Monthly Archives: March 2016

EASTER: A LESSON IN HUMILITY

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Did you hear the one about the inspirational speaker who said he had a wonderful presentation on humility but was waiting for a large crowd before he delivered the speech? Although there is humor in that statement, the theme is no joke for it could easily serve to represent a realistic portrayal of today’s society.  There’s another story about a humbler man named Lincoln who got caught up in a situation where he wanted to please a politician, so he issued a command to transfer certain regiments. When the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, received the order, he refused to carry it out. He said that the President was a fool. Lincoln was told what Stanton had said, and he replied, “If Stanton said I’m a fool, then I must be, for he is nearly always right. I’ll see for myself.” As the two men talked, the President quickly realized that his decision was a serious mistake, and without hesitation he modestly withdrew it. When it comes to the topic of humility, we might be wise to remember that oft-quoted passage from the Old Testament: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Once Jesus went to eat in the home of a prominent Pharisee and was aware that He was being carefully observed. “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, Give this person your seat. Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, Friend, move up to a better place. Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted’” (Luke 14:7-11). No one understood and could teach what it means to be humble like Jesus could.

The events of Passover in that last week of Jesus’ life on earth are a true lesson in humility. As He entered Jerusalem, He did so on the back of a donkey. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me” (Matthew 21:2). Any earthly king would have never presented himself in this manner, but in doing so He fulfilled a prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and demonstrated humility rather than arrogance. In the midst of His betrayal as He was arrested, he reached out to restore the man who had his ear cut off by one of His disciples. “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51). This last recorded miracle before the cross flowed out of His humility. Only hours later, He was shamed and beaten.  “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Once upon a time a rider came across a few soldiers who were trying to move a heavy log of wood without success. The corporal was standing by just watching as the men struggled. The rider couldn’t believe it. He finally asked the corporal why he wasn’t helping. The corporal replied: I am the corporal. I give orders.The rider said nothing in response. Instead he dismounted his horse. He went up and stood by the soldiers and as they tried to lift the wood – he helped them. With his help, the task was finally able to be carried out. Who was this kind rider? It was George Washington, the Commander-in-chief. He quietly mounted his horse and went to the corporal and said, The next time your men need help, send for the commander-in-chief.” God sent Jesus to serve as our commander-in-chief. At Easter, we should fall on our knees with a humble spirit of gratitude and the assurance that “Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.” Yes, Easter is a lesson in humility for all of mankind. Each new day as we fail to pass the test, we live with hope and promise that He will keep on loving us just the same. So put on your Easter best, because thanks to Him – the debt has been fully paid. He Has Risen – Alleluia.

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., APRIL 2, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

PRESENT

This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

There are more times than not when I have become easily disturbed in an attempt to resolve a problem through a phone call to a utility company or appliance help line.  With increased frequency, it seems like I have to call back more than once to get a matter settled. Habitually, there is not a good record of my prior conversations. Sometimes I get placed on hold and must then speak with a person who exhibits a superior attitude, or I end up being transferred to an individual with whom I struggle understanding. Recently in anticipation of a call about a situation that I felt might not be easily resolved – I found myself doing a lot of ‘self-talk’ in preparation for the exchange.  I took on the attitude that I would not have one; an attitude, that is. I simply gave the person on the other end credit for being there to help me.  I decided to be less aloof and more present during the dialog. In doing so, I found that I was more polite and was able to choose my responses more carefully.

Our present culture has made it challenging to effectively engage with others. With the growing dependence on electronic communication and the advent of social media, communication on a personal level often takes a back seat. Then when we do need to talk with another person, we sometimes do not know how to apply respectable social graces. Even a casual “Hello, how are you?” to a passer-by on the street or a simple “thanks for your help” to the clerk at the store who has provided assistance are common rarities. I sometimes hear others express that they don’t know what to say to someone who is sick or has experienced a death in the family.  Sometimes what they need most are not your words but your caring presence. I know from my experience that what I most remember from the tough times in my life are not so much what people said but rather who was ‘there for me’ in those vulnerable periods.

Far more than anyone of us ever will, Jesus understood the importance of the human connection. He said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Yet we His children find ourselves distracted and overwhelmed by the countless diversions life throws at us each and every day. Jesus demonstrated the importance of being present. He scolded His followers on occasion for missing the point. Prior to feeding the five thousand, scripture tells us that Jesus showed compassion on them. “As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food. Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat’” (Matthew 14:15-16). And at the home of Mary and Martha, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while her sister was distracted. “But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42). Mary understood what it meant to be truly present.

The Apostle Paul counseled that we must rise above these life distractions and be led by the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things” (Galatians 5:22-23). How can we begin to implement these virtues in our Life’s Journey unless we allow ourselves to be truly in the here and now presence of those who cross our path? We start by finding strength from He who created us. The Psalmist said: “I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me” (Psalm 16:8). Once we finally understand that God is always there waiting to be our Guide, we will come to understand that in His presence – nothing else matters. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do the same for others who need to feel that from us?

REFLECTION: What are some of the distractions that you need to be more aware of in your life, in order that you might be more appropriately present in your daily social interactions? How might you find collective strength in the words of Matthew 18:20 to increase your touching the lives of others?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MARCH 26, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

THAT’S WHERE I’LL BE

“But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ (John 16:5)

When we are young, we can sometimes become quite insecure if we do not feel that someone who loves and cares about us is near. It’s calming to know that during a thunderstorm in the middle of the night, we can jump into bed with our parents. When we are at the playground, we want to be sure that mom is right there to catch us when we go down the slide for the first time. When the training wheels are removed from our bike and we begin to solo on our own, it’s comforting to know that dad is running alongside of us in case we lose our balance. As we take our first strokes in the pool when we are learning to swim, it’s reassuring when our instructor gives us the confidence to know that he will not let us sink.  In each case, the person encourages us by stating they will be right there to protect us from falling or sinking into dangerous territory.

My friend once related a story to me about her parents many years ago. They were having a rather vivid disagreement about a family issue, and the wife thought her husband was not being very Christian-like regarding the matter.  So she decided to write him a note telling him that she needed some space for a while and thought that he needed to reexamine his values. The note ended with these words: “I’m not telling you where I’m going, but if you need me – I’ll be at Aunt Sue’s.” How interesting a commitment when you feel strong enough to recognize the necessity to take your leave but loving enough to want the person to know where you will be just in case they need you. It reminds me of a line I heard recently from Diane Sawyer at former first lady Nancy Reagan’s funeral. She attributed the quote to President Ronald Reagan and said it went something like this: ‘If you must leave, could you just take me with you?”

Jesus disciples must have felt that way also whenever He told them that He needed to leave them. How conflicted they must have felt, knowing that they had walked away from their lives to follow someone who now said He was parting. Jesus said to them: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going.”  One of the twelve, Thomas, said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:1-6).

Even though Jesus told those who loved Him exactly where He would be, it must have confused them to some degree. He further explained, stating, “I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe” (John 14:29), and in time their faith increased in understanding and ministry.  It is somewhat easier for us, because we have the advantage of knowing the whole story. Jesus understood that in order for the salvation of mankind to be accomplished, He would have to suffer a brutal death. The plan was that His followers might continue to be comforted. Jesus set the record straight when He said, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-8). Following His resurrection, He made good on His promise, and “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). There He sits as our intercessor before the throne. For like all those who have reassured us with their love by comforting, catching, or keeping us balanced and afloat – He too would encourage us by simply saying, “Yes – that’s where I’ll be.”

REFLECTION: In what ways have you experienced the reassuring love of God’s presence through His Holy Spirit? What would you say to someone who rejects Jesus’ gift of salvation? How might you use the security of a caring person to explain God’s great love for us?  Why is it important that the Son of God serve as our mediator with God the Father?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT.,MARCH 19, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

WHO ARE YOU WEARING?

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

Did you ever notice as you pass through the clothing section of a department store how all the name brand labels are placed near the walkways where they are readily noticed? Sometimes they are given display areas of their own, so that if you are looking for a certain brand – it is easy for you to find. Frequently you will discover that these popular trademarks carry the highest price tags and are frequently excluded from store mark-downs. I once worked with a lady who would occasionally find one of these items to be on sale and affordable. When she would wear it for the first time, she would always make a habit of allowing the label to show so that her colleagues would know that she was wearing the more expensive brand. She did this in a joking manner because when someone would point out that the label was out, she would simply smile and say – “Oh my goodness, how did that happen?” Anyone who was her friend knew with all certainty that she would never have paid full price for that item.

Each year, the various award shows tout a Red Carpet pre-show where celebrities do interviews and flaunt the latest styles. Depending on the venue, the dresses can range from outlandish and distasteful to classy and glamourous. The most popular of these pre-ceremony rituals occurs annually at the Academy Awards, otherwise known as ‘The Oscars’. Until recently, interviewers found a way to ask the ladies, “Who Are You Wearing?” Designers would covet the opportunity to have their name dropped, as the stars would mention  Jovani, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Prada, Dior, Chanel, or Versace. In recent years, some have asserted that probing the ladies in this way is inappropriate, as their male counterparts seldom, if ever, are asked to respond to similar questions. I have found the phrasing to be interesting, since the question is never posed in the format “Who designed your dress”? The inquiry has simply become. “Who are you wearing?” The latter implies that the dress itself has taken on the unique persona of the one who made it.

It’s a question Believers might want to ponder as we take our walk down the runway of Life and are forced to consider whom it is that we are portraying. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). While we do not dress like Jesus, we are challenged to be like Him by becoming His hands and feet. We bear the responsibility of demonstrating to the world what Jesus might look like were He to walk the earth today. It’s been said that “we’re the only Jesus some may ever see.”  Whenever things are going well for us, in what ways do we show appreciation for God’s guidance in our lives? When we are facing adversity, do we rely on His strength to carry us, or do we become angry and distance ourselves from Him? When we find ourselves in conflict with others, how do we act then?  Jesus said: “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another” (John 15:16-17).

The Apostle Paul challenges each of us do useful work with our hands to “share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). Our talk must be wholesome (v. 29) ridding ourselves of “bitterness, rage, anger, and malice” (v. 33). Finally, we must “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).  If he was preparing us to walk down the Red Carpet this day, Paul would advise that we garb ourselves in an entirely new way of life renewed from the inside and working itself into our conduct as God accurately refashions His character within us. When we do so, our hearts and minds will be made completely new, designed in God’s likeness and showcased in a true life which is upright and holy (Ephesians 4:22-24). Our award for doing so will not be an earthly one which we will earn through recognition and fame.  It is rather one which is provided to us only through God’s grace.  So each of us then must ask if we are working toward becoming more like Christ as we relate to others. Or Is the name “Christian” just a label we pretend to wear for others to see?

REFLECTION:  What impression do you make on non-Believers who may be observing you as you go about your day-to-day life? Reflect on whom He wants you to reach out to, helping them the way Jesus would if He was physically here? How might we challenge others who claim to wear the ‘Christian label’ to be genuine and not simply a mere imitation of the real thing?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT.,MARCH 12, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.