Monthly Archives: September 2016

THE NEXT CHAPTER

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” (1 Peter 3:15)

Two legendary broadcasters say goodbye to their posts in the next week. Charles Osgood and his ever-present bowtie bids farewell on CBS Sunday Morning which only two people have hosted for 37 years, he for twenty-two and Charles Kuralt for the remaining fifteen. Planning to continue some of his other broadcast duties, he will likely use his closing line, “I’ll see you on the radio” as he signs off for the final time. Within a week, another staple of the microphone will leave his post after a remarkable sixty-seven years. Vin Scully will air his last play-by-play for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the age of 88. While he will no doubt reminisce, he will not miss a beat or fail to make a call of what’s happening on the field. Both men will be missed, for they went beyond what they were expected to do. Each in their own way were exceptional story tellers. They will be succeeded by others, but their poetic voices and reassuring presence will never be replaced.  As with the down-to earth style of newscaster Paul Harvey, they will leave us wondering what chronicles might go untold as he did with the famous “Rest of the Story.”

Great story tellers share the human and vulnerable side of others. They do so in a way that engage the listener to identify with the character in a real way thereby eliciting an emotional, heartfelt or motivational response. One of the best storytellers was Jesus, who had His own style of presenting a lesson. “His disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?’ He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them’ . . . Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables” (Matthew 13:10-12,34).

Throughout God’s Word, the stories of individuals who struggled in their relationship with God are unveiled.  There are few more life-altering than that of Saul who stated, “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities” (Acts 26:9-11). One day on the road to Damascus, he met Jesus who asked why he was persecuting Him. Subsequently, the converted Saul became the great Apostle Paul. Jesus said to him, “For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future” (Acts 26:16). Thus a new chapter in the life of Saul began, and his writings contributed to a substantial part of the New Testament.

We each have a story to tell, and until we take our last breath on this earth . . . ours is not complete. Your life journey is more than the family you were born into, how you were raised, or your achievements and experiences. It also includes the challenges and hard times you encountered along the way. They are the best part of your story. Chances are it was in one of those times that you first came to God, allowed the grace of His Son to transform you, or experienced a closeness with Him which you will never forget. Your story is unique, and as you travel down the road – you will find that He will intersect you with others whom He has prepared to hear it. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6). As we draw close to the final chapter of our earthly story, we can be assured that the theme of the next chapter will be that of a happy and joyous life that will have no end.

REFLECTION: David said, All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16).  How much do we trust God to write a good life story? Do we believe that he cares about each and every paragraph in the narrative of our lives?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 1, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

ALL THE WARNINGS, AND YET . . .

“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)

I am always amazed at most medication advertisements I see on TV. While visually showing you happy, active people who are presumably taking the medication – there is a huge amount of commercial time consumed by sharing the potential adverse effects of these drugs. Many of these contain the strictest of warnings, labeled as black box warnings. These are issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when there is reasonable evidence of an association or a serious hazard with the drug, up to and including death. Yet most of these commercials end with the statement, “Ask your doctor if this medication is right for you.”  I sometimes say to myself, “Would they be right for anyone?”

If you have ever taken the time to thoroughly read the manual of certain pieces of power equipment, you may be hesitant to use the device after doing so. Many of these manuals contain firm warnings using terms like “never” and “danger”. In years past, items were sometimes sold under the premise “let the buyer beware” – meaning that the buyer assumes the risk that a product may have defects or fail to meet expectations. But in our current litigious society, that occurs less than it once did. I once served on a jury where a man who was disabled was suing his former employer, alleging that he had been injured using their provided equipment.  The entire case rested upon whether or not the individual had been made aware of the dangers of said equipment and proper training to prevent injury had been given. If that could be proven, and the man failed to do what he had been told – then he had no case.

The Christian journey is very much like that. Throughout God’s word, there are many instances of those who disobeyed. We don’t have to go any further than the first book of The Bible to see two profound examples of God’s warnings.  In the first, God spoke to Noah: “I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark–you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you; Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:17-18,22).  The second case involving Abraham’s nephew Lot was different. God sent His angels to remove Lot and his family from the immoral city where they lived (Genesis 19:15-16). “When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, ‘Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away’ . . . But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:17-26). The lesson for each of us is that we can’t walk with one foot in the world and the other in disobedience without jeopardizing eternal life. For, “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

God doesn’t expect perfection from us but rather maturity in following Him in spiritual matters. Temptation can creep into our lives unexpectedly, and those who walk with Him will sense an urging or warning. Obedience to God’s commands helps us grow so that we can be effectively used in building His kingdom on earth. Jesus said, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear” (Luke 12:4-5).  He later continued: “Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it” (Luke 17:32-33). When we are children, we are told never to run out in the street chasing a toy that gets away from us. As with a child who disobeys the warnings of those in authority, we do the same with God’s instruction. Charles Stanley says, “The bottom line in the Christian life is obedience and most people don’t even like the word.” Like the youngster, we may first learn to submit out of fear or consequence. Later we understand to look before we leap, realizing that the warnings we have been given are for our own good. It is then that the Great Physician is confident that we have kept His commands out of love and that we are right for Him.

REFLECTION: Can you recall warnings in your own life that you questioned the authority? In what ways might you “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1)?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 24, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

OUT OF RESPECT: STAND TALL

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)

“I do so, out of respect.”  That was the apparent response of an older lady in our community who happened to be the mother of one of my friend’s high school classmates. Each time she would see him and especially in his place of business, she would greet him using the title Mister. He reminded her that he had gone to school with her daughter and that she should just call him by his first name. She said that she referred to him as “Mister” out of respect for his position. As this story was related to me, I could tell that my friend was humbled and honored by this act of deference, even though he did not feel he was deserving. Showing respect in almost any form these days is a lost art and practiced by far too few of us.

Recently San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the playing of the National Anthem at a pre-season game. The 28-year-old stated that he will continue these public displays out of support for African Americans and other minorities who have been treated unfairly.  The athlete’s actions are not unique. There is a long history of sports figures who have protested the anthem along with other ‘unpatriotic’ displays. When these protests occur, the opinions are polarizing with regard to the appropriateness and value of their actions. Very few, including the NFL, disagree that in America individuals have the right to express their discontent. However, many verbalize that a team event might not necessarily be the most suitable time for such a demonstration. They argue that when you have been blessed by a nation which provides you with the opportunity to make millions of dollars, acts like these are disrespectful, especially to those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. It does not come down to the question, “Can we do this?” But it is better provided by an answer to . . . “Should we?”

Jesus revealed that respect comes in the form of loving those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He further explained: “And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that?” (Matthew 5:47). Love must endure, not only for those who do love us but especially for those who seem to be against us. The Apostle Paul spoke specifically about the Christian’s respect for those in power. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience” (Romans 13:1-2,5). Does this mean that we must always accept what our leaders propose and do?  Of course not. But in order to be an example for Christ, we must act in accordance with the direction found in His word.

Every year when we celebrate another anniversary of 9/11 – we are reminded just how vulnerable we are as a nation.  A naïve sports figure makes a statement like, “When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”  Within days of his speaking those words, a flag that was raised by three firemen over the rubble of Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan was returned to be placed in a museum there after being lost for many years. It serves to remind us that the privilege of living in the land of the free does not come without cost. Nor should it come without respect. As followers of Christ, we must lead in setting the example to show reverence for a nation that God established as well as the symbols for which it stands. Any other action should heed this warning: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Stand tall. My friend, while you are able to do so.

REFLECTION: Have there been times when you have said, I’ll show respect when I see significant change?  How does remembering events such as those of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 help to put feelings and statements like these in perspective?  As a person who is on a Journey with Christ, what thought processes need to change in your life in order that you are more respectful in the public arena, thereby displaying a more effective witness for Him?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 17, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot” (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

Someone recently told me that on the occasion of their retirement, they received the following written note in a card: “After your many years of toiling in the vineyard, you deserve to enjoy yourself by relaxing and reaping the fruits of the harvest and the wine.”  On first reading, that statement sounded really good and my friend was sure that the writer meant it to be the highest of compliments after a long, successful career. But as he got to thinking about it, he wasn’t so sure he wanted to rest on his laurels. While on the one hand he was done with the stresses of his life-long career, he also believed there were many areas of work that would occupy his days ahead. As long as he was physically able to do so, he wanted work to be a part of his daily routine. For many, the only goal of work is to maintain an adequate living during those years when the mind and body will allow you to be most productive, saving enough so that when you reach the golden years of retirement you no longer have to work to survive.

These days, many workers feel that they are undervalued both in terms of their compensation as well as the manner in which they are frequently treated by their employer. But that may not be new. Jesus told a parable about the workers in a vineyard (Matthew 20:1-7). He used the example of a landowner who went out early in the day to hire men to work in his vineyard. They agreed upon a wage, and the men went to work. At several points throughout the day, he hired additional workers, stating that he would pay them fairly.  “That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’ “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last” (Matthew 20:8-16).

Fair treatment and feelings of entitlement have obviously been around since the beginning of time. But never has the entitlement mentality been as rampant in our culture as it is today. The political pundits tell us that as elections draw near, the successful candidates will be those who promise the most ‘free stuff’ thereby providing an answer to the question, “What have you done for me lately?”  When we allow ourselves to be fooled by this kind of thinking, we should be cautious that it does not also affect our relationship with God; that is, having the attitude that He owes us something. Just the opposite is true.  God owes us nothing, and we should be ever-grateful that He doesn’t give us exactly what we deserve.  What He provides, He gives out of His unbounding love and grace.

As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, we should recognize that there is no job beneath our dignity as long as it is honest work. We are truly blessed when we are able to find work that serves our fellow man and is equally a labor of love for God. The Apostle Paul says that it is not good to be idle. “We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow” (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9). Those who journey with Christ should likewise portray an accurate reflection of God’s faithfulness and righteousness to the world. The risk for anyone on another road is that they risk losing their path to God. They must realize that when they meet Him face to face, He may be the one asking the question – “What have you done for me lately?”

REFLECTION:  How do you rationalize working hard in life whenever you see others experience gain from what you might perceive as unfair entitlements?  How do you express Christian love to these individuals?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 10, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.