“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered–how fleeting my life is.” (Psalm 39:4)

He was honored by President Franklin Roosevelt with a gold medal for valor. Donn Fendler was described by his twin brother as a natural born athlete. In 1939 at the age of twelve – he raced other hikers in his company to get to the top of Maine’s tallest mountain, Mount Katahdin, the northeast end of the Appalachian Trail. Starting back down on his own, he became lost for nine days and survived to tell this tale many times to school children . . . just in case someday they might encounter a similar fate. When he was found 30 miles from where he had started, he weighed 15 pounds less than before he began his trek. He survived by eating berries and was bruised and shoeless. But God blessed him with 78 more years. When he died at the age of 90, his family stated that his survival story “will stand forever as a testament to the mercy and miracles of God, prayer and determination to never give up.”

Less than a month before Fendler’s passing in 2016, a boating accident claimed the life of Miami Marlin’s pitcher Jose Fernandez. Fernandez was not a stranger to the perils of the sea.  The native-born Cuban tried to defect three times before successfully reaching American shores in 2007 with his mother. It was on that final voyage that someone fell off the boat, and Fernandez jumped in the water to save the individual. Years later, he told The Miami Herald: “I dove to help a person not thinking who that person was. Imagine when I realized it was my own mother. If that does not leave a mark on you for the rest of your life, I don’t know what will.” As it turned out the rest of his life was short, because he died at the young age of 24 at the height of his career with a child on the way. The day after his death, a Marlins’ colleague hit a homerun, his first of the year, while the team went on to win the game. In a post-game interview, the player said “I told the boys, ‘If you all don’t believe in God, you all might as well start.”

Belief in God. That might indeed be a very good beginning. Both Donn Fendler and Jose Fernandez experienced events in their journey that could have been the end of life as they knew it.  Both were allowed to survive a while longer – one for a few years and the other for many decades. Why did the one man inherit a life that many feel was cut short while the other was able to live a long, full one?  Job, a prophet in the Old Testament, said this to God – “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer” (Job 14:5). One thing is certain. God is all-knowing. He is the only One who sees the final chapter and the ending to our story.   Biblical wisdom has always held that we are like the flowers of the field. As with them, we must realize that our days are also numbered. Believers in Christ come to understand that while we do not know what tomorrow holds, we do know who holds our tomorrow. Paul said, “Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Like many of you, I know several individuals who are faced with illnesses which the medical community would define by terminal diagnoses.  When one of them was told that essentially there was nothing more that could be done, I reflected on my own feelings of mortality.  I came to the conclusion that this individual is exactly where he has been all along; that is, in the hands of the Great Physician. Maybe that’s what the Psalmist meant when he wrote: “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Wise enough to make today count for ourselves and others. Wise enough to forgive and let go of those petty grievances we have been holding onto – which in the realm of all eternity will be nothing more than a fleeting moment, a brief blip on the screen of life. Every breath we take as well as the individual and collective moments we share each day will eventually come to pass in the blink of an eye. When the trumpet sounds (1 Corinthians 15:52), we need to be ready for the call.

REFLECTION:  If you were on notice that you had a limited time to live, what things would you want to put in order? Regardless of your remaining days, is your life in the hands of the Great Physician?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 22, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“And Jesus said, ‘Who was it that touched me?’” (Luke 8:45)

Many persons can share their version of a sighting of someone from the rich and famous. Our society longs to be near renowned persons, which is why will we pay excessive prices for a ticket to attend concerts of individuals or groups of whom we already own their recordings.  People of means will spend huge sums of money to possess an item that was owned or worn by a star.  If they happen to have died, the price is that much higher. A baseball jersey worn by New York Yankees Babe Ruth, circa 1920, sold for more than $4.4 million in 2012.  According to the California based seller, it established a record for any item of sports memorabilia. The cream-colored, silk-satin wedding dress which Elizabeth Taylor wore for the first of her eight marriages sold for around $188,175 in 2013. And, the well-remembered blue-and-white gingham dress worn by Hollywood star Judy Garland who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz sold at auction for more than $1.5million in November, 2015.

Recently, as I was listening to a sports radio talk show – the hosts were discussing the passing of Arnold Palmer, the American professional golfer regarded as one of the greatest in that sport’s history. Conversations centered around his popularity and how he was an important trailblazer, one of the first superstars of the early age of televised sports as far back as the 1950’s. In the midst of the memories and stories they shared, the question was asked if any of them had ever met this king of golf.  One of the hosts spoke up and stated that one time while he was attending a national event, he passed by and brushed the shirt of one whom only minutes later he came to realize was Palmer. He said to this day he occasionally tells the story of how he once had a brush with fame by touching the sleeve of one so well-known. Our society will covet almost anything which came in contact with stardom.

One of the most moving stories in scripture involved a woman who suffered from bleeding for twelve years. In her day, she would have been considered an outcast from society. On one occasion, when Jesus was on His way to minister to a dying girl, He had to make His way through the crowds of people. This woman came up behind Him, touched the edge of His garment, and was immediately healed (Luke 8:42-45). “‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, ‘Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.’ When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. ‘Daughter,’ he said to her, ‘your faith has made you well. Go in peace’” (Luke 8:46-48). The woman was obviously a person of great conviction.

Contrast this expression of faith with the lack of it shown by a doubting disciple who knew Jesus well. After His death and resurrection, Jesus had appeared to some of the Chosen. “One of the twelve disciples, Thomas, was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he replied, ‘I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.’ Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’” (John 20:24-27).  So the question for us becomes – who are we? Do we humbly reach out to touch Jesus with the faith of the sick woman? Have we come to know Him in a personal way but, like Thomas, allow doubt to enter into our relationship? Are we like the people in the crowd who bump up against Him but never reach out with enough belief to receive His transforming power? Or do we simply want to follow His stardom because of what we might gain in return? Consider how He has touched your life?  Rather than a simple, fleeting brush with fame . . . the application of your unwavering faith will lead you to a meeting with destiny.

REFLECTION: With whom do you most identify in this scriptural passages? Have you ever reached out figuratively to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe? How does the example of this woman encourage you as you move along in your faith journey?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 15, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,            O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

The times are sadly gone when we can take someone at their word.  Many a deal was struck by what was known as a gentleman’s agreement. Promises that were made over a business handshake, and vows of friendship and marriage pledged with carefully chosen words were once taken seriously. Not so much anymore. These days, our TV journalists interview celebrities, athletes, and other public figures frequently having to ‘bleep’ out phrases because of the expletives spoken by these individuals who really should know better. Too often they rationalize that the viewer will understand and accept their language as “an attempt to make a point.”  In print media, one political candidate creates the headline that she “lies about lying, then tells the rest of us ‘words matter’.”  Not long after, a front page article highlighting the opposition reads: “Words matter, unless he’s the one speaking them.”

It used to be if two people were having a verbal disagreement, one might have been told to stay out of it. We would have been informed that they were just “having words.”  Words have taken on a whole new life today. A person uses one of the many venues of social media to fire off a few choice words about someone they might not know all that well, and the comments start flying for all the world to see. Perspective employers have been known to check out how applicants interact with others on their social media page. We forget that what might seem like a personal arena for self-expression can influence how others might evaluate us both personally and professionally. When we never hear back about that job opening, we wonder what may have happened. We fail to remember that we may never get a second chance to make a first impression. The late author and syndicated columnist Earl Wilson once advised, “If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it.” The problem is that we do.

Jesus put it this way: “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:33-37). Words have the potential of building someone up, or they can cause irreparable harm. Condemning words can affect an individual in unimaginable ways, while those which console and comfort might transition a life from despair to hope. The choosing of our words can make a powerful difference, one way or the other. Nathaniel Hawthorne once stated, “Words – so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”

As followers of Christ, we must listen with our heart and realize that there are times when our mere presence speaks more than words themselves. A friend once told me that before going into a stressful situation that may have concluded with a serious consequence, someone passed on this scripture: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:14). She followed this advice. Instead of the event being life-defeating for her, it ended up being life-affirming. The Word of God offers direction in all that we do and provides a light for our way forward. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Allowing His Word to guide us as to how and when we should speak will enable us to voice words that matter. The Apostle Paul advised that we should, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).  It would serve us well to give thoughtful as well as prayerful consideration before we speak, so that the words which flow out of our mouths are acceptable to the Lord. Remember, He is always listening . . . and so is the world to which we bear fruit.

REFLECTION: Have you ever created an issue because you were slow to hear and quick to speak? In what ways do you need to weigh the words you express? How can you help others do the same in their journey?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 8, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” (1 Peter 3:15)

Two legendary broadcasters say goodbye to their posts in the next week. Charles Osgood and his ever-present bowtie bids farewell on CBS Sunday Morning which only two people have hosted for 37 years, he for twenty-two and Charles Kuralt for the remaining fifteen. Planning to continue some of his other broadcast duties, he will likely use his closing line, “I’ll see you on the radio” as he signs off for the final time. Within a week, another staple of the microphone will leave his post after a remarkable sixty-seven years. Vin Scully will air his last play-by-play for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the age of 88. While he will no doubt reminisce, he will not miss a beat or fail to make a call of what’s happening on the field. Both men will be missed, for they went beyond what they were expected to do. Each in their own way were exceptional story tellers. They will be succeeded by others, but their poetic voices and reassuring presence will never be replaced.  As with the down-to earth style of newscaster Paul Harvey, they will leave us wondering what chronicles might go untold as he did with the famous “Rest of the Story.”

Great story tellers share the human and vulnerable side of others. They do so in a way that engage the listener to identify with the character in a real way thereby eliciting an emotional, heartfelt or motivational response. One of the best storytellers was Jesus, who had His own style of presenting a lesson. “His disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?’ He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them’ . . . Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables” (Matthew 13:10-12,34).

Throughout God’s Word, the stories of individuals who struggled in their relationship with God are unveiled.  There are few more life-altering than that of Saul who stated, “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities” (Acts 26:9-11). One day on the road to Damascus, he met Jesus who asked why he was persecuting Him. Subsequently, the converted Saul became the great Apostle Paul. Jesus said to him, “For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future” (Acts 26:16). Thus a new chapter in the life of Saul began, and his writings contributed to a substantial part of the New Testament.

We each have a story to tell, and until we take our last breath on this earth . . . ours is not complete. Your life journey is more than the family you were born into, how you were raised, or your achievements and experiences. It also includes the challenges and hard times you encountered along the way. They are the best part of your story. Chances are it was in one of those times that you first came to God, allowed the grace of His Son to transform you, or experienced a closeness with Him which you will never forget. Your story is unique, and as you travel down the road – you will find that He will intersect you with others whom He has prepared to hear it. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6). As we draw close to the final chapter of our earthly story, we can be assured that the theme of the next chapter will be that of a happy and joyous life that will have no end.

REFLECTION: David said, All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16).  How much do we trust God to write a good life story? Do we believe that he cares about each and every paragraph in the narrative of our lives?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 1, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)

I am always amazed at most medication advertisements I see on TV. While visually showing you happy, active people who are presumably taking the medication – there is a huge amount of commercial time consumed by sharing the potential adverse effects of these drugs. Many of these contain the strictest of warnings, labeled as black box warnings. These are issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when there is reasonable evidence of an association or a serious hazard with the drug, up to and including death. Yet most of these commercials end with the statement, “Ask your doctor if this medication is right for you.”  I sometimes say to myself, “Would they be right for anyone?”

If you have ever taken the time to thoroughly read the manual of certain pieces of power equipment, you may be hesitant to use the device after doing so. Many of these manuals contain firm warnings using terms like “never” and “danger”. In years past, items were sometimes sold under the premise “let the buyer beware” – meaning that the buyer assumes the risk that a product may have defects or fail to meet expectations. But in our current litigious society, that occurs less than it once did. I once served on a jury where a man who was disabled was suing his former employer, alleging that he had been injured using their provided equipment.  The entire case rested upon whether or not the individual had been made aware of the dangers of said equipment and proper training to prevent injury had been given. If that could be proven, and the man failed to do what he had been told – then he had no case.

The Christian journey is very much like that. Throughout God’s word, there are many instances of those who disobeyed. We don’t have to go any further than the first book of The Bible to see two profound examples of God’s warnings.  In the first, God spoke to Noah: “I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark–you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you; Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:17-18,22).  The second case involving Abraham’s nephew Lot was different. God sent His angels to remove Lot and his family from the immoral city where they lived (Genesis 19:15-16). “When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, ‘Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away’ . . . But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:17-26). The lesson for each of us is that we can’t walk with one foot in the world and the other in disobedience without jeopardizing eternal life. For, “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

God doesn’t expect perfection from us but rather maturity in following Him in spiritual matters. Temptation can creep into our lives unexpectedly, and those who walk with Him will sense an urging or warning. Obedience to God’s commands helps us grow so that we can be effectively used in building His kingdom on earth. Jesus said, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear” (Luke 12:4-5).  He later continued: “Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it” (Luke 17:32-33). When we are children, we are told never to run out in the street chasing a toy that gets away from us. As with a child who disobeys the warnings of those in authority, we do the same with God’s instruction. Charles Stanley says, “The bottom line in the Christian life is obedience and most people don’t even like the word.” Like the youngster, we may first learn to submit out of fear or consequence. Later we understand to look before we leap, realizing that the warnings we have been given are for our own good. It is then that the Great Physician is confident that we have kept His commands out of love and that we are right for Him.

REFLECTION: Can you recall warnings in your own life that you questioned the authority? In what ways might you “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1)?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 24, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)

“I do so, out of respect.”  That was the apparent response of an older lady in our community who happened to be the mother of one of my friend’s high school classmates. Each time she would see him and especially in his place of business, she would greet him using the title Mister. He reminded her that he had gone to school with her daughter and that she should just call him by his first name. She said that she referred to him as “Mister” out of respect for his position. As this story was related to me, I could tell that my friend was humbled and honored by this act of deference, even though he did not feel he was deserving. Showing respect in almost any form these days is a lost art and practiced by far too few of us.

Recently San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the playing of the National Anthem at a pre-season game. The 28-year-old stated that he will continue these public displays out of support for African Americans and other minorities who have been treated unfairly.  The athlete’s actions are not unique. There is a long history of sports figures who have protested the anthem along with other ‘unpatriotic’ displays. When these protests occur, the opinions are polarizing with regard to the appropriateness and value of their actions. Very few, including the NFL, disagree that in America individuals have the right to express their discontent. However, many verbalize that a team event might not necessarily be the most suitable time for such a demonstration. They argue that when you have been blessed by a nation which provides you with the opportunity to make millions of dollars, acts like these are disrespectful, especially to those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. It does not come down to the question, “Can we do this?” But it is better provided by an answer to . . . “Should we?”

Jesus revealed that respect comes in the form of loving those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He further explained: “And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that?” (Matthew 5:47). Love must endure, not only for those who do love us but especially for those who seem to be against us. The Apostle Paul spoke specifically about the Christian’s respect for those in power. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience” (Romans 13:1-2,5). Does this mean that we must always accept what our leaders propose and do?  Of course not. But in order to be an example for Christ, we must act in accordance with the direction found in His word.

Every year when we celebrate another anniversary of 9/11 – we are reminded just how vulnerable we are as a nation.  A naïve sports figure makes a statement like, “When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”  Within days of his speaking those words, a flag that was raised by three firemen over the rubble of Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan was returned to be placed in a museum there after being lost for many years. It serves to remind us that the privilege of living in the land of the free does not come without cost. Nor should it come without respect. As followers of Christ, we must lead in setting the example to show reverence for a nation that God established as well as the symbols for which it stands. Any other action should heed this warning: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Stand tall. My friend, while you are able to do so.

REFLECTION: Have there been times when you have said, I’ll show respect when I see significant change?  How does remembering events such as those of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 help to put feelings and statements like these in perspective?  As a person who is on a Journey with Christ, what thought processes need to change in your life in order that you are more respectful in the public arena, thereby displaying a more effective witness for Him?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 17, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot” (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

Someone recently told me that on the occasion of their retirement, they received the following written note in a card: “After your many years of toiling in the vineyard, you deserve to enjoy yourself by relaxing and reaping the fruits of the harvest and the wine.”  On first reading, that statement sounded really good and my friend was sure that the writer meant it to be the highest of compliments after a long, successful career. But as he got to thinking about it, he wasn’t so sure he wanted to rest on his laurels. While on the one hand he was done with the stresses of his life-long career, he also believed there were many areas of work that would occupy his days ahead. As long as he was physically able to do so, he wanted work to be a part of his daily routine. For many, the only goal of work is to maintain an adequate living during those years when the mind and body will allow you to be most productive, saving enough so that when you reach the golden years of retirement you no longer have to work to survive.

These days, many workers feel that they are undervalued both in terms of their compensation as well as the manner in which they are frequently treated by their employer. But that may not be new. Jesus told a parable about the workers in a vineyard (Matthew 20:1-7). He used the example of a landowner who went out early in the day to hire men to work in his vineyard. They agreed upon a wage, and the men went to work. At several points throughout the day, he hired additional workers, stating that he would pay them fairly.  “That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’ “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last” (Matthew 20:8-16).

Fair treatment and feelings of entitlement have obviously been around since the beginning of time. But never has the entitlement mentality been as rampant in our culture as it is today. The political pundits tell us that as elections draw near, the successful candidates will be those who promise the most ‘free stuff’ thereby providing an answer to the question, “What have you done for me lately?”  When we allow ourselves to be fooled by this kind of thinking, we should be cautious that it does not also affect our relationship with God; that is, having the attitude that He owes us something. Just the opposite is true.  God owes us nothing, and we should be ever-grateful that He doesn’t give us exactly what we deserve.  What He provides, He gives out of His unbounding love and grace.

As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, we should recognize that there is no job beneath our dignity as long as it is honest work. We are truly blessed when we are able to find work that serves our fellow man and is equally a labor of love for God. The Apostle Paul says that it is not good to be idle. “We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow” (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9). Those who journey with Christ should likewise portray an accurate reflection of God’s faithfulness and righteousness to the world. The risk for anyone on another road is that they risk losing their path to God. They must realize that when they meet Him face to face, He may be the one asking the question – “What have you done for me lately?”

REFLECTION:  How do you rationalize working hard in life whenever you see others experience gain from what you might perceive as unfair entitlements?  How do you express Christian love to these individuals?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 10, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).

Over the past few months, I have had two conversations with individuals who had agreed to do outside work for me.  The first of these was a person who would only be working an hour or so grinding out the root system of an old tree which had already been removed.  The problem was he wanted to come early on a Sunday morning to do the task, because during the week he had another job.  I informed him that the work he’d be doing would make too much noise for a Sunday, and I did not want to get credited with creating such a disturbance in the neighborhood.  The other guy has done odd jobs for me on a more routine basis.  He too has a day job, and I knew what I was asking him to do would take more than just a few hours.  After I described the scope of the work, I told him he was welcome to do it in the evenings or on Saturdays but that I did not want him doing anything on Sundays. Both men agreed on my conditions. While it may have not mattered to anyone else, it would have mattered to me. After all, for those who are on the Christian Journey – Sunday is the Sabbath, a day for rest.

Rest is promoted in our culture and is big business. Health experts tell us that in order to maintain a good state of physical well-being, it is important that you get a good night’s rest. This is reinforced by advertisers who want to sell you the adjustable mattress where you can choose your individual state of firmness by selecting a number on the provided remote.  Or how about that guy who created that perfect pillow and personally guarantees it to be the “most comfortable one you will ever own.”  If you have trouble falling and staying asleep, there are prescription medications available. You can purchase machines that play sounds which will relax you, and you can get therapy body oils or lotions to enhance your rest. Assisting us to have a good night’s sleep is just one form of rest, but there are many others. Employees are given rest breaks at work. When we are traveling, we might decide to pull over at a rest stop.  If we are playing in a band or orchestra, we might take a rhythmical rest as noted in the music. Or if we are going on about something, we may simply be told to give it a rest.

Rest is a Biblical principle as well. It is so significant that it is part of the creation story. “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3). When God revealed His commandments to Moses, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8) was on the list. This tradition carried on through the early church. “For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: ‘On the seventh day God rested from all his works…’ There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world” (Hebrews 4:4,9-10). When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about certain activity on the Sabbath, He responded, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

Jesus understood that the concept of rest had many interpretations. Before the feeding of the five-thousand, there is this passage: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ (Mark 6:31). Ultimately Jesus was more concerned about a different kind of rest, that which we can only find in Him. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). His is the promise of a spiritual rest available to those who repent and believe in Him. When we rest in Jesus, we are assured comfort and peace that He alone can provide. Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “If we can become as He is, we shall rest as He does. The lowly in heart will be restful of heart.” Jesus, therefore, extends rest to us as an invitation, not only for the physical relief we might find at the end of a busy day or week but for that spiritual refuge that we shall come to realize is simply ours for the taking. It’s an expression of faith to renew our spirit and truly satisfy the soul.

REFLECTION: Have there been times in your life when you have been restless? To what have you turned to find peace and comfort?  What do you need to do to experience the rest that Christ can provide?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 3, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”  (Romans 12:3)

It was muggy in Philadelphia on that August 16, 2016 evening when he stepped up to the plate at Citizen’s Bank Park, the home of the Phillies.  He said he was unusually nervous, because for the first time in nearly a year it was his initial trip back to a place he had called home for thirteen seasons. Now wearing blue as a member of the L.A. Dodgers, he stood at the plate where he had appeared over 3000 times before. The crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation for one of their own who had been traded a year ago but in their opinion had not been given a proper sendoff.  Chase Utley had returned to Philadelphia. When he was struck out – the fans booed, not at Utley but at their own pitcher. They wanted to see him hit, and hit he did. With a man on base in the fifth he homered, and later with the bases loaded he hit another for a grand slam. In each case, the Philadelphia faithful stood and cheered as if he was still playing for them.  In a post-game interview, a quite humbled Utley said – “I should be thanking them…I’m a true believer that the fans made us better players individually and gave us a chance to win.” Ryan Howard, one of his former teammates noted, “I definitely think it was something bigger than a game tonight.”

The very next day, continents away at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – there was another amazing story of sportsmanship. In the 5000 meter preliminaries, USA long-distance runner Abbey D’Agostino tripped and fell after colliding with New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin who had toppled just ahead of her.  Rather than immediately getting back into the race, D’Agostino stopped and paused to see if her Olympic rival could continue, helping her to her feet. “The thing about that moment was everything happened so fast. And all I know is I got up and my first instinct was ‘OK, turn around, we gotta finish this,'” she later stated. “I don’t think that was me, I think that was literally the spirit of God in me, like, ‘Let’s go.'” Hamblin returned the favor by checking on her opponent seconds later when D’Agostino’s leg gave out. Both girls were able to complete the race and embraced each other at the finish line.  The U. S. runner went on to say: “We both realized it was about so much more than our performance that day . . . a simple act of kindness resonates with people.” What a true demonstration of the Olympic spirit for all the world to see.

These days, many individual accomplishments have been described as “larger than life.” Those who find themselves defined in this way can either allow their egos to embrace their persona as exceptional, or they can become humbled and feel particularly blessed. The Apostle Paul referred to the first of these: “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6). As we journey in this life, it is important for us to humble ourselves before man and God. Matthew Henry wrote: “We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by Him with various talents.”  Those who aim to gratify others and revere themselves with greatness will likely find themselves in a position where they will no longer be pleasing God.

After a base-clearing double in August, 2006, legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas exclaimed, “Chase Utley, you are the man.” That comment has followed Utley ever since, serving to remind him that’s who he is – just a man. Jesus stated that we should humble ourselves and give others the seat of honor. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). James put it this way: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). The lyrics of the old gospel standard sung by Mahalia Jackson and later by Elvis Presley prompts us to recall there is in fact “Somebody Bigger than You and I.” Bigger than life itself, for sure.

REFLECTION: When you are praised for the good things that others see in you, how do you respond? Are there times you need to find a greater sense of humility?  To whom do you give credit for your talents?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 27, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you;  for I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

A number of years ago, I was on a train coming home from New York City. I don’t know about you, but when I have been somewhere and know that my time away has come to an end – I just wish I could snap my fingers and be home.  I guess that’s how one of my fellow passengers felt when our train began to slow down in the middle of nowhere, less than an hour from my destination. There was no power, and we were informed that another engine would have to be sent out before we would be able to complete our journey. Without power there was very little anyone could do, so we just tried to keep warm and rest until the new engine arrived. In the midst of the silence, an older gentleman stood up to stretch his legs and resounded these words: “We all would be better off if we’d just stayed home.”  To this day, when I’m stuck in traffic or out and just want to get to where I am going – I echo his expression.

Home has various meanings for each of us.  To Dorothy who walked down the yellow brick road in the Land of Oz, it meant finding the Wizard so that he could arrange to get her back to Kansas. For a person who serves in the armed services, the answer to the question “where are you from” will usually illicit the response of a place where loved ones await their return. When a person with dementia says they want to go home, they just know that where they are is not anywhere they want to be. Often, home in their mind is not where they last lived but rather the place of earlier years where they grew up and lived as children. To most of us, it’s that dwelling containing our worldly possessions and our family residence. It’s been said, “Home is Where the Heart Is.”  If that is the case – home is a place of fond memories, not necessarily having anything to do with our current address.

For some, home is not always a place where they feel welcomed or comforted. Not everyone leaves home on good terms, and when that occurs – it makes it awkward to return. For these individuals, events like holiday meals or high school class reunions are not the most pleasant recollections. For others who have found success outside of their hometown, they may also find it difficult to adjust or experience acceptance when they go back. They will often relate to the phrase, “You can’t go home again,” meaning that for whatever reason – they can no longer connect with those who have continued to remain there. When Jesus returned to his hometown, He began teaching in the synagogue. Then they began to recollect who He was: the carpenter’s son whose mother was Mary and brothers were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. In doing so, they questioned His wisdom and miraculous powers and took offense of Him (Matthew 13:53-56). “But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home’” (Matthew 13:57). Due to their lack of faith, He was unable to perform many miracles there.

In the mid-1970’s, an artist by the name of B. J. Thomas sang these lyrics: “They say that heaven’s pretty; And living here is too. But if they said that I would have to choose between the two. I’d go home, going home, where I belong.” “Home Where I Belong” reflects the feelings of many Christians who become homesick for a place they have never been, where they know with confidence they will spend Eternity.  “For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:14-16). For now, we continue to travel on this earthly journey. While it is not always happy or non-threatening – we persevere through each day with which we are blessed to bring hope and service to a world that at times feels hurt, helpless, and fearful. We do so with this assurance: “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). And that is a homecoming to which we should look forward with great anticipation.

REFLECTION: When you think of home, what comes to mind?  How can we help others who have had a difficult home life understand that a loving, permanent home awaits their arrival in God’s plan?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 20, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.