“Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Mark 14:42)

Earlier this year, six coffee shops in Washington, D.C. issued a ‘Disloyalty Card’ in an effort that some believed was designed to take business away from the Starbucks chain. Buying a coffee at one of six local shops earns a stamp on the card; collect six stamps and you get a free drink from any one of the participating stores. Whether or not the creative move was in reaction to the national chain’s ‘loyalty card’ can’t be certain. But for sure, the DC locals’ card doesn’t encourage patrons to be loyal to any one shop.

How loyal are we?  We have our favorite sports teams, but as soon as they have a losing season – many will begin the next season in search of a more certain winner.  We’re friends with a couple, until there are separation issues.  Then we either take sides, or the friendship is abandoned.  While in life not everyone has the same talents and abilities, loyalty is one of those traits that is attainable by anyone.  We are either loyal, or we’re not.  If you’ve ever been in a life-altering situation, you quickly find out who is in your corner. And there are often surprises both ways in terms of who your loyal supporters turn out to be, or not. We quickly come to understand that ‘fair-weather friends’ are defined as those who last only as long as there are no storm clouds in our life.

Just as the world provides plenty of opportunities for us to be disloyal, the events of Holy Week bear witness to an agonizing display of disloyalty in the life of Jesus.  During the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him (John 13:21).  In the garden of Gethsemane, they fall asleep when Jesus needs a friend. It is there that Judas leads the temple guard to Jesus, and then identifies Him with a kiss (Luke 22:47-48).  Later Peter swears that he doesn’t know Jesus and as predicted, the rooster crows for a third time (Luke 22:54-62).  John was the only one of the called twelve who was at the foot of the cross with Jesus’ mother (John 19:26-27). Like the others, there were times when he too had failed Jesus. But he understood the reason he was so beloved was not based on his faithfulness to Jesus but rather on Jesus’ faithfulness to him.

Jesus never fails us; however there are many times that we fail Him.  An outward show of loyalty to Jesus on the Lord’s Day is meaningless unless we also follow Christ in our heart every day of the week. The world will try to get us to betray Jesus in many ways.  But unlike the disciples during that week of Passover, we know how the story ends.  Good Friday has no significance without Easter.  It is in the Resurrection that we have confirmation that Jesus is who He claimed to be. Just as He promised the thief on the cross next to Him at Calvary, He offers us forgiveness and Eternal Life as well. This gift is not because of anything that we have done, but by what He alone accomplished.  He simply asks that we be loyal followers

REFLECTION:  In what ways has the world challenged your loyalty in your relationship with Christ?  Are you a true follower or a secret pretender?  In your failings of loyalty, are you able to seek restoration and accept His forgiveness?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. APRIL 26, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.       (Psalm 27:14)

You’ve gone through all the prompts on the 800 number that you called. Finally you get to request assistance from a real person when you hear a recording that says that your approximate wait time is five minutes.  Suddenly your reason for calling doesn’t seem all that important anymore, because that’s far too long to be on hold. In today’s society, instant gratification has become an expectation. Through technology we can have immeasurable amounts of information almost immediately.  We can even circulate our most private thoughts to a worldwide audience of strangers who can suddenly become instant friends, many of whom we come to realize we don’t care for all that much.  But we’re in luck, because now there’s an anti-social networking app that helps you avoid those friends you don’t like. It’s a wonderful life.

An instant gratification lifestyle can breed a personality of impatience which doesn’t help us when we’re in traffic or in line at the crowded grocery store, expecting news about a college or job application, waiting for that Mr. or Miss right to come into our life, or worse, agonizing over the results of a biopsy to determine whether cancer cells are present in our body. Our culture is ever-focused on speed.  3-G connections evolve into 4-G connections, and we are always anticipating the next best thing.  Conditioned to believe all that is good is quick and easy, our Christian values can easily become compromised.  All of a sudden we develop thoughts that studying the Bible is too tedious, and waiting for answers to prayer takes much too long.  And if we’re smart, we come to realize that this ‘gotta have it now’ attitude will have a detrimental effect on our spiritual life if we don’t keep it under control.

Patience is mentioned time and time again in scripture. The writings of Paul tell us that patience is part of the fruit of the spirit. From patience we acquire self-discipline. We learn to look beyond the here and now and choose to live for a greater purpose, that of eternity.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.                                      He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;                                                        he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.                                                      He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.                                            Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.  (Psalm 40:1-3)

God gives everlasting power to those who wait upon Him to perform what He has promised. What we receive through faith will last forever.  

 A few years ago, there was a iPhone commercial that used the tag line, “There’s an app for almost anything.”  And there’s one for waiting as well.  It’s a three letter word called G-O-D, known as the “giver of endurance.” (Romans 15:5) Without a doubt, it’s the best connection you’ll ever have.

REFLECTION:  What situation demands your patience today?  Are you willing to wait for an answer by placing your trust in God’s timing?  While you are waiting, how can you demonstrate your faithfulness?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 29, 2014. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”  (John 15:1-4)

Spring will soon be here. Given a few pleasant days in mid-to-late March, it can be a wonderful opportunity to do some pruning of bushes, hedge plants, and decorative landscaping trees before budding begins.  Pruning is done for various reasons.  These include:  providing for restoration and rejuvenation, promoting overall health, or to direct growth. A gardener who is experienced in pruning does it selectively and knows exactly how and where to trim.  Pruning properly will enhance the beauty of a shrub or tree.  But pruning that is not done correctly can ruin the desired outcome.  Pruning is one of the most important processes in the wine vineyard.  If the wine dresser is a knowledgeable pruner, his work will enable the vines to yield a better harvest.

I have a wonderful neighbor across the street who has a beautiful yard filled with colorful flowers.  Not only does she fertilize and water them faithfully, but during the summer months she spends many hours each week deadheading her plants.  Removing the spent flowers on a regular basis promotes blossoms throughout the season.  In her own way of pruning throughout the growing months, she helps create a front yard that commands attention as you pass by.

As Believers, we have a periodic need for pruning in our lives because like the flowers, we too can become spent.  Sometimes we are able to deadhead the undesired habits that have crept into our life and self-improve.  At other times, we, the branches, find ourselves becoming so detached from the vine (Christ) that only the Master Gardener (God) can restore us.  In doing so, we find ourselves in good spiritual health and are once again able to produce fruit.  No one is a better pruner than God, but we must not be arrogant or boastful.  “If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.”  (Romans 11:18-20)

We most likely can find ourselves in one of three places: in the process of being pruned, healing from being pruned, or if you are fortunate you may be in full bloom.  As Christians, we are all subject to times of pruning. Pruning is not only necessary when our lives are a mess. Sometimes we are in need just because there is untapped potential. During these times of reshaping we may be subject to difficulty, disappointment, and discouragement. Just like the gardener, we should see God’s pruning as a sign that He is taking an active role in our lives, is concerned about our growth, and wants us to reap the best potential harvest for His kingdom.  In need of a good pruning?  If not now – you will be.

REFLECTION:  Can you understand that God sometimes allows us to suffer not as an act of punishment but because He wants to see us be more productive fruit bearers?  Looking back on your life, can you identify times when pruning has occurred? As you look ahead, will you be able to view God’s pruning as an act of encouragement?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 22, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14)

I have been checking out the recent Academy Award Best Picture nominees to determine which films I might want to see.  I was interested in viewing one of the movies with a well-known director and great cast.  That is, until I read an article in Variety that this picture has set the record for the most uses ever of a particular four-letter word. Actually the word is supposedly used 506 times, an average of nearly three times per minute.  I was talking with a friend about my decision not to see this movie.  Her response was that, no doubt, it was a realistic portrayal of the way some people talk.  Although I am sure that is true, I don’t need to support, let alone expose myself to this kind of vulgarity.

Recently I heard a talk show host saying that she learned from one of her friends that her nine-year-old son enjoys her Instagram communications.  The talk show host, who many times has declared her Christian beliefs, was taken back stating that her Instagram messages are not meant to be shared with someone so young.  Maybe she should pause and consider if what she is saying is that inappropriate, it might be better not to publicly share these thoughts at all.  The problem with most of us is that we frequently speak before we think.  Once the words are out, it’s hard to retrieve them, especially in today’s society where much of our communication is instantaneous. It might be best to “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  (Psalm 141:3)

Emily Dickenson once wrote, “A word is dead when it is said. Some say. I say it just begins to live that day.”  As Christians, we would do well if we could step back, consider our soon-to-be expressed thoughts, and think how others might perceive them.  Doing so gives us the opportunity to examine our heart before we speak insensitive words that could perhaps be hurtful. Jesus said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”  (Matthew 12:36)

We live in a society of excess.  That excess is not only in our material possessions but also in the words that flow from our lips.  So, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”  (Ecclesiastes 5:2)  It comes down to this – when we allow the earthiness of our mouth to become part of our daily routine, it is difficult to wonder which of our statements might haunt us in our Hereafter.  Someone once prayed these thoughts: “Please God, make my words today sweet and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them.”

REFLECTION:  Some people say, “If you say it with love, then it’s okay to say it.”  Can you think of instances where this might not be true?  If you’re looking to give up something during Lent, is it possible that your excess speech could be targeted?  Is there a way that you can filter your communication, in order to be a more effective witness?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 15, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Anyone who is blessed to have a child will be able to visualize this image. It’s gotten far too quiet.  You look into the playroom, and there is a photo opportunity you can’t pass up.  Your youngster apparently fell asleep on the floor while romping around before nap time.  Cuddled up next to him is the family dog, one of those sights too precious for words.  You snap the shot, and the caption for the memory book immediately comes into your mind:  “Got Your Back.” You get the picture.

Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have the same benefit when we demonstrate that simple childlike faith displayed above.  The problem for most of us is that when we grow into adulthood and life bombards us, we sometimes lose the confidence to not worry, be guilt-free, or feel worthy enough to claim God’s abundant love for us.  I once knew a lady who would never participate in Holy Communion.  One day when she was asked why, her reply was that she wasn’t worthy.  Not worthy of the sacrament?  If we needed to be worthy to participate in the Lord’s Supper, then I’m afraid none of us would hit the mark.  In fact, just the opposite is true. Because of the sacrifice He made for us, and through the acceptance of the grace that He alone can provide – only then are we made worthy.

As we go through life’s struggles, it’s easy to sometimes feel very alone and undeserving. However, as a child of God, we can feel secure that he always has our best interests at heart, regardless of our circumstances. We, the faithful, are not always so full of faith.  We keep giving it to God; then we take it back.  It’s difficult for most of us to let go and say, “Oh God’s got that covered, because I have turned it over to Him.”  Fortunately for us, He is more faithful than we.  So, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  (Hebrews 10:23)

I can’t help but think of the words of the old hymn derived from a 1923 poem written by Thomas O. Chisholm:

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.”

Faithful He is, for sure.  He doesn’t turn; He doesn’t change; He doesn’t fail.  He’s got your back – all the way.

REFLECTION:  What is your greatest concern?  Has it become such a burden, or is it making you feel so unworthy that you are incapable of living a full life?  Do you have the childlike faith to depend on Jesus? Pray for the confidence that you can let go and experience new joy that only He can offer.

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SAT. MARCH 8, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE)

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.”  (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)

Every man has his price, or so they say.  George Washington put it this way:  “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.”  If that is true, then one must ask the question, “What is your price?”  We are living in a society where increasingly there are no absolutes; it’s whatever is right for you.  Men and women of conviction, however, hold onto higher standards.  Down through history, some American Presidents have been great examples of character demonstrated through their convictions.  Others have simply had a reputation.  And yes, there is a difference.

Have you ever heard the narrative about the manager who was calling to obtain information about someone he was thinking of hiring? Inquiring about the potential hire, he told the person with whom he was speaking that he was seeking a character reference on the individual.  The reply was, “Oh he is quite a character.”  End of story . . . apparently the man’s reputation preceded him.

As Christians, our convictions determine our character.  God’s word offers us truths that as believers become uncompromising as we grow stronger in the faith.  Persons with integrity have a resilient set of values, so much that if they falter – it’s as if the real person is lost. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”  

In his letter to the church at Thessalonica (1Thes.1:4-5 above), Paul indicates that our deepest convictions are embraced and given power by the Holy Spirit.  There is this unmistakable tie between our convictions and our character;  so much that even in our darkest times of distress, holding onto our convictions can be one the greatest opportunities to affirm our character. Again Paul’s words to the church at Rome:  “… but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

It’s fairly simple for many individuals to offer public displays of personality that presume a life of integrity and character.  But when you are alone, and it’s just you and God – who are you?   For, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” (John Wooden)   When we are absent that character, we’ve just ended up being a clearance item in the Presidents’ Day sale.

REFLECTION: What convictions do you hold that guide your conduct?  When you compromise your values, how do you reconcile that with God?  In your daily walk this week, apply 1 Corinthians 15:33 to your life:  “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”  Are you for sale?  What do need to do to maintain your convictions?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE).

“We love because he first loved us.”  (1 John 4:19)

As a child in elementary school, I can remember the tedious task of going through the purchased package of valentines to be distributed at the holiday party.  On each of the cards containing characters such as animals and cowboys, there would be printed sayings.  For instance, “You’ve got me hooked” might appear next to the image of a pirate, and usually the accompanying catchphrase “Be My Valentine” would be ever-present. There were cards that were more appropriate for girls than boys and, of course, ones that expressed more affection than others which you saved for your friends.  The left-over valentines that were more neutral or didn’t say a lot were the ones you ended up giving to the children you didn’t care for all that much.  Amazing how even in those younger years, we learned to hand out love in degrees. For, “when I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child” (1 Corinthians 13:11a).

Obviously, as grown-ups we wouldn’t think of acting like that for “when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me” (1 Corinthians 13: 11b). Or so we would like to think.  But we know it’s truly not the case, if we’re honest with ourselves.  Sometimes we adults withhold or withdraw our love with intention and don’t always do a good job fixing the fallout when we do so. I recently heard the story that on a snowy February day, a lady looked out her window.  A tear came to her eye as she saw one of her neighbors clearing her walkway with his snow blower. Although over time they had been in and out of each other’s homes, in the recent past there had been a perceived conflict with this family . . . life stuff that you are not so sure whether the feelings are real or imagined. She was surprised to see the neighbor doing such a kind deed and was humbled. Perhaps it was his way of saying that whatever had transpired was in the past or maybe no longer mattered. “When someone is going through a storm, your silent presence is more powerful than a million empty words” (Maria Rivera).  And so it was that her heart was warmed on this cold day.

If we could get this ‘love thing’ right, many of the solutions to the rest of life’s problems would fall into place.  Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39).  How can we possibly withhold love for our neighbor when just like us – they are God’s kids too.  Now that we have put away childish ways, we must save the best of the valentines for all of God’s children.  After all – it was He who first loved us.

REFLECTION:  As you interact with others in the upcoming week, pay attention to the varying degrees of friendliness you offer.  In those cases where you determine your affection might not be pleasing to God, think about what underlying factors are contributing to those feelings.  What dynamics can you work on or pray about so that you ultimately develop a relationship that would fulfill His commandment?

(MY NEXT WEEKLY DEVOTION WILL BE UPLOADED ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMINDED OF THE WEEKLY POSTINGS, SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: LookUpwrd@aol.com  YOUR ADDRESS WILL NOT BE SHARED AND IT’S FREE).