Monthly Archives: November 2016

THE UNGRATEFUL BIRDS

“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)

We like to feed the birds in our backyard. We have feeders designed to attract bluebirds and finches and others that contain select seed for enticing cardinals and other colorful specimens.  Whenever I have filled them, I almost feel as though I have created the perfect Thanksgiving meal – you know, something for everyone.  While we enjoy this activity, there is only one problem.  It is not unusual for there to be dozens of birds flocking into our yard and totally emptying these just filled feeders in a little over day.  When they have been emptied – they move on, presumably to another neighborhood feeder.  On those occasions, I can find myself thinking: “You ungrateful birds. Look what we have done for you, and you turn around and leave us when it appears that we have nothing more to give.” Then I just smile and think, “I wonder if that’s what God sometimes thinks of us when we’re ungrateful for His many blessings?”

As we experience Thanksgiving and prepare for the Advent season, we are often more conscious of those around the world who are facing difficult times. I don’t need to look any further than my own social circle where several persons whom I know have just been told that their places of employment where they have served faithfully for many years will be moving on without them. Then there are others I know whose very lives are vulnerable with the process of life-threatening diseases.  As I sat at the bedside of one such friend a few weeks ago – I found myself making statements like, “We have to be grateful for the good years we have been given.” While I know the words that I spoke were true and acknowledged by my friend, I can’t help but think that such declarations are more easily-spoken when we are not the individual who is at risk. Then I remembered the words of Paul as he wrote to the church at Thessalonica. “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). For if we praise God only in the best of circumstances, it would not be faith at all.

Luke tells the story of ten lepers who came to Jesus as He was entering a village. Inflicted with the most isolating disease of their day, they stood at a distance. Calling out to Him as Master in a loud voice, they asked Jesus to have pity on them. “When He saw them – He said, ‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14). Only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returned to Him to give thanks. It is then that Jesus asked several pertinent questions – “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18). The one who returned fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. We can imagine that the other nine were also relieved that their bodies had been freed from such a devastating disease. Like we who go through life taking God’s daily blessings for granted, they failed to show their gratitude to the One who had offered healing! They missed the opportunity to praise God leading Jesus to say, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19). The man who returned received both a physical and a spiritual blessing.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that we should “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”  Gratitude, therefore, does not need to be reserved just for significant occasions but should be expressed for the little things as well.  Thankful people make it a habit to recognize each bit of kindness that comes their way with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. In doing so, we are reminded of the bigger picture that we belong to God and dependent on Him for everything – just like the birds of the field.  The difference is that He has given us the capacity to show our gratitude for His infinite love and mercy, even in the tough times. It is a choice we make to acknowledge Him or not.  When we fail to do so, we fall short of a relationship with Him and are not much different than the ungrateful birds who feast on their blessings and simply move on.

REFLECTION: How can you learn to express a spirit of gratefulness during times of sadness, defeat, criticism, regret, and struggle? Would you be able to explain to someone the spiritual healing that can come from gratefulness, regardless of the circumstances? Do you think it’s possible to get on the other side of Thanksgiving without ever pausing to be grateful?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., DECEMBER 3, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

BORN AGAIN

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)

Late Fall is one of my least favorite times of the year.  Just as the colors of Autumn are beautiful, the dead fallen leaves from the trees cover what not long ago were flowering plants and a green bed of grass. The holidays bring fresh excitement offering warm gatherings for family and friends. But when January arrives and the Winter winds begin to howl and snow starts to fly, I start counting the days until the crocus will start to push through the soil once again.  I tell myself that even though the daylight hours will soon be at their shortest time – it is right around Christmas when we start gaining back minutes of light with each new day. So rather than rake my leaves – I blow them into a pile and mulch them with my mower, convincing myself that the nutrients will be good for next year’s soil. I consider what new bulbs I might want to plant in a few months, recognizing that perennials are one of God’s greatest miracles in that while they appear to die – they are ‘born again’ when the earth’s warmth returns.

Did you hear the story about the baby who was born twice?  Sounds like a headline on the front of one of those tabloids at the grocery check-out counter.  But this is the true story of a Texas woman who went for a routine ultrasound in the sixteenth week of her pregnancy. Then it was discovered that there was a tumor growing from her baby’s tailbone. Originally pregnant with twins, the mother was now faced with this rare birth defect of one surviving child after having lost the other. She was told that the tumor was stealing the blood supply from the fetus, forcing its survival to become more compromised each day. At nearly 24 weeks, fetal surgery was performed requiring that the baby be removed from the womb and then returned.  Surgeons were able to detach most of the tumor which had grown nearly as large as the fetus, replacing it back into the mother’s womb in just five hours. After 12 more weeks in utero, LynLee Hope was ‘born again’ at full-term via C-section. Dr. Darrell Cass, who led the surgical team at Texas Children’s Fetal Center, described the procedure as a “kind of miracle.” And that it was!

“Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born” (John 3:4). These were the words of Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. Secretly appearing before Jesus, he was aware of the miracles Jesus had performed and certain Jesus was sent from God. Like many of his time, Nicodemus misinterpreted the plan of God. Correcting Nicodemus’ misunderstanding, “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ He went on to explain that “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:5-7). Nicodemus had a real need. He required a change of heart and understanding—a spiritual transformation. When Jesus spoke with him, He used an illustration that could be easily understood. A newborn baby entering an earthly physical life was a perfect comparison for a person of any age beginning a new spiritual life.

The term ‘born again’ is a commonly used phrase among present-day Christians. The expression literally means ‘born from above’ and is not a spur-of-the-moment decision based on emotion but rather more of a conversion process. The Apostle Paul understood: “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake – I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith . . . I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me” {Philippians 3:8-9,12). When that happens, it’s more perfect than the first buds of Spring and more of a miracle than a twice-born child. It’s a creation that He alone can bless from above. For unlike the flowering bulb that appears to die, we who are born again will live forever.

REFLECTION:  How would you explain to someone who is beginning their journey with Christ what it means to be born again? Is it possible to be a Christian and not be born again?

For more on the story about the baby who was born twice, paste this link in your browser: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/20/health/baby-born-twice-fetal-surgery/index.html

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

FLAWED

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” (Ephesians 1:4).

Do you know anyone who is a numismatist?  You may be one and not even know it. Do you collect coins or know someone who does? If so, someone might give you this label. Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins. If you get into serious collecting, you will try to find coins that have never been in circulation. However, you will soon realize that to find an old coin in uncirculated condition is a rare and expensive achievement. In the process, you might use the proficiency of a coin grading service.  In their classification system, ratings are used to categorize these never-circulated coins utilizing factors such as striking strength and luster. Similar services are available for the assessment of precious gems such as diamonds. Unless you have a microscope, the casual observer cannot distinguish between a slightly compromised diamond and one which is perfect except, of course, when you pay your bill. One company advertises that they are “the perfect source for less than perfect diamonds.”

It becomes much more evident to see flaws when we talk about people. In the recent Presidential election, it was not unusual for both candidates of the major political parties to be referred to as ‘flawed.’ Many Americans voiced that one or both candidates were either unqualified or undeserving of the office based upon their past.  The normal use of the word flawed means “blemished, damaged, or imperfect in some way.” If we use that as our standard, then we might wonder why any normal person would consider running for office. And if that application follows, the words imperfect or flawed could define each of us on any given day. It certainly gives us pause to consider the wise counsel of the Apostle Paul – “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).

In two of the Gospels, Jesus told the story of inviting guests to a wedding feast. In the Book of Matthew, a king prepares a wedding feast for his son. When he sends for the invited guests, they appear to be busy and unable to attend. So, he tells his servants – “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find” (Matthew 22:9). As instructed, the servants invited all sorts of people until the wedding feast was filled. One of the guests insults the king by not wearing the wedding clothes which the host would have provided. The man was thrown out – “For many are invited but few are chosen” (Matthew 22: 14). In Luke’s version, the guests are told to be careful not to take the seats of honor “for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited” (Luke 14:8). It is far better to take “the lowest place so that when the host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests” (Luke 14:10-11). Regardless of where we are seated, we are each flawed and must consider it the greatest of all honors to even be invited to the banquet.

As we sit down to our own feasts this Thanksgiving – we should pause, look around the table, and ask some pertinent questions. Who was invited and did not come?  Who is attending out of pure obligation? Did they sit close to or distance themselves from certain people? As we serve the turkey and stuffing, no doubt there is also plenty of heartache and blame to be passed around – enough for each one of us to have a generous portion. Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird penned these words: “You can choose your friends but you sho’ can’t choose your family, an’ they’re still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge ’em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don’t.” As we set the places at our table, He sets the example for us to offer a seat of honor to our flawed but forgiven family members. And like David, we will respond – “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16). Allow your Thanksgiving to be a perfect reunion for all those who are made so . . . only in the eyes of God.

REFLECTION: How do you allow for imperfection in your own life and in the lives of others without compromising your values? Consider the greater meaning of Matthew 7:3 and how it applies in your walk.

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

EARTHLY GAMES, OR PRAYERS OF PASSION?

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

It was a tense time. For over a hundred years, these loyal followers had seen periodic glimmers of hope. But their optimism over the short-term had frequently led to disappointment over the long haul.  Through their many years of discouragement, they have tried to be faithful. They have displayed their confidence by continuing to support the endeavors of those who could provide signs of encouragement. They knew that one day the world would know them for who they were. Finally, the hour came when they would be delivered. Their long-awaited drought would soon end with a revival that no one now living had ever before witnessed. And so, it was on an early November day in 2016 that the curse they had known for over a century would soon be lifted. Once again coming close to defeat, they looked upward and prayed with all their might that those whom they had followed for so long would now receive their crown and be known as . . . the World Series Champions of Baseball. With one final infield ground ball hit to the third baseman who slipped and nearly made an error toss to first base – the Chicago Cubs rejoiced with praise like they had not been able to do for 108 very long years. The curse had, in fact, been lifted.

It happens each October when the Boys of Summer pray that they will be blessed to be part of the post- season. As baseball season comes to an end, the weekly gridiron clashes have already established team rankings. In just a few short months, the Super Bowl will be the talk of the town. Between both is another fierce battle at least every four years. It’s a fight for power like no other; one that in many ways is even more brutal than colliding with the catcher at home plate or being the quarterback who gets sacked before he ever has a chance to execute his play.  It’s the vicious game of politics, and it can become downright ugly at times.  If we are walking with God, we consider what role we should play in these endeavors. At times, when we look at those who are seeking leadership and examine all that is wrong in our nation – we wonder what it will take to bring even a slight amount of healing to a world that certainly seems to have lost its way. So, we again look upward and pray that God will provide for the curse that likewise permeates our society be lifted in a timeframe we’d be blessed to witness.

We might ask if God answers the prayers of the faithful as they are raised for favorite sports teams and political candidates.  Consider how He must feel about the priorities we have set as we spend millions of dollars for seats in sports stadiums, as well as on advertising campaigns for those seeking government leadership positions.  Imagine the good these same resources would do for those who are hungry, seeking shelter following a natural disaster, or suffering from a disease they would not have acquired had they only received a proper vaccination. I am confident that God always hears the prayers of His people, but I cannot help but wonder if He responds more to His own creation than those of our making.  The Apostle Paul provides good guidance. “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

So, ponder this. Rather than praying for your favorite sports team to be the victor, God may be more sensitive to the prayer that those who are playing or serving as spectators are spared injury. Certainly vote your conscience in an election, but despite the outcome – offer prayers of respect for those in positions of leadership whom God has given authority over us (Romans 13:1).  Whether they happen to be of our political persuasion or not, let us pray that they will surround themselves with good advisers so that we might live in a stable society where we can worship freely. Let us pray that they will seek wise counsel in order that “peaceful and quiet lives” will flourish, while hate and wars will be averted whenever possible.  Let us pray for the right things with the hope that God will turn the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1) from games of fame and power to a passion of love for everyday people and their future.

REFLECTION: In what ways might you be able to refocus your prayers on people in need of God’s direction? How might you convince others that winners of contests have little relevance to our Heavenly Father?

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