Monthly Archives: September 2015

THE RECKONING

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

It had been decades since many of them had seen each other. In their own way, every one of them had been successful. They had spent the biggest part of four years together. What would it be like to get to get together for dinner in that small university town that most likely had changed less than they had? Would there be a preoccupation with their cell phones? Would they try to outdo each other with the trips they had taken, the investments they had made, the cars they were driving, or the houses they had built? Actually, there was none of that. The post-observation comment from the one spouse who attended was that it was obvious that these folks actually had been good friends evidenced by the fact that they “picked up their conversations and assumed their prior roles just like it was yesterday.”  Well, I must admit yesterday has now been awhile and physical appearances somewhat changed. But as I sat there listening, I realized that had I been at another place in the restaurant that evening, I would have recognized every single one of my old friends by their voice.

As we pass through this Journey we call life, there are moments in time that we must come to terms with who we are. Unfortunately, this image often becomes defined with how others see us and the roles we have assumed along the way.  The various characters we play often become convoluted when we are asked to simultaneously be teacher, friend, parent, boss, and whatever other labels you might like to attach to those stations we have assumed. There are occasions when a soul-searching calculation of who we really have become must be made.  Author Beverly Lewis ponders that question with her character Katie Mayfield in a Hallmark made-for-TV movie. The story is the conclusion to a trilogy in which the main character is torn between two worlds – the current life she has prepared for herself or the simple one she left behind in her heritage of the Amish culture in which she was raised. The conflictual narrative is aptly titled The Reckoning.*

There are likely various points in each of our lives that we are challenged with our own reckoning need. As we come to terms with who we are, we must learn to feel comfortable in our own skin. The psalmist said, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14). We learn to age gracefully, recognizing that we are no longer who we once were. If we are lucky enough to acquire some spiritual wisdom along the way – we will be thankful that we are no longer running a race with humanity but learning to walk with Christ. Paul said it this way: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2). If we live long enough, we will come face to face with our own mortality. And we realize that what has aged in this life will be made new again. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Defining who we are isn’t always easy, but one thing is apparent. When we pay more attention to what others think of us than what God does, we will always get ourselves into trouble.  Bobby Schuller, grandson of the late Robert H. Schuller, has developed this confession for his congregation: “I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God.” When we are young, we are often asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  It’s amazing how many continue to ask that same question through their adult years, never seeming to find the guiding answer. So, when I had dinner with my college friends – I recognized that my physical appearance had been altered in those intervening years as well as my thought process. As I listened closely to their voices one more time, there was another all too familiar one that had joined in. It was my own, and it was the one that I truly understood best of all.

REFLECTIONS:  In what sets of circumstances do you sometimes feel a competition for social status? What ‘reckonings’ have occurred in your own life that have shaped your view to be more in tune with God?

* The Reckoning premiers on The Hallmark Channel on October 11, 2015.

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., OCTOBER 3, 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 SECRET THINGS OF GOD

“Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?                                                                           Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD.”                                        (Jeremiah 23:24)

When we listen to our political candidates, elected officials, the boss at work, or our teenage children – there is often less concern about what they are telling us than what they are not. Admittedly, in many situations we are provided with information on a ‘need to know’ basis.  There are times in which we are not privy to facts because we are either not prepared to receive them or because they are not for public release. The Apple Company is notorious for keeping secret information about their new product announcements.  In doing so, they create an advertising frenzy in anticipation of the uncertain. Likewise – details of war, employee layoffs, or information provided to an Alzheimer’s patient that their mother for whom they are searching has died are examples in which provided factual information might only create a potentially catastrophic reaction.  Some things are best kept secret until the time is right.

This past summer I have enjoyed watching the butterflies flit on and off my butterfly bush.  Seeing them made me think of a story I had heard about an Indian legend.  It goes like this:  “If anyone desires a wish to come true, they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.  Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly cannot reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.  In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish.  So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.”  Oh the secret wishes butterflies must have been told over the years.

We can assume that there are lots of secrets in nature beyond legend which are understood only by God, but be assured – all of our secrets are known by Him. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). English clergyman and religious writer William Secker put it this way: “A man may hide God from himself, and yet he cannot hide himself from God.”  God knows our deepest secrets, and yet He continues to love us just the same. When we open our hearts to Him, we come to realize that it is not only the decrees of this world that require our attention but also the provision of spiritual laws which He expects to be obeyed as a demonstration of our love for Him.  “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

To be sure, there are things that God will reveal to us. Then there are others which will continue to remain a mystery. With all certainty, those who love Him and serve Him faithfully have the privilege of understanding many things that will not be revealed to others. “The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant” (Psalm 25:14). Meanwhile, there will always be questions which remain:  Why would God let that person die?  Why would He allow suffering and war to continue? Why does He not answer my prayer? The prophet Isaiah provides at least a partial answer – “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).  We are able to conclude that there are just some things for which we are not meant to have answers, at least not in this lifetime.  These are the secret things of God, and they provide for the beginning of our faith journey. They remain only wishes to hopefully someday be further explained by the Great Spirit of the heavens.

REFLECTION: How have you reconciled the fact that those personal secrets you have kept are known by a God who continues to love you? What are the secrets that seem to be maintained by God that you wish He would reveal to you?  Are there ways you might explore Biblical truths – in turn, asking for God’s guidance to provide you with a greater insight for what has seemingly, to date, been hidden from your understanding?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 26, 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 ALL IN WHO YOU KNOW

         “You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ.”                  (Rick Warren)

As we approach the weekend in which we celebrate Grandparent’s Day, I am grateful for having known all four of my grandparents.  They were unalike, but there were things I likely learned from each of them. Johnny Prill wrote “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” the lyrics of which, in part, go something like this  – “Spending time together, talking on the phone; Happy birthday presents, chocolate ice cream cones; Photographs and memories, picnics and parades; saying that you love me – in so many ways.” As I reflect on his words, my recollections are similar. I am also conscious of the fact that this celebration falls closely each year to the 9/11 remembrance. I think about the missed relationship opportunities of the grandchildren of the many victims who will never have a chance to have grandparent memories like mine. While the official flower of National Grandparent’s Day is the ‘forget-me not’ – it would be difficult to apply that to someone you never really knew, except for the legacy that they died far too soon.

As we go through life – we often hear the phrase: “It’s not what you know – it’s who you know.”  The expression usually has a negative connotation as it applies to what someone has to do to get ahead in the world.  I once had a boss who told me that one of my greatest attributes was the ability to surround myself with good people because they, in turn, made me look good. I took that as the compliment I hope she meant it to be. It’s been interesting to watch the Presidential candidates and hear their responses to some of the questions. When asked about their level of knowledge in certain areas, they often reply that they too would surround themselves with people who are experts in the field, since not any one person can be expected to know everything.  Recently, one of the candidates was asked to differentiate himself from the front-runner. His response: “I’ve realized where my success has come from and I don’t in any way deny my faith in God. And I think that is the big difference.”

These are some pretty fine words from a political candidate and would seem to support these verses found in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).  As part of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of false prophets. He said – “Thus by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you…” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Who we know; will it make a difference?  In fact, it does. Our total being is significantly comprised from the influence that others have had upon our lives. If we have been fortunate along our journey to have the opportunity to experience healthy, loving relationships with our parents and grandparents – then we have most certainly been blessed. If we have learned to surround ourselves with good people who bring out the best in us through open and honest interactions, then we have been doubly blessed in this lifetime. Finally, if in our walk we have come to know Jesus in a personal way – then we have been blessed threefold for all of eternity.  While praying, Jesus said: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).  When Jesus spoke those words – they were for each of us.  It does, in fact, matter who you know; it will matter not only for the rest of this life but for the next one as well.

REFLECTION:  Have there been times in your life when you earthly relationships have been more important than heavenly ones? If that has changed, what were the events that caused you to refocus? Moving forward – how will you keep that concentration in proper perspective? What priorities might you set to establishing a relationship with Jesus that will differentiate you from the other candidates for His Heavenly kingdom?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 19, 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 LABOR OF LOVE

“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”      (Psalm 127:1)

Before the rookie pitcher stepped onto the mound for the very first time with his major league team – he pulled out a piece of paper, apparently reading what was on it.  The announcers were in a frenzy debating what it might comprise.  One says it must be some notes the novice has made on how to pitch to certain batters. Another wonders if it contains words of wisdom from a famous writer. Still another surmises that it could be an encouraging message from someone whom the player wants to remember before making his very first pitch.  Later in the game, it is reported that the paper held the following words:  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). What a nice thought to begin your professional career.

In November of 2014 – an infamous sign bearing the words “Arbeit Macht Frei” was stolen from the former Dachau concentration camp.  The translation of the German words: “Work will set you free.” Dachau was the first camp set up by the Nazis in 1933 where it is estimated that over 30,000 people died before it was liberated by the U. S. forces in 1945.  These words were placed at the entrance gates of various concentration camps where it is believed that some of the signage was actually made by the prisoners themselves. How incredibly controlling this message must have been to those who entered the camps wondering what their future would hold.

Work is a good thing, and if we stop to think about it – we realize it is often misunderstood. We frequently think of work as a means to an end; if I perform these activities, then you will compensate me for my knowledge, time, and energy. The ability to labor is a gift from God in which our self-sacrifice does bring a certain autonomy to our lives. The Book of Proverbs uses an illustration of an insect to show us that that we should work hard and smart:

                   “Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,                                    Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler,  Prepares her food in the summer
                           And gathers her provision in the harvest.”                             (Proverbs 6:6-8)

What happens when our life takes us down a path in which what we have always thought of as traditional work is no longer part of our life’s equation?  Many have asked the question – is there meaning in life without work as society defines it?  Of course there is, for in God’s family – each of us has a job to do.

The efforts of our labor can be realized in many ways. Some of the best kind of leisure activities involve work.  Just ask any volunteer who is involved with an organization or cause about which they are passionate, and they will tell you that the fruits of their labor are tireless and fulfilling. Caring for family is certainly work that is often underrated in terms of importance. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17). Even persons who are retired, infirmed, disabled, or into their senior years can make significant contributions. The personal energy that goes into that casserole for a sick neighbor, the caring thoughts shared on a card or during that phone call, or the diligence in remembering a person in need of prayer – these are all labors that can never be regarded as wasted. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). One thing we can be sure of – if our work is done with love for God, then our labor will always set us spiritually free.

REFLECTION: Do you sometimes feel a slave to your work? Is the Lord building your house, or are the results of your labor sometimes in vain?  How might you change your focus on the efforts of your labor so that you feel more in tune with serving God?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 12, 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)