“They are to stand every morning to thank and to praise the LORD,                         and likewise at evening . . . ”   (1 Chronicles 23:30)

A friend of mine was sharing an experience she had during a visit with her daughter and son-in-law. While she was there, her young grandson had a friend over to their home. When the grandmother (my friend) walked into the room where they were engaged in activity – the boy promptly stood up, held out his hand, and introduced himself. She related that she couldn’t have been more impressed with the manners this child demonstrated at such a young age. It seems like it should be simple enough to know when it’s polite for us to stand as we greet or say goodbye to someone. Although it was once an instinctive act, changing social norms and rapidly disintegrating signs of respect can often times keep one guessing. Standing when someone comes into your circle sends a signal that you are eager to receive the other person. It demonstrates in a non-verbal way that you’ve noticed them, and they are worth your effort to rise from a place of comfort to welcome them.

On occasion, failure to stand has become politicized at public events during patriotic ceremonies. In an attempt to show discord with leadership or express unrest with how someone may have been treated, those who possess some degree of fame or notoriety have at times chosen to display their discontent.  In the United States, it has been tradition to stand for the presentation of the National Anthem.  The Anthem symbolizes a unification of the citizenry around the values of the flag, the country’s freedoms, and those who gave their life so that others might continue to benefit from those liberties. It is a rather basic sign of respect, and it has nothing to do with persons in power or their political positions which may in fact differ from one’s own. There is an irony in this type of demonstration by those who have gained much and profited from the nation’s resources. It is not unlike those who disregard standing in recognition of the very God who has created and provides for them.

The concept of standing is an inherent part of the Christian tradition as well.  In the very first book of The Bible, we read, “Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the LORD” (Genesis 19:27). When the Lord spoke to Moses, He said – “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock” (Exodus 33:21). When the prophet Ezekiel received his call, God said, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you” (Ezekiel 2:1). On a visit to Solomon from the Queen of Sheba, she spoke these words: “How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom” (1 Kings 10:8).  In fact, when Jesus was brought before Pilate in His final hours, He also stood (Matthew 27:11). Additionally, the songs of the church make frequent references to standing. They include the more traditional hymns “Standing on the Promises” and Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” as well as the contemporary chorus, “We Are Standing on Holy Ground.”

While nowhere in scripture are we commanded to specifically pay tribute to a patriotic song or salute a national flag, the Bible is clear that we should submit ourselves “for the Lord’s sake to every human authority . . .  who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13-14). To refuse to participate in showing respect for the nation appears arrogant, disrespectful to its heritage, and contrary to God’s teaching. While it may succeed in stirring up controversy, it quite often calls attention to individual persons rather than a cause. The Bible says a house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). When we all stand, it’s a reminder that we are still ‘one nation under God.’ In the last stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner, Frances Scott Key penned these words – “Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand.” The Lord wants us all to take a stand for Him in this intimidating world. It’s much easier to do that when we remain free in order to make that stand.

REFLECTION: How do we know when to take a bold stand and when to be more tactful and polite? What are some Christlike ways to express concerns and motivate change which focus attention on the issue rather than the individual?  Are there ways God might bless a legitimate place for compromise?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 7, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

In the Golden Age of Television, actor Flip Wilson kept America in stitches with his characters “Reverend Leroy,” the pompous pastor of the ‘Church of What’s Happening Now,’ and “Geraldine Jones,’ the sassy lady in a miniskirt. Whenever Geraldine would impulsively buy anything she shouldn’t — she excused her urge by uttering the line she made famous, “The Devil made me do it!” Only a few decades after Flip Wilson’s character first appeared, ‘The Church Lady’ burst onto the scene. Created and played by comedian Dana Carvey – The Church Lady was a pious host of her own talk show, a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live.  The interviews presented an opportunity for her to call out celebrity guests or portrayals of public figures for their alleged sins, frequently in the news. In each case, the interviews culminated with her judgmental reprimand posing the question, “Could it be . . . Satan?”

These days, it doesn’t take a very astute observer to see that the devil is alive and well. Although, in today’s world – it’s far from a joking matter. The following analogy appeared in a December, 1992 article from the devotional, Our Daily Bread. “In the Australian bush country grows a little plant called the ‘sundew.’ It has a slender stem and tiny, round leaves fringed with hairs that glisten with bright drops of liquid as delicate as fine dew. Woe to the insect, however, that dares to dance on it. Although its attractive clusters of red, white, and pink blossoms are harmless, the leaves are deadly. The shiny moisture on each leaf is sticky and will imprison any bug that touches it. As an insect struggles to free itself, the vibration causes the leaves to close tightly around it. This innocent-looking plant then feeds on its victim.”  This is exactly what happens to us when we dare to dance with the devil, who has been referred to by some as the ‘great deceiver.’

The Bible tells us that there was a time when Jesus “was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him” (Mark 1:13). On three different occasions, the Devil wanted to take control of Him, but Jesus knew exactly how to handle the situation. “”Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him” (Matthew 4:10). There are times in our lives when we must do exactly what Jesus did. Paul understood this and provided this instruction: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11) for He never allows you to be tempted beyond your ability to withstand and always provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). In these situations, it may be helpful to recall the words of the powerful evangelist Billy Sunday: “Temptation is the devil looking through a keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and letting him in.”

Most of our society fails to accept personal blame when they fall into temptation. Public figures often misconstrue the details of their transgressions, and in our own life – it can become easy to make excuses for our personal wrongdoings. Sentiments like “the devil made me do it” are used far too often to justify our own bad choices. James 1:14 declares “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James continues: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). If you are a Christian and you commit a sin, the devil did not make you do it. He may have tempted you to do it. He may have even influenced you to do it. But he did not make you do it. You still had a choice. The devil is absolutely worthy of blame for much of the evil in the world, but using him as a scapegoat for our own sinful choices is counterproductive to achieving victory over sin. So the next time you feel tempted, you might want to carefully consider your situation and ask the question – Could it be Satan? For, yes – it very well could be!

REFLECTION: Are we being desensitized by the present evil world? Do things that once shocked us now pass us by with little notice? How can a Christian become more attune to the reality of a personal spiritual conflict? What are some ways you might grow wiser in understanding Satan’s schemes? Consider the words of Chuck Swindoll: “Where there is no temptation, there can be little claim to virtue.”

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

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

The story has been told of a young boy who had a sister with a rare, life-threatening illness not much older than himself.  Since the brother once had the same disease and developed antibodies, it was determined that a transfusion using the boy’s blood would be beneficial in helping his sister to recover. When the doctor explained the situation to the young child, he carefully assessed the brother’s willingness to participate. After processing what he had been told, he said, “Sure if it will keep my sister from dying.”  As the staff began to perform the transfusion, the boy rested in bed next to his sister. Thoughtfully looking up at the doctor, he spoke these words in a trembling voice – “Will I begin to die right away?”  Apparently through all of the detailed information, the boy thought he would have to give all of his blood thereby sacrificing his own life in the process. In his concern for helping someone whom he loved, he failed to understand that his own health would not be affected.  What a selfless act.

As we shed the innocence of childhood, we often become more selfish. At times, however, in the wake of a tragedy – there are some caring souls who surprise us. Florida resident Pam Brekke had spent days hunting a generator before 2017’s Hurricane Irma made landfall. For her, it wasn’t just a matter of convenience—it was a matter of life or death. Then she became aware that an area store had received a shipment of several hundred generators.  After driving over 30 miles to buy one, she took her place in line at the store to find that the person immediately ahead of her received the last one. Brekke started crying, thinking about returning home empty-handed to a father who would need oxygen if the power went out. But then, a random act of kindness. Without asking a single question, Ramon Santiago walked up to Brekke and handed her his generator. They hugged and Brekke thanked him for his act of kindness during such a trying time. She said, “God will bless that man.” Santiago later stated that he did “really believe that God played a role in all of this.” He affirmed what Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13).

The story is told in two separate accounts of the New Testament about an observation made by Jesus in the Temple as “he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has” (Luke 21:1-4). According to Mark 12:41, “Many rich people put in large amounts,” so they were bound to be noticed by others. However, Jesus emphasized what no one else saw – the humble offering of a poor widow. The placement of her few coins was the gift that was noted in Heaven out of the many who gave that day. She was the one who had sacrificed. What she gave was very little in comparison, but her faith demonstrated confidence that God would use it.

Contrary to what our culture teaches, this life is not about us. It’s about Him. The choice we make between selfishness and selflessness has an effect on every part of who we are and how we view life.  In our self-focused society, it has become easy to justify that selfless acts are extreme and unnecessary. We then grow comfortable and accustomed to doing the bare minimum in order to make ourselves feel good. It is only when we realize that all we have comes from Him that we can learn to silence our selfish ways. In his devotional classic, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers penned this thought: “We will never know the joy of self-sacrifice until we surrender in every detail of our lives.” Jesus is our example. “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30). That is absolute selflessness. The boy, the man, and the widow each gave it a try . . . you can too!

REFLECTION: Do you consider others before you consider yourself, or do you often find yourself at the center of your own universe? When you woke up this morning, did you think about your day as belonging to you or to He who created you? Would you be willing to ask God to reveal and help you change areas of your life in which you are focused more on yourself than others?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 23, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

                                  “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,                                     and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

As they pulled the old paneling from the partitions in the basement of their recently purchased home, the young couple discovered that many of the two-by-four boards which had supported those walls for many years had words penciled on them. Occasionally the words were singular in nature, but others were complete thoughts.  It’s as if they represented partial conversations. The obvious question was – why would someone write on that framing?  If the current occupants knew the history of the house, they just might be able to attach a name to the scriber of those words.  In researching the names of prior owners, they would find that they were written by a man who had the reputation of being an excellent carpenter. In his later years, he had lost his ability to speak. While helping to create living spaces in this, his son’s home – he would communicate by writing on the boards. Who would guess that in the ensuing years those very words would resurface as a mystery, easily solved if you only knew the person?

What’s so important about a name anyway? Does a name have value? Collectors of art will tell you that it does indeed. Even though there were past artists who rarely signed their work, its authenticity is identified by experts through detailed documentation. Like the house with the message on the wall boards, establishing the chain of ownership of a painting assists in the historical verification of its creator, thereby growing its value.  Even today, an artist’s name on a print can increase the price by two or more times. Couples sometimes struggle for weeks and even months to find just the right name for their newly anticipated arrival. There are others who take the simpler route of identifying their child as someone’s namesake. Two-time heavy weight world champion boxer George Foreman explained, “I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I say to them, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!”

Perhaps Foreman’s many years of boxing provided great lessons about maintaining a reputation. He would have understood and implemented the practice of shadowboxing in his daily workouts. The technique involves the fighter literally boxing his shadow for the purpose of training and strengthening his muscles. All this as he readies for the engagement of a competitor in an actual fight. The Apostle Paul used this analogy as He spoke about the Christian’s preparation for “the good fight” and ultimate path to victory (1 Timothy 6:12). He states it this way: “So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing” (1 Corinthians 9:26). Acknowledging that his reputation of persecuting Christians would always be under the microscope, he knew that he could not afford to waste his punches by utilizing a lot of time and energy simply beating the air. There would always be those who would remember his past and ask, “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” (Acts 9:21).

Every so often I am asked if I know someone to which I frequently reply, “I don’t know them well, but I know who they are.”  Sometimes the manner in which I know them has been tainted by an assumed reputation. It’s unfortunately true that what one does or says often burns an impression in another’s mind. Once an opinion is formulated, it is difficult to change or erase these imprints from one’s memory. The value others place on our name often reflects how sincere they think we are and can also have an effect on how they will interact with us. Knowing you for your true self is never an issue with God.  Not only does He know our name, but He knows everything about us. God knows our character, because He understands our intentions and our heart.  He knows our every thought, whether we express it out loud, decide to put it in a diary, or write it on a two-by-four.  Our name is a marker. It not only identifies who we are but also whose we are. Like Paul, we must stop shadowboxing and simply focus on Him.

REFLECTION: Do you focus more on what you have heard about someone (their reputation) or on what you have personally observed about them?  How much time do you spend on concerns about what others might think about you (your reputation)? Are there ways that you might be more intentional regarding God’s view (your character)?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 16, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” (Psalm 128:2)

A neighbor of mine told me recently about a new piece of lawn equipment he had purchased. As he began to study the owner’s manual, he noticed that every page contained boldly highlighted sentences accentuated with one of two words – Warning or Danger. After reading the many cautionary notices, he said that initially he was somewhat intimidated to use his new device. Then he chuckled a little and stated that he also realized it was the company’s way of limiting their exposure to lawsuits. After all, if the risks were presented to the purchaser, then the manufacturer would have an argument that they made a good faith effort to “let the buyer beware.” His story reminded me of a case I was part of many years ago as I served on jury duty. The situation involved a worker who had become injured while performing normal job duties. The verdict rested on whether or not the employee had received adequate training and had properly applied that training to prevent the injury he had sustained.

One of the greatest warnings ever was issued by God to Adam. “The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden–except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die” (Genesis 2:15-17). A serpent tempts Eve, and through her, Adam, to eat from the tree of forbidden fruit. Because he disobeyed what God had commanded, God said: “By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19). Note that in both situations, God continues to provide. In Eden, He provided abundantly.  But when the earth was cursed (Genesis 3:17) following their temptation, they were banished from the Garden. Adam became forced to work the ground from which he had been taken.

Our relationship with Christ should be like a well-tended garden. We have to maintain a daily regime of weeding and watering in whatever labor God has set before us. Sometimes its tedious and tiring, but whatever our status in life – the work which God has placed before us is a gift. Whether we are a physicist or a janitor, a volunteer or a homemaker, a sitter for a young child or a caregiver to an older dependent person – the outcomes of your daily routine most likely benefit someone else. God would again caution us that whenever we are engaged in the task of helping others, we should do it to the best of our ability. Regardless of how menial we might feel about our work, we should never allow the weeds of life to choke out what He is doing for and through us. We should therefore rejoice that every day is Labor Day, and “work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Just like Adam and Eve in Eden, those who do not obey and are ungrateful for His provision will suffer from the consequences. When we are obedient and we choose to follow God’s warnings, we will find ourselves in the shelter of His love. Sadly, most of the warnings God sent through His prophets were disregarded, and millions suffered terrible consequences as a result. Bible prophecy indicates that our nations will not heed His warnings. “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you” (2 Timothy 4:3-5). Our ministry is that which God has set before us. We should regard it as a cherished gift and gratefully work His garden.

REFLECTION: Norman Vincent Peale once said – “Four things for success: work and pray, think and believe.” Can you apply his wisdom to address areas in your life which would enable you to be a more effective servant? In what ways might you ask God to be more sensitive to His warnings and guidance through your daily routine of work?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 9, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night.” (Job 5:14)

Thousands had gathered in anticipation of their arrival. Several hundred reporters, photographers and cameramen from radio, television and the press were also standing by. The feverish attention they created was like none ever before. It became labeled as an invasion; others referred to it as ‘mania.’ Whatever you called it – riotous-like behavior broke out, the crowd noise became deafening, and police had to close off streets due to the hysteria. It was all caused by the American arrival of four English lads in their early-20’s, dressed in mod suits and sporting mop-topped haircuts. It was February 7, 1964, and the “Fab-Four” had just arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport via a several thousand-mile flight which had departed only hours before from London’s Heathrow Airport. They were of course John, Paul, George and Ringo – better known as “The Beatles.” To just get a glimpse of them caused many a teenage girl to faint. Listening to their music set the course of rock and roll history for many years to come.

Forward fifty plus years. Two of the Beatles have died, but Paul and Ringo are still performing solo acts continuing to draw fairly large crowds. It’s August 21, 2017, and people have again traveled thousands of miles to witness an incident which has not occurred since February 26, 1979. Then news anchors Frank Reynolds and Walter Cronkite reported on the day’s events, looking forward to what would not transpire for another 38 years and hoping for “a more peaceful world.”  Though not at peace, what the world did find were people looking skyward in the middle of the day to catch a glimpse of a happening which would last for less than three minutes. Known as a total solar eclipse, it gave a somewhat eerie reference to what many will someday witness. Again looking toward the heavens, they will see Jesus. For “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him . . .” (Revelation 1:7).

I am reminded of a story I once heard about a group of salesmen who were attending a convention in one of our larger cities. Arriving late for their flight home, they hurriedly ran through the airport attempting to make the gate for their departure. In doing so, one of them accidentally caught the leg of a table which held a display of apples. Never looking back, they managed to reach their plane in time. Except for one. Observing apples scattered everywhere across the terminal floor, only one felt guilty for the mess they had made. Staying behind to offer assistance, he found a 16-year old blind girl groping to recover some of her fruit while, in frustration, tears ran down her face. The salesman knelt to the floor, attempting to reorganize the display. Then he discovered that many of the apples had become bruised, so he sat those aside. When he was done, he asked the young girl if she was going to be okay. He then pulled $40 out of his wallet and requested that she please accept the money as repayment for the damage she had incurred. While beginning to walk away, the blind girl called out to him, “Mister.” As he glanced in her direction – she looked up with eyes that could not see and said, “Are you Jesus?”

Has anyone called you Jesus lately?  Probably not. But the more pertinent question is, “When was the last time someone saw Jesus in you?” The Apostle Paul offered this challenge: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Jesus put it this way:  “You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). As you follow His heart and obey His teachings, you are lighting your candle in a world of darkness and allowing others to see Jesus in you. Famed singers and eclipses will come and go. However, glimpses of God’s glory are lasting and available to us daily. Have you taken a peek lately?

REFLECTION: One person said: “I read the Bible to catch a glimpse of God’s beauty, because that’s where God has revealed Himself. Then, as I get to know God, I try to imitate Him, and He begins to make me beautiful like Him.” What are some ways you might seek to show the world who Jesus is?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 2, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

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

While channel surfing recently, I came across a documentary tour of one of America’s state capitol buildings. The narrator included descriptions of the gold painted rotunda and the large entry doors. But what took my eye were the many references to God, etched into the walls of the amazing facility. I thought to myself – “I wonder how long it will be until some person or group takes issue with those statements, claims to be offended by them, and petitions for their removal?”  After all, it wasn’t that long ago that religious displays in public schools and engravings of the Ten Commandments in government buildings were challenged in the Supreme Court. And later on, statues of historical figures were toppled because intolerant persons were offended by what those folks once represented. Imagine desecrating artifacts or memorials with no allowance for any kind of human frailty as a basis to be offended.  It would be almost certain that no statues remain, as our lessons from history begin to fade.

It seems like it doesn’t take much anymore for persons to claim that they have been offended. Once we might have said that these individuals were “thin-skinned.” But these days, the wrong comment or a perceived inappropriate act may instantly evoke sufficient anger and toxicity to set the stage for potential violence. Those who allow for such activities might consider the words of Solomon: “The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16). At the very least, it is not uncommon to find yourself surrounded by those who allow a wound to fester rather than attempt to promote its healing. The late American philosopher Wayne Dyer subscribed to a different philosophy as he stated, “When you are spiritually connected, you are not looking for occasions to be offended, and you are not judging and labeling others. You are in a state of grace in which you know you are connected to God and thus free from the effects of anyone or anything external to yourself.”

Often times, those who become intolerant and easily offended have cultivated within themselves a degree of “moral smugness.” They are commonly referred to as the self-righteous and assert that their own beliefs and actions are of greater virtue than those of the average person. Jesus warned against this as He communicated this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14).

The Apostle Paul tells his readers that if righteousness could come from our own actions, then Jesus died “for no purpose” (Galatians 2:21). He also stated: “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). One must consider that act of being offended is a choice. The Reverend Joel Osteen put it this way: “Every day we have plenty of opportunities to get angry, stressed or offended. But what you’re doing when you indulge these negative emotions is giving something outside yourself power over your happiness. You can choose to not let little things upset you.” As Christians, there are times we must respond by speaking out. At other times, it may be pertinent to engage in some self-reflection asking why we are offended or if we have a right to be offended . . . and just maybe need to get over ourselves.

REFLECTION: As Christians, what should offend us? How should we act when others are offended? Think of a situation recently where you were offended. What could you have done differently? Why is judging others sometimes both necessary and right? When is it wrong? How can we know the difference?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 26, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

                  “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind,                                     the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5).

There’s an old expression known as ‘vouching for someone.’  One might say, “Sure you can extend credit to Pete. I’ll vouch for him because I know him to be a stand-up guy.  If he says he’ll do something . . . he will. I have no doubt he’ll pay you what’s due.” As years passed, we grew to call it a reference. In one of my work settings, I did a lot of reference checking in conjunction with job applications. In some cases, I found that they were unreliable because often times the applicant would list people with whom they had worked rather than their supervisor. Therefore, you never quite got the full story. Scrutinizing references began to really become a difficult endeavor whenever employers were legally advised to provide restricted information limited to date of hire and position held.

These days, it is not unusual for employers to ‘snoop’ the social media platforms of perspective job candidates. There, a company can find out all kinds of information that most applicants would rather not reveal to a future employer. Thinking that you are sharing information among ‘friends’ – all the posts one has made about calling off from work and how much they hate their current employer may be just hanging out there publicly for the world to see. Provocative photos, discriminatory comments, sharing confidential information about clients, or slandering work colleagues and bosses says a lot about who you are and what risk and challenge you will most likely represent to a future employer. It’s frequently enough to put your application on the bottom of the pile and just move on.

One of my interview questions used to be, “do you know anyone who works here and what would they say about you?” I cannot begin to count the number of times that I have gone to a good employee to vouch for one of these ‘name-droppers’ and their response was, “I really don’t want to say.” When we demonstrate a complete lack of discretion as to how we represent ourselves in today’s highly visible society, we can never be quite sure what will come back to haunt us or who will stand up for us. If that is true for the things of this world, who will advocate for us when it comes to heavenly things which we hope will take us to a place of eternal comfort?  The Apostle Paul said to fellow believers – “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (Colossians 3:1).

As we set our sights heavenward, it is important that we live a life following the example which Jesus Himself demonstrated for us. Knowing that we would never be without sin, Jesus became the rescuer to liberate us from condemnation. “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). I have always loved the words penned by Carol Gilman in the chorus to the song, “He’s Ever Interceding” –

And He’s ever interceding to the Father for His children;
Yes, He’s ever interceding to the Father for His own;
Through Him you can reach the Father, So, bring Him all your heavy burdens;
Yes, for you He’s interceding, So, come boldly to the throne.

Jesus understood that we were incapable of living a life without sin, but He does expect that we will work toward doing so. Some of us want the glory of heaven but not the burden of obedience here on earth. Many will seek the benefit of Jesus’ great sacrifice without endeavoring to live like He lived. If we love Him enough that our life has been changed, then we must make the effort to walk the faithful walk. In doing so, we will build a resume for serving Him alone and have the full assurance that He is the one and only reference we will need for eternal placement.

REFLECTION: How do the words of Romans 8:34 (“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us”) give us an assurance that Jesus is actively advocating on our behalf?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 19, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” (Proverbs 19:11)

In 2003, Steve Bartman became instantly famous for a reason he in no way intended. He was rapidly labeled as the evil fan who allegedly cost the Chicago Cubs a potential clinching win during Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. His instinctive attempt to catch a foul ball may have prevented Cubs left fielder Moises Alou from recording the second out in the eighth inning while protecting a three-run lead.  The Cubs were up three games to two in a best of seven series. Instead, the team surrendered eight runs in the inning and lost the game and the series to the Florida Marlins. While the Cubs argued for fan interference, an umpire ruled that the ball had departed the field of play and entered the stands where it was deflected. Bartman, a life-long Cubs fan, ended up being escorted from the stadium by security guards, showered with verbal abuse, and later placed under police protection due to hate mail and death threats.

Few people mention that a critical error by the Cubs shortstop would have ended the inning that got away. It just somehow became easier to place blame on the diehard fan, who reportedly was one of many who had reached for the ball that October day. It took another thirteen years until the Cubs won the Fall Classic, and it was the first time the team had done so in over a century. One year later in an effort to place the incident behind them, the Chicago Cubs awarded a World Series ring to Bateman in July, 2017. With it, the organization issued a statement which, in part, read: “We hope this provides closure to an unfortunate chapter of the story that has perpetuated throughout our quest to win a long-awaited World Series. While no gesture can fully lift the public burden he has endured for more than a decade, we felt it was important Steve knows he has been and continues to be fully embraced by this organization.” Bartman stated that he was moved by the gesture and viewed it as “an important reminder for how we should treat each other in today’s society.”  That society commented with mixed reviews.

With today’s easy access to sentiments expressed in the news and social media, it’s difficult for some people to move on.  More and more, many of our understandings are predisposed to some kind of bias. At times we judge others very harshly in the court of public opinion as if we have never made a serious blunder ourselves. In the Old Testament, we receive this counsel: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18). Jesus said: “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:36-37). The Apostle Paul stated it this way, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13).

“Let go and let God” is a catchphrase that evolved some years ago. Working at ‘letting go’ is difficult at times, especially when we have become emotionally vested in what we are holding onto.  It is, however, what God wants us to do “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).  Corrie ten Boom once wrote – “Hold everything in your hand lightly; otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” As followers of Christ, we would likely say with some degree of consideration that God owns everything. Why then would we fail to admit that the thing which you are grasping so tightly also belongs to Him?  It is because we want to maintain control. We must come to understand that we will never be able to let go on our own accord and that we will only be able to do so through His power alone. So relax your grip, and simply give all the fouls you are attempting to hold onto to the One who can actually resolve them. It is when we yield our control and abide in Him that we will truly be in line to catch the blessings in this game of life.

REFLECTION:  Reconsider the words of Proverbs 12:18 in the text above. Are you a stabber or a healer? What are the personal fouls or the fouls of others that continue to affect your life? In what ways can you begin to relinquish control and allow God to remove the blame and heal the wounds of hurt, however simple or great they might be?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 12, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“The first of your firstfruits of your land you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 23:19)

There’s an old story about a lighthouse keeper who was beloved by the people of a small shore town. Frequently they would stop by to visit him, because it seemed that he was always on duty. His responsibilities were many and had to be carried out in all kinds of weather. Some of the most basic included filling the lights with fuel each day, maintaining the wicks, and lighting the lamp at sunset and putting it out each morning. One day a lady stopped by and said, “My family is cold and we need some oil to keep our house warm. Would you give us some?” Out of compassion for the family, he did so. Over time others also came making the same request. He thought, “Well I can’t do for one family and not help the others,” so he gave fuel to all. A day came when he depleted his supply. That evening several ships crashed on the shores, and a number of people died. Thinking he had been doing a good thing, he lost his sense of priority and purpose. As such, the lighthouse keeper is in good company with many others.

In June, 2017 – The Oakland Raiders made quarterback Derek Carr the highest-paid player in NFL history. Carr, 26, agreed to a five-year contract worth $125 million. In an interview about his soon-to-be financial success, he made the following statement: “The first thing I’ll do is pay my tithe like I have since I was in college while getting $700 on a scholarship check. That won’t change.”  Having already been involved in mission efforts, he went on to say – “The exciting thing for me, money-wise, honestly, is this money is going to help a lot of people – not only in this country, but in a lot of countries around the world. That’s what’s exciting to me.” He gives modern day voice to the words of the Apostle Paul who says “Everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory” (Romans 11:36).

The situation with many of us is that we rationalize to give God what remains. Yet how many of us would invite a special guest for dinner and serve leftovers? While there is nothing wrong with leftovers per se, they are not exactly what we would provide for a King, let alone the King of Kings. As living sacrifices  (Romans 12:1-2), are we free to give God any old thing with the expectation that He must accept it or else? Does He not deserve the best we have? Jesus is very clear about priorities when He said that we must “Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). On another occasion, He connects the dots between loving and doing when He states, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If we are serious about keeping first things first, we must pray that the Lord will show us when our priorities are skewed and where we need to make changes.

Ultimately, our purpose for living should be to bring honor and glory to God rather than seeking pleasure for ourselves. Paul speaks of this when he says: “You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). With that purpose in mind we can set our priorities by discovering what will bring the greatest recognition to God. When we do that, we’ll be rich in God’s eyes.  If we revisit the philosophy of the Raiders quarterback, Carr, we will find this to be the foundation of his belief:  “I have a very strong faith in God. He is the reason I play football. He has given me this special talent and I want to use it to glorify Him. I am grateful for the opportunity to further His kingdom by sharing my faith on and off the football field. At any moment, any second, my football career could be taken away, but my faith and relationship with God will never be taken from me.” The search for God requires a singleness of purpose. When God’s people put Him first, God’s blessings begin to flow.  First things first . . . it’s what He deserves from us.

REFLECTION: How have you experienced the blessing and happiness of God as a direct result of setting God-honoring priorities and seeking Him first in your life?  How does your leisure time reflect and affect your devotion to Jesus Christ? If you were to map out the remaining years of your life, what would they look like? What priorities would you need to change in your finances, interests, relationships, and daily routine to evidence that God is indeed first in your finances, interests, relationships, and daily routine?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 5, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.