It was good to be home last night. However, I had a rough night we some severe pain in my left leg and hip and then a very sore throat. I’m glad I started feeling better as the morning progressed. I was able to make a trip to Greeley to be on a radio program hosted by long-time friend, John Clarke. This afternoon I needed several hours of rest to continue my recovery. As I reflected on our travels this past week, I realized we put about 1,000 miles on our cars in our detours to navigate the normal 150 miles between Denver and Glenwood Springs.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit. When someone hears the words of this oath, he may consider himself exempt, thinking, ‘I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.’” Deuteronomy 29:18-19 HCSB

As Moses recounts the law to a new generation that will possess the Promised Land, he focuses on that fact that God’s laws are for their good, protection and future security. “Look, today I set before you a blessing and a curse:  there will be a blessing, if you obey the commands of the Lord your God I am giving you today…For you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you possess it and settle in it, be careful to follow all the statutes and ordinances I set before you today.” (Deu. 11:26-28;31-32 HCSB)

At the end of Deuteronomy we find Moses repeating this warning and challenge.  “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,  love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life…“ (Deut. 30:19,20 HCSB)

The obstacles to choosing this life promised by the Lord are similar to those faced today. One was from the influence of the nations around them, that they were to expel from the land. They were not “copy” or follow the ways of the “culture” of the people of the land. This threat may come from family members, it may be that entire cities would be drawn away to idolatry. If so, the response was to be quick and thorough in riding the nation of the influence. (Deu. 13:6-18)

The priorities of our present culture continually test the devoted follower of Christ. Do the attitudes, actions and priorities of your life reflect what is pleasing to the Lord or that which is acceptable to the culture? Do you seek the approval of the Lord, or others?

The people were also to be on guard for “false prophets.” These were those who predicted future events that did not come true and those who proclaimed a message that contradicted the clear instructions of the Lord. Throughout time those who would follow Christ faithfully, must be aware of those who would distort God’s message and attempt to gain their “own following.”

The desire to “live by my own rules” is another obstacle to choosing life, the best life the Lord has for His people. Even in Moses day, he recognized that there would be those who would question God’s ways. They deceived themselves by saying, “I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.” The challenge of submitting to Christ’s Lordship over our own is a constant battle. It is often said, “if Christ is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.” There is in the fallen nature of humanity the desire to “go our own way.” We want to be the captain of our own destiny and the ruler of our future. That is a sure recipe for disaster.

The reality is, it can appear on the surface, that approach works out okay for them. On the surface they are “happy, wealthy and wise.” They seem to be enjoying the “good life.” But this life is only a small part of eternity. Paul told Timothy, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV)

The lesson can be observed and learned throughout time; the “Lord’s ways are best.” When we choose to follow the Lord and submit to Him, it is a life of blessing and freedom. All that people seek and desire, is met through what the Lord has provided through Christ and the life He brings. “Choose life…for He is your life.”

As we returned to Denver from Glenwood Springs, I-70 was still closed due to a rock slide and road damage. We got an early start and the trip went well. We arrived at Christian’s home about two yours before the rest of the family  made it. We enjoyed our weekend, even with the extended travel time. It was good to be with all of our family and our extended family.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah  Psalm 62:5-8 HCSB

There are times in the hectic pace and pressures of life, that we need to stop, catch our breathe and refocus our attention. In the Psalms we see this practice reflected in the word, “Selah.” The Amplified Bible uses these words in the place of “Selah” – “pause and calmly think about that.” Some commentators believe the word, “Selah” is related to a musical command; perhaps similar to a “rest” in our modern musical style. The observation is made, “Perhaps they [musicians] were pausing to praise Him about whom the song was speaking, perhaps even lifting their hands in worship.”  (http://www.gotquestions.org/selah.html)

I believe this Hebrew word, is especially significant to the verses that precede it. This is good biblical, “self-talk.” David frequently uses this approach in speaking to “his soul. “Rest in God alone…my hope comes from Him.” The Hebrew word, “soul” speaks of life itself including, “desire, passion, appetite, emotion.” Life itself can bring much unrest, anxiety and insecurity.

When we look to the Lord we find the strength that we need for what life brings. David uses the words, “salvation” “stronghold” and “refuge.” These are powerful, encouraging and peace-filled words. I remember a little poem from years ago that goes something like this:

“If you look at others, you will be distressed;

If you look at yourself, you will be depressed;

But, if you look to Jesus, you will be blessed.”

This is what David is communicating in the words of this Psalm. He goes on to point out: “Men are only a vapor;
exalted men, an illusion.…If wealth increases, pay no attention to it…” (Psa. 62:9-10 HCSB) Prestige, status, and wealth can be a source of unrest and insecurity. When we focus on the Lord and place our trust in Him, we find the peace and confidence that is needed in life. Peace and confidence that is deep-seated, secure and hope-filled. If you need that, “pour out your heart to the Lord” and place your trust in Him. If you have that peace and security, take a moment….pause, reflect and lift your heart and hands in worship.

Today is wedding day for my sister’s youngest of two daughters, Kirsten. The weather is cooperating in Glenwood Springs, allowing for the planned outdoor wedding. My brother and his daughter flew in from California and brought my mother with them, so she could attend the wedding. It has been good to be together as a family, even for a short time. Last night, we enjoyed a family meal at the “Italian Underground” one of our favorite, “haunts” here in Glenwood Springs.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army.  He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’” Deuteronomy 20:2-4 HCSB

The Lord’s instructions for His people were comprehensive. They covered all aspect of life from sacrifices, to festivals, to dietary guidelines, personal relationships, to law, to government, to preparation for battle.

The regulations for war involved both the priests and the leader. It was not just a military expedition, but an extension of their obedience to the Lord. As the troops assembled, it was not just the military leader who spoke words to embolden and encourage the men who went into battle.

The priest was the first to speak. His words were designed to instill courage and strength and trust in the Lord as the One who would make them ultimately successful. They were not to focus on or be intimated, by the size, strength or armament  of the enemy. They were to focus their attention on the Lord and His power. In the words of Paul in the New Testament, they were to focus “not on the seen, but on the unseen.” (1 Corinthians 4:18)

The military leader’s charge was to “thin the ranks.” “The officers are to address the army, ‘Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him leave and return home….Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Le t him leave and return home….Has any man become engaged to a woman and not married her? Let him leave and return home…‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers’ hearts won’t melt like his own.’ (Deu. 20:5-8 HCSB)

Giving “an out” for all of these reasons, could thin the ranks significantly. However, it is easy to see that the point is to have soldiers who are bold, and focused on their mission and not discouraged by the fear or “whining” of others over what they “left behind.” As Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “…nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6 ESV) As we see in Gideon’s army the Lord is looking for those dedicated to Him, in whom He can be glorified.

Finally, we see as the armies approached a city, they were first to offer peace and an opportunity for surrender. It was only then that they were to engaged in the siege against the city. We can read details about how they were to treat the enemy and what was allowed as “soils of war.”

How does this related to us today? We read in the New Testament that we must be aware that we are involved in a spiritual war of conflict. “We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.“ (Ephesians 6:6 CEV)

We are to be prepared, not paranoid. We are to be strong, not weak. We are to be courageous, and not fearful. We are to be focused and not distracted and we are to remember that it is the Lord who brings us the victory. We don’t need to “look for battles” to be fought. But we need to be on guard and ready to stand our ground with “God’s armor.”

“This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.” (Ephesians 6:13 HCSB)

A rock slide in Glenwood canyon, closed I-70 west and caused us to take a scenic detour that extended our travel time from Dillon by over three hours. We all arrived safely and in the process went through some towns and saw some scenery that we have not seen before. Tomorrow is my niece’s wedding and with the travel restrictions we will stay an extra night in Glenwood Springs and pray for I-70 to be reopened by Sunday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:3,4 HCSB

There are many causes of fear in our world and our life. A chorus we have been singing at our church in recent months from Bethel Music contains a chorus with the words, “I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God.” (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bethelmusic/nolongerslaves.html)

That is a song King David could sing and could have written. His version though proclaimed, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” David’s fear was not psychological in nature but founded upon those who sought to destroy him. Psalm 56 opens with David pleading for God’s gracious favor because, “…man tramples me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me…” (Psa. 56:1,2 HCSB)

David’s response was to trust in God, to praise God and to not fear what “man” could do to him. I am reminded of Jesus words, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NIV)

David’s trust was based in God’s promise, God’s faithfulness and God’s awareness of any sorrow that would come his way. We find in this Psalm, the well-known words, “You Yourself have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your records? Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. This I know: God is for me.” (Psalm 56:8,9 HCSB)

The trials of David’s life were not out of God’s all-seeing eye. As a result, David had confidence of the Lord’s intervention and the assurance “God is for me.”

There is no greater reminder that you can hold on to and even say out loud, when faced with fear than, “This I know: God is for me.” To that declaration you can add the words of Paul, “…If God is for us [me], who can be against us [me]?“ (Romans 8:31 NIV)

We live in a day of uncertainty; from our economy, to personal issues, to personal finances, to a world filled with “terrorism.” You can experience peace in the midst of that which would bring fear to our lives. The key is to trust in the Lord. To remember that He is aware of your sorrows, fears and tears. You can reinforce those assurances, with the confidence that when you call on the Lord your enemies will retreat, because “God is for me.”

The good news is, we have all the grandchildren with us for four days. The good news…it’s only four days. I think Debbie feels like this is not much of a vacation serving as the “camp cook.”  Stephanie is helping out and it takes all four adults to keep tabs on six kids. Actually they have been doing quite well and tomorrow we head to Glenwood Springs and Christian and Bridget come to join us, so reinforcements are on their way. I-70 west remains closed with a rocky slide, so we will have a scenic route to Glenwood Springs.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”  Deuteronomy 6:4,5 HCSB

Love for God is called the “greatest commandment.” It was not called that by Moses; it is not found in the Old Testament. It is called that by Jesus when asked by a Pharisee which was the greatest commandment. In some ways I wish Jesus would have said, “You must not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, so that you may keep the commands of the Lord your God I am giving you.” (Deu. 4:2 HCSB) This is because the Pharisees while sticklers for the law, were flagrant violators of this command. They added so many of their own laws that, their laws made to protect “God’s law” became more important than the original commandments.

Yet Jesus pointed to what was emphasized in the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy begins and ends with the importance of loving God. When the command is given it shows the extent to which our love for God is to consume our entire being. All that we are, all that is in us, is to reveal our love for God through the way we honor and respect His ways.

As the individual commands are to be remembered and honored, it is love for God that is to be the greatest motivating factor in obedience to all the commandments. Love for God is to be impressed on children in a consistent manner. “Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deu. 6:7 HCSB)

As Moses communicates God’s commands to a new generation, ready to enter the promised land, he repeatedly emphasizes the importance of love for God. It is basic and it is required. When someone asked, “what does God require” Moses says, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul?” (Deu. 10:12 HCSB)

When Moses summarizes God’s law he says, “Therefore, love the Lord your God and always keep His mandate and His statutes, ordinances, and commands.” (Deu. 11:1 HCSB)

Loving God was the key to blessing, victory and security in the promised land. “If you carefully obey my commands I am giving you today, to love the Lord your God and worship Him with all your heart and all your soul,  I will provide rain for your land in the proper time, the autumn and spring rains and you will harvest your grain, new wine, and oil.” (Deu. 11:13,14 HCSB)

“…if you carefully observe every one of these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, and remain faithful to Him— the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will drive out nations greater and stronger than you are.” (Deu. 11:22,23 HCSB)

Loving God provides stability in faith and relationship with the Lord. False prophets and deceivers will test God’s love. “…do not listen to that prophet’s words or to that dreamer. For the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul.” (Deu. 13:3 HCSB) If our love for God is strong, we will not be easily shaken in our faith by circumstances, false teaching or other attempts that cause us to “walk away” from our devotion.

As Deuteronomy comes to an end and Moses is about to anoint Joshua as his successor and die, his last words to God’s people are, “…love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land…” (Deu. 30:20 HCSB)

While Christ has fulfilled and set us free from the law as a means to righteousness with God, what remains is our call to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.” This command transcends time, because it lies at the heart of our relationship and obedience to the Lord’s ways. No other command is repeated as much and none is more important for our lives.

Today was a busy and fun day for the Summers clan. Nathan and Stephanie hit the slopes with their boys, Christian came up with his boys to meet them at Loveland Basin. I headed to Denver for a work meeting. While there I ran some errands to be ready for our weekend trip to Glenwood and picked up Eliana and brought her back to Dillon with me.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 HCSB

As Paul concludes his letter to the Church in Galatia, he reminds them of their responsibility to one another. Each person is responsible for their conduct and life before the Lord. Paul says, “..each person will have to carry his own load.“ (Galatians 6:5 HCSB) How they live, is not to be a source of pride. The “comparison game” may have some merit with people, but not with God. God is out standard and not others.

However, when someone is “caught in a wrongdoing” there is an obligation on those who “are spiritual” to restore that individual. That calls for an attitude of gentleness and humility. There is also a caution, for even the “spiritual” are vulnerable to temptation.

Paul’s caution is: “watch out for yourself so you also won’t be tempted.” In practical application that can take different forms. It might be a warning against falling prey to the same temptation. It is important for some who is restoring another not to become “soiled” by the same or similar sin. Restoration involves lifting someone up, not being dragged down.

Another aspect of the caution relates to a false sense of security and even spiritual pride. It is easy to have an attitude of, “that could never happen to me!” Paul says, “if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.“ (Galatians 6:3 HCSB)

In “carrying each others burdens” we fulfill the command to “love one another, as you love yourself.” That is the “Law of Christ.” Moses in the Law commanded God’s people to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.” Jesus said right behind that command to love God, is to love others. There is no greater expression of love for others than coming to the aid of a fellow believer who is in need.

Paul concludes with a reminder that while the good we do is to be extended to all, that those of the family of faith should be of special concern and focus. “…we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10 HCSB)

As we live out our faith, and work out “our own salvation”  we need to “look out for each other.” It is an important aspect our being the “Church.” As we do that, we need to be on guard to our own vulnerabilities. As the old saying goes, “but for the grace of God, there go I.”

Nathan and Stephanie headed out to the ski slopes today. Debbie and I kept tabs on the grandchildren. When Debbie took Carter to do some birthday shopping, Mason and I went to the pool and then I had Mason help me with some exercises. It was great to have all the grandchildren together yesterday. I can’t believe how fast our boys are growing,

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control...” Galatians 5:22,23 HCSB

The list of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is one of the most well-know in the New Testament. It is set in contrast to the “works of the flesh.” I believe the words, “works” and “fruit” are noteworthy. The deeds done related to our sinful nature are just that. They are actions and they come “natural.” They reflect the fallen nature that is a part of humanity since the fall in the garden.

Fruit is something that is cultivated, produced and fragile. It doesn’t come instinctively as part of who we are. But that is an important aspect of the work of salvation and the Holy Spirit. Who we are takes on a different meaning and dimension to our lives when we come to Christ. We see words like, “new man” “transformed” “new creature” all describing the new life in Christ.

Just as the “works” of the flesh are connected to our natural bent, the “fruit” of the “Spirit” finds its connection to our spiritual nature. This is the fruit of the “Holy Spirit” not our human spirit. As a result, it is our duty and challenge to allow that which is of God’s character to be reflected through our lives.

For that to happen we must yield and obey to God’s Spirit. Paul discusses the conflict that exists between the flesh and the Spirit, “For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.” (Galatians 5:17 HCSB)

Paul reports to the Romans, the good news is, Christ give us victory. “Who will rescue me from this dying body?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24,25 HCSB) But we also have an important part. Paul writes, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24,25 HCSB)

The fruit of the Spirit is singular in nature. It is not a pick an choose “basket of options.” It has been observed that all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are related to “love.” We could say, love is joy, love is peace, love is patience, love is kindness, love is goodness, love is faithfulness,  love is gentleness, love is self-control.

We can see the correlation in 1 Corinthians 13. “Love is patient…kind…does not envy…is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs…finds no joy in unrighteousness…rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 HCSB)

The various aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are only possible to manifest in a consistent and comprehensive manner when we yield to the work of God’s Holy Spirit in our life. The nature of that life becomes evident to those around.

Stephanie and Nathan and family made it safely to Dillon at about 9:30 p.m. last night. We have had a condo unit filled with excited children, enjoying each others’ company. Today the group set out to do some sledding and then this afternoon we enjoyed ourselves at the indoor pool in on our complex. Christian and Bridget have come up this afternoon to join us and to take their kids home for the rest of the week.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “ For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself…Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” Galatians 6:3,7,8 HCSB

Deception is believing something that is not true. It us usually caused by the influence and thoughts of others. The serpent deceived Eve in the garden, by telling her God was keeping something from her and that her life could be enhanced by eating of the fruit of the tree. Since that time there have been all kinds of deception. Whether through selling products or convincing others of a belief system or way of life that is false.

One of the greatest forms of deception is “self” deception. That is when I convince myself that something false is true. That something wrong is right, or something right is wrong. As Paul writes to the Galatians he is speaking about our freedom in Christ. He addresses the importance of being “led by the Spirit” and cultivating the “fruit of the Spirit” and not the “acts of the carnal nature.” (Galatians 5) As he ends his letter, he talks about our responsibility to one another as believers in Christ and the importance of “carrying each others burdens.”

As Paul addresses our mutual responsibility to each other, he basically says, “pride is a form of self-deception.” We all have struggles, we all have faults and burdens. Thinking we are above others is a sure way to find out the opposite. “Pride comes before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18)

Paul also says we are deceived if we fail to understand the relationship between sowing and reaping. In the natural world we observe that we do reap what we sow and we reap, more than what we sow. At least that is the hope of every farmer or gardener. Paul is specific on the spiritual application, we either sow to the “flesh” or the “Spirit.” We deceive ourselves if we believe we can sow to the carnal nature and reap spiritual benefits. It just doesn’t happen that way. When we sow to the “Spirit” we reap eternal life from the Spirit.

We can take this concept too far in terms of practical issues of life. Especially in the context of “good things happening to bad people and bad things happening to good people.” The issue Paul focuses on is the ultimate “harvest” and accounting.

A new acquaintance of mine suffered the death of his teen daughter. She was just entering her years at a Christian college and was a devoted follower of Christ. A rare illness, caused a debilitation that eventually took her life. He made the comment to me, “I’m beginning to question the “sowing and reaping” concept, because there was nothing she did to deserve what she got.”

I was saddened by the loss of this daughter. But as I thought about her life and his comment, I realized that “sowing and reaping was proven true.” This daughter sowed to the “Spirit” and while her death was difficult and sad, she “reaped eternal life” just as Christ has promised.

We find solid truth to build our lives on, in God’s  Word and in relationship with Him. So we need to keep believing, to keep trusting, to stay humble and to keep supporting others and receiving support from others. As Paul concludes,

“So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9,10 HCSB)