We returned to a touch of winter today. Cold with some snow flurries. After a morning conference call, I headed off to my Chiropractor appointment. Then before my afternoon fitness workout, Mike Patrick (Patrick Plumbing and Heating) came to give me an estimate on some work in our basement. I was delighted to find out that he not only has years of connection at  Timberline Church, but knew Debbie’s parents and had even done a service call for Debbie’s mom when she owned our house.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” Ephesians 1:3 HCSB

It is often easy to “gloss over” the opening verses of a New Testament letter and get to the “real” message. Perhaps I am just sharing my own pattern. I recall studying and memorizing many verses from Ephesians when I was a teenager, so I consider myself familiar with the text.

However, as I was reading through this book once again, these first few verses arrested by attention. Paul expresses his praise to the Lord for the spiritual blessings we have in Christ and then he shares some of those blessings in details. Perhaps it is good for us to pause and to understand those spiritual blessings and to give praise to God for what He has done for us in Christ.

We are chosen. “For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.” (Eph. 1:4 HCSB) When God made Adam and Eve, He created them as holy individuals. That is, those who were “set apart” to know God and have fellowship with Him. Yet sin entered the world and broke that fellowship and created a barrier between God and man. Yet God from the beginning of time, worked through time, to make way for  sinful humanity to be “blameless” and set apart (holy) in His sight.

We are God’s children. “He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself…” (Eph. 1:5 HCSB) All are part of “God’s creation” but we become part of God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ. God, once again, predetermined that through Christ sinful people would be part of God’s family, loved and accepted. Those who are children have special, “favor.” Paul says all this was “…according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.” (Eph. 1:5-6 HCSB)

We are redeemed. “We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Eph. 1:7,8 HCSB) Redemption means to “buy back.” That is what God for us in Christ. Through Christ the curse of sin and death is broken, we have forgiveness of sins and His grace is provided in “lavish” amounts. He also grants us wisdom and understanding to see God’s plan and purpose for our life and the world.

We are heirs. “We have also received an inheritance in Him…” (Eph. 1:11 HCSB) An inheritance is the provision and blessing passed on to a future generation. In Christ we have the promise of a glorious future. We don’t have to worry about what the future may hold, it has already been provided for through Christ. The good thing is that we are already recipients of the inheritance that belongs to us through Christ.

We are sealed. “…when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance…” (Eph. 1:13,14 HCSB) A seal is the “mark” of ownership, it is a symbol of security. The power of the Holy Spirit is the evidence of God’s work in our life and through our life. It is a reminder that “we belong to Him.” It is the down payment of the glories that await those who place their hope and trust in the Lord. The best is yet to come!

We are chosen, children, redeemed, heirs and sealed by God, through Christ. To what end has all this happened? “…to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:14 HCSB) With all the challenges of life and the trials that can our way, we need to remember all the blessings we have in Christ. When we do, we have strength for all that confronts and assurance of victory through Christ.

Today has gone by quickly. But it has been one of focused work on my tax return for the year. I hope to finish up by tomorrow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons.…After they lived in Moab about 10 years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two children and without her husband.” Ruth 1:3-5 HCSB

It is interesting what life can bring. What a difference a decade can make! I’m sure Elimelech believed he was doing the right thing to move from Bethlehem to Moab. There was famine in the land and even though the Mobaites were traditional enemies of Israel, he decided to seek refuge in their land.

Over the next ten years a family that took a trip to a foreign land, for a season, was reduced to a wife/mother and her daughter-in-laws. Naomi found herself a widow, mourning the loss of her two sons. No husband, no children, in a foreign land.

I have written in the past about “When the Unexpected Happens.” These turn of events for Naomi, turned a place of refuge into a place of mourning and bitterness. Have you ever known someone who made a “big” move with great expectations and soon they found that it just wasn’t working out? We see that in the beginning of this story.

Naomi did what was best, she resolved to “go home” – to return to the land of her family and ancestors. When she did the years and the grief showed on her countenance. “…the whole town was excited about their arrival and the local women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” (Ruth 1:19 HCSB)

Naomi returned with her daughter-in-law Ruth to begin a new life. She left Bethlehem in a time of famine and she returns as a poor widow. She sends Ruth to glean in the fields during the barley harvest to have some grain for food.  She intentionally sends her to the fields of one of her husbands relatives, so she would be safe.

We see the Lord provides for them by Boaz the relative taking Ruth as his wife. The story ends with not just a “happy ending” but is significant because Ruth, the Moabite, becomes the great-grandmother of King David.

In looking at the events, the trip from Bethlehem (the House of Bread) to a land that was not only hostile toward Israel, but proved to be a hostile environment for the men of the household. I guess we could observe that a major life move needs considerable contemplation.

No one can anticipate what the future holds. As my friend Paul Irwin shared when he was with us recently, “life is a gift, life is precious and life is fragile.” Naomi found that out. Ten years can seem like a long time, but ten years in Moab was like an eternity, it changed life as she knew it.

When you find yourself in a “Naomi” situation, the best thing to do is to return; to go home. That is what Naomi did, that is what the prodigal son did. Naomi, even in her bitterness of what life had brought, choose wisely to return and reconnect with “her people.” This shows the value of relationships, family and familiar environments, of “home.”

Finally, I observe the Lord is able to redeem the events of our lives. The story of this book is to remind us of how the story ends, not what can be viewed as the poor judgment that lead to tragic circumstances. In our life, we need to have hope that however bad the circumstances can be, they can be redeemed by the Lord’s grace.

I’m sure it took some humility for Naomi to return home. She did the right thing and the Lord rewarded her right actions with a “grandson” she did not have. The women of the town now declared, “Praise the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel.  He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.”  (Ruth 4:14,15 HCSB)

When our decisions bring “what is not expected”, the Lord can bring to us “what is not expected”, as we trust in Him and follow His leading and see him redeem our lives.

Most of my day was in Denver at the State Capitol. I traveled with former Rep. Jim Welker. Several thousand people gathered for a rally with Franklin Graham. The wind made it a harsh day as far as weather, but people were focused and excited to be on the capitol grounds to pray for our nation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” Romans 12:21 HCSB

The classic conflict is between “good and evil.” It is important to realize that the battle is real and the risks are high. You can’t just coast or you will get run over in life. You just can’t assume all is good, when evil and risk are in your path everyday.

In a short verse Paul summarizes the conflict and the response. “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” If we are not on guard we will be overcome by evil. That evil may be in the influence of the world around, the attitudes of others or our own natural desires. Paul says proactive response is to conquer evil with good. Even if the fight is difficult and the results are not evident, we are to continue to do that which is pleasing to the Lord.

This admonition comes at the end of a list of a “call to action” offered by Paul. The proper approach is a mindset that “detests evil; and clings to what is good.” (Romans 12:8 HCSB) Paul in an extensive list shows us how to treat others, manifest true love, show concern for the less fortunate and to do all that we can on our part to live in peace and promote the well-being of others.

Here is what he says, “Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.  Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.  Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.  If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.  Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath.“ (Romans 12:10-19 HCSB)

These verses reveal that overcoming evil with good not only involves our actions, but our attitudes. It involves how we view ourselves and how we view and treat others. This list is probably one that we need to read and re-read. To not only read, but to contemplate and consider what is means for me in my life, my work, my family.

Perhaps these are some good verses to read the next time I share a prayer at the Capitol. Then again, perhaps they are good verses for me to use as a check list for how I am doing in life. They will help us know if we are being conquered by evil or conquering evil with good.

This morning before attending a funeral service for the father of my friend Ron Kee, I attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast. It has been several weeks since I have been there. It was good to connect with Jefferson County resident Jerry Nativiadad, who is one of the newest candidates for the U.S. Senate. This evening I will attend a local candidate forum in Berthoud as part of my Larimer Energy Action Project activities.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past—things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us. We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.”  Psalms 78:1-4 HCSB

The last few days have brought an interesting connection between my Saturday men’s breakfast and a funeral today. Kirk Weaver of Family Time Ministries challenged us about the family having the primary responsibility to pass on the faith to future generations. He shared some of the verses of this Psalm, that I read recently.

Today, I attended the funeral service of Bill Kee the father of our friend for 40 years Ron Kee. We have also met  Ron’s siblings at some point over the years. During the service Bill’s son-in-law, Wayne Pendleton, shared about legacy, that which is passed from one generation to another.

The verses above reveal the inter-generational connection to the faith. The psalmist speaks of “things we have heard and known and that our fathers passed down to us.” In those words you have three generations in focus. We see words of responsibility and urgency when we read, “we must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord…”

This is more than “story-telling” or as my daughter says, “trips down memory lane.” This is an intentional communication of faith and God’s wonders to stir faith in the Lord’s on-going work in present and future generations.

“He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children
so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep His commands.” (Psalm 78:5-7 HCSB)

As I read these words, I think of the value of “whetting an appetite” for the things of God. The testimony and confidence in God is to create a response of, “I want that too” in the lives of future generations. We live too much in a world that has the attitude of “that’s ‘nice’ for you…but it’s not for me.” This psalm reveals what happens when that attitude exists and future generations fail to embrace the legacy of past generations.

“The Ephraimite archers turned back on the day of battle. They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law. They forgot what He had done, the wonderful works He had shown them.” (Psalms 78:9-11 HCSB)

These sons of Israel experienced panic and defeat, instead or courage and victory when it was needed the most. Why was it? Because they “did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law.” The tribe of Ephraim which were descendants of Joseph had a great family legacy.  The faithfulness of Joseph, became the fear and cowardice in a future generation. They depended on their own resources and found how inadequate they were without God.

The challenge is to remember, embrace and tell. In our own lives, we must not forget the faithfulness of the Lord and His provisions. We must renew daily our commitment to the Lord and His ways. Then we must tell, in engaging and creative ways the “works of the Lord and His wonders” in a way that arrests, engages and motivates the next generation to continue the legacy of faith.

After “manning” the men’s table and attending church last night, today was an assisted living service day. This morning I joined Pastor Steve Harris for a chapel service at Mackenzie Place. This afternoon, I was part of a service at Collinwood Assisted Living. Those services and the preparation took up most of my day. It seem like this month is going by quickly and this next week will a significant number of appointments.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith.  But Israel, pursuing the law for righteousness, has not achieved the righteousness of the law. Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works.”  Romans 9:30-32 HCSB

What is righteousness? It can be viewed as “rightness.” It is living a life by God’s standard and that which is pleasing to the Lord. How often we hear of individuals who justify themselves by their own actions or their perceived standard of conduct. For the Jews the focus was on the Law of Moses. Their focus was bring “right before God based on their ability to adhere to the law.

Then along come the despised Gentiles and they by their faith in God are declared righteous in a manner that the Jews had not and could not attain. Why was that? Because in God’s sight “no one is righteous.” (Romans 3:10) The righteous life is not a matter of doing as much as it is believing. I once heard it explained that religion is spelled, “d-o” – “do” You follow the rules, jump through the hoops, “live the life.” However, relationship with Christ is spelled, “d-o-n-e” “done.” It is a “rightness” before God based on what Christ has done for us on the cross.

Paul says all this is related to the simplicity of the plan. All have sinned, and all have the same remedy available for sin. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Often the statement is made, “there are many ways to heaven.” That is the human attempt to be right before God in their “own way.” But it isn’t God’s plan. God’s plan is straightforward.

“This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.”  (Romans 10:9,10 HCSB)

We can repent, relax and be right before the Lord. As that new life comes, we then live by that new life. “…We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? ….count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:2,11 NIV)

We can be so familiar with the message and the concepts of what God has done for us through Christ, it can lose its power and significance. In my life, I am paying attention in a fresh way what the hymn writer of old referred to as, “the wonder of it all, just to think that God loved me.”

This morning my friend Kirk Weaver spoke to our Allies Men’s Breakfast. Kirk directs Family Time Ministries and provides practical guidelines and encouragement on how parents and grandparents can be a spiritual impact in the lives of their children. This afternoon I finally got a start on my 2015 tax returns. I am running later than usual in this annual obligation to the government. I am also tapering off my reduced prednisone dose. Even though it has been small, we are trying to monitor any effects on my strength and energy.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so.”  Romans 8:5-7 HCSB

What we think on determines the focus of our life, the direction of our life and the success or failure of our life. Solomon said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV) As Paul talks about a life lived by faith that is apart from the law; a life that is to be dedicated to pleasing Christ he talks about the importance of the focus of our mind and our thoughts.

Paul begins chapter 8 with some well-known encouraging words, “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1,2 HCSB) He then provides the why of that freedom from condemnation. Not only has Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law and brought us into relationship with God through Himself, but He also empowers us with a new focus.

The concepts are simple, yet impacting for our lives. When we think about the “flesh” we do what the “flesh” wants or desires. When we think about “Christ” we do what pleases Him. James talks about how the “double-minded” person being unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7) James is really talking about the person who asks God for something and then doubts. That conflict between faith and doubt creates instability. In the same way the conflict of a mind-set on the flesh and a mind-set on Christ creates instability.

Paul says, the mind-set on the flesh cannot please God or do what God wants because it creates a “hostile” attitude toward the things of God. In the same way, when a mind is set on the things of God it brings “peace and life.” Paul also wrote to the Colossians and said, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2 NIV)
What does it mean to “set our minds on things above” or to have a mind-set on Christ? Paul provides some practical guidelines in his letter to the Philippians.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8,9 NIV)

When Paul talks about setting your mind on things above he is referring to Christ’s position of being exalted in heaven. The writer to the Hebrews encourages “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1,2 NKJV)

To be successful in a race you keep your focus on the finish line. You don’t focus on the pain you are experiencing or how far you have to go. You focus your mind on the banner that stretches cross the finish line and that serves as your encouragement and allows everything else to be subject to the goal.

That is the way it is to be with our lives. Do you want life and peace? Do you want a focus that brings encouragement to your day. Do you want something that will help you press through the hard places of life? Have your mind-set on Christ.

I was glad to have a day without appointments or a trip to Denver. I was able to get in a session with my trainer at the fitness center. Today we also enjoyed some warm temps and spring-like weather. Overall a good day to work on some things that other appointments have kept me from.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For I want very much to see you, so I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:11,12 HCSB

Paul begins his letter to the Romans with an emphasis on faith. He begins by saying, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.” (Romans 1:8 HCSB) What a great commendation to not only have a strong commitment to “the faith” – but for your faith to be reported “in all the world.”

The key point or the “big idea” of our verse above is that faith grows by encouragement. So often individuals view faith as “private” and “personal.” While we as individuals must make a commitment of faith, our faith grows when we connect in relationship and are “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

It is interesting that Paul did not say, “I will encourage your faith” but that their would be “mutual” encouragement. Regardless of your “spiritual maturity” or giftedness or ministry position, we all need encouragement in our life of faith.

During the visit of my friend Paul Irwin this week, I found as we shared about life, and our faith the mutual encouragement that arose. At the end of Paul’s visit, I sensed my perspective and focus changed as he shared about his life and the work he is involved in and lessons he continues to learn from his walk with the Lord.

When Tim Tebow played for the Denver Broncos, he gained a lot of attention because of his out spoken faith. I recall during a sports radio program former Bronco Ed McCaffrey made the comment, that Tim’s boldness was a challenge to him to be more open in sharing his faith with others.

Paul says that faith gives confidence and courage in sharing the gospel, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16,17 HCSB)

If we are going to live a “righteous” life, our faith must be strong. We take the Lord at His word and we believe in Him and His promises, even in the midst of the challenges, setbacks and victories in life. To have strong faith, we need to be around other people of faith who are trusting the Lord and seeing Him faithful in the events of their life. We also need to share with others, so that together our faith individually and as God’s people remains strong in a world, “who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18 HCSB)

This afternoon I made a trip to the Capitol, to testify on an anti-oil and gas bill. It was a long hearing with many witnesses. I returned to Fort Collins to join my HOA board meeting late and then finally return home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.” Judges 17:6 HCSB “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  Judges 21:25 HCSB

All of the challenges, faults and failures of God’s people in the days of the judges is reflected in the verses above. What is repeated should get our attention. At the end the life of Samson considered the final judge of Israel (unless you count Samuel) is the striking observation about the spiritual condition of Israel. It is repeated as the last words of the book.

Consider the words of Proverbs 29:18 “When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.” (CEB) “If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.” (ERV)

This is certainly what was taking place among God’s people. While there was no political King, there was a leader of the people. God was to be their leader and in the forefront of their hearts and minds. His law was to be the guard rails for the trajectory of their lives.

However they lost sight of God, they were distracted by the nations around and their gods and they were out of control in their behavior. They embraced idolatry and lost their way. It is said of the tribe of Dan, “The Danites set up the carved image for themselves. Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the Danite tribe until the time of the exile from the land.” (Judges 18:30 HCSB) That means their idolatry lasted for hundreds of years.

It is said of Samson, as he lost his strength and became a slave to the Philistines, “When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” (Judges 16:20 HCSB)

Losing our focus on the Lord results in throwing off constraint and becoming insensitive to the ways of the Lord. We assume that the Lord is with us when we begin following our own ways and ignore His. This is why the first commandment is so important. Serving God and Him alone, keeps our focus on Him. We are reminded that He is God and that we are accountable to Him.

When we make ourselves (or anything else) “our own god” we quickly lose our way and “go off the rails.” That is so much at the heart of post-modern philosophy of no right or wrong and “doing what makes me happy.” However, true happiness is found in loving God and obeying Him.

For those who believe people are “basically good” need to examine the lives of God’s people during the days of the Judges. They also need to just look around them at those who live by “their own rules.” You will find that God’s ways are the best and that scripture is true when it says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?“ (Jeremiah 17:9 NLT)