We took the grand kids back to Lakewood this morning and watched their soccer games. They did well. Caed and Riley play on the same team and Eliana plays on a team with some family friends, so they all enjoy their teams.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The Lord says, “Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18 NCV

Often times people view the struggles of their life and the issues they face and just don’t know why it seems “everything is against them” and life is so hard.  That is what the Children of Israel were facing as the prophet Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry.

Notice how the decline of their spiritual condition is described. “Israel is a nation of sin, a people loaded down with guilt, a group of children doing evil, children who are full of evil. They have left the Lord; they hate God, the Holy One of Israel,  and have turned away from him as if he were a stranger.…There is no healthy spot from the bottom of your foot to the top of your head…Your land is ruined; your cities have been burned with fire.” (Isa. 1:4,6,7)

Yet there are some who did not believe their condition was that bad. After all they still sacrificed on the altar, and burned incense; they still went through the motions. But the insincerity of their actions and the rebellion of their hearts was clear to the Lord. The Lord tells them, “Don’t continue bringing me worthless sacrifices! I hate the incense you burn. I can’t stand your New Moons, Sabbaths, and other feast days; I can’t stand the evil you do in your holy meetings.” (Isa. 1:13)

There is a time when the condition of the heart and actions of a life is such that a correction can’t be made by ones own ideas. It is not possible to return to the Lord or to be right with the Lord without consulting with the the Lord.

That is why we see the Lord’s initiative in saying, “let’s talk!” Pretty much everything about their lives and actions was stained with the guilt of their sin, but the Lord said, “that can all change” they can once again be “white as snow.” Talk about the Lord’s mercy and an opportunity to be right and to begin again with a clean slate. Those opportunities in life are often rare, but not with the graciousness of the Lord. However, a proper and timely response is needed.

 “Stop doing the evil things I see you do. Stop doing wrong. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Punish those who hurt others. Help the orphans. Stand up for the rights of widows.” (Isa. 16,17)

There needs to be a renewed commitment of the heart that was demonstrated by action. They had to stop some things and to start doing some other things. Stop the evil, commit to the good. I notice that there was not just a collective personal commitment but there was a community commitment as well. “Punish those who hurt others.”

The Lord’s assessment of the capital city was this, “Jerusalem, your rulers are like those of Sodom, and your people are like those of Gomorrah.” (Isa. 1:10) I recall someone once pointed out that the “sin” of Sodom and Gomorrah that brought judgment included the acceptance of the wrong behavior of the people. It is one thing for sin to be present, it is another to allow it to go unaddressed and even endorsed. This is especially true for those who are to be “God’s people.”

The generous offer from the Lord who tries of “reason” with the wayward is, “If you become willing and obey me, you will eat good crops from the land. But if you refuse to obey and if you turn against me,  you will be destroyed by your enemies’ swords.” The Lord himself said these things.” (Isa. 1:19,20)

This is not like “Let’s Make a Deal” where you choose between “door number 1” and “door number 2” and don’t know what is “behind the door.” The Lord makes it very clear about the choices and the consequences. What is amazing about the Lord’s grace and mercy is that He makes that offer generously; but the right decision, a decision to follow the Lord must be made.

Remember when we take a step toward the Lord, we find Him like the father of the prodigal, running toward us. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”  (James 4:8)

We have had our three Lakewood grand kids with us today. Grandma Debbie got up early and delayed her departure long enough to make waffles. Then I recruited the kids to help with some outside work. After lunch we had our recreation time with trips to parks and the swimming pool and a run to Sonic. I’m not sure how they did, but I was tired.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I ask you to look out for those who cause people to be against each other and who upset other people’s faith. They are against the true teaching you learned, so stay away from them.…I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.“  Romans 16:17,19 NCV

As Paul concludes his letter to Roman believers, he is sending his greetings to many who would be receiving the letter. In this midst of all the requests to “greet’ various individuals, he inserts one final warning. That warning is about those who bring division, disruption and trouble to the faith of others.

What is of interest is that this warning is not just for those “outside the faith” but for those who profess to know Christ but as Paul says, “…are not serving our Lord Christ but are only doing what pleases themselves.” (Rom. 16:18 NCV) What my experience tells me is those people do not believe or recognize that they are being self-centered bu would contend they are serving Christ. But the fruit of their activities and impact reveal the truth.

Paul says their activity “upsets other people’s faith” and causes discord among people. This is opposite of God’s desire for His people. Jesus prayed,  “…that they [those who believe in Christ] may be one as we are one.” (John 17:22) Paul declared, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace–as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.“  (1 Cor. 14:33) James said, “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”  (James 3:16)

Paul is very direct in his advice when he says, “stay away from them.” He doesn’t say correct them, or try to argue with them, he simply says, their teaching is contrary to the truth, so just “stay away.” When someone and others keep repeating something that is not true, it doesn’t make it true, but it can bring confusion and result in strife and discord. The result is that time and energy is spent dealing more with fighting for the faith among those who are to be believers, opposed to sharing the faith with others who are not.

Paul’s concern for believers is for them to be “wise in what is good and innocent of evil.” That doesn’t mean a “Polly Anna” type of approach to life. It has more to do with where we place our focus and thoughts. I am reminded of it being said, that counterfeit investigators spend their time studying the “real” thing more than that which is the “fake.” If you know the real that well, that which is counterfeit will stand out. The same is true when it comes to the truth of God’s Word and our life of faith.

Paul ends with a positive affirmation for those who keep their focus and minds on Christ, “Glory to God who can make you strong in faith by the Good News that I tell people and by the message about Jesus Christ.”  (Rom. 16:25) Strong in faith, united in purpose, that is God’s desire for His people. That should be our commitment and rally cry.

This morning began with a conference call with my “LEAP” team members as I begin my new responsibilities. It is nice to have the confidence of others, but it does give a sense of pressure to “live up to expectations.” If you want more information on my new position, check out our website at http://larimerleap.com/

I then traveled to Denver to pick up the grand kids to come stay with us a couple of days. I connected with them at my  mother’s house, so they had some time with great-grandmother.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Your love must be real… ” Romans 12:9 NCV

“Do not owe people anything, except always owe love to each other, because the person who loves others has obeyed all the law…. All these commands and all others are really only one rule: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.”  Romans 13:8-10 NCV

We live in a culture that constantly reminds us of a lack of love for others. We see violence, self-centeredness, personal attacks, striving to get ahead regardless of the cost. I’m sure it grieves God’s heart, but this has been the condition of the human heart for all time. It is not that people are incapable of good, they just have a default mechanism that yields to self-preservation, and a “me first” approach regardless of cost.

I’m thankful that “real love” is not just having warm, fuzzy feelings about others, but how we honor and treat others with respect even if we disagree with them from time to time. Paul tells us that love is an obligation, it is not something we give as much as it is something we owe, a debt we pay. That is a challenging concept to consider.

We also see that Love is the fulfillment of the law, because it keeps us from harming others, in words or actions. The first and greatest commandments have a basis in love. “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39)

Jesus said, “if you love me, you will obey my commands…” (John 14:15) Paul said, “Love never hurts a neighbor.” It is interesting how all of the commands, even if we focus on the Ten Commandments have a foundation in love. Unfortunately the future may not be bright as we see the day when Christ will return. Jesus said, that one of the signs of His return will be, “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.“ ( Matt. 24:12)

However those who follow  Christ are called to a higher standard. Not because of any ability we possess, but because of the faith we confess. The hope of the gospel is change from the inside, out. Hearts fully devoted to Christ and living a life that is pleasing to Him. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could begin with “paying the debt of love” to those who also profess Christ. Our spiritual “brothers and sisters” in the family of Christ. I think that is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

My day went by quickly considering I didn’t think it was going to be that busy. After my weekly Chiropractor appointment, I had an afternoon appointment and then a conference call and then some work on my new position that took longer than I anticipated. So, I didn’t get in the workout I planned, but the dog still got in his walk.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.  I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.…The Lord gives me strength and a song.…This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad today!“ Psalm 118:5,6,14,24 NCV

As I read through Psalm 118, I saw these verses as the answer to the question, “How did you make it during your health crisis?”  The simple yet profound words of the psalmist summarize the progression, “I was in trouble….I called…the Lord answered…” 

That may sound simple and easy, but the road can still be long, difficult and challenging. There can be days in a crisis when fear begins to set in; but we see the Lord’s presence and love drives out fear. I John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” We know and have confidence that the Lord’s love is perfect and so we don’t need to be afraid.

Next I noticed that the strength the Lord gives also comes with a song.  When I think of strength that is needed for a difficult task, I don’t think of singing. I think of effort and groaning and fatigue and pushing myself forward. But when we are “yoked with Jesus” we do find that strength He gives lightens our burden and…He places a song in our hearts. This “song” from the Lord is a testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness and love.

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”  (Psalm 40:3 NLT)

I also like the practicality of the psalmist as He gives thanks to the Lord for his victory. He says, “The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but he did not let me die.” (Psa. 118:18 NCV) When you are told, “you are lucky to be alive” and you realize the how things, “could have been” you want to make sure that  you don’t miss the opportunity to learn some important lessons. When you are on your back and tied to a bed by tubes and paralysis, you might as well try to make the most of it. “Life threatening experiences” should be “life changing experiences.”

The best way to approach life regardless of the challenges that come our way or the situation in which we may find ourselves, is to take one day at a time. That is why I like the wording of the New Century Version of verse 24. “…let us rejoice and be glad today!” That is all you can do.

If we weren’t glad yesterday, you are too late. You can’t be glad for the next day that hasn’t come. Jesus told His disciples, “…don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries….” (Matt. 6:34) That means you might as well be glad today, and make the most of it and “Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.” (Psalm 118:24)

I as glad that I went to my Tuesday morning prayer connect after missing several weeks. Most of our group was missing but, it gave me some one on one time with County Commissioner Lew Gaiter.

I then had the opportunity to work on some tasks related to my new position and to get caught up on some work on past devotional blogs. I am working on the urging of many people in the past who told me that I should write a book. So, I am giving that some thought and trying to put some content together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “It does not belong to us, Lord. The glory belongs to you because of your love and loyalty. Why do the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven. He does what he pleases. Their idols are made of silver and gold, the work of human hands.”  Psalm 115:1-4

If you lived in Israel when the Judges and the Kings ruled, you could find gods of stone, wood and precious metals under every tree and in a multitude of shrines. It was difficult for the pagans of the day to understand these people who worshiped and served an “unseen God.”

That is why the psalmist records their taunting question, “where is their God?” The response is,  “our God is the God of heaven and earth and He does what He pleases. Your gods are made by your hands and may have heads, hands, ears and feet, but they are lifeless and useless.” We then see the psalmist declares that…

This unseen God deserves all the glory because of His love and faithfulness. That is certainly what the Children of Israel experienced. They forsook the Lord, some worshiped idols along side of the Lord God, they disobeyed and lived life on their own terms. But the Lord in His mercy, responded to their cry and delivered them from enemies and sent His prophets to speak His message to them.

The unseen God is our helper and protection. “You who respect the Lord should trust him; he is your helper and your protection.”   (Psalm 115:11 NCV) The temptation was to look for help and protection from all kinds of sources. Whether it was the strength of an army, the leadership of a King or the idols on every corner. Real help and protection comes only from one source, the Lord God, so place your trust in Him, and don’t doubt.

The unseen God blesses those who honor Him.  “The Lord will bless those who respect him, from the smallest to the greatest. May the Lord give you success, and may he give you and your children success. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115:13-15) God’s promise of blessing and success is not dependent on position, status or wealth. The only criteria is for people to respect and honor Him. Once again we see the contrast with the “specialized gods” of the day. Those who were worshiped as having power over the rain, or sun or some specific arena of life or nature. There was a need for many gods so the many needs of people could be met. But those who are blessed by the Lord, “who made heaven and earth” find that He is all they need.

The unseen God is to be praised. “But we will praise the Lord now and forever. Praise the Lord!”  (Psalm 115:18)  Praise to the Lord is continual and persistent in the lives of those who place their trust in the “unseen God.” Jesus told Thomas, “…blessed are those who have not seen yet believe….” (John 20:29)  Peter wrote to New Testament Christians and said, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”  (1 Peter 1:8)

Yet we see and hold to the promise that one day our faith  will become sight. Scripture declares, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”   (1 John 3:2)

I attended a breakfast meeting this morning and was introduced for the first time as the new Co-Chair of LEAP. The Larimer Energy Action Project. This  bipartisan partnership of community leaders and concerned citizens works on informing the public about the importance of domestic energy resources. Northern Colorado has one of the largest oil and gas reserves in the country and this is an important and vital resource that is being tapped through safe and efficient technologies know as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.

Later today I made my way to the fitness center and signed up for some sessions with my trainer. With some of the gains I have made, I believe this will be the next step to help me move to full mobility. After working out today, I believe I could actually feel some muscle mass, which has not been the case for the past two years.

This morning I had the opportunity to visit with my friend Steve Bosley. Steve is a CU Regent and the founder of the famed Bolder Boulder 10K Race. Steve is in his 70’s and he shared about his plans for the future. He told me, “I’m not planning on sitting around with shawl over my shoulders.” What an inspiration to live life fully and to continually make a contribution. (above is a picture of me with Steve Bosley from a paste event)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We died to our old sinful lives, so how can we continue living with sin? …Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.”  Romans 6:2,7 NCV

The one thing about death is you don’t need to worry about doing anything wrong! But through Christ we are saved from the “slavery to sin” without having to die. That is good news and gives hope for all people.

As Paul discusses sin and forgiveness and the law and grace, he uses baptism as a picture of the spiritual dynamic that takes place when we come to faith in Christ. Baptism is a picture of death and resurrection. Death to sin and self and being raised to a new life to live a new life as “slaves to goodness” not sin. (Romans 6:18 NCV)

Paul’s argument is that grace does not give us license to sin, but is the motivation to live a new life in Christ. The new life we live is the “Christ-resurrected life.”

“…when Christ died, he died to defeat the power of sin one time—enough for all time. He now has a new life, and his new life is with God. In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive with God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:10,11 NCV)

I recall meeting one of the early converts of David Wilkerson in New York City. He was talking about some of the old gang members being together on a trip with David Wilkerson and their talk and behavior was not reflective of their new life in Christ and David, immediately corrected them and told them in no uncertain words that they were now living a new life. That is what Paul was telling the Romans, see yourself as living a new life, not obligated or stuck in the past.

Paul’s teaching in Romans 6 is reflective of his words to the Corinthians when he said, “…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17 NLT)

Although our existence in this life will have temptations and struggles, we don’t need to be defined by those actions or deeds or be “slaves” to them. In Christ there is freedom and hope. Paul reminds us…

“This brings you a life that is only for God, and this gives you life forever. The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ (Romans 6:22,23 NCV)

Sin pays….but the payment is death. Christ gives life as a gift! View yourself as Christ does and live free and victorious in Him.

It seems like it has been a while since we have had a Sunday with no agenda. It was good to get rested and to enjoy a day that felt more like a fall day, than a summer day.

I had a good stretch of time working outside and some computer work and then my normal routine of a workout at the pool and a walk with the dog.

While I will be going through some repeated tests with my Neurologist, I have felt stronger lately. I need to focus some attention on some specific exercise and reconnect with my trainer at the fitness center and see if I can push myself to the next level.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “So as one sin of Adam brought the punishment of death to all people, one good act that Christ did makes all people right with God. And that brings true life for all...And this brings life forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 5:18,21 NCV

Romans chapter 5 begins with a declaration that should bring hope and encouragement to all. “Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. This happened through our Lord Jesus Christ, who through our faith has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy.” (Romans 5:1,2)

The sacrifice of Christ and His resurrection has brought those who place their faith in Christ into a relationship with God and an eternal hope that those from the time of Adam could only strive for and anticipate. Being “right with God” is no easy task. It requires sinless perfection, it requires obeying the law in spirit and in deed. It is….impossible.

God’s plan when He created Adam was for His highest creation to know Him and have fellowship with Him. However, Adam’s sin brought the “punishment of death to all people.” Talk about consequences for ones actions. So many people have the idea that what they do doesn’t impact anyone else. We know that is not the case today and the fact that our sin has consequences on others, has its roots in Adam’s sin.

But the good news is that one man, Jesus Christ, through His life and sacrifice did for all people what they could not do for themselves. So, we see in Adam, one man’s life brought death to all, but in Christ one mans’ death brought life to all.

This is how Paul said it in his first letter to the Corinthians, “Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.” (1 Cor. 15:22 NLT) And this new life brings us “peace with God.” That is something to rejoice in and to rest in .

Many people have doubts about their standing before God. The lack confidence and it is shown in their anxiety about life and the future. They may wrestle with feelings of guilt and insecurity because of their past or even recent events. But if we place our faith in Jesus Christ and trust in Him, we can rest secure knowing we are forgiven, that we have new life and this life is forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As I read this passage, I began to ask myself the question, “Do I  truly understand what Christ has done for me and the difference it makes in my life?” We must not let a familiar truth to be taken for granted. One man brought death for all, one man brought life for all…life everlasting. Which man do you align yourself with? It makes all the difference in how you live your life and the peace and blessings you can experience.

Oops, I can’t believe I went to bed last night before writing my blog. We got home from church, had something to eat and I turned on the TV and found the Bronco’s game, went to bed and woke up about 1 a.m. and realized that I had not written my daily blog. The first time in over two years we missed a day! Since I can’t post date a blog, I will probably write another later today.

Speaking of reminders, I was pleased to get a message from Gina Brummett, my former Co-Director at Teen Challenge. She reminded me of  a time, several years ago, I was asked to review the application of a girl seeking admission to our New Hope House program. Our director at the time felt that this girl’s background, issues and needs did not fit our normal admission criteria. At the time my advice and decision was, “let’s give her a chance.”

Gina shared the update now several years later. The girl remained in the program and progressed so well that she began to help other girls in the program. She has been accepted and is planning on attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University to pursue her life’s goals. I am thankful that the transformation that Lord can bring to a life, even in the most challenging of life’s issues and circumstances. He doesn’t give up and sees potential no one else can see.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I want very much to see you, to give you some spiritual gift to make you strong.  I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” Romans 1:11,12 NCV

When I read these verses they caught my attention. Perhaps it was due to the issue of “personal faith.” In other words people who say, “I am a person of faith but I keep it to myself” or “I am a person of faith but I don’t attend church or need others” The other thought that came to my mind was that famous question of Cain’s; “Am I my brother’s keeper?” For Cain he thought the answer to the question was “no” but the reality it was a resounding “yes!

The principle is simply this: “A vital aspect of developing our faith,  is the strength we receive from the faith of others.”

When we hear of someone else whether a co-worker, friend or public individual that is a person of faith it gets our attention, it is an encouragement to our faith. Yes, it may be that subconscious sense of “I’m not in this alone.”  But that is why when we gather with others our faith is strengthened, when we hear others share an answer to prayer, our faith is strengthened, when someone joins with us in prayer, our faith is strengthened.

We need to remember that our faith, helps others. We are not only on the receiving end, but we are used of the Lord to strengthen the faith of others. That may be through an encouraging word, prayer, the way we live our life, or what we take stand for. Paul, the great apostle, who endured so much for the cause of Christ, says to the Roman Christians, “your faith will help me…”

I recall former Denver Bronco and sports commentator, Ed McCaffrey making a comment concerning the controversy over how bold Tim Tebow was with his faith. Ed confessed, “I am challenged by Tim Tebow about ways in which I  can be more bold in sharing my faith.”

When it comes to our faith in the Lord, “we are in this together.” I am reminded of the parting words of an aunt of mine when we ended a visit; she would say, “You pray for us and we will pray for you.” I like that. It is not just “pray for me” or “I’ll be praying for you.” It was another expression of how our lives and our faith strengthen each other.

Remember, “keep the faith, share your faith, grow in faith!” and remember when it comes to faith, we are our “brother’s [each others] keepers.”