BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus…” 1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

At our chapel service at Morning Star Assisted Living we sang the chorus of the old hymn “Grace Greater Than All Our Sin.” The words declare, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within, grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin.”

As I reflect on those simple words, the depth of them are not to be taken for granted. As Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Corinth, it was appropriate for him to give thanks for God’s grace to those in this “city of sin.” Paul will shortly remind this church about those who will not “inherit God’s kingdom.” He lists these sins,

“…neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9,10 ESV)

But Paul continues and says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV) Washed, sanctified, justified because grace that is greater than ALL our sin!

God’s grace transforms our speech and our minds. Paul says of the Corinthians,  “….in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge..” (1  Corinthians 1:5 ESV)

It is through God’s grace we have God’s power and receive gifts and have hope. “…you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 1:7 ESV) Paul later in this letter will address the importance of spiritual gifts and provide instructions as to their use and caution against their abuse.

Then we see that grace sustains and guards our lives and enables us to have fellowship with the Lord.   “…will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:8,9 ESV)

Our sin and our failures remind us that we cannot achieve perfection in this life. We need the sustaining power of God’s grace to keep us connected to Him and moving forward in our life as Paul said, “toward the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

We can, like Paul, not only be thankful for the Lord’s grace extended to others, but we can be thankful for His grace that has been and is extended continually to each of us!

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for Your amazing grace. It is what we need in our lives more than we realize. We so easily fall short, but we are not condemned because You keep us by Your grace that is greater than all our sin.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Hosea 11:1 ESV

This is the verse that was fulfilled when Joseph took Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. In this context the Lord is speaking through Hosea concerning Israel’s history as a nation. It is this history that the Messiah would identify with in His life’s journey.

As I consider this verse, I notice God’s love, concern and divine purpose for His people. God brought Israel into existence and they have always held that special place and purpose as His own people.

His “calling them out of Egypt” is a call to fulfill their divine purpose and destiny. They were not created to be slaves and oppressed. Over 400 years it would be easy to become entrenched in the life you have known and are living and accept it as your “lot in life.” But God’s plan was far different. His plan was for His people to the “the head and the not the tail.”

As we review the history of God’s people and as Hosea speaks words of judgment and issues a call to repentance, we observe that it was easier to “take the people out of Egypt than to take Egypt out of the people.” Hearing the call to fulfill a destiny is one thing, taking the steps to actualize that calling is another.

When we “fast forward” to the Book of Revelation we see a similar call. “‘Come out of her [Babylon], my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins…” (Revelation 18:4) The call was to “come out of Babylon.” The Babylon of Revelation is a place of political and economic power, just like ancient Egypt. It was a place of sin and wickedness and a place where God was not honored and the Lord’s prophets were killed.

But just like ancient Egypt, it can seem that Babylon of Revelation is the resting place for even God’s people to settle down and accept as their “lot.” However, the cry is to, “leave!” “Come out!” “Get out!” It is as if, a shaking is taking place and the message needs to be heard that says, “this is not your destiny. You have been chosen for a purpose! Live for that purpose and that destiny!”

God’s people today, need to listen to and heed the call to, “come out of Egypt” to “leave Babylon” to be set free from the bondage of a consuming world system and order that does not produce God’s best for our lives. This spiritual call is just as important as it was to ancient Israel in bondage to Egypt. It is not a call though to a different “place” but to different priorities. To live a life of a destiny and purpose in God.

This is the call to true  “freedom.” Away from bondage to sin and a direction in life that erodes and destroys faith, to a life that brings peace and one that speaks of a hope and a future and a God-ordained destiny. The world may be as it is – but we are called to be as God has ordained us to be through our faith and commitment to Him.

Prayer for today…. Lord, make us aware of “where we live.” Don’t let the world “around” dictate our commitment, purpose and direction in life. 

It was good to return home today after my week long conference. Last night I traveled back to Lakewood once again. This time for a reception for George Brauchler, Jr and his bid to become Colorado’s next Governor. My final sessions today were good challenges on how to facilitate change and some leadership observations from a veteran teacher and community leader.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I was at ease and he broke me apart…”  Job 16:12 ESV

Some people seem to face one crisis after another. Others find themselves, “blindsided” by the unexpected. For Job, life was good. There didn’t seem to be any pressing challenges or issues of concern. He was prosperous and enjoying his life and family, when it all “blew up.”

I was saddened recently when I heard of an accident that killed a mother and her children, leaving a husband and father without the family that he loved. Talk about someone who can related to Job! (By the way, I am scheduled to speak at the church where this family attended in a few weeks, I value your prayers.)

I think of my own experience. Within a few weeks of navigating and still in process of a major change in life for Debbie and me, I found myself moving from not “feeling that good” to “fighting for my life.” In a moment in time or in a short period of time life can change from comfort to crisis.

Being “at ease” is not necessarily a bad thing. Often in our modern world we can fall into the “when-I-relax-I-feel-guilty” syndrome. If anxiety is not our constant friend, we can feel like something is wrong. But we need to remember the Lord does promise us peace and invites us to experience “His easy yoke” was we live in relationship with Him.

Being “at ease” can make us vulnerable. I think of the military distinction between “at attention” and “at ease.” When we are at ease, we can become vulnerable and susceptible to the “surprise attack.” I think of my “verse” that I share with my grandchildren. It begins with, “Be on your guard….” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

I also remember the adage it heard years ago that says, “unseized time tends to flow toward our area of weakness.” We see Paul’s advice is to “redeem the time.” (Ephesians 5:16) So the challenge is to make sure that being “at ease” is not the same as undisciplined and losing our focus.

Being “at ease” can lead to self-centered living. Dr. E.V. Hill, years ago at a Billy Graham School of Evangelism preached on the “Sin of Job.” He used this verse as a reminder that when there are those who are “lost and without hope” in the world around us that we can’t afford to be “at ease” just because of the security of our own eternal destiny. We can live with the assurance of “it is well with my soul” while we remember that God’s heart is for, “all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

Prayer for today….. Lord allow us to experience Your peace that enables us to live a life of peace, while we “keep our spiritual fervor” in serving You and fulfilling Your call and purpose for our life. When the unexpected happens whether life “is good” or we are experiencing one test after another, give us confidence that You are with us to give us strength and courage to trust You with our life and our future.

This week I am in Breckenridge for a Colorado Municipal League conference, so my schedule is thrown off. Last night I traveled to Lakewood to the home of my niece Kate and her husband David for a family gathering. My brother and his wife from California were in town.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10 ESV  

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.”    Job 19:25

The discourses of the Book of Job can seem to never end. Certainly Job felt that way as his “friends” tried to give him the reasons why he was suffering as he was. They were confident of their understanding of life, God and Job.

We see that Job struggles as well, understandably so. So often life doesn’t make sense. As a result we believe the best approach is to “make sense out of the senseless.” If we can only understand and have an answer to the “Why?” question then we believe we can accept and deal with what life brings.

In times of great suffering human words and perspective fail. When then Vice President Al Gore, addressed the thousands gathered for the community memorial service following the Columbine tragedy, his opening words set the tone. He said, “Nothing I can say can bring comfort. Nothing anyone can say can bring comfort. But in a times like these there is a voice that speaks to our troubled souls, ‘peace be still.'” 

In the midst of all the attempts to justify and bring sense to Job’s suffering, there are a few “classic” statements that we remember and rightly so. I think of his words, “The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Two others statements are found in our verses for today. One reveals Job’s confidence in the Lord, “I know that my redeemer lives….” What is of interest is the context in which Job speaks these words. It is one of great despair and feeling the heavy hand of God against him and the words of his “comforters” adding insult to injury.

Just before Job’s well-known words he speaks to his friends, “My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! Why do you, like God, pursue me?”  (Job 19:20-22)

Yet in all that he faced and felt, Job had a bedrock confidence in the God he did not and could not understand.

The next statement reveals Job’s confidence about himself. “….When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Once again the context stands in contrast to this strong statement of confidence. Job’s friends have just gave a laundry list of how they believe Job has sinned and what in reality a terrible person he is. In the face of all the accusations Job attempts to defend himself, but in the end, makes an appeal to God.

“He knows that way I take…” We have our view of our life, others may have their view of our life, but it is God who really knows. Job not only recognizes that, but expresses confidence that God in the end will vindicate him. And when we come to the end of the story that is exactly what happens.

Prayer for today…. Lord there is so much about life that we don’t understand, that we can’t make sense of, but we can have confidence and trust in a God who knows the beginning from the end. We do “know” and have confidence in a Redeemer who lives and is at work. We can have confidence that You, O Lord are working for us and not against us.

We enjoyed connecting with the Munn family last night to celebrate father’s day and Stephanie’s birthday, which is today. It is also an anniversary date for Debbie and me, forty-one years! I left Atlanta on a 6 a.m. flight, so I was up at 2 a.m. east coast time. Glad for a good trip to Atlanta and a good time there and a good trip home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.” 1 Chronicles 22:5 ESV

1 Chronicles for the Bible reader can be a lot like Leviticus. The goal is just to get through the laborious list of names in genealogies and the chapters of organizational details. However, when we view what is taking place it reveals some important processes and some lessons that we can apply to our lives.

David had a great vision for building the Lord’s Temple. However, it was not a vision that he would be able to fulfill. But instead of that being a discouragement, it put David on a course to ensure that his vision and dream would come to pass.

David was a “man of war.” Solomon would be a “man of peace.” Solomon would be the beneficiary of David’s victories and efforts to unify and secure a great kingdom. But David was not going to take a, “let Solomon figure it out” approach to life and the future.

David made sure all the plans were in place and the materials were provided for the construction of the Temple. But David went beyond the physical structure. As we read through the chapters of 1 Chronicles we see his attention to organizing the priests and levites, musicians and gatekeepers as well as the military divisions.

David was, as we often say, “setting his house in order.” He was making plans while he was alive, for that which would out live him. He was intent on a legacy. That is something we can learn from David and apply to our lives.

With age inevitably comes an awareness of the end of one’s life. So each person has the choice to just live out their years or to make plans for their years to out live them. That doesn’t always have to do with financial planning and “leaving an inheritance” for family members. Even if you out lives your money, there is still a legacy that can remain.

As a pastor, I have been impressed by those who had the foresight, to make arrangements for their families in advance of their death. It not only brought greater peace at the time of death, but set the stage for the family moving forward in life. I have also seen the confusion and anxiety when family members were left to “figure it out” on their own.

David’s greatest legacy was not a financial one. It was one that had a focus on worship to the Lord and ensuring that the Lord’s presence would be in the center of His people. With that in mind, we need to remember that our greatest legacy, the one that will live on for ever, is the spiritual legacy that impacts generations to come.

Prayer for today….. Lord “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Prov. 90:12) Help us to make sure that our life’s journey reveals forethought about the legacy we will leave.

Yesterday was a big day. We attended Mckenzie’s Vacation Bible School program. She went all by herself! It was great to connect with Nathan’s mother, Linda, who joined us for lunch. Last night we attended an Atlanta Braves baseball game at the new stadium, SunTrust Park.BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.” 1 Chronicles 13:14 ESV

The Ark of the Covenant became the physical symbol of the presence of the Lord. It was built by standards given by God to contain the tablets of the commandments the Lord gave to Moses on Sinai. The center of the covering or lid on the box, was the “mercy seat.” It was that place where the blood of the sacrifice was placed as the Lord instructed.

In time it became a symbol of God’s power. In reality it was a symbol of God’s holiness and judgment and presence. When the wicked sons of priest Eli took the ark into battle, it was taken captive by the Philistines. (1 Samuel 4)

The ark which was of no value to the Israelites when they attempted to use it presumptuously, became a curse to the Philistines and their god.

The Philistines returned it to Israel and when some of the men of the city looked into the ark, they were killed. The ark remained at Kiriath-Jeariam until David became King and his heart’s desire was to bring it back to Jerusalem into the center of God’s people.

As the ark was being transported on a cart (like the Philistines had done), the oxen stumbled and Uzzah one of the priests reached out and touched the ark and died. David was angry. He found himself doing the “right thing the wrong way.” Not only that his heart was right, but his methods were wrong.

Three months later, David “tried again” this time in accordance to what the law had instructed. The ark was carried with poles on the shoulders of the priests. This was a cause of rejoicing and celebration with David leading the procession.

In the record of the ark, one of the most fascinating observations is when the ark was shuffled to the house of Obed-edom after the failed attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. We read, “The Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom mand all that he had.”

This object that has been the center of mystery and wonder, judgment and death, is a blessing on this man, his house and “all that he had.” I believe it is important to see that is God’s desire above all else. The acts of judgment are riveting and at times confusing. God’s is not to be manipulated and disrespected. We should not knowingly expose ourselves to God’s judgment (like removing the lid of the ark. When the mercy seat is removed, there is only a broken law inside of the ark.)

But as David would declare, “…you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 ESV) David also realized that his greatest treasure was the Lord’s presence. He prayed, “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11 ESV) Perhaps he remembered the downfall of Samson came with the Lord removing His anointing from him.

One of the great provisions of the work of Christ is not only the Lord’s presence with His people, but in His people. May we be those who seek, respect and honor God’s presence and the blessing that comes from the Lord’s gracious hand.

Prayer for today….. Lord may we not treat Your presence in our life casually, take it for granted or fail to recognize the privilege that is ours because of what Christ had done for us. Allow Your presence in our life to be that source of needed blessing in our lives, our house and in all that we have.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job 1:21,22 ESV

Job did his best to avoid what happened to him. It is from Job that we get the statement, “For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.” (Job 3:25 ESV) We see Job’s insecurity (of sorts) when we read how that he routinely offered sacrifices for his children after their “parties” over his concern that they may have sinned or “cursed God.” (Job 1:4,5)

When Job lost his possessions and children it is his words and response that arrests our attention. We read that he first “worshiped.” His grief was real and intense. This was no “easy come, easy go” approach to life. But in the midst of the pain, sorrow and loss, He focused His attention upon the Lord.

In his words, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return….” (Job 1:21 ESV) we see that Job held the “things” of life loosely. While had much, what he had did not have him. He recognized what he had came from the Lord and if “the Lord took it” from Him, he was willing to accept that.

The commentary of Job’s response is that in his grief and loss, “he did not sin or charge God with wrong.” There have been so many who in the time of grief and crisis, turned from the Lord instead of to the Lord. Job reveals that he was turning to the Lord. He did not blame God, he did not “give up” on God.

This seems to be the prevailing anticipated response of the day. In a time when God-centered worship was not common, the gods people recognized and worshiped were more to serve humanity than to be served by humanity. Job demonstrates an attitude and approach contrary to the prevailing attitude or understanding.

We see this when after a blow big enough to destroy most, Job was personally attacked by Satan with the destruction of his own health and extreme suffering. Job’s wife had enough, even if Job did not. We see it in her words, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” (Job 2:9 ESV)

After my own health crisis, I developed a different view of Job’s wife. She was in suffering as well. What he lost, she lost. She lost the children to whom she gave birth. Then to see her husband in suffering was just adding more and more to her life. The “suffering” of a spouse or family members in a family member’s crisis is real and I believe often misunderstood.

But we see Job once again commended, “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 ESV) What we “say” about ourselves, God and our situation reveals much about us and it does impact our life. In my crisis the words of my friend Tim Brotzman, who has a history of immense suffering, echoed in my mind, “I have a condition, but my condition doesn’t have me!”

Job was not “above it all.” In his first words he laments the fact the he was even born. So honest expression of pain and suffering is not sin. Job had confusion and questions and in the end had a greater revelation of God. That is often what we can anticipate in our own times of suffering if we maintain a righteous response.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the strength that You provide when faced with suffering. Help us to be “real” and “steady” at the same time. Help us to always turn to You, not from You when life doesn’t make sense.

It was a short night as the alarm sounded at 2 a.m. and I prepared for a trip to Atlanta. Debbie was here for Mother’s Day, so I decided to visit for Father’s Day weekend. I am getting caught up on the short night and the time adjustment and getting back on track with a devotional after a few days of absence. Not sure if I have missed two consecutive days of entries before!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For behold, I create new heavens  and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create…” Isaiah 65:17-18 ESV

When God creates it is not only good, but it surpasses anything that has been known or existed. These verses written by Isaiah the prophet thousands of years ago, are echoed by John on the Isle of Patmos.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:1,2 NIV)

While the Lord did restore His people to Jerusalem and provided them a “new” start following their 70 years of captivity; that was not the full or final fulfillment of what Isaiah  saw and prophesied. As we can see in John’s vision, that Lord has something planned and in store that is greater than earth has ever seen. He is not just “re-creating” that which has been, He is “creating” or bringing about that which has never been before.

The grandeur of that which the Lord creates causes that which was in the past to be forgotten. When God’s people returned to a rebuilt Temple under Ezra they wept, because its glory was not the same as what had been under Solomon. That is not and will not be the case when the Lord brings His “new heave and new earth” into existence.

The promise of a new heaven and a new earth will result in continuous praise and glory to the Lord. It will be praise to the Lord for His greatness, His faithfulness and His majesty. That is what we see revealed in the Book of Revelation.

The new heaven and the new earth is a promise that causes us to anticipate and to hold lightly that which is now or that which has ever been. Peter wrote, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV) Since Peter wrote before John’s vision, he undoubtedly was referring to the promise of Isaiah’s prophecy. 

Even though Peter was an eye witness of the miracles and majesty of the Lord, he pointed his fellow believers facing persecution and suffering to that which the Lord has promised and that which one day would be fulfilled.

The Lord who created in the “beginning” will create once again in the “end.” The Lord has not stopped His creative work. His creative work will be manifested in the world, just as His creative work is revealed in the lives of individuals who surrender to His will.

We can be confident that the Lord who creates and “makes all things new” is able to do that in each life that needs a new hope and a new future.

Prayer for today…. Lord, Your work in creation as well as Your promise of creation, not only makes us stand in awe of what You have done, and what You will do, but gives us hope that Your work is available for each individual who needs to leave the past behind and to experience a new start and a new life.