Today I was up early, had my morning Bible reading, took a nap and got up before 7:30 a.m. I spent most of the day on some office work and getting some final adjustments made for my book. I did have a fitness center workout and the rest of my week is fairly busy with appointments each day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will fervently thank the Lord with my mouth; I will praise Him in the presence of many. For He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.”                      Psalm 109:30,31 HCSB

So often in our world today, we hear the question asked, “who is looking out for the “little guy?” We hear politicians say that they will look after those so easily overlooked in society and those who are struggling and oppressed.

These are some of the thoughts that came to my minds when I read, “He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.” Consider the complaint of the psalmist in his need, oppression and suffering…

“They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.” (Psa. 109:3 HCSB)

“They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” (Psa. 109:5 HCSB)

“He loved cursing…he took no delight in blessing….” (Psa. 109:17 HCSB)

“I have become an object of ridicule to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads in scorn.” (Psa. 109:25 HCSB)

The palmist in responding to those who are oppressing, pleads with God to “get ’em.”

“Set a wicked person over him; let an accuser stand at his right hand.  When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer be counted as sin….Let his children wander as beggars, searching for food far from their demolished homes. Let a creditor seize all he has; let strangers plunder what he has worked for.” (Psa. 109:5-6,10-11 HCSB)

After he “vents his spleen” against “the man.” We see that the petitions turn toward what he needs from the Lord,

“But You, Yahweh my Lord, deal kindly with me because of Your name; deliver me because of the goodness of Your faithful love. For I am afflicted and needy; my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.…Help me, Lord my God; save me according to Your faithful love so they may know that this is Your hand and that You, Lord, have done it.” (Psa. 109:21-23, 26-27 HCSB)

It is interesting how we long for justice and judgment against others, but mercy for ourselves. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28 NIV)

The psalmist does recognize the contrast between his accusers and the Lord. We can be confident that the Lord will come to our aid; even if He doesn’t do all that we would like Him to do those who are against us. At the end we see a clear understanding of our role and God’s role.

What is our role? “I will fervently thank the Lord with my mouth; I will praise Him in the presence of many.” We don’t back down, we stop trusting and relying on the Lord. We continue to let others know that our confidence is in the Lord. “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…” (Psalm 18:2 NIV)

What is the Lord’s role? “He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.” The Lord provides the strength that we need and He is ready to be the One who defends and rescues. You don’t need to rely on campaign promises to have that assurance. That’s a good thing!

This ended being a great Sunday for me. I had an early morning meeting with the Allies Men’s ministry team to work on logistics for our upcoming retreat. I then enjoyed having Steve Harris help me with a chapel service at Mackenzie Place in the morning and Jerry Pippin play the piano for an afternoon chapel service at Collinwood. Jerry is one of the best pianists that I know. I had fun, leading some old hymns, praying for the people and preaching. If I had Jerry as a pianist when I was a pastor in a rural community over 30 years ago, we could have grown the church to a large number. Jerry and his wife Virginia lead the seniors ministry at Timberlines and were a great support during my hospitalization.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.…Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for all humanity. Psalm 107:1,8 HCSB

Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving for the faithfulness of the Lord. In the process, it reveals the faults, troubles and trials that God’s people brought on themselves. They experienced the hardship of their own choices, they cried to the Lord and the Lord delivered. That seems to be the sequence that we can observe throughout time.

Throughout the psalm we find a description of the troubles and trials that came to God’s people and we read repeatedly, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He rescued them from their distress.” (Psalm 107:6,13,19,28) I’m glad for the Lord’s patience and loving kindness. He relentlessly hears our cry and rescues us from distress, even of our own making.

What is to be the response to a God like this? It is to be one of grateful praise and thanksgiving. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for all humanity.” (Psalm 107:8,15,21,31 HCSB)

Look at the litany of God’s wonderful works and interventions available for “all humanity.” Remember that He is still doing the same today in our lives and circumstances.

“He rescued them from their distress. He led them by the right path to go to a city where they could live.” (Psa. 107:6,7) Praise God, He can direct us to where we need to be. He Rescues from the curse of sin and darkness and puts on a path to a heavenly home.

“For He has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things.” (Psa. 107:9) Let God be the One who satisfies the true need of your life. The true needs of humanity are met in Him

“He brought them out of darkness and gloom and broke their chains apart.” (Psa. 107:14) Praise God that He is a deliver. He brings light to darkness and breaks the chains of hopelessness and despair.

“He sent His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit.”   (Psa. 107:20) Praise God that God’s Word is powerful to heal and to rescue.

“He stilled the storm to a murmur, and the waves of the sea were hushed….Then He guided them to the harbor they longed for.”  (Psa. 107:29-30) For the lost, harried and storm tossed, Jesus speaks “peace be still” into our lives and we can arrive at the place we have always sought.

“He turns a desert into a pool of water, dry land into springs of water. He causes the hungry to settle there, and they establish a city where they can live. They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.” 
(Psa. 107:35-37) Praise the Lord that He creates fruitfulness where there is desolation. He provides what is needed, where it is needed…in abundance.

“…He lifts the needy out of their suffering and makes their families multiply like flocks.” (Psa. 107:41) Praise the Lord, He brings comfort to our suffering and cares for those, we care for the most.

Finally, it is imperative that we don’t treat the Lords provision with contempt. We need to stop, ponder, observe and commit our lives to the One who can intervene in our present and secure our future. “Let whoever is wise pay attention to these things and consider the Lord’s acts of faithful love.” (Psa. 107:43 HCSB)

This morning it was a special treat to have Former Senator John Andrews as the guest speaker at Timberline Allies men’s ministry breakfast. John shared his testimony of faith and challenged men to be a “link” in the chain that leads others to Christ.  We then had the opportunity to meet with Dick Foth. I knew these two men would have much in common about their commitment to Christ and His work and the political arena. I was pleased to have the opportunity to present both of these men a copy of my book in gratitude for their leadership, support and kind endorsement.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You also know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me and what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s army, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He murdered them in a time of peace to avenge blood shed in war. He spilled that blood on his own waistband and on the sandals of his feet. Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head descend to Sheol in peace.” I Kings 2:5-6 HCSB

A leader may have power, but how and when that power is used is important. A leader understands that even if he is “king” with ultimate authority, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to be aware of other “power brokers” in his ranks.

This is observed in the Bible with the influence, popularity and acclaim, that was held by the general’s of Israel’s army. Joab was David’s nephew and was the leader of the military the entire time that David reigned as king. This placed Joab in a position of power an influence among the people.

As a result, when Joab acted wickedly, it placed David in a difficult position. Abner was King Saul’s military leader. When Saul’s son reigned for seven years during a time when Israel and Judah were divided, Joab killed Abner. David ordered all his men including Joab to mourn for Abner. However, David was  in a difficult position, “Then the king said to his soldiers, “You must know that a great leader has fallen in Israel today. As for me, even though I am the anointed king, I have little power today. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil!” (2 Samuel  3:38,39 HCSB)

Abner’s death arose when King Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sleeping with one of Saul’s concubines. We read of Abner’s status, “During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner kept acquiring more power in the house of Saul.” (2 Samuel 3:6 HCSB)

As a result when Ish-bosheth accused Abner, he used that power to bring Ish-bosheth’s reign to an end. Abner said, “All this time I’ve been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends and haven’t handed you over to David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!  May God punish Abner and do so severely if I don’t do for David what the Lord swore to him:  to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beer-sheba.” 

We then read, “…Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner because he was afraid of him.” (2 Samuel 8-11 HCSB)

In the New Testament we find the Pharisees, which possessed much power, also realized that it was tenuous and they had to be sensitive to the people that followed them. One one occasion we read where Jesus asked the Scribes and Pharisees about the ministry of John the Baptist, was it from heaven or men? The Pharisee’s reasoned, “…If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ . . . ” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)” (Mark 11:31-32 NIV)

On another occasion they sought to arrest Jesus, and then had second doubts. “They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.” (Matthew 21:46 NIV)

It is interesting today, how politicians and political leaders pay attention to the opinions of people. Public opinion polls and surveys often influence public policy much more than it is realized. At times an effort is made to gain public support of a policy to get action.

Once again, wise leaders know how to act and when to act. David had to wait until his son Solomon became King before judgment came upon Joab for his evil deeds. This was facilitated when Joab joined in supporting Adonijah’s attempt to gain David’s throne.

Even in their plot against Jesus, the religious leaders knew they had to wait for the “right opportunity” and get the people on “their side.” Today you will find public policy driven by public opinion on a variety of issues.

For those who want to be a friend of a leader it is good to use your “power” to “speak truth to power.” A wise leader will listen and take to heart the advice and counsel that is offered. For the leader, remember that time is on your side. Patience is a virtue and wisdom in taking action will result in the success or failure of an endeavor.

This ended up being a good day. Nice summer weather. I got out on my bike for the first time this season. We said goodbye to our neighbors of the last three years Jeff and Jan Steiner. Jeff is returning to Washington D.C. to work for USDA in a research capacity. We enjoyed a “last supper” together before they head east early in the morning. When I returned home from our dinner, I found that the sample copies of my book arrived! I was pleased to give Jeff one of the review copies as a gift and send off to on their new venture.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “All this happened so that they might keep His statutes and obey His instructions. Hallelujah!”  Psalms 105:45 HCSB

When we look at the Bible we see a God who proves Himself. A God who gives reasons why He is to be honored, trusted and obeyed. It is interesting to observe how quickly God’s people turned away to idols and false gods of their own choosing. God’s who do nothing, offer nothing and really are nothing, other than an extension of the hearts of sinful people, who want their own way.

As Psalm 105 opens, we are implored to, “Give thanks to Yahweh, call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell about all His wonderful works!” (Psalms 105:1,2) We see the charge to, “tell about the Lord’s deeds and His wonderful works.” When you stop and observe all the Lord had done, an awe inspiring response and desire to tell others come natural. What impresses us, is express by us.

The psalmist shows how the Lord is our “go to” source for all that we need, “Honor His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.“ (Psalm 105:3,4 HCSB) When God is on your side, it is a cause for comfort and rejoicing. It builds confidence for living. Whatever your need, turn to the Lord; find strength in Him. Be one who lives in His presence. When you find yourself in need, your default should be to “seek His face.”

What is the basis for this confidence in the Lord?

This afternoon I spent in Denver at the Capitol. My scheduled meeting with a State Senator was delayed because of final action on the sate budget bill. This evening my sister Nathalee, who came in from Grand Junction, and I went to dinner with my mother in recognition of her 91st birthday. She is having more difficulty with memory, judgment, hearing and eye sight, but outside of that, is doing fairly well. 🙂 Perhaps typical for 91. (we attempted a “selfie” with mom after dinner)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 HCSB

Paul’s letter to the Colossians and the Ephesians have some similarities. To both he reminds and challenges them about the new life they have in Christ. Paul says we have an “old self that is to be viewed as dead and w are to “put on” a new self. One that is created by Christ, so we can live a “Christ-centered” life opposed to a life that lives by a fallen human nature.

Paul gives a detailed description of the characteristics of the new life. “…put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.  And let the peace of the Messiah…control your hearts…”  (Colossians 3:12-15 HCSB)

As Paul draws his letter to a close he urges what I call the most challenging test of the new life. That is because any issue of speech or the tongue is just that. It is challenging and it is a test. We see our speech is important because it reveals our heart.

Jesus put it simply, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.“ (Luke 6:45 NIV) If there is unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment, it will be reflected in our speech. If we have genuine concern for people, it will be reflected in our speech. If we have respect for those with whom we disagree, it will be reflected in our speech.

I listened today to the speech of Senate President Bill Cademan, as he made closing remarks on the new state budget. I believed they were very gracious and straightforward. He recognized the difficulty of the process, the challenge and disappointment when state priorities are not reflected in final decisions, but in the end having a budget that is acceptable and the best for the citizens of Colorado.

Paul says our words are to be full of grace. The kindness of Christ, is to be reflected in our words. This doesn’t mean “pollyannish” but reasonable. I then notice Paul says, “season with salt” not “salty.” They are gain a hearing, not be offensive and create rejection. Finally he says, “…so that you may know how you should answer each person.” That requires wisdom. When we look at some of Jesus’ words for spiritual hypocrites, the may be view as more “salty” than seasoned with salt. Then again, He was the Son of God and knew the hearts of all men. Still we realize how we speak is not to be confused with what we speak. Truth is not be compromised. Principles are not to be laid aside.

Having lived in a “world of words” more than most people, I realize the importance of the words we speak. They say something about us, how we view others and who is directing our life. May what comes out of our mouth reflect the Christ that is within our hearts.

Today, Bill Nation, came to work on some grading issues in front of our house. Bill was actually  one my respiratory therapists when I was in the Rehab Hospital. He has a background in construction and his help was greatly appreciated. I had workout with my trainer today. Even though I wasn’t sure how strong I have been, I was able to walk a stretch without crutches. You can checkout my FaceBok site for the video. https://www.facebook.com/ken.summers53

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ…” Colossians 2:8,9 HCSB

The challenge of staying true to the teaching and example of Christ is one that has existed since the days of the early church. The Colossians were facing some real threats from philosophies of the day. The danger Paul says, is that these philosophies can take the believer in Christ, “captive.”

It may start small, it may be a frontal attack against the truth of Christ. However it comes,  it distorts, distracts and subverts full devotion to Christ. Paul says most of these attacks against the truth come from philosophy, human traditions and even basic forces in nature and the world.

This afternoon I attended a book signing of former Governor Bill Ritter. I have a lot of respect for his work on environmental and energy issues, even though we have some different perspectives. But as I see ideas, positions and prognostications about the future of the climate it is very much a human-centric approach. Mankind is in charge of his own destiny, any problem, any issue has a human (or government) solution.

We see in our day as in Paul’s, divisions and issues over rituals, and days and traditions.“… don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is the Messiah.” (Colossians 2:16,17 HCSB)

Paul recognizes that some of these issues may not be “bad” or “wrong,” but they become a snare when they supersede Christ and obedience to Him and worship of Him. Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees over His actions on the Sabbath. They judged the One who made the Sabbath, about His observances of Sabbath. It shows how they lost their focus and supplanted worship of Christ with worship of tradition.

One of the most dangerous deceptions comes from “spiritual revelations.” Paul cautions, “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm and inflated without cause by his unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18 HCSB)

When dreams, revelations and “spiritual insight” supplants the focus on Christ and His teaching, watch out! One of the greatest enemies to true spiritual gifts, miracles and manifestations are those that contradict Christ’s character and truth and elevates the status of the individual.

If you want to know God, if you want true spiritual insight focus on Jesus. Hebrews declares Him, “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV) As Jesus prayed in the upper room, He said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.“ (John 17:3)

Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration as Peter, James and John looked on. Here is what happened, “…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.… When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” (Matthew 17:5-8 NIV)

Jesus is greater than Moses the lawgiver and judge. He is greater than Elijah and the prophets. He is God’s Son. Look to Him and allow Jesus to be your constant focus and plumb line.

After a lighter schedule yesterday and more difficult day physically; I had a busier day today and was able to “hang in there” fairly well.  I had my morning “prayer connection” downtown and then Bible Study at Morning Star Assisted Living. After being home for about an hour, I had my Rotary Club lunch and then a meeting to review scholarship applications being awarded to high school students by our club. So I was away from home from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. While in the past that would have been a “short” day for me, it is now one of my “long” days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.” Colossians 1:9-12 HCSB

I recall a story about Alexander the Great passing judgment on the cowardly actions of one of his soldiers. The young man begged for his life and in a rare moment of mercy; the leader listen to the soldier’s plea and pardoned his transgression. Before dismissing him, he asked the young man his name. The young man responded, “My name is as yours my Lord, Alexander.”

The Emperor’s countenance suddenly changed and he flew into a rage. He ran to the man who was prostrate on the floor, picked him and said, “Solider! Change your ways, or change your name!”

When we call ourselves, “Christian” does our life, attitudes and actions reflect those of Christ? Paul’s prayer for the Colossians believers is that they would have the knowledge of God’s will, the wisdom and spiritual understanding to, “walk worthy of the Lord.”

What is the Lord’s will for our life? His will is for us to bear fruit; for our lives to reflect the character qualities of Christ. This among other features certainly involves the “fruit of the Spirit.” “…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22 NLT)

The gifts that we have may vary and be those that are suited to us and given sovereignly by God’s grace. But all of us are to manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

We are to continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul declared, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!“ (Romans 11:33 NIV) Regardless of how long we have followed Christ, there is always more to learn and greater insights to be gained. That is why Peter said, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV) We come to know Christ and we continue to know Him and learn of Him.

The Lord wants us to know that there is strength available for every challenge and test and obstacle we may face in life. Along with the strength the Lord provides will be the grace to have patience and to endure. Remember, “trials don’t come to last, they come to pass.”

The Lord want us to know and understand that we are in good company and we have a future. “…with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.” (Col. 1:12 HCSB) JB Philips paraphrase uses these words, “you are privileged to share the lot of those who are living in the light.”

Paul told Timothy that “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV) However we also read the words of Peter how faith, impacts our attitude, “Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” (1 Peter 1:8 NLT)

As we bear the name and identity that connects us to Christ. Let’s be those who seek to live up to that name and represent Him well to the world around. Let’s live a life “worthy” of the Lord.

Not an overly exciting day from what was on my calendar, but I was pleased to receive notice that sample hard copies of my book may be ready in two weeks. That is certainly exciting. After months and weeks of work and waiting, it seems the process is speeding up. I will keep you informed on what is happening.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…a revelation from the Lord had come to the prophet Gad, David’s seer:  “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am offering you three choices. Choose one of them, and I will do it to you.’” So Gad went to David, told him the choices, and asked him, “Do you want three years of famine to come on your land, to flee from your foes three months while they pursue you, or to have a plague in your land three days? Now, think it over and decide what answer I should take back to the One who sent me.” 2 Samuel 24:11-13 HCSB

Three wishes would be better than three options for punishment. If you were David which would you choose?

This situation arose when David commanded General Joab to take census of the army. Doesn’t seem unusual. You would think in the natural a King would want to know the number and strength of his army. However, David’s kingdom was not just a natural kingdom, it was to be guided by supernatural trust and principles. The confidence of David was not to rest in the number of his fighting men, but in God’s ability to “save by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Joab with all of his faults, knew this was not right. But “David’s will prevailed.” But David soon came to his senses and realized his sin.

We can observe many truths just in what has happened to this point in the story. When we go against what we know is right before the Lord we will learn to regret it. David even had the benefit of someone who served as a “check” on his conscious. But he still pushed on.

When David had to face the reality of his decisions this is what he prayed, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away Your servant’s guilt.” (2 Samuel 24:10 HCSB)

But we then see that sin while always qualifying for forgiveness, often has unexpected consequences. So David is given is choice of punishment. Three years of famine, three months of being pursued by enemies (David probably thought, “been there, done that!”) or three days of a plague in the land.

What is interesting is that David did not render a specific choice, but his position was, “I have great anxiety. Please, let us fall into the Lord’s hands because His mercies are great, but don’t let me fall into human hands.” (2 Samuel 24:14 HCSB)

A plague ravaged he land and from one end of Israel to another 70,000 died before the Lord said, “enough!” The prophet Gad told David to build an altar and make as sacrifice. David wasted no time in heeding the word of the prophet. He purchased the threshing floor of Araunah, and even though it was offered free to the King, David responded, “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24 HCSB)

In the words of Paul Harvey, “and now the rest of the story.” This site north of the city at that time would become the place where Solomon’s Temple would be built. Today when you stand on “Temple Mount” – you are not only reminded of the ram the Lord provided Abraham to be sacrificed in the place Isaac, but you are reminded that this is were the sacrifice took place as the innocent were suffering for the guilty acts of another.

Throughout the years until its final fulfillment in Christ, the Temple would be a place where the innocent would be offered for the sins of the guilty. The cross is a picture of total innocence being put to death for the sin of the world. It is also a picture of God providing the “lamb of God” who took upon him the punishment due us for our sin.

David did have it right. It is better to be in God’s hands, than trusting in yourself or others.