Monthly Archives: August 2015

AT MY WIT’S END

“But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.” (Romans 8:25)

I was unsuccessful at anything I had tried. I wondered if I might be nearing my wit’s end.  I had ordered an appliance from a national chain through a local store. Since the appliance was not in stock at this location, I was informed that it would be delivered to my home the following week.  That’s when it all began – a series of events that ended up being a comedy of errors during which the anticipated merchandise would not be received. Dealing with the customer service and delivery personnel was horrendous. I attempted exhaustively to work through automated phone calls, responding many times to the same questions over and over again. On those occasions that I did get a ‘live person’ – I was either unable to understand the person or was given promises that someone would call me back but never did.

Throughout this sequence of mishaps – I tried to not become angry, but I was at the very least frustrated.  While I had desperately desired to act with patience and kindness, the excuses and inattentiveness to provide a solution did at various points cause me to simmer. I know in times like these we can either serve as a witness to our faith or provide a poor example of what no one would want to become. On one delivery attempt I received the wrong appliance, and I took my frustration out on the truck driver. Eventually I apologized to him for my level of exhaustion. He indicated that he understood and told me the story of a time when he made a delivery to the house of a lady who said she was on her way to church and had very little time. Because the process took longer than anticipated, she became verbally offensive and threw the delivery man’s clipboard. He said that he calmly picked up the clipboard and said to the lady, “Ma’am, did you just say that you were on your way to church?”   Oooops!!!

Motivation speaker and self-help author Wayne W. Dyer once wrote: “Anger is a choice, as well as a habit. It is a learned reaction to frustration, in which you behave in ways that you would rather not.” The Old Testament scripture puts it this way: “Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). I am always partial to the counsel found in the Book of Proverbs which states – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Prov. 15:18); and “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone” (Prov. 25:15). The Apostle Paul would challenge us this way: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing temperance for one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).

I recently heard that even though there are regulations governing the weight and length of the bats players use in major league baseball, some players shave the handles of this equipment.  Doing so to an extreme could contribute to what has become an increasing number of broken bats, which combined with a healthy swing not only fly uncontrollably at other players but also dangerously into the stands toward fans. This example could serve as an analogy for what happens when an individual becomes frustrated, allowing anger to surface to the breaking point where they meet their wit’s end.  The Bible tells us: “They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.” (Psalm 107:27). Scripturally speaking, when we reach our wit’s end, we waver in our devotion to God. It is then that we are no longer able to depend on our own wisdom and what we know to be true – we must rely on our faith. And that’s not a bad place to be. For when we exercise our faith with confidence – God will provide the solution before we ever come close to our breaking point and the reaching of our wit’s end. We just have to know when it’s time to invite Him in. The sooner, the better.

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 5, 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)

A GLORIOUS UNFOLDING

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”  (Proverbs 16:9)

“Lord Jesus – Please let my niece be okay.”  These were the words from an Alabama man who recently rescued his 11-month old niece from a trapped, overturned car that he was following. The brakes on that car, driven by his sister, had failed and it went over a cliff as she lost control.  Although she was ejected from the vehicle unhurt, her daughter remained trapped inside. After working furiously for a number of minutes, the uncle was able to retrieve the child unharmed and gives “the glory to God and no one else.”  It had to have been one the best moments in his life and to his credit, he knew the source of his strength. But what if the rescue hadn’t been successful?  What if it had a different ending?  In those cases – are we to say that God was not present? What determines those situations in our journey that become life-changing for us?

To be sure, it is important for us to know that we are not defined by our worst moments.  They may, however, help to shape our life.  When we experience them, the phrase, “this is where the detour actually becomes the road,” is appropriate. In his song “Glorious Unfolding” – Christian singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman shares these lyrics:

“Lay your head down tonight
Take a rest from the fight
Don’t try to figure it out
Just listen to what I’m whispering to your heart
‘Cause I know this is not
Anything like you thought
The story of your life was gonna be
And it feels like the end has started closing in on you
But it’s just not true
There’s so much of the story that’s still yet to unfold
And this is going to be a glorious unfolding
Just you wait and see and you will be amazed…”

I understand this sentiment, because I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch in my own life.  I also recall the words spoken to me by a good friend.  She said, “I know that things didn’t turn out for you quite the way you wanted, but maybe it was His way of looking out for you.” The Apostle Paul said it like this:  “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). I believe it to be so.

Unfortunately as we traverse through life’s path – heartaches, tragedies, and pain will be a part of our experience – just like joys and triumphs. Each of these provides opportunity for us to question God and for the faithful to be tempted. We are reassured, however, by these words: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Recently I heard someone use the line, “what to do when the windows of your house get broken.” I wrote that phrase down and had to really meditate on it it. When you think about it, a window offers a chance for us to look out onto the world but still feel somewhat protected. But when a window pane gets shattered, we become vulnerable to what lies beyond. The phrase becomes a metaphor to remind us that it is especially in these moments that we draw strength and direction from the One who loves us in a way that only one day will be revealed. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). It is only then that we will have complete understanding of the journey we have taken. And what a glorious unfolding it will be.

REFLECTION:  When is the last time you have had to trust God to lead you through a painful time? Have these also been times when you or someone near to you has asked the question, “Why did God allow this to happen?”  How were you able to reconcile the fact that God was there all along?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., AUGUST 29, 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)

IT’S JUST NOT RIGHT

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.”     (Psalm 73:23)

It seems like there is a day to celebrate almost everything anymore.  This week I heard on one of the early morning news programs that it was National Left Handers’ Day. I never heard of this before, but why not?  It is believed that left-handers represent about ten to fifteen percent of the population. At one point in time, left-handedness was considered a symbol of weakness or evil. At the very least it could be regarded as an indication of awkwardness or inconvenience. We all have experienced situations such as the one at the family holiday dinner table where lefties are often placed at the corner of the table so they won’t bump into the righties who are enjoying their Thanksgiving turkey.

Over time, however, many who favor their left side have gained prominence. At least four of the past seven Presidents are photographed as signing those important documents with the pen in their left hand. In some sports, being left-handed can present a tactical advantage which might signify the difference between winning and losing. Although I have always thought of myself as right-handed, I can remember times when left seemed to be a better option. I know it is considered proper to offer one’s right hand as a sign of friendship. However when someone walks up to my table while I am dining at a local restaurant, I find it more healthy to offer my left hand in greeting.  One time as I was saying goodbye to a friend who I knew I would not see for a while, I put my right shoulder over hers to give a hug. She pulled away and told me she likes to hug left over left, because when you do so – it places both hearts together symbolizing a caring relationship.

In Biblical times, being able to use the left hand as well as most others used their right was considered an extreme advantage. An agile warrior who could fight with his left hand was someone to be feared, because he could strike in ways that were not normal or expected.  “Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss” (Judges 20:16). Likewise in scripture, the “right hand” is a figure of speech for power. When God told David, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet” (Psalms 110:1) – God meant for David to wait patiently and trust that His power would be delivered in order that he would overcome his enemies. David seemed to understand as He wrote: “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea; even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:9-10).

Ultimately it does not matter to God whether we are a ‘righty or a lefty’. But the imagery of the terms throughout His Word is effective. Nothing interweaves the reference to right and left any more instructively than in Jesus’ own instruction: “But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). The message here seems to be that when God has inclined and equipped us to do works of charity, the knowledge of those offerings should be between us and Him.  C. S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”  Therefore what is right has nothing to do with our hand preferences but much more so with the predilections of our Life Journey. The Apostle Paul would tell us that this is where we must place ourselves . . . “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Throughout the ages, it’s been said by many folks in varying ways.  Although he may have expressed it with tongue in cheek, even Mark Twain seemed to grasp the concept: “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”  After all, anything less in the eyes of God – well, it’s just not right!

REFLECTION:  When you are in a position that no one knows other than you whether or not you are doing the right thing – what ultimately influences your decision?  When you struggle with making such a decision, where do you turn for help?  When someone close to you is about to make an error in judgement that you deem to not be right, in what ways might you help influence their thought process?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., AUGUST 22, 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)

FIFTY SHADES OF . . . INDIFFERENCE

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

A friend of mine was telling me about her neighbor who never seems to be able to see a project through to completion.  It is evidenced by the way the neighbor cares for his yard.  In the Spring, there is usually a lawn clean-up weekend in which the whole family participates.  Weeds are pulled, the lawn is fully manicured, potted flowers and plants arrive on the scene, and sometimes a new piece of lawn furniture surfaces.  The days and weeks pass, and then months of warm weather go by.  The plants never get taken out of their pots and receive water only occasionally when it rains. The wheelbarrow sits at the front of the house like a lawn ornament for months, and to be sure when the snow starts to fly – the new piece of furniture will be covered with a white blanket of Winter. People like this can drive you crazy, but we all have been this person at one time or other. However when it’s us, we can give come up with all kinds of reasons why the project has not yet been completed or has otherwise failed.

Somewhere in my collection of old stuff, I have a pin with the word “TUIT” on it. If memory serves me correctly, I think when you wear it – it will prompt someone to ask you what it is. Then you are to say – “Oh, I got a round tuit.”  It’s a play on words, of course, for the expression “when I get around to it.” Unfortunately many of us go through life with a similar attitude – “if it happens, fine; if it doesn’t, that’s okay too.” This indifference in our society has become pervasive in many aspects of our lives. It affects the ability to find enthusiastic workers, the motivation to achieve a meaningful education, the lack of interest in participating in the right to vote, the capacity to be an effective parent, go out of our way to help someone, or to simply be a good role model in society. Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of beauty is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, but indifference between life and death.”

I recently read that about one-third of the earth’s population is considered to be “Christian.” This is based upon self-identification, cultural or family tradition, or being credentialed with a Christian group such as membership in a church denomination. I would think that the state of the world would be in much better shape if that volume of people actively lived out their lives as devoted believers rather than with spiritual indifference. There are those who put off having a deeper relationship with the Lord, knowing that it’s the right thing to do. They figure there’s time to do that later in life when things slow down a bit. We have all perhaps been guilty of delay in such important matters. But the great prophet of the Old Testament urges us: “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

When we act half-hearted in our relationship with God, we deceive ourselves and others because we are without the joy our faith should reveal. Those who are lukewarm claim to know God but stroll through life as though He doesn’t exist. Paul warns: “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (2 Timothy 3:5). When we find that our ‘religion’ is more about customs and tradition than it is about a relationship with the living God, we know it’s time to refocus on our faith. Otherwise our complacency and lack of conviction may deny others the heartfelt example we are to exhibit in our journey with Christ. The Apostle Paul says that we should serve with a level of devotion: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).  So the next time you are surviving through one of those many shades of spiritual indifference, instead let your light shine in such a way that others will observe you glorifying your Heavenly Father in all that you do.

REFLECTION: Have there been times that you have said you were a Christian but your actions did not demonstrate so?  What are those barriers in your life that have allowed you to become complacent in your spiritual journey?  In what ways do you need to concentrate more on living your Christian life to the fullest so that you become an example others will want to emulate?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., AUGUST 15, 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)

GOD HAS GOT THIS ONE !

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will                                                       for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Sitting in a dugout of a major league baseball field are two pitchers.  One is rookie who has just two major league starts under his belt.  The other is a ten-year veteran who possesses a ring from a World Series in which he was named the most valuable player. The younger of the two sits on the bench “picking the brain” of his elder statesman who just a few days before this dugout conversation pitched his first no-hitter.  And it’s a good thing he was able to spend some time doing that, because that no-hitter was the last game that the veteran threw for the only team he has never known. Less than a week later, he was dealt to another team, a move that was finalized right at the end of the trade deadline. It seems like an insecure lifestyle. However, I suppose when you sign up to play professional sports, the uncertainty of where you might spend your tomorrow is a factor that must be considered.

The ambiguity of our circumstances may at times feel no less protected than that of a major league ball player. But for those who follow Christ, it’s not uncommon to hear one say – “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”  I recently saw a posting by a high school friend of mine who received a cancer diagnosis.  He said, “I have trusted my Savior through this last month with lots of testing that has been done and I know He is with me . . . never has left my side and I know He never will.”  I have seen this friend mature deeply in his faith journey since those youthful days of high school proving this scripture to be true:  “God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us” (1 John 4:17).

Sometimes in life we find ourselves facing situations beyond our control in which our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes prevent us from enjoying the simple joys and peace which God desires for us. It is during these times that it is important to move beyond our circumstances, not be consumed by them, and allow God to go to work in our lives.  In the Old Testament scriptures, we learn from the prophet Elijah that it is easy to become distracted by our circumstances and lose focus on God (1 Kings 17:17-24). Years ago, theologian John Baillie wrote these words in his devotional classic A Diary of Private Prayer:

          “Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today                         that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin. 
Let me use disappointment as material for patience; 
Let me use success as material for thankfulness; 
Let me use suspense as material for perseverance; 
Let me use danger as material for courage; 
Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering; 
Let me use praise as material for humility; 
Let me use pleasures as material for temperance; 
Let me use pains as material for endurance.”

 Wise words from someone who might just simply tell us not to be blinded by our circumstances. For in doing so – we may easily fail to see any good because we will not be looking for it. The major league pitcher may not like the trade, but when he steps on the mound the first time for his new team, it’s “game on.” Oh, and my friend, the one who is facing treatments for his cancer – he goes on to say: “Please don’t feel sorry or sad because I’m not. God has got this one!”  And that He does . . .

REFLECTION:  Have there been times when in the midst of unpleasant circumstances in your lives that you have asked God where He is?  Were you able to move beyond your circumstances and ask what God may want you to learn from them? Can you apply the quote from Martha Washington who said, “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances.”

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., AUGUST 8, 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)