An interesting byproduct of my health crisis has been an issue with my blood pressure. I recall last August mentioning it to my former Hospitalist from McKee Hospital. He just told me I was “out of shape.” Thanks Doc! Now I am in better shape, but my blood pressure has been high. (It may correlate to being elected to City Council,:) ) So after trying one medication with some unexpected side effects,  I am trying out a low dose of medication “number two.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.” Philemon 4-5 ESV

Timothy, Titus and Philemon are the three letters Paul writes to individuals. Of these three, Philemon is the most personal. Its singular focus in on Paul’s desire to reunite Philemon with a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus.

But in doing so we see a glimpse of the impact of personal faith, and the spiritual character of Philemon.

The first thing we observe is Philemon’s commitment to love God and love people. This reflects a commitment to the greatest commands of Jesus of Jesus. That is to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. We often summarize these in “loving God, loving people.” Paul had heard of Philemon’s love for God’s people and His strong faith in Jesus Christ. If there is any commendation that is worth seeking it is to be known as one who possesses those two traits.

People of “Philemon character” encourages others and promotes partnership and growth. Paul says Philemon’s love for God’s people and faith in Jesus, made him thankful to God and motivated him to remember Philemon in his prayers.

Philemon’s character created a bond with the Apostle. Paul refers to him as a “partner in the gospel.” This creates a dynamic combination. When we connect in meaningful relationship with others who commit to loving  God and loving others, it deepens our faith and commitment. Our faith and commitment is strengthened in this supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

We see it in Paul’s words,  “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 6 ESV)

When we in relationship with others who encourage our faith and challenge us in our commitment, we gain a greater understanding of what life in Christ is all about. It is one thing to have “Christian” friends. It is another when those relationships result in support, encouragement and challenging each other to know and experience all that Christ has for those who faithfully follow Him.

I had a phone conversation with a friend who has that kind of impact on my life. When I am around him, when we visit, there is not just a connection from friendship over the years, but a focus on Christ and His kingdom that challenges me and motivates my faith in Jesus and commitment to love and invest in others.

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to cultivate and be involved in relationships that help us to draw closer to You. Relationships that give us a glimpse of heaven. Relationships that sharpen our spiritual commitment and desire to serve You more effectively in our world.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…“ Matthew 6:9,10 NIV

As I was considering the Lord’s prayer, my attention was drawn to the focus on “that which above” as the foundation of the prayer. Before jumping into any specific requests or priority of need, our attention is drawn to some important aspects about the One to whom we pray.

Who is God? He is “our Father.” He is the One who initiates, He is the one with whom we identify in meaningful connection. As such we are reminded that He is the Creator God, He is the God of relationship.

Where is God? “…in heaven…” God is not nature. God is not the creation of man. God is above all. Yet this God is not limited by time and space. The heavens and the earth cannot contain Him. Yet in this simple affirmation we focus our thoughts and attention to that which beyond this world, to that which is above. Just as Paul admonished, “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1 KJV)

What is God’s nature? “hallowed by your name…” He is the “holy” God or we often say the “thrice holy” God; because in Revelation thr cry around the throne is “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.”  As the Holy God  He is the One who is set apart, He is above all. His name as the “I Am” God reminds us of His all-sufficiency. Paul declares, “at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10 NIV)

What is God’s desire? “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” The greatest prayer we can pray is to align ourselves with plan and purpose of God. Even in the garden Jesus prayed, “not my will, but thine be done.” When heaven “invades” earth, life set aright, hearts are set aright. In this petition we are drawn from our narrow, self-centered focus to the “big picture” that God has in mind and His plan for this world and all humanity. Surrendering our desires and our plans to the will and purposes of “heaven” is the greatest miracle and answer to prayer that can take place.

When I consider this “upward” focus in the Lord’s Prayer I am reminded of Jesus words, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness….” (Matthew 6:33) This admonition occurs in the teaching about worry. Worry creates a self-centered, insecure life. But when we “turn our eyes on Jesus” it is not a distraction of our life and focus, it is an aligning of our life and focus to that which is to be our priority.

I am also reminded of the “upward focus” in the first of the 10 commandments. Before the prohibitions about murder, stealing, adultery, envy, etc.  we find commands not to “make to other gods before me.” Commands that warn us about, “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” (hollowed be Your name). We find the admonition, “remember the Sabbath.” Why are these the first commandments? Because they focus our attention upon God, His holiness and His priority in our life.

It is this focus that we find in the Lord’s prayer. It is this type of focus that we find woven throughout scripture. It is this focus that will enable us to stay close to the “plumb line” of life.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for not only what to pray, but why it is important for us. Help us to always seek to honor You to acknowledge You and to submit our lives to You and Your ways. When we do, we can be confident that “all we need” will be granted to us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” Colossians 4:1 ESV

There is a saying, “use money, value people.” It is unfortunate whether in attitude and certainly in action when there are those who value money so they “use” people. The attitude is not a characteristic of modern capitalism alone. As a matter of fact is was more prevalent in the past when there were actual “masters” and “slaves.”

As Paul gives instructions on a variety of matters related to the Christian life, he addresses some very practical issues. This is certainly one of those. I think of those of various walks of life, soldiers and tax collectors, for example that came to John the Baptist and asked about their duties to others. John’s response, like Paul’s would seem to “go against the grain” of current thoughts and “rights” of those who were “in charge.”

Paul not only calls for the proper and ethical treatment of others; especially in this context of “master” to “servant,” but he also gives the proper motivation. He says that just and fair treatment should be motivated by understanding that “you also have a Master in heaven.” Those who hold others accountable, must remember that they themselves are accountable.

When I served in the legislature and monitored the Audit Committee, it was interesting to observe the departments that were charged with and carried the heaviest regulatory clout, were often negligent in the accountability for following some of their department’s operations and aspects of State law or taking needed corrective actions to address a deficiency.

In scripture we see a “Centurion” coming to Jesus on behalf of a servant who was sick. He asked Jesus, “just speak the word.” He explained, “I know what it is to be in authority and under authority.” I have always appreciated the attitude of some very successful business people who in spite of their success and accomplishments, they recognize that they are still accountable to God and to others.

Those who believe that the only source of accountability is in “this life” are only deceiving themselves. Paul gave this sobering warning, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV)

Whether in a position of power or not we can all be those who treat others justly and fairly. It reveals our understanding that we value people and always seek to honor God to Whom will one day give an account.

Prayer for today… Lord, it can be difficult to connect with the “master/servant” relationship. But we all interact with and work with people in different contexts. Help us to remember to value people. To be those who encourage and treat others justly and fairly. Help us not to view others as a means to our end, but to make sure that we are helping them to achieve the “end” that You have planned for their lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1,2 ESV

Life in Christ is about change. Change in direction. Change in focus. Just as repentance carries the idea of a change in direction, we see Paul giving the practical ramifications of that for those who embrace faith in Jesus. Perhaps the imagery is like standing at a “fork in the road.” The Christian life is one of direction. One that is reflected in priorities. In actions and character.

It begins with where we set our minds and our hearts. It is our thoughts and our affections. This is not some kind of mystical inoculation from our own hearts and the influence of the world around. It is a matter of day by day; moment by moment choices.

As Paul moves through his discourse he points out the dichotomy of choosing life over death. He calls believers to “put off” certain behaviors and attitudes and to “put on” that which speaks of being “clothed” in Christ.

Paul lists behaviors that are similar to his call to believers in his other letters. We see in Ephesians for example, the contrast between the “flesh and spirit.” We see him address the “works of the flesh” opposed to the “fruit of the Spirit.”

While we see specific actions and attitudes like: “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another…” contrasted with: “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…forgiving each other….” perhaps the greatest summary is seen in Paul’s call to, “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:10 ESV)

What we need to remember is, as our knowledge of Jesus grows; as our connection to Christ is stronger; the specific actions that flow from of hearts and minds being “set” on Christ will take care of themselves.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You that life with You is about relationship, not rules. It is directing our hearts and our minds to that which is pleasing to You and speaks of connection to You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “He [Solomon] had 700 wives…and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father…. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord…” 1 Kings 11:3-6 ESV

Solomon reigned over an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity in the land of Israel. We read of his wisdom, his wealth and his esteem among the nations of the world of his day. We read Solomon’s words, “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.” (Ecclesiastes 2:10 NIV)

Solomon bought into the idea of “You have earned it! Go ahead and enjoy.”  I recall the words of one leader when he warned, “unseized time flows to your area of weakness.” For Solomon that was women and the pleasures of life that were not tempered or interrupted by continuous war. Time eventually took its toll on Solomon’s heart.

Consider his coronation and the charge of his father as he began his reign,

“…keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…. ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.” (1 Kings 2:3-4 ESV)

David gave a charge to Solomon that showed he had not only Solomon, but the following generations in mind. But war and the test of life tends to sharpen your spiritual focus and trust in the Lord more than times of peace and prosperity. We can observe it in the nation of Israel and we see it in the life of Solomon and we can observe it in our day.

As a result, twice we find a reference to Solomon’s failure to “wholly follow the Lord” to be “wholly true to the Lord.” This resulted in the Lord’s judgment, but it happened in the next generation. The nation of Israel would experience a split that would result in the formation of two separate kingdoms. Israel to the north and Judah to the south.

Remember from Solomon, the greatest challenges of faith and spiritual commitment may not be when difficulties comes, but when there is peace and “prosperity” and life is going well. It is in those times that we are tempted to lose our focus, to see our faith and perseverance lag and our wholehearted commitment become watered down.

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to be strong in our faith in the challenges of life. Help us to be steadfast in our focus on You when You bring times of peace and prosperity. When life is good, help us to always keep You in the forefront of our hearts and minds as the God of the “mountain top” as well as the “valley.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And you, who were dead in your trespasses….God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”  Colossians 2:13-15 ESV

The death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection has significant ramifications for those who place their faith in Christ. Christ’s death on the cross paid the price for the judgement of God that was due to us for our sin, but it also provides a point of identification.

Paul essentailly says, “Christ was physically raised from the dead, so we who believe in Him are spiritually raised from death to life.” (Colossians 2:12 ESV) Even when we were “dead” in our sins God made us alive by canceling the death sentence on our life due to sin. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Romans, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)

In the cross the physical death of Christ, brought us to spiritual and eternal life. The shame Christ endured, resulted in “rulers and principalities” being put to shame. Both of these point to the “great reversal” that we see in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Death on a cross was physical torture and emotional shame. For Christ this was magnified by the taunts and the mocking of the crowd and soldiers. Scripture declares, “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13 NLT)

While spiritual darkness may have viewed Christ’s death as a “win” it was exactly the opposite. Christ’s death and resurrection, removed the “teeth” out of the condemnation and shame that comes with sin. We read in Romans, “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 NIV)

When Adam and Eve sin shame entered the world. It has been part of human existence ever since then. Satan seizes that and desires to “pile on.” We are tempted by virtue of our own weakness or by spiritual attacks and when we fail, Satan is right there to condemn us and ensure that we live in shame and defeat.

That is what Christ has freed us from. While we are vulnerable and at times we may fail, when we come to Christ and call out to Him, “He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) That means He will forgive and because of His death on the cross the penalty has been paid, so He is “just” or right in doing so.

You can live life confident and free knowing that which would stand against you has been “disarmed” and “defeated” and has been put to shame through the shame Christ experienced on the cross.

Prayer for today…. Lord grip our hearts and enliven our minds with the magnitude of that which You provided on the cross and through Your resurrection. May we live in that reality of those who are alive in You and live free from guilt and shame.

The last couple of days have been fairly busy. Early Friday morning (like 3 a.m.) Debbie headed to the airport for a Mother’s Day weekend trip to Atlanta. I was going to go with her, but my City Council retreat forced me to stay behind. I’m sure the grand kids in Atlanta will enjoy having “Ma” around by herself. Yesterday they took a tour of a new hospital where son-in-law Nathan’s uncle works. Four-year old McKenzie has to take her baby along for the trip.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17 ESV

As Paul writes to the Colossians he provides a focus on the glory and majesty and work of Jesus Christ. At this time the Church was facing false and distorted teaching that would undermine the character and work of Christ as God in the flesh and Savior of the world.

Right from the beginning Paul jumps into a treatise of Jesus as the Messiah and eternal Son of God. He has just finished declaring what Christ has done for those who place their faith in Him,

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13,14 ESV)

But this act of redemption. This miracle of transformation and transference was not a “temporary” assignment. This was more than a man used by God. This was more than a teacher, inspired by God. This was God Himself, in human flesh, revealing God to us and bringing the kingdom of God into the kingdom of “this world.”

What is God like? Look at Jesus. “He is the image of the invisible God.” Jesus said, “You have seen me, you have seen the father.” (John 14:9) Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) As God, Jesus is the the Eternal Son of God. He always has been and always will be. He has no beginning and He has no ending.

Paul declares Jesus as the agent of creation. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth…”  Paul says that includes, “thrones and dominions.” When Jesus stood before Pilate He said, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above…” (John 19:11) Pilate thought he was in power by the authority granted by the Roman government. Jesus says, he was in power by an authority higher than the Roman government.

“All things were created by Him and for Him…” When we connect with that the truth, it can change the way we view our life. We are not cosmic accidents. We are those created by God for a purpose that He has destined for our life. We have meaning and significance when we live in that reality.

Finally, we see that Jesus provides stability. “…in him all things hold together.” In our world there is much fear and uncertainty. For some it is concerns over the environment. For others it is due to political unrest in our country or the tensions in the world political order.

When we find our lives rooted and ground in connection with Jesus, we have a firm place to stand. We can live life with confidence and in peace. The words of the old hymn remind us of this, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” 

Prayer for today…. Lord, open our spiritual eyes to see You and open our minds of understand who You truly are to us and for us. Come alive in our hearts and minds that we might discover the life that You have brought us into through Your death on the cross.

Today after attending a lunch meeting of pastors featuring a talk by Congressman Ken Buck, I traveled to the Capitol in Denver. It is the last day of the legislative session and I wanted to connect with some of my former colleagues. It was nice to see many of them and to be so graciously received in both the House and the Senate Chambers.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” Isaiah 19:24,25 ESV

Much of Isaiah’s prophecy includes not just messages to God’s people, but to the nations of the world. Many were Israel’s enemies. Many like Egypt had played a significant role in Israel’s history and formation.

Interestingly enough Egypt was the nations were God’s people were slaves and were delivered by God to form a nation that would move to the promised land. Assyria is the nation that would become a world power and would enslave God’s people captive due to their sin, idolatry and rebellion.

Much of Isaiah 19 is an “oracle” of prophetic judgment against Egypt. But then the prophet seems to look to a distant times that is just referred to as, “In that day…” As a matter of fact, five times we see that phrase used to describe what the Lord would accomplish among these nations.

The culmination of this transformation is a “day” when Israel, Egypt and Assyria would all be a “blessing in the midst of the earth.” Egypt is referred by God as, “my people.” Assyrians as “the work of my hands” and Israel as, “my inheritance.” 

Whether these prophetic words have been fulfilled in some form or fashion or are still part of future events in God’s plan for the ages is, as many prophecies, a topic of debate and conjecture.

What we do see is a God who is orchestrating and overturning the history of nations. We see a God who brings peace to “those who are a afar.” We see a God who changes the hearts of people, just like it happened to those of the city of Nineveh, Assyria’s capital, under the preaching of Jonah.

We can observe in scripture that God is the “macro” and the “micro” God. He has works among the nations of the world, but He is also concerned and is able to direct the hearts of individuals who are “fully committed to Him.” He is a God who is able to change the histories of nations and the histories of individuals.

It is easy to read certain scriptures and stand in awe of what they say and also become bewildered over how they are fulfilled. But above it all is a God who is Lord over all. Over nations and over the lives of individuals as well. You can rest assured that the Lord above all has it all under control.

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to always see a great God, even in the midst of perplexing, yet exciting verses of scripture. We are reminded that you are still at work in the world and you still work in and through individuals lives. Thank You for being that type of God revealed to us through Your Son Jesus.