Here are some reflections on the case currently before the Supreme Court involving Jack Philips and his Masterpiece Cake Shop in Lakewood. I know the case has brought to the forefront all kinds of issues involving religious freedom and public accommodation for a business. It is unfortunate that a literal “federal case” can be made out of something that in reality lacks merit.

I like the saying, “truth is stranger than fiction.” I wonder if the framers of our constitution ever envisioned a day when a “constitutional crisis” would be triggered over flour and sugar.

It has been interesting to see the “crisis” and handwringing that has resulted with Jack Philip’s refusal to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. All types of issues ranging from public accommodation to religious freedom have been brought into the resulting debate.

However, the reality this is more of a manufactured crisis and controversy than what has merited all the costs involved and personal suffering for Jack Philips and inconvenience for others who would have benefited from his services.

Masterpiece Bakery is located in my old House District. I would on occasion stop and purchase some of the bakery items at Jack’s store. That is what hundreds of other customers have done over the years including the gay couple that claim discrimination and a lack of “public accommodation.”

The proverbial “line in the sand” arose when the gay couple asked for a handcrafted wedding cake. Since Jack viewed that as an endorsement of gay marriage which was a conflict of his personal beliefs, his refused. This was not a rejection of the individuals involved, it was a lack of willingness to participate, in Jack’s view to partner and participate in an “event.”

Jack’s position was that it would be no different than a gay couple attending a church where they were welcomed, but a minister of that church refusing to officiate the wedding ceremony, based on personal and religious conviction.

I find it interesting and somewhat ironic that in Lakewood where Masterpiece is located, right across the street is a bakery that makes and specializes in exquisite custom-made wedding cakes. Those cakes, unlike Masterpiece, are routinely displayed in the window of their business. Instead of walking a few hundred feet away, a couple decides to make a literal “federal case” out of, not a refusal to be served as customer, but a refusal for a cake artist to participate in their wedding event.

I view this as a fabricated “crisis” that has resulted in faulty comparisons to all kinds of discrimination actions in the past and hypothetical and unrealistic comparison in the present. If Jack Philips refused to serve the offended couple as customer, which he did not, it could merit a legitimate case for “public accommodation.”

A realistic examination of the facts reveals the allegations are fictitious and unreasonable and a fabricated civil rights violation. The truth is great pain and financial loss has been inflicted not on a gay couple, but on a business owner who is willing to stand with his principles and personal convictions.

It is unfortunate the Civil Rights Commission and the Courts have been complicate in furthering an issue that should not have been an issue. I trust the Supreme Court will see this case based on truth and not fiction.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “…I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 NLT

As I was reading Paul’s letter to the Galatians I noticed the affirmation of his calling that is unique to this letter. He is getting ready to confront those who declared a “false” gospel. So firmly stating his apostolic authority would be in line with his reason for writing this letter.

With the exception of Matthias who was chosen by the eleven to replace Judas, all the disciples were called personally by Jesus. Paul’s calling is certainly unique. It was a call by Jesus, and a post resurrection revelation to one who was intent on persecuting those who followed Jesus.

As the church grew there were those who were viewed as “apostles” in their spiritual role of establishing and leading churches. Paul recognizes this and refers to himself as the “least of all the apostles.” 

This sense of a special calling and designation of apostleship was balanced with a recognition of those who were leaders in the church of Jerusalem. Specifically Peter, James and John. We see Paul recognizing that “God is no respecter of persons” but at the same time God-called men are placed in positions of responsibility and authority.

Paul did not seek immediate recognition from the apostles in Jerusalem, after he conversion. He says, “When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was.” (Galatians 1:16-17 NLT)

As a matter of fact, it was three years before Paul would meet with Peter and James in Jerusalem. Then after fourteen years of ministry to the Gentiles Paul returned to Jerusalem. He believed the Lord directed him to do so.

“I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.” (Galatians 2:2 NLT)

What caught my attention was this balance of being called by God in a special way and for a special purpose, and preaching a message of salvation, but also being accountable to other spiritual leaders. In Paul’s own words, he wanted to “make sure that we were in agreement.” Paul wanted to build on and not destroy or contradict or undermine the gospel that others were preaching.

It became clear that the “true” gospel was that all people are made righteous by faith in Jesus Christ and not through obeying the law. Salvation was a supernatural work of grace, not human something attained through human effort. Paul was released and blessed to minister God’s grace to the Gentiles and Peter and the other apostles shared the same message with the Jews.

In these opening chapters of Galatians Paul makes it clear there is only one gospel; one way to be right before God. It is the same for Jews and for Gentiles. Paul preached that message with the confidence of his special calling, but he placed himself in a position to be accountable to others to protect the integrity of the message.

In doing so we see the importance of doctrine being subject to assessment of other spiritual leaders and not something that is to be viewed as a “special” revelation or message that is proclaimed without being open to the examination of others.

So, the word of caution is, if a doctrine or teaching that is being proclaimed is not willing to be examined and evaluated by others, it is probably a “different” gospel.

That is why Paul says, “Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.”  (Galatians 1:8 NLT)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” Colossians 2:23 NLT

Conquering evil and the snares of our sinful nature is something that has been a challenge since creation. Someone once observed, “we make our choices and then our choices make us.” We see that principle played out in many ways and even in our current society with various scandals in Hollywood, politics and the media.

If you have lived very long, you understand that will power often gives way to the power of our natural desires. We even see the Apostle Paul describing the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit in his words to the Romans.

^“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. “ (Romans 7:18,19 NLT)

So, the bottom line is we can’t will our way out of temptation and live a life that is pleasing to God. But we see the hope that Christ provides

Paul says to the Colossians, “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world.” (Colossians 2:20 NLT)

We we surrender our life to Christ, He gives us a new life and places His Spirit in our lives. Paul’s discourse in Colossians presents some interesting dichotomies. He begins by saying, “you were dead in your transgressions and sins” but have been made alive in Christ. He then says, you are dead. Alive in Christ, but dead to the world and the bondage of the sinful nature.

Paul to the Romans said, “you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11 NLT) To the Galatians Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

Right after Paul shares with the Romans about the struggle between the flesh and Spirit, he makes the great declaration that counters the failure of shame with the words, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” (Romans 8:1,2 NLT)

When it comes to our greatest challenge in life, the battle with our own nature, the victory does not come from our will power, but from embracing what Christ has done for us and understanding the new life and new strength that comes from His forgiveness and His Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:7,8 NLT

It has been observed that religion is spelled, “D-O.” It is based on my actions, my efforts. The focus is on the “good” outweighing the “bad.” The hope is that when the end of life comes that the good I have done and the positive aspects of my character will “tip the scales” in my favor.

In contrast true Christianity is spelled, “D-O-N-E.” I realize that my actions and character regardless of how good versus how bad it not sufficient to atone, or make up for my sin. I don’t need to “make up” for my sin, I need someone to “take away” my sin.

That is what Jesus did on the cross. He lived the life that no one else could. He offered His sinless life for our sinful life and as a result he became the “atoning sacrifice for our sin.” (1 John 2:2) When John the Baptist introduced Jesus he declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

As a Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus was well acquainted with the law and what it means to strive to amass a long list of “religious merit badges.” As the Apostle Paul, he reflects on his past life with all of his spiritual credentials.

“I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.” (Philippians 3:5,6 NLT)

But Paul had his eyes opened after he experienced blindness for three days following his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. As a result, we see the change in his understanding and attitude. ^“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless…” 

All of these things that brought Paul recognition and status in the eyes of the religious elite he discovered were of no value and he now looked at them as worthless. Worthless compared to what Christ had “done” for him.

There is no greater test of humility and gratitude than to be willing to accept a gracious gift, especially one that we believed we could acquire through our own efforts. I think of my children and what I have observed in my grandchildren. I recall when one of my grandchildren was doing something with her dad (my son) standing right there. She said, “I want to do it MYSELF.” Soon after being frustrated and tired of her own failed efforts, she humbly looked to daddy and pleaded, “will you help me?”

In the past four years, I have had to learn a lot about receiving help. It is not always easy, but it has made life easier and less frustrating.

This is a great time of the year when we focus on receiving gifts as an expression of love and value, to open our hearts to what Jesus has to offer. He doesn’t help us do what we can’t, He does it for us and we become the beneficiaries. Through Christ’s forgiveness His righteous becomes ours.

Here is what Paul learned, “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” (Philippians 3:9 NLT)

Rest in what Christ has “done” for you.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.” 1 Peter 1:21 NLT

As we enter the Advent Season, we are reminded that Jesus was born as “Emmanuel” – “God with us.” The wonder and consequence of Jesus coming to this earth for 33 years, was to reveal and to redeem. His death on the cross would redeem all who place their faith in Him from their sins.

But we see Christ’s role as the “Revealer” of God the Father being significant as well. Paul wrote, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15 NLT) Jesus told His disciples, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9 NIV)

This statement of Jesus to Philip was in response to the request, “show us the Father.” That is a request that is born out of a desire to fully know God the Father.

As Peter writes his first letter he reminds believers that because of Christ our trust in God is solidified. He goes on and states that this is affirmed by the fact that God raised Christ from the death. As a result, all those who embrace Christ’s forgiveness, place their faith and hope in God. What God did for Jesus, He will do for us one day. He will bring us resurrection and a home with Him for eternity.

Drawing closer to Jesus, brings us closer to God the Father. Learning more about Jesus, is learning more about God the Father. Paul declares, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Jesus Christ]...” (Colossians 1:19 NIV)

In this season of advent, it is good to contemplate with awe once again the miracle of the “Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) In most religions people try to elevate themselves to a status equal to their god. In Christ, God came to His sinful and fallen world to reveal Himself to us.

God’s desire for us to know Him and to know His purpose for our life is so great that He sent the eternal Son of God to this earth to be seen and to be observed. John put it this way,  “But the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14 NLT)

In this Christmas season, heed the invitation of the songs of old to, “come let us adore Him” As you “behold Him” and learn of Him, your trust in God the Father and your faith and hope will be strengthened. That is God’s gift to you.

Christian and Bridget and the grandkids arrived this afternoon for our Thanksgiving Day celebration tomorrow. This is their first time to be in Fort Collins since our little dog, “Andy” had to be put to sleep. I have him buried in the garden so, we decided to make a maker for his grave.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NLT

Here we are marking another Thanksgiving holiday and the Christmas season. This time of the year is marked by nostalgic remembrances, gatherings with family and friends and reflections on the past year.

We truly have much to be thankful “for.” In the midst of the political tensions it is easy to look at a certain class or race as being “privileged.” The reality is when you look at the world in which we live, everyone who lives in the United States can be viewed as being “privileged” compared to most of the nations in the world.

I realize that I have much to be thankful for. This week at our City Council meeting a tribute was given to Northern Colorado Acute Hospital in recognition of their national achievement in excellence in providing respiratory care services. The tribute listed several acute medical conditions that they treat. As the list was read I found myself mentally checking off those that I had when I was a patient at their facility four years ago. I believe all but one was something that I could identity with.

Scripture admonishes us to possess a continual attitude of gratitude. The Apostle Paul simply admonished believers to “be thankful in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Thankful people, are happy people.

However, the most repeated command related to thankfulness is who our gratitude is directed “to.” Giving thanks “to” focuses our attention on the source of blessing in our life. It points to the source that bestows and sustains and that can be trusted.

Psalm 105 and Psalm 136 are to well-know psalms of thanksgiving. Psalm 136 is written in an antiphonal style. It is good to reflect on two large groups with one declaring, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” and the other responding, “for his faithful love endures forever.”

The following stanzas take us on a journey where we are reminded who the Lord is, what He does and what He has done. All of these are important. The Lord’s character is consistent and unchanging. He is the God who does not change and can be trusted. I am thankful for that.

We are reminded that He is Creator, mighty and powerful in His revelation to His creation. I am thankful that there is “nothing to hard for Him.” Whatever the challenge, struggle or that obstacles that come our way, we can turn to the Lord and seek Him.

We are reminded of what the Lord has done in the past. Being reminded of the Lord’s intervention for His people in the past, encourages our faith and gives hope for the future. I am thankful for all that the Lord has done. the old hymn calls us to “count your blessings.” We can become so focus on the “here and now” and have concerns about what is ahead, that we ignore times of being reminded of prayers that have been answered in the past.

As we mark this Thanksgiving and move through the holiday season, let’s allow us to be continually thankful for our blessings, let’s possess an attitude of gratitude, but foremost may our hearts be directed toward the source of our life and the One who bestows all good gifts on His children.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”  Psalm 145:4 NLT

This morning as Debbie and I made a breakfast stop at Chic-fil-A, Debbie was greeted by a lady that knew her from a few years ago in her role as a hospice nurse. It was another great story of a “good death” for this lady’s mother. The woman is a strong believer today, but told how her mother made sure that the children went to Sunday School, but she didn’t exhibit faithfulness to church attendance herself.

However, as the mother faced the end of her life and as her dementia allowed her to reflect on the years of her youth, a strong faith came to the surface. This mother, was one who always took the approach of her faith being a “private thing.”

I was glad to know that the solid faith of the mother came out before she died, but what a lost opportunity for those conversations to take place in the prime of life.

Our children and grandchildren need to know of God’s love, His acts and His power…from us! God is more than the aloof deity that watches us from “a distance.” He is the up close and personal God, who desires us to know Him and His power. It was Paul the apostle who declared, “that I may know him and power of his resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10) May it be our desire for others to “know him and power of his resurrection.”

What do others need to know? We have some direction in Psalm 145. We read phrases and statements such as:

“awe-inspiring deeds…share the story of your wonderful goodness… Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.” (Palm 145:8-12)

But that’s not all, the psalmist continues, “The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen…The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it…you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing…The Lord is close to all who call on him….He grants the desires of those who fear him…The Lord protects all those who love him;” (Psalm 145:13-20)

The list and descriptors are bountiful and powerful. They are encouraging and plentiful. We like to share with others the things that are important to us, and near to us. We talk about hobbies, interests, golf scores, vacations. We often share our views on a number of topics. So, let’s not be shy about sharing about the goodness and power of a great God, especially to our children and grandchildren.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “He made a solemn promise to the Lord. He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” Psalm 132:2-5 NLT

As I read this psalm of ascent, my attention was drawn to the words that describe David’s focused dedication and commitment to bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and building a Temple to the Lord.

We see a lot of attention given to organizations being dedicated to a mission and having a “compelling” vision. One that unites and creates focus and establishes priorities. If there was a vision that drove David and his rule as King of Israel, it was building the Temple. It was not the winning of battles or the conquering of other kingdoms. Those actions took place, but David was not an ancient “General Patton” who needed war in order to find purpose and meaning.

His focus as a “man after God’s own heart” was to make sure that worship to God and the physical symbol of God’s presence was in the very center of the capital city of his kingdom.

David’s commitment was not just a desire in his heart or a “campaign” promise. It was a “solemn promise” to the Lord. It was a vow to the Almighty One. It was a consuming desire that provided meaning and focus for his life and one that would define his sense of accomplishment.

We can say this desire drove David. He ate, slept and dreamed the accomplishment of that goal. Or we can say, he didn’t eat, rest, sleep or dream until the goal was accomplished. Such was the description of the intensity of the of his commitment.

The first task was locating the ark of the covenant. If there was no ark, there would not be a need for a Temple. So we read, “We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah; then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar. Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord; let us worship at the footstool of his throne.” (Psalm 132:6,7 NLT)

We know two things about David’s pursuit of this vision. It wasn’t easy. He found the ark, but failed at his first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. But David persisted, he did not let “failure” discourage him from the ultimate goal. When he was successful on his second attempt is was a cause for great rejoicing.

Then we see that David was not allowed to see his vision to completion. The Lord told him that he would not be the one who would build a house for Him, but He (the Lord) would instead build a “house” for David in the form of an enduring dynasty.

David’s response was to do everything that he could in preparations for the building of the Temple. Plans, materials, instructions were all prepared. All that Solomon had to do when he became King was to execute the plan.

David’s vision drove him for most of the 40 years of his reign. The fulfillment of that vision was fulfilled by others.

The commitment, persistence, patience and all that we see in David working toward the fulfillment of his vision, is something that can speak to us and challenge us in our lives today.

Prayer for today….. Lord, thank you for what we can observe and learn from David and his desire and commitment to a “vision.” What he did was not for human glory or goal, but it was to bring your glory to people. Help us to understand that “God honoring visions, are accomplished in God’s way and in God’s timing.”