This morning Debbie and I left town early to travel to Denver. We spoke to my old Rotary Club, took care of Debbie’s eye appointment, visited my mother and then meet up with some dear friends, Jim and Carolyn Majeske (who we have not seen for years) along with Jon Cook. It was a good day; except for Debbie having to give me the Heimlich maneuver on the side of the road after a pill got lodged in my throat and cut off my air passage.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:6,7 NLT

There is nothing like rejoicing when the challenge, trial or battle is over. David as the “singer of Israel” is one who proclaimed his praise to the Lord on a continual basis. In these verses above David declares his praise for the Lord who responds. The Lord responds to the cry for mercy. The Lord responds to the one who trusts in Him with all their heart.

When the Lord responds, it solicits a response from us. For David that response was “praise to the Lord.” It was a “heart filled with joy.” It allowed him to “burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Paul declared the truth of scripture, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed.” (Romans 10:11 ICB) David knew that reality, Paul knew that reality and you and I can know it as well.

As I mark the third anniversary of my hospitalization, I can identify with the words of David. The Lord shown me his mercy, He has been my strength, He has been my help. When that reality sinks in after some of life’s greatest challenges it calls for greater trust in the Lord, it results in “bursts of songs of thanksgiving.”

As I say in my book, “The Longest Campaign” I have found that “what the Lord does not keep us from, He is able to see us through.” That became evident in our connection today with some dear friends. Jim and Carolyn Majeske were mentors and our Senior Pastors when Debbie and I were first in ministry. John Cook has been a friend for a over 30 years. We had the opportunity to reconnect today for a great time of fellowship and sharing.

We all have experienced some of the greatest challenges in our personal lives within the past three years. Yet as we shared our stories, we could see how God’s hand was evident in our lives, providing the help and strength that was needed at the time.

When the Lord bring us through those challenging times of life, it builds greater assurance of the God who superintends the circumstances of our life. The Lord is the One who goes before and provides what is needed for each new day, for each new challenge.

When we experience the faithfulness of the Lord, it creates a sense of awe and solicits the wholehearted trust in Him that is needed for whatever the next challenge that life will bring.

As I reflect back of the past three years, I can readily identify with the words of David. I praise the Lord for His mercy, His strength, His help and am glad that it can’t be exhausted.

Prayer for today… “Praise be to the Lord, who is my strength, shield and help. Thank You Lord that You have heard my cry for mercy. Give me the strength to trust you more and to know that You will be with me in each day and in challenge life can bring.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…I will deal with them according to their own conduct, and I will judge them by their own standards. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.” Ezekiel 7:27 HCSB

Ezekiel is a priest called by God to prophesy during a challenging time for God’s people. The exile to Babylon has started, but is not fully complete. God’s message is being spoken by His prophets and the people are focused on doing things, “their own way.” As a result, God is preparing to allow them to experience the consequences of “their own way.”

The heading of this chapter by the translators is telling, “Announcement of the End.” The beginning of the chapter sounds the same chord as at the end, “An end! The end has come on the four corners of the land. The end is now upon you; I will send My anger against you and judge you according to your ways. I will punish you for all your detestable practices. I will not look on you with pity or spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for your detestable practices within you. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.” (Ezekiel 7:2-4 HCSB)

God’s people then and people today, don’t understand how much God’s mercy provides a protection for their lives. God’s patience and longsuffering is one of His qualities that we too often take for granted. Peter writes and says, “…[God] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.“ (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Throughout time people have attempted to justify themselves before the Lord. They exert their “goodness.” I have had people say to me, “I’ve lived a good life and that should be good enough for God!” Really?! They fail to see or understand nor are they willing to submit to God’s ways, insisting instead on their own “plan of salvation.”

Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.'” (Romans 2:6 NIV) In Revelation the Resurrected Christ declares, “I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Revelation 2:23 NIV) We read of God’s judgment in Revelation, “…for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” (Revelation 16:6 NIV)

But we see another criteria and that is based on not what we have done, but on what Christ has done for us. Paul declared, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–“ (Ephesians 2:8 NIV) We also read, “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…” (Titus 3:5 NIV) Isaiah spoke of the provision of Christ when he said, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness…” (Isaiah 61:10 NIV)

When we choose God’s provision and embrace His love and grace, we have confidence in our standing before the Lord. “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.“ (1 John 2:28 NIV)

We can be judged by our own standards, or we can be judged based on what Christ has done for us. He lived the perfect life and became the sacrifice for us that we might be “….made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.” (Romans 3:22 NLT) It seems the choice is clear.

Prayer for today…  “Lord, thank You that You have done for me what I can’t do for myself. Through faith in You, I have a right standing before the God of creation. I choose to embrace that and live in the confidence that brings to my life.”

This morning I had my bimonthly chiropractor appointment. After lunch and some rest, I attended an afternoon Energy Seminar. It was good to connect with several people that I know and to meet some people for the first time.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8 NLT

How often do we feel that we are “trying to get God’s attention?” We wonder, “Does He hear me? Do my prayers matter?” This verse in Psalm 27 turns the table. How often does God desire our focused attention and we ignore Him?

What is interesting is we see in David’s words, what we experience today; that Lord speaks to our hearts. It isn’t an audible voice, it is the impression in our “heart”- God’s spirit within that prompts us to connect with Him. To be in His presence, to hear His voice.

We see in the words of this verse a responsive heart. When God speaks, we are not only to listen, but to respond; to say, “Lord, I am coming.” We are not be like disobedient or distracted children, we are not to delay, or give the impression we can’t be bothered, or what we are doing is more important than responding to His voice.

David has just expressed his desire, before the verse above, in these words, “The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.” (Psalm 27:4 NLT)

How do we respond? In quiet, in contemplation, in meditation on God’s Word, in prayer, in praise. We live in a world that is perpetually busy. It is difficult to slow our pace, let alone the thoughts in our mind. But we see the words of scripture challenging us, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10 NIV) “I have calmed and quieted my soul…” (Psalm 131:2 ESV) “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” (Psalm 62:5 NIV)

We can have the assurance that the Lord hears us when we call on Him. The question is, “Will we take time to be with Him? Will we listen to His voice and respond to His nudging in our hearts?”

Prayer for today… “Lord thank You that You are available to us. Help us to make ourselves available to You. Give us sensitive and responsive hearts. Hearts that will know You and seek You and live in Your presence.”

It was good to reconnect with my Tuesday morning prayer group. I then slipped into the County Commissioners administrative meeting to observe their activities and then headed to my Rotary meeting. On my way to Loveland, my car began to lose power and I limped into a Firestone shop and found I needed a new alternator. Thanks to my friend Jim Welker for coming to my rescue. He lives on a lake in Loveland, I took a picture from his deck while waiting for my car repair.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19 HCSB

As our culture has moved from glorifying virtue to glorifying evil behavior, we find the words of scripture bringing perspective and encouragement. Peter is writing to believers facing persecution, trials of their faith and living in a world that is hostile toward a Christian lifestyle.

As we read chapter four it is like he says, “enough already!” We read his words, “For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.” (1 Peter 4:3 HCSB) It is important to know that you don’t represent Christ by having an arrogant, “I’m better than you” attitude; but it is equally important to see that we don’t represent Christ by living our lives by the standards of the culture around.

The world is looking for those who will embrace them in their evil conduct and make them feel better about they way they live. When that doesn’t happen, they lash out. “…they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood of wild living—and they slander you.” (1 Peter 4:4 HCSB)

What is the believer’s response? Give in? Run and hide? Lash out? We should, as Peter says, “be serious and disciplined for prayer. Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7,8 HCSB)

Peter tells his reader that if they are going to “suffer” it is better to suffer for the cause of Christ and not because of evil behavior. “None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a “Christian,” he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name.” (1 Peter 4:15,16 HCSB)

Christians are to be committed to a lifestyle that is honorable to Christ. It is not easy and it will not always be affirmed by the present culture. But our right conduct is not to be a source of shame but one that should be lived  with the confidence that we bear Christ’s name. We are to bring glory to Christ and gain strength from a continual commitment to Christ and the strength He provides.

Prayer to today… Lord, thank You that Your word challenges us how to  live in our world today. Enable Your people to “stay above the fray” of all that is taking place and will take place as your coming draws near. Allow Your people to stay focused on You and committed to Your ways.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.”  1 Peter 2:17 HCSB

First century believers did not live in a “God-fearing” world. Not unless you consider that being “fearing” the Emperor, who considered himself a god. Yet, in the midst of hostility; in the midst of a pagan environment; in the midst of a time when the gospel was being first proclaimed, we see a call to Christ-honoring conduct.

As Peter opens his letter, he recognizes the “trying of faith” that was gripping these Jewish believers. But in spite of all that is taking place, he admonishes them to “…rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander…” (1 Peter 2:1 HCSB) He reminded them that they, like Christ, were “…rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God…” (1 Peter 2:4 HCSB)

Peter then charges them to “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles…Submit to every human authority…” he says, “…it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.” (1 Peter 2:12,13,15 HCSB) Later in this chapter Peter says we are to follow in the steps of Christ who, “…did not commit sin,
and no deceit was found in His mouth; when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering,
He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.“ (1 Peter 2:22,23 HCSB)

Peter’s great summary of Christian duty is found in four statements, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.”

As those who have a “Christian” worldview, we are called to honor those for whom Christ died, even when they are in rebellion to His ways. We see Jesus reminding us that is is our love for fellow believers demonstrates our unity in Christ and is the greatest testimony to the world of God’s reality. (John 13:35) Our motivation for our lifestyle is out of reverence for the Lord. We are called not to live by natural impulses and self-centered reactions, but by those which are “super” natural. Peter then reminds believers of the call to honor (not assassinate) the Emperor. The one who would be torturing them and putting them to death. That is a high calling indeed!

When we follow God’s plan, we live in God’s favor. Peter says, “But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God.” (1 Peter 2:20 HCSB) We are not called to some “Pollyanna” lifestyle, but to live as those who are wise and fully committed to the plan and purposes God has for His people.

Prayer for today…. “Lord, grant us the strength and grace to live according to Your plan and purpose for our life. May our attitudes, actions and reactions and be pleasing to You.”

I had one of my busiest Sundays in several months. This weekend I was able to share about my book before the four weekended services at Timberline Church. It was great to connect with people and to sow into the ministry of Serve 6.8. After getting home and taking a nap, I traveled to Littleton for a political event with some of my friends there. Overall, it was a big day and one I manged without getting overly fatigued. For me that is a good day!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Diotrephes, who loves to have first place among them, does not receive us. This is why, if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering us with malicious words...Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone…” 3 John 9-10,12 HCSB

It was true in the first century and it is true in the 21st century, some “saints’ don’t act like saints. Any one who has served as a pastor in a ministry role probably has a greater appreciation for this short letter from the Apostle John.

Gaius is the believer to whom John’s letter is addressed. His name was a common name for his day, so it is uncertain if he is the same individual referred to in other letters. We see John draws a sharp contrast to those who are acting in love and truth and those who are not.

Traveling teachers and believers were common in the first century. They would look for fellowship among any Christ follower they could find in their journeys. John commends Gaius for his open heart, “…you are showing faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers….we ought to support such men so that we can be coworkers with the truth.” (3 John 3,8 HCSB)

In contrast to Gaius, John condemns Diotrephes, for his authoritarian arrogance. We don’t know the reason behind his attitude and actions, other than he wanted to exert his own authority and felt threatened by others. He even was showing contempt for the Apostle John! His attitude toward others is described in these words, “He not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but he even stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church.” (3 John 10 HCSB)

John’s caution was, “don’t imitate what is evil.” John also is prepared to being apostolic correction, “if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering us with malicious words…” (3 John 10 HCSB) Those who are acting contrary to Christ’s love and truth, should be corrected, not coddled.

John goes on and affirms the character of Demetrius, “Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself…” (3 John 12 HCSB) We don’t know if Demetrius was another member of the church, or one of the visiting brothers. But we see John affirming those who are acting properly and condemning those who are harming the unity of the church and the work of the gospel.

Each person must choose to be a “Gaius” or a “Diotrephes.” To be those with open arms or arms crossed against their bodies. To be open and encouraging or to be closed and threatened. There will always be those who believe they have a ‘corner on the truth.’ But we see the truth is lived, more than it is proclaimed. John says to Gaius, he had heard of his,  “faithfulness to the truth—how you are walking in the truth.” (3 John 3 HCSB) May that be said of us all who call ourselves by the name of Christ.

Prayer for today…. “Lord, help us not be surprised or discouraged by those who do not show Your love or walk in Your truth. Instead, give us courage to confront and a commitment to live by Your example and truth. Help us to imitate what is good, not what is evil.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”  Psalm 19:1-4 NLT

An important Biblical truth is not only God as creator, but God who is reflected in His creation. I recall a friend of mine many years ago who made the comment, “You can’t work with animal life and close to the land without believing in God.” This individual who was a farmer and rancher was not necessarily a man of strong spiritual commitment, but was just commenting on what he had observed through his work.

In classic poetic form the psalmist says the heavens themselves, “proclaim” God’s glory and the skies “display” his craftsmanship. This is no subtle inference about a God “who is there.” It is a bold and relentless statement that can not be ignored or denied. “…night after night they make Him known…”

The creative work of God is declared throughout scripture. Many look only to Genesis, but throughout the Bible we see references to creation. The opening verses of John’s gospel says, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3 NIV)

Paul the Apostle declares, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 NIV)

The prophet Jeremiah declared, “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” (Jeremiah 32:17 NLT)

Creation is God’s “silent” witness to His reality and majesty. “They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” (Psalm 19:3,4 NLT)

In the Bible we see God described as sitting on the “circle of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:22) We see in Job, the oldest book of the Bible, a reference to the “rain cycle.” “For He makes water drops evaporate; they distill the rain into its mist…” (Job 36:27 HCSB) We see creation under the power of God’s hand referenced throughout the Bible. God parted the waters of the Red Sea and Jesus calmed the storm on the sea of Galilee. The disciples in fear proclaimed, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41 KJV)

As followers of Jesus proclaim the good news about Jesus throughout time and until Christ, returns, we see the ongoing witness of the “God who is there” in creation. Paul says that fact alone brings a point of accountability.

“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. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19,20 ESV)

When the majesty and beauty of creation is observed in person or in pictures, we have choice. We can say, “Look, how wonderful and it all happened by accident! How great I am” or our hearts can declare with the hymn writer of old, “then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou Art!”

Prayer for today…  “Lord thank You for revealing Yourself and Your handiwork in creation. As we behold the beauty around us in the heavens and on the earth, may our hearts be drawn closer to You as we are reminded of who You are and how great You are.”

 

Memorial services like the one today for Senator Bill Armstrong, can be like “family reunions.” It is always good to see people that don’t pass our paths all that often. Among those were Dr. James and Shirley Dobson. I believe I had met Dr. Dobson on only one other occasion. I had the opportunity to share with him that when our son was only one year old, that the film series, “Focus on the Family” had just come out. Also, his book “Dare to Discipline” and “The Strong-Willed Child” were among our early reads as parents. I told him our son would say of he and his sister, “we were raised as Dobson children.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised.  For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:29-30 NASB

Today, I share a few reflections on life, a leader and our Lord. I attended with a few thousand others the memorial service of Senator Bill Armstrong, President of Colorado Christian University. It was a service in honor of a “great American” and servant of Christ, but it was a service for the glory of Jesus.

From the processional of “In Christ Alone” to the closing anthem with proclamations of “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” boldly and prayerfully in between, it was a tribute to both a man and a Savior.

The service was moving and challenging, not just because of Bill Armstrong and his legacy, but because of the focus on Jesus. The verse above is from the mouth of Simeon when he held in his arms the new born Messiah. But how appropriate for the life that held on to and was held by the a risen, living Savior.

Bill Armstrong as a man at peace with His Savior and at peace with his world. He had much more he desired to accomplish if the Lord permitted, but he anticipated and was at peace with seeing his Savior knowing his time “for his departure was hand.”

Since facing  my own mortality, I find these moments far more impacting that ever. I am challenged as I am sure others were to live out their faith in a more winsome manner and to reinforce the need for the hearts of people to be changed by the love and power of Jesus Christ. We all have a legacy that we will leave. The time to consider what that legacy will be is now. If there was anyone who attained enough success in life to “sit back and take his leave” it was Bill Armstrong. But he was a man committed to living life with purpose to the full to the every end.

The final eulogy was by Bill’s son Wil Armstrong. Wil said he had been preparing for this day for thirty years. He shared how he remembered his father speaking the memorial of his father and Wil knew that one day he would be doing the same for his father.

Whether you were a close friend or someone like myself who knew Bill Armstrong casually, his impact was always deep and profound. He was a great man, because of his commitment to a a great Savior.

The service today was being held on Bill and Ellen’s 54th wedding anniversary. As Dr. Don Sweeting was giving an invitation (at Bill’s request) for people to respond to Christ, I couldn’t help but think how significant it was for people on the anniversary day, that Bill said, “I will” take Ellen as his wife, that individuals would say, “I will” take Jesus as my Savior.

Gerry Klassen wrote a wonderful tribute, painting a picture of Bill Armstrong’s entrance into heaven. The final words, are “The Angel Gabriel brings in the Book of Life and he turns the pages until he stops at William Lester Armstrong, there he reads, “Child of the King and faithful to the service of God’s kingdom, trusted in His Word, he is an ethical, Christ-centered Christian.”

Simon Peter is carrying a beautiful, pure white, floor-length rob and the apostle Paul is polishing a crown. The orchestra is turning up their instruments, the choir is practicing their harmony; hear them singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord God Almighty.” The celebrants are steaming into the hall. I hear the crowd give a joyful shout for Jesus has arrived.

Hallelujah, What a Savior.”

And I would add that Bill Armstrong raises his “radio voice” and leads the throng in a shout of “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank you for the reminder from the life of Bill Armstrong that there is nothing better that we can do, than to exalt Jesus! Allow our lives to be lived in a way that will bring glory to Your name and impact people for the cause of the gospel.

You can read obituary and view service at http://www.ccu.edu/billarmstrong/