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Giving Praise to God

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It was good to have the day at home and to be back into my somewhat regular routine. I did have several repair and maintenance issues that needed to be addressed. With our sprinkler system blown out and our furnace repaired we are ready for the cold weather.

I did have an unexpected appointment today with my neurologist. Nothing wrong, they just had some openings and wanted to move up my next scheduled appointment. It was good to get an explanation from some of my recent tests last month and to assess my strength and progress. There are some treatments he believes could be helpful, but I will determine the timing on those as I see how I progress in building my strength. I will have some additional blood work done that he believes will be helpful to detected any deficiencies in my nuro-muscular system.

This past Tuesday night it was good to run into some friends who have been a great support to me over the years of my political career. Dona Troyer gave me a book on “How to Win a Local Election” when I was first nominated to run for the State House. She has been a faithful supporter to me as well as a leader in some women’s political groups for many years.

Bill and Shirley Setiz (pictured with me) have been good friends as well. Shirley has been a tireless supporter and political advocate for many years. I know that she will need a few weeks to recover from her efforts during this past campaign. Shirley was such a great support during my illness, even coming and spending the night with me when having that assistance was so important.

Both Dona and Shirley have been a part of an ABC (Active Biblical Citizens) Group at Southern Gables Church in Lakewood.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,  and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”  Daniel 4:34,35

“…for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth….” Daniel 6:26,27

Who uttered these words of praise to God? Perhaps without the reference to the book of Daniel it would be more challenging. When you look at the words they could come from David in the Psalms. They sound like words that could come Isaiah or one of the prophets. Instead these words come from two different kings who worshiped idols yet they had a dramatic encounter with the true God of Heaven.

The first passage from Daniel 4, comes from the testimony of Nebuchadnezzar and how he was humbled by the Lord, drove from his position of power and then finally restored in body, mind and his royal position. This mighty king who was considered as a “king of kings” and a ruler over the known world of his time came to understand that God is the only true sovereign. He does what is right and his actions and authority are unquestionable. The kingdoms of men come to an end, but God’s rule is from generation to generation and is everlasting.
The second passage from Daniel 6, comes from the lips of King Darius. In an attempt to disparage Daniel the king is talked into issuing a decree that no one could pray to any god other than himself. The punishment for disobedience was to be thrown into a den of lions. One of the more well known stories of the Bible is “Daniel and the Lions Den.”
What isn’t as well known is the rest of the story and the lesson learned from this pagan king. Darius realized that the true God of heaven is the One who works signs and wonders and who delivers and saves. His kingdom cannot be destroyed and His dominion is forever. What a great contrast, once again, to human kingdoms, whether ruled by a monarch or governed by “constitutional” authority. Any political structure that exalts itself with pride over the precepts of the Lord can find themselves learning a difficult lesson.
Paul wrote to the Philippians and said, “at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11)
We have a choice to freely worship the Lord for who He is, or to be forced into recognizing who He is, much like the kings of Daniel’s time. I would rather be one who daily recognizes the greatness of our God that Nebuchadnezzar and Darius learned the hard way thousands of years ago. He is the Lord above all, who rescues and saves and provides security to all who follow Him. He can’t be replaced, voted out of office, or become subject to term limits, because His dominion lasts forever.

God-Ordained Influence

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I enjoyed my time in Denver last night and today. It was good to connect last night with many people that I have not seen in a long time as well as those who have been in touch with me during my illness. It was encouraging to hear their encouraging comments and recognition of the answers to prayer on my behalf during my illness.

In the midst of making some connections and taking care of some personal business, I began my day with joining a group of pastor’s and ministry leaders for prayer. I value the faithfulness of these men to meet each week and to pray for churches in Jefferson County. When I served as a pastor in the area, I tried to join them on a regular basis. I appreciate their prayers and encouragement. (see picture)

I also had the opportunity to connect with some of the staff members from Foothills Bible Church. Debbie and I attended this church for six years while I served in the State House. I happened to be checking out their new coffee shop area when they were gathering for a staff meeting. So, I had the opportunity to express my appreciation for the prayers and support of this staff and church family.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God gave Daniel favor and compassion…God gave them (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams….And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.”  Daniel 1:2,17,20

Jerusalem is captured, God’s people are taken exile into Babylon. The prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah and  Ezekiel ring in the ears of the captives with conviction. However in the the midst of it all God chooses four men from among those captives to be used by Him to declare His glory and to use them in this foreign land in service to a pagan King.

I like the two words, “God gave…” I am confident that these four men had intellect and potential yet the focus is not on human potential but on God’s work in these lives. As a result of what God gave these men in “learning and skill” it provided them favor in the eyes of the King and an opportunity to influence the power structure of the land in which they were captives.

In the process we read in Daniel how the Lord reveals His future plan for the current kingdom and the kingdoms that would follow for time on end. We see the recognition of God’s favor on these men in their devotion and obedience to God. As a result we read of the amazing account of deliverance from a “fiery furnace” and a “den of lions” as God reveals Himself to these rulers and vindicates His servants.

I am thankful today that the Lord raises up individuals of godly influence to those in positions of power. It may be in business, it may be in politics or education. That influence may be subtle, it may be more direct and with a higher profile. They key is recognizing God as the source of favor and wisdom and the One places us in those positions. This goes hand in hand with a commitment to honor Him without wavering.

 

 

 

 

Prayer for Political Leaders

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Today after attending my Tuesday morning prayer meeting, I had a fitness center workout. My legs were a little weak today, but the workout was good and my trainer even commented that he felt that I was already showing signs of greater strength.

This afternoon I came down to Denver to attend some election night events. I will stay with Christian and Bridget and then head home after some meetings tomorrow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4

While conventional wisdom says you shouldn’t discuss “religion or politics” we see very clearly we are to pray for political leaders. With today being an election day I thought it would be good to revisit these verses from Paul’s instructions to Timothy.

First I notice that Paul doesn’t just say pray, but includes all aspects of prayer; “supplications, intercessions and thanksgiving.” Then we see Paul reference the anticipated outcomes for prayers for “kings and all who are in authority”. “That we may lead a peaceful and quite life, godly and dignified in every way.” I must admit that even before entering politics myself that I found it easier to pray for some leaders than others. However, Paul doesn’t give “an out or disclaimer” based on personal preference whether personality or party. As a matter of fact I sometimes found it easier to get along with some members of the opposite party than my own. So when we pray, I believe among other petitions, it is good to believe God for the outcome of our intercessions that Paul mentions.

When we pray for political leaders, we please God. Then we are reminded that the Lord’s greatest and highest desire is for all “to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

If Paul in prison could remind Timothy of this priority as he faced the sentence of an ungodly ruler, how much more in our country today, even with the challenges that are being faced on so many fronts should we heed Paul’s admonition to “pray…for all in authority.”

Peace that Overcomes the World

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Last night we enjoyed hosting a group at our home to hear the scripture memory ministry of Rod and Jenni Carlson. (see picture) Their Living Logos Ministry (www.livinglogos.org) really does allow God’s Word to come alive. Jenni quoted the Book of Ruth and Rod quoted the Sermon on the Mount and the first two chapters of Philippians. Using the word “quoted” doesn’t do justice in  describing the impact of their presentation. As one our guests commented, “you share scripture from the heart, not your head.”

This morning Rod called me to let me know that a long time friend of ours David McPherson had suddenly passed away. David and His wife Cheri have lived for several years in Colorado Springs and have been involved in several aspects of ministry over the years. David has experienced some health challenges in recent months but his passing came as quite a surprise.

For me it has been a good day. I needed a little more rest time this morning than usual, but did get in about an hour work out that included some time in the swimming pool. We have been experiencing some colder weather and rain so it all goes together with the sun setting earlier and the coming winter season.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Tribulation and peace seem an “odd couple” of concepts for Jesus to be sharing with His disciples just before His arrest, trial and crucifixion. But there is no greater assurance that can be given in the face of persecution and tribulation than to know that Jesus is with us and He will provide a supernatural peace to accompany our lives.

In John 14 begins with Jesus addressing the “troubled hearts” of the disciples in assuring them that if He leaves them, He will return. And until He returns the Holy Spirit will be with them to teach and empower just as Jesus had during His earthly ministry. Then He gives them these words of assurance.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  John 14:27

During His ministry Jesus was able to live with a sense of “divine peace” because He knew that He was in the Father’s care and was doing the Father’s will. The same would be true for Jesus’ disciples. This divine peace, “…the peace of God that passes all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7) would also characterize their lives. They might know conflict on the outside, but they could experience inward peace, knowing they were connected to Jesus “the vine.” (John 15:1)

As Jesus continues to teach the disciples He shares with them that if He doesn’t “go away…the Holy Spirit can not come…”    (John 16:7) After Jesus shares about the work of the Holy Spirit, He tells them, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace…”

The two arenas of life can never be greater in contrast. Living in the world, trusting in the world for peace, and placing your hope in Jesus Christ and finding true peace. To live in the world is to experience tribulation, but Jesus through the peace He gives allows His followers to overcome the world, just as He has.

We live in a world of uncertainty; from terrorist attacks to the fear of Ebola and other diseases. We see uncertainty politically and in nature itself. All of these are issues that arise that can bring fear, unrest and even panic. That is why the peace of Jesus is so critical in our day. Remember in Jesus you have peace.

Proof of Discipleship

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Debbie and I have been preparing for a small group gathering at our home. We have invited Rod and Jenny Carlson to come and share some of their scripture memory ministry. We are looking forward to this time and our first opportunity since coming home from the hospital to host people in our home.

After a rest day yesterday, I had a good fitness center workout today. My goal is to be as consistent as possible over the next month and see if I can see some significant process while keeping away from any illness or infections.

I’m posting a picture today that I consider the “cutest” Halloween costumes of the season. I’m not sure of the origin and many may have seen this. I’m not sure if it is the “cute factor” or that I am using a walker or a precursor of what the next 20 or so years may look like.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”           John 13:34,35

John 13 begins the series of chapters known as the “upper room discourse” of Jesus. These chapters cover the most extensive teaching of Jesus with His disciples before He goes to the cross.

Jesus has taught the first and second commandment, “love the Lord your God with all your heart soul, mind and strength…love you neighbor as yourself.” He has addressed Peter’s question about forgiving someone who offends you by saying not seven times, but seventy times seven. Now as He prepares to leave the work of the Kingdom of God, He communicates the priority of their servant-hearted attitudes, their unity, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. There is no quality that will undergird their unity as their love for each other.

This love for each other was not just a command, it was a command for them to love each other as Jesus had loved them. Jesus love was unconditional, it was sacrificial. The Apostle John would later write,  “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another….By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”  (1 John 3:11,16)

I have always found it interesting that John 3:16 talks about  God’s love being revealed in Christ giving His life for us and 1 John 3:16 talks about how we ought to lay down our lives for others.

The famous words of Benjamin Franklin on signing the Declaration of Independence were, “gentlemen we must all hang together or we shall surely hang separately.” Jesus had faced opposition and persecution and He knew that His disciples would face the same thing when He was gone. Their unity was more than any “human cause” it was based on a commitment to Christ and loving each other as He had loved them.

Finally, the disciples love for one another would be proof of their discipleship. Notice love is not individualized love, but a love among them collectively. The proof of discipleship was to be an “atmosphere of love” that permeated their lives and community and which would bear witness to others of Christ’s reality.

Christians today as Christ-followers have the same challenge before us. This is only possible through what Christ can do as we experience His love and endeavor with His help to show the same to others. This also shows the value and importance of our faith being lived out in community with other believers. That was Christ’s purpose for His disciples as He taught in the upper room and it is His desire for His disciples today.

I Am…

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Today was a good rest day. I did find myself a little more tired after about four days straight of some therapy and then my trips up and down the stairs last night in dealing with our water issue. One thing I found is that I can get up and down the stairs better than in the past. I’m at least doing as well as my grandkids when they were two or three. 🙂

It was nice to get in a nap after Debbie and I went out for an early afternoon lunch and before our evening church service. While monitoring energy levels can still be a challenge it is good to see some improvements in the time periods and level of activity that I am able to endure.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Two simple words that are of great significance in the Bible, “I am.” They are important because they point to the self disclosure of God to humanity in a way that is intended to provide insight not only into who God is, but who He is to us.

We see these words first uttered by God to Moses at the burning bush when God says, “….tell the am I am has you to them…” (Gen. 3:14) We see Jesus ask His disciples, “who do me say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-20) After the sharing the “view of the pubic polls” Peter declares, “you are the Christ the Son of the Living God.”

John’s gospel which focuses on the Deity of Christ contains the greatest number of “I am” statements of Jesus. Consider the following:

“I am the light of the world.”  John 8:12  Jesus promises that guessing on eternal destiny is not a “walk in the dark.” He alone provides the well marked path to relationship with God and a promised eternity.

“…before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58 Jesus asserts His deity and eternal existence. So much so that those who heard it wanted to stone Him, because they knew He was making Himself equal with God.

“I am the door of the sheep….” John 10:7 Jesus used this expression first to draw the contrast to Himself and those who came before that were robbers and didn’t have true concern for the sheep. This is an illustration of protection.

“…I am the door…” John 10:9 In this verse Jesus says that sheep can come in and out and find pasture. In so doing He focuses on the security and the abundance that is available through Him. That is why John 10:10 says, “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

 “…I am the good shepherd…” John 10:11 Shepherds were often hired hands that when danger arose from animals or marauders were quick to flee in protection for their own lives. In contrast to this Jesus said, “….the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

“I am the resurrection and the life….” John 11:25 This was Jesus assertion just before raising Lazarus from the dead. Martha said, “I know my brother will rise in the last day…” Jesus wanted her to know that He is not the One who will be, and it is important for us today to know that He is not the One who was, but He is, “the resurrection and the life.” It defines His eternal being and character.

It is always good for us to remind ourselves who He is and remember that who He is, He is for us.

 

Abiding in Him

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Today ended up with more drama than we anticipated. After coming home from my fitness appointment, I turned on the sprinkler system. After I while I thought that I heard water running but could not find where it was and just thought it must be outside. Wrong! We ended up with water in our basement due to a break in our water meter. Thanks to my brother-in-law Sam and the response of the City of Fort Collins, we got water cleaned up and a temporary fix to make sure that we have water for the weekend. In addition to my work out at the fitness center, I had the exercise of navigating up and down the stairs to the basement.

Other than that is was a good day. We took care of signing some closing documents on the sale of our house in Lakewood and so that is a significant event in our lives. So it looks like we have “burned the bridge” back to Lakewood and are settled and enjoying Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31,32

If you take time to look for a dictionary definition of “abide” and see the synonyms this is what you will find:  “obey, observe, follow, keep to, hold to, conform to, adhere to, stick to, stand by, act in accordance with, uphold, heed, accept, go along with, acknowledge, respect, defer to.”

All of those apply and give meaning to Jesus’ words and invitation to “abide.” In addition to the verse above, John chapter 15 contains several references to abiding in Jesus as the vine. We read, “abide in my word” “abide in me” “abide in my love.” Review the synonyms above as they relate to each of these. Of course we realize that they are all summarized by “abiding in Jesus.” He is the Word of God revealed to the world. He is the expression of God’s love for humanity.

What we can observe in these verses is….

Abiding in Jesus is a true test of discipleship. To live life outside of the “vine” becomes a lifeless and unfruitful experience. Our connection with Jesus our living in His Word, obeying it and acknowledging it as the only source for our faith is critical to our spiritual well being.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to bearing fruit. Healthy fruit on branches is directly related to the health and connection to the trunk of the tree (i.e. vine). “Whoever abides in me…bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:6) I recall many years ago visiting Phoenix with some friends for a church conference. We were taken by the orange trees beside the highway. When we stopped and picked one were surprised that what was so appealing to the eye could be so bitter to the taste. (apparently orange trees and car exhaust is a lethal combination) In contrast, the fruit we bear through abiding in Jesus is that which blesses others.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to answered prayer.  “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7) Just as the Father answered Jesus’ prayers because of their connection, our connection to Jesus is the key to an effective prayer life. We realize prayer is fellowship and communion as well as bring needs. When we abide in Jesus and His Word we are more aware of His will. Abiding in Jesus is the key to confident praying.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to freedom. Following Jesus and His Word, allows us to know the truth and to discern truth from error. In this verse “being set free” involved once again the Jews understanding of the tradition of the elders opposed to the plan and purpose of the Father. When we know the truth we are not bound by the “law” as an avenue to righteousness. We are not bound by tradition. And we realize the truth that, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” (John 8:36)

There is no better place, no safer place, no place of greater joy and fulfillment than abiding in Jesus.

Caution God at Work

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Today has been a good day for me. Great weather and some good activity. I had my outpatient therapy session at Northern Colorado Rehab. My therapists there want me to wait for a month for my next appointment to see how my fitness center activity is progressing. One of the issues my physical therapist was covering with me was the nerve regeneration process in my right leg especially. Nerves grow at a rate of 1mm per day. That means if a nerve in my leg needs to completely regenerate if could take over a year for that to take place.

The good news is that I’m not at “ground zero” in the process. The evaluation next month will provide some feedback about the response of nerves helping to build muscles that are now the weakest. My plan is to have at least four days a week of exercise at my fitness center.

After I returned home, I mowed the grass and picked up some leaves. I noticed that my grass is greener now than almost anytime this summer. I have been thankful for the good weather this fall.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked….this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”                 John 5:8,16,17

These verses are found in the passage of John’s Gospel related to the healing of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda. On more than one occasion Jesus healed someone who was lame and instructed them “to take up their bed and walk.” But this one gave the religious leaders an heightened reason for criticism. This was the Sabbath!  They believed that anyone from God would certainly view the Sabbath the same way that they did. However, like many politicians today, the Scribes and Pharisee were good at making laws that were good for others to follow but they found a way to exempt themselves from obeying.

On another occasion when Jesus healed a women in the synagogue on the Sabbath, the religious leaders rebuked the woman saying, “come on other days to be healed and not on the Sabbath.” “But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him?…” Luke 13:15

Jesus articulated the concept simply as this, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 The Sabbath was intended to serve the needs of God’s people. Yet the religious leaders allowed their own laws and their own ideas to get in the way of God’s. As a result the true purpose of God’s laws were distorted by human tradition.

Jesus then “poured salt in the wound” by saying, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Yet another time when Jesus made Himself equal to God.

What does this have to do with us today? To begin, what happens when God surprises us? Can God do something that doesn’t fit tightly into my “ideas and traditions?” Are we so comfortable with our spiritual lives that God can’t surprise us? In my life I have seen God use people that I thought He couldn’t use in ways that I didn’t think was possible. Are there areas where we have allowed rules or traditions to blind us to the principle that is at the foundation of that rule or tradition. Are we open to allow the Lord to reveal areas of hypocrisy in our life?

The longer we follow the Lord, the more comfortable we are with “having God figured out” is just the time He may chose to surprise us. Are you ready?