“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord             rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23)

I recently heard a politician promising that if he was elected, he would have policies that would improve the infrastructure in our country resulting in the creation of many jobs. He stated that it was his belief that “most people want to work and be a productive member of society.” I am not so sure this is true. While I believe most people want a paycheck, I am not convinced that the majority of people are really dedicated and happy in their work. Work is something which is becoming less appreciated and is often viewed more as a burden than as an encouragement to oneself. In recent times, parents have come to believe that it is their duty to give their children everything they possibly can, possibly compensating for the time they spend at their own work rather than at home. This has, at times, caused their children to develop an attitude of entitlement because they have never had to earn their way. On the contrary, those who have learned to develop good work ethic find it is something which will carry them through their entire life, leading them to greater happiness and satisfaction.

When God created humanity – He provided a lush, abundant environment in which to live. “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). Everything one would need was there for the taking except for the fruit of one tree which was expressly forbidden. But because of greed and defiance of this one rule, man was forced to labor. God said, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17). Because of our sinful nature, resources would only be attained by the hardest of work. However, the ability to secure what was needed continued to remain as a gift from God. Even to this very day, we might find the work we do to be difficult and tiring. Nevertheless, we should continue to thank God for it, because it His gift to us.

As Christians, we are not called to focus on ourselves or how important our work is or even how much success it will bring us. We are called to do everything we do for the glory of God in service to others – including small, ordinary tasks. There’s something good about doing something useful—and then giving the surplus away. As you share the burden of your work with fellow believers, you’ll find that you actually accomplish more for the glory of God. In a loving fellowship of those who practice being beneficial, one might anticipate that the traps which sometimes result from idleness could be deterred. Paul shows us a way of life that is characterized by growth in Christ, and he presents working and sharing as a way to climb out of a dishonest way of life. “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). The command to work hard and earning enough that something might be left over goes a long way to beginning to understand what it means to be compassionate.

As we have opportunity to serve in our families and in the greater community of which we are a part, we should be encouraged by the fact that Jesus values the time and labor we give in service to others. Ultimately we come to understand that while our work has purpose, we also need to find time for rest. Resting gives us the opportunity to revitalize and reflect. “For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world” (Hebrews 4:10). We begin to realize we are not the sum of our accomplishments for, in the end, our work is not what provides for our needs. God is our provider, and He is the source of our true and deepest rest. By taking the opportunity to rest from our work each week, we are publicly declaring to ourselves and others that we depend on God’s care for us. When we are restored, we will find that we are more equipped to make our work matter.  As we recognize another Labor Day weekend, we should celebrate by giving our best effort toward the blessings of our personal work, whatever they may be. As we do so, we will find that they just might turn into a labor of love, and we will learn to more deeply appreciate the periods of rest which follow.

REFLECTION: Do you find that your life has at times become defined by your work? As you become immersed in the tasks of work, are you neglecting other parts of your life which are equally important? Are you practicing the rest that God intends for you? How will you give purpose to these areas of conflict?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 7 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone,               the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

As the preacher of the newly founded church stepped up to deliver his message, he appeared in front of his new congregation in a sweat shirt and torn jeans. While the days of the more formal clerics have gone by the wayside, the person who told me did not consider this to be proper attire for giving a sermon in God’s House.  I remember some of the comments in my own church awhile back when several teenage girls took up the offering in shorts and flip flops during a summer worship service.  I can likewise recall a time when I was conducting personnel interviews for a maintenance position. One of the individuals showed up wearing a dress shirt and necktie. I was actually quite impressed and could tell that he was making an attempt to put his best foot forward. It’s been said that clothes make the man, meaning that dressing well helps people to be successful. Depending on your age and point of reference, I’m not so sure this holds true anymore.

Decades ago, people used to host ‘come as you are’ parties. They would phone their friends and neighbors regarding an impromptu party which was to begin immediately upon their arrival. The idea was that whatever you were wearing when you were called was what you were expected to wear to the party. Older men will no doubt remember a time when certain clubs and restaurants had a rule of “tie and jacket required” before you would be seated. Consider too the first time you saw the sign, “No shirt, no shoes, no service” posted on the entrance of your favorite convenience store. Many of us are have found ourselves in the position of criticizing others for wearing what we considered to be inappropriate attire for certain situations. I have always held the philosophy that I should wear the best I have on those occasions where there should be respect shown for a person or presence at a noteworthy event.

Jesus uses attire as in interesting symbol in His Parable of the Banquet. In the story, He compares the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet a king is throwing for his son. When those who have been invited refuse to come, the king becomes angry and said they were not worthy. He then summons his servants to extend the invitation to as many as can be found. In that era, appropriate attire would have been furnished for those in attendance. So “when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 22:11-13). In actuality, neglecting to wear the proper garment had nothing to do with clothing as such. It has a deeper meaning according to Matthew Henry who wrote – “Many are called to the wedding-feast, that is, to salvation, but few have the wedding-garment, the righteousness of Christ, the sanctification of the Spirit. Then let us examine ourselves whether we are in the faith, and seek to be approved by the King.”

In the case of the King of Kings, Jesus would never turn down the opportunity for a relationship with anyone. In fact, He said so: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). He wants us to come just as we are with all of our baggage. He understands our imperfections and our sinful nature. While the concept of ‘come as you are’ supports Christ’s overall message, the precise phrase is not found in scripture. In modern society, the philosophy has become a bit misrepresented. It has been diluted at times by well-intended Christians who extend the invitation to others to know Christ but somehow give the impression that it’s not necessary to change. To the adulterous woman who would have been stoned had it not been for Jesus’ intervention, He said that He would not condemn her for her wrongdoings; however, He also instructs her to “Go now, and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Jesus doesn’t want His grace to blind us into thinking that it makes no difference how we live. He said, “”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mathew 11:28). Afterwards . . . He would expect us to act and try to do better.

REFLECTION:  Have you ever given anyone the impression that any behavior is acceptable as long as they come to the Lord? Will you give serious thought as to how you interpret the gift of God’s grace to others?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 31, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.” (Deuteronomy 6:13)

As I watched a favorite TV drama, the show began to concentrate on that historic period in our nation following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many young men were being called to serve their country, and others who had not yet been called felt it was their patriotic duty to volunteer. The fictional story-line focused on the tension between a father and his youngest son. Because the son was under the age of 18, he would have needed parental consent in order to enlist. In this case, the father did not feel his son was mature enough to make this life-affirming decision. But the son was relentless in his pursuit to do so, and the father reluctantly gave his permission. On the day that the headstrong son prepares to leave for the recruiter’s office, the elder hopes his son might have a change of heart. So the father provides these parting words . . . “Remember it’s not final until you take that oath.” As it turned out, he did not.

The significance of making pledges, taking oaths, and reciting vows has significantly waned over time. Oath-taking has a long history among God’s people, with many references found in the Old Testament. There it is said: “When you make a vow to the LORD your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the LORD your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin. However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). There were dire consequences for the Israelites who made and broke vows, especially vows to God. The story of Jephthah illustrates the foolishness of making vows without understanding the consequences. Before leading the Israelites into battle against the Ammonites, Jephthah—described as a mighty man of valor—made a rash vow that he would give to the Lord whoever first came out to meet him if he returned to his home in triumph. When the Lord granted him victory, the one who came out to meet him was his daughter, an only child. Jephthah remembered his vow and offered her to the Lord (Judges 11:29-40).

In Jesus time, many rabbis did not consider it a sin to break a vow if it was not made explicitly in the name of God. Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of this teaching. You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And anyone who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And anyone who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it’” (Matthew 23:18-22). When it comes to taking oaths and making vows, Jesus said: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). His teaching is not meant to discourage careful, thought-out promises, such as wedding vows or a legal contract. However, Jesus commands that in most cases our word be sufficient without making vows. When we say “yes” or “no,” that’s exactly what we should mean. Adding vows or oaths to our words opens us up to the influence of Satan whose desire is to trap us and compromise our Christian testimony.

God’s Word teaches that our honesty and integrity must be of the highest importance. When we say we  are going to do something, we must honor our word. Those who truly walk with Jesus should not find it necessary to make voluntary statements like “I would swear on a stack of Bibles” or “Honest to God” as a means of enhancing their trustworthiness. Instead, your trustworthiness should be inherent and displayed in everything you say and do, thereby negating the need for oath-taking. Jesus’ teaching leads us to conclude that it is better not to make a vow than to swear an oath that you have no intention of keeping. It also reinforces the point that oaths and vows should not be made on just any occasion, but they should be reserved only for instances of great import and lasting significance. Therefore as sojourners with Christ – we are challenged to be faithful in all circumstances, striving to understand His word and making it our own. Indeed, wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all did just that?

REFLECTION: How do you think others view your level of sincerity when you make a promise? Do you follow through on the commitments you make? When you make an unnecessary pledge, have you ever stopped to consider if it suggests that you are less than trustworthy under normal circumstances?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 24, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.” (Psalm 5:1)

Have you heard the one about the lady who glued her lips together resulting in her inability to literally get a word in edgewise? It’s actually a true story. In 2003, a 64-year-old woman from New Zealand called the emergency services number. When the operator answered, only moans could be heard. Personnel who responded feared they were being contacted by a gagged hostage, so they rushed to her house. There they found a female who could not open her mouth. Having fumbled in the dark for some cold-sore cream in the middle of the night, the woman mistakenly picked up a tube of superglue. Rubbing on the powerful adhesive, she awaited the familiar soothing relief normally provided by the remedy. But it never came. Within minutes, she was, in fact, speechless. When she decided to use the phone to summon for help, moaning and tapping were her only ways to communicate.

Unfortunately, moaning and groaning are not uncommon expressions of the human condition. Some of us spend much of our waking hours groaning about something, while there are those who do so when they sleep. Still others moan when they move from place to place, because they experience some level of discomfort. In reality, how can one see all that is happening today and not sigh and groan at times? We hear about the condition of millions of hungry or sick people, and we feel overwhelmed. Then there’s the threat of terrorism or gun violence from just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Add to that the failure of our elected officials to bring helpful and realistic solutions to our society, and it’s rather easy to find a reason to moan. The expression is often made that rather than doing something, it’s just easier to sit back and groan about it.  It’s become so commonplace that one can even sign up as an Honorary member of the Old Boys Moaning and Groaning Society.

Surely, there are times in your life when, even though there were words to express your emotions – those words were not sufficient. In these situations, you may have simply groaned rather than voice words that could not satisfy. Scripture reminds us that groaning has forever been a way of communicating to God. The Israelites cried out in their sufferings. “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:24). The Psalmist groans and the LORD responds: “’Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,’ says the LORD. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them’” (Psalm 12:5). Paul writes “For we know that all creation has been groaning . . . we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering” (Romans 8:22-23).

Has suffering and groaning found its way into your life? Are there deep inner agonies you cannot begin to verbalize? If so – your experience is not unique. When one starts to recognize their own shortcomings and that of the world in which they live, it is then that they come to see life as it really is. God’s Word confirms that “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). Romans 8:27 goes on to tell is that “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit.” We may not always pray in accordance with the will of God, but the Spirit does. And God answers. You should not feel guilt-ridden or unspiritual over your groanings, if they are guided in the right direction. If your groanings offer you a discontent with this life and give you a hunger for heaven . . . good for you! That is the work of the Holy Spirit, producing a heart for God in you. Groaning characterizes the life of the Spirit-filled Christian. For those who walk with the Lord, groaning is not a matter of being tongue-tied but more of an affirmation that our hope has been directed heavenward to that which is not yet seen.

REFLECTION: Have you ever prayed for something so deeply that no words remained to escape from you, only groans that could not be explained nor stopped? Can you think of a time in your life as a follower of Jesus when prayer has felt pointless, yet you kept trying to pray? Or maybe a time when you wanted to pray, but circumstances in your life left you wordless? How does an increased understanding of spiritual groaning put your mind at ease that this is not weakness but increased growth and closeness toward God?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 17, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

              “I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.”                  (1 Corinthians 2:5)

As I drove from my hometown to a neighboring community, I could not help but marvel at the new section of highway being developed.  About midway through the 30-mile trek, the four-lane highway narrows as it navigates through a mountain passage. The tapering of the road from four lanes to two has long been a sticking point for those who experience an inconvenient backup during peak travel times.  Extending the four-lane cut through the mountain has been almost impossible for locals to envision, given the existing earthly impediments. But before my very eyes, it was happening. The deep corridor two-lane road barricaded on one side by steep rock formations and on the other by a canyon creek bed had, over the last few years, been widened into the former mountainside. This could only have been projected by a team of talented civil engineers who had captured a vision before them . . . to move a mountain.

Mountain-moving was the topic of a tough conversation Jesus had with His disciples. When they failed to cast out a demon from a boy whose father had brought him to the disciples, Jesus reprimanded them for their weak faith. Instead “Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain: Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:18-20). It is clear in this situation that Jesus didn’t intend to declare that mustard seed-sized faith would literally move a mountain. The point of Jesus’ comparison was that if the faith of his disciples was stronger – they could have commanded the demon to leave the boy, and it would be so.

Our faith makes a difference in our lives only because God is the sovereign one who rules over all things. In January, 2015 – a rebellious, adopted teenager named John (Ruiz) Smith drowned in Lake Saint Louis after being underwater for 15 minutes.  His lifeless body was retrieved and taken to St. Joseph Hospital West and for 43 minutes, CPR was performed on him. But he remained unresponsive. Then the youth’s mother, Joyce Smith, pleaded with the Holy Spirit to not let John die, at which point a faint pulse was noted. After John is transferred and put into a medically-induced coma, his parents were warned that there is little hope. Then Joyce began to turn John’s possible recovery into an obsession, harassing the health care professionals and clashing with their church’s new liberal pastor with whom she eventually bonds. Through their devout faith and the prayerful support received from the community – John is revived, slowly regains consciousness, and recaptures full cognitive ability.  In a short period of time, he was discharged from the hospital and returned to school. His story, labeled as nothing less than a miracle, was made into the 2019 Christian movie entitled “Breakthrough.”

On yet another occasion, Jesus stated: “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours” (Mark 11:22-23). It is important to understand that if we need a mountain to be moved, then God is certainly capable of doing so. He will do whatever is necessary and right for the fulfillment of His will and plan for our lives.  We all have obstacles that are so large and daunting that conquering them seems to be virtually impossible.  Jesus clearly reminds us that even a little bit of faith—faith the size of a tiny mustard seed—can overcome these mountains we are facing. Like those trained civil engineers who aptly build roadways through impossible landscapes, we must capture the vision and simply invite Him to be by our side.

REFLECTION: Consider the mountains before you at this time.  How have you approached them? When you are facing obstacles that seem to be intimidating, do you focus on how you will bring yourself to persevere? Or do you give faithful attention to an all-powerful God who can get you to the other side of the storm? In what ways might you be able to change your resolve from dependence on yourself to Him?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 10, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”                        (2 Timothy 1:7)

My friend has often reminded me of the story of her son when he was just a child. One snowy evening as he sat next to her, he begged her to stay home from work the next day. She informed him that would not be possible because she had responsibilities, and her boss would expect her to be there. The youngster looked up and innocently asked if her boss was “the boss of the whole world.” Their interaction became a teaching moment about commitment. The mother did the right thing by modeling an image of accountability to her son at such an early age. Furthermore, her sense of loyalty turned the relationship with her manager into a life-long friendship. I would know, because I am “the boss” in the story. We smile together each time she repeats the tale. Over the years, employees like my friend have become more difficult to find. The values of our society have weakened the importance of dedication. Simply having an association with one’s employer does not always guarantee any form of devotion.

Unfortunately, the same is often true for persons of faith. They frequently live by the example of “one foot in the world and the other in Heaven.” It is pervasive in our society and is sometimes regrettably displayed by our community leaders. The issue of separation of Church and State placed city officials in a South Carolina town in a ‘no-win’ situation recently. A monument featuring a prayer for officers had been placed in front of the new police station by a women’s group. When a collection of local residents complained, representatives plastered over the word “Lord” so as to appease those in opposition. As a result, the community became divided over the modification of three references to “Lord” and city officials made a decision to remove the monument. While some stated that God and government must remain separated from religious references, others noted that the nation was founded by many who believed that America could not expect to be blessed if it failed to acknowledge and honor Almighty God. The latter would agree with the Apostle Paul who wrote: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:8).

In today’s world, people readily blame others for their lack of character and self-control. They often fault society, their parents, their boss, the government, or others in positions of authority. Not wanting to accept any personal responsibility for their own shortcomings, they seek to find a scapegoat. Followers of Christ have found a better answer, but they must be clear for what and who they stand. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels’” (Luke 12:8-9). Public acknowledgement of our Christian values can be difficult in a society where our greatest struggle in exercising self-control might be as simple as saying ‘no’ to another cookie, or as difficult as spending an additional half hour on Netflix or Facebook. If we face our Christian walk with a similar approach, we still have a lot to learn.

It is important to understand that self-control is a work of the Holy Spirit, not a work of the individual. After all, Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of the Christian. Because self-control is a gift produced in and through us by God’s Spirit, Christians should be hopeful about maturing in the faith. For in Jesus, we have a source for true self-control far beyond that of our personal weaknesses. Similar to an athlete preparing for a higher vision, we have a firm expectation for ourselves.  “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize” (1 Corinthians 9:25). When all is said and done and we decide to journey with Christ, we face two tasks before us. The first of these is to form a relationship with the Lord. The second is just as important: we must decide Who will be in control of our lives. When we finally decide to ‘let go and let God’ – then we have discovered who is truly “the boss of the whole world.”

REFLECTION: Does it comfort or distress you that God can have an influence on the world through you?  How does increasing your knowledge of His role in your life help you to trust that He is ultimately in control? In a world that often feels out of control, can you justify to others it is important to trust God?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 3, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

 “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)

A friend informs you that your neighbor has just been nominated to receive recognition as a generous community servant. Over the course of the last few months, this neighbor has been uncompromisingly nasty about a comment you had made concerning pet boundaries.  Your friend has no idea that an issue has recently developed with this neighbor who is a mutual acquaintance.  You clear your throat about to make a few choice remarks.  And then you hesitate, wondering if your comments would really serve any useful purpose. Or perhaps you are at work when your boss asks if he might see you for a few minutes. As you go into his office, a new work opportunity is laid out before you. Over the course of the next year, the company has identified you to be part of a special work project that will offer you bonus pay. If you consent, you will be agreeing to work many extra hours. The recently established hobby time during which you have been able to bond with your teenager will ultimately suffer. Also, that weekly Bible Study that you have committed to teach will have to be put on hold for now.  Your boss would like an answer, but with all things considered – you might be sacrificing a lot more than you would gain. So . . . you decide to hit the pause button. More often than not, our tendency to give deliberate reflection to the choices directly in front of us frequently gives way to flaw-filled impulsivity. We are quick to criticize, hasty in our decision-making, and often thoughtless about how the choices we make might ultimately affect not only ourselves but those around us as well. While there are occasions in which it is imperative that we act quickly, an impulsive person is habitually quick in the wrong way. They jump too soon and have a tendency to look before they leap. They repeatedly lack vigilance, failing to give proper attention to the potential consequences of their thoughts and actions.

Impulsive behavior is now new. A good example of an impetuous person was one of Jesus’ chosen, Peter. When the Lord told His disciples that He must suffer and die, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’ (Matthew 16:22-23). When Jesus told his disciples that those closest to Him would scatter and deny Him, “Peter declared, ‘Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you’” (Matthew 26:33). At times, Peter’s hastiness placed him in danger. When a band of soldiers came after Jesus as He was betrayed, “Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave” (John 18:10). We see that Peter’s impulsiveness often demonstrated a lack of understanding. As he said to Jesus: “You will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” (John 13:8). Many people in Scripture made poor choices because they became impatient.  The Lord used Peter’s thoughtless statements to teach some very important lessons about the Christian life and how the believer should deal with sin. Even though Peter made many missteps and blunders in his life, Jesus understood his passion. God needs followers like this apostle who are ready to step up and prepared to obey His will. This prompted Jesus to say: “you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Going forward from the Day of Pentecost, Peter became one of the greatest preachers the church ever had.

Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by the Lord to “great endurance and patience.” Reducing impulsivity and developing patience does not occur overnight, yet you will not have a meaningful Christian journey without it. “So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:4). It’s crucial to seek God’s power and goodness for its maturation. At times – it’s necessary to just stop what you are doing, catch your breath, and take a moment to turn to the Lord.  Consider what He wants you to say; simply imagine what Jesus might tell you about what you are experiencing. To have a vigilant heart, one needs to rely on a check valve rather than a heart valve. Peter came to realize that while we must “prepare our minds for action” – we must also “exercise self-control” (1 Peter 1:13). Learning to hit the pause button from time to time will make you a more effective witness for Jesus . . . and it is there where you will find your just reward.

REFLECTION: Describe situations in which you find it difficult to persevere and have a tendency toward impulsiveness? Can you think of times when it may be right to act hastily or be quick to speak?  How will you work at developing a greater reaction time when asked for an opinion or decision?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JULY  27, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”             (Psalm 34:4)

Inspired by video technology, the concept of an ‘escape game’ has become a trendy experience. Consisting of an action team­ positioned in a real-life location – players cooperatively discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in one or more game rooms over a specified but limited period of time. As escape rooms evolved – physical combination locks, hidden keys, and codes found in the rooms have been introduced. The use of technology and elaborate storylines enhances the visitor experience, making the challenge more interactive and theatrical. Participants include family groups, friends, corporate clients interested in team-building, as well as couples. As the concept popularized throughout the world, there has been increased opportunity for risk-taking. In 2019, an American psychological horror mystery film entitled Escape Room followed a group of people sent to navigate a series of escape rooms, only to discover that their fates are tied to using their wits to survive the maze of deadly mystery rooms.

Throughout the course of history – humans have been seduced by thrill-seeking, often times increasing the risk to the point of placing their own lives in peril. The world’s most exhilarating event takes place each July in the cramped streets of Pamplona in Spain with the Running of the Bulls. The origin dates back to the 14th century when locals began honoring the passing of Saint Fermín who was dragged to his own death by bulls. To this day, adrenaline-seeking contenders sprint down the road literally running for their lives. The enraged bulls show no mercy to those who slip or fall on the course and make this one of the most dangerous running events of all-time. It’s not unusual for daredevils like these to sometimes be critical of those who help disengage them from the messes into which they willingly placed themselves. Some who have a faith background have been known to blame God for not being there to rescue them.

Throughout God’s Word, we find assurances like this one from the Apostle Paul: “And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us” (2 Corinthians 1:10). The Old Testament is full of accounts of God being there to rescue His people.  On the brink of danger, Moses had led the Israelites to the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh and his army hot on their trail. If they caught up to them, it would mean death or a return to slavery for the nation of Israel, but God had a plan. Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13-14). Suddenly, the waters of the Red Sea ripped open, and they were able to walk across on dry land. When Pharaoh’s army tried to advance after them, they were drowned in the crashing waves of the sea. An equally astounding story (1 Samuel 17:41-50) is revealed when the young, inexperienced David confronted the fierce Philistine, Goliath. Towering above his young combatant, Goliath possessed brute strength and unrivaled weaponry. He challenged Israel to engage in battle, but no one was willing to fight. Imagine the shock when David carrying only a slingshot stepped up for the encounter. Goliath dominated the vision of the doubters. Even so, David saw God. While everyone else believed Goliath controlled the story, he believed God loomed larger. And, with a single stone to the giant’s forehead, David’s faith proved true.

While we will sometimes place ourselves into dangerous situations, God will not create inescapable circumstances. He will provide the strength to do what we cannot. “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (Psalm 18:2). At times when there appears to be no means of escape, we allow our fears to control the narrative. However, God is larger and shields us from what might otherwise be a tragic outcome. The blessed reality is that God grants deliverance. This has always been the provision for His people. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18). The next time you find yourself in a situation in which there appears to be no good ending ahead, dare to ask the question . . . who is it that holds the key to my escape?

REFLECTION: Have there been times when you have engaged your life using an ‘escape game’ mentality? Where or when did you give consideration to the fact that you own self-sufficiency might never be enough to be detached from the risk you were taking? How does understanding God’s power of deliverance serve to provide strength and reassurance for those uncertain situations in your journey ahead?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JULY  20, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

When I visited the bird store in the spring, I told my ‘bird man’ that I wished to decrease the bird population in my yard over the summer since there is an abundance of natural food in supply for my feathered friends. He recommended that a specialized goldfinch thistle feeder might create the desired effect. These are designed so that the perches are above the small ports to accommodate the tiny seed. Since the birds who gather there literally have to hang upside-down when they eat, the only ones that can easily manage are little birds like Goldfinches and Chickadees. The larger birds become discouraged and go elsewhere. I must admit I was a little skeptical at first but nonetheless purchased one at a reasonable price with a gift certificate I had received. To my amazement – it has made a big difference, and we still get to enjoy the beauty of a few species who gather upside-down while feasting.

It is vividly clear that the world of these birds is not the only one presently upside down, as evidenced by the everyday news headlines. People hate when they should love, quarrel when they should be welcoming, fight when they should be peaceful, gossip when they should be silent, wound when they should heal, steal when they should share, and do wrong when they should do right. Our nation has an increasingly diminished vision of the Godly principles on which it was founded. Society says that what may normally be considered right might not always be true for everyone. Therefore, individuals can decide for themselves what is right and wrong. Society endorses the ability to intimidate those who believe differently than you. Society says that it’s okay to remove or destroy historical statues and art when someone considers them to be politically incorrect. In many parts of the world, society thinks it is appropriate to condemn, restrict, and even eliminate displays of faith in public places. Things that used to be looked upon as a reflection of historical value and significance are frequently considered wrong and not at all in step with today’s rationale. To a sinner, a righteous person is an oddity. To those who have no recognition of a higher power, a Christian’s values are eccentric and based on wishful thinking.

Jesus calls us to live the principles of a world which God has provided for the betterment of all persons. He had His own upside-down way of thinking. He told His followers that in His kingdom the last would be first (Matthew 19:30), the least would be the greatest (Luke 9:48), and the lost would be found (Luke 15:6,9,24)). The unusual lot that He called to be His apostles reflected his commitment to building this new Kingdom — a group made up of fishermen, a hated and outcast tax collector, a zealot, and a bunch of other ‘no-name’ guys from Galilee. Jesus provided a whole new definition of what a King should be.  He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus tells us to love our neighbor, even the ones who hate us. He tells us to forgive those who have hurt us. He tells us to pray for our enemies. He tells us to turn the other cheek. He tells us not to worry about the little day-to-day needs of life, that God will provide. He tells us to not depend on ourselves but instead to depend on God. He tells us to give our lives and our treasures away for others, even if they don’t appreciate it. He turned the world on its head, challenging us to do the same.

As we celebrate another anniversary of our nation’s independence, one must realistically ask how long the blessings and protection God has bestowed on this country will continue? We should take time to reexamine our values and the symbols for which we once stood. The U.S. Flag Code states: “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Perhaps it’s time for us to acknowledge that the very condition of nationwide “dire distress” does exist from sea to shining sea. While we must always strive to live in obedience to the laws of man, we must do so only when we are not violating the Laws of God (Acts 5:29). As followers of Jesus, we must realize that being respectful doesn’t mean we must accept whatever society demands of us. When we apply this, only then will we be prepared to live upright in an upside-down world.

REFLECTION: In what ways might you reexamine the contrasts of Jesus’ teachings and apply them in your own life? Are there changes you should make in the way you think and act? How might you do a better job of encouraging others in the faith to not always listen to what the world is telling them?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JULY  13, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

When 24 Republican congressmen gathered in Alexandria, Virginia around 6:30 a.m. on June 14, 2017 to practice for their annual Congressional Charity Baseball Game, little did they know that their lives were hanging in the balance. The team had been practicing for about a half-hour that day when a man who had posted online about hating conservatives began shooting at his directed targets. The injured included a congressional aide, a lobbyist, a police officer, and Representative Steve Scalise. Several witnesses said their lives were saved by the presence of the Capitol Police, who were there because of Scalise’s position as the House Majority Whip. They were able to immediately engage the shooter, keep him pinned down, and prevent him from continuing to fire on the unarmed baseball players. When the shooting began, Scalise said he simply started to pray. “It was amazing how that removed so much of the anxiety and all of a sudden I was calm, and I knew that God was taking care of me, and boy did he ever.” The attack drew a bipartisan response, and the game was played as scheduled the following day.

The phrase “hanging in the balance” is often used to describe situations where those involved are about to experience an uncertain future. It can be applied to groups of persons who are facing potential life-threatening situations, such as the 33 Chilean men who were trapped underground in a collapsed mine in 2010 before they were rescued 69 days later. Or it can certainly apply to individuals who are about to escape the fate of certain death. On December 18, 1867, 28-year-old John D. Rockefeller, an entrepreneur widely known in Cleveland and the oil refining industry was about to make a quick business trip to New York City to check on his East Coast operations.  He got an unusually delayed start that morning, so he sent his bags ahead of him. Hours later, Rockefeller pulled into Cleveland’s Union Station just a few minutes too late. His bags made the train but he didn’t . . . and it saved his life. By missing the Lake Shore Express that morning, Rockefeller escaped one of the worst railroad accidents in 19th-century America. As a latecomer to the Cleveland station, he would have sat in the end car which jumped the track while crossing over a high railroad bridge in the western New York and fell into an icy gorge below.  Rockefeller came across the scene himself when the later train he had taken was forced to stop because of the wreck. He immediately telegraphed his wife stating, “Thank God I am unharmed; the six forty train I missed had bad accident.” In fact, nearly fifty persons died in the incident that fateful day.

We hear about situations like this all the time. But it never happens to us . . . until it does! So, what do we do then? How are we to face that potentially perilous situation lurking right around the corner? The Christian’s perspective to having a balanced life begins by examining our relationship with God. The closer you walk with God, the more faith you have that He will help you through the toughest times. Moses warned of the curses that would fall upon those who distanced themselves from God’s laws: “Your life will constantly hang in the balance. You will live night and day in fear, unsure if you will survive” (Deuteronomy 28:66).  For those who are making their life journey with Jesus by their side, the answer for balancing life’s uncertainties doesn’t have to be worrisome or overwhelming.   Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Knowing someone is always there and who understands what we are going through is a major component in the process of getting one’s life in balance. As your life becomes more in synch with God, you will realize that even in times of struggle your life will remain in balance when your focus remains on Him. We learn that our first instinct should be to call on God, just as Representative Scalise did when he was shot.  We come to understand that our Lord and Savior has not only promised an abundant life but also an everlasting one. “He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Far too often we allow ourselves to become so distraught that our story becomes like a cliff-hanger in the drama of a season finale. We end up wondering if we will survive to continue playing our role into another season.  If you are right with God, no matter what happens in this lifetime, you can be assured that you will not be written out of the script. You should never have to feel that your life is simply hanging in the balance. That’s security that only He alone can provide.

REFLECTION:  How close are you to God?  Do you seek His wisdom often or are you trying to go through life on your own? What specific steps should you take to know that your life is not hanging in the balance?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JULY  6, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.