I was fairly tired last night, so ended up going to bed early and getting up later than usual. I intentionally have had a “laid back day” because tomorrow will be a busy day at the Capitol with the “Human Trafficking Awareness Day.” I will have the opportunity to open the House session in prayer for the first time this session. They will also show my video about “My Story” as well.

I was glad for nicer weather today and a forecast for warm temperatures tomorrow. Please keep me and the UCOUNT Campaign group in prayer as we spend this day at the capitol on an important issue.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, “The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires.” But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:5,6

James in his letter addresses some serious issues. He begins by talking about the importance of having faith under trials; he warns about prejudice and judging by outward appearances; he talks about the challenge of taming the tongue; he says the world, our carnal nature and spiritual darkness are at the heart of  jealousy, bitterness and selfishness; he talks about fighting and discord that comes from inward conflict and how friendship with the world is the same as sin.

This is just a partial list. I’m not sure whether to be impressed or distressed when we can observe that behaviors and issues record in the Old and New Testament are rampant in our world and lives today. It shows that our temptations and natural desires are not in line with God’s supernatural plan and purpose for our lives.

We are more prone to say the wrong thing, have the wrong motives, be a part of conflict, give in to envy and jealousy, embrace ideas and practices that are of the world’s system, than we are to live in faith, trust and obedience to the Lord. James even warns about judging others over the law. So, we see that even when we try to live by God’s “rules” we turn it into an opportunity to sin.

What is the solution? Where is our hope? It is in Christ and Christ alone. “Christ’s grace is stronger” than then conflict within and without. We don’t have to be perfect, but we do have to be open and humble. That is why James says, “…. submit yourselves to God… Resist the Devil…Come near to God, and he will come near to you.…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:7-9)

The path of peace, strength and victory is found in Christ’s grace and living in humility before the Lord. Putting Christ first is the opposite of the natural tendencies toward putting ourselves first and jealousy, envy, strife and prejudice. Remember the humble are exalted and those that exalt themselves are humbled. As someone once said, “It is better to humble yourself, than to find yourself humiliated by your actions and the Lord’s correction.”

You never know. Just when you believe that you have everything going your way, you may end up in a hospital bed totally dependent upon others, for everything! That kind of forced humility can give you greater insight into yourself, your world and others.

Today I had a good work out with my trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. Then I had an appointment with my neurologist for an evaluation and check-up. Overall, he was pleased with my progress and made a few adjustments in the medications that I am on. I’m glad that most of my daily “pill regimen” consist more of supplements than prescriptions. He did say that my lingering issues are more related to the West Nile infection than the Myasthenia Gravis condition. He explained that what I am experiencing is an infection caused condition that is similar to polio or ALS.

The optimistic outlook is that there is a new treatment for motor-nuron disorders that has been highly effective. If my nerves don’t regenerate to allow for the muscle development that is needed to return to normal activity, there are some treatment options. I won’t see him again until August. It would be great if I could walk into his office without assistance for my next appointment!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead.” James 2:26

What we believe, impacts our actions and our view of the world. You will find that in all types of people from all kinds of perspective about life. James presents the argument that “faith [in Christ] without works is dead.” He is not talking about faith that brings us into a relationship with Christ, but the faith that is seen through our lives that shows we are followers of Christ. James points out that “even demons believe, and tremble in fear…” (James 2:19)

Faith is something to be cherished and not hidden. Even though there are those who claim “deep faith, but I keep it to myself.” While I believe that usually refers to someone who is reluctant to be vocal in their words, our actions must still speak of the hope, love and faith of Christ that is in our lives.

I was recently speaking with some of the leaders of “Serve 6.8” a community service arm of Timberline Church in Fort Collins. I made the comment that I consider them “faith-motivated” – because their mission is to “share Christ’s love with no strings attached.” I believe this is at the heart of what James is talking about.

We see it in the first part of James chapter 2, when James shares about treating all with respect and dignity, regardless of outward appearance. That is faith in action.

James talks about “mercy triumphing over judgment”  – that is faith in action. James uses the illustration of Abraham and Rahab (the prostitute in Jericho). They believed in the Lord and took God at His word and took actions based on that belief, actions that reflected their faith.

The bottom line is faith in Christ changes us and then we allow the Christ in us to change the way we live and how we act. Many people do good for a variety of reasons. You will find no greater satisfaction in “doing” than there is in knowing that what you are doing is based in faith in Christ who calls us to be agents of love, service and change in the lives of others.

This has been a wintry day with cold and light snow. We had some difficulties with our furnace so I had a repairman come to check it out. Outside of that some office work, nap and fitness center work consumed my day. Tomorrow I return to my Neurologist for a follow up appointment. It will be interesting to see what he thinks about my progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have now given you a choice between a blessing and a curse. When…you are living among the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you, you will remember the choice I gave you. If you and your descendants will turn back to the Lord and with all your heart obey his commands that I am giving you today, then the Lord your God will have mercy on you...” Deuteronomy 30:1-3

As the Children of Israel prepare to enter the promise land, the Lord renews His covenant in the plains of Moab. He lays out the blessings of obedience and the curse that disobedience and rebellion brings.

The words of Deuteronomy 28:6 summarize the blessings, “The Lord will bless everything you do.” But the blessings were not just the activities of life, it was all of their life. Family, work, protection from enemies, the crops they grew, the livestock they raised, the food they prepared. And the result would be they would be honored among the nations of the world.

Moses also outlines the consequences for rebellion and disobedience. The list is the opposite of the blessings from the Lord. Struggles with crops and livestock, oppression from enemies, pestilence, all resulting in unrest and insecurity. Deuteronomy 28:20 summarizes the consequences of disobedience, “If you do evil and reject the Lord, he will bring on you disaster, confusion, and trouble in everything you do, until you are quickly and completely destroyed.”

The warning of Moses is reflective of the simple statement, “The way of the transgressor is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15) But the way of disobedience is also irrational in many ways. Moses reminds God’s people of their life as slaves in Egypt, the wanderings in the wilderness and how the Lord is bringing them into the land He promised. Moses reminds the people of how the Lord provided for them everything they needed, their sandals did not wear out, they had the food they needed, they had God’s protection and victory over enemies. If you were a contestant on “Let’s Make A Deal” choosing the door that said, “obey” would not be a difficult choice.

It is interesting that we see the responsibility of the individual to obey and the obligation of the people to the community.  “Make sure that no man, woman, family, or tribe standing here today turns from the Lord our God to worship the gods of other nations….Make sure that there is no one here today who hears these solemn demands and yet convinces himself that all will be well with him, even if he stubbornly goes his own way. (Deu. 29:18,19)

But the Lord knows human nature and how we test the limits and feel the “rules don’t apply to us.” So we see with the choices that are laid out, there is also hope for redemption and restoration, “…if you turn back I will have mercy…”

This is where we see the New Testament, foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ came that we might be restored to a right relationship with God and the life of blessing that He promises for all who place their faith in Christ and commit themselves to obey Him. We have in Christ, a message of hope and redemption. That’s the best deal that you could ever be offered!

After enjoying warm weather for several days, we are back to colder weather and snow. Debbie and I had another full Sunday at church today. We attended the 8:30 a.m. service and then I joined Debbie and Charlie for their “Grief Share” class at 10 a.m. It was a good size group representing a variety of losses that are impacting their lives.

The rest of the day has been a good time to sit by the fireplace and to rest up from a busy Saturday and get ready for the week ahead.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’  Luke 18:11-3

The heart of people is often revealed in their prayers and their attitude toward God. The Pharisees in Jesus day were known for their strict adherence to the law plus. They were so concerned about “God’s law” they made their own “laws” designed to keep people from breaking God’s law, but soon God’s law became secondary to the Pharisees  laws. As a result they received a sharper rebuke from Jesus than almost any other group.

In this parable, Jesus describes the Pharisee who in God’s House, prayed to himself about himself. Yes, He used God’s name, but could be considered doing so in vain. He justified his life and acceptance before God based on comparing himself to other. This was a rationale argument of why he was “holy” and acceptable to God.

Many people today attempt to rationalize their lives to get around the simple truth of the gospel. They want to get into heaven in their own way and on their own  merit. So they like the Pharisees of old rationalize themselves before God, or at least in the eyes of others.

Besides rationalizing ourselves as acceptable to God by contrasting our lives to others, we tend to do so by comparing others to ourselves. In other words, “I’m just the same as other people, so I must be okay.” It’s the “other-people-are doing-it” excuse. I think the last time that was used the police officer said, “but you are the one who got caught.”

In Jesus’ parable the tax collector, who was among the most disrespected groups of the day, showed true humility and contrition. He kept his head bowed and simply pleaded for mercy. As a result, he was the one,of these two men who left the place of prayer right before the Lord.

The Bible is clear that before God, “there are none that are righteous…” (Romans 3:10) We can’t excuse ourselves or justify or rationalize our life and actions in any manner to be acceptable to God. But we can in faith surrender our life to God and like the tax collector ask for God’s mercy.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1)

We can try to have peace by rationalizing our life and actions before God, or we can through faith be justified before God, because of Christ and thereby experience His forgiveness, peace and freedom.

Today was a good day, it was a long day. I left Fort Collins at 7 a.m. this morning and returned just before 7 p.m. I took Riley and Caed to Lakewood for their basketballs games that were early this morning. It was good to see them play and developing their skills. We then went to my mom’s house. It was good to get there when my sister was just getting ready to leave so I could see her. Also, my aunt Paula showed up to help with some business related to our handicap van.

There were a few times that I pushed myself to the edge of what my legs were able to endure, but fortunately no falls. When I returned home Debbie commented about my endurance must be getting better, since I was not completely wiped out at the end of the day. (Here is a picture of Riley and Caed after their basketball games)

BIBLE VERSE TODAY… “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” Hebrew 10:25

The famous words of Benjamin Franklin at the signing of the Declaration of Independence were, “We  must surely hang together, or else we will surely hang separately!”  The connection of believers is more than sharing a common faith and simply “believing the same things.” The Christian life is one of relationship with each other through Jesus Christ. The “Lone Ranger” Christian does not understand what the Christian life is really about.

We are called to community and it is vital to know that we are “members of the same team.” In that analogy that means the success of the team is dependent upon the success of each individual “player.” One of the first lessons I learned when elected to public office was that “politics is a team sport.” That means working toward the same goals, benefiting from the perspective and contribution of each person and counting on others to “be there” when you need them.

Those concepts are so important for followers of Christ to understand. As the writer of Hebrews encourages first century Christians, he says, “stay together, encourage one another.” Consistently meeting together is what provides the basis of community and the opportunity to encourage each other. If there is a quality that is needed especially as we see the “Day of the Lord, coming near”- it is courage. Sometimes we need encouragement and at others times we need to encourage someone else.

That process does not have to be complicated. I remember when I ran my marathon race, a fellow runner, a young lady, would at times even when I passed her and when she at times passed me, would call out, “keep it up Ken! You’re looking good, you can make it!” In like fashion we can encourage each others’ faith, by simply expressing confidence that “you can make it!” and cheer each other on.

We read earlier in the Book of Hebrews, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13)

Encouraging each other is critical in the spiritual battles we fight that just come from daily living. At times our faith can be fragile, the opposition from the world around can discourage. That is why we need courage to help us stand strong and stable. I am thankful for the strength the comes from the Lord as we trust in Him, but often times the Lord uses each of us on the lives of others as His voice of encouragement.

So my friends, “keep going, keep believing, keep moving toward the goal, the finish line is just ahead, and you are gaining ground!”

Last night ended up being a late night for me. Our County Commissioner Lew Gaiter invited me to come to the Larimer County GOP Central Committee Meeting. I haven’t connect with very many in the political arena Fort Collins so I thought I would drop by for 30 minutes and meet some people. During the meeting Lew looked at me and said, “do you want to run for bonus member?” I wasn’t sure I was qualified, but found out that I could be a candidate. So I said, “why not?” So that required me to stay around until 11:30 p.m. when the teller committee gave its report. I found out that I was actually one of the seven bonus members elected.

Today, I took the grandkids to Greeley to the Buxman Dairy Farm for a field trip. Debbie and I would visit the dairy farm forty years ago when we were in college. The grandkids saw the milking process, the “maternity ward” the new calves and while we were there a new calf was born. It was a great experience and was good to be back “at the farm” and connect with longtime friends.

BIBLE VERSE Y FOR TODAY… “Praise the Lord, who carries our burdens day after day;  he is the God who saves us. Our God is a God who saves; he is the Lord, our Lord, who rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:19,20

This morning as I was reading my scripture reading for the day; my grandson Riley was looking over my shoulder and asked, “what are burdens?” I wasn’t sure why he was asking so I needed to take a closer look where I was reading and realized he was reading ahead of me in Psalm 68.

I told him that, “burdens are things in our life that weigh us down. They could be worries or difficulties or the challenges of life.” Someone once said, “the problem with life is that it is so daily!” Even Jesus recognized this in teaching His disciples about worry when He said, “…Each day has enough trouble of its own.“ (Matthew 6:34)

Because the burdens of life can be daily, we need a God who “carries our burdens day after day.” Moses said to the Children of Israel, “….[I pray]…your strength lasts all your days.” (Deuteronomy 33:25) I am thankful that the Lord is with us each day and that He promises to give strength for each day and to be the one carries our burdens for us.

That is why the invitation of Jesus can be so meaningful,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

As we face daily challenges, we can be thankful for the daily provision of the Lord to save and rescue us. He promises that the “fires [of life] will not consume and the waters will not overcome..” (Isaiah 43:2) As a result our response each day can that of the psalmist,

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; prepare a way for him who rides on the clouds. His name is the Lord—be glad in his presence!” Psalm 68:4

Today, Debbie and I shared at the “Prime Timers” potluck. The food was good and it was an honor to share with about 300 members of the seniors group from Timberline. We shared along with Ben and Susan Brock. We shared about our journey with West Nile and the Brock’s shared about their spiritual journey and a remarkable healing for Susan. Ben did a great job blending our two stories together as he wrapped up the program.

Later this afternoon, Christian and Bridget arrived with the grandchildren. They are headed to a retreat in Estes Park and I am serving as the home school teacher and transportation to their basketball game over the next two days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God….(The first meaning of Melchizedek’s name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) … He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.”  (Hebrews 7:1-3)

As Hebrews is discussing the role of Jesus as our great High Priest, he makes a reference to the ancient King Melchizedek from Abraham’s early life. This unknown King is described as “having no beginning and no end..” and as such, like Christ, serves as a “Priest forever.”

We also see a similarity to Christ in the description of Melchizedek’s character. “Righteousness and peace.” These two qualities are ones associated with Jesus in both the Old and New Testament. What is important is that “there is  no peace without righteousness.” Righteousness always precedes peace.

This is the basic concept that Moses communicates to the Children of Israel as they prepared to enter the promise land. God promised them that He would provide, “peace like a river.” Trust the Lord and obey him to experience God’s peace and blessing in your life. Many people today strive for peace, but they live life for themselves and violate God’s commands. But as we align our lives with God’s plan and purpose for our life, we experience the peace of God in our life. Paul in writing to the Romans twice mentions God as the “source of peace.” (Romans 15:33; 16:20) I’m not a big fan of bumper stickers, but there is one which puts this concept succinctly, “No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace.”

The good news for us today, is that the peace we can experience is not dependent upon our ability to be righteous in our own strength and effort. Just like Abraham, our faith in Christ is counted to us as righteousness.

“…and be found in him [Christ], not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–he righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9)

I am thankful that through Christ we can experience both the righteousness and the peace of God.

After battling a headache last night, I have had a better day after some times of rest. I was glad to get in a workout at the fitness center. One that went better than I was feeling that it would.

Tomorrow our grandkids are coming up from Lakewood for a visit, while their parents attend a retreat in Estes Park. Debbie and I will be speaking at the Timberline “Prime Timers” lunch tomorrow as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working.”  (Deuteronomy 6:6,7)       

Moses is preparing the Children of Israel to enter the promise land. In doing so, he affirms and reminds them about the laws and instructions the Lord has given them. He reminds them of the history of God’s deliverance from Egypt and the rebellion of their fathers who have died in the wilderness.

His admonition was,  “Do not add anything to what I command you, and do not take anything away. Obey the commands of the Lord your God that I have given you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)

God’s instructions were complete. God did not need help from people in adding to or taking way. It is interesting how this basic instruction about what obedience is, was a key point of failure for God’s people. Over the centuries they would “take away” and find that partial obedience is viewed as full disobedience. They would “add to” the law and as a result we see the gospels refer to the teachings or the law of the Pharisees. Both of these are perversions of God’s instructions that they were to be avoided.

Here is another reason for obedience to the Lord that is often overlooked. “Obey them faithfully, and this will show the people of other nations how wise you are. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, ‘What wisdom and understanding this great nation has!’” (Deuteronomy 4:6)

The status of God’s people would be elevated by honoring and obeying the Lord opposed to following the ways of idolatrous nations they were driving from the land.

We see at the heart of the law and obeying the law is loving God. “Israel, remember this! The Lord—and the Lord alone—is our God. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4,5)

Then we see that God’s instructions were to be at the center of their life and they were to be passed from generation to generation. This is how God’s blessing would rest upon His people for all time to come.

Moses admonishes parents to use every opportunity and every situation to instruct children of  the ways of the Lord and why they live their lives as they do. It is important for parents today to still follow this guideline.

“Passing on the faith” is still an important requirement. It is to be done by modeling love for the Lord in all aspects of our life. And we are to use every opportunity to do so.

I am reminded of a time when our children were small and Debbie was cutting up potatoes in the kitchen. She cut open one and the inside was black. She told our children who were at her side, “look at this! This is just the way sin is. You can’t see it on the outside, but it marks your life on the inside.” A 30 second teaching opportunity for a truth that can last a lifetime.

Use structured times, use the ministries of your local church, use times when you are in the car and at home. Use bed time and when you are working on projects around the house. Use them all as opportunities to pass the faith on to the next generation. And remember at the heart of it is, “loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.”