We have come to our final day of vacation. That means Debbie will return to work next week and I will return to my “normal” schedule. For me that includes several tests that I have schedule with the first on taking place on Monday.

After our morning run to Dunkin Donuts, we hit the miniature golf course. Nathan ended up being the best, but he was keeping score! After lunch and a little rest I took the grand boys to the activity center and I went to the fitness center for a workout. It is too bad that I didn’t discover the facility earlier in the week. It as least was an indication that I  may be up to and able to benefit from some regular “gym” workouts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”  Luke 9:24,25

The call and cost of following Christ is one of great importance. Jesus offered the call to “follow Him” to a rich young ruler among others who showed hesitation and offered excuses. At the end of Luke 9 we read of one that Jesus said, “come follow me” and two others who said, “Lord, I will follow you.” To one Jesus prepared him with the challenges of “discipleship life” with the words, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58) The others responded by stipulating their own terms preceded with “Lord, let me first…” (Luke 9:59-61)

These responses are in contrast to the disciples that Jesus called who “immediately…followed” Jesus, leaving fishing nets, tax collector booths and family. Being a follower of Christ today does not involve “leaving” a job, or family members to physically follow Jesus as it was during His earthly ministry. But if does mean placing all that we value in our life as second compared to our devotion to Christ.

Jesus made it clear, you can’t find the true life He offers by holding on to your old life. For those who feel they have too much to give up Jesus simply asks, “what does it profit a man if he gains the world yet forfeits his own soul.”

I found it interesting that a recent issue of Time magazine reported that those in the highest income levels report at 41% satisfaction level with their life. The percentages go down from there, as the income levels drop. If money, fame, fortune are what people seek, we find that 60% of those that have what others seek aren’t that much happier with their life.

What is the value of a human soul? It cost Christ everything. Coming to earth as the baby in Bethlehem’s manger; living 30 years of life just like any other Jewish boy; three years of controversial ministry where He was misunderstood, rejected, faced threats against His life and was finally betrayed by one of his closest and trusted followers; an agonizing death on a cross in the place of a common criminal between two criminals; and then hastily buried in borrowed tomb. That is the cost. The glory of Christ’s obedience is found in being raised to life after three days and offering to all who would follow Him, forgiveness, His presence and eternity with Him.

Our response to all this, in the words of author/pastor Mark Batterson, is to be “all in for the One who was all in for us.”

Debbie and I enjoyed breakfast out this morning. It was a little of a challenge navigating some steps at the restaurant, since I was just using my walker.

Later, I went to the resort workout room and had a good hour and a half work out on weights and a bicycle. Louis one of the trainers was very attentive and helpful in working with me on the equipment. I realized that this was my first try at some exercise equipment to this extent since my illness. It was an interesting feeling to feel like I pushed weights to my capacity and endurance but did detect any muscle change. Of course I don’t have too much muscles mass to contract with the activity.

Later I joined the family at a different pool here at the resort. We took some pictures to share, so here is one of them. I believe our plan after dinner is to try our hand as a family on the miniature golf course. I’ll let your know how that goes.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days being tempted by the devil….And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee…”           Luke 4:1,14

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry is marked by being baptized by John, tempted by the devil, and then returning to Galilee to teach in the synagogue. This forty day interlude between the two bookend events is well chronicled in the gospels. It is one of the most significant times of Jesus life and ministry. A forty day fast, in the wilderness, constantly being tempted by Satan. When the forty days were nearing to an end we read of the three recorded temptations of Christ. And then we see that Luke records, “…he [Satan] departed from him [Jesus] until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

What caught my attention in this reading was Luke’s comments that Jesus began and ended this time of temptation and trial “full of the Holy Spirit.” It is one thing following baptism, the dove, the voice from heaven, to be “full of the Holy Spirit” as Jesus journeyed to the wilderness. But for the same condition to be how Jesus spiritual condition is described after the forty day fast and time of testing is of significance.

As I thought of this, I thought of how I would describe the converse. It would be tired, beleaguered and spiritually weary. Spiritual warfare is intense work. Fasting is hard. Forty days in the wilderness is no walk in the park. Consider Elijah in the Old Testament after confronting the prophets of Baal and being confronted by Jezebel. He was worn out, felt alone and even despondent. Yet we see Luke describing Jesus coming out of the wilderness in the same way he described Him going into the wilderness.

This is of importance because Hebrew’s records,” For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:18) The encouragement that is found in this truth is also recorded in Hebrews 2:18, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

The strength we need for our spiritual journey is found in being “full of the Holy Spirit.” That means trusting the Lord for strength and power for each new day. That means yielding our life to the Holy Spirit, as Paul admonished the Ephesians, “be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18) This carries the meaning of “be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This is reflected in Paul’s admonition to the Galatians  “…walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16,25)

The strength for life, the strength for trials and temptations, the strength to do God’s work is found in the life of Jesus, “being full of the Holy Spirit.” Like any gift it is available by asking, trusting, yielding. Don’t journey alone.

Today Mason Munn (Stephanie and Nathan’s oldest) officially turned seven. It was a full day of activity and Mason said, it was his best birthday ever! It started with Krispy Creme donuts and opening presents, fishing, lunch at McDonalds, swimming with games at the pool, bike riding, tacos for dinner, birthday cake and ice cream and then a late night movie outside at poolside.

All in all a pretty good day for a seven year old and a tiring day for adults. I’m glad that I got in my morning nap after the fishing trip.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”  Amos 5:14,15

The Book of Amos is an interesting one. Amos was not the typical prophet. He was a farmer. God called him to go and prophesy to not just Judah and Israel but surrounding kingdoms as well. As the book opens we read,  “The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem…” (Amos 1:2) This is not the meek and mild God that people often pictured, but his is the Lord who is ready to act.

As a result Amos pronounces judgment on Damascus, Gaza, Edom, Tyre, Ammonites, Moab; all Israel’s neighbors. Then we see the word of the prophet spoken against Judah and Israel. As the sins of these nations are listed the clock is ticking toward the day when the Lord will bring to pass the words spoken by Amos and other prophets. The generations may have made God’s people forget the Lord’s wonders and His laws, but God still held them accountable.

Even though the judgment from God is certain and coming, we see that God also promises a future time of restoration: “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old…” (Amos 9:11)

This sequence is not to far removed from what we see in God’s ultimate plan for this world and His people. We see the Book of Revelation containing judgments on the nations of the world and a final restoration of a “new heaven and a new earth.” But this one is one that will never come to an end.

In the midst of the impending doom on the nations of Amos day is a call from the prophet to “seek good, not evil…hate evil, love good, establish justice…” This is a call to repentance. Change the way you think and act. Even if God’s promise is future restoration, now is the time to seek the Lord and live. Now is the time to find God’s favor in the time of judgment.

I am reminded of the words of the psalmist: “…Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Your salvation.…” (Psalm 85:5)

Mason 7

When God roars, it is time to respond. It is time to seek the Lord and change our ways. That call includes a nation. That call includes each individual. It is a call to stop, reflect, repent and renew.

We had a good day today with activities around the resort. Debbie and I went to the miniature golf course near of condo unit. It was a simple course, that was handicap accessible. So I used my wheelchair and tried to stand to hit the ball until I lost my balance and fell. Debbie had two holes-in-one and beat my by six strokes. She wasn’t sympathetic for the handicapped!

This afternoon we enjoyed more time at the swimming pool. The water is warm and the weather has been good. I enjoyed my time with Mason and Carter in the water. Tomorrow is Mason’s seventh birthday, so he is working with his mom on an hour by hour schedule of activities.

It has been good to see McKenzie growing and being more active. Here is a picture of her with me in my wheelchair. This took a little coaxing and time for her to warm up to me with all the apparatus that is a part of my life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”  Luke 1:1-4

Target marketing is the modern day concept of endeavoring to match the message to the intended audience. The marketer asks important questions about those who are the intended recipients of the message and the way the message is presented must connect with that audience.

My undergraduate degree had an emphasis on marketing and I recall a marketing and public relationships class in my masters program reviewing some basic concepts that I had learned and even taught thirty years prior. However, from the perspective of ministry and my ongoing study of the Bible, I realized that the gospels are the earliest form of “target marketing” that I can recall.

People often ask, why four gospels? What different content? Why different emphasis? The answer is found in the author and the audience. In recorded scripture we have four different authors addressing four different groups. As a result the content contains some variations.

For example, Matthew was written to a Jewish audience and contains the greatest number of Old Testament references. Jesus is shown as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, the one who fulfilled the claims that the Messiah would be tied to the lineage of David.

Mark, considered the oldest gospel, was written to a Roman audience. It is short to the point and filled with action. It begins with the ministry of Jesus and not his birth. In Mark Jesus is presented as “servant.”

Luke, was the physician, historian of early Christianity. He liked details. He writes his gospel to Greeks, one in particular by the name of Theophilus. He presents Jesus as the “Son of Man.” Jesus lineage is traced all the way back to Adam and Luke uses the term, “Son of Man” more than any other gospel.

John’s gospel was the last to be written and his audience were first century believers. He presents Jesus as the Son of God. We see this from the first verse when he writes, “In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1) We see that John’s gospel contains the greatest number of chapters dedicated to Jesus with His disciples in the upper room before His crucifixion.

This brief overview is not to diminish but to show the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in presenting the life and ministry of Jesus and the gospel to a variety of audiences in a way that connects with them. What we see in scripture was eventually developed by people hundreds of years later in their attempt to promote a product or service.

Both Luke and John give the reason for their gospel account. Luke says, “…that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:4) John says, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

Then we see the variety of audiences reveals that the gospel is for all people. During John the Baptist’s ministry we see the religious, tax collectors and soldiers and “regular” people all in his audiences. The same was true with Jesus.

This is also a  reminder for us today. As followers of Christ as we connect with people in our present day, we need to know how to effectively communicate the good news with them. It is important to understand their background, concerns and needs.

This morning Debbie, Stephanie, Mason and Carter took off for Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. That left Nathan, me and McKenzie to our own devices. So we traveled to a well known sandwich place here in Orlando that has been in business since 1968 and sampled their historic roast beef sandwich.

I am feeling strong today which I am thankful for and had a couple of swimming workouts. We have access to several pools and even a miniature golf course right across the parking lot. It does look like it is clouding over a little this afternoon, but haven’t seen any rain yet.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.’”  Isaiah 7:9

King Ahaz was ruling over Judah at a time when they did not deserve to have God help them in time of crisis. We see that Syria was attacking Jerusalem and were being restrained. So Syria joined alliance with the King of Israel to attack Jerusalem. When Ahaz and the people heard this the Bible says, “…the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.” (Isaiah 7:2) So they were a little more than frightened at the prospects before them.

The Lord sends Isaiah to King Ahaz with a message of encouragement to strengthen him and the people. As the message of the prophet comes to an end the call to be “firm in faith…” serves as the punctuation mark and call to action for the people.

The opposition was still great. The obstacles were still formidable. Yet the Lord had given His word and if King Ahaz and people stood firm in that word and placed their faith in the Lord, they would find a firm place to stand in the face of overwhelming odds. The emphasis reminds us that there is no foundation which provides greater security than faith in the Lord.

The reality is faith must have an object. King Ahaz could have placed faith in his vast army if he had one. He could have put faith in his armament, horses and chariots if they existed in large enough numbers but they didn’t. He could have looked to making alliances with other nations if he had time and resources but he didn’t. All he had was what was available along with the promise of the Lord that the Lord would fight for him.

Yet the Lord was willing to accommodate King Ahaz by providing a sign to prove the Lord’s trustworthiness. But King Ahaz was reluctant. The prophet’s responded, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

God proves His promise with the sign of Immanuel, “God with us.” “And if God be for us who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

When you stand firm in faith in God’s word and God’s presence you will always have a firm place to stand.

Yesterday as I was finishing my blog at DIA, they started the boarding call for our flight. This caught us off guard since it was about 20 minutes earlier than we anticipated. So I did a quick submit, shut down my computer and we started toward the gate. It was an interesting experience. We were actually in the third row, but we were the last on and the last off. Another lesson in patience for me.

Our flight went well and Nathan met us at the airport and we ended up a little wound up from the flight and it ended up being a short night. So, I compensated with a morning nap. We have enjoyed our first day with some time at the pool. Grandson Mason (7) is enjoying out swimming me and is laughing at the way I throw. Outside of that we are having a good time. I actually felt stronger walking in the water compared to the last time I went swimming.

When I was in Denver last Friday, I stopped by to say good bye to the grankids, so we snapped a picture that included, “Buddy” their dog.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
and deprive the innocent of his right!  Isaiah 5:20-23

This morning as I was reading Isaiah 5 these verses stood out to me. This chapter contains the pronouncement of the Lord on the sins of Israel and Judah. These verses are not the typical ones of encouragement of faith, trust and God’s love; but they speak about our day as much as the day of Isaiah the prophet.

If I were to summarize the description of what had overtaken the people that were to follow after the Lord it would be: deception, arrogance and foolish living.

First of all the word, “woe” caught my attention. This is probably because I relate that word to the judgments found during the tribulation period in the book of Revelation. It is a word that is related to God’s wrath  and calls for sorrow and is a prelude to impending doom.

The condition of the Children of Israel did not happen over night. What we see described is a gradual downhill slide, where compromise and idolatry were mix with worship of the Lord. It is important to understand that idolatry did not replace the sacrifices made to the Lord, they were alongside and in competition with the allegiance of the hearts of the people to the Lord. Soon idolatry crowded out the Lord’s voice and influence until the Lord removed His people from the promised land.

This decline lead to deception where the thoughts and hearts of the people were twisted to the point that good was viewed as evil and evil as good. That is a dangerous place to be. That is the epitome of spiritual darkness. I recall hearing someone once describe the “unpardonable sin” as this state of mind and heart. He said it becomes “unpardonable” because an individual will not repent because the good before them is viewed as evil, and the evil in their hearts is view as good. It is the “great reversal” that describes complete moral decay.

The prophet then describes a condition of arrogance. “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes.” This is a state of mind that says, “if I don’t know it or understand it, it doesn’t exist or is known.” This condition places human thinking and thoughts above Gods. They don’t accept God’s word that says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.”  (Isaiah 55:8) As a matter of fact their view would place human thinking above God’s. This sounds like many in our world today.

The last one I would describe as, foolish living. Living to drink, drinking to live, and in the process ethical values are thrown out the window. In our day we understand that alcohol distorts moral judgment. The people described in this condemnation may be viewed as the “life of the party” but they are trapped in an addiction and don’t realize it. The book of Proverbs is filled with contrasts between the “one who is wise” and “fools.”

The take away from this otherwise depressing condition is to accept a challenge to be on guard. To realize that compromises don’t result in a sudden fall, but a gradual decline that takes you where you don’t want to go. These warnings and descriptions in the Bible are there to warn and challenge us today, that we don’t fall prey to the same condition. 1 Corinthians 10:6 says, “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”

Remember, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) It takes courage to stand alone and to confront that which is evil. But as we trust in the Lord, find in Him our refuge; that is the best place to be.

It is noteworthy that the chapter after this one (Isaiah 6) contains Issiah’s vision of the Lord in the temple and God’s call to Isaiah “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) For those who are followers of Christ, it is important for  us to be light to those in darkness and life to those in spiritual death. This is not from a position of “better than” but as one who has been delivered from darkness to light. Before Isaiah received God’s call he was made aware first of his sinfulness and was a recipient of cleansing.

Let’s be those who offer to the Lord the true worship of our lives that He deserves and avoid living under God’s woe.

Why is getting ready for a vacation so stressful? I guess our expectations exceed the time we have to get things taken care that make us “feel ready to leave.” I think it felt like Debbie and I packed a day into a morning  before heading to the airport early afternoon. We are thankful for Sue and Sam giving us a ride and making sure we got into the terminal and checked in okay. This is the first trip we have taken since my illness.

We are looking forward to being with Nathan, Stephanie, Mason, Carter and McKenzie. They traveled today from Atlanta to Orlando and have already checked in to our condo unit. Debbie and I will arrive at 11:30 p.m. I’m glad for the two hour difference in our favor. Stephanie took this picture of the kids as they go ready to head out on the road.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”            Deuteronomy 33:27

This statement of encouragement from Moses as the Children of Israel were preparing to enter the promised land holds encouragement for followers of Christ today. In this one statement there are some noteworthy points to grab and to hold on to.

1 – An Endless Resource – “The eternal God.”  The one who provides strength for your journey and is available to meet your need is the God who was and is and will always be! Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:32) God’s promise is, “…never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:3) You can’t escape Him, you won’t exhaust His patience, you will never be outside of His love.

2 – An Encompassing Protection – “God is your refuge.”  One of the repeated images of God in the Old Testament is that of a refuge. The psalmist declared, “God is my refuge and strength an ever-present help in time of trouble…”  (Psa. 46:1) “God is my refuge and fortress…” (Psa. 91:2) “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore…” (Psa. 125:2) The hymn writer of old referred to the Lord as, “A shelter in the time of storm.”  A refuge speaks of protection, comfort and assurance. A refuge is only as good as it is used. As Jesus was preparing to leave His disciples He admonished them, “Trust in God, trust also in me…” (John 14:1)

3 – An Enduring Encouragement – “Underneath are the everlasting arms.” This is a great picture of security and safety. Talk about the “wind beneath my wings.” I recently saw a couple of cartoon captions that caught my attention. One Jesus says to the person next to Him, “When you see one set of footprints in the sand that when I carried you.” The next frame Jesus says, “When you see the groove that is when I drug you kicking and screaming.” I am not sure about the theology behind that but it does show that the Lord doesn’t give up on us and is with us even when we are not eager followers.

“If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”  Psalms 139:8-10

When it comes to needing a refuge and source of strength, don’t settle for anything less, that the best.

I drove to Denver today to join my sister in taking my mom to the doctor. She has been dealing with a cough and horse voice for a couple of weeks but it doesn’t appear to be a virus. He recommended that she see a throat specialist just to verify his assumptions about what is going on.

After my mom’s doctor appointment, I joined her for lunch and then dropped by to see Christian, Bridget and the grandkids before we leave tomorrow for our vacation. It ended up being a long day with me leaving Fort Collins at 10 a.m. and not returning until 6:00 p.m. When I returned home I mowed the lawn so it would be ready for when we are gone. It was cold out and definitely felt like a fall evening. With the weather changing Debbie and I are not the only ones noticing the change. Our dog, which we just got this past May, is getting ready for his first winter. This morning he ended up taking comfort in front of the fireplace, laying on my blanket. I guess when you snooze, you lose.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”   Philippians 4:6-9 (ESV)

Philippians is a letter with a theme of “joy” and “rejoicing.” Yet as we come to the final chapter we find these verses that relate to the “peace of God.” In your life you will find these two virtues going hand in hand. When we have the peace of God we will experience the joy of the Lord. Or we could put it the other way, when you walk in the joy of the Lord, you will have the peace of God.

In the verses above we can see that living in the peace of God is related to how we pray, what we think and what we do. First we see Paul challenging believers not to be overcome by anxiety, but to combat anxious living with prayerful and thankful living. Continual prayers, earnest prayers offered to the Lord will allow the peace of God to guard our hearts and our minds. It will settle our emotions and our thoughts.

Paul then calls believers to be an active part of “guarding their minds” through what they focus their thoughts on. Paul lists eight areas: whatever is true, honorable,  just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise. In the world we live in this can be a challenge. We listen to the news, read reports that cause concerns, we hear more words of gossip and criticism and what is wrong than what is uplifting and right. As a result we have to be disciplined in order for the thoughts of our mind to be under the control of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul says we, “…are bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” This is an area where we need the Lord’s help, because the inertia of the world is downward.

Finally, Paul says “put into practice what you have learned about the Christian life.” In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “…follow me as I follow Christ.” Paul’s focus was on Christ and His work of grace. He endeavored to set the example but the focus was always on Christ and Him crucified. This is another verse where we see the importance of not just being hearers, not just knowing, but being those who do, those who live by the Word of God and allow it guide our life. Paul says as we do that the “God of peace will be with us.”

In our life with the challenges we face, in our world with all that confronts us living in the peace of God is important. But we see that Paul puts some practical guidelines before us. I believe if we follow the “formula” we will have the “result.” Do you have the peace of God? Allow seeking the Lord and a thankful heart replace anxious living. Evaluate the focus of your thoughts and allow God’s word to set a guard over your mind. Put Biblical principles to work in your life as you follow Christ.