BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.” John 15:14,15 HCSB

The term “friend” can have broad range of meanings. It can be used of a casual acquaintance to a close friend. Solomon spoke of the depth of friendship when he said, “…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“ (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)

As Jesus addresses His disciplines he underscores the connection He had with them. We see Jesus pointing to proof of friendship with Him or the privilege of His friendship with two concepts. Loyalty and transparency.

Loyalty is reflected in obedience. A slave is obedient. He obeys his master out of fear and respect. While that has application to our relationship with the Lord, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.“
(John 14:15 ESV)

Our obedience at its best, is a reflection of love for Jesus. It reveals that we want to be “faithful followers.” Those who can be trusted and will be loyal. The first half of Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin…” A true friend seeks the good of his friend and does not seek to bring harm or allow harm to happen.

Transparency is reflected in open communication. It is a security that allows one to “hold nothing back.” It demonstrates a deep level of trust and confidence. Jesus said, that He did only what the Father told Him. We see Jesus was in prayer with the Father and His ministry on earth was directed by the Father. Jesus tells his disciples that “I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.”

Open communication is more that sharing information, it is sharing of ones life. Some one once said the word “intimacy” can be viewed as “in-to-me-see.” That creates vulnerability and is an expression of the highest degree of trust.

Being called a friend, speaks to relationship, trust and knowledge. It speaks of confidence and respect. It can be an honor for someone in a position of authority or respect to call you a “friend.” How much more for the Creator of the Universe and the Savior of the World, to say, “you are my friend.” Let’s be those who demonstrate that we are a friend to Jesus, by our actions, obedience and being faithful to the work to which we have been entrusted.

The old hymn says, “friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine. O, what blessed, sweet assurance, Jesus is a friend of mine.”

Prayer for today… Lord, how awesome it is to consider that You call us “friend.” Allow us to be worthy of that trust and show our friendship through our faithfulness to You and the cause of Your Kingdom.

I’m glad this hospital visit was only 24 hours. I was able to come home at noon today. I have been continuing to rest and take it easy. I’m looking forward to the activities of this next week.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Daniel, one of the Judean exiles, has ignored you, the king, and the edict you signed, for he prays three times a day.” As soon as the king heard this, he was very displeased; he set his mind on rescuing Daniel and made every effort until sundown to deliver him.“ Daniel 6:13-14 HCSB

Because of the Lord’s favor, Daniel was in a favored position within the King of the Empire of the Medes and Persians. The other advisers to the King were jealous and sought to “set Daniel up.” They knew that best way to “bring him down” was to attack him at his most solid point of commitment, his faith in God and his dedication in prayer. They convinced the King that no one should pray to anyone else or any other deity but him.

The trap set for Daniel was also a trap for the King. The dilemma for Daniel became a dilemma for him. The King tried to think of a way around “the law” but there was no way out.

The parallel to Pilate in the gospels is interesting. We read when Pilate was questioning Jesus, Jesus told him, “You would have no authority over Me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.” This was Pilate’s response,  “From that moment Pilate made every effort to release Him….” (John 19:11,12 HCSB)

Just like Daniel’s enemies, Pilate was being “played” by the religious leaders. As Pilate was looking for a way out, the religious leaders told him, “….If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” (John 19:12 HCSB)

Leaders regardless of their character can often find themselves in “no-win” situations. It is like there are those who delight in playing chess with their power and being able to say through their actions, “checkmate!” No way out, you lose regardless of your next move. That was the case for Darius, it was the case for Pilate, it is the case for many pastors and political and corporate leaders today.

In both of these accounts of Daniel and Jesus, they were both rescued by God. Daniel faced a figurative death in the lions den and was saved; Jesus experienced death on the cross, but then was raised from the dead. Paul in his message in Pisidian Antioch, referred to the fulfillment of Psalm 16 when he proclaimed Jesus resurrection, “God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said….“ ’You will not let your holy one see decay.'” (Acts 13:34-35 NIV)  

As Peter wrote of the Lord’s deliverance he proclaimed, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:9 NIV) The Lord is able to deliver us in our “hour of need.” Through Christ we win! Even when it looks like we “lose” in the eyes of the world, we still “win” because of the future Christ has for us.

Darius was not able to save Daniel from the lions den, Pilate was not able to “save” Jesus from the religious leaders, but we see God stepping in both situations. As a result, God was glorified because true “salvation” from death comes from Him. The deliverance the Lord brings is a testimony to others of His power and might.

Prayer for today… “Lord, true salvation comes from You alone. I affirm with Paul, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31) Human authority is limited, but You are all powerful. Help me remember that when I appeal to You to help, I can go no higher.”

I’m back to a place I have avoided for almost two years. This time I am in the new Banner Hospital in Fort Collins. My blood pressure was running high and was experiencing some nominal pain, so we headed to the ER. Most things checkout after blood work, xrays and Cat Scan. However it does seem I have a bowel blockage. So I am staying over night for now. I am feeling better but not quite “up to par.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalm 59:16 NLT

As David writes this psalm he is on the run, being hunted like animal by King Saul and his armies. When I look at the circumstances David was facing his response is surprising.  He says, “My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.” (Psalm 59:14 NLT)

Throughout the psalm David is imploring the Lord to intervene and to deal with his enemies. He cries out, “Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride…Destroy them in your anger!  Wipe them out completely!” (Psalm 5912,13 NLT)

However, the greatest response is how David in spite of  real and present danger, he doesn’t accuse the Lord or wallow in fear, instead he sings! He sings to the Lord in worship. He sins about God’s power. He sings about the Lord’s unfailing love. Why? Because the Lord has been for him a consistent refuge and place of safety in distress, and he did not see the Lord changing. David realized what the Lord had been, He would continue to be.

When you face troubles and distress and feel like you are being opposed on every hand and everything is going against you, how do you react? Do you blame  God for your troubles? Do you wallow in pity? Do you just give up or give in?

When we focus our attention on the Lord, it changes our view of life even in the most troubling of circumstances. Regardless of what others do, regardless of the real and present danger of your circumstances, go ahead, like David and sing! Focus on the God who is all powerful and full of unfailing love. Focus on the Lord who is a refuge and a place of safety. Allow the Lord to protect you under the shadow of His wings.

You can begin by reciting with confidence the words of David in Psalm 59:14. Refuse to be overcome or overwhelmed by our circumstances. In your mind, rehearse the Lord’s faithfulness to His people and to you. As you do, you will break into singing. Paul and Silas sang in a Philippian jail and the angel of the Lord came and broke off their chains. (Acts 16) Find real confidence and freedom from anxiety and fear through following the example of David and Paul and Silas. Sing!

Prayer for today… “Lord, I choose this day to be one who focuses on You and not on my trouble, trials and circumstances. I remind myself of Your power, unfailing love and how You are a refuge and place of safety for all who trust in You.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”  John 13:17 HCSB

This statement is Jesus final words to His disciples after washing their feet as they prepare for the “last supper.” Jesus even knowing the future that awaits Him in the coming hours, focuses on this last teaching demonstration about the values that are to direct the disciples lives.

After He finishes, He gives them to instruction “…you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. “I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him.”  (John 13:14-16 HCSB)

As Jesus had done for them, they were to do for each other and for others. Jesus early in His ministry said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 NIV) The true test and path of blessing was not the disciples understanding, but the degree to which they actually put into practice what Jesus did and taught.

That is the challenge for us all. Love is not knowledge, it is action. Paul said, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV) Do we gauge our obedience and spiritual maturity by our knowledge or by our actions? I fear that many, and often include myself, have large spiritual heads and small bodies. That is to picture the difference between what we know and the development of our putting into practice what we know.

When Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish builders, He said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV) Jesus asked the penetrating question, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46 NIV)

Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9 NIV) James said, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.“ (James 1:22 NLT)

I recall years ago a teacher warning against, “postponed learning.” The statement was in reference to taking notes and resting in the security that you have the information available, but never review it and apply it. This is even more removed, “it may not be in my  mind, but I know I have it written down somewhere.” It is like, “I know it is in the Bible somewhere, I think.”

I am challenged once again, as I review these verses of the Bible, about the importance of acting on what  I know. It not only allows me to be a mature believer, but it is what brings the Lord’s blessing to my life.

Prayer for today… “Lord, forgive me for forfeiting the blessings You have for me, by failing to act on what I know. It is too easy to pride in what “I know” and neglect to put into practice what I have learned from Your Word. Allow me to commit to a greater level of practice and obedience as I follow and continue to learn of You.”

Today, I joined the Timberline Prime-Time group at the Capitol in Denver for a tour. Thanks to John Wallin, Chief House Sargent for getting our group access to the front of the House floor, that is normally restricted to elected officials. Later in the day I visited my mother who had cataract surgery today.  She seems to be doing well and is looking forward to having better vision.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.“ Psalm 55:22 NLT

This well-known verse is at the end of a psalm where David pours out his heart about the dangers from enemies outside of the walls and the dangers from moral decay inside the walls. He has been betrayed by those closest to him. In the case of Absalom’s rebellion it was his very son.

In the midst of “fears without and within” David learned the key to peace and confidence, it was found in surrendering his “burdens” to the Lord. The circumstances David was facing was beyond his control. He could be overwhelmed by worry, but instead his confidence was placed in  God’s care.

What he experienced, he challenged others to do as well. What “gets you down?” What is the source of trouble or anxiety in your life? You can experience the peace and calm that comes from surrendering those cares, those burdens to the Lord, confident of His care. David underscores the Lord’s faithfulness in saying, “He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

Giving our burdens to the Lord is not a “faith fall” where we hope the Lord is there to catch us. It is instead placing ourselves on a solid rock, knowing the Lord is faithful. He won’t grab our burdens from us, but is standing ready to accept them and help us as we “give them” to Him and trust in Him

Finally, it is interesting the parallels between the Old Testament and the New. Peter was one who knew troubles and failures. But he would write, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) The context Peter is addressing is the need to be on guard against our spiritual enemy, Satan. But once again, we see safety and confidence is found when we “humble ourselves before the Lord” and draw near to Him. (1 Peter 5:6 NLT)

When difficulties come, it is not the time to hold on and show how “tough” we are, but to trust the Lord to handle what is beyond us.

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank You for Your care and protection. Help us to quickly give our burdens and anxiety to You and freely experience the peace and confidence that You alone can provide.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.”                      Psalm 55:10,11 NLT

As David writes these words, he is facing real and imminent danger from enemy nations. “My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.” (Psalm 55:4,5 NLT) Those are compelling words for the “giant killer” and veteran warrior.

However, as great as the threat was from outside the walls. As much as the eyes of soldiers surveyed the landscape for approaching armies and as they guarded the city, David’s greatest fear and vulnerability was from “within.”

Wickedness, moral decline, evil behavior is the enemy that can’t be easily detected, isolated and eliminated. Great cities and civilizations throughout time have fallen not because of an inadequate army, but because of inward decay. That can be seen in Egypt, it can be observed in the Roman Empire, it can be seen down to the present day as the hearts of people bring a spirit of division that undermines the resolve to stand guard and confront the true enemies.

My wife explained my health crisis and the cause of my near death experience in these words, “Ken you have good antibodies and bad antibodies; your good antibodies are fighting each other so the bad ones are taking over.” Jesus said, “a house divided cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)

In contrast it is in unity that the Lord’s blessing is found. (Psalm 131). A few who are unified can accomplish much more than a large group that is divided.

As David is facing fears from without and betrayal from within, he makes this his resolve, “But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:16,17 NLT) When there seems to be no one around you can trust, you can find help and a refuge in the Lord. The Lord is not only able to protect, but it is the Lord who can move on the hearts of people and bring the change that can not come through human strategies.

That is why even in our nation, in the midst of the challenges we face and the divisions within, we need to be those who will seek the Lord. We need to be those who will ask the Lord to deal with hearts and to do the work that He alone can do. We need to pray for “God-fearing” leaders who know that human initiatives have their place and their limitations, but only God can do what truly needs to be accomplished.

Prayer to today… “Lord, we need Your help. We need Your divine intervention in the affairs of our life and our world. Bring peace unity to our land and the individuals and families who are living in strife and turmoil. Thank You that You reign as the “Prince of Peace.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” “Sir,” the woman said to Him, “give me this water so I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.” John 4:13-15 HCSB

This passage about Jesus conversation with the woman at the well in Samaria is one of the more familiar accounts of Jesus ministry. The whole story has many “cultural” missteps.

Jesus was in Samaria, which was putting Him and his disciples in somewhat hostile territory. The Jews and Samaritans had been at odds with each other tracing their history back to Old Testament times. Samaria was the capital of the Northern tribes of Israel after the nation divided after the reign of Solomon.

A woman drawing water from a well in the afternoon instead of the morning, would have indicated she was an outcast that was not viewed with favor by the other women in the town. Then it was not proper for a Jewish Rabbi to engage a woman (especially one of questionable character) in conversation.

As Jesus offers this woman, “living water” an interesting perspective arises. The woman views Jesus offer as, “great I won’t have to come to this well and face ridicule and judgment and I can live my life as I please.” But Jesus was not trying to accommodate or support in her current lifestyle, but was offering a new life and a new direction.

This is seen as he asked for her to bring her husband and then reveals he knows about her past and her present. She had a trail of broken relationships and adulterous living.

Jesus was offering that which produces eternal life, not an offer to accommodate her current circumstances, “…the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.”

In the Philippines they say, “no rice, no life.” In the arid regions of the Mideast, “it is no water, no life.”  Jesus makes it clear that what water is to physical life, the “water” He offers is essential for spiritual life and a true change of direction and a new life lived through Him.

As we look at our life, we need to be sure that we are not looking to Jesus and expecting Him to accommodate the “darkness” of our life, but are open to Him redirecting our life into that which will really bring the joy and contentment that we need.

Meeting Jesus is about change. That happens when we encounter Him for the first time and as we journey with Him through life.

Prayer for today… “Lord, help us to accept and welcome the change that You want and need to bring to our lives. Let us not be focused on how we can “use You” to stay complacent; especially in actions and attitudes that are not pleasing to You. Thank You, that what You offer changes and sustains us as we journey with You.”

It was good to have Christian and Bridget and the kids come up on Sunday afternoon and spend the night. They helped get some furniture set up in our downstairs bedrooms. They probably come looking forward to a time to “get away” swim and relax and we usually have a list of items we need help with. This morning I met with Melanie Coletta, who serves as a “campus evangelist” at the University of Colorado. She connects with students, shares her story of faith, teaches Bible studies and connects in supportive relationships.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!” Psalm 54:4 NLT

This psalm of David was written when his life was in danger. This is one of the few Psalms that gives its historical context in the title. The prelude to the Psalms says, “…regarding the time the Ziphites came to Saul and said, “we know were David is hiding.”

That sets the context of betrayal and the impending approach of David’s enemies. In these times panic and fear are easy to take control and to hinder your “next steps” and the course of action that you take.

David’s first response is to turn to the Lord and to seek His help, “Come with great power, O God, and rescue me!
Defend me with your might.” (Psalm 54:1 NLT)

Not that the news of the situation was a surprise to God, but David tells the Lord of his situation and how dire it is. “For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me.” (Psalm 54:3 NLT) At times those types of prayers are as much for our good, than they are to “get God’s attention.” When we rehearse our circumstances it cements our need for the Lord’s intervention. We are reminded that this situation is beyond our ability to rescue ourselves.

David then affirms God’s help and the security of his life in God’s hands. As the Psalm comes to an end we see the anticipation of David offering sacrifices to the Lord as a result of the Lord sparing his life. David is looking beyond the present circumstances to his commitment to worship the Lord who “keeps me alive.!” 

“I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.” (Psalm 54:6,7 NLT)

The Lord’s past faithfulness to David bolsters his confidence the face of the present opposition.

I have found that since my health crisis, some verses that in the past would be easy to gloss over, take on new meaning. Such is the case when I read, “But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!” We can possess a confidence in living, when “God is our helper.” We can be confident that when our life is in his hands, He is able to sustain us and “keep us alive” until our days on this earth have come their end.

David faced real danger from real enemies with swords and spears. The attacks that come against us will have a variety of forms. It may be illness and a health crisis. It might be a personal attack, designed to destroy our character as much as our physical life. Whatever the situation or circumstance, we can have assurance in the face of impending defeat when we affirm, “God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!”

Prayer for today…. Lord, our ultimate security does not come through ourselves and our resources. It comes from knowing and trusting in You. Thank You for giving us the confidence we need to face present challenges by reminding us of Your faithfulness in the past.