“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

I look forward to this time of year. When I hear that pitchers and catchers are reporting for spring training, I know that the start of baseball season is only weeks away.  Over the last few years, though, it’s been unclear as to who will be on your team.  Last-minute trades and unsigned player hold-outs have produced quite a bit of anxiety for devout baseball fans. If they land on your team, standout players in the prime of their career give fans renewed hope and create excitement for the best possible season. They are represented by agents who hammer out the details of mega million-dollar contracts with  new teams before anyone is signed. A lot of gamesmanship goes on behind the scenes to attract a talented player to a certain franchise, as fans become frustrated with the rumors that sometimes go on for months. To be sure, there are a lot of back and forth conversations to negotiate the best possible deal. Often times it comes down to what team will offer the most money over a specified contract period. As you might imagine, greed without any guarantee of happiness can influence the eventual decision.

I was heartened recently while watching an episode of This Is Us in which there was a flashback scene into the childhood of one of the main characters, Kevin Pearson.  Kevin stood in line for a long time waiting to get the autograph of one of his favorite baseball players who was rumored might be traded to the Minnesota Twins. His mother watched in the distance as Kevin appeared to have a very cordial conversation with the player who is in the process of autographing his baseball card. When the signing ends and Kevin walks away, the mother approaches the player inquiring what he and her son discussed. He says that Kevin studied a travel guide from his school library to match the ‘best places to go’ in Minneapolis with the hobbies listed on this rookie’s baseball card. He told Kevin’s mother that “he just wanted to make sure I was happy.”  Kevin wanted to be more than a fan with a now cherished autograph. He desired to extend the rare gift of friendship to assure his favorite player would find true happiness.

Offering happiness is not often the objective of fans with their own selfish motives. If we are fortunate to have any form of success in life, we might find that we will acquire fans of some sort. While those persons might never want our autograph, they may use us to satisfy their own agenda. It might come in the form of a request for a job reference or the influence that might be gained by being able to say they are acquainted with you. They may want to pick your brain, or on occasion – they may want to pick your pockets.  Who knows what lurks in the minds of those who seemingly wish to befriend us? Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command . . . I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last–and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:14-16). Jesus wants us to have a relationship with Him. When we do so, the thought process that will follow is not based on what will make us happy but rather what will please God. As a result, the blessings will flow, and our net worth will be evidenced by the fruit that we bear.

Christians and non-Christians do not disagree that happiness should be a human goal, but they should disagree with how this goal is best achieved. If we set ourselves up as the center of the universe by making decisions from a personal perspective of greed, will never guarantee our long-term happiness. Jesus warned: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). When a sports team examines the cost/benefit analysis of signing a new player, there is a point that they have to simply be willing to walk away. The same is true with any Christian who is assessing an accumulation of wealth decision. When a situation like that challenges you, you have to scrutinize the motives of who or what you will allow to control your life. Then you will be able to easily respond to anyone who might ask: Is Jesus really your friend, or are you merely a fan?

REFLECTION: Which makes you more happy – to be humbled or exalted? How serious are you about a relationship with Jesus? Would you say you are more of a fan or a friend? What sacrifices would you have to make if you were to move into a closer relationship with Him? Are you willing to make this sacrifice?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MARCH 2, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,                                                             as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

 A number of years ago, a young man who worked for me came into my office and sat down. I could see that he was not having a good day, and I became his listening ear. He started to tell me about the house he and his wife were building. Apparently there was some property variance issue needing to be resolved. It would affect the adjoining property which they had sold to another couple who had been good friends. In order to resolve the concern, entrance to the property belonging to my colleague would need a right of access through that of the unyielding neighbors. My young coworker was so distraught about the situation that he was having a difficult time focusing on his job duties. Having a few years of experience beyond that of my colleague, I offered some advice for life.  Thoughtfully, I paused, and reassured him that one way or another, this situation would ultimately be resolved. “But,” I reflected, “what are you going to do down the line?”  With a somewhat puzzled look on his face, he asked, “What do you mean?” “You know, down the line,” I said, “when this is all concluded.” “What do you plan to do when the someday comes when this neighbor needs you?”  He just looked at me with a blank look of uncertainty.  Before he had a chance to answer, I told him . . . “When that day comes, my friend, you need to be the bigger person.”  I hope that in some small way, I gave my associate a lesson on forgiveness.

When they first met, Edwin Stanton described Abraham Lincoln as a ‘long lank creature from Illinois, wearing a dirty linen duster for a coat, on the back of which the perspiration had splotched wide stains that resembled a map of the continent.” The relationship between Stanton and Lincoln got off to a bad start in 1855 when Mr. Lincoln was hired by Stanton, a high-powered Washington, D.C. lawyer, for a case set to be tried in Illinois. Lincoln accepted and worked tirelessly conducting research for the legal team, but he felt that Stanton had been very rude and discourteous toward him. Five short years later, in 1860, that same man who Stanton once referred to as “giraffe-like” was now the President of the United States. In 1862, Lincoln needed to appoint a new Secretary of War. The President’s choice of Stanton would reveal his ability to transcend personal humiliation and bitterness, allowing forgiveness to occur. Lincoln’s trust of Stanton began to change the relationship, and Stanton responded with unfailing loyalty. Disparaging words of Lincoln not only disappeared from his lips, but neither he nor any of his family members would tolerate a scornful remark of their beloved president. It was Stanton who sat by Lincoln’s bed throughout the night after the president was shot at Ford’s Theater. As Lincoln passed on from this life, Stanton declared – “Now he belongs to the ages.” Because Abraham Lincoln was willing to forgive and trust, he gained a friend . . . a very dear friend.

Peter once asked Jesus how often one should forgive someone who sins against him, anticipating that seven times might be the expectation. “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:22).  Then he proceeded to tell the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-34) about a king who wanted to settle the debts of his servants. One owed a substantial amount and begged the king for patience in repayment. Eventually his master took pity on him and forgave the debt. This same man then sought revenge on another who owed him, seemingly failing to show the same compassion.  This was reported to the king who called him in, stating “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” The man was then jailed until the entire debt was repaid. Jesus concludes, “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart” (Matthew 18:35). The take-away from this parable: if you don’t practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. Someone once asked, “So where in scripture does it say – ‘To err is human; to forgive divine?’” Well the truth of the matter is, the Bible doesn’t exactly say that, at least not in those words. But throughout scripture there is a prevailing theme that exists. When someone becomes involved in doing wrong, they are acting like a flawed human. But when we forgive them, then we are acting like God who is always willing to forgive us. In order to demonstrate that kind of witness, we must swallow our pride and learn to forgive.  Then, and only then, will we become the bigger person.

REFLECTION: How does God’s mercy and grace empower us to pursue His help in seeking forgiveness toward others we might otherwise have a difficult time forgiving? In the Bible, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” literally means “to let go.” What are some things you need to consider letting go?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., FEBRUARY 23, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.” (Proverbs 16:27)

A lady writes to one of those “Dear Dr…” columns about a complaint she has had for over forty years. She states that she has what can be described as a “burning tongue.” Her personal physician apparently showed little curiosity or concern. Convinced that she’ll never know the cause, the lady was asking for ideas from the professionals at the medical advice column. The responding physician replied that the woman likely has what is commonly known as “burning mouth syndrome.” He further stated that while specific medical causes for this condition are not always easily identified, there is testing that can be done and helpful treatments which are available.  He seemed a bit perturbed that both the woman and her physician had tolerated the condition for “way too long.” As I read about this medical concern, I recall thinking to myself how there are times when each of us could probably be diagnosed with a burning tongue that one might simply classify as a ‘sinfully social syndrome.’

Not long ago, a friend and I were taking a power walk along a path of a local park. We were chatting away when we began reminiscing about several former classmates, one of whom had lost her husband at a rather young age. The conversation turned to the reality that she had been left to finish raising two children.  While they were fairly young at the time of their father’s passing, the children would be adults now. Then, in the distance, three women approached us. As they came closer, one of them took off her sunglasses and greeted us with a warm smile and hugs.  To our dismay, it was the very classmate about whom we were speaking.  I looked at her and said, “You’re not going to believe this but we were just talking about you before you walked up to us.” We laughed, acknowledging that it had been a respectful conversation. But one can only imagine how we might have felt had we been gossiping about or maligning this individual in any way!  I’m not sure which is worse – a burning tongue, or egg on your face.

Badmouthing, slander, and defamation of character are all common ills of our society. Many today believe that gossip is a unifying force, the social glue that tends to hold a group together. That is, of course, unless you are the focused subject of the gossip. James, the half-brother of Jesus, explains why gossip occurs: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Sadly, it seems that everyone eventually finds himself or herself the recipient of gossip or tempted to gossip about others. The inclination to gossip is part of human nature, and taming the tongue requires God’s help. James issues a warning to those who profess to be Christians but fail to regulate their mouth. “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26). The tongue of we humans is sometimes compared to that of an energetic horse which needs a bridle to restrain its fierceness. When there are things that should not be said, a bridled tongue will help one refrain from speaking. When there are things that need to be said, a bridled tongue will assist one to say them in a manner that they would best be stated.

Half-truths and rush to judgment have become pervasive in our world, and they can destroy a reputation through social media or internet postings in minutes. “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish . . . Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge” (Proverbs 18:13,15). But it is not intelligence or truth that many are seeking. Rather they come to delight in spreading the spicy details of the latest scandal, having little concern for the wounded left in its path. Jesus put it this way: “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:34-37). If you think you may be in danger of having burning mouth syndrome, know that it is a condition that can be treated if you consult with the Great Physician. Otherwise when we come face to face with Our Maker, we can fully expect He might ask why we have allowed this sinfully social syndrome to go untreated way too long.

REFLECTION: What factors make it difficult for some to restrain their tongue? Is it always a sin to criticize? When and how might it be proper? How can you become more accountable for your words?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., FEBRUARY 16, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.” (Psalm 121:5)

Every year on February 2 since 1887 in the western Pennsylvania community of Punxsutawney, some devout followers make their pilgrimage to a famous part of town known as Gobbler’s Knob. Donning black top hats, officials of the local club oversee the early-morning event as hundreds of public spectators gather. Each asks the question, “Will he, or won’t he?”  The event known as Groundhog Day features Punxsutawney Phil who, for all intents and purposes, is consulted to predict whether winter is nearing an end. According to folklore – the answer comes rather quickly when the small, furry mammal with buck teeth emerges from his burrow. If the beloved groundhog “sees” his shadow, the country is in for six more weeks of winter; if he doesn’t, an early spring will occur. While the tradition remains popular in various parts of the United States and Canada, it’s not surprising that studies have found no consistent correlation between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the subsequent arrival time of spring-like weather.

At one time or other, images of shadows have no doubt played a part in your life. Remember being afraid of shadows when you were lying in bed as a young child? Or maybe when you got a little older, you learned that you could create animal shadows on the wall with your hands and the beam of a flashlight. Perhaps as young adult, you were compared to an older sibling or a cousin – having to declare that you wanted to be your own person and not be forced to live in “anyone’s shadow.”  If you have ever seen Peter Pan, you may remember Peter losing his shadow. As he seeks to retrieve it, he chases it around the room. While trying to get it back, he discovers that it moves more quickly than he does. Of course, it’s impossible for our shadow to move faster or slower than we do. We soon realize that unlike Peter Pan, our shadows stick with and can never be detached from us.

God is like your shadow: He cannot be taken or moved away from you.  Everywhere you go, the Lord follows you. He is your protector. Our kind, benevolent God who is attentive to every one of our steps covers us with His presence. We’re never alone. In Psalm 57:1, we read: “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Any photographer or artist worth his salt realizes that the realism of their work is captured in the beauty of the light contrasted with shadows. Are our lives, too, not more remarkable because of the shadows? Is this not where God teaches us mercy and compassion, and where strength of character is formed (Romans 5:3-4)? And is it not in the valley of the shadow of death where we learn that God is with us (Ps. 23:4)?

Shadows are woven throughout the scriptures. To demonstrate compassion in the Old Testament, “The LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant” (Jonah 4:6). When the apostles of the New Testament continued Jesus’ ministry after His resurrection, they had a huge impact on the world around them. Their impression was so immense that even the sick and the lame desired to be in Peter’s shadow (Acts 5:15-16), for they realized that even the shadow he left behind was greater than a lot of other religious people they encountered. Perhaps you are going through the valley of the shadow right now. It may be the valley of the shadow of conflict, depression, discouragement, debt, or one of life-threatening illness. Here’s the good news—when you look at any shadow, you know that its source is near. For wherever there’s a shadow, there has to be a light. God’s light is infinitely brighter than any light on earth, and His shadow casts brilliance upon us. We are told: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). When you see how God brings protection, life, comfort, and peace under the shadow of His wings – you can’t help but be joyful.  For it is there, living in the shadow of the Almighty, that you must never forget . . . His light is not far away.

REFLECTION: In what situations have you recognized how important it is to abide under the shadow of the Almighty? What are the things that you need to do to ensure you are living under God’s shadow? Challenge yourself to be like the apostle Peter. When everything is said and done, would people feel the benefit of being witnesses to the shadow you have left behind?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., FEBRUARY 9, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.