Monthly Archives: September 2019

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SMALL THINGS

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin …” (Zechariah 4:10)

As I began to reminisce about Aunt Sally, the thought of her brought a smile to my face. She was actually my mother’s aunt, but to all the family kids of my generation – she was one special lady. When you were privileged to be a guest in her home, you never got the slightest impression that she may have been engaged by your parents to babysit. From the minute you walked in her front door, she welcomed you with open arms and made you feel really special indeed. Spending a few hours with Aunt Sally meant that she was about to enter your world, not the other way around. She broke out her supply of games, and for however long you were there – you had her undivided attention. She was up in years (at least that was our perception), and she had been widowed for a long time. Her only child lived away with a family of her own, so when any one of us visited – we became her sole focus. She certainly understood what it meant to take care of the small things in life. And that we most certainly were.

God pays attention to the small things and often uses them to accomplish His work.  Faithfully following God’s instructions, Gideon reduced the size of his army to 300 soldiers to destroy a massive opposition of 135,000 Midianites who prepared to come against Israel (Judges 7). The Lord used a widow’s only possession, a small jar of oil, to feed her family for months (2 Kings 4:1-7). When Moses felt inadequate, God turned his rod into a serpent (Exodus 4:1-4), and He used David’s meager sling and rock to conquer Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50). Nothing illustrates the concept of ‘smallness’ any better than the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus and ended up feeding five thousand (John 6:9). Then there’s the widow who dropped her two coins into the offering and went on her way (Mark 12:42). Neither had any way of knowing what this meant to the Lord or that we would still be talking about them 2,000 years later.

I recently heard a pastor being interviewed on a radio talk show. He explained that his parents introduced the concept of tithing to him at a young age. At first when his 10% was 15 cents of his $1.50 allowance, that didn’t seem to be too significant. Years later when he received his monthly paycheck after accepting his first pastoral appointment, his tithe represented a much larger amount.  Giving his tithe would leave little for food and gas after he paid his routine expenses. But he did what he had always done and wrote out a check for God’s portion. The next day, the church secretary called to tell him that many families in the congregation wanted to get to know him better, so she took the liberty of scheduling him for dinners each night over the next month.  He daily sustenance had been taken care of, with lots of leftovers to spare. The problem with most of us is that we don’t want to start with the small thing.  When we graduate, we have no desire to start at the bottom of the pecking order as we go to work for a new employer. We expect a big salary, a large office and an important title on the door. After all, we are due these greater things. We feel we have worked hard, sacrificed much, and are ready to collect.

Perhaps there are things you too have thought to be too small. The Old Testament prophet reminds us that we should “not despise these small beginnings.” Implied in this scripture is the reflection that while we might hold them in disdain, our God is the one who has always used “small things” to accomplish His purposes. Consider accepting the challenge to tackle what Jesus is calling you to do right where you are. Let your dreams be no bigger than the next person you meet. He would ask us to be more sensitive to others who are facing situations that we might consider to be ‘no big deal.’ However, to those individuals – their circumstances may be huge. Your slightest attention to their seemingly small need might have life-altering implications for them. Jesus reminds us: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” (Luke 16:10). When it comes right down to it, nothing is too small for God to use as He cares for His people. So what apparently insignificant situation are you ignoring today?  If you give it the attention it deserves, you will discover that the Lord is sufficient to supply all your needs. Learn to pay attention to the small things, my friend.  Not only would you make Aunt Sally proud . . . the Lord will be praised and your life will be blessed.

REFLECTION: What are the big goals in your life to which you often give your attention? When you do so, have you considered what small things you are frequently overlooking? How might you refocus some of your priorities in order to let God use these “small things” for His purposes?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 5 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

CHASING HAPPINESS

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”                (Proverbs 11:25)

“Now listen to what I said, in your life expect some trouble; When you worry you make it double.” These are just two lines from the lyrics of the well-known Bobby McFerrin song, Don’t Worry, Be Happy. It wasn’t only the song’s acapella style but also its content to which millions of listeners connected. It seems as if our current culture is hardwired to pursue happiness. We’re always looking for it, whether we realize it are or not. If it’s bigger, has more bells and whistles, or if it just feels good – we assume that it will bring us happiness . . . at least for a while. For many – ultimate happiness ends up being based on an accumulation of more stuff, greater wealth, and the freedom to do what we want when we want. Recent surveys on American Happiness conducted by the Harris Poll organization revealed that only one in three persons surveyed indicated that they were happy.  But interestingly enough, the majority of the respondents shared that their spiritual beliefs were a positive guiding force in their lives.

The United States Declaration of Independence states, we are provided by our Creator “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Therefore, happiness is frequently considered to be an entitlement. While Christians and non-Christians would no doubt agree that happiness should be a human goal, they should however disagree how this goal is best achieved. God loves nothing more than to make those of us who are chasing worldly happiness truly, deeply joyful. Throughout the Bible, He shows us the path to happiness and joy contained in the Holy Scriptures.  A perfect example is when the psalmist says to God with evident delight: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). We must consider that when personal happiness becomes our ‘be all, end all’ – it controls the governing principle in our individual lives rather than the Holy Spirit. The thought process in our decisions is no longer, “Is this right and pleasing to God?” but rather, “Will this make me happy?” Joy, instead, is not dependent on our circumstances. It is reflective of God’s Spirit who dwells within us.

Bestselling author Max Lucado provides a personal plan for a life filled with lasting and fulfilling joy, supported by Jesus’ teaching and modern research. In his book How Happiness Happens: Finding Lasting Joy in a World of Comparison, Disappointment, and Unmet Expectations, Lucado says that we actually find ourselves in our happiest moments when we are in the process of serving others. His thoughts parallel those of the Apostle Paul who said: “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Both Lucado and Paul would undoubtedly agree that the way to happiness is not through selfishness but selflessness . . . that we are at our best when we give it all away. A number of years ago, U.S. News and World Report explored the subject of happiness. According to the article, researchers have stated that “helping people be a little happier can jump-start a process that will lead to stronger relationships, renewed hope, and general upward spiraling of happiness.”

It’s tempting to use the promise of happiness as a reason why others should become Christians. Overemphasizing that happiness comes from following Christ can be disillusioning for any Christian when trials hit. Recognize that we don’t find happiness . . . we create it. The Lord’s desire is that we live in complete joy. Then when happy moments, happy relationships, and happy results come to an end – joy remains. During tough moments, painful stages – it’s not our strength but His power that lifts us up and carries us through. Happiness ends in time; joy lasts as long as God’s love. He promised: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9-11). We can choose joy when happiness isn’t possible . . . and we should not ever feel the need to chase after it.

REFLECTION: What are your happiest moments? Do they last? Are you still searching for the ‘lasting happiness’ stage of your life? What keeps you from accepting the eternal gift of joy that God offers?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 28 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

. . . AND YOU INVITED ME IN

 “I have never turned away a stranger but have opened my doors to everyone.” (Job 31:32)

A sometimes-overlooked story occurred on 9/11/2001, one that should never be forgotten. It happened as a result of the terrorist attacks in America but occurred instead in a small Canadian town of Gander on the island of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic Ocean.  The village nearly doubled its population when it took in 6,700 people from nearly 100 countries as 38 planes were grounded following word of the attacks in New York and Washington. The local airport knew it would be impacted, as it is the closest point between Europe and the United States.  For five days the townspeople provided meals, offered entertainment and even invited people into their homes to take showers or make telephone calls. Their simple hospitality to the unexpected house guests (who came to be known as ‘The Plane People’) drew worldwide accolades and even inspired a Broadway musical, Come from Away. The passengers who were housed in schools, churches and community centers tried to compensate their hosts for their many kindnesses. But they were told, “Oh no, you would do the same.” Maybe so . . . maybe not. Here, in this unlikely place, there was witness to the best of humanity on a day when it also evidenced its worst.

In the post-depression family drama, The Waltons, which aired for nine seasons in the 1970’s-80’s, the eleven-member household of three generations offered their home to anyone who needed it. This included runaways, gypsies, orphans, and folks who were stranded . . . they took them all in. While their offer of comfort and protection was admirable, our culture has dramatically changed since that time. Whether it’s the person who rings our doorbell or a foreigner who stands at our nation’s border, we have to be cautious these days as to who we let in. It’s a bit ironic how one of the buzz terms for those seeking safe harbor has come to be referred to as a ‘sanctuary’ while in the Old Testament, the sanctuary was described as “the Most Holy Place” (1 Kings 8:6). Let us consider that the term hospitality might serve as a more appropriate reference for these acts of kindness, since there is evidence of its regarded expectation in many cultures from Biblical times continued through the early days of our society.

Indeed, hospitality is a virtue that is both commanded and praised throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, we read of Abraham’s humble and generous display of hospitality to three strangers. Wealthy and elderly, Abraham could have called on one of his many servants to tend to the three unannounced visitors. Yet the hospitable and righteous Abraham generously gave them the best he had to offer. And, as it turned out, he entertained the Lord and two angels (Genesis 18:1-8). In the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples depended entirely on the hospitality of others as they ministered from town to town. Jesus discussed the hospitable behavior of those who will inherit the kingdom: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in . . . “ (Matthew 25:35). The early Christians were welcomed by persons like Gaius of Corinth who not only offered his home for Paul but apparently “to the whole church” as well (Romans 16:23). He was a great example of hospitality, while probably doing so at great risk to himself.

So how risky is it to be hospitable these days? It is probably not overstated to say that most of us are cautious about entertaining strangers. While we might invite an unfamiliar family from church or a new coworker at our place of employment into our home, we cannot ignore the fact that we are challenged and expected to be hospitable to those with whom we have absolutely no connection. As followers of Christ we emulate His love and compassion when we show hospitality, not only to fellow Christians but even more so to the lonely and less fortunate. The writer of Hebrews reminds us not to forget “to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Biblical hospitality is something that a Christ-like servant provides cheerfully from the heart. It begins with a good attitude and is given to all without respect of persons. We are challenged these days to be comfortable in doing so. But if we are to follow Christ’s directive – we must find a way.

REFLECTION: What are some ‘cautious’ ways that you might show hospitality to the less fortunate (such as volunteering at a local shelter/food pantry or inviting missionaries sponsored by a local church for dinner)? How might you ask the Lord to use your hospitality in a way that is pleasing to Him?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 21 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

. . . AND YOU VISITED ME

  “I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

The conversation I overheard was between two friends, one of whom was caring for her sick mother at home. She was speaking in a terse tone about her cousin who lived in another part of the state. The cousin, her mother’s niece, recently drove past the town where they lived and sent a text that she would like to stop by to see her aunt in the next half hour or so. The daughter did not have her cell phone on her person and didn’t receive the message until hours later. She was expressing frustration that the cousin could have been more considerate in giving her more notice to respond. The friend remarked that the whole episode looked like an after-thought. The daughter said that to her it seemed more like the cousin wanted to appear as if she was trying to fulfill an obligation but really wasn’t all that anxious to visit. It prompted me to recall when my own father was fighting a terminal illness, some of his siblings pulled away. Either they were uncomfortable with his dying, or they just didn’t know what to say.

I remember the Biblical story of Job who the Lord referred to as “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8). God allowed Job’s faithfulness to be tempted by Satan who said, “But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!” (Job 2:5). God used the decline in health as a test and as part of His sovereign plan for Job’s life. “When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him” (Job 2:11). They stayed with him for seven days and nights and empathized with their friend in silence. Anyone who has spent time with a suffering friend knows how hard it is to remain present without grasping for answers.  The silence of these three men did not last forever, as they gave a series of speeches which included many inaccuracies, primarily involving why God allows people to suffer. Their overarching belief was that Job was suffering because he had done something wrong. A prevailing thought existed in that those days that if you were sick, it was a punishment from God. Many years later, the teachings of Jesus influenced a new way of thinking: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:15). While Job’s friends met their obligation by showing up, empathizing, and giving time – their repeated insistence that he repent so that God would bless him again was condemned by God (Job 42:7). In fact, following Job’s time of suffering – God blessed him with twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).

Recently I heard a discussion of a non-fiction book (Finding Chika) by author Mitch Albom. While working at a Haitian orphanage, Mitch and his wife Janine became attached to a five-year-old girl who they decided to bring to their home in the United States, because she had a sickness that could not be cured there. Due to her weakness, it became necessary for Mitch to carry the child from place to place. As time passes, he decided that he needed to return to his primary work. When the child questions him, he tries to explain that he has to do his job. Without hesitation, the little girl says to him that he has to stay, because “your job is to carry me.”  After they embark on a two-year, around-the-world journey to find a cure, Chika ends up becoming a permanent member of the Albom family. Ultimately, there is a profound lesson to be learned from this little one. That is . . . we become defined by what we carry. This includes our physical presence with a hurting friend – an effort that can be a great comfort in and of itself, even if we have no words to say. In one of His parables, Jesus demonstrated how we are to respond toward those who are oppressed in society. One of His central statements is, “I was sick and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36). When we are willing to enter into the pain of a suffering friend, we follow the example of Jesus who came to bear our pain and suffer in our place. In this one simple act, we provide a living illustration and witness to His sacrifice. While many of us are given to public professions of faith, our own self-interests can become obvious. When we absent ourselves from sitting next to one who feels forgotten, we must accept the burden of denying them our visit during their darkest hour.

REFLECTION: Every week you no doubt become aware of someone who is suffering from health concerns. How do you respond? Does visiting those who are sick or incapacitated make you feel uncomfortable? How will you challenge yourself to work toward you overcoming these concerns?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 14 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.