“Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

There was a day when many will remember that the use of a cuss word would immediately invoke the image of one’s mother holding a bar of soap. Claiming that she would wash out your mouth if she ever heard it again – it was more of a threat than actual practice.  Today it would likely be viewed as old-fashioned, an infringement of free-speech, or at the very least, an improper way to raise one’s child. It has become increasingly difficult to monitor the use of offensive words when, in reality, their common usage is pervasive. Social media has gone so far as to give profane expressions code abbreviations, so that users can apply the language without having to speak it. Whenever profanity is spoken around children or vocalized in the midst of those who might become offended, there occasionally will be someone who will voice the warning exclamation, “Language!” Perhaps then, those who are speaking will tone it down a bit. But what can you do when you walk by someone on their cellphone in the grocery store employing curse words that are obviously part of their everyday conversation?

Recently I had the experience of subscribing to a streaming app, because I wanted to view new episodes of a cancelled drama I had previously enjoyed on network TV. I got part way into the third episode and decided I just couldn’t watch anymore.  I don’t consider myself to be prudish, but the abundant use of vulgarities was just too over-the-top.  If this is how the dramatic series was going to survive, then they would have to do so without my viewership.  I wondered if there had been script concerns expressed by any of the actors who’d been involved in both productions. It most likely didn’t matter, since either way, it was money in their pocket. Writers will contend that use of this crude language makes their creation more realistic, arguing that the portrayal reflects how people normally express themselves.  For those of us who don’t want to share in this reality, they maintain that we have been given content warnings in order to make an informed decision to watch or not. My answer would be “not”.

Who among us has not articulated a few choice words after we have stubbed our toe or perhaps bitten our lip to prevent what might now days be interpreted as road rage after someone cuts us off in traffic? Cursing another person may take many forms. While it can be as demonstrative as using vulgar and unmistakable hand gestures out of a car window, it can be as inoffensive as mumbling what might be considered an inappropriate reference under our breath. Cursing is so commonplace that it shouldn’t surprise us that it seems to be built right into the emotional part of our brain. This is a cautionary challenge for we who are followers of Christ. If we rein in those emotions, then perhaps we’ll no longer need to use the “colorful metaphors”. Paul would warn us: “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language” (Colossians 3:8). God’s Word further tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

There are varied arguments that have been lifted about cursing.  Some say that people who do so have a limited vocabulary and just don’t know any better.  That argument doesn’t hold water, since many individuals who utilize expletives as part of their everyday language are very well-educated.  Others claim that it’s all based on perception. The Christian, then, is left to answer the question – is cursing or swearing a sin? James had a lot to say on the issue: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26). He continues: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (James 3:9-10). When all is said and done, Jesus makes it quite clear – “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth” (Matthew 15:11). When we risk that our very light in the world is in danger of being extinguished, then we also risk that no one will come to see Jesus in us. So a word to the wise – clean up your act. If you must . . . use soap.

REFLECTION: Before you allow yourself to be placed in a situation where you will curse or be exposed to swearing, ask the following: Will this be beneficial to those who hear, or will it draw them away from Christ? Does my everyday speech show proper respect and reflect my true relationship with Him?

REFLECTION: Before you allow yourself to be placed in a situation where you will curse or be exposed to swearing, ask the following: Will this be beneficial to those who hear, or will it draw them away from Christ? Does my everyday speech show proper respect and reflect my true relationship with Him?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JUNE 29, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”  (2 Corinthians 6:18)

We have an ongoing joke in our family. When someone says, “I love you” – the other person replies “What?” It’s an imitation of the commercial. You know the one. An older gentleman and his adult son appear to be doing woodworking. The son looks over at his father and affectionately says “I love you, Dad” to which the father replies, “What?”  This happens a second time. The camera moves to the father who tells his story about how he has pulled away from others due to his hearing problem. But he refuses to spend what he considers to be a ridiculous amount of money for a hearing aid.  Then he introduces an alternative at a much lower price. Eventually we see the two of them back in the shop assuming the father has his new hearing device in place. The scene repeats itself with the son saying to his father, “I love you, Dad” to which the father again replies “What?”  Then he smiles, looks up at his son and says, “I heard you the first time. I just wanted to hear it again.”

As we celebrate another Father’s Day, we should take that opportunity to tell our earthly fathers that we love them.  We can think it, gift it, feel it, demonstrate it and talk our way around it. But, bottom line, we need to say the words out loud. We shouldn’t wait another day, because we don’t know how long our earthly fathers will be around. Many have already lost their fathers, perhaps never knew them, or simply didn’t have a healthy connection with one. However, each of us has the opportunity to grow into a relationship with our Heavenly Father. You were created as an object of God’s love, and even those who turn from Him come to recognize that connection.  “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8). That means that you were created for the purpose of having a relationship with Him and, as a result, the most important thing you can know in life is the assurance of His steadfast love. Pastor Rick Warren says, “Everything else will change during your lifetime, but God’s love for you is constant, steady, and continuous. It’s the foundation for unshakable confidence.” Accordingly, you can add great significance in your walk with your Heavenly Father by just demonstrating your love for Him. That should include telling Him so.

It is God’s wish for you to lean into Him just as you once were able to lean into your father’s arms. And even if you missed out on that, He is the perfect example of what a Father should be. He wants to be one in every aspect of our lives, if we will only let Him. God will never abandon us or leave us for orphans (John 14:18), He will be with us to guide, help, and protect us through whatever life brings our way. Jesus was once asked which was the greatest commandment in the law? This was His answer: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” He said that this is the first and greatest commandment but that a second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39). There’s a reason why Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was like the first: if we love God with all our heart, loving our neighbor will naturally follow. The scriptures tell us, “We love each other because he loved us first” (1 John 4:19). The most loving thing we can do for others is love God more than we love them. For if we love God most, we will love others best.

So what does a relationship with God look like? Well, that is going to be different for each person. Just as our associations with people differ, each of us will have our own unique relationship with God because of our varied personalities. Remember that every relationship is based on trust, and that same principal applies to God (Psalm 84:12). The more you know Him and trust Him, the more intimate your relationship will be. He adores you. It would be a meaningful act of personal worship if you would simply tell Him that you love Him. If you do this, you can almost see His arms outstretched and a voice from heaven affirming . . . “I just wanted to hear it again.”

REFLECTION: If I tell God that I love Him and desire to keep His commands but fail to spend time with Him, how might you expect Hm to feel?  What do you know about God that makes Him the perfect father? How does knowing this affect your choices and your actions? How might a daily verbal expression to God telling Him that you love Him begin to change your day?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JUNE 22, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14).

As I took my daily walk around the local park, it suddenly occurred to me that something was not quite right. Then I realized that the normally tranquil path which is usually populated with squirrels, chipmunks and ducks by the creek had, on this day, been occupied with noise all around me. There was power equipment from the conservation corps who were clearing brush and sawing up dead tree limbs. Somewhere in the distance was a mower, and there were numerous sirens from emergency service personnel rushing by on the upper road responding to their latest crisis.  Their alarms had caused dogs from houses across the creek to bark and make their presence known. It was not a time for a peaceful walk, at least not on this day in this area of town.

Then I paused and felt a little guilty, realizing that there are those who seldom have the opportunity to find an escape to any form of quietude. It was just a day or so later that I appreciated the fact that lasting peace is often relevant to our world situation. It happened to be June 6, and across the globe many were remembering the Allied invasion of Normandy, France . . . often referred to as D-Day. In 1944, much of Europe had been occupied by the German Nazi forces of Adolf Hitler. It took months for the largest seaborne invasion in history to once-again free these nations. The Normandy invasion began to turn the tide, and the war was formally ended the following spring after millions had lost their lives. In the aftermath of the deadliest military conflict ever witnessed, nations regained their sovereignty and peace was restored. It raises the question – if peace is the absence of war, then what is true peace? The Old Testament prophet put it this way, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

While peace hopefully returns to nations following years of conflict and great human sacrifice, most boroughs and municipalities find it necessary to hire folks who maintain the peace. These include any person who works in the public-sector and is given the responsibility to uphold the laws of the land. Examples are customs officials, police officers, sheriffs, constables, deputies, and correction officers who enforce the regulations that support peace in our towns, neighborhoods, and occasionally within our own households. There are those who go through life never finding peace in their personal lives, and they sometimes create less than peaceful situations for their families. They could learn from the wisdom shared in God’s Word: “Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict” (Proverbs 17:1). Many individuals spend much time and energy searching to find fulfillment. Far too often, they never come to understand that the real way to happiness and a good life is only through finding one’s own personal peace.

True peace can only come from God who grants His children a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace doesn’t affect our surroundings; rather it touches our inner souls. Paul affirmed that it will go deep into our hearts and minds and that it will unite all parties as one. Referring specifically to the Gentiles and Jews, he stated – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). If you have His peace, then you can start solving the conflict around you. As followers of Jesus, we should be the ones looked to when others need peace. Not necessarily because our surroundings are peaceful, but because our hearts and minds are at peace with God. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). It is possible to experience God’s peace, for when we learn to cast our cares on Him – faith will replace fear and discontent. Living a peace-filled life comes down to a choice to follow Him or not. For, you see, He alone is the only officer who can maintain perfect peace . . . all others will fail in comparison.

REFLECTION: Where does your peace come from? What is the inevitable result of peace made based on external conditions? How would you go about encouraging others who seem to always have a stressed life and find it seemingly impossible to find an inner peace?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JUNE 15, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,        I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where the famous ‘Indy 500’ is held each May, there is permanent seating for more than 257,000 people and additional infield seating that raises capacity to approximately 400,000. When you think about this venue being filled, consider that there are no two persons who have ever attended there who are alike. Indeed, there are no two people in history who have been exactly the same. Our Creator has made us to be one of kind. We’re the crowning beauty, the highest of everything God made; the first and the best of His creatures (James 1:18). That alone should make us feel really special. When Oliver Wendell Holmes was in his 80th year, a friend greeted him and asked, “How are you?” “I’m fine,” said Holmes, “the house I live in is tottering and crumbling, but Oliver Wendell Holmes is fine, thank you.” In this materialistic age when most of us spend a great deal of time trying to be like everyone else – we often forget that the real, enduring part of us that makes us unique is fixed more on our spirit than our physicality.

Throughout the Bible, we learn the stories of very unique individuals. We discover people such as King David – a man of great spiritual depth and understanding, yet also one of fiery human passion and imperfection. He was one of a kind who came to be remembered as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). In God’s Holy Word you can also meet Saul of Tarsus who was dedicated to persecuting the early followers of Jesus. Ironically, Paul (as He is later known) becomes one of the faithful after an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus following His resurrection. The Lord chose Paul to proclaim His name to both Gentiles and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15) and to speak against the conformity of this world (Romans 12:2). The New Testament would be significantly shorter, if it was not for his transformation to become one of a kind. In the scriptures are stories too of others who are lesser known. There you will find a woman who anointed Jesus by pouring expensive perfume over His head (Matthew 26:7).  After a disciple chastened her for wasting it, saying it could have been sold to help the poor – Jesus said, “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Matthew 26:13).  She was one of a kind, and Jesus said she would never be forgotten.

It’s that time of year when graduates will be hearing all kinds of speeches from famous and accomplished persons.  Most graduates are interested in hearing some form of inspirational message, but many speakers will fail to deliver and focus on their own agenda.  The best of them will challenge the alumni to grow into their own uniqueness and exercise their God-given abilities to make the world a better place. Perhaps someone will quote Charles Spurgeon who said, “Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.” Maybe a few will dare to cite references of faith by stating: “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well . . .” (Romans 12:6) and “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). While these words specify spiritual gifts, they can also provide wise-counsel that we should sensibly utilize all of the talents with which God has blessed us.

So many unique individuals will come and go during the course of one’s lifetime: sports figures, actors, politicians and explorers, some of whom went to the moon and back. The ones who gained notoriety did so because of their uniqueness. Someone said that in life we become either an imitator or an innovator.  Persons who stand out are not those who cater to conformity, but rather it is the person who allows their distinctiveness to shine who will be remembered. Followers of the Christian faith come to understand that we will truly be happy only when we give ourselves the freedom to express our uniqueness as a contribution to God’s plan. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).  God made you for glory and excellence, so He could manifest His beauty, grace, and righteousness through you. Go forth then and celebrate that you are unique. In fact, you will be just what He intended when you allow yourself to become one of a kind.

REFLECTION: Do you remember certain periods of your life that you felt a sense of enforced conformity? In what ways can you challenge yourself and those you love to practice their uniqueness for God?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JUNE 8, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations . . .” (Exodus 12:14)

The word sacrifice can be defined in many ways. When a major league baseball player gets called out but is able to advance a base runner from his own team, the play is called a sacrifice.  Parents who give up their own individual desires in order that their children receive what they need in life are sacrificing as well. And, yes – men and women who join the armed services do so with the knowledge that someday they might be placed in danger and the ultimate sacrifice of their life may become a reality.  Those who do so deserve to be remembered, and that is the essence of the Memorial Day celebration. For far too many of us, the annual holiday is merely the beginning of summer and perhaps the first outdoor swim, picnic, or camping retreat. However, to the war veteran and the families of fallen soldiers, Memorial Day carries a significance so deep that words cannot express their emotions.

Part of our struggle to understand the fallen soldier comes with our difficulty in accepting sacrifice, especially when those sacrifices seem so final and appear to hold no obvious reward. In this land of opportunity, we spend so much of our time trying to acquire or win. Contemplating that someone might personally give their life for something greater than themselves can be confusing if not unfathomable for many who have grown to become self-centered. It would not be surprising if the spirit of Memorial Day could soon be forgotten. These days, attempts to erase the significance of historical events has become too easy, as we deem the sacrifices and the manner in which they were attained to be no longer politically correct. Perhaps Franklin D. Roosevelt’s sentiment was insightful when he stated: “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”

Through the years, Memorial Day has held a tradition for decorating the graves of our veterans with flags or taking flowers to be placed near the tombstones of family members as an act of remembrance.  If you have spent any time visiting a cemetery, you may have found it curious to look there for the oldest markers or to pause and read the epitaphs inscribed on them.  In the Book of Acts, these words have come to be regarded as an epitaph to David: “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep . . .” (Acts 13:36).  The essence of a servant is that they do the will of another, and David was one of the most devout servants ever. His life-long choice to be within the will of God was why God rewarded him so highly. We can almost hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) when we think of David.

Throughout history, memorials have been important to every nation. They not only help us remember the past, but they also encourage us to look with hope toward the future. In the Old Testament after Israel crossed the Jordan River, Almighty God told Joshua to take 12 stones from the riverbed and set up a memorial so no one would ever forget God’s miraculous deliverance. Joshua said, ” We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ . . . “These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:6-7). As followers of Jesus, we look to Christ’s death on the cross to recall the terrible price He paid in full for our sins. Each time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we personalize Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation. His very words remind us that “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). The Apostle Paul wanted us to appreciate the love of Christ and the meaning of His ultimate sacrifice when he stated, ‘May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully” (Ephesians 3:19). Though it might be difficult at times to grasp, we should allow the Memorial Day remembrance and the sacrament of Holy Communion to profoundly demonstrate the ultimate sacrifices made for you and me. They should be received by each of us with great appreciation and deep humility.

REFLECTION: When people reminisce about your life in years to come, what would you like them to remember? How would you summarize your earthly journey in a few words for an epitaph on your tombstone? If God sent down an order to write out an inscription to the monument company—what would He say? Would His words include anything about your being a faithful servant or living a life of sacrifice?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., JUNE 1, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”  (Proverbs 3:27)

My mother often told the story of her mother’s way of reaching out to others.  When my grandmother heard about someone at the other end of the street who was going through a tough time, she would reach out to these neighbors who, in some cases, she barely knew.  If someone lost their job or if the family was struggling in some way, she might make an extra kettle of soup and see that it was delivered to them. It was not untypical in those days that when you heard of someone who had a need, you would just show up. Unfortunately, that principle escapes us today as it would not be customary to do so. In fact, it probably wouldn’t even cross our mind. Feeling a sense of commitment is not valued or stressed like it once was. At one time, one would be recognized for perfect attendance at school or work. Now  any level of expectation for the same behavior would be unusual.  I cannot tell you how many times I have scheduled job interviews for applicants who were a ‘no show’. Persons who decide to just ‘wing it’ regarding employment have little chance of being sensitive in reaching out to others who are in need.

For twenty-one seasons, baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. took the field day in and day out, through all kinds of weather to play in more than 3,000 games for the Baltimore Orioles. The revered shortstop helped to lead his team to victory in the 1983 World Series. On September 6, 1995, Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s formerly unsurpassed fifty-six-year-old record, setting a new mark of 2,131 consecutive games. He then went on to play an additional 501 without a break. Throughout his career, Ripken was admired for his consistency, hard work, and loyalty. In his inspirational book, Just Show Up, he claims that simply being there builds good character not only in sports but also establishes an important life practice. He says that “winging it does not sustain success.” Instead he has always subscribed to an old-fashioned sense of doing what was right, every single day. No doubt he would agree with the Biblical principle, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them (James 4:17).

Famous people like Ripken may have an impact on our thinking, but we must put this mental motivation into personal practice.  For those who are Christian, we need to model our actions to imitate what Jesus would do.  Consider the emotional state of His followers following His death and how they must have felt when He showed up following His resurrection. “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’” (John 20:19-21).  When Jesus shows up, everything is different. Jesus shows up when things seem hopeless. Secondly, He shows up because he understands the struggles we are facing. Third, but certainly not last in significance – Jesus shows up because he cares, and He wants us to demonstrate that sense of caring to others. The Apostle Paul stated it this way – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (Hebrews 13:16).

So, do that thing you know to be right.  Make the call, bake that casserole, send that card, ring that doorbell, or put some cash in an envelope and send it anonymously . . . reach out in a way that will be practical for you as the giver but also able to be delivered in a spirit that will be comfortable for the receiver as well. If you know someone is hurting and they need to experience the love of Jesus, don’t sit back and do nothing because you are uncomfortable or think someone else will.  Get over it, my friend. It’s what Christ would have you do.  By all means . . . when you feel that nudge, you can be certain He is prompting you that it’s time to move forward and just show up.

REFLECTION: When is the last time someone showed up to help you through a difficult time? Can you recall knowing of a need and later feeling guilty for not helping to fill it? Consider someone who you know could benefit from your reaching out to them?  Develop a plan to act on this prompting. Is there a way that you could effectively involve others, or would it be best done alone?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MAY 25, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:19)

In modern society, the concepts of self-image, self-esteem and self-love have become hot topics and the subject of much discussion. It is not unusual to find expressions of low self-worth, like the one that recently appeared in an advice column. A woman stating that she has won various academic awards and holds three degrees wrote the following: “I am now 48, the mother of two children with special needs. I have spent most of my life being their caregiver and a full-time homemaker. I feel disappointed somehow, as though I wasted my talent. I don’t know how to describe it. I feel as though I was given this talent and I didn’t use it to the fullest. Do I have a responsibility to use my gifts?”  It was signed, “Really Not Conceited.” The response: “You haven’t let anyone down. You’ve raised two kids and made a loving home. So please stop beating yourself up for not having pursued all of your dreams yet . . . It’s about honoring the part of yourself that wants to shine more light onto the world. . . You won’t be satisfied until you do.” My first reaction to this letter was that the lady who penned it was very selfish. A woman who has been given the gift of two children (even if they do have special needs) should be grateful for the blessing of motherhood. I am not sure the columnist helps her, as she concludes that she really needs to continue to find herself and be all she can be.

Someone once wrote: “My mother gave me life and never asked for anything in return. That is her secret you know, always giving without any expectations. She is as constant as the sunrise, the moon, the stars, and I count on her. She helps me find my way through the years and makes me laugh while doing it. There are some things only a mother can do.” I wish I knew that ‘someone’ because I agree with her. When it comes to being a good mother, degrees and academic awards don’t matter. One of the Jesus’ chosen understood this when he wrote: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). This passage certainly encourages us to use our God-given gifts to His glory. Anyone who feels that they have existed as “just a mother and a housewife” is simply missing the point. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). For him – that was the be all and end all of finding true happiness while serving God.

The problem is that we are living in a day in which we have become lovers of self. Our society has grown to be fixated on words like self-actualization and self-fulfillment. When we do this, we are practicing self-centeredness. As we strive to lift ourselves up, we fail to exalt God and His plan regarding who we are. While it is always important to utilize our abilities and talents, we must keep in mind who provided those in the first place. We must affirm: “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).  Mature believers in Christ know who they are, why they are here, where their strength lies, where they are going, and look forward to their ultimate destiny and reward. When they achieve this level of understanding – they will no longer be dependent on man’s standards for success, the response of others for their happiness, or the need to satisfy any craving for a personal sense of identity. When we comprehend and accept by faith the value God places on our lives, we will find fulfillment like never before.  Therefore, “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us” (Romans 12:3). Then and only then will we even come close to following what He had in mind for us all along . . . that of becoming a complete person.

REFLECTION: Describe in your own words the biblical concept of your self-image.  How does this differ from your actual self-image?  In what areas of your life do you use incorrect standards as a measurement of your effectiveness and success? Do you live daily with an ongoing confidence of God’s love for you? Do you demonstrate it to those around you by your attitude of hopeful living? How might you apply the words of the psalmist who said, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11) to help a struggling mother?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MAY 18, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” (Proverbs 28:25)

As I was conversing with my neighbor, he was telling me about all the outdoor improvement projects he had planned for the warm weather months.  He concluded by stating, “We’re going for the whole nine yards.”  It was an expression I had not heard for some time, and it got me to reflecting about what that phrase meant years ago, contrasted with what some might interpret it to mean today.  Back when, those who said it basically meant they wanted everything that was coming to them, and they were willing to work hard to get it. Compare that with today’s prevailing attitude that we “want it all, and we expect it for little or no effort.” Back then, we wanted everything that went with the meal which we had undoubtedly paid for.  Nowadays, the expectation is that the meal will be provided for little or no cost. This boldness is pervasive throughout our society, and it is only heightened by the rhetoric of our politicians who promise all kinds of free stuff. But those of us who have been around for a little while remember and believe in the once popularized phrase – “There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

More often than not, the more we get . . . the more we want. We have become a culture of gluttony that refuses to be satisfied. The subjects of money and greed are discussed throughout God’s Holy Word.  In fact, Jesus talked about this issue more than any other, except for the Kingdom of God.  Greed is a strong and selfish desire to have more of something. 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) in his illustration if the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21). Money or wealth is of itself not a problem, but rather – it is our attitude toward it. When we place our confidence in wealth or are consumed by an insatiable desire for more, it is usually accompanied by failing to give God the glory for all of His provisions. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day when He stated: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!” (Matthew 23:25). Jesus also mentioned a long list of sins, including “deeds of coveting,” which He says come from our hearts (Mark 7:21-22).  So greed is not necessarily defined by amount, but rather by our attitude and motives. This would imply that even those who are poor can become subject to greed just like those who are rich.

The story is told of a financier who was visited by an angel who said he would grant him one wish. The businessman asked for a copy of the financial news one year in advance. As he was greedily scanning the stock prices and drooling over the profit he would make on his investments, his eye glanced across the page to the obituaries where he saw his own name. Suddenly his earthly wealth didn’t matter quite so much. This example begs the question: If you knew that you were to die in one year, would you do anything different in the management of your resources? Greed places a false value on temporal things, treating them as though we will be here forever. But we could die today, or all of our ‘stuff’ could instantly be taken from us as a result of some tragic event. One of the wise authors in the Old Testament wrote that “some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give” (Proverbs 21:26). In his day, John D. Rockefeller, Sr. became one of the richest persons in the world. Rockefeller also had a deep sense of God-given responsibility for the generous use of his wealth to improve life for others. But according to legend when asked the question, “How much is enough?”, he replied, “Just a little more.” Each of us make greedy choices from time to time, but it can become far-too-easy to become complacent with our own lack of effort to personally define what is truly ‘enough’ in our own lives. When we become fixated on storing up treasures on earth instead of in heaven, when we shrug off our own greed by comparing ourselves with those who are richer than we . . . we might want to take a step back and ask how eternally happy we would be even if we are fortunate to somehow achieve the whole nine yards.

REFLECTION: How much do you mourn the loss of money and things?  What can you begin to accumulate less of today? In what areas of your life do you have to work especially hard at controlling your appetite for material possessions? In light of eternity and the brevity and uncertainty of this life, dare to ask the question – “Am I managing what God has entrusted to me so as to be rich toward God?”

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MAY 11, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

                           “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;                             the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2)

The famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a spiritual pilgrimage for many. For others its fame grew because of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, cementing its place in literary history. When a massive fire broke out on April 15, 2019 – it destroyed the wood lattice-work roof of the 850-year-old building and caused the spire to collapse. Before the blaze, the church had been undergoing an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation. Notre Dame Cathedral housed some of Christendom’s most sacred religious relics, including the preserved crown of thorns said to contain fragments of the original circle worn by Jesus Christ. Only a week before, sixteen bronze statues from the 12th and 13th century were removed from the spire. A trio of round-stained glass rose windows from the 13^th century, a single Holy Nail and a fragment of wood  believed to be from the True Cross on which Christ was crucified, and the great organ dated to the Middle Ages all survived amid significant overall damage to the structure itself. It’s indeed a blessing that there were no lives lost, and through time the cathedral will be restored.

Restoration comes in many forms. While man can never fully restore something which has been consumed by fire . . . God can! In His Holy Word, the Book of Daniel tells the story of three Hebrew teenagers, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to worship the golden idols of their king. He had the young men brought before him and said to them, “I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace” (Daniel 3:15). Their response: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty” (Daniel 3:17).  The ruler was enraged and had them thrown into a fiery furnace where they should have died. But while they were in there, the king saw something he did not expect.  “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25). The passage says that when they were released from the furnace, “Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” (Daniel 3:27). They came out with no sign they had been in the fire, and their faith passed the ultimate test.

There are applications here for all who love the Lord. The first of these is that, when you are in the fire – you can be assured that you are not there alone. God shows up in fiery places. The second lesson is that when we have an attitude of faith – God works with us through the difficult times. In doing so, we experience the third lesson: It’s part of God’s plan to get us to where we need to be. There is purpose in His allowing us to go through the fire. The psalmist spoke these words: “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more” (Psalm 71:20-21).  You may be facing a fire in your own life. However, you need to convince yourself that the fire is not going to burn you. I used to hear some older folks use the expression, “I feel like I’ve been pulled through a knot hole backwards” when they were having a really bad day. As I grew in years, there came a time when I understood what they meant. Facing times of trouble and tribulation is not unusual as evidenced by examples of godly men and women throughout the scriptures. Their stories can serve as inspiration to us, because the same God who was faithful to them will also be faithful to us. Peter tells us that we are grieved by various situations that “have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7). When gold is refined by fire, it becomes even more valuable. When God sees one of His children worthy of refining, they too should be prepared to be tested by fire.

REFLECTION: Consider a time when you were tested by the fires of life? How genuine was your faith? Was it built upon the underlying character of God, or fixated upon the changing circumstances you were facing at the time?  How does the way we handle our trials and tribulations serve as a witness for others who are not grounded in the faith?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MAY 4, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3)

If a tree falls in the woods and there is no one there to hear it – is there still a sound?  Remember that question you were probably asked and pondered as a child? It was learned about the same time as young people were told, “It will be okay . . . things will look better in the morning.”  I had a chance to recall both of these old sayings not so long ago on a late winter evening with high wind gusts. As the heavy winds picked up, I heard a thump outside. I was suspicious that a tree had fallen close to our home, and I assumed it was the dead one belonging to my neighbor that I had been concerned about for some time. A late evening peek outside verified that a tree had indeed come down next to the house, but it appeared to have caused little if any damage.  When I walked out onto the front lawn the next morning to get a better look, I was surprised to find that it was a live tree from my own yard that had toppled and took down two others, including the dead one belonging to the neighbor. It was then that I revised the old adage to now say, “Wait till morning when things may indeed look different.”

After Jesus had been crucified, He was place in a tomb sealed with a big stone and guarded by soldiers. In scripture, there are four accounts of what occurred on the morning we now refer to as Easter. Mark tells us that on “Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’” (Mark 16:1-3). These women were the first to witness that the world they thought they knew was about to be far different than they ever could have expected. Then they experienced the first indication that the darkness of grief, despair, and broken dreams was conquered. As another disciple picks up the account, we see that a new day has dawned: “Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you’” (Matthew 28:2-7).

There is just something about the morning that God holds dear. He dwells in perpetual light, and He appears to love the dawning of each new day. On that first Easter morning, Jesus triumphed over death and darkness and brought life and immortality to light. The fact that He was raised from death guaranteed that all evil and sorrow is only temporary, and that good and joy are eternal. Easter is about conquering all obstacles that get in the way of achieving the purpose of Christ. The stone was rolled away, not for Jesus to come out of the tomb, but instead for others to see its emptiness. Prior to that, there was a world of darkness. Then came the morning with a light that could never be extinguished. Before, there was a world of hate. Then came the morning, and love triumphed over hate. Previously, there had been a feeling of despair. Then came the morning, and hope was born anew. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate how the dawn of that new day changed everything. For those of us who love Christ, we come to understand that because of His resurrection, there is no end to our personal stones that need to be rolled away to fulfill God’s purpose for our own lives. Thus, we are comforted by these words: “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Jesus came to live and die for each of us. And just when many thought all hope was lost . . . then came morning, and the world was never the same again.

REFLECTON: Consider a time in your life when you felt all hope was lost. Did you face that occasion with or without Christ by your side? As you think about your huge personal obstacles that need to be ‘rolled away’ – will you run away trembling, fearful, and bewildered? Or, will you face the dawn knowing that the resurrected Jesus will provide hope and everlasting peace for each and every day that follows?

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