Today was a contrast to the busyness of yesterday. I was able to get to the fitness early and had a workout with my trainer. I actually had a good “walk” without my crutches and made it farther than my previous best. Yesterday morning I attended the early morning Bible study for legislators at the capitol. There is a committed group of representatives and senators who meet weekly for prayer and Bible study. This group has been going on for more than ten years. It is lead by Dan File with Capitol Commission. It was good to see Rep. J Paul Brown from Durango. He has a herd of about 3,000 sheep on a ranch of 900 acres. He is a strong believer and a dedicated public servant.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord, is an everlasting rock!”  Isaiah 26:3,4 HCSB

Worry, fear and anxiety are the plagues against the mind and the robbers of peace. Isaiah spoke God’s word in a time when there was much to create fear, worry and anxiety. God’s people were experiencing the consequences of their rebellion. That impact was on the godly as well as the “sinner.” The lifestyle of the Kings and they way they ruled did not help the situation. The threat of the power Assyrians was real and oppressive.

It was during the reign of Hezekiah that Israel fell captive to the Assyrians and the “evil empire” turned its attention on Judah. As King Hezekiah sought the Lord, we see the Lord attacking the Assyrians at night without the armies of Judah swinging a sword or shooting an arrow. The verses above are from a chapter that focuses on rejoicing in what the Lord has done.

The key to peace when fears abound and all that is around is being shaken is to focus not on what is seen but on the Lord and to trust in Him. Isaiah declares, “the Lord is an everlasting rock.!” When there is shaking all around and your “knees are shaking” in fear, it is important to have a firm place to stand. The Lord shows Himself as a firm foundation and a strong refuge.

David declared, “I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2 NIV)

This last weekend we had some spring rain along with some thunder and lightening. Actually a tornado half a mile wide touched down in northeast Colorado on that evening. Our visitation pastor at  Timberline Church was sharing how his almost two-year old son was shaken by the storm and how he tried to comfort him with his presence and assurance that everything was okay.

When we look at the distress and the shaking of the world around us, we are like that two-year old in relationship with a heavenly father who understands all that is taking place and wants to assure us that He is near and all is going to be “okay.” The key is to keep our eyes fixed on the father and not on the storm.

There is a song we have been singing at our church that contains the words,

For we trust in our God
And through His unfailing love
We will not be shaken,
We will not be shaken,
We will not be shaken

one of the verses affirms,

For in the hour of our darkest day
We will not tremble, we won’t be afraid
Hope is rising like the light of dawn
Our God is for us He has overcome

(http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bethelmusic/wewillnotbeshaken.html)

Another song we have been singing, addresses freedom from fear through Christ’s love and peace:

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

From my mother’s womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again
Into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God…

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

(http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bethelmusic/nolongerslaves.html) 

Both of these songs from “Bethel Music” associated with Bethel Church in Redding, California, address the issues being faced by people today in the midst of the storms of life and the shaking of the world around. We are reminded that our minds are to fixed upon and dependent on the Lord. When they are we can experience His perfect peace.

Today, I made an early morning trip to the Capitol in Denver with former Representative Jim Welker. We attended the last legislative Bible study of the session and then visited the floor of the House and Senate. I presented a copy of my book to Senator Andy Kerr from Lakewood and Speaker of the House Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. I received word today that my supply of books has been shipped and may arrive by the end of the week. Jim and I returned to Loveland in time for our noon Rotary meeting, so by early afternoon, I felt like I had put in a full day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build Me a house to dwell in….‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel….I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land...I declare to you that the Lord Himself will build a house for you.” 1 Chronicles 17:4,8,10 HCSB

As David secured his kingdom in Jerusalem, the first thing he did after bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem was to build a house for himself. It didn’t take long before David realized, “I am living in a cedar house while the ark of the Lord’s covenant is under tent curtains.” (1 Chron. 17:1 HCSB) In modern day vernacular we would say, “what’s wrong with this picture!?” It would seem odd that the God of all the earth, who was worthy of the highest worship, was represented by a tent and the king was in a palace.

We see as the Lord reminded David later, “the universe itself is not enough to contain Him, let alone any structure made by man.” David’s intentions were good and they were fulfilled by his son Solomon, who was a “man of peace.” However, we see a powerful “turn around.” God tells David, “you will not build a house for me, but I will build a house for you!”

The truth that we see is, God is not concerned about what “we do for Him”  as much as He desires us to understand what He “wants to do for us.” 

I am not talking about obedience or doing the work of God’s kingdom, but that which would be done in a manner or with an attitude that would say, “look what I have done for  God!” or to feel the need to constantly be “doing for God” instead of being a peace with God. David’s heart and motives were pure, he knew that pagan gods had their temples and shrines that were to represent their “glory.” David viewed his role as “doing”- but God let him know that his privilege was receiving.

This is a stark contrast to the pagan concept of any deity. In Old Testament Canaan, you would seek the favor of a deity in hopes that crops would grow and you would have victory in battle. But a god who takes initiative and does for a king or a person not what he asks for but for what he never would consider to ask for was something else!

I think of Paul’s great benediction in Ephesians, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20,21 NKJV)

We serve a God who takes the initiative and works in our behalf in ways we would never think of. The Lord saw David’s heart. He allowed David’s vision for a great Temple in honor the “The Lord God” to be come to pass. But God promised David, He would make his name great in all the land and He would build David as “house.” Not just a building or a structure, but a legacy. God was promising David a dynasty that would lead to “The King” of Israel one day coming to His people.

This reminds me of the Lord’s promise to Abraham. Abraham believed the word of the Lord and became a father of nations. David sought to please the Lord and became the head of a lasting dynasty that was secured by the word and promise of the Lord.

As you live for the Lord, remember His desire to “do for you.” To bring peace and blessing into your life just because that is who He is, “the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)

It was nice to have relaxing Monday after being fairly fatigued yesterday. I enjoyed a breakfast with  County Commissioner Lew Gaiter. I finally made a trip to Home Depot to begin my outdoor activities for this spring. I then made an afternoon trip to the County offices to get license plates for my new”er” car. I’m looking forward to being at the capitol in Denver tomorrow one last time as this year’s session comes to an end.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…the Lord our God burst out in anger against us because you Levites were not with us the first time, for we didn’t inquire of Him about the proper procedures.”  So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel.  Then the Levites carried the ark of God the way Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord: on their shoulders with the poles.” 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 HCSB

As David secured Israel under his rule, the first thing he did was to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. During the entire reign of Saul the ark had been in Kiriath-jearim. It was there because the Philistines captured it in battle, but because of the plagues the ark brought to the Philistines they sent it back to Israel.

David’s plan had the blessing of the leaders and they brought the ark carried on a cart back to Jerusalem. When the ox pulling the ark stumbled, Uzzah, reached out to steady the ark and was struck dead. We read that David was angry at God, for being angry at Uzzah.

The ark was shuffled to the house of Obed-Edom. It like what we read next, “The ark of God remained with Obed-edom’s family in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his family and all that he had.” (1 Chronicles 13:14 HCSB) Where  God dwells, where His presence is, there is blessing. Blessing on that family and that family’s household.

After that took place, David discovered that there was a “right way” and a “wrong way” to transport the Ark of the Covenant. It was to be carried by poles on the shoulders of consecrated priests. God’s instructions to Moses had been very specific. But in the course of time, God’s instructions had been forgotten. David did what the Philistines had done in transporting the ark. However, he soon found out that when God’s instructions are ignored, it creates crisis, but when they are followed it brings blessing and celebration.

We see David dancing before the ark and leading the procession and celebration as the ark came into the City of Jerusalem. “So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouts, the sound of the ram’s horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and the playing of harps and lyres.” (1 Chronicles 15:28 HCSB)

I believe there are a couple of points of application. First we do need to be aware that the Bible gives us instructions on the worship of the Lord. We certainly see the condition of our hearts is of utmost importance. We see that while David’s intentions were good, his understanding and methods were off. One of the first lessons David learned was the importance of learning God’s Word and obeying God’s instructions.

The priority of our worship must be that which is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, before it is pleasing simply pleasing to people. Worship seems to continue to be one of the greatest challenges found in churches today. Perhaps that should not surprise us because, we see Satan’s desire was to rob God of the worship due His name. That can take place in all kinds of ways.

One a personal level I think of those who say, “I worship the Lord in my own way.” That is usually an excuse for “not worshiping.” When we insist on and feel comfortable in “our own way” that is usually a sign that we are not devoted to the Lord and His ways. There seems to be a willingness to obey the Lord as long as it is acceptable to me.

The bottom line in any context is, does our worship cultivate and invite the presence of the Lord. Does it focus on being more obedient to the Lord and trusting Him. Good music facilitates worship, and  that and is important. But it is not an end to itself. The primary focus of our worship is pleasing the Lord and cultivating His presence in our life and the midst of His church. When God is pleased and present there is life and blessing.

On this Mother’s Day, I enjoyed conducting the chapel service at Mackenzie Place. It was a delight to have Jerry Pippin as the piano player. These dear folks are always so appreciative and kind. We enjoyed a time of fellowship with the Pippins after the service. Jerry and Virginia were such a blessing to my family during the time of my health crisis. They are doing an excellent job as Directors of the Primetimers ministry at Timberline Church.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “David defeated the Philistines there. Then David said, “Like a bursting flood, God has used me to burst out against my enemies.”… David again inquired of God, and God answered him, “Do not pursue them directly. Circle around them and attack them opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then march out to battle, for God will have marched out ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14:11,14-15 HCSB

As David is crowned King over a united Israel he is confronted in battle by the Philistines. The Philistines had been the archenemy of Israel and David. However, during his time of exile,  David found refuge in the cities of the Philistines. The Philistines were well aware of David’s leadership and exploits and quickly moved against him in battle.

In David’s day, battles were fought with opposing armies facing each other and confronting one another “head on.” Perhaps you have seen images of ancient battles in movies from even more recent eras. It seems that battle strategies remained the same for hundreds and hundreds of years.

As David trusted in the Lord, the Lord went before David and his armies and “burst out” against the Philistines. We don’t know how that took place but the enemy was overwhelmed before David and His men with the power of God on their side. So great and memorable was this victory “they named that place the Lord Bursts Out.”

Some time later the Philistines took aim at Israel once again. We see that instead of “charging off to battle” and doing the same thing in the same way; David sought guidance from the Lord. The Lord gave David unusual instructions for the day. Don’t attack directly but surround them in the midst of the trees of the forest. They were to wait not for David’s command, but for a signal from the Lord’s. We see a picture of the Lord “strong in battle” and the One directing King David and his generals. Once again a great victory was won.

What I notice in these two descriptions is the different strategies used to win a victory and to advance the cause of God’s people in the land. David was not stuck in “doing the same thing in the same way.” He sought the Lord for guidance and was willing to trust the Lord and obey, even if the directions were contrary to the “way things are done.”

We clearly see that the Lord is a God of “multiple strategies.” There is not “right way” there is just the “Lord’s way.” The Lord’s way may be reflected in a variety of approaches. I am thinking about the work of God’s people in the expansion of God’s spiritual kingdom, not a political kingdom. In God’s people going out to “conquer” our spiritual enemy who holds people captive, the methods may be many and varied. I believe this is found within a particular church tradition and can be seen in Christ’s church in a city or our world.

So often the focus is on “doing it right” or doing what we believe is “God’s way.” (Which can mean, “I am right, you are wrong.”) We believe that means the same way, for all situations, for all times. The creative God of the universe should be reflected in the creativity of the methods used to spread the gospel and accomplish the work of the Kingdom of God.

They key is not just human ideas and strategies, or just “being different to be different.” It is “God-inspired” “Spirit-directed” strategies. Some of the greatest conflicts that can occur in a church is doing “something different.” The resistance to change is often reflected in the statement, “we’ve never done it that way before!” One leader observed that we are so focused on uniformity and tradition that even in a church plant people can be founding saying, “we didn’t do it that way last week.”

David didn’t just follow the methods of generally accepted warfare. He was open to seeking the Lord and was flexible. When we embrace those values, we have more grace for appreciating different churches and their methods and changes in approaches within a congregation. The key is being directed by the Lord’s spirit and maintaining unity and keeping in mind the mission we have been given as God’s people. The bottom line is a focus on the mission not the methods. Advancing God’s kingdom is to be the aim behind our methods, regardless of what they  may be.

We enjoyed the company of Abe and Debbie Koop this weekend. They joined us last night and spent the night. This morning we enjoyed a breakfast at the Silver Grille in Old Town Fort Collins. Our day has been overcast with rain and even some hail in the later afternoon. I even heard some first of the season tornado warnings for parts of southern Colorado. It has been good to hear some early feedback from those who have read my book. I am looking forward to receiving supply of copies for my distribution over the next two weeks.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The following were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still banned from the presence of Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who helped him in battle. They were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow. They were Saul’s relatives from Benjamin….the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…” 1 Chronicles 12:1-2,32 HCSB

David’s trip to the throne was one that involved years running from Saul, who was trying to kill him out of jealousy. It involved being recognize as King initially only in Hebron over the tribe of Judah. That lasted two years before all of Israel recognized and united behind David as King.

In the midst of all this were those that came to David to support him during these years. We read in the early days of fleeing from Saul, “When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.  All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” (1 Samuel 22:1,2 HIV)

It is always good to know that when times are tough you can count on your family to come to your side and experience the difficulties of life with you. That was certainly my experience during my health crisis. It was the case for David when he found himself hiding in a cave in Adullam. In addition to family there seems to be a mixed bag of those “with issues.” “…those who were in distress or in debt or discontented…”  There were those who continued to join David, among this group were those of Saul’s relatives from the tribe of Benjamin.

This “rag tag” and diverse group formed the foundation for David’s coming kingdom. There were men who were brave and valiant warriors. “…archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow.” Over the course of time more people joined David and they were all mighty fighting men. David had a group of “special forces.” They were not thousands in number, but they were skilled, brave and mighty in battle.

Many who began with David in exile, are those who remained with him throughout the days of his rule and were listed among his “mighty men.” Skillful, brave men who were loyal to David were a key to his accomplishments and the success of his rule.

As Saul dies and David goes to Hebron, there are those from various tribes that come to David’s side. Among those were the men of Issachar, “…who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…” This draws attention to another key to successful endeavors. Having wisdom and sensitivity to “the times” is vital to effective leadership. We live in changing and challenging times and the need to make adjustments and to know what to do and how to do it can make all the difference.

What we observe in David’s history as a leader has application for leaders, ministries, and organizations today.

1 – Sometimes the most “unlikely” become those that God uses to accomplish great things. Paul writes to the Church in Corinth and observes, “think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” (1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV)
2 – Skill and loyalty are important for success. Skills may be developed, it may be possessed in greater measure by natural gifts and abilities. But having “equipped” “skillful” people makes or breaks a leader or organization.

3 – Insight and Strategy in partnership with talented and trained people is a powerful combination. This shows the diversity of gifts that are needed and the contribution of a variety of individuals that help form and shape a dynamic organization.

4 – The Lord draws people to leaders and organizations to enable them to accomplish their mission. We see that over the years David’s followers grew. During the years in exile, there were those who joined with him. When he was in Hebron there were those from various tribes, those that were ruled over by Saul’s son, who still came to David’s side. They did so because they recognized the Lord’s anointing on David.

We can observe throughout times is, in His ways and in His timing the Lord uses leaders and people to accomplish great things in accordance to His plan and purposes.

After a busy morning of some office work, I had an enjoyable lunch with Jose Valdes in Windsor. He is a community leader and college professor and will be joining us in supporting the efforts of the Larimer Energy Action Project. This evening we are looking forward to a visit from Abe and Debbie Koop, Wycliffe Missionaries and long-time friends.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even when Saul was king, you led us out to battle and brought us back. The Lord your God also said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over My people Israel.’” 1 Chronicles 11:1-2 HCSB

As the history Israel is recounted for those returning to the land it begins with the end of the reign of King Saul and the establishments of David’s reign. The summary of Saul’s life is brief, no comments about victories in battles or great building efforts or expansion of his reign; it simply explains, “Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, but he did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” (1 Chronicles 10:13,14 HCSB)

Above all else the Lord is looking for faithfulness. It is at the heart of God’s character as much as His love. The Bible says of Moses, the great leader, “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house…” (Hebrews 3:5 NIV) Paul says of Jesus, “….He remains faithful;He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV)

As David was crowned King, his rule was recognized as being ordained by the Lord. David would “shepherd” and “rule” God’s people. Those two duties are important and distinct. You can be a good “shepherd” but a poor “ruler” You can “rule” well, but if you aren’t a “shepherd” of the people you will need to rule with an iron fist and the hearts of the people will not be with you.

The role of the shepherd is to guide, care for and protect. That is something the comes across and is communicated more in “how” you perform your duties than what you do. People will recognize the genuineness of a leaders concern for others. They will be quick to recognize whether a leader is only concerned for himself or if he is concerned for those over which he has been given a trust.

A ruler establishes a structure under which the people live. God desires it to be one of fairness, justice and equity. The ruler governs through laws and edicts and acts as a judge. One of the condemnations of Judah’s Kings was that they were not just, they were open to bribes, they did not look out after the poor and the widow.

David knew what it was like to be a shepherd, but he needed to learn how to rule. He learned a lot about what not to do from King Saul. He realized that at the heart of being a righteous ruler, was being a righteous person. I believe the priorities and the order is of great importance. God can take a faithful person with the right heart and give them the skills of a good ruler. It is much more difficult to take a ruler, who is self-focused and to transform the heart.

For God’s people both functions were important for a righteous King. He had to be ruler with a shepherd’s heart. We see that personified in a son of  David, the Messiah, Jesus Christ our King and the shepherd of our souls. Peter wrote, “For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.“ (1 Peter 2:25 NIV)

Today is the National Day of Prayer. We had a Northern Colorado breakfast event that had about 350 in attendance. It was good to see the work over the months of the planning committee become a reality in a successful event. (Here is a picture of me with County Sheriff Justin Smith and two of our County Commissioners, Steve Johnson and Tom Donnelly.) This was an early morning, so I took a mid-morning nap and then this afternoon had a fitness center workout and came home to mow our growing grass. I have mowed twice and still have not turned on our sprinkler system.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight will be in the fear of the Lord…” Isaiah 11:1-3 HCSB

As a former elected official, I always find it interesting when people in my political party, constantly hearken back to the “day of Ronald Reagan.” If you were in Judah of old you would long for the days of a ruler like King David. David’s kingdom was united, victorious and secure. But as we see in David and rulers throughout time is the best of human leaders still have their challenges, controversies and flaws.

As Isaiah is prophesying in a time when the leaders of the day were a far cry from King David, the prophet sees to a distant time of a coming King. As we have the benefit of the text of modern scripture we realize it was the Messiah who was to come and is still to come in His ultimate glory.

The imagery is significant, “a shoot will from from the stump of Jesse…” The picture is of a tree that has been cut down and whose fruitfulness has come to an end and there is only small remnant to remind of what was. But out of the stump soon life begins to appear. The shoot turns into a branch and the branch begins to bear fruit. Such is the hope that had been in the hearts of God’s people the Jews for centuries. It is a hope that is in the hearts of followers of Christ who look to the day Jesus reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The verses of Isaiah 11 describe the character of the coming King and the nature of the world that will be. The coming King will be righteous, faithful and true. Wickedness will not remain in this Holy place. What Isaiah was describing was such a contrast to the present rulers, it would truly be a dream come true.

The righteous King rules over a righteous world. One in which the curse on creation is removed. “The wolf will live with the lamb,and the leopard will lie down with the goat. The calf, the young lion, and the fatling will be together,
and a child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6 HCSB) This is only a partial description of the world characterized by the peace that comes from God and the peace that permeates creation.

This new King will reign over a kingdom where peace is that standard among people. “None will harm or destroy another on My entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.” (Isaiah 11:9 HCSB)

With hope and faith we can look forward to and pray for that day and that kingdom to come. It will happen because of the intervention of God Himself and His Word, “…. [the] knowledge of the Lord will fill the land as the sea is filled with water.” When we allow the “knowledge of the Lord” to dominate in our lives and in our world, it is good preparation for that kingdom that is coming.

We had an inspection on our basement work today that allows us to move on to the next step, which we hope will expedite the completion of our project. After a conference call with my fellow energy organization representatives, I headed to the capitol in Denver. Traffic delay my arrival and I discovered the bill we were hoping to resurrect was given a final death. Like a losing team, we are looking toward “next year.” I ended my day, after a quick visit with my mom, at a fundraiser for Congressman Mike Coffman. It was hosted by my friends Brian and Patricia Watson. It was good to see some people that I have not seen since our move to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Abraham’s sons: Isaac and Ishmael. These are their family records:…Abraham fathered Isaac. Isaac’s sons: Esau and Israel.” 1 Chronicles 1:28,34 HCSB

There is something about knowing your history that seems to give meaning to your present. Today online tools provide an opportunity for people to explore their family “roots” and to discover their origins and perhaps some connections to people of history.

In the Old Testament, the Chronicles served as the connection of God’s people to their past. The genealogies in all of their detail serve to provide that connection of God’s people to their family, tribe and even to Abraham and Adam, the first man. Chronicles was the history of God’s people for a new generation that was returning from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem. They were coming to a present that had more challenges than could be imagined; but they were part of a history that had been glorious.

Connections to our past can provide some insight and significance to our present. Some today may trace their family heritage to immigrants from another country, some to those who were slaves of the past, others to leaders or pioneers or entrepreneurs or risk-takers or those who made a difference in the lives of others. Some discover a past that needs to be redeemed. All of these could be found in the lineage and genealogies of God’s people.

For God’s people they were reminded that they were part of something bigger than themselves and their immediate family or tribe. They had a history that was part of God’s design and plan for the world. They were “the people of God.” They had significance and a purpose. But that purpose had been lost and needed to be rediscovered.

Chronicles provided a new generation that insights into the generation of old. Their lives and stories are “chronicled.” Achievements are seen for what they are and failures are seen for what they are. This past is to serve as a warning and a challenge to the present generation. The past generation had opportunities, times of greatness, but lost their way. The new generation had the opportunity to have a new beginning and to redeem the purpose that God had ordained for His people. They were to build upon the good and redeem the bad.

Hebrews 11 ends with this observation of the past generation and the present, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39,40 NIV)

As we look at our lives, our families and our histories, it is important to honor the sacrifices and the example of those of the past. It is also important to resolve to chart a new course when the past did not reflect God’s best. I think of a few illustrations.

Often I have had people say something like, “my Godly mother (or grandmother) would not approve of the life I’m living.” When I heard that I want to ask, “what are you going to do about that?”

I think of those who are committed to pass “the faith” on to the next generation. They understand that “faith is fragile.” There are forces that war against God’s ways and the pull on the heart is like gravity on the body. It trends downward. Faith passed generation to generation happens by plan and intention, not by accident or genetics.

Then I think of my wife’s parents, who came from what we would call “dysfunctional” family systems. But as newly marrieds, young in their faith, they made a resolve that they would be a “change generation.” They would establish a godly life and heritage for their lives and future generations, that was either missing or in name only from their own history.

Families have many interesting dimensions of national heritage, patterns and dynamics. But the most important “family” is the family of faith that we join through relationship with Jesus Christ. That connects us to a significant past and a glorious future.