree. A few of us even look to pad our stats of the faith by serving on every civic committee and community watch group we can find.
But if these things are not done in the name of the love that Christ demonstrated for each one of us, we risk becoming nothing more than the clanking, out-of-tune instruments Paul writes about (1 Corinthians 13:1).
We may show up for practice every Sunday. We may grab the attention of the local media with our marches and sit-ins. We may outwardly wear the uniform with pride. But without the sincerity, humility, and devotion that Ruth showed, we are unaccepted by our community. Then the message of Christ we try so desperately to deliver falls on deaf ears, and we are irrelevant to the cause for Christ.
I recently watched the local team play a game that had championship relevance. Late in the game, one of our players tackled an opposing player for a short loss. The tackler sprang from the turf, pointed at the downed player, and celebrated as if his team had just conquered the world.
In reality, his team faced a 30-point deficit and had not scored a single point. One great tackle, as flashy as it was, had no impact. No one cared. It was irrelevant to the outcome of the game.
Example to Our Neighbors
So, as we go through the seasons of our lives, let us do so with humility and motives like Ruth’s. If we’re in the game for fame and glory, self-promotion, or for reasons other than wanting to bring people closer to a relationship with Christ, then we run the risk of our actions having no relevance in the very community we are trying to serve. The people of Bethlehem noticed how Ruth went about her work as much as they did the deeds themselves. Likewise, we need our neighbors and coworkers to know we feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and love the unlovable because Christ first loved us.
My playbook tells me that gentleness and meekness will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). My Coach also tells me that, after this season of life is over, his postseason definitely is worth the training!
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*All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.
HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Rev. Dr. James A. Lee The Joy of Jesus Now
What would life be without joy? When a child is born in the world it gives the parents and related families tremendous joy. We can find joy in all types of activities if one so desires. The real question is what gives Jesus Joy?
Many years ago a child was born under the most adverse circumstances. Born in a manger with all of the burdens of the world on his life. The governments rested on him.
Jesus was born to save the world from sin.The Joy of The Lord is doing the perfect will of God. Do you know of anyone who who die for your sins and was so perfect in doing the absolute will of his father?
The Joy of The Lord is our Salvation. This is the good news. Jesus died in the cross so that we who believe in Him shall have everlasting life. God raised Him with all power and glory. Jesus will return to set all things right. The Joy of The Lord is my salvation
Many years ago a child was born under the most adverse circumstances. Born in a manger with all of the burdens of the world on his life. The governments rested on him.
Jesus was born to save the world from sin.The Joy of The Lord is doing the perfect will of God. Do you know of anyone who who die for your sins and was so perfect in doing the absolute will of his father?
The Joy of The Lord is our Salvation. This is the good news. Jesus died in the cross so that we who believe in Him shall have everlasting life. God raised Him with all power and glory. Jesus will return to set all things right. The Joy of The Lord is my salvation
The Joy of Jesus Rev. Dr. James A. Lee Bible/Study
The Joy of Jesus Church has posted an excellent Bible Study program to advance Christian-Living and Education on-line http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Our goal is to serve the on-line community at home,work or on the go.The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee said Christian Education and Bible knowledge is lacking today.
The Joy of Jesus Church has several programs for hope and opportunity. The Lee Bible University is free. the Opportunity Centers: Education,Business Green Technology, Parenting Skills, Poverty Center,and Health programs are all free.
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee, Pastor ask that people give to The Joy of Jesus in several ways. Visit our sponsors(no cost), get our free toolbar, or you may donate one-dollar to help support our work. The Bible Study is a real blessing.
Our goal is to serve the on-line community at home,work or on the go.The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee said Christian Education and Bible knowledge is lacking today.
The Joy of Jesus Church has several programs for hope and opportunity. The Lee Bible University is free. the Opportunity Centers: Education,Business Green Technology, Parenting Skills, Poverty Center,and Health programs are all free.
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee, Pastor ask that people give to The Joy of Jesus in several ways. Visit our sponsors(no cost), get our free toolbar, or you may donate one-dollar to help support our work. The Bible Study is a real blessing.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Good Reason for Hope The Joy of Jesus Church
The Joy of Jesus Church is Hope
by Dr.James A. Lee
12/31/69
Not For Sale
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Have you ever had something that was so precious to you, and lost it? What should one do under such circumstances? There many people today that have very little hope for the future. The Joy of Jesus Church has found the answer to such a dilemma.
The Bible tells a story about a woman who had a precious coin collection and lost one that she truly valued. What did she do? She cleaned up her house searching everywhere until she found it.
People are losing hope today due to the horrible economic conditions. We must look quickly to Scripture. The Bible states that when our dear woman found what she valued and lost she rejoiced with a celebration with her loved ones.
Where is our hope. All of our hope is in the Lord of all salvation. Jesus gave His life on the cross and was raise by God. The promise of all hope is that Jesus shall return and save all who believe in Him. This is the reason for all hope in The Joy of Jesus Church for you.
by Dr.James A. Lee
12/31/69
Not For Sale
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Have you ever had something that was so precious to you, and lost it? What should one do under such circumstances? There many people today that have very little hope for the future. The Joy of Jesus Church has found the answer to such a dilemma.
The Bible tells a story about a woman who had a precious coin collection and lost one that she truly valued. What did she do? She cleaned up her house searching everywhere until she found it.
People are losing hope today due to the horrible economic conditions. We must look quickly to Scripture. The Bible states that when our dear woman found what she valued and lost she rejoiced with a celebration with her loved ones.
Where is our hope. All of our hope is in the Lord of all salvation. Jesus gave His life on the cross and was raise by God. The promise of all hope is that Jesus shall return and save all who believe in Him. This is the reason for all hope in The Joy of Jesus Church for you.
News The Joy of Jesus Church Recovery Action Plan
Business Development is the key to economic development today. The World Exchange Business Development Center has a plan for you to get started. The tools for the future are clear in terms for what is required for the future. The Joy of Jesus Church has initiatives are focused on some rather key ares for ones consideration http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Green Technology is a great starting point. Investing in water rights is a start. Recycling is another. Alternative fuels is a great investment along with food development and distribution as well. We offer educational assistance for new learning the technologies of the future. We offer business; planning, finance, start-up and free promotional networks. These are just some of the opportunities to help in the economic recovery.
Hope and Opportunity are the two main pillar of The joy of Jesus mission of full social-economic development for the world. One must work both hard and intelligently to undo past performance. We have consolidated our information and resource pool to one place to start the process for recovery through The World of business Ex-Change.
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee encourages you to visit and share our network to your contacts as well.
Green Technology is a great starting point. Investing in water rights is a start. Recycling is another. Alternative fuels is a great investment along with food development and distribution as well. We offer educational assistance for new learning the technologies of the future. We offer business; planning, finance, start-up and free promotional networks. These are just some of the opportunities to help in the economic recovery.
Hope and Opportunity are the two main pillar of The joy of Jesus mission of full social-economic development for the world. One must work both hard and intelligently to undo past performance. We have consolidated our information and resource pool to one place to start the process for recovery through The World of business Ex-Change.
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee encourages you to visit and share our network to your contacts as well.
The Joy of Jesus Church Scripture & Prayer
Psalm 103 >>
King James Bible
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1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
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<< Psalm 103 >>
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Online Parallel Bible
King James Bible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<< Psalm 103 >>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Online Parallel Bible
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Business Directory/The Joy of Jesus Church
The need for businesses to re-connect has become overwhelming given the economic recovery. Businesses must re-align their missions to meet the future demands of change. Dr. James A. Lee, creator of Promoting Your Business/Blog http://drjalee52.ning.com/ has developed," The International Business Directory" as a free service to connect business to business services. The Registry will allow businesses to promote their companies using all of the social networking features to market their services. This tool will dramatically help small businesses and home based businesses as well.
Hopefully our directory will generate more jobs for the future. The world needs more jobs and activity to drive the economy to new heights. Small Businesses need additional means of communicating their services, good, and products without the traditional expenses of the past.
Interested parties may visit Promoting Your Business/Blog http://drjalee52.ning.com/ to gain access to this system while it is of no cost. This is an ideal opportunity to allow U.S. ,Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America to share business services as well as Australia. We are optimistic that this new service will be a means of economic development that will further promote prosperity.
--
Dr.James A. Lee
http://drjalee52.ning.com/
# # #
Hopefully our directory will generate more jobs for the future. The world needs more jobs and activity to drive the economy to new heights. Small Businesses need additional means of communicating their services, good, and products without the traditional expenses of the past.
Interested parties may visit Promoting Your Business/Blog http://drjalee52.ning.com/ to gain access to this system while it is of no cost. This is an ideal opportunity to allow U.S. ,Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America to share business services as well as Australia. We are optimistic that this new service will be a means of economic development that will further promote prosperity.
--
Dr.James A. Lee
http://drjalee52.ning.com/
# # #
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