The winter storm is coming, but not as vigorous as anticipated, at least at this point. Before being out and about and running some errands today, Debbie and I had breakfast with Sue and Sam Schmidt (Debbie’s sister and her husband)  Cheryl and Mike Pierson (Debbie’s cousin and her husband) We enjoyed our breakfast and time to reconnect. It brought back memories because Sue and Cheryl were at house on July 20, just two days before my hospitalization for breakfast on the patio. They both recalled how I wasn’t feeling good that day, but had no idea (like me) that I would end up in the hospital and begin a long and serious health challenge.

Tomorrow morning I will help Debbie in leading the Grief Share class at Timberline Church. We are looking forward to connecting with this important group who are moving forward through a variety of grief experiences.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he had solemnly promised their ancestors he would give them. When they had taken possession of it, they settled down there. The Lord gave them peace throughout the land, just as he had promised their ancestors. Not one of all their enemies had been able to stand against them, because the Lord gave the Israelites the victory over all their enemies.  The Lord kept every one of the promises that he had made to the people of Israel.”  Joshua 21:43-45

Joshua was the leader who succeeded Moses and led the Children of Israel to possess the promise land. Joshua was one of the surviving men from Egypt, who had been Moses aide during the experienced exodus and wanderings in the wilderness. He along with Caleb spied out the promise land with 10 others. Only Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report about the land.

Now Joshua after winning key battles and conquering key areas of the land of Canaan, is old and ready to die. Instead of another single leader, the land is divided among the remaining tribes of Israel and they are charged with going forward to take the possession promised by the Lord.

As the people move into their possession Joshua reminds them of the Lord’s faithfulness and charges them to remember some foundational truths…

1 –God Speaks to You – Joshua reminds them to obey all that is written in the Law. This is the guide to success and their lifeline to victory. They also could be confident that as they sought the Lord, He would provide through His Priests and Prophets specific instructions and messages.

2 – God Fights for You – “The Lord your God has been fighting for you.… The Lord your God will make them retreat from you, and he will drive them away as you advance.” (Joshua 23:3,5) What they had seen the Lord do for them, He would continue to do. The battle belonged to the Lord. As they would remain faithful, the Lord would honor their efforts with success. It is easy to try to fight our own battles. Sometimes we need to stop and trust God to bring victory in the struggle of life that confront us.

3 – God Keeps His Promises to You – “The Lord kept every one of the promises that he had made to the people of Israel.” (Joshua 21:45) We can count on the faithfulness and reliability of the promises of God. What he said, He will do, what He has promised, will come to pass. Any degree of uncertainty is due to human failures, not God’s faithfulness.

4 – God Disciplines You –  ^“If you do not keep the covenant which the Lord your God commanded you to keep and….he will punish you, and soon none of you will be left in this good land that he has given you.” (Joshua 23:16)

We have seen this warning throughout the pages of the journey too the promise land. But we see that God’s discipline is not a vindictive action, it is correction. It is training. It is warning. It is intended to get the attention of God’s people that they may come to Him and find mercy and forgiveness.

These foundational truths are ones that are good for us to remember in our life today. They serve as guidelines for us to possess the “promise land” the Lord has given to us. While for God’s people it was territory, for us it may be a realm of “spiritual territory” or an area of our life where we need some “victory” and to defeat enemies that have confronted us and kept us from experiencing the fullness of the life God has for us.

In our lives today, we can be confident of the Lord’s direction, His protection, His faithfulness and His work in our lives bringing us to the place we need to be in our life with Him.

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The Foundational Truths above, I borrowed from the introduction of a message shared by my friend and pastor in Littleton, Bill Oudemolen. You can listen to his entire message entitled, “Casual Christian or Captive Christian” at the link below:

http://foothillsbiblechurch.org/sermons/casual-christian-or-captive-christian/

After a full day yesterday and a good night of sleep, I was pleased to be fresh and alert this morning. This is certainly a good sign and show some improvement in my level of endurance and stamina. With a winter storm forecast for this weekend, I got in a earlier-than-usual workout at the fitness center.

I am continuing a process of adjusting down on the few prescriptions that I have been taking. This will take several weeks, but is another sign of improvement for which I am thankful.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”  (Matthew 25:23) “I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 1:6)

These two verse are ones that come to mind and set the backdrop for a couple of interesting connections that I have made the last two days. When you meet someone, who in sharing their story, challenges you, it gets your attention. When it happens again in close proximity it really gets your attention.

I have had that happen in less than 24 hours. Late yesterday afternoon I dropped off our van for some service work. The dealership shuttle driver gave me a ride back to my mother’s house where I left my car. David is 75, and works 55 plus hours a week at his job. He has a professional background as a developer and a forensic accountant.

He was sharing how that in his neighborhood there are a number of men 65 and older that need connection and community. David is a follower of Christ and he shared a little of his spiritual journey. For many years he, “walked away from his faith” before recommitting his life to Christ. He made a great statement in sharing his story. He said, “I know what sin is, but I know much more what grace is.”

David shared with me his dream, if the Lord provides the funds, of acquiring a vacant building and turning it into a place where men can come and connect through games, activities and friendship. He also has some ideas on how to meet other practical needs that he has become aware of.

I couldn’t help but think, “here is a guy in his mid seventies with a vision of using God-given resources to meet the needs of others.” That challenged me, because recently my goal in life was just to “make it to 75!”

Today during my workout at 24 Hour Fitness I found myself in a conversation with Ben. When I made a reference to having been a pastor, Ben shared his spiritual journey with me. One that included a “religious” background but then coming to a powerful encounter with the Lord’s presence and a surrender of His life to Christ.

Ben shared how he knew what it was to struggle in life, especially financially. One day he was on his knees cleaning a tile floor on a job and felt the Lord speak to hm, “if you will be faithful to me, I will bless others through you.”

Ben is now the owner of a successful janitorial service specializing in cleaning medical facilities. His next step is to franchise his business model and empower others to achieve the success that his has attained. The word the Lord spoke into his heart is coming true.

So many look at others and think, “how can this person help me be successful?” Ben is one who looks at others and asks, “how can I help this person achieve the success, with which I have been blessed?”

Both these men in sharing their stories and their heart challenged me to remain faithful and as I grow older; not to view the greatest years of impact as behind me. Before the common era of text messages and codes there was a phrase connected with the letters, “PBPGINFWMY” A father explained to his daughter those letters stood for, “Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet.” She was pleased to be in on the code and when someone asked her what those letters meant she proudly said, “Please be patient, God is not finished with my daddy yet!”

We all need to be patient with God’s ongoing work in our lives. That is why Paul reminded the Philippians that “what God starts, He finishes.” We can be confident and encouraged by that. What I am reminded of today is that God is not finished working in us, and He is not finished working through us until the day of His return.

I was fairly tired last night, so ended up going to bed early and getting up later than usual. I intentionally have had a “laid back day” because tomorrow will be a busy day at the Capitol with the “Human Trafficking Awareness Day.” I will have the opportunity to open the House session in prayer for the first time this session. They will also show my video about “My Story” as well.

I was glad for nicer weather today and a forecast for warm temperatures tomorrow. Please keep me and the UCOUNT Campaign group in prayer as we spend this day at the capitol on an important issue.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, “The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires.” But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:5,6

James in his letter addresses some serious issues. He begins by talking about the importance of having faith under trials; he warns about prejudice and judging by outward appearances; he talks about the challenge of taming the tongue; he says the world, our carnal nature and spiritual darkness are at the heart of  jealousy, bitterness and selfishness; he talks about fighting and discord that comes from inward conflict and how friendship with the world is the same as sin.

This is just a partial list. I’m not sure whether to be impressed or distressed when we can observe that behaviors and issues record in the Old and New Testament are rampant in our world and lives today. It shows that our temptations and natural desires are not in line with God’s supernatural plan and purpose for our lives.

We are more prone to say the wrong thing, have the wrong motives, be a part of conflict, give in to envy and jealousy, embrace ideas and practices that are of the world’s system, than we are to live in faith, trust and obedience to the Lord. James even warns about judging others over the law. So, we see that even when we try to live by God’s “rules” we turn it into an opportunity to sin.

What is the solution? Where is our hope? It is in Christ and Christ alone. “Christ’s grace is stronger” than then conflict within and without. We don’t have to be perfect, but we do have to be open and humble. That is why James says, “…. submit yourselves to God… Resist the Devil…Come near to God, and he will come near to you.…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:7-9)

The path of peace, strength and victory is found in Christ’s grace and living in humility before the Lord. Putting Christ first is the opposite of the natural tendencies toward putting ourselves first and jealousy, envy, strife and prejudice. Remember the humble are exalted and those that exalt themselves are humbled. As someone once said, “It is better to humble yourself, than to find yourself humiliated by your actions and the Lord’s correction.”

You never know. Just when you believe that you have everything going your way, you may end up in a hospital bed totally dependent upon others, for everything! That kind of forced humility can give you greater insight into yourself, your world and others.

Today I had a good work out with my trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. Then I had an appointment with my neurologist for an evaluation and check-up. Overall, he was pleased with my progress and made a few adjustments in the medications that I am on. I’m glad that most of my daily “pill regimen” consist more of supplements than prescriptions. He did say that my lingering issues are more related to the West Nile infection than the Myasthenia Gravis condition. He explained that what I am experiencing is an infection caused condition that is similar to polio or ALS.

The optimistic outlook is that there is a new treatment for motor-nuron disorders that has been highly effective. If my nerves don’t regenerate to allow for the muscle development that is needed to return to normal activity, there are some treatment options. I won’t see him again until August. It would be great if I could walk into his office without assistance for my next appointment!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead.” James 2:26

What we believe, impacts our actions and our view of the world. You will find that in all types of people from all kinds of perspective about life. James presents the argument that “faith [in Christ] without works is dead.” He is not talking about faith that brings us into a relationship with Christ, but the faith that is seen through our lives that shows we are followers of Christ. James points out that “even demons believe, and tremble in fear…” (James 2:19)

Faith is something to be cherished and not hidden. Even though there are those who claim “deep faith, but I keep it to myself.” While I believe that usually refers to someone who is reluctant to be vocal in their words, our actions must still speak of the hope, love and faith of Christ that is in our lives.

I was recently speaking with some of the leaders of “Serve 6.8” a community service arm of Timberline Church in Fort Collins. I made the comment that I consider them “faith-motivated” – because their mission is to “share Christ’s love with no strings attached.” I believe this is at the heart of what James is talking about.

We see it in the first part of James chapter 2, when James shares about treating all with respect and dignity, regardless of outward appearance. That is faith in action.

James talks about “mercy triumphing over judgment”  – that is faith in action. James uses the illustration of Abraham and Rahab (the prostitute in Jericho). They believed in the Lord and took God at His word and took actions based on that belief, actions that reflected their faith.

The bottom line is faith in Christ changes us and then we allow the Christ in us to change the way we live and how we act. Many people do good for a variety of reasons. You will find no greater satisfaction in “doing” than there is in knowing that what you are doing is based in faith in Christ who calls us to be agents of love, service and change in the lives of others.

This has been a wintry day with cold and light snow. We had some difficulties with our furnace so I had a repairman come to check it out. Outside of that some office work, nap and fitness center work consumed my day. Tomorrow I return to my Neurologist for a follow up appointment. It will be interesting to see what he thinks about my progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have now given you a choice between a blessing and a curse. When…you are living among the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you, you will remember the choice I gave you. If you and your descendants will turn back to the Lord and with all your heart obey his commands that I am giving you today, then the Lord your God will have mercy on you...” Deuteronomy 30:1-3

As the Children of Israel prepare to enter the promise land, the Lord renews His covenant in the plains of Moab. He lays out the blessings of obedience and the curse that disobedience and rebellion brings.

The words of Deuteronomy 28:6 summarize the blessings, “The Lord will bless everything you do.” But the blessings were not just the activities of life, it was all of their life. Family, work, protection from enemies, the crops they grew, the livestock they raised, the food they prepared. And the result would be they would be honored among the nations of the world.

Moses also outlines the consequences for rebellion and disobedience. The list is the opposite of the blessings from the Lord. Struggles with crops and livestock, oppression from enemies, pestilence, all resulting in unrest and insecurity. Deuteronomy 28:20 summarizes the consequences of disobedience, “If you do evil and reject the Lord, he will bring on you disaster, confusion, and trouble in everything you do, until you are quickly and completely destroyed.”

The warning of Moses is reflective of the simple statement, “The way of the transgressor is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15) But the way of disobedience is also irrational in many ways. Moses reminds God’s people of their life as slaves in Egypt, the wanderings in the wilderness and how the Lord is bringing them into the land He promised. Moses reminds the people of how the Lord provided for them everything they needed, their sandals did not wear out, they had the food they needed, they had God’s protection and victory over enemies. If you were a contestant on “Let’s Make A Deal” choosing the door that said, “obey” would not be a difficult choice.

It is interesting that we see the responsibility of the individual to obey and the obligation of the people to the community.  “Make sure that no man, woman, family, or tribe standing here today turns from the Lord our God to worship the gods of other nations….Make sure that there is no one here today who hears these solemn demands and yet convinces himself that all will be well with him, even if he stubbornly goes his own way. (Deu. 29:18,19)

But the Lord knows human nature and how we test the limits and feel the “rules don’t apply to us.” So we see with the choices that are laid out, there is also hope for redemption and restoration, “…if you turn back I will have mercy…”

This is where we see the New Testament, foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ came that we might be restored to a right relationship with God and the life of blessing that He promises for all who place their faith in Christ and commit themselves to obey Him. We have in Christ, a message of hope and redemption. That’s the best deal that you could ever be offered!

After enjoying warm weather for several days, we are back to colder weather and snow. Debbie and I had another full Sunday at church today. We attended the 8:30 a.m. service and then I joined Debbie and Charlie for their “Grief Share” class at 10 a.m. It was a good size group representing a variety of losses that are impacting their lives.

The rest of the day has been a good time to sit by the fireplace and to rest up from a busy Saturday and get ready for the week ahead.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… 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.’  Luke 18:11-3

The heart of people is often revealed in their prayers and their attitude toward God. The Pharisees in Jesus day were known for their strict adherence to the law plus. They were so concerned about “God’s law” they made their own “laws” designed to keep people from breaking God’s law, but soon God’s law became secondary to the Pharisees  laws. As a result they received a sharper rebuke from Jesus than almost any other group.

In this parable, Jesus describes the Pharisee who in God’s House, prayed to himself about himself. Yes, He used God’s name, but could be considered doing so in vain. He justified his life and acceptance before God based on comparing himself to other. This was a rationale argument of why he was “holy” and acceptable to God.

Many people today attempt to rationalize their lives to get around the simple truth of the gospel. They want to get into heaven in their own way and on their own  merit. So they like the Pharisees of old rationalize themselves before God, or at least in the eyes of others.

Besides rationalizing ourselves as acceptable to God by contrasting our lives to others, we tend to do so by comparing others to ourselves. In other words, “I’m just the same as other people, so I must be okay.” It’s the “other-people-are doing-it” excuse. I think the last time that was used the police officer said, “but you are the one who got caught.”

In Jesus’ parable the tax collector, who was among the most disrespected groups of the day, showed true humility and contrition. He kept his head bowed and simply pleaded for mercy. As a result, he was the one,of these two men who left the place of prayer right before the Lord.

The Bible is clear that before God, “there are none that are righteous…” (Romans 3:10) We can’t excuse ourselves or justify or rationalize our life and actions in any manner to be acceptable to God. But we can in faith surrender our life to God and like the tax collector ask for God’s mercy.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1)

We can try to have peace by rationalizing our life and actions before God, or we can through faith be justified before God, because of Christ and thereby experience His forgiveness, peace and freedom.

Today was a good day, it was a long day. I left Fort Collins at 7 a.m. this morning and returned just before 7 p.m. I took Riley and Caed to Lakewood for their basketballs games that were early this morning. It was good to see them play and developing their skills. We then went to my mom’s house. It was good to get there when my sister was just getting ready to leave so I could see her. Also, my aunt Paula showed up to help with some business related to our handicap van.

There were a few times that I pushed myself to the edge of what my legs were able to endure, but fortunately no falls. When I returned home Debbie commented about my endurance must be getting better, since I was not completely wiped out at the end of the day. (Here is a picture of Riley and Caed after their basketball games)

BIBLE VERSE TODAY… “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” Hebrew 10:25

The famous words of Benjamin Franklin at the signing of the Declaration of Independence were, “We  must surely hang together, or else we will surely hang separately!”  The connection of believers is more than sharing a common faith and simply “believing the same things.” The Christian life is one of relationship with each other through Jesus Christ. The “Lone Ranger” Christian does not understand what the Christian life is really about.

We are called to community and it is vital to know that we are “members of the same team.” In that analogy that means the success of the team is dependent upon the success of each individual “player.” One of the first lessons I learned when elected to public office was that “politics is a team sport.” That means working toward the same goals, benefiting from the perspective and contribution of each person and counting on others to “be there” when you need them.

Those concepts are so important for followers of Christ to understand. As the writer of Hebrews encourages first century Christians, he says, “stay together, encourage one another.” Consistently meeting together is what provides the basis of community and the opportunity to encourage each other. If there is a quality that is needed especially as we see the “Day of the Lord, coming near”- it is courage. Sometimes we need encouragement and at others times we need to encourage someone else.

That process does not have to be complicated. I remember when I ran my marathon race, a fellow runner, a young lady, would at times even when I passed her and when she at times passed me, would call out, “keep it up Ken! You’re looking good, you can make it!” In like fashion we can encourage each others’ faith, by simply expressing confidence that “you can make it!” and cheer each other on.

We read earlier in the Book of Hebrews, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13)

Encouraging each other is critical in the spiritual battles we fight that just come from daily living. At times our faith can be fragile, the opposition from the world around can discourage. That is why we need courage to help us stand strong and stable. I am thankful for the strength the comes from the Lord as we trust in Him, but often times the Lord uses each of us on the lives of others as His voice of encouragement.

So my friends, “keep going, keep believing, keep moving toward the goal, the finish line is just ahead, and you are gaining ground!”