Monthly Archives: February 2015

WORDS

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.                           Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story . . .”    (Desiderata, Max Ehrmann, 1927)

After watching the most recent Academy Awards Show, I have decided that there are just too many useless words.  It’s not so much about the length of the acceptance speeches during which winners want to “thank those who it made all possible.”  But it’s more about the testimonials, the inside stories, or the far too many inappropriate references that sometimes need to be bleeped and leave one wondering if it was all so necessary.  The use and amount of words is a curious thing.  Most State of the Union messages are remembered not for the power of their words but rather for the length of time it took to speak them. Conversely, Lincoln’s Gettysburg address is frequently memorized and recalled not only for its brevity but for the inspiration and effectiveness of its 270 word choices.

A former public relations director at Lake Superior State University came up with the idea that certain words and phrases should just be eliminated from use. W. T. Rabe and fellow LSSU faculty and staff initiated such a list at a New Year’s Eve party in 1975, printing it on Jan. 1, 1976. Every year since, the annual ‘List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness’ receives contributions from all over the world and continues to be published by the Michigan University. If these word-watchers are able to target their pet peeves from everyday speech, then we should certainly be able to censor our own verbosity.  The problem is that most of us have no desire to do so.  In most cases, our society embraces people who speak their mind.  Bluntness in the wrong situation can be harmful, and once the words are out there – you can’t take them back. Recently some public figures have been taken to task for embellishing the realities of their work. And in this day of social media, far too many have learned the hard way that what goes out into cyberspace lives out there forever and may just come back to haunt you.

There is much contained in the Word of God about what flows from our lips. As we walk this Journey, we have each fallen to listening to or perpetrating gossip. “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly” (Proverbs 15:14). We have perhaps passed on a confidence that really wasn’t ours to tell. We must understand that this only cheapens who we are. “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion to be worthless” (James 1:26).  We find ourselves in the wrong situation, our emotions to get out of control, and we let a few choice words fly. So – “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9-10).  Maybe as we think about what we might give up for Lent, we might consider editing some of our words.

Our mouth can often get us into hot water and has caused many to wonder if the words they spoke would have been best left unsaid. We have all made empty statements, taken cheap shots at the expense of another, or spoken harshly when someone just needed to know they were loved. Therefore, the Apostle Paul would tell us: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). There have been times when I knew that I would be with a person who was hurting and I prayed the wrong prayer, one that God might bless me with the right words to say. On many of those occasions, I walked away feeling that I was the one who had been blessed, because all the other person really needed was a good listener. I came to understand just how accurate Martin Luther King was when he said: “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.”

REFLECTION: As a follower of Jesus, what are the questions you should be asking about the use of words in your life? Does your choice of words represent who you claim to be?  How might you be a stronger encourager to others through the use of fewer words and better listening?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., MARCH 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)

THE HELPER

“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

On the outskirts of a town in rural America, Frank and Carol owned a small restaurant a few years ago. Carol was a wonderful cook, and people would travel from all over the area to visit their establishment and savor her tasty food. Frank would man the register, sometimes assist in the kitchen, and he would also cover the bar area. This space held not much more than half a dozen stools and several small tables where folks could get a drink before dinner or gather for some fellowship after a local sports event. Like any other bartender, of sorts, I am sure that Frank heard his share of tales. He told me one time that over his many years, he served as a listening ear for a lot of customers. But he also knew that there were times when they required some help beyond what he was capable of providing.  In those situations, he would often call his pastor friend from the neighborhood church to intervene.  The great thing about Frank was that he could discern when the conversation was out of his element and know that it was time to call in a different helper for support.

Many people who are cult followers of the Star Wars series are familiar with the phrase, “May the Force be with you.”  Used as an expression of good will, it would often be stated as a formal farewell by the Jedi when someone was about to face a test of imminent danger.  As sojourners here on Earth, we do not have to worry about that “far, far away” galaxy. Our day-to-day lives are filled with enough challenges, as we have been born into a world right here where we will encounter plenty of sin and peril of our own. Any parent knows that when a child falls, you pick him up, let him know he’ll be okay, and send them on their way.  Similarly, when we as God’s children slip and fall, our Heavenly Father and Helper is always there to pick us up. We are told, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13)

Someone once said that we should not search for God in times of trouble, for He is already by our side. Those words would bear out in scripture which states: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). But we do not have to be experiencing adversity to feel God’s presence and contribution along our journey. The reality for the Believer is that God helps us not only in times of failure, but He is also present and responsible for all our triumphs. For without His continual existence in our lives, where would we be?  We should be ever mindful of His presence and be eternally grateful for His ongoing sustenance. Max Lucado has written, “The Wizard of Oz says look inside yourself and find self. God says look inside yourself and find the Holy Spirit. The first will get you to Kansas. The latter will get you to heaven. Take your pick.”

It’s often said – “God helps those who help themselves.”  While it may be a saying, it’s not Biblical. God died for us because we were unable to save ourselves.  As we walk with Christ, we have the assurance from Him that we will be provided with our own spiritual helper.  “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever” (John 14:16). God not only allowed His Son to die a horrible death for you and me, He also provided His Holy Spirit as a helper to guide us through the remainder of our daily walks here on earth. In doing so, we are told in His word that His spirit will teach us (1 Cor. 2:13), speak through us (Matthew 10:20), give us help in times of weakness (Romans 8:26) and will allow us to experience hope (Romans 15:13), and comfort (Acts 9:31). My friend Frank was smart enough to realize that he couldn’t do it on his own – that he needed his helper. If Frank understood that – so should each of us, for “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (Psalm 54:4).

REFLECTION: How do I experience the Helper’s presence in meeting my everyday needs? Do you ever feel God’s Holy Spirit working and equipping you to help someone else in need?  In order to be a better example for others who may look to you for help and direction, in what ways might you seek God’s provision of guidance and comfort in your own life?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., FEBRUARY 28, 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)

THE MATTER OF THE HEART

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

No one wants to be told that they have a heart condition.  That diagnosis can often times be concerning and may at some point require invasive procedures or at the very least impose restrictions on one’s lifestyle. For years, February has been designated as American Heart Month during which we hear stories about eating heart healthy, exercising and reducing stress, as well as watching for signs and symptoms of various heart conditions.  Just as our heart is recognized as the primary source of life, expressions like “the heart of the matter” are used to designate the essence of an issue that keeps it alive. The heart is depicted as the symbol of love, and this time of the year – heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates are given as tokens of our affection to someone we care about.  Cupid is often represented with his bow and arrow superimposed over a heart in the background.

And who can forget those fictional characters who strolled down the yellow brick road in the Land of Oz with Dorothy. Among them is the rusted old Tin Man who frequently needed a shot from his oil-can along the journey, but it wasn’t long before we realized that what he really wanted was a heart.  In the end, when he finally appears before the Wizard in Emerald City, he gets some bad advice: “And remember, my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others.”  In fiction – maybe so, but in the real stuff of life, God would tell us otherwise. In fairness to the story, however, the heart that God wants us to be concerned about is not one that has any physical significance but rather a spiritual one. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7).

The scriptures are filled with hundreds of references about our spiritual heart. These passages tell us that our heart should be forgiving (Lev.19:17), willing (Deut.15:10), discerning (1 Kings 3:9), cheerful (Psalm 16:9), trusting (Proverbs 3:5), wise (Ecc. 8:5), rejoicing (Zep 3:14), gentle and humble (Matthew 11:29), sincere (Eph 6:5), and pure (1 Tim 1:5). In the Old Testament, Samuel was sent on a mission by the Lord to find Jesse of Bethlehem, one of whose sons was to be the future king of Israel. Jesse had seven sons and had all but one pass in front of Samuel. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Interestingly enough, it was the seventh and the youngest, a shepherd by the name of David, whom the Lord had chosen. It is no coincidence that it was through the lineage of David that Christ was born.

Just as God knew the heart of David, He also knows our own.  For the Lord searches every heart (1 Chronicles 28:9). As with the great Wizard in the Land of Oz, the world teaches that our lives will be valued by the external – by how many friends we have or how many good deeds we display for others to see.  But if that’s the measure of a man, then as in the parable, we are only sowing seed on rocky soil. We become shallow and have no depth to our roots.  Like many in Jesus’ time, our society has become spiritually hardened. “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” (Matthew 13:15).  Whenever that happens – it’s time for a change in our thinking, the root of one’s conscience, better known as the heart. While it’s important that we keep our physical heart healthy, we must protect our spiritual one as well. “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23). When we do so, we will echo the words of Max Lucado:  “The heart of the matter is, and always will be, the matter of the heart.”

REFELECTION: Is it possible that God knows our heart even better than we know ourselves?  In what ways can you be part of society and yet love (Deut.10:12), serve (Deut.11:13) and obey Him (Deut. 30:2) with all your heart?  In order to experience the true heart of Christ, of what do you need repent?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., FEBRUARY 21, 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)

FOREVER SPRINGTIME PROMISE

“He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” (Romans 4:21)

Life is full of promises, most of which have been broken. This week, the famous Punxsutawney Phil promised six more weeks of winter; no more believable than if he had told us that spring is right around the corner. Although we don’t take Phil’s declarations too seriously one way or the other – there are promises that we do buy into which often have a profound effect on our lives. You don’t have to look any further than political campaigns to realize that the candidates often promise much but deliver little. Commercial advertising is yet another source of promises that can often disappoint us when we come to realize that they frequently contain ‘limited guarantees.’  On a personal level, a broken promise between two friends can hurt deeply. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, there will once again be promises made that will never realize fulfillment.

God’s promises are very different.  He never breaks His word.  This is evidenced throughout scripture. “Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true” (Joshua 21:45). And later in Kings: “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses” (1 Kings 8:56). A very well-known and understood promise of God is found in His vow to Noah: “I am going to make a solemn promise to you and to everyone who will live after you. This includes the birds and the animals that came out of the boat. I promise every living creature that the earth and those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood. The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever” (Genesis 9:9-13).

Do the promises of God as found in the scriptures continue to have relevance for us?  Of course they do, because God never changes.  Some of them are applicable for all Believers.  Examples include forgiveness to all those who confess their sins in His name (1 John 1:9) as well as His promise of Eternal Life (John 10:27-28). Others are situational: “The Lord is your refuge and help in times of uncertainty and danger” (Ps. 46:1-3). He comforts you in times of trouble (2 Cor. 1:3-4). In some cases, the promises were made to specific persons or groups such as Israel: “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken’, says the Lord, who has mercy on you” (Isaiah 54:10). So of the hundreds of promises, how do we know if they are for us? Can we still take heart in such assurances even though they was spoken long ago to people in a far different situation than ours?

Sometimes along our Journey, we struggle with the path ahead of us. When we stay close to God and permit His word to speak to us, we may find a scripture so profound that it jumps off the page as if it was ours alone. Even though a specific promise may not have been made generally to all believers, God can still use it to guide or encourage any of His children to submit to His will and trust Him. In any time of darkness or doubt, when we find a promise and hold it with conviction – God is pleased and faithful. “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4).  So whatever we are facing, we can be assured that He fulfills His promises yesterday, today and tomorrow. In that regard, six more weeks of winter is always okay, for “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime” (Martin Luther).

REFLECTION: How do you know which of God’s promises are for you? Do you feel that you can trust God to keep His promises?  In your opinion, what is the best promise He has given us?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., FEBRUARY 14, 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)