Lee McFee's Faith Journey

​Real Dudes,
We had 28 men present at Ox Strong this past Saturday.
Lee did a fabulous job explaining to us his faith journey to the Lord. It was encouraging to hear how dedicated and hungry he became to know more about the Lord and His ways. We read the following in 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” Lee had such a desire to grow in the knowledge of the Lord…it was evident to his family as he’d read godly books and listen to godly preaching on a regular basis in the presence of his family. Such an example of what it means to be Ox Strong in our homes. If you were unable to be with us in person or if you weren’t able to watch the live stream, then here’s the link to Lee’s challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_rDdTWBPlw.

Lee’s Faith Journey
In his childhood, Lee was never really told why Christians do what they do.
Why is it important to go to church?
Is there a need to attend Church past a certain age?
Why do you believe what you believe? So when he was given the option to attend church after the age of 12 he opted out and stopped going to church altogether. He’d served his time and felt as though that was enough for him at that time.
Lee attended Iowa State University after high school. At that time the legal drinking age was 18 and he took full advantage of that opportunity. There were no alternatives in his mind to worldly living. And then the Lord caused Jane to cross his path. Jane grew up Catholic, and so once the two got married they chose to join the Catholic Church just because. Prior to then he had no faith to hold to and no Church to call home. But now God got his wheels turning. Lee began thinking that there’s got to be more to this life than he’d previous been living. God had lit a match under him that got him thinking, searching, and reading scripture and other religious writings.

• Acts 17:11 (NIV) Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

God opened Lee’s eyes to many truths, and Lee began changing his views on topics such as…Why do we exist? Is there order in the Universe? Is there rationale for anything? Where do our ideas come from? Who is it that has authority in our lives?
He came to the realization that there is a God Who we can know and love. A God that we can have a relationship with. A Spirit that has been given to us to help guide us through these questions and concerns in life. There is really such a thing as God’s divine providence. God shared with him and showed him that He can bring good out of bad circumstances in life – good that otherwise wouldn’t have happened if the bad hadn’t come first. An example Lee gave was that he and his wife experienced two miscarriages right away in their marriage. God laid it on their hearts to adopt their son whom they’re so thankful for.
Lee wanted us to remember that God is love, and that we need to keep our focus on Jesus Christ in order to make good decisions in life. He challenged us to really think about how our relationship is with the God Who created us, because Christianity is all about being in relationship with Jesus Christ. Christ is The One to be worshipped (worth-ship). Now, personally ask yourself the following questions, “how do I manifest my relationship with Christ?,” and “what am I doing to invigorate my relationship with Christ?”
Remember, anytime man is involved in traditional practices that the good, the bad, and the ugly will be present. Do you see yourself in the following verses looking more like the Pharisees/world or the Disciples (Believers)?

• Pharisees questioning the Lord…Matthew 15:2-3, 6 (NKJV) “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?...then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
• Christ pointing this out the Pharisees…Mark 7:8 (NKJV) For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”
• The Apostle Paul to all believers…1 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV) Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
• The Apostle Paul’s testimony and example…Galatians 1:14 (NKJV) And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
• The Apostle Paul’s warning…Colossians 2:8 (NKJV) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
• The Apostle Paul’s encouragement…2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
• The Apostle Paul’s command…2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NKJV) But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
• Peter’s displeasure with the traditions of some men…1 Peter 1:18 (NKJV) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,

Therefore, pray for discernment. Be like the Berean’s and be sure tradition aligns with God’s Word and ways.
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Kevin Clevenger added another couple good questions that God had him ponder one time, “How would it change your life if you knew you only had thirty days to live…how would you spend your time?”
Thanks for reading and or listening to / viewing Lee’s faith journey…hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Practicing His Presence,
Nate