“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching       ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions…”                    (2 Timothy 4:3)

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third presidents of the United States, respectively, both passed away on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  Both men had been central in the drafting of the historic document in 1776.  Twenty years later, Adams defeated Jefferson in the presidential election, but Jefferson became vice president because, at that time, the office was filled by the candidate who finished second. In 1800, Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans defeated the Federalist party of Adams and Hamilton, and Adams retired to his estate. Their contrasting political views caused them to develop an intense rivalry, and the two did not speak for well over a decade.  By 1812 they started corresponding and eventually mailed more than 185 letters, regarded as masterpieces of American enlightenment. Over the next few years, a tenderness crept back into the founders’ relationship. As he grew older, Jefferson wrote: “Crippled wrists and fingers make writing slow and laborious. But while writing to you, I lose the sense of these things, in the recollection of ancient times, when youth and health made happiness out of everything.”  By remarkable coincidence, Jefferson and Adams died on the same day, July 4, 1826, the semicentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. Adams’ last words were, “Thomas Jefferson still survives,” though his old friend and political adversary had died a few hours before. At the time of his death, Jefferson was 83, while Adams had turned 90 the year before. Though both were not well, their deaths came as a surprise to many.

In those days, men like Adams and Jefferson were viewed as true patriots and noted members of the clergy as well as prominent politicians felt that their same-day passing was more than a coincidence. Then there was a spirit that America and its people were exceptionally blessed by God. Gifts like theirs, according to Daniel Webster, were “proofs that our country and its benefactors are objects of His care.” While eulogizing these men, he said: “Adams and Jefferson are no more. On our 50th anniversary, the great day of national jubilee, in the very hour of public rejoicing, in the midst of echoing and re-echoing voices of thanksgiving, while their own names were on all tongues, they took their flight together to the world of spirits.” In those young days of a new nation, there was a lot of pride in the country. Today, not so much. A Gallup poll taken in June, 2018 shows a record low percentage of Americans identifying as “extremely proud” of their nationality, lower than at any other time in the prior 18 years that the group had conducted the poll.  This significant decline in the poll numbers is anything but inspiring news about the country’s patriotism, thereby painting a dismal picture of our nation.

The same can be said for Christianity and the commitment of believers to their faith. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (Matthew 5:13). The message is similar in the prophecy of John where Jesus provides this revelation: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). At times through our own selfish interests, we lose perspective that we were meant to serve Him. It’s okay to be free to be who you are, but at the same time we must never forget where we came from. There is a trend these days to ignore or erase history in order to somehow satisfy our own passions. For when we decide to follow the lessons of false teachers, we often do so merely to validate the hollowness of our own existence. Jesus is calling us to be hot or to be cold. When we are just sitting on the fence, we neither quench the thirst of those who are lost nor soothe the souls of a hurting world. Our founding fathers would remind us, as did the great apostle, that we should “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). Most times, however, we are neither good patriots or model Christians.  Yet we are still being called to be both.

REFLECTION:  Have you lost your saltiness as a follower of Jesus? What steps do you need to take to revitalize your zest? In what ways do you value the lessons of scripture and of history and apply them in your life? How might you mentor others who have become self-centered regarding historical perspectives?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JULY 14, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“The wind blows, and we are gone–as though we had never been here.” (Psalm 103:16)

When Margaret Mitchell selected “Gone with the Wind” as the title for her epic tale, she was referring to a remembered past as the main characters in the story find themselves trying to survive in a world which had considerably changed.  One of the best-selling novels of all time, it was published on June 30, 1936 and served as the basis for a blockbuster movie just three years later. The expression “gone with the wind” itself comes from a poem by Ernest Dowson. In Mitchell’s novel, protagonist Scarlett O’Hara also uses the phrase from a line of dialogue in the book. When her hometown is overtaken during the Civil War by the Yankees, she wonders if her home plantation is still standing, or if it was “also gone with the wind which had swept through Georgia”. The reference here, of course, is to the pre-war South’s elite culture with its expansive plantations and elegant society, so easily contrasted with the oppression of slavery. The romanticized view of passion and loss captivated readers far and wide and was ranked by a 2008 Harris poll as the second favorite book of American readers, just behind The Bible.

Whether you saw the movie or read the book, you’ll remember the first views of Scarlett as innocent, charming and flirtatious when the most important thing on her mind was which dress to wear to a barbecue. She would never have imagined herself three years later scavenging for food with no shoes or change of clothes. We identify with her character because as we go through life, many of us also find ourselves in or having gone through humbling situations. The Apostle Paul gave this warning: “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:13-14). Once when I visited a few local cemeteries, I observed two massively engraved monuments placed by persons in an effort to memorialize themselves or their family. I found no humility in those grave markers. Those who are so desperate to be remembered could benefit from these wise words found in the Old Testament: “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2).

If we are realistic, we can easily conclude that life as we know it can change in an instant. If we become too self-absorbed, we risk being able to appreciate the things around us and learning to know God at His fullest. No one can attest to that better than Joni Eareckson Tada.  Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1949 – she was the youngest of four daughters. Experiencing a very active life all through her growing up years, Joni enjoyed riding horses, hiking, tennis, and swimming. On July 30, 1967, she dove into the Chesapeake Bay after misjudging the shallowness of the water. She suffered a cervical fracture, and her earthly life drastically changed. Now as a quadriplegic – she experienced anger, depression, suicidal thoughts, and religious doubts. After years of rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination to help others.  Today, she is married, has written forty-five books, recorded several musical albums, starred in an autobiographical movie of her life, and is an advocate for people with disabilities. In 2017, fifty years after her accident, she wrote: “Grace softens the edges of past pains, helping to highlight the eternal. What you are left with is peace that’s profound, joy that’s unshakable, faith that’s ironclad.”

Jesus told a brief parable in which He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). Bottom-line – the kingdom of heaven is more precious than anything we possess, and it is worth all we have. Once we have found the prize, we are willing to give up everything to possess it. This spiritual truth is missed by many and cannot be gained by possession of power, worldly wisdom or earthly shrines listing the great things we have done. We need to secure our future through a Higher Power and come to realize that life as we now know it will one day be simply gone with the wind.

REFLECTION: How should the fleeting nature of life humble us?  What parts of your daily life do you take for granted that could easily change in an instant? How might you refocus your view of normalcy as being boring or monotonous?  In light of scriptural teaching about the temporary nature of satisfaction and recognition, what changes in your earthly life would better prepare you for an eternity with God?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JULY 7, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

   “ . . . so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”                 (1 Corinthians 2:5)

Holding a 43-pound balancing pole, he prayed out loud as he walked untethered across a 1,400-foot-long, 8.5-ton two-inch thick steel cable suspended 1,500 feet above the Little Colorado River. It was June 23, 2013 and 34-year-old aerialist Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk a high wire across this river gorge near Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Just one year before, he became the first to walk a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Then broadcast officials required that he wear a safety tether in case he fell. This time, however, he wasn’t wearing a harness as he traversed a quarter-mile across the ravine.  Nik Wallenda, a member of the famous Flying Wallendas family of circus performers, learned to walk on a wire as a young boy making his professional debut as an aerialist at age 13. The Grand Canyon trek was the highest walk of his career, and he completed it in just less than 23 minutes. I remember thinking as I watched this event on TV – is this man fearless, faith-filled, or just foolish? Before beginning his journey, Wallenda prayed with Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen asking God for strength and endurance. It was certainly uplifting to hear this daredevil calling out to heaven and saying “thank you Jesus” dozens of times during his walk. Indeed, much has been made of Wallenda’s deep faith, and He should be admired for his openness. But I wasn’t quite sure at the time whether I saw this act as a walk of faith or whether I just couldn’t help but wonder if deep down he was simply crazy.

Maybe that’s how the other disciples felt when Peter walked on the water toward Jesus. After He had ministered to a huge crowd of followers, Jesus instructed His disciples to get back in the boat while he sent the people home. He then went to be alone so that He could pray, and nightfall came. Meanwhile, the disciples found themselves in a boat “a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’  ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:22-33). It’s important to consider that Peter and the other disciples embarked upon this journey in response to their master’s request. Like the disciples on that boat who would have been aware of the dangers of traveling on the Sea of Galilee with its sudden storms – we began our journey with an understanding that there would be risks along the way. We find that there are forces capable of upsetting our most carefully improvised plans. But we, like Peter, can discover that our Savior stands nearby ready to help us if we will but reach out to Him and accept his divine assistance.

Nik Wallenda and Peter provide a common lesson for us:  It’s important that we have a strong foothold and know who provides that strength. The Apostle Paul said, “do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). While Wallenda’s assurance may have been somewhat grounded in his years of training, Peter’s was at least for a short while based on His faith in His Lord. Peter’s attention was drawn from Jesus, the object of his faith, to the vigorous wind and waves around him. In a moment of confusion – fear overpowered his faith, and he started to fall. We should not be critical of Peter because that has been our issue as well.  Each of us has stepped out on faith many times and have taken our eyes off Him. The waves around us are as real as Peter’s waves were to him. And, like Peter, we may slip. We may feel the awful descent toward a dangerous outcome. I can’t claim to be free of fears or doubts, and I would suppose you can’t either. We are all humans on a shaky wire, walking to our own self-destruction unless God, by His grace, gets us to the other side. For each of us, it becomes a true walk of faith.

REFLECTION: Are there times when the storms of your life have influenced your faith walk? Has the concept of free will affected your faith and the ability to make decisions? How can you know if you are exercising your faith or simply using it to further another agenda?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JUNE 30, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.”     (Proverbs 3:11)

There would have been a day not so long ago when any grade school student would have been able to tell you, without hesitation, that the ‘father of our country’ was George Washington. Today, there are those who would find that title to not be politically correct or who would seek to undermine the credibility of the man himself. It was on June 15, 1775 that Washington accepted an appointment to lead the Continental Army as its commander-in-chief. Washington’s determination, leadership and refusal to give up made the difference between victory and defeat on more than one occasion. Indeed, so powerful was Washington’s character and reputation that the organizers of the Constitutional Convention believed that the Convention would not succeed unless Washington attended it. Due to his military fame and humble personality, Americans overwhelmingly elected Washington to be their first president in 1789. Just as a good father can provide leadership for his family, Washington provided unquestionable direction for a new country. Historian Joseph Ellis has stated that, “Washington was the glue that held the nation together.” He seemed to understand the ‘big picture’ more than many of his day, and he was at the forefront of every major event in American history from 1754 to 1799. The respect for Washington was a direct result of his personal virtue which was cultivated over his lifetime. He was keenly aware of his faults from an early age, and he worked at controlling his shortcomings. In his book, Our Sacred Honor, William Bennett states, “Washington wasn’t born good. Only practice and habit made him so.” It certainly sounds as if his own self-discipline made him worthy of the label as the father of his country.

As we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day – it could be useful for any of us to apply some of the examples that Washington displayed. He would have been the first to tell you he was an imperfect man but was trying to do better. Recently, an older friend of mine told the story of her own father who, along with her two older brothers, always seemed to find themselves in trouble at a young age.  They frequently heard the oft-used threat from their mother – “Just wait ‘till your father gets home.” My friend said that on those occasions as their father appeared after a hard day’s work – he would remove his dirty work shoes, put on his slippers, and motion the three of them to the cellar. When they arrived there, they each understood the drill. As their father removed his slipper, he began to slap it loudly against his own hand. He then proceeded to tell each of the children to yell out, one by one, as if they were being disciplined. The story of their punishment remained a secret into adulthood, with their father undoubtedly recognizing that his demonstration of love yielded better results than a sore bottom may have accomplished. The Lord is very merciful as well, and He normally gives us ample time to repent. His discipline usually comes after our recurring acts of disobedience and His repeated warnings. After all, when it comes time to show obedience to our Heavenly Father – it can only strengthen our relationship with Him. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:32).

The great news is that like my friend’s father – God is gracious. If we haven’t been living for Him, if we haven’t been following His commandments, if we’ve been living in and for the world – we can be transformed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We can ask God for forgiveness, and He will give it. And He will choose to forget our sin, just like it never happened. “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:9-11). If we have ever experienced the love of an earthly father who showed discipline in his life – we have indeed been fortunate. But what is even more precious is that all of God’s children can know a Heavenly Father who they will come to embrace more and more each day. All who do so will learn to recognize and regard Him as their true Commander-in-Chief, now and for all of eternity.

REFLECTION: Reflect on some examples of ways you practice self-discipline each day. In pursuit of your own spiritual and faith development, what aspects of your life do you consider in need of tougher discipline? What is your plan for making that happen? How can you be sure to include God in the process?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JUNE 23, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”  (James 4:14)

What happens when you bring together a New York City stockbroker and an Ohio physician with a common personal concern?  You end up with a solution. At least that’s what happened on June 10, 1935 when Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two recovering alcoholics, came together to institute Alcoholics Anonymous. The co-founders had a chance meeting, and with each other’s help – they both achieved lasting sobriety. With other early members, they developed AA’s Twelve-Step program of spiritual and character development. The first step for a new member is to admit that they have a problem and are “powerless over alcohol.” Making this acknowledgement with others who share their addiction allows the individuals to draw strength from one another. Members of the strictly anonymous organization control their addictions through guided group discussion and confession, reliance on a “higher power,” and a gradual return to sobriety. While the program of treatment references God, members define that higher power in their own way. In that regard, both persons of faith and non-believers as well are welcomed. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There is an estimated membership of nearly two-million people.  Working the 12-step program requires commitment, and many people benefit from the use of a sponsor to help them through the process.

I once heard a story of a man who asked a pastor to pray over him, so that he would be freed from his drinking problem. Recognizing that the motivation of the man was only to achieve a quick and easy fix, he told the individual that he really needed to go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, follow the outlined program, and become grounded in Biblical teaching. He reduced his advice to a few words – “Do the hard work.” In this day and age – it has become far too easy for many to expect an immediate fix to their problems. Certainly one might think that finding the right app, paying a fee-for service, or receiving a drive-thru prayer should do the trick and allow one to move on.  In scripture, we find Paul counseling his student Timothy to establish his life so that he could be a model for other believers. His words: “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12). If we would paraphrase Paul’s directive, it might sound something like this: ‘Timothy . . . pursue, fight, and hold tightly; in other words, work the program as you have been instructed.’

As one takes a closer look at the basics of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, you will find one remaining principle of importance. Each member refrains from the use of alcohol using the slogan, “one day at a time.” In doing so, their abstinence can be achieved successfully using a daily goal rather than becoming overwhelmed with all of tomorrows which lie ahead. That philosophy is in line with the teachings of Jesus who said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). It’s good advice for any believer, as we should seize the opportunities and be grateful for the many blessings that God gives us each and every day. Cristy Lane reflects on this in the lyrics of her modern chorus:

One day at a time sweet Jesus; That’s all I’m asking from you.
Just give me the strength, to do every day what I have to do.
Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way . . . One day at a time.

For anyone with an addiction, the key to success is to trust in a higher power for the strength to say no to today’s temptation. For we who believe in God as that higher power, He reminds us to look to Him when the prospect of tomorrow seems too difficult to endure . . . and to simply do so one day at a time.

REFLECTION: What compulsions and obsessions do you face in your life that prevent you from making the most of each day?  How might you apply these words from Billy Graham in your daily faith walk: “Take one day at a time. Today, after all, is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JUNE 16, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” (Proverbs 11:9)

Corruption in the government at the highest level. Spies implanted in political campaigns of candidates by the FBI. Collusion with foreign governments in order to influence elections. These insinuations are all-too-familiar for those who have lived in America in the 21^st century. However, if you go back several generations to the early 1950’s – you will find a man by the name of Joseph McCarthy, a senator from the state of Wisconsin. Senator McCarthy spent almost five years trying in vain to expose communists and other left-wing “loyalty risks” in the U.S. government. In the hyper-suspicious atmosphere of the Cold War, suggestions of disloyalty were enough to convince many Americans that their government was packed with traitors and spies. On June 2, 1954, he charged that communists had infiltrated the Central Intelligence Agency and the atomic weapons industry. Just weeks before, 36 days of televised investigative “McCarthy Hearings” were led by the Senator in which he displayed his bullying style and hysterical behavior. The character assassinations he imposed quickly turned off the audience. McCarthy was thoroughly disgraced when an attorney asked him whether he had any sense of “decency” at all.

Over time, McCarthyism has been used in modern political discussions as a reference to defamation of character by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations, frequented with unsubstantiated charges. In today’s society, it is common to observe daily examples of executed attempts to tarnish a person’s reputation. It may involve exaggeration, misleading half-truths, or manipulation of facts to present an untrue picture of the targeted person. Such conspiracy theory plotting is not new; in fact, it’s been around for centuries. People throughout history have speculated on hidden meanings and dared to jump at the potential of juicy secrets. Our society’s nonstop use of social media and obsession with round-the clock news outlets has created an outflow of instantaneous information from which it is difficult to escape. Unfortunately, when these things are unfounded – false narratives are unstoppable, and the reputations of innocent people are irreparably damaged. Frequently Christians have been the focus of these attacks, and even worse – they are sometimes the ones perpetuating them. This directly violates Scripture’s prohibition from bearing false witness against our neighbors (Exodus 20:16). It devalues the name of Christ, who is the essence of truth, and it inflicts pain upon the people involved.

The Bible tells us that the relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees was frequently marked by the practice of character assassination with Jesus as the main target. This group of religious intellectuals witnessed His works with envy and heard his instruction with resentment, because they recognized He threatened their position and prestige. Jesus responded by saying: “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach” (Matthew 23:2-3). In fear and hatred, they did all they could to falsify the point of his lessons, attempted to negatively paint His personal character, and began a plot to kill Him (Mark 3:6). David also felt the persecution of false witnesses but fortunately, he knew how to respond. As he prayed to his God, he said: “Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart” (Psalm 119:69).

The question must be asked how we separate ourselves from the character assassinations of this world. First and foremost, don’t repeat what you do not know to be true. If there appears to be a degree of accuracy, do as David did . . . listen to your heart and pray for those involved. Don’t become part of the rumor mill, and do not seek to discredit the accused. If you are the target of such allegations, follow this advice – “But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (1 Peter 3:16). Consider yourself blessed by the One who knows the truth that will ultimately matter.

REFLECTION: Take time to reexamine your social media interactions and sources for news and information. What habits do you need to consider changing in light of your relationship with Jesus? How can you set an example to not get caught up in hearsay about others that has no foundation of fact?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JUNE 9, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

If you were to ask who the best baseball player of all time is, most persons would reply that it was Babe Ruth. George Herman Ruth Jr. acquired the nickname ‘Babe’ while playing for the Baltimore Orioles minor league team when he was referred to by a team scout as one of manager Jack Dunn’s babes. Not only did Ruth become the premier slugger of his era, he did what no one had done before. Many of his records took years to be broken, and some of them still stand today. When he joined the majors in 1914, the all-time record for home runs in a season was 27. Within seven years he had more than doubled it with 59, and he eventually produced a personal-high of 60. Playing for the Yankees in 1929 – he hit his 500th career home run, while the player with the next most homers had only 237. On May 25, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – he hit number 714 out of the park over the right field upper deck. It was the first time anyone had hit a fair ball completely out of Forbes Field.  It was one of Ruth’s last games, going four for four on the day, hitting three home runs and driving in six runs. His record of 714 for career home runs would stand for another 39 years until Hank Aaron broke it. Ruth retired only a few days later with his worst full-time yearly average fulfilling the old adage – “all good things must come to an end.”

Ruth’s legendary power and charismatic personality made him a larger-than-life figure. During his career, he was the target of intense press and public attention for his baseball exploits and off-field proclivities for drinking and womanizing. His often-irresponsible lifestyle was tempered by his willingness to do good by visiting children at hospitals and orphanages, no doubt recalling his own reckless youth listing him as “an incorrigible.” He said he had no faith in God before he was sent to the Catholic school and that the biggest lesson he got from the experience there was learning that “God was Boss.” With the help of some friends, these final documented words were published in 1948 by Guidepost Magazine: “I doubt if any appeal could have straightened me out except a Power over and above man – the appeal of God. Iron-rod discipline couldn’t have done it. Nor all the punishment and reward systems that could have been devised. God had an eye out for me, just as He has for you, and He was pulling for me to make the grade.” It sounds like in the end, the Babe recognized what was truly important in the journey of life.

Recently I overheard a group of retirees talking about the years they had worked together. One of them said, “Those were good times, weren’t they?” The others nodded in agreement, uttering “But nothing lasts forever.” The Apostle Paul would dare to argue with that statement, for he wrote: “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Our time on earth is very short, but what we do here will have a lasting effect on those with we whom share our lives. The things of this world will pass away (1 John 2:17), and the only effects we will be able to take to eternity are our relationships with God and the people we reached. As we affirm God’s Word in our own lives, we can’t help but witness to those around us. In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, it is written: “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

We spend many hours every day trying to improve systems, knowledge, relationships, and situations.  In our preoccupation, we often become consumed with our efforts toward wealth, fame and accomplishment failing to realize that in the end it will simply fade away. In the process of doing so – we may lose touch with God, the one true constant in our life.  If your relationship with Him has changed or your faith seems more distant than it once was, dare to ask the question – “Who moved?”  The King of Eternity always has His hand extended to be your soul mate.  For when all else passes, He will be our shepherd to a world without end.  What a peaceful reassurance it is to know that He alone is the essence of all good things.

REFLECTION: What parts of your life contain heavenly value for you and others? Consider ways to apply these words of Paul in your own life: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. JUNE 2, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD.  I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again.  I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak…”               (Ezekiel 34:15-16).

When she was young, Clara Barton was an extremely shy person. The youngest of five children, it was recommended that she become a teacher to overcome her profound inhibitions. She did so in her home state of Massachusetts, later moving to Washington, D.C. where she became the first female clerk at the U. S. Patent Office. Clara wanted to help with the American Civil War effort as much as she could, initially collecting and dispersing supplies and eventually nursing the wounded. In accord with her own deep desire to help others in need, Clara Barton sacrificed personal well-being to bring healing and comfort to others. Working close to the battlefields, she narrowly escaped death herself many times. It is said that once while tending to a wounded soldier during the Battle of Antietam, she felt her sleeve move as a bullet went through it and killed the man she was treating. In 1865, Clara was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to “search for missing prisoners of war,” helping soldiers separated from the units reunite with those units while also informing families of the fate of missing soldiers. While in Europe in 1870, she worked for the International Red Cross. Upon returning to the United States, she later gathered support for an American branch of the organization which was established on May 21, 1881. Clara Barton was a woman ahead of her time, always prepared for the calls for help that followed disasters. No one could have predicted that God would have created this once shy little girl to become a woman who, years later, would be referred to as the “Angel of the Battlefield.”

The American Red Cross received its first U.S. federal charter in 1900. Barton headed the organization into her 80s and died in 1912. These days, a red cross is widely used to designate first aid and medical supplies. Commonly used at the sites of medical and humanitarian relief workers in war zones as well as natural disasters, their service under this symbol of protection has grown to become unquestioned. The Son of God ministered to emotionally wounded and unhealthy sinners and was frequently questioned by those of His day before He would bear His own cross. “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with such scum?’ When Jesus heard this, he said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do.’ Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’  For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Matthew 9:9-13)

Jesus is known as the Great Physician offering ultimate healing to a broken world. A doctor cannot help you if you claim to be well, and Jesus cannot help you if you claim to be righteous. The Apostle Paul said that we should “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Jesus is clear that no-one is actually righteous.  Yet tragically, there are millions who cover up their bruised souls and act as if they are. Jesus would want you to know that ‘the doctor is in’ for all who acknowledge that they need to see Him. Those who seek His loving care have the privilege of leading others who are spiritually sick to a place of healing and hope.  We get to carry the bandages and crutches as we, the walking wounded, continually pursue healing from the One who can truly make us whole. Just as the red cross became the symbol adopted for a humanitarian organization providing aid to those in need, the rugged cross of Calvary represents a Godly sacrifice of salvation for all of mankind. He continues to comfort us through His Holy Spirit, a true angel for whatever battles we are facing.

REFLECTION: Have you found there are times when you need to recognize your own feelings of righteousness and realize that you are, inf fact, a sinner?  Are you part of any informal groups or organizations that are quick to notice ‘sick people’ around you but who fail to acknowledge your woundedness? How might you challenge others to examine their own self-righteousness?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. MAY 26, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

At the beginning of World War II – Hitler invaded Holland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Winston Churchill, known for his military leadership ability, was appointed British prime minister on that very occasion – May 10, 1940.  He formed an all-party coalition and quickly won popular support. In the first year of his administration, Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany, but Churchill told his country and the world – “we shall never surrender.” In their book God and Churchill, Jonathan Sandys (Churchill’s great grandson) and journalist Wallace Henley conclude that despite his early years as an agnostic, he came to personally believe in God. They relate a story in which he narrowly escaped a bomb while on a walk with his bodyguard in St. James Park in London during the 1940 blitz. Churchill is said to have told his companion not to worry, that there was someone else who was looking after him. He went on to lead Britain to victory and grew to become one of the 20th century’s most significant figures. He later made a statement (frequently misquoted) – “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” His glowing courage, clarity of purpose, and perseverance made him an admired leader who lived to be 90.

Fifty-four years to the day when Churchill became Prime Minister, it was on May 10, 1994 that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was sworn in as the first black president of South Africa. Similar to Churchill, Mandela said: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” He spent 27 years of his life as a political prisoner of the South African government, the first 18 of which were under brutal conditions. However, Mandela’s resolve remained unbroken. When his release was ordered in 1990, he promoted reconciliation efforts between the races. This led to negotiations with the minority in power, an end to apartheid, and the establishment of a multiracial government, resulting in the country’s first free election. Mandela’s message as president four years later was one of forgiveness. While he didn’t say much publicly about his personal beliefs, ministers who knew him say he was a man of deep faith. The ideals for which he is most remembered are indeed contained in scripture. An example is found in this statement: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” It is amazing that after a lifetime of hardship and persecution, he was around for 95 years and remained a global advocate for peace and social justice until his death.

While at times each of these men were controversial figures, both of them had moments that obscured everything else and made the world a better place. Their lives challenge us to persevere, regardless of the odds we may be facing. Jesus shares the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) who is poor and powerless but who nevertheless persists in nagging a corrupt, powerful person to grant justice for her. Jesus focuses the parable on the fact that we are “to pray always and to not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). One can conclude from His teaching that if persistence pays off with a corrupt human of limited power, how much more will it pay off with a just God of infinite power? It serves as an encouragement for Christians to persevere in their faith in spite of the odds. It provides hope that even in the midst of what may appear to be injustice, justice may be done. We must never give up hope, and never stop working for the greater good. God can heal wounds even in an unethical world. Suddenly, an apartheid regime crumbles or peace triumphs over war. This parable of Jesus indicates that God is the unseen actor, as He suggests: “Will not God grant justice for his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).

Applying perseverance in a positive way is not an easy task for many of us.  In a world where instant gratification is the prevailing expectation, it is difficult to be patient and accept that resolution may not be immediate. The Christian must continue to walk with God by our side while unyielding in the journey of serving him with whatever talents and abilities He has gifted us. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). If our motives are pure and our convictions are honorable, then God will indeed hear and answer the cry of those who love Him.

REFLECTION: Can you recall a situation in your life when you had to persevere for a long time before you found resolution?  Were there emotions or hardships you had to endure?  How can you use your experience in helping others who are struggling for a solution while growing impatient or discouraged in their wait?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. MAY 19, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness…” (Mark 1:12)

On May 5, 1864, the forces of Union General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate General Robert E. Lee clashed in the tangled Wilderness west of Chancellorsville, Virginia in one of the largest campaigns of the Civil War. On what had been the site of his brilliant victory the year before, Lee hoped that confronting the Federalists in the dense woods would mitigate the nearly two-to-one advantage Grant possessed. The fighting was intense and complicated by the fact that the combatants rarely saw each other through the thick undergrowth. Whole brigades were lost as muzzle flashes set the forest on fire, and hundreds of wounded men died in the inferno. On May 6, the second day of battle in the Wilderness – the Federals were on the verge of breaking through the troops of James Longstreet, a lieutenant general of the Confederates and one of Robert E. Lee’s most trusted subordinates. Becoming disoriented as they drove back the Union troops, Longstreet was wounded by his own men and suffered an injury that paralyzed his right arm. Following two days of intense fighting in which neither side would gain a clear victory – the Union lost 17,000 men to the Confederates’ 11,000, nearly one-fifth of each army.

It is not unusual to become lost in a wilderness situation. Indeed, just the opposite is also true at times when those who are already lost  enter into a type of wilderness experience to find themselves again. These can include troubled or disadvantaged youth who are closely supervised while they are being taught skills of interdependence and self-reliance.  It can also be useful instruction for leadership training in corporations where the basics of team-building need improvement. The ‘wilderness experience’ is relevant too for Believers who are enduring a tough time of trial or discomfort. In such a period – the pleasant things of life are unable to be enjoyed, may be absent altogether, and are often coupled with forceful temptation or spiritual attack. Some note that periods like these are a time of God-ordained testing when one may struggle to simply exist day to day. During these occasions which may contain financial, material, physical, or emotional burdens – the believer is forced to wait on the Lord and hopefully find God’s peace and joy. Many claim their ‘wilderness experience’ ends up being a turning point in their life, because their surrender to Christ results in a more mature walk with Him.

Words translated as “wilderness” occur nearly 300 times in The Bible. Wilderness in the context of scripture refers to a desert situation, rather than the forests we might imagine today.  God liberated the Israelites from slavery, with Moses leading them out of Egypt and into a barren wilderness. They became hungry and complained. In faith, Moses prayed for God to sustain them, and He responded with the provision of manna and quail (Exodus 16:1-16:35). God appeared to the Israelites through a cloud (Exodus 16:10), tested their faith, and established commandments for serving Him (Exodus 20:1-17). Through forty years there, they were transformed to be God’s chosen people. In the New Testament, we find John the Baptist preaching in his wilderness of many years (Matthew 3:1). And although Jesus performed much of his ministry in populated settings, many of his most transformative moments occurred in the outdoors including bodies of water, mountaintops, and, yes, the wilderness. It was where He spent forty days and was tempted by Satan three times (Matthew 4:1-11).

The wilderness of The Bible is an isolating place where ordinary life is suspended, identity shifts, and new possibilities emerge. Through the experiences of the Israelites in exile, we learn that while the wilderness can be a place of danger and uncertainty – it is also where solitude, nourishment, and revelation from God can be found. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “I am a willow of the wilderness; Loving the wind that bent me.” God often uses “wilderness situations” to mold people and prepare them for His purposes. If you have never had such an experience, you will most likely find yourself there at least once in your lifetime. God puts you in the wilderness to set you apart so that nothing else matters except hearing His voice and growing closer to Him. Ultimately the experience of the wilderness can positively fashion and mature every believer in a unique way. The alternative is to wallow in self-pity, allow temptation to rule over you, or become so lost that you simply lose sight of who you are. You choose!

REFLECTION: Have you ever had the chance to observe someone in a “wilderness experience?” Can you learn to become that “willow in the wilderness” without allowing the emotions of fear and resentment?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT. MAY 12, 2018.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.