I had my monthly IVIG treatment today. It seemed to go faster than last time which is good. That means my blood pressure wasn’t too high for too long. This is the time that I periodically check the old CaringBridge blogs to see what was happening to me at this time now four years ago during my health crisis. Since I don’t remember many of these early days, it is interesting to find out what was going happening on a certain day. It gives perspective and gratitude for the life I have today. Even with monthly treatments and ongoing recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….   “I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire…. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.”  Nehemiah 2:13,17 ESV

Nehemiah is the “cupbearer” who became the “rebuilder of broken walls.” The walls of a city spoke of its strength and security. They defined the parameter and identity of the city and were for protection from invading armies.

When a city was invaded and taken, the walls were torn down. It was not just enough to defeat those inside the walls, the walls that stood for the strength and protection of the city were broken down as a sign of ultimate defeat and humiliation.

The Temple of God had been rebuilt under Ezra. Now the Lord uses Nehemiah to take the next step in restoration of the city of Jerusalem. I am sure the sight was overwhelming, sad and discouraging. The once great city of powerful kings lies in ruin. The first thing Nehemiah does is to “tour the damage.” The walls were torn down and burned. The sight had to be overwhelming and discouraging. Where do you begin? How do you proceed?

Nehemiah was on a mission. He was man of vision because he was a man of prayer. Prayer enables us to keep our eyes on God and His ability and not on our own.

The next thing Nehemiah does is to call others to the task. This was more than a “one man” mission. As he puts out the challenge, it is more than a rebuilding of the walls, it is a call to restore dignity. It was a project intended on “removing derision” and no longer being a people who would have to hang their heads in shame.

We see in Nehemiah and we can observe it in our own lives, there are those who for whatever reason, do not want us to be restored. The progress and restoration of one, can be viewed as a blow to the position and status of another.

At least that is what Nehemiah faced. “…when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.” (Nehemiah 2:10 ESV)

As Nehemiah rallied the people to come and help and told them of the favor of God on his life and said, “let us rise up and build!” But opposition rose up once again.  ^“But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing?….” (Nehemiah 2:19 ESV)

When I read the story of Nehemiah, I think of the words of Isaiah, “See, I have tattooed your name upon my palm, and ever before me is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.” (Isaiah 49:16 TLB) The Lord knows the condition of our life. But His desire is for restoration and new life.

Isaiah looks to the future and declares, “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” (Isaiah 58:12 NIV)

I am thankful the Lord makes new and He restores.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You are the restorer of the “broken walls” of our life. We may experience defeat, challenges and setbacks, but You are the One who brings us back.

Today was the final morning of the 2017 GrandCamp. It was great to have Mark Land (daughter-in-law, Bridget’s father, from Ohio) join us. Last night was the “Blessing Ceremony” the capstone for the camp. Mark shared his “blessing” with both boys using some powerful word pictures.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

I remember a little poem that goes something like this…. “There was a man  they thought him to be mad; The more he gave; the more he had.” The verse above was our final “memory verse” from this week’s GrandCamp.  It was a good closing reminder to grandparents and grandchildren about biblical values and character.

The world says, “Hold tight to what is yours, you gain from keeping” The Bible says, “Be generous toward others, you gain by giving.”

I was explaining to grandson Caedmon that one of the approaches of Hebrew poetry was to repeat a concept with different words. We find that in this verse. The second phrase underscores the first by saying, “whoever refreshes (blesses) others will be refreshed (blessed.)” The International Standard Version puts it emphatically this way, “…anyone who gives water will receive a flood in return.”

That reminds me of Jesus’ words, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap….” (Luke 6:38 NIV) When Paul the Apostle talked about generosity in meeting the needs of others he said, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV)

Fear can be one of the greatest deterrents to generosity. But faith is the antidote to fear. When we act on what we believe: that the Lord is our source and our reward; when we take the theme of scriptures that encourage generosity to heart, we will find the Lord faithful.

Over the years Debbie and I have attempted to be generous givers. Four years ago when I faced my health crisis we were recipients of the generosity of others. Many friends and family members provided financial support for our medical expenses. A fundraiser was held near the Capitol in Denver hosted by a former and current Speaker of the House. This fund that was created is still assisting with medical expenses to this day.

It is a blessing to “receive!” But we recall the words of scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NIV)

There are many aspects of the Christian life that challenge us and to which we commit ourselves to. Generous giving should be one of those. Paul’s challenge to the Corinthians applies to our lives today….

“But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you –see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the generosity with which You have blessed our life. May we not only give in faith, but allow us to give in love for You and as an expression of Your divine nature.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”  2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

This morning I was back in Fort Collins to give a keynote address to about 300 faculty and staff members of the Colorado Early Colleges network. This charter school organization is the largest in the state and was founded by longtime friend and former State Legislator Keith King.

The theme for this year is “Champion Your Future.” They did a great job in using that theme of “being a champion” and “making champions” to lay the foundation for a great school year. My remarks were on “The Making of a Champion.” I shared from my personal health crisis about the importance of a positive mind set and the support of others and applied that to the teacher’s work with students in shaping their lives and encouraging their future pursuits.

It was exciting to be see the dedication and commitment of these teachers. It also compelled me to consider what the Bible says about our “lot and status in life.” In the Bible we can see the Lord’s desire and provision enables us to be overcomers and not to be overcome by the world, difficulties of life, sin or even persecution.

The verse above remind us of Christ as the “Champion” who give us victory and leads us in the “victors parade.” Every professional sports team that wins a championship is treated to a parade to celebrate their achievement. While vastly different, it give us the idea that is pictured by Paul. Just as a team is recognized as a whole, there are always those who have made significant contributions. The star pitcher or hitter, the quarterback, or running back, for example.

Spiritually we can celebrate and be celebrated, but we understand it is all because of who Christ is and what He enables us to accomplish.

At the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians we find this verse. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV) The context of this verse relates to the victory that is ours over death. The “sting” of death has been removed, because of eternal life that Christ has provided.

Both verses begin with the exclamation, “Thanks be to God!” There is not doubt as to who is the focus and superstar. But the victory belongs to “us.” It is great to be on top, just because you are on the “right” team regardless of your ability or contribution. That is the way it is for us, when we join Christ’s “team.”

One final verse the comes to mind. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11 NIV) This is victory over Satan. This is victory over persecution. This is being on top, even when it seems one is “down and out.” These are those who are triumphant because don’t give into fear, even of death, because they know the truth, “….The one who believes in me [Christ] will live, even though they die…” (John 11:25 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, we join with the apostle of old declaring, “Thanks be to God!” He gives us victory, He leads us in triumph. He secures our future. Lord keep us close to You, the place where we be “champions” in life.

For the third year, I am attending a GrandCamp at the YMCA in Estes Park. Riley and Caed are both here, because “Gramps” [Mark] Land from Ohio has joined us. Josh Mulvihill is one of the foremost researchers on grandparenting, even though he his a young dad. It was an honor today to have in our morning session, three individuals who are committed to Christian grandparenting and have all written books on the topic. Along with Josh is Cavin Harper (founder of the Christian Grandparenting Network) and Paul and Diane Miller from Colorado Springs who have just recently released their very practical and insight filled book on the “Parenting Triangle.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes 5:4,5 ESV

The verse above is our “verse for the day” at GrandCamp. The overall theme is from 2 Timothy 2:15 where Paul calls Timothy to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

As we challenge our grandchildren and ourselves to be those “approved by God and not ashamed” the focus of our verse today was on “keeping your promises.” The concept of “your word is your bond” seems to be found less and less in our society. Deals that were “sealed by a handshake” have given way to written and notarized contracts that seem to be broken or treated with contempt.

Solomon reminds us the highest vow or promise is that which we make before God. Promises are not only to be kept, they are not be to delayed in being fulfilled. It seems the implication is that delay in keeping a promise, is the same as not keeping it at all.

Solomon, says God sees that one who reneges on a promise as a “fool.” This is more than just someone who uses poor judgment but in the Old Testament this word indicated one who was, “morally bankrupt or debase.” It reveals not just an undisciplined life, but a chasm-sized character flaw of the heart.

Making a promise or a vow, should not be treated lightly and it should be reserved for only those actions that you will commit to fulfilling. Solomon says, “It’s better not to vow, than to vow and not fulfill it.” At times people will be “pressured” for a “promise.” The wise view this with grave consideration, fools are quick to commit.

I found it interesting that when I was first elected to the State Legislature, the most frequent warning was, “remember, your word is your bond.” If you made a commitment on an issue the expectation was that you would stand by that commitment. To fail to do so, was a sure way to lose any sense of confidence and integrity in the eyes of colleagues and others.

The idea of an oath including the words, “so help me God” was not as much a “religious expression” as one that showed the seriousness of the pledge that was being made. It was “before” God and it was to be accomplished with the “help” of God. And at many times that is exactly what it takes to fulfill our vows.

Prayer for Today…. Lord, help us to be people of our word. When we see these instructions in the Old Testament we realize that it is a challenge that has characterized all time. In our day of broken promises and promises unfulfilled, help our words and actions be pleasing to You.

This weekend is my high school 45th reunion. The last one took place just before our move to Fort Collins and my health crisis. It was good to reconnect with many and to find those who have followed my illness and some who didn’t realize what had happened. There were even a handful of us who had attended elementary school together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 1:11

As a noun “good” is defined as “that which is morally right; righteousness….a benefit or advantage to someone or something.” Goodness is pleasing to God and it benefits others. The theme of the Western Conservative Summit last week was, “Making Goodness Fashionable.”

It is interesting how “good” can be viewed. It certainly isn’t “newsworthy.” In social contexts it can solicit a negative response. Perhaps it is because when good is placed in contrast to “evil” or that which is “wrong” it makes people defensive. The old saying was, “You are just being goody two-shoes”  whatever that meant.

Goodness describes the character of God. In at least three psalms you will find the exclamation, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1; 118:1;107:1) The Lord’s goodness and love are twins. Perhaps that is why John, the “Apostle of love” writes,  “Whoever does good is from God…” 

Evil and goodness continual stand in contrast like stands at a “fork in the road.” John in his short third letter admonishes his friends to choose good over evil. To imitate “good.”

Paul writes to the Romans and says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NIV) It is noteworthy to see that evil overcomes a person’s life. It doesn’t add anything of value. That “fork in the road” is downward path. But in contrast “good” overcomes “evil.” It is the antidote, it is that which prevails. We see that carried out in books and movies today. The classic conflict is always “good versus evil.” We all long for good to prevail. I believe that comes from God’s influence in the lives of humanity.

Goodness is not just to characterize our lives, but it is to be put into action. Paul writes to the Galatians and instructs them, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NIV) This fits the second part of the definition above. This describes actions that are for the benefit of someone or something. Goodness brings life, it adds value, it is a positive contribution. It makes a difference.

When I lived in Strasburg, Colorado and served on the school board, we had a well-known news anchor give the commencement address. I remember he focused his comments on the theme of “being good” or something like that. At the time I wasn’t that impressed or didn’t remember his speech as being all the memorable. (perhaps due to his obnoxious attitude, speech and behavior in private.)

However, when you think of young adults embarking on life and moving into their future, embracing goodness and doing good will enable them to find greater fulfillment and to make a great contribution to their world than allowing their lives to be “overcome” by evil.

When Peter preached to Gentiles about Jesus he said, “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and…he went around doing good…” (Acts 10:38 NIV)  Those who bear the Lord’s image and those who follow Christ and have been changed by His Spirit should reflect His goodness.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us to embrace that which is good. Not because it makes us “better than” others, but because it reflects Your character that is to characterize our lives as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4 ESV

The “world” can be a dangerous place. This is not in reference to health and environmental threats, but to the priorities, values and practices around that would diminish our spiritual growth and commitment to Christ.

John has already laid out the call, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 ESV)

As John comes to some of the final words of his letter, he gives a “simple” but powerful remedy for being an “overcomer” in a world, headed for destruction, it is our “faith.” Specifically he goes on and says,  ^“Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  (1 John 5:5 ESV)

In his gospel, John reminded us of the words of Jesus, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

It seems too simple, but the bottom line is, will we believe what Jesus says about our life and our future, or will we believe what the “world” says and offers? We will be “troubled” by the world and its systems and even resistance to the truth of God’s Word. We are tempted to capitulate, to compromise and to accept what seems to be the “status quo” or prevailing attitudes and lifestyle.

When that happens we find ourselves, “overcome” instead of being “overcomers.” Our faith allows us to “rise above” what is the downward pull of the world around. John describes this as the “spirit of antichrist.”

As you read through 1 John, you will notice the consistency of the word, “know.” Knowing truth, knowing Christ. Coming to “know” – instinctively “knowing.” We see this as John writes,

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:13-15 ESV)

When we know what we believe and believe what we know, we are overcomers. The old hymn contains the words that echos the truth of 1 John 5:4, “Faith is the victory, faith is the victory, O, glorious victory that overcomes the world.” That is a truth that remains to today.

Prayer for today…. Lord give us the faith that makes us an overcomer. Remind us that what we believe about You and what You say about our life and priorities and attitudes is what brings true peace and promotes life that is true life.

Yesterday was like working the “swing shift.” I started with meetings at city hall at 3 p.m. and returned home at 10:30 p.m. Yesterday afternoon I received a text message from Kathy Underhill, who I had worked with on hunger issues at the capitol. She said, “it was four years ago today that I received the news you were in intensive care.”  She expressed thanks to God for the answers to prayer for my recovery and progress. It is good to be reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness. I can recall during my health crisis when things “got worse before they got better.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.”  Ezra 4:4,5 ESV

The Children of Israel faced 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After they return to Jerusalem to begin the work of rebuilding the Temple through the Lord moving on the heart of Cyrus king of Persia. It would be nice if the story just continued to a “trouble-free” conclusion and reoccupying of the city of Jerusalem; but that was not the case.

The Assyrians had relocated captives to Israel, who occupied the cities during the time God’s people were in captivity. We read about this in 2 Kings 17,  ^“And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon….and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel….” (2 Kings 17:24 ESV)

It was these people who came to Zerubbabel and said, “…Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” (Ezra 4:2 ESV) When the Jewish leaders refused the offer of their help, the “people of the land” did all they could to discourage the rebuilding of the Temple.

When a new king came into power, they used it as an opportunity to accuse the Jews to the new king and the result was the rebuilding of the Temple was ordered stopped until a new king Darius the Mede came to power and the prophets Haggai and Zachariah called the people to begin to build the Temple once again.

Those who opposed the Jews asked them who they were and why they were rebuilding the Temple, they only identified themselves in this way, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth…. They told the story of the Lord judging them through captivity in Babylon and then how Cyrus gave the decree to rebuild the Temple.

When the royal records were searched Darius found this to be true and commanded “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River….and your associates the governors who are in the province….keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.” (Ezra 6:6,7 ESV)

The work was not only restarted, it was facilitated and financed by the order of the King and Temple was completed. “And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.” (Ezra 6:16 ESV)

The opposition was relentless. The delays were long and discouraging. But God worked in spite of of all the attacks and setbacks to provide for His people. We don’t always understand what the Lord allows, but we know that He will bring to pass that which He has promised and the good purposes of our lives.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord let us not become discouraged by opposition and setbacks. Enable us to know that You will work in Your time and in Your way for our good.

We have had a busy few days. We returned to Denver from Palm Desert on Friday and traveled to downtown Denver for the Western Conservative Summit. On Saturday we attended a birthday party for Carolyn Wilson who attended the church we pastored in Lakewood. Then on Sunday we attended the 50th Wedding Anniversary for our friends John and Bonnie Weston. Today Debbie returned to work and I returned to some of my duties as a City Councilor.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:3 ESV

Ezra is the sequel to 2 Chronicles. The book begins where the end of 2 Chronicles leaves off. Babylon is overthrown as Jeremiah the prophet has foretold. Cyrus King of Persia comes to power and in accordance with God’s plan told through the prophets, the people of God begin to return to the land.

As a “pagan” king, Ezra understands his divine call. We see it in his own words, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” (Ezra 1:2 ESV)

He did not claim this initiative as coming from his own mind or as part of his plan to secure his power or influence. He recognizes that the “God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth.” He invites all of God’s people who are willing and able to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. He provides the articles that had been taken from the Temple by the Babylonians along with all of the provisions needed for the job to be completed.

What is of interest is the the call was not to rebuild a city, it was to rebuild a Temple. In due time houses would be rebuilt, and the walls of the city would be rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah. But the first order of business was the rebuilding of the Temple and the first step in rebuilding the Temple was rebuilding the altar upon which sacrifices would be made.

 ^“They set the altar in its place…and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening.” (Ezra 3:3 ESV)

Before the foundation of the Temple was laid, they erected an altar and began to offer regular sacrifices to the Lord. This order and commitment is a good reminder that in all of our endeavors we need to begin first with prayer and worship. When great tasks are undertaken prayer is the order of the day. Seeking the Lord, having His direction and favor is what makes the difference.

I remember a conversation with a political friend of mine who had served in the administration of a Colorado Governor. As I was early into my political endeavors, she was getting ready for a key role in campaign for congress. As talked about this potential campaign and the preparedness of the candidate she was working with, she made the comment about how they “had prayed about” this decision. I found that both encouraging and convicting.

All too often prayer is viewed a perfunctory or the recourse that takes place when our plans run into an obstacle. Instead it needs to be our first and constant priority.

Prayer for today…. Lord remind us that we are to “worry about nothing, but pray about everything.” May we put first things first by seeking You and always keeping You in the forefront of our plans and endeavors.