Stephanie, Carter and Mckenzie returned to Atlanta this morning. I gave Carter two “Rockies” hats to take home with him. One for him, one for Mason. I hope that the brothers can get which one they will lay claim to settled without any major challenges! Then they need to decide when they can wear the hats in “Braves” country.  (picture of Carter and Mckenzie at airport – can’t see front of Carter’s hat) I rode with Stephanie to the airport and then drove home. That was my “long” test of driving a distance on the highways. It went well! It provides a sense of independence and normalcy to my life. My only challenge is making sure that I get in and out of the car and into any business or appointment that I might have.

I returned home and mowed the lawn which had grown over the last week while we were gone. It wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. I also noticed that the strawberries are coming on strong in “Isla’s garden.” The garden Debbie’s mother was so known for may turn into a strawberry patch, if I am not able to return to some normal gardening activities next year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “The people of Ephraim will be like mighty warriors. Their hearts will be glad as if they had some wine to drink.…Their hearts will find joy in the Lord.”    Zechariah 10:7

When I read the verse above during my Bible time this morning it arrested my attention. As the prophet is telling of the future victories for God’s people returning from captivity he mentions specifically Ephraim as mighty warriors, rejoicing in victory, finding strength in the Lord.

The reason this verse is noteworthy is because a few hundred years earlier the Psalmist had this to say about the  tribe of Ephraim:  “The men of Ephraim, well-equipped with bows and arrows, turned and ran on the day of battle.” Psalm 78:9

One generation had the stain of “cowards” and “deserters” associated with their name. Now a new generation of the same tribe is known as victorious, mighty warriors.

The critical issue that I observe is that the downfall or characterization of one generation does not need to dictate the character of the next. But what is needed is for a generation to serve as the “pivot” generation and turn the course of history around.

We can observe that the compromises in one generation, become the accepted practice in the next, which become the downfall or bondage or at least characterization for the next. We see this in the history of Israel and the issue of idolatry. We can observe this in families today on various fronts.

However, by the same token. The spiritual commitment of one generation to live as Christ followers, can set a pattern and destiny for the generations that will follow. This requires a “pivot” generation to make a decision to reverse a trend or address a negative pattern. This requires a resolve that what has characterized a past generation doesn’t have to apply to me and my  children and grandchildren.

A godless heritage passed from one generation to the next can become a God-centered legacy of the next generation. An alcohol or substance abuse may be the heritage left by one generation; the next generation can leave a legacy of freedom in Christ. A family that has been characterized by tension, anger, fighting and even abuse in one generation can be a family of peace and love for the next.

One generation can be well equipped for victory and still run in the face of the enemy; the next can have the assurance that the Lord is on their side and experience a joyous triumph over the enemy that confronts them.

Perhaps God is calling you to be that “pivot” generation.

Happy Fathers Day! It was good the celebrate a Father’s Day with my son and daughter and five of my six grandchildren. We missed having Nathan and Mason with us who are holding down the homestead in Georgia for Stephanie and making sure that Mason hones his baseball skills.

It was good to be a Mile High Vineyard this morning with Christian and Bridget. I meet a host of people that were very gracious and expressed their support for me in prayer during my illness. Christian is a part time staff member and many I met commented on their appreciation of his ministry. They have several families who are from the Lakewood area. Perhaps there is a church plant or satellite in store for this growing church.

Christians children made him personalized Father’s Day cards and Eliana wore a pretty little dress. It did take some convincing for her to wear her pretty blue shoes instead of her tennis shoes with her dress though! Grandpa tried to help with the assistance of “Minnie Mouse.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Dear friends, don’t ignore this fact: One day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.”  2 Peter 3:8,9

Peter provides reassurance to Christians who are facing taunts of those who riddle God’s promise of Christ’s return. It is interesting that these individuals are described as “evil people who want to follow their own ways.” They mock the belief that Christ will return by saying, “where is the promised coming?” Perhaps the fact that He hasn’t returned is providing a false sense of comfort of those who live in rebellion to God’s ways.

Peter makes it clear that –

1 – Time is irrelevant to God.

One day or a thousand years. It doesn’t make any difference as far as God is concerned because He is above time.

2 – God’s perspective  is different from mankind

Our lives are gauge by time. We are tied to days and weeks and years. We grow impatient with “time.” From a human perspective God is taking His time, but from a Divine perspective He is always right on time! God is patient. That is a quality that people constantly struggle with, but not God. God’s patient is for our good.

3 – God’s Priority is people

God’s mission expressed through the ministry of Christ is to, “seek and save the lost.” That mission continues through Church. God’s desire is for all to turn to Him in repentance or as God’s Word translation states it, “to change the way they think and act.” When we turn to God we begin to view our lives and the world the way God does. We also adjust our lifestyle and behavior to that which reflects God’s priorities and values.

Peter reassures that Christ will return! That day will bring the destruction of the heavens and earth. But for Christians that is not what they look forward to; instead, “we look forward to what God has promised—a new heaven and a new earth—a place where everything that has God’s approval lives.” 2 Peter 3:13

As you consider the promised return of Christ, which perspective describes your life, losing heart or keeping your eyes on the prize?

I discovered today that there is no greater joy than a grandchild catching a fish. Christian came prepared with fishing poles for all the kids. A nearby lake provided the convenient opportunity. By the end of a couple of hours of less all four of the grandkids (including Eliana age 3) had caught at least one fish. Cater was the last one to catch a fish and it ended up being the biggest of the day. (Carter, Eliana, Stephanie and Christian in picture above) However, it ended up being “catch and release” because one thing missing was a stringer for the fish. I believe there has to be some spiritual application regarding faith! Just as taking your springer or fishing basket along in anticipation of catching fish, when we pray we should  anticipate the answer to our prayers. So we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch instead of fish.

Back at the resort the weather was great to be at the swimming pool. I actually got into the big pool instead of relying on the comfort of the hot tub and was pleased that I could swim better than anticipate. This will be good therapy for rebuilding my muscles, especially my shoulders which are still limited in range of motion.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Dear friends…be on your guard not to be carried away by the deception of people who have no principles. Then you won’t fall from your firm position. But grow in the good will [grace] and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to him now and for that eternal day! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17,18 (GW)

The second letter of Peter’s is his final letter, just as 2 Timothy was the final letter the Apostle Paul. Both of the apostles wrote with an awareness that their time on earth was coming to an end. As such the the message that they write carries a great deal of significance. Also the final words of the letter are of significance as well.

Peter in sharing his priorities at this critical time reminded believers that God’s power gives them the ability to live godly lives. He writes to encourage them to pay attention to and heed God’s Word. He warns them about false teachers and admonishes them to be ready for the day of the Lord.

If there is a “short list of priorities” for growth and survival in the Christian life, I believe Peter is right on. His final words after warning them about deceptive people is to simply, “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Peter through his life experiences learned the value of receiving and extending grace. As one of the three closest disciples to Jesus along with James and John he knew that growth in the knowledge of Christ was essential. Each day was a new lesson, each teaching or parable called for contemplation and application of a spiritual truth. Jesus invitation was to “come unto me….and learn of me…”  (Matthew 11:29) In our day we often hear the value of being a “life long learner.” I can assure you that there is no greater pursuit than to be a life long learner of Jesus. As Peter declares, “Glory belongs to Him now and for evermore.”

One of the highlights of spending the night at Christian and Bridget’s home was that I was able to navigate the two steps into their home through the patio door. I’m not sure if that shows my arms or legs are getting stronger or both. I slept in the downstairs guest room, so it was a good exercise to slide down the stairs and then push myself back up. Fortunately Christian was close by supervising and assisting me and allowing me to rest on his knee as my strength waned.

We traveled back to Breckenridge in time to enjoy one of the most pleasant afternoons of the week. We had a good time at the pool and with Christian present another competitor for our bean bag toss game. The grandkids discovered that they could make my wheelchair into their pool transportation. How many kids can hang onto a power wheelchair? So far the record is four!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The Lord your God is with you. He is a hero w ho saves you. He happily rejoices over you,  renews you with his love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy.”  Zephaniah 3:17 (GW)

The prophet Zephaniah traces his family lineage back to Judah’s righteous King Hezekiah. He spoke his word of prophecy during the reign of King Josiah who apparently listen more than any other King and lead the people in a time turning to the Lord.

The three short chapters of this book contain  God’s judgement on the earth,  judgement on Judah and a call to “search for the Lord… and find shelter in the day of the Lord’s anger.”  But we also see the promised restoration of God’s people after this time of discipline.  As stern as the words of judgment, the words of the prophet provide hope and a future for God’s people.

“Celebrate and rejoice with all your heart, people of Jerusalem.The Lord has reversed the judgments against you.  He has forced out your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is with you.” Zep. 3:15

The crescendo of these words of reassurance (v.17) reinforces the face that “God is with you.” “He…saves you.” “He…rejoices over you…renews you…and celebrates over you with shouts of joy.”

Whether walking in victory or facing times of struggle and challenge your view of God is vitally important. But what can impact your view of God is understanding His view of you. If there is one thing that comes across in this verse is exactly that!

Debbie and I enjoyed  nice stroll in the mountains this morning and a bean bag toss game back at the resort. It was a tough battle but I ended up winning two out of three games against Riley.

Early afternoon I came back to Lakewood with Bridget and Riley for Riley’s evening baseball game. This was my first grandson baseball game. Riley did a good job, but the team they played was a notch above them in their hitting and skill level. One of the highlights of the game was the double rainbow that showed up after some sprinkles of rain.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes, even if the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle—even then, I will be happy with the Lord. I will truly find joy in God, who saves me. The Lord Almighty is my strength. He makes my feet like those of a deer. He makes me walk on the mountains.       Hab. 3:17-19

This verse from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk is a favorite of mine. It communicates an unconditional commitment to the Lord and an understanding that even in the most difficult of times that the Lord is for us and is the source of hope and strength that we need.

This verse reminds me of the resolve of Job when he said, “though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” What is important for us to remember is that Job made this statement when he was in the midst of the trial of his faith. In the same way, the prophet Habakkuk knew that the day was coming when the fig tree would not bloom and the vines would have no grapes, when the crops would fail and the sheep and cattle stalls would be empty. This was not a theoretical faith. This was a declaration of trust and confidence in the midst of the test and trial and coming judgment.

When I reflect on these verses it is a challenge as to what my “even if…” and “even then…” would be. With the challenge of and length of my health crisis, I wonder “what if the prognosis wasn’t as positive as it has been.” I can still in the  midst of recovery find myself concerned about the fullness of my recovery, even though I am confidently expecting it to be full and complete. But what if it isn’t? Will I be an “even then…” believer?

The point is, I don’t want my faith in the Lord and the source of strength for living to be found anywhere but in the Lord. So my desire is for my “even if…” to be open ended; and that my “even then…” will find me joyful in the Lord and trusting in the strength that He alone can give.

Bridget and the kids arrived this afternoon. We have had a good first day. Pretty laid back and some time at the pool and a nature walk for the kids that they didn’t want to come to an end. The temperature has been cool, but when the sun come out it warms up, by at least mid afternoon.

The resort does have a lift to help me get into the pool. We all got into the hot tub together at least for a photo op. I never was in any water therapy at the rehab hospital because I always had some kind of open sore or wound. This should be a good week of water therapy. The grandkids love the water and enjoyed their time at the pool. Carter was so excited to get the mountains and go swimming that Stephanie and he went to the pool last night in spite of us driving through cold rain and sleet to get here.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You mortals, the Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right,  to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

This familiar Old Testament verse is actually in response to a plea of, “what should I bring when I come into the Lord’s presence?” What follows is a list of sacrifices that were common to the worshipers of the day especially those who were accustomed to idolatry. The list ends with even an offer of child sacrifice which was the practice of the followers of of the heathen god Molech.

The Lord in His response through His prophet makes it clear that He wants right actions. A right heart and obedience as an expression of true worship. As the prophet Samuel spoke to Saul hundreds of years earlier “to obey is better than sacrifice.”

This was a people who had grown accustomed to going through the motions of religious devotion but they oppressed the poor, cheated one another and lived immoral lives.

The principle applies today. God is looking for hearts devoted to Him more than people who go through “religious”  practices and yet live their lives devoid of actions that show God’s priorities. I believe it was Former US Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson who spoke of practical atheism. He said that refers to people who, profess that they know God but then live as if He doesn’t exist.

Righteousness, mercy, humility. Those are God’s priorities and our lives should reflect them.