BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 NLT

They are a part of our everyday life. They are the essence of our personality and the contribution we make in the lives of others. Songwriters Jon Steingard, Matt Hammitt, and Seth Mosley penned the lyrics of a song simply entitled, “Words.” You have have heard this popular song. The chorus goes like this…

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You    

Hawk Nelson – Words Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Solomon knew the power and the impact of words. In the first part of Proverbs 15 we find several sayings related to our words.

We find that our words can bring peace and settle tension or ignite a fire. “A gentle answer deflects anger,
 but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1 NLT)

Words properly spoken can make an individual long for more, useless words are just that. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2 NLT)

Words can bring life and encouragement or destruction and discouragement. “Gentle words are a tree of life;
 a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NLT) This proverbs reminds me of the saying, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”

Knowing who to listen to, is as important as the words that are spoken. “The lips of the wise give good advice;
the heart of a fool has none to give.” (Proverbs 15:7 NLT)

Finally, the right words, spoken at the right, in the right way can make all the difference. “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:23 NLT)

Solomon reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV) May our words, bring life.

Prayer for today… Lord, it is a challenge to consider the impact of words. The words we speak and the words we listen to. “May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You.” (Psalm 19:14)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”  “When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV: Proverbs 29:2 Msg

Larry Richards, a California truck driver, earned the nickname, “lawnchair Larry” in July 1982, when he attached 45 helium filled weather balloons to his patio chair and soared to a height of 15,000 feet into Las Angeles air space. After surviving the ordeal, he is said to have made the comment, “a guy just can’t sit around!”

When we look at that state of our nation, it is important to do more than “just sit around.” As Christ-followers fulfill their dual role as “citizens of two worlds” it is important for us to function actively and effectively in both arenas. Isolation does not promote the righteousness of God’s kingdom or the interests of our nation.

People have been too often silenced by the adage, “You are not to discuss religion or politics.” If I applied that to my  life with a background as a pastor and elected official, I couldn’t talk to anyone! The reality is that statement applies more to the attitude and approach people take to issues of faith and “politics” more than the topic itself. Reasonable, respectful discussion and conversation is important in both worlds.

In our present culture, we have some unique freedoms and opportunities to have a voice and an influence in selecting those who make decisions and represent citizens in the hall of government. We also have an opportunity to engage in “direct democracy” through voting on ballot initiatives that are decided by voters. Why would we not exercise those privileges that are the foundation of our democratic republic?

It is easy to become cynical and disillusioned. That at times can apply to both the church and the government. But it doesn’t mean we should keep from seeking God’s best for both worlds. Solomon’s observations are still true today, “righteousness exalts a nation…” “when the righteous rule, people rejoice….” 

One of the saddest statistics that I encounter is that evangelical Christians represent the greatest number of unregistered voters! Not just those who don’t vote, but those who have not made the effort to register to vote!

Jesus said, we are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” Salt is no good if it stays in the container. Light in the day time, doesn’t make much of an impact. Believers are not the “salt” and “light” to the Church, but to do the world. There is no greater impact on your life, family and business, than that which takes place through the decisions of elected officials in establishing the laws of the land.

Exercising our duties of citizenship does not replace nor is it more important than our witness for God’s kingdom. But we don’t have to choose. My greatest concern is that the influence of many believers for God’s kingdom is as anemic as their influence in our society through practicing Biblical citizenship.

We have an important election that is taking place. Just don’t sit around!

Prayer for today…. Lord, as I pray for our nation, I pray that those who call themselves by “Your name”, would take to heart the opportunities and privileges that are before us as citizens of this world. Empower and encourage us to be faith citizens of heaven and earth.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:42-43

Joseph, Daniel and his three friends, Esther are all names that we associate as God’s people serving in positions of influence in “secular” governments. They were God’s people in the right place at the right time, honoring God, and being a source of wisdom and principle in a time of crisis.

Joseph was in power to not only save the nation of Egypt, but to save the future nation of Israel, by providing a refuge for Jacob’s household during a famine. Esther became Queen and was in a position to save God’s people from a plot of annihilation. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego choose to honor God and it resulted in them being granted positions of influence in Babylon.

Each of these were in their position to fill a greater and higher calling than to just be a servant in government. God used them in a unique way that resulted in God’s name being honored by the highest officials.

The advancement of God’s kingdom is not because of government. But God’s people honoring God in the places that He opens up for them is an opportunity for the wisdom of God to have an influence in a nation.

When I was elected to the State House in 2006, I was pleased to find a number of individuals who were committed followers of Christ or those who held strong Christian beliefs. I know this was far different from the 1980’s when I was serving on a local school board and was acquainted with the dynamics and make-up at the State Capitol.

In this year’s Presidential election cycle I know that there were at least four candidates who are individuals of strong, even outspoken faith. I saw the same thing in some candidate’s for the US Senate from Colorado. Many of these publicly espoused their deeply held faith.

People often asked me, “Are there any committed Christians in government?” If you look at all levels of government, you will find God’s people “sprinkled” into various levels, filling all kinds of positions and roles. This is true on a state and national level. We live in challenging and changing times. We need to understand that God’s people are “out there.” We need to pray for them to be a source of wisdom, integrity and principle as they face difficult decisions, and a challenging job in a challenging environment.

Prayer for today… Lord, we pray for Your people serving in various positions and levels of government. Grant them strength and wisdom and allow their influence to result in being a blessing to our land.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”  Mark 6:17,18 NIV

When John was asked who he was, his response was, “I am a voice crying in the wilderness…” (Mark 1:3) The power of a voice for truth and righteousness is not to be underestimated. John called people to repentance and righteousness. In doing so, he did not differentiate based on status or position. So, he was willing to “call our Herod” for his immoral behavior.

He voice was heard and was such an annoyance that in the end it lead to John’s execution. An execution that haunted Herod so much that he believed Jesus was John the Baptist who had come back from the dead.

It is easy to speak that which will be affirmed and gladly received. However, when it comes to speaking what is not popular or will be met with resistance, it is a different matter. Our world needs those who will are willing to “speak the truth to power” to be an influence and at times an irritant. Truth is truth if no one accepts it and that which is false is still false is everyone accepts it.

I recall when I first ran for public office, those who were “vetting” me for my fitness, wanted to know If I could stand for my convictions in the face of opposition. At times that can come with some “political” consequences, but it also shows who we are seeking to please.

When it comes to influencing public policy having a voice, speaking convictions is important. An opinion or view is only considered when it is expressed. It is important to remember that even though it doesn’t make a difference, it can still make an impact.

When I served as a member of House in the minority our leader would often state to those in the majority in the midst of debate, “you may be able have your way, but we are entitled to have our say.”

As we have our say, “how” we say what we say, is an important and perhaps more so than “what” we say. I believe we can apply some of the scriptures that address “proper” speech.

For example, “…speak the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15) “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6 KJV) “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV)

In a time when a voice of truth may not be embraced, it is more important then ever for it be expressed.

Prayer for today… Lord, give us the courage and wisdom to speak Your truth and to stand for that which is right. May we always seek to please You and to make a difference in the world in which we live.

Today we traveled to Brighton for grandson Riley’s football game. They won by a big margin and Riley played well. This evening at Timberline Church they honored Pastor Dary and Bonnie Northrop for 30 years of ministry at the church. It has been great to observe for many years from the “outside” the growth of the church and its impact on the city. We are pleased at this point in our life to be a part of the congregation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…as the soldiers were tying him up, preparing to beat him, Paul said to an officer nearby, “Do you have the right to beat a Roman citizen who has not been proven guilty?” Acts 22:25 NCV

It is challenging to make comparisons over the centuries and to various forms of government. However, it seems throughout time citizens of various countries and in various forms of government were granted, “rights.” Our country is unique in that our founders recognized that certain, basic rights of citizenship are not granted by government but are possessed by all individuals. These rights are from the highest authority, the “Creator.” So, we read in the Declaration of Independence those famous words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”

As our U.S. Constitution was established the first ten amendments formed what is referred to as the “Bill of Rights.” These specific “rights” that government establishes ensure and safeguard the “unalienable” rights from our Creator of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As we look at the Apostle Paul and his Roman citizenship, we see that he was aware of his rights and used them at opportune times. The first we see is when Paul and Silas were put in prison in the City of Philippi. They were beaten and place in stocks. After the Lord miraculously intervenes and the jailer and his family come to the Lord, the next day they are told they can leave. But Paul said to the police, “They beat us in public without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens. And they threw us in jail. Now they want to make us go away quietly. No! Let them come themselves and bring us out.” (Acts 16:37 NCV)

Roman law prevented the beating of a Roman citizen before a trial. Even though his assertion of his rights as a citizen only earned him an apology, later when in Jerusalem, it did save him from being beaten. As Paul was once again facing a beating after a riot took place he asked the officials, “Do you have the right to beat a Roman citizen who has not been proven guilty?” Acts 22:25 NCV

This lead to a lengthy time of being placed under Roman custody, as Paul’s enemies were trying to manipulate the authorities into turning Paul over to them. When Paul was asked to return to Jerusalem to face a Jewish court, Paul made his appeal.

Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here….I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:10,11 NLT)

Knowing our rights as citizens and knowing how to use those rights is important in a secular society. We see it in Paul’s day and it applies to our day as well. We must remember to exercise our rights with the “right” attitude; one that pleases Christ.

Prayer for today… Lord, grant us the wisdom that we need to exercise our rights as needed. As we do help us to do so with an attitude of humility and respect.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “So they watched Jesus and sent some spies who acted as if they were sincere. They wanted to trap Jesus in saying something wrong so they could hand him over to the authority and power of the governor. So the spies asked Jesus, “Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is true. You pay no attention to who people are, and you always teach the truth about God’s way. Tell us, is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  Luke 20:20-22 NCV

Is it lawful to pay taxes? You might find it interesting that after thousands of years this is not a “settled question.” Just “google” that question and you will see the articles and opinions that remain to this day. This question to Jesus was an attempt to create a conflict between God’s “way” and the human “way” or government.

The context is revealing and is appreciated the most by those who have run for public office. The religious leaders were trying to set Jesus up, to trap Him in order to accuse Him. That is the world of politics that exists down to this day. Our current political system does not focus on understanding a candidates position on issues, but is an endless system of trap-setting in an attempt to see what words can be uttered in order to bring an accusation,  to take a candidate off message and to create a narrative that is controlled by the opposition.

Four years ago when I ran for the State Senate, the candidates of my party were instructed to avoid debates and a candidates forums. It was due to the fact that most of these events are attended by people who have already made up their mind about who they support and they become “set up” opportunities to catch a candidate misspeaking or to twist words. While the strategy was criticized, many political observers actually praised the strategy in the end.

In this situation Jesus did not take the bait. He knew what was going on and answered astutely. As a side note, I noticed the religious leaders did not ask about the “temple tax.” Looking at a coin, Jesus spoke those well known words, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 2:25) We give our required money to “Caesar” but our hearts, our lives belong to God and should be freely offered to Him.

On another occasion in Capernaum, we read, “the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” (Matthew 17:24 NIV) After giving a rationale that would make Jesus exempt, He told Peter, “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matthew 17:27 NIV)

In Romans 13, Paul says that taxes are to support the governments work in punishing those who break the law. He says, “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” (Romans 13:6 NIV) He goes on and says, “If you owe taxes, pay taxes…”  Romans 13:6 NIV)

So, when I received a notice that I owed the State of Colorado taxes due to an error on my 2012 tax return….I paid it. As the old saying goes, “two things are certain in life: death and taxes.” In the end Jesus helps us conquer death and frees us from taxes!

Prayer for today…. Lord we often begrudge that tax burden we may face, but help us not be reluctant in offering You our lives that bears Your image.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 NLT

When we consider our response to government authorities, especially in our world today, it can be a challenge to accept the affirmation of scripture that “those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”  However, Paul the Apostle, who penned these words, was living under the heavy hand of Roman rule and had even been punished for his faithful allegiance to Christ and would eventually be put to death by the government that he stated was “placed there by God.”

We are to remember that God is a God of order. Without order, without authority structures, there is chaos. Authority in itself is not a recognition of morality or justice. Authority good or bad is to be honored and respected. When it is, citizens are generally “better off.”

We read,  ^“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval…” (Romans 13:3 ESV) Proper conduct, obeying the laws of the land is an obligation for citizens. Under God’s appointment the duty of those in positions of authority is to execute judgment on “wrong doers.”

 “…for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4 ESV)

Paul goes on and says showing honor and paying taxes is pleasing to God and is a matter of Christian conscious.  ^“Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” (Romans 13:5,6 ESV)

What happens when there is a conflict between acting in a way that is approved by “government” and in a way that is right in the eyes of God? In the Book of Acts the apostles were arrested and told not to preach in Jesus name. There response? But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (Acts 5:29 NLT)

Perhaps Peter was reflecting on this event when he later wrote, “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (1 Peter 3:17 NLT)

Christians by their actions are to show respect and honor for those in positions of authority. At the same time we are to fulfill our duty to always honor Christ and stand for His kingdom, when kingdoms come into conflict.

Prayer for today…. Lord, direct our attitudes and guard our hearts. Enable us to give honor to whom honor is due, to fulfill our duties of citizenship, as we exercise our rights as citizens.

This morning I was able to get in a fitness center workout, before heading to McKee Medical Center for an IV drug therapy treatment this afternoon. Tonight is the last Presidential debate and election day will soon be here. We live in challenging and troubling days and it is reflected in this nation, in this election. One of the greatest challenges for followers of Christ is to function as “citizens of two worlds.” Beginning with today, I am going to share some of my thoughts and reflections related to what the Bible says about our perspective and attitudes in this challenging arena.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Philippians 3:18-20 ESV

Tension, conflict, confusion. Three word that can describe the feelings of Christ followers with the world in which we live. As Paul writes to the Philippians he shares an important perspective. There is and always has been a tension between those who are loyal to Christ and the world in which they live.

There are those who are “enemies of the cross of Christ.” They don’t want to embrace, they are not open to nor are they “tolerant” of those who embrace a life changing faith in Jesus Christ. We need to understand that, but not to be discouraged by that. Paul reminded believers two thousand years ago, “our citizenship is in heaven.” We are spiritual aliens, pilgrims, sojourners, however you want to view our present status.

The contrast between spiritual light and darkness is clear. What Paul says about those who alienate themselves from Christ and His cross and focus on this world, is straight forward, “their destiny is destruction.” He goes on and provides a vivid destruction of their priorities and focus. It is all on “self gratification.” Doing what “feels good.” Doing what pleases them and gives them satisfaction. Paul then closes his observations with an all encompassing statement, “their mind is set on earthly things.”

At times overly zealous Christians have been labeled as those who are, “so heavenly minded, that they are no earthly good.” It is also possible to be, “so earthly minded that you are no heavenly good.” The realm of “heaven” and kingdom living and priorities is as foreign to those of “this world” as “this world” is to those whose hope and focus is on God’s kingdom.

The challenge we face is, “how are we to function as “citizens of heaven” while we live as “citizen’s of this world”? Should we isolate ourselves or infiltrate the culture in a way that honors Christ. The Bible has much to say about “earthly citizenship.” Some of it is seen in the words of Jesus and the apostles, some of it is seen in the lives of biblical characters.

We live in a different time and a different “world” than first century Christians, but the concepts and principles are important for us think through and apply to our lives and present culture.

I challenge you to consider the prophets words to God’s people as they were being taken captive by the evil empire of Babylon, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7 ESV)

It is important for us to be “salt and light” in the world. We are to be engaged, to speak up when we have the opportunity and to show in our actions our true citizenship.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you that we a have a true home in heaven. Thank you for the hope that brings to our life as we live as citizens of this world. Help us to be true ambassadors and to represent Your kingdom as we seek the welfare of the city where we live.