Monthly Archives: March 2014

INOPPORTUNE, OR OPPORTUNITY?

“The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own,’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life — the life God is sending one day by day.”            (C. S. Lewis)

Your office door at work is closed, so that you can focus on that project that is due next week.  You hear a knock at the door and a co-worker peaks in and says, “I really need your help with this.”  It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon and you’re ready to relax and get some fresh air on the deck in the back yard.  Suddenly your neighbor looks over the fence and says, “Hey do you have a minute?” Or worse, you experience a broken bone from an accident that sets you back weeks in accomplishing the many items on your ‘must do’ list. Yes, they come in all shapes and sizes at the most inopportune times.  They are called interruptions, and how we respond to them can make a huge difference in our life or the life of someone else.

Quite often, our reaction to an interruption serves as a point of frustration.  This can evoke a number of emotions including sadness, self-pity, anger, and worry.  Most interruptions entail some form of self-sacrifice, requiring us to focus on the need or question at hand.  If we can move beyond our own selfishness and concentrate on the person, we can learn to view the ‘inopportune’ as an ‘opportunity’.  If we practice in enough circumstances, we will become a more compassionate and charitable individual.  If the interruption is a personal one, we must wonder if God is trying to get our attention.  Maybe we are heading down the wrong path, and He is redirecting us to be in His will and not our own. Or maybe He just wants us to slow down so that we can reflect and renew.

Jesus was frequently interrupted as He went from place to place.  In G. H. Morling’s book, The Quest for Serenity – he states the following:  “A valuable study of the Gospels could be made, noticing how many times Jesus gave some of His greatest teachings in circumstances where he had simply been interrupted. How different this is from us; we hate to be interrupted. To Jesus, the importance seemed to lie in the person whose path had crossed His own. Things don’t just ‘happen’ in the providence of God. The interruption may well be our highest task at that very moment.”  Examples of Jesus’ interruptions include the healings of the paralytic (Mark 2:4-5) and the sick woman (Mark 5:25-34). In each case, Jesus paused to help even though He was focused on another task at hand.

The psalmist reminds us that the Lord can make “the plans of the peoples of no effect” (Psalm 33:10). Today, you may be going through something that, at the moment, appears to be a setback to what you had intended. But, could it be that God is intersecting in your life to bless you? Instead of getting frustrated, trust that there is a purpose and thank God for the blessing of interruptions. We may just find that we can handle the interruption when our faith becomes greater than our frustration.

REFLECTION:  Can you recall a time when God interrupted your life at an inopportune time?  How did you feel, and what was the outcome?  Looking back – can you now see that it was a blessing or opportunity to witness? Does that experience give you renewed vision for the next time unplanned circumstances enter your life?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. APRIL 5, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

WAITING : THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.       (Psalm 27:14)

You’ve gone through all the prompts on the 800 number that you called. Finally you get to request assistance from a real person when you hear a recording that says that your approximate wait time is five minutes.  Suddenly your reason for calling doesn’t seem all that important anymore, because that’s far too long to be on hold. In today’s society, instant gratification has become an expectation. Through technology we can have immeasurable amounts of information almost immediately.  We can even circulate our most private thoughts to a worldwide audience of strangers who can suddenly become instant friends, many of whom we come to realize we don’t care for all that much.  But we’re in luck, because now there’s an anti-social networking app that helps you avoid those friends you don’t like. It’s a wonderful life.

An instant gratification lifestyle can breed a personality of impatience which doesn’t help us when we’re in traffic or in line at the crowded grocery store, expecting news about a college or job application, waiting for that Mr. or Miss right to come into our life, or worse, agonizing over the results of a biopsy to determine whether cancer cells are present in our body. Our culture is ever-focused on speed.  3-G connections evolve into 4-G connections, and we are always anticipating the next best thing.  Conditioned to believe all that is good is quick and easy, our Christian values can easily become compromised.  All of a sudden we develop thoughts that studying the Bible is too tedious, and waiting for answers to prayer takes much too long.  And if we’re smart, we come to realize that this ‘gotta have it now’ attitude will have a detrimental effect on our spiritual life if we don’t keep it under control.

Patience is mentioned time and time again in scripture. The writings of Paul tell us that patience is part of the fruit of the spirit. From patience we acquire self-discipline. We learn to look beyond the here and now and choose to live for a greater purpose, that of eternity.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.                                      He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;                                                        he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.                                                      He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.                                            Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.  (Psalm 40:1-3)

God gives everlasting power to those who wait upon Him to perform what He has promised. What we receive through faith will last forever.  

 A few years ago, there was a iPhone commercial that used the tag line, “There’s an app for almost anything.”  And there’s one for waiting as well.  It’s a three letter word called G-O-D, known as the “giver of endurance.” (Romans 15:5) Without a doubt, it’s the best connection you’ll ever have.

REFLECTION:  What situation demands your patience today?  Are you willing to wait for an answer by placing your trust in God’s timing?  While you are waiting, how can you demonstrate your faithfulness?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 29, 2014. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

TIME FOR PRUNING

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”  (John 15:1-4)

Spring will soon be here. Given a few pleasant days in mid-to-late March, it can be a wonderful opportunity to do some pruning of bushes, hedge plants, and decorative landscaping trees before budding begins.  Pruning is done for various reasons.  These include:  providing for restoration and rejuvenation, promoting overall health, or to direct growth. A gardener who is experienced in pruning does it selectively and knows exactly how and where to trim.  Pruning properly will enhance the beauty of a shrub or tree.  But pruning that is not done correctly can ruin the desired outcome.  Pruning is one of the most important processes in the wine vineyard.  If the wine dresser is a knowledgeable pruner, his work will enable the vines to yield a better harvest.

I have a wonderful neighbor across the street who has a beautiful yard filled with colorful flowers.  Not only does she fertilize and water them faithfully, but during the summer months she spends many hours each week deadheading her plants.  Removing the spent flowers on a regular basis promotes blossoms throughout the season.  In her own way of pruning throughout the growing months, she helps create a front yard that commands attention as you pass by.

As Believers, we have a periodic need for pruning in our lives because like the flowers, we too can become spent.  Sometimes we are able to deadhead the undesired habits that have crept into our life and self-improve.  At other times, we, the branches, find ourselves becoming so detached from the vine (Christ) that only the Master Gardener (God) can restore us.  In doing so, we find ourselves in good spiritual health and are once again able to produce fruit.  No one is a better pruner than God, but we must not be arrogant or boastful.  “If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.”  (Romans 11:18-20)

We most likely can find ourselves in one of three places: in the process of being pruned, healing from being pruned, or if you are fortunate you may be in full bloom.  As Christians, we are all subject to times of pruning. Pruning is not only necessary when our lives are a mess. Sometimes we are in need just because there is untapped potential. During these times of reshaping we may be subject to difficulty, disappointment, and discouragement. Just like the gardener, we should see God’s pruning as a sign that He is taking an active role in our lives, is concerned about our growth, and wants us to reap the best potential harvest for His kingdom.  In need of a good pruning?  If not now – you will be.

REFLECTION:  Can you understand that God sometimes allows us to suffer not as an act of punishment but because He wants to see us be more productive fruit bearers?  Looking back on your life, can you identify times when pruning has occurred? As you look ahead, will you be able to view God’s pruning as an act of encouragement?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 22, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

 

 

HOLD THAT THOUGHT

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14)

I have been checking out the recent Academy Award Best Picture nominees to determine which films I might want to see.  I was interested in viewing one of the movies with a well-known director and great cast.  That is, until I read an article in Variety that this picture has set the record for the most uses ever of a particular four-letter word. Actually the word is supposedly used 506 times, an average of nearly three times per minute.  I was talking with a friend about my decision not to see this movie.  Her response was that, no doubt, it was a realistic portrayal of the way some people talk.  Although I am sure that is true, I don’t need to support, let alone expose myself to this kind of vulgarity.

Recently I heard a talk show host saying that she learned from one of her friends that her nine-year-old son enjoys her Instagram communications.  The talk show host, who many times has declared her Christian beliefs, was taken back stating that her Instagram messages are not meant to be shared with someone so young.  Maybe she should pause and consider if what she is saying is that inappropriate, it might be better not to publicly share these thoughts at all.  The problem with most of us is that we frequently speak before we think.  Once the words are out, it’s hard to retrieve them, especially in today’s society where much of our communication is instantaneous. It might be best to “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  (Psalm 141:3)

Emily Dickenson once wrote, “A word is dead when it is said. Some say. I say it just begins to live that day.”  As Christians, we would do well if we could step back, consider our soon-to-be expressed thoughts, and think how others might perceive them.  Doing so gives us the opportunity to examine our heart before we speak insensitive words that could perhaps be hurtful. Jesus said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”  (Matthew 12:36)

We live in a society of excess.  That excess is not only in our material possessions but also in the words that flow from our lips.  So, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”  (Ecclesiastes 5:2)  It comes down to this – when we allow the earthiness of our mouth to become part of our daily routine, it is difficult to wonder which of our statements might haunt us in our Hereafter.  Someone once prayed these thoughts: “Please God, make my words today sweet and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them.”

REFLECTION:  Some people say, “If you say it with love, then it’s okay to say it.”  Can you think of instances where this might not be true?  If you’re looking to give up something during Lent, is it possible that your excess speech could be targeted?  Is there a way that you can filter your communication, in order to be a more effective witness?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 15, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

GOT YOUR BACK

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Anyone who is blessed to have a child will be able to visualize this image. It’s gotten far too quiet.  You look into the playroom, and there is a photo opportunity you can’t pass up.  Your youngster apparently fell asleep on the floor while romping around before nap time.  Cuddled up next to him is the family dog, one of those sights too precious for words.  You snap the shot, and the caption for the memory book immediately comes into your mind:  “Got Your Back.” You get the picture.

Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have the same benefit when we demonstrate that simple childlike faith displayed above.  The problem for most of us is that when we grow into adulthood and life bombards us, we sometimes lose the confidence to not worry, be guilt-free, or feel worthy enough to claim God’s abundant love for us.  I once knew a lady who would never participate in Holy Communion.  One day when she was asked why, her reply was that she wasn’t worthy.  Not worthy of the sacrament?  If we needed to be worthy to participate in the Lord’s Supper, then I’m afraid none of us would hit the mark.  In fact, just the opposite is true. Because of the sacrifice He made for us, and through the acceptance of the grace that He alone can provide – only then are we made worthy.

As we go through life’s struggles, it’s easy to sometimes feel very alone and undeserving. However, as a child of God, we can feel secure that he always has our best interests at heart, regardless of our circumstances. We, the faithful, are not always so full of faith.  We keep giving it to God; then we take it back.  It’s difficult for most of us to let go and say, “Oh God’s got that covered, because I have turned it over to Him.”  Fortunately for us, He is more faithful than we.  So, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  (Hebrews 10:23)

I can’t help but think of the words of the old hymn derived from a 1923 poem written by Thomas O. Chisholm:

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.”

Faithful He is, for sure.  He doesn’t turn; He doesn’t change; He doesn’t fail.  He’s got your back – all the way.

REFLECTION:  What is your greatest concern?  Has it become such a burden, or is it making you feel so unworthy that you are incapable of living a full life?  Do you have the childlike faith to depend on Jesus? Pray for the confidence that you can let go and experience new joy that only He can offer.

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 8, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)