Monthly Archives: January 2015

PROPERLY DEFLATED

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,                                                       but the righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)

It’s that time of year when everything and everyone pauses to watch the Super Bowl. Whether it’s the hype leading up to the big game, the parties and the food, the halftime show, the TV commercials, or the actual gridiron competition – millions of people find a way to get involved. The 2015 contest may best be remembered for its pregame controversy which has become known as “Deflate-gate.” In a championship playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL reported that a majority of the footballs checked at halftime were underinflated below the acceptable range. If used, an underinflated football can be more easily handled giving an advantage to the team who possesses them. So, was there an intention to cheat and win? Good luck finding someone who will admit that. Egos in check? Of course not. Lots of money on the line? Certainly. Will we ever know all the facts?  Your guess is as good as mine.

In our culture, we hear about a lot of things being over or under inflated.  Economists inform us that neither severe inflation nor deflation is favorable because it affects purchasing power and price stability. The garage mechanic will tell you that you should regularly check your tires for proper inflation, because you will get better gas mileage if you do so. We don’t want our air bags in our car to inflate, although if we are in an accident we may be grateful that they did. When we’re having a celebration, we may use helium to inflate balloons for the festivity, but then we end up popping or deflating them later. Emergency medical service personnel are taught how to give CPR in order to inflate someone’s lungs if they stop breathing.  And In our own day-to-day experience, we may know someone with an inflated ego and wish that we could find a way to shrink it.

Jesus had to address the ego issue with those closest to Him. ”An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all — he is the greatest’” (Luke 9:46-48).  If we are a genuine child of God, then on our journey we will come to understand that we must die to oneself in order to fulfill God’s will for our life. Otherwise, somewhere along our path we may find ourself humbled.  After all, we are warned that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

It’s apparent that God does not deal well with persons who are full of themselves. Peter wrote that “God opposes the proud but favors the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). When we are willing to deflate our ego to become like an empty vessel, then He can fill us and direct our path of service. Martin Luther once said: “Until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him.”  In order to provide a worthwhile contribution to the world, it may be important that we view ourselves as fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. However, in doing so, we can easily allow our ego-centered attitude to become ‘puffed up’. When this occurs, the joy and peace that God intends for us to experience along our journey is sacrificed. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).  Someone once said, “Every time your head touches the ground in prayer, remember it is to teach you to put down your ego.”  In doing so, we allow ourselves to be within the bounds of being properly deflated.

REFLECTION:  When you accomplish tasks that are worthy of praise, in what manner do you give the credit to God for equipping you as His instrument?  How do you demonstrate Godly compassion for others who are self-centered? In what ways can we turn our personal successes into triumphs for His kingdom?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., FEBRUARY 7, 2015.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE FREE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED)

OUT OF ROUTINE

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,                                                                   and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

“Break routine and add adventure to your life.”  I think that is close to the words I saw in an advertisement.  This time of year, a break in routine is sometimes helpful for those who live in certain sections of the country.  For many, winter can be a depressing time, and it is not unusual to come down with a good dose of ‘cabin fever’ provoking a strong desire for some type of get-away vacation. For others, the establishment of a good daily routine can enhance their quality of life. This includes children who require structure in their lives, but it can also apply to the elderly who have poor nutrition and are frequently too immobile.  Coffee drinkers often notice that their bodies become sluggish if they miss their morning brew. When your lifestyle requires a certain amount of physical dexterity, you might lose your ability to properly function if you do not maintain an exercise routine. And so it goes.

We have all had the best of intentions with some of our relationship habits. We graduate from college and plan to stay in close contact with our friends with whom we had four close years of fellowship.  We change jobs, but on the last day as we say goodbye to our colleagues – we promise to keep in touch.  Frequent phone calls or texts become less numerous.  An occasional email can quickly become an annual birthday or Christmas card, and before you know it there is less in common and the ‘out of routine’ becomes out of touch forever. I wonder if our journey with Christ isn’t sometimes in jeopardy of becoming disconnected as well.  I know, for myself, that when my day starts later than usual and I skip my morning devotions, or if I become extremely tired and fall asleep before or during my bedtime prayers – I will feel out of sync.

So if we miss doing our Bible reading or coming to God in prayer, does that inhibit our relationship with God?  In the short term, probably not.  After all – God created us and understands that we are human. However, He desires that we fellowship with Him. Getting out of routine can obstruct that relationship not because God is no longer there but rather because we aren’t.  It’s important for us to understand that we don’t pray for God’s sake but rather for our own.  If we do not practice good Christian habits when we are busy and our journey is going well, then where do we turn when we find ourselves in the valley rather than on the mountaintop? Martin Luther King said it this way: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  If we have not maintained close contact with God, will we reach out to Him in those trying times?

Working God into our schedule requires discipline, especially for active persons. But when we allow His word to fill our minds as we begin and end our day, we stand a much better chance of our thoughts turning to Him during those persisting difficulties. In doing so, we give ourselves an opening to rely on His wisdom rather than our own inclinations. “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body” (Proverbs 4:20-22).

Our society spends a lot of time and dollars sponsoring a healthy diet and exercise, but we lack consideration of promoting good spiritual habits.  The Apostle Paul would warn us: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Herbert Lockyer says that “a good, healthy, natural or spiritual appetite is a gift of God, and something for which to be grateful.” Are you hungry? Our Heavenly Father waits patiently for us to resume our routine, make Him first in our life, and be welcomed into His presence for all of eternity.

REFLECTION:  What are the habits you practice on a regular basis to maintain a close connection with God? How do you become aware when you are spending too much time on the things of this world?  What kind of routine might you put in place this week to assure that you are upholding a proper spiritual discipline?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., JANUARY  31, 2015.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE FREE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED)

GETTING A GRIP

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

From the kitchen window of my house, I can frequently see the two dogs next door playing together on the hill of the neighboring property.  The bigger of the two is very quiet and mild-mannered. The smaller one is much more wired, barking at everything and everyone he sees. Together they run up and down the hill at times chasing each other, sometimes just making their presence known to other animals or people in sight.  You would think that this time of year when the yard is covered with a crusty snow or ice, they would proceed with more caution.  But they romp with the same enthusiasm and frivolity that they would during the summer months. I often laugh at their lack of hesitation and their will to get where they want to go, regardless of the conditions around them. They seem to always be able to get a grip on the situation.

There is a lesson here for us onlookers who struggle at times with being able to keep our own grip on life.  We sometimes feel that our personal circumstances have literally gone to the dogs, and our coping mechanisms are much less confident than my canine friends next door.  Whenever we experience these difficulties with our finances, our jobs, our marriages, and who knows what else – there may have been a time when we might have referred to such a life as being “on the skids.” It is during these times when our faith gets tested and our psyches become filled with emotions such as self-doubt, worry, guilt and fear. I don’t know who said these words, but they are certainly good ones to remember:  “Fear knocked at my door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.”

Scripture tells the story of the varying reactions of Jesus and His disciples on one of their  journeys. “When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’ (Matthew 8:23-27).

This past week in Yosemite National Park, a pair of American men in their 30’s completed what had long been considered the world’s most difficult rock climb. Using only their hands and feet to scale a 3,000-foot vertical wall, the unfriendly granite pedestal was considered to be a feat many had thought to be impossible. Using only ropes and safety harnesses to catch themselves in case of a fall, the climbers relied entirely on their own strength. It took 19 days to complete the effort and realize their year-long dream that has been described by some as an obsession. As they look back on their achievement years from now, hopefully one of the lessons learned will be that the journey is sometimes just as important, if not more, than the destination.

Lucky for we who believe that we don’t have to rely solely on our own strength when we face life’s slippery slopes. Nor do we have to become obsessed with the challenges that we encounter. While God always expects that we do our part, He also understands that our reliance on Him is a demonstration of our unwavering belief and faith. “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). For it is in these situations that we come to realize that faith is the conviction that God is who He said He is and will do what He has promised for all who serve and believe in Him.

REFLECTION:  When your life is on a slippery slope, how do you respond?  Would you describe your faith as faltering or unwavering when you are confronted by the difficulties of life? How can the posturing of your response not only affirm your reliance on God but also function as a witness to others of who He calls us to be?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., JANUARY  24, 2015.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE FREE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED)

RETURN TO SENDER

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”  (Acts 4:32)

A few days ago I went to the mailbox and was going through the various pieces I had received. Among them was a returned Christmas card that I had sent to a friend weeks before. On it, there was a sticker marked “Vacant…Unable to Forward.”  Knowing that my former work colleague had been in and out of remission for the past decade, I assumed those words most likely meant the worst.  A quick search, and I was able to locate an online obituary and came to realize that she had died about four months before. The last time I had visited with her, I could tell that she was failing.  But I was with her that day for several hours, and we were able to share a meal together at a local restaurant near her home. She was in good spirits and determined to be here for a while longer.  I intended to visit again, but sometimes life gets in the way. Now a tear ran down my face, and I felt a bit guilty for not having done so.

Quite a few years ago, my friend and I worked for the same company.  We needed to attend a conference at the other end of the state.  I suggested that we take the train and avoid the hassle of the drive that would end up in a city with which neither one of us was familiar. The trip proved to be a great time together, and as I look back – I now realize it was on that occasion that she became my friend.  Although we shared some homemade sandwiches and laughed together, there were also some special moments on that trek when we spoke about our faith.  Although the churches we attended were both Christian, they were some very distinct denominational differences.  So I asked her if she was comfortable talking about her place of worship and some of the variances between her church and the one in which I had been raised.  We had a wonderful conversation and gained a new level of understanding for each other’s faith journey.  The experience that day helped me to feel assured in sharing a prayer with her the last time we were together.

I may have regrets about not having been in contact with my friend more regularly. But nothing separated us in matters of faith. Even though we may have experienced different styles of worship, I am sure that we knew the same God. Paul said, “so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (Romans 12:5). In worship one will raise his hands to praise God; another is not comfortable doing this.  One is baptized by immersion; still others by sprinkling or pouring.  Dipping the bread into a common chalice instead of using a piece of bread and an individual cup may be one’s preferred method of receiving the sacrament.  These are all variances in the Christian church that can separate us and produce labels such as Fundamental, Pentecostal, Evangelical, or Charismatic. The psalmist wrote: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

It is apparent from scripture that in the early church various groups were in competition and often in disagreement with each other about faith practices.  It should not surprise us then that this has persisted through the ages and is true even today.  If we become divisive and argue about such things, what kind of witness do we become to those who do not believe?  “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). I am glad I had that journey with my friend when we talked about our faith. As I looked at the card addressed to her one more time, I continued to read: ‘Return to Sender’. I have no doubt that’s where she is – with the One who sent her in the first place. My hope is that one day I will be able to once again break bread with her in His presence.

REFLECTION:  Are there times that you have debated with fellow believers over worship practices?  The next time this occurs, how can you refocus the discussion on Jesus words and example?  What are ways that we might strive for unity and be a better witness for the world?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., JANUARY  17, 2015.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE FREE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED)

PUTTING AWAY CHRISTMAS

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,                                    everything is softer and more beautiful.”  (Norman Vincent Peale)

It’s time to put away Christmas.  The outside decorations must come down; the wreath over the fireplace needs to be removed, and the model train and village boxed up for another year. The biggest job, of course, is taking all the individual ornaments off of the live tree. As I do so, there is a certain amount of care given to particular ones because some were given as gifts by folks who are no longer living. Others are remembrances of favorite travel spots or may have been purchased at a significant time or event along my Life Journey.  One of the most significant displays in my home contains the nativity characters.  Each shepherd, wise men, as well as Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, have separate boxes that protects them from being broken as they are carried off to the storage area for the next eleven months.

I must admit, I am not nearly as enthused about the after-Christmas activity as I am when I start ‘decking the halls’ shortly after Thanksgiving.  This year, however, I had an interesting experience which carried over from one Christmas to the next. Last December, I bought a dish garden containing a poinsettia plant.  As we transitioned from the holidays and further into the winter season, I placed the mostly green plantings at my window. Piece by piece, the red leaves of the poinsettia began to drop off, but it was many weeks before the last one fell.  As Spring turned into Summer, I fertilized and regularly watered the arrangement. The ivies and other greens flourished over the container and spread across the ledge at my back window.  About mid-Summer a new broadleaf plant appeared in the center of it all. Then early in November several of the leaves began to turn red, exhibiting itself as a rejuvenated poinsettia just in time for another Christmas.

The roots of the poinsettia had been there all along and had, in fact, never gone away.  That should be the way Christmas is for each of us.  When the excitement of the gift giving is over and the garland and tinsel are taken down, the reminder of the awakening of the Christ-child in the manger should be a revitalized seed in the hearts of all who know Him.  “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:17-19). Similarly, George F. McDougall expressed this thought:  “Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow man should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of love in our lives manifest the presence of God.”

Just like the mother of the baby Jesus, we should be so amazed at the spirit of Christmas that we would never want to let go. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). By keeping Christ in our hearts all year long, we cannot help but become a blessing to those in the world around us. So continue, my friends, to search for the nearness of Jesus before you speak, before you act . . . in all that you do. “That they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us…” (Acts 17:27).  Another New Year has dawned, and He waits to be included. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Consequently my fellow sojourners – we must let the past behind, walk along the path He provides in the present, and rest assured that our future will be in His loving arms. As we do so, we will find that like my poinsettia – Christmas will never go away.

REFLECTION:  As you take down the decorations in your home, how might you hold on to the joy of Christmas?   What new thing does God want to do in your life this year? How will you enable His Spirit to work within you to being the process?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., JANUARY  10, 2015.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE FREE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED)