We have enjoyed the company of our long time friends Paul and Colleen Irwin. This morning Paul joined me for the chapel service at Morning Star Assisted Living. This afternoon retired missionaries to Turkey Doug and Ruth Clark joined us for lunch. The Clark’s have a significant connection to Paul and his late missionary father. It was a pleasure to facilitate this connection.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.” Daniel 1:6,7 ESV

When the Babylonians took Judah captive some of the members of the royal family and families of nobility were brought into the service of the King. The goal of course was to transform these with potential to be leaders into those who were loyal to and identified with the new kingdom.

We see this “recruitment” strategy reflected in these words, “Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:3,4 ESV)

In order for them to function in their new role, they were given a new identity. This was reflected in new names. Their given names of Hebrew origin reflected the supremacy of the Lord God to these men and the people. We find “Yah” or the Lord, reflected in their given names.  Hananiah  “The Lord is gracious”, Mishael “Who is like the Lord” and Azariah “The Lord has helped.”  In contrast, the names Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, all reflected a focus on Babylonian gods.

These names were to remind these men that their identity was to be found not in the Lord God, but in the pagan gods of Babylon. Since Babylon had conquered the people of the Lord God, it showed that their “gods” were greater and more powerful and should be recognized in these men who would be influential over the masses.

One of the greatest lessons we can observe in the Book of Daniel is that it is what our hearts reflect that determines our destiny and not how people label us or identify us. Daniel became the interpreter of dreams. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were granted status and positions of power, but they remained true to the Lord God, even to the point of defying the King’s order to bow to his image.

We see in these men that the spirit and dedication of one’s heart is what dictates one’s life and not outward identity. The King of Babylon tried to shape the lives of these men by giving them a “new name.” But we see in Revelation that our commitment to the Lord results in a new identity. To the Church in Philadelphia the Lord promises,  ^“The one who conquers…I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:12 ESV)

“Name calling” can be a devious tool that attempts to stifle focus, potential and determine identity. When we understand the identity and destiny that we have in Christ and in God’s secure love for us, we can live true to that and it can keep us focused and strong. It is how the Lord see us and what He says of us that counts.

We see this reflected in the city of Jerusalem in Isaiah’s words, “Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.”  Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.” (Isaiah 62:4 NLT)

Our character and identity is not determined by what we are called, but by what is demonstrated through our actions and commitment.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us to ignore the shaping of our identity and commitment by the which is on the outside and to realize that it is our inward commitment to be faithful to You that makes the difference. Help us to see ourselves as You see us and to claim that as our true identity. 

Wow, the last three days have been busy ones. Tuesday was my City Council day. Wednesday I left the house before 7 a.m. and returned for good by 7:00 p.m. I found that I can’t handle the 12 hour days like I used to. That was even with some a few breaks in my schedule that I tried to use for some naps. Yesterday, we left mid-afternoon for a wedding in Westminster of a family member. Christian performed the ceremony and did a great job.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God….But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”  John 16:1-4 ESV

Being a “faithful follower of Christ” can come with some real challenges. There are those who can “deny the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8) and whose “faith can become shipwrecked.” (1 Timothy 1:19) As Paul wrote to Timothy he told about spiritual companions who had deserted him. (2 Timothy 4:10)

Part of Jesus’ final preparations for the cross was to provide His disciples what they needed to “stay true” to Him and their faith. He warned them about being “put out of the synagogue.” For a Jew that was the act of public disgrace. We see it happening with the parents of the man who was born blind that had been healed by Jesus. (John 9:22)

Not only that we see that one day it would be considered, “in season” to kill followers of Christ. We see this reflected in the activities of Saul of Tarsus. As Jesus predicted, Saul believed he was doing a “righteous” deed against those who had turned from the “true faith” of the law and by those who claimed forgiveness of sin by faith in Jesus.

Jesus took the approach that “to be forewarned, was to be prepared.” So He tells His followers when these things happen remember that I told you. But Jesus’ approach was more than just warning. When he says, “I have said these things to keep you from falling away” it causes us to go back to His discourse of John 15.

In John 15 we see Jesus provides His disciples with these keys that would empower them to remain strong in their faith in the face of persecution and opposition. He tells them to “stay connected to me.”   He tells them, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers…” (John 15:5,6 ESV)

Jesus then tells them to love each other, to love God and to obey His words. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-14 ESV)

Alone they would be vulnerable. Together they would be strong. You can experience today, you can observe it. When you are in the consistent fellowship and encouragement of other believers you grow spiritually and are strong. When people struggle in their faith and “drop out” it is because they have separated themselves from the fellowship of others and have become isolated in their spiritual lives.

Finally, Jesus points to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.  And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:26,27 ESV) 

The Holy Spirit would not only remind them of Jesus words and give them strength. The Holy Spirit would empower them to do the works of Jesus. Real peace, real strength, real security comes not from the world around, but from a God who is above it all.

 ^“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 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You give us to the resources and strength to not only “keep the faith” but also to give it away and to share with others the source of true peace and life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  ^“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed….” Luke 23:44,45

Today was a notable day for science as we experienced the first solar eclipse to cross the continental United States since 1918. I was glad to have some solar glasses to watch the event unfold. Unfortunately we weren’t far enough north to experience a total eclipse. It was interesting how light it could be with just a sliver of the sun being exposed. Christian and the grandchildren were in Fort Collins for the event. Ellie (age 5) summarized it when she said, “that wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be!” Perhaps they will remember this day when the next one they can observe rolls around.

It is interesting to see the Bible references to the light of the sun being blocked. From the beginning of time people have been intrigued with the sun and the stars. The pattern can be observed, that what people don’t understand they can end up worshiping.

As a result the three times that readily come to mind about the sun’s light being turned to darkness are related to judgment events. The Egyptians were known for their sun worship. So as the plagues that fell as part of the Lord’s judgment on Pharaoh and the nation took place we see one of them was related to the sun.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.” (Exodus 10:21-22)

This was not 30 seconds or three minutes, but three days. Certainly enough time to get the attention of the people and to let them know that it was not just a “natural” occurrence.

The next marker in time was when Jesus died on the cross. At this time Luke records that there was three hours of darkness. Once again, a long enough period of time, along with the Temple curtain being torn and an earthquake to signal the earth’s response to the supernatural event that was taking place in the crucifixion.

The final one, still to come, is predicted is in Revelation. “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.” (Revelation 6:12,13 ESV)

The breaking of the sixth seal on the scroll held in the hand of God releases judgment on the created order. Once again we see a combination of events. Earthquake, sun becomes black, moon turns to blood, stars “fall” from the sky. This combination of events shakes everyone to the core of their being. When this happens the “fall out” from the panic will be as great as the ramifications of the events themselves. This is not the end. It is just the beginning of the end as the seventh and final seal is broken.

In the Bible what is described is more than natural occurring events. They are supernatural events that impact the natural order. They will not have a scientific explanation like solar eclipses we saw today and have seen and will continue to see.

But we are reminded that the Lord speaks to us through the natural order. Paul says,  ^“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made…” (Romans 1:19,20 ESV)

So we see the Lord reveals Himself through nature and He uses nature to get our attention and to one day bring judgment on a world that has denied His existence.

Prayer for today…. Lord, when we observe the world around and see how You intervene in the affairs of earth we are reminded how great You are! The creator God can use events or He can make events happen to get people’s attention and to fulfill His purposes.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.” John 7:28-30 ESV

The three years of Jesus’ active ministry were filled with being followed and adored by the masses, condemned by the Scribes and Pharisees and in the midst of it all was constant threats against His life.

The cross did not bring an end to Jesus earthly ministry it was the capstone of His mission and why He came. The words of the angel to Joseph were, “You shall name Him Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) When Jesus appear on the banks of the Jordan, John declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) As Jesus faced the cross He declared, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” (John 12:27)

Satan’s task was to keep Jesus from the cross. We see the first attempt was through Herod and the edict to kill the babies around Bethlehem. But it was during Jesus ministry that He faced not just opposition but constant threats.

In Nazareth at the beginning of His ministry Jesus read from Isaiah and declared He was the fulfillment of prophecy, to this the people tried to kill him. “They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” (Luke 4:29,20)

In John 8 Jesus told the religious leaders, “…but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.” (John 8:40 ESV) After the raising of Lazarus from the dead we read, “So from that day on they plotted to take his life.” (John 11:53) Even in the garden hours before the cross Jesus prayed in agony, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38) We see that in garden the Father sent angels to strengthen Jesus in His hour of need.

Jesus exercised wisdom to keep Himself from untimely death and He experienced divine strength and protection at critical times. The road to the cross was one filled with danger. Jesus knew why He had come and His focus during His ministry was to fulfill all the Father had planned for Him while He made His way to the cross.

The cup of death that was confronting Jesus in the garden, was given to Him on the cross and He “drank it” and declared, “it is finished.” His earthly life was finished. His mission was finished. The task of bringing salvation to the world was finished. In declaration of the end of His work on earth and the cross He was facing, Jesus prayed,  ^“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17:4,5 NKJV)

The drama during Jesus’ life was intense, but He made it to the goal the Father had for Him and is in Heaven anticipating the time when all those who place their faith in Him, follow in His steps, complete their task on earth and arrive in the presence of the Father.

Prayer for today….. Lord, thank You for what we can observe in the life of Jesus making it to the cross in spite of challenges to get to the end of the journey. Help us to know that when we walk in Your will, and commit to fulfilling Your mission, we can have confidence of the same protection, wisdom and grace over our lives.

BIBLE VERSE TODAY….. “I do not receive glory from people.”  John 5:41 ESV

I have always remembered the definition of “glory” that my spiritual mentored shared in a message almost 40 years ago. It was, “glory is the exhibition of excellence.” He was speaking from John 17 when Jesus said of His disciples in His priestly prayer, “they are my glory.” 

Today we use the word “honor” more than glory. In the context of being a recipient of glory that Jesus refers to in John 5, it is pretty much the same as being honored by others today. A dictionary definition of “glory” is “high renown or honor won by notable achievements.”

I find an interesting identification with this concept. Serving in public office at times will come with some recognition of your achievements. I wasn’t sure early on if I would every receive one of those “Legislator of the Year Awards.” But in the course of time, I did receive several such recognitions from various groups. It is nice to have your achievements and who you are recognized and honored.

But these seven words of Jesus stand in sharp contrast to what most people would desire to experience. “I don not receive my glory from people.” Jesus had just told the Pharisees how, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39,40 ESV)

Of all the people who should have recognized Jesus’ achievements, His miracles, words and compassion, and give Him the honor that was due it should have been those who were the most spiritual. Those who knew that scriptures and desired to be right with God. But the lack of honor Jesus received from “people” did not define His value or deter Him from His call and mission.

Where did Jesus receive His glory? John opens his gospel with the words, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)

Jesus as the eternal Son of God came from the “glory of heaven” to the dust of earth, but His the glory of who He was did not change. While on earth Jesus’ main focus was not the adulation of people, but obedience to the Father.

That is why He prayed,  ^“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:4,5 ESV)

We see Peter reflecting on the transfiguration of Jesus and saying, “He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17 NIV)

In like fashion we bring “glory” to Jesus by our lives of faithfulness and obedience. Paul told Timothy, “No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” (2 Timothy 2:4 NIV) The faithful solider is not worried about being honored by the “enemy” or those who are civilians and are on the “outside looking in.” The faithful soldier is honored by his commanding officer for doing his job well.

It is normal to desire honor from others who take note of your accomplishments. There is nothing wrong with that. But as meaningful as that can be to our lives, how much more to one day hear the words of honor and recognition from Jesus that say, “well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23) That’s the glory we can all receive from the Father.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for the challenge to our lives that we receive when we look at Your commitment to God the Father. Help us to desire to be honored by You more than to receive honor from others.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

In ordination services the charge to newly commissioned ministers includes the admonition to, “preach the word.” However you don’t hear to much about “reprove and rebuke and exhort…” After almost 28 years of pastoral ministry and a life of “sitting in the pew” I have delivered and listened to thousands of sermons. In this one verse Paul delivers to his protege Timothy straight forward guidelines for his teaching and preaching.

He begins with what to preach. The simple text and focus is “God’s Word.” It is not modern philosophy, or personal opinion. It is not “current events.” Actually all of those may be included in a message by the way of illustrations or contrasting what is seen in the Bible versus modern culture. Bible centered preaching can be a challenge. It requires one to be studious, to wrestle with difficult passages, to deal with tension.

Paul then moves to when to preach. Other translations give light to “in season and out of season.” The Contemporary English Version states it, “…even if it isn’t the popular thing to do.” The Message supports this with the words, “whether the time is favorable or not.” Culture may change, but the truth of God’s Word does not change. The Bible may not be favorable or fashionable, but it is the consistent, eternal, unchanging Word of God.

Paul let’s Timothy know the focus of his preaching.  I like the words of J.B. Phillips’ paraphrase, “Prove, correct, and encourage…” Teaching that provides confidence in God’s Word and the teaching of the Bible is important. This is the area of apologetics.  The Bible shows us whether our ideas and thoughts are right or wrong. While “reprove” may be directed at thinking, “correction” or “rebuke” is directed at our behavior. Encouragement in serving the Lord and living for Him is also vital. This points to the importance of instruction in how to live and conduct our life in obedience to the Lord. Bible-based preaching should give strength and courage to people in their spiritual journey.

Finally, Paul tells Timothy how to approach his preaching. “Complete patience and teaching.” Loving God’s Word, loving people is important in successfully communicating truth. This is especially true in “reproving” and “correcting.” Just as a concerned parent is willing to confront a child’s thoughts and behaviors, so a caring spiritual Shepard should be willing to do the same. Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. They need to demonstrate patience in what they preach and with their attitude toward people.

An important aspect of the “preaching of the Word” is teaching in a way that people are not only encouraged and challenged, but equipped in their spiritual life. They know both the “what” and the “how” of the Christian life. At our church the staff refers to this as “preaching for Tuesday.” They ask themselves, “what will make a difference not just on Sunday but as people live their lives during the week?”

It is only one sentence, but it gives much to consider and much that is useful for “preachers” young and old.

Prayer for today…..  Lord, thank You for Your Word and for those who are called to communicate it to others. Give them insight, courage, balance and patience that is needed to be Your voice to Your people in these days. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV

These verses above are ones that I first memorized almost 50 years ago. As the adjectives in this list that provides the characterization of “last-days” attitudes, emotions and conduct, it is interesting to see how they have manifested themselves over the decades.

First I took note of the words “times of difficulty” the English Standard Version uses in its translation.  Other translations and paraphrases uses words like, “perilous” “terrible”  “violent” and “very hard” to name a few. The vivid description provides an indication that these attitudes just won’t be present, but they will present challenges in community and even church life as the coming of the Lord draws near.

These individual descriptors have always been traits that could be observed in generations over time. They can be observed in individual behavior, attitudes and conduct. However, what makes the “last days” so terrible and difficult to navigate is that these will characterize culture and the world as a whole. It is not so much that individuals here and there can be observed to be lovers or money, arrogant, boastful, proud, disobedient to parents, etc. It is the culture itself will characterized by these traits. They will be seen with greater frequency and intensity.

We are certainly seeing many of these traits in our current volatile political climate, but I am afraid that the “politics of the day” may be just unleashing what is rooted in the hearts of people.

My town hall experience with US Senator Cory Gardner was a prime example of this in a “condensed space.” The recent riots, demonstrations and hate-filled actions show it all too often on news reports and manifested in radio and TV talk shows. As we consider what the world is headed toward, one just needs to ask, “what would it be like if these types of circumstances and behaviors, along with others that are less obvious, become more predominate in our American culture and world?” It would make life very difficult if not perilous.

The response that Paul instructs is noteworthy. “Avoid such people.” That doesn’t preclude praying for others, but Paul reminds us, “bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) It doesn’t take long being around certain people that you get pulled down to their level. Their attitudes can cause on to lost heart.

Instead we need to remember Paul’s words and instructions to Timothy, “…evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed….you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:13-15 ESV)

After fifty years, I am still “checking this list” and holding it up against our present culture. I am finding that Paul’s words two thousand years ago are still relevant for today.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us to guard our hearts. Help us to keep our eyes on You and Your Word. Keep us from allowing discouragement to settle in as we are confronted with difficult and terrible days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it…Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together….” But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” Nehemiah 6:1-3 ESV

My former State House colleague now US Senator Cory Gardner has three town halls scheduled for tomorrow. It will be interesting to see what happens at these meetings. We are in one of the most challenging political climates in our nation’s history.

The rhetoric from all “sides” is intense, the protests are loud and never-ending. The criticism is loud and unrelenting. In the midst of it all political activists are questioning why their elected officials don’t jump at the chance to “meet with them.”

The tenor of their protests and criticism reveals they don’t want to listen, as much as they want to just “be heard” and rant over their displeasure. They have already positioned themselves as antagonists and they cloak their aggression in what appears to be “noble” and reasonable expectations and approaches.

All this reminds me of the opposition that Nehemiah experienced as he was rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Sanballat and Tobiah had made their opposition and hatred of Nehemiah and Jews very clear. They mocked their efforts and showed disdain for their plans and their God.

They then request Nehemiah to “come and meet with them.” In the natural it sounds reasonable. “Let’s meet and discuss our difference….let’s have dialogue.” Yet Nehemiah saw through insincerity and their plan to “do him harm.”

As a result, he refused their offer. They didn’t just go away, they persisted. Four times coming to him and “demanding a meeting.” His response was the same, “I am doing a great work and I can not come down.”

At times the best approach to distractions and those who oppose your leadership is to stay at the task. To realize that the work you are doing is noble and it requires your undivided attention. I believe when Nehemiah says, “I can’t come down….” that it can be viewed metaphorically. To “come down” to his opponents level would not benefit his main task and mission. Their attempt was to throw off the effort, by harming the leader.

Nehemiah’s formula for accomplishments in the face of great opposition was to “stay at the task, don’t give your enemies credibility, accomplish the project.” Nothing silences critics like success. When the wall was finished we read, “And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:16 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord give us the wisdom, insight and discernment that is needed to stay at the task to which You have called us and not be distracted or discouraged by spiritual or human opposition.