After my Chiropractor appointment, I came home and monitored some of the news regarding the shooting in South Carolina. After lunch and some tree trimming, I did make it to our community pool for a swim and water workout. I believe I am seeing some signs of continued improvement, even if it is slow. It has been a couple of weeks since I have used my arm crutches exclusively. So retiring my walker, is a step forward.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry.” (Psalm 10:17)

It was just weeks after the Columbine tragedy and I was questioning my friend Bruce Porter about his plans to launch a ministry to individuals, groups and communities impacted by “Columbine-type” tragedies. He told me, “We haven’t seen the last of these types of events.”

At the time I felt like surely Columbine was just an anomaly and reoccurring events like this would be akin to lightning striking in the same place. That was in 1999, and now sixteen years later, I look naïve and Bruce looks like a prophet, sadly so.

Since Columbine we have seen violence in high schools, elementary schools, middle schools, college campuses, military bases, shopping centers, a movie theater and even churches. Today, the country is reeling from the thought of nine lives lost during a Bible study and prayer meeting at a church in South Carolina. The question on many minds is, “Is there no place of safety and refuge in this world?”

These events are becoming all too common, but the impact and devastation remains. These situations test our faith and provide fodder for the skeptic. But the questions that come to mind are not just the musing of a post-modern mind. Thousands of years ago, David lamented, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)

What we know about our life of faith is, that they way things appear, is not the way they are. CS Lewis said, “God whispers in our pleasure, but shouts in our pain.” What does the Lord say? I am reminded of the words of then Vice President Al Gore at the Columbine Memorial service, “There is little which human words can say which will ease the pain of your loss, but there is a voice which can speak to our trouble souls, “peace be still.”

 After David questions the Lord’s awareness and presence in times of trouble, he asserts the following truths…

1 – God Hears – When we think of someone who hears, it is a reminder of presence and awareness. When pain comes, expressing our hurt, questions and loss is important. Having someone who is just “there” makes the difference. Jesus came into a fallen world to identify with our condition. “He was a man of sorrow acquainted with grief.” And because of what He suffered He is able to “comfort us in all of our sorrow.”

2 – God Encourages – The word “encourage” means to “stand erect…to place courage in” A word of encouragement, a word of hope can make the difference. It allows those knocked down and bowed down by life, to stand erect once again. That was my friend Bruce Porter’s desire as he launched his new ministry in 1999. The Lord uses others who have suffered loss as well as those that He sovereignly sends into our lives. When Paul was in a storm tossed sea that was threatening the life of all on board the Lord sent an angel, who Paul said, “…stood beside me and said, don’t be afraid…”

3 – God Listens – When someone hears we know we have their attention, when they listen we know they understand, relate and are willing to take action. In this same Psalm, David says, “…you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” (Psalm 10:18)

Through the life and sacrifice of Christ, death was defeated and a steadfast hope is offered to every person. That hope the Lord provides reassures us, He knows our sorrows and will provide strength and comfort and lead us to a new future one day at a time. Our assurance is that of Psalmist so many years ago, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

It was hot day today, without rain. I did get back into my routine visits to my Chiropractor. After returning home from my tire repair I mowed the lawn. It was surprising how much it grew in one week. I then put together a pen for our dog, so he could be outside without being chained. I actually haven’t taken a nap since returning home from Atlanta, even with my late arrival on Tuesday morning. So, I’m taking that as a sign of progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…a [person’s] life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”            (Luke 12:15)

Every life has a foundation. Every life has a source of security that is looked to in times of trouble and one that gives confidence about the future.

What does God’s Word have to say about the importance of knowing and choosing a foundation that will be solid and enduring? Paul told the Corinthians, “…we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

The foundation of some people is only in possessions and financial security. Jesus said, “…life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” In the parable of the rich man with an abundance of crops, Jesus reveals his motives, the rich man says, “…I will store my grain and goods, and I will say to myself, ‘you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” This man articulates what many view as the “American dream” and a life of prosperity; plenty of money, doing what you want, when you want. But in the parable the Lord says, “…you fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you…” (Luke 12:16-21)

Just as the man was preparing for many years of ease, the brevity and uncertainty of life had the final say. I have certainly gained a greater appreciation of how quick life can change and how in a moment or one health crisis, your financial security can go out the window.

The foundation of some lives is only in family. Family is important, it is God’s idea, so to question it value as a life foundation seems contradictory. But we see that while families are a source of great support and security, they can also represent struggle, pain and disappointment. What you have depended on can be gone sooner than you realize for a number of reasons.

The caution of financial security and family as a foundation for life is in the word, “only.” Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)

The foundation of life that is most important is faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus said when we put Him first other important aspects of life will be supported by that foundation. We have the assurance that, “God is for us.” (Rom. 8:31) That He will work in all circumstances for “our good.” (Rom. 8:28) We have the assurance that He will, “supply our needs.” (Phil. 4:19) We have comfort in knowing, “when my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psa. 27:10)

When David felt forsaken and alone; when his position and wealth seemed to fail; he found comfort in this, “…I am always with you (God) you hold me by the right hand. You guide me by your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory….My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:23-26)

Financial security, health, family, position and anything else that comes our way, that is often sought as a source of security by it self, when built on a foundation of Christ finds its proper perspective. Whether you have what some people seek and place their confidence in or not, when Christ is the center of your life you discover, your life is not futile, your failures are not fatal and your death is not final.

After a two hour delay in getting out of Atlanta, I returned home a little after 3 a.m. this morning. I’m glad I was able to sleep most of the way back to Denver. The drive home to Fort Collins, actually went pretty good. I was awake and not much traffic.

When I checked my car this morning, I had a flat tire.  So, I accomplished a first. Changing a tire with minimal strength and mobility. I’m glad I still have my power wheelchair. Also, it is easier for me to get on the ground and get back up.  Something I could not do a year ago.

After Mason’s baseball tournament on Sunday, we stopped by a tractor company that shared his name. It is pretty cool when you are seven and and recognize your name on a business.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People may make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true. You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord will judge your reasons. Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do.”  Proverbs 16:1-3,9 (NCV)

When we place our faith in Christ, we become those who “follow Christ.” At times it is easy to forget that and to believe that the “Lord follows us.” (or at least our actions and attitudes communicate that.) Our life is best lived when we place our faith and trust in the Lord, daily and at all times and in all circumstances.

Solomon says it well when he says, “depend on the Lord in whatever you do…” The Good News Translation uses these words, “Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” In our life as we seek the Lord about our plans and then ask Him to bless our plans we have our priorities right.

We may make plans “in our minds” but it is only the Lord who can “make them come true.”  We may make “our” plans but the Lord decides what will happen. We may believe our motives are pure and right, but the Lord is the final judge.

In two more weeks we will mark our second anniversary of our move to Fort Collins. We had thought through the process and our timing and our plan seemed to make sense. But West Nile Virus and almost five months in the hospital and ongoing recovery, was not in our plan. Was it a mistake? No. The Lord works by His grace a transforming work in our lives whether through our plans or by His plans….because of our plans or in spite of our plans.

As I returned home from Atlanta, a two hour late night wait at the airport was not in “my plans.” But in the process, I met Pam, who was traveling to Denver from Florida to be with her adult son who was hospitalized due to a tragic accident. Pam is from Colorado and she shared many reflections on her life and work and current disability. She also shared how, after the death of her fiance, she had “lost her faith.” But in this trip the Lord was revealing His love and care for her in some very special ways. I had the opportunity to pray with her and encourage her.

It was also a pleasant surprise to see the Tom Scheffel family; good friends from Denver, who were flying through Atlanta, trying to get home to Denver from Washington D.C. They were as surprised to see me, as I was them. We enjoyed connecting for the first time in about a year.

The challenge for our life is to deal with the setbacks and “delays” on our travels through life. When we realize that the Lord is with us, He will give us the patience and the wisdom to know how to respond. So, as you plan remember the Lord has the final say, so heed this advice from the scriptures:“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.…”   (Psalm 37:5,6)

This is my final day for this visit to Atlanta. We went to the Cherokee County water park today. After a break and some rest, we will head to Atlanta to celebrate Stephanie’s birthday (which is Friday). The family will then drop me off at the airport for my late flight back to Denver.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)

I have come to the end of reading through the Bible, for at least this time around. As I have mentioned in the past, my devotional blogs come, for the most part, where I am reading in the Bible.

As I finished the last chapter and verse of the book, I scanned back through the chapters. In doing so I was reminded of some of the overview, details, features, warnings and blessings in this book. The message of the book, while filled with prophecy about coming events, has a message for Christ-followers of all times.

While many of the specific images, and details are continually debated as to what they are and how they will be fulfilled, there are clear messages for us to embrace. As a famous preacher of the past once said, “it is not the parts of the Bible I don’t understand that give me the greatest difficulty, it is the parts that I do understand.”

We can apply that to the Book of Revelation. Here is a brief summary of some of the messages we need to pay attention to in Revelation. These are as much to encourage our faith as much as they are to challenge us.

1 – The supremacy of Jesus Christ. This book is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” You should look for what is revealed about Christ. He is the “head of the Church.” He knows our works, strengths and weaknesses and has a word of encouragement, challenge and promise to guide our lives. He alone is “The One” worthy to unleash God’s judgment on the earth.

2 – The supremacy of worship. As we get a glimpse of “God’s throne” one characteristic stands out, worship! Many people speak of what heaven is like….streets of gold, no death or pain, being reunited with loved ones. But the greatest feature of heaven is God’s presence, our ability to live in His glory and to worship Him. Outside of the Psalms, no other book of the Bible contains more benedictions and anthems worship and praise. Just reading these makes for a good spiritual exercise.

3 – The supremacy of God’s power. This is seen in not just the incredible events in nature, but in God’s timing and purpose attached to each event. In the end we see “an angel” – not Jesus or God the Father chains and place in prison Satan.

4 – The call to patience and endurance. Faith, trust, hope, patience and endurance are all virtues that are emphasized in Revelation. At times we may wonder if God is acting or why He is doing what He is or allowing what He does. But He is in control and can be trusted. As you read, ask yourself, “what is the response that is being called for to these events.?”

5 – The call to live today with eternity in mind. The call is to “come out of Babylon.”  There is a world order and system that is contrary to the Lord’s and it calls for understanding and caution and a focus on the truth found in Jesus Christ.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”   (Rev. 19:11-13)

This list is short, but provides a start. The challenge is for you to consider these themes and then add the principles that you discover that we need to give heed to in our lives today.

Let us be those who live lives of faith and confidence as we serve a great God who is for us and allows us to live in His grace until the day we behold the glory of His presence for all eternity.

Today I had a much better day. In reality, yesterday and last night was fairly rough and even this morning, I wasn’t quite “up to par.” 

So, we rested the morning in preparation for Mason’s baseball tournament this afternoon. Stephanie did a good job making sure I kept as cool and hydrated as possible. I did much better today than yesterday.

Mason’s team won the tournament and all the players received individual trophies. Mason played well and his team won by a “run rule” in every game they played. I return to Colorado late tomorrow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “….I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God….They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them…”  (Revelation 20:4-6)

One of the interesting aspects of Revelation and the final judgment is the reference to two different resurrections and the “second death.”

Paul in writing to the Thessalonians, tells of the return of Christ  and says, “…the dead in Christ shall rise first, to meet The Lord in the air…and so shall we ever be with The Lord…” (1 Thess. 4:16)

In Revelation, John says, those killed for their faith are raised to life, to rule and reign with Christ for 1,000 years. This is the first resurrection. The second resurrection is when all those who have rejected Christ. They will appear before the “white throne judgment.” 

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.” (Rev. 20:11-13)

What is notable about this second resurrection, is people are judged on the basis of their own criteria. People often say, “I have lived as good life and that should be good enough for God.” It is at this moment, they find their “best” does not meet God’s righteous standard.

These so judged, experience the “second death” which is described as eternity in the “lake of fire.”  The good news for those who place their faith in Christ this “second death” is not what they need to fear.  “The second death has no power over them…”

Everyone will experience a “resurrection.” For those who place their faith ion Christ, it results in eternal life and honor. For those who refuse to receive God’s gift of life, they receive the consequences of their own actions and choices.

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.”  (Daniel 12:1-3)

“The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”  (John 5:28-30)

The Bible is clear from the Old Testament to the New Testament concerning God’s desire and the future for all people. The call goes out today, just as it did thousands of years ago, “choose life!” And as you make that choice encourage and help as many as possible to make that same decision. It matters now, and for eternity.

We were up early to head off to Mason’s baseball game. His team won both of their games, scoring 20 runs in each game. This should place them as the top seed to tomorrow’s tournament.

Outside of that, it was rest for me. I am taking care of the grand kids as Nathan and Stephanie attend a wedding.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure….”  (Hebrews 6:19)

When times of difficulty come, it is hope that is the crucial ingredient needed to survive. When hope is gone, life comes  to a halt. That is why Hebrews offers a significant metaphor for hope. An anchor for the soul…firm and secure. The context relates to God’s unchanging promise to His people. What God has promised, you can count on.

An anchor keeps a boat from being driven by the current and just running aimlessly. That is what hope does for our lives. It brings stability so we are not cast to and fro with the storms of life.

Hope gives courage in the midst of the trial. “Be strong and courageous, all you that hope in The Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)

Hope dispels fear and despondency. “Trust in the Lord, do not despair…” (Psalm 27:14)

 Hope gives assurance of the Lord’s protection and help. “We put our hope in the Lord; He is our protector and our help….May your constant love be with, Lord, as we put our hope in you..” (Psalm 33:20,22)

Hope gives confidence.  There are those who have placed their hope in the wrong things. It may be themselves, others, the stock market…only to be disappointed and shamed of their decision.

But the Lord Himself, gives the reassurance that is needed. “…you will know that I am The Lord; the one who hopes in Me won’t be ashamed.” (Isa. 49:23)

When the trials of life come….when “life” happens, we can be strong in the hope that we have in The Lord. His promises are sure and His love and presence is steadfast.

Today we made a trek to Waffle House for breakfast. My first visit in years. It was good. Then we attended the VBS program for Mason and Carter. I still needed a good afternoon nap before we headed back to the pool this evening.

I am managing well with my crutches and notice greater strength when I walk in the pool. Tomorrow Mason has two baseball games with the first at 8 a.m.  No sleeping in  on Saturday!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…The angel said, “There will be no more delay!”  (Revelation 10:6)

“The voice said to the sixth angel, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates!” The four angels were released; for this very hour of this very day of this very month and year they had been kept ready to kill a third of all humanity.” (Revelation 9:14, 15 GNB)

I find it challenging at times to understand the concept of a God who is above time, yet works within the time of human existence. Our life is marked by time. Time we live on the earth. The seasons and stages of life. The hours in a day; and the list goes on.

In Revelation 6:10, we read the question of those who had laid down their lives for Christ, They shouted in a loud voice, “….How long will it be until you judge the people on earth and punish them for killing us?” (Revelation 6:10 GNB) It seems in Revelation 10, they get their answer. “There will be no more delay…”

Then I notice the time context of the four angels released from the River Euphrates.  They had been kept ready….”for this very hour of this very day of this very month and year.” What is clear is, God is not just “making events up” as time goes on.

This should gives us a degree of comfort and reassurance about our lives and the events of the world. Psalm 31:5 simply begins, “My times are in your hands….”  Most people are familiar with Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.”  I take special note of the words, “under heaven.” Because in heaven there are not clocks, there is no time.

In light of this, what is our response? We are called to, “..number our days, to gain a heart of wisdom.” (Prov. 90:12) We are called to “…redeem the time because the days are evil.”  (Eph. 5:16) We are to be quick to respond to God’s call to Himself and the work of His kingdom… “Behold…now is the day of salvation….” (2 Cor. 6:2)  Jesus said, “don’t say there is four more months to the harvest, lift up your eyes and see the fields white unto harvest.” ( John 4:35)

This life is about time. We are to use it wisely and keep it in perspective as we anticipate the Lord’s working out His divine plan of redemption and brings us to a place where “trips around the sun” are no longer needed, because, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5) May The Lord hasten that day….in His time!

I arrived in Atlanta over an hour later than expected. So, I slept in later than I planned this morning. Carter was excited to have me here, so he stayed home from Vacation Bible School so we could play the NBA video game.

We did go the swimming pool this afternoon. Mckenzie has taken lessons since the last time I was here so she is getting used to the water  and learning to swim. Not too bad for two! I was able to try out the goggles and swim trunks, hat and shirts Stephanie got me for Father’s Day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “….These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution…. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, because the Lamb, who is in the centre of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17 GNB)

The Bible is clear that God’s judgment will one day come to the earth and all who have rebelled against The Lord. The events are recorded and sealed. Seven seals guard the contents. They stand ready to be opened; but not just anyone can do so. There is only One who is worthy. He is described as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” He is none other than our crucified, resurected and glorified Savior, Jesus Christ.

As John sees and records the events the breaking of the “Seven Seals” themselves triggers. These are events of great magnitude. It is as it were, “the beginning of the end.” 

When the Sixth Seal is opened we see a multitude of mrytrs. They are not those in rags, with forlorgned looks on their faces. They are from all the peoples of the earth, dressed in white, praising and worshipping The Lord.

” They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9, 10 GNB)

In God’s “upside down kingdom” those who are persecuted, despised, tested and found true are the ones who are exalted. In the eyes of earth  they may be viewed as defeated, but not in God’s eyes. As Jesus addresses the seven Churches, we see these words of promise:

“Those who win the victory will be clothed like this in white….In the presence of my Father and of his angels I will declare openly that they belong to me.” (Revelation 3:5 GNB)

 “I will make those who are victorious pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it….” (Revelation 3:12)

“To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, I will give the same authority that I received from my Father…I will also give them the morning star.” (Revelation 2:26-28 GNB)

There is a day when suffering comes to an end and The Lord says, “enough.”  The Lord brings a great reversal for these faithful Ones. Their response is one of praise before The Lord. The praise of these faithful Ones is followed by the angels, twenty-four elders and four-living creatures that are before God’s throne. So, I picture this multitude not just in joining, but leading the praise before God’s throne.

These faithful Ones experienced persecution, tribulation, and trials of all kinds…for a time. But they are protected and provided for by The Lord for all eternity.

Paul said, “And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 GNB)

As I make progress in my long road to full recovery, I am surprised how some trying and challenging days of the past have faded in light of the present. I think, if that is the case with a journey through illness, how much greater the glories of eternity in light of any troubles that come to this life.

And the important thing to remember, we don’t have hold our praise for “that day.” We can offer an “overcomers” praise to The Lord each day.