Today was a good day to get caught up on some office work. I took a bike ride to drop some mail at a post office, but it took me longer for the three miles than anticipated. It was good to have a massage after the bike ride.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?…” Luke 6:46 HCSB

It seems that we can always come up with a response or an excuse for a tough question. But this question of Jesus’ is one that is almost impossible to respond to. The assertion of Lordship in this verse is not some casual commitment. When we find in repeating, “Lord, Lord” it is an emphatic declaration of loyalty and commitment. It is like Peter declaring, “even though all deny you, I never will.” Saying, “Lord, Lord” is a way to say, “I’m all in.”

Jesus simply asks, “how can you say that and not do what I say?” Jesus makes it clear that it is not our profession of His Lordship, it is our obedience that matters. Jesus told His disciples, “If you love me, obey my commandments.“ (John 14:15 NLT) As Jesus explains the importance of our actions of obedience matching our words of commitment, the focus is not on what it means to Jesus, but to those who foll0w Jesus.

Look at Jesus explanation:  “I will show you what someone is like who comes to Me, hears My words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn’t shake it, because it was well built.” (Luke 6:47,48 HCSB)

That stability of our life is not found in the profession of our lips, but in the dedication of our lives. Putting Jesus words into practice make the difference between standing strong and being on sinking sand. In describing the foundation-less house built by those who do not act on His words Jesus says, “The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great!” (Luke 6:49 HCSB)

This weekend driving the Thompson Canyon between Loveland and Estes Park was a vivid reminder of the destruction of a raging river. In September of 2013 rain swollen tributaries, flowed in the Thompson River and the raging torrent destroyed everything in its path. Road and highways were no match. The destruction was great! Such it is, Jesus said, for the life, that is deceived by believing words without actions is sufficient for a strong life that strands the test of the storms of life.

James said, “…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17 NKJV)  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV) Paul told the Philippians,  “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:9 NLT)

When we act on what we believe; when we put into practice what Jesus tells us to, it results in peace and stability and keeps us from being blindsided by the storms of life.

Last night Charlie Simineo and I traveled from Estes Park to Fort Collins and back. We had the opportunity to hear Mark Batterson at Timberline Church and then return to Estes Park to hear Jeff Lucas’ message. Mark Batterson shared one of the most inspiring messages on prayer that I have ever heard. You can check it out at www.timberlinechurch.org This morning Jim Szakmeister closed out the retreat with a strong challenge for the men to “live the adventure” that they were challenged to choose during the weekend.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So he took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  The Devil said to Him, “I will give You their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If You, then, will worship me, all will be Yours.” Luke 4:5-7 HCSB

When we just read on the surface the three recorded temptations of Jesus by Satan, they can be difficult to related to. Who has the power to turn “stone to bread”? Who is going to face the temptation of jumping off a high building and having God rescue them? We can’t be tempted by that which is beyond us or we can’t related to.

We realize that the specifics are different, but the concepts are the same. We are tempted by our natural desires, we are tempted when we are called to, “prove ourselves” or when our faith is tested and called into question. But one of the greatest temptations we face is one of misplaced priorities and worship.

A country singer of old by name of Tennessee Ernie Ford, popularized a song about coal miners. The song included the words, “You load sixteen tons, what do you get, Another day older and deeper in debt, Saint Peter don’t you call me ’cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store.”

People of all times have “struggled to get ahead.” As a result there is the temptation to “get rich quick.” We allow the world around to dictate our priorities and focus. Yielding to that temptation can be reflected in many ways. Going into debt, gambling, perpetual worry, “living beyond your means” It may not be an attempt to “gain the splendor of all the kingdoms of the world” but there is still a desire to have, to possess and to control.

We see in the Bible that Satan offered Jesus, “all the kingdoms of the world” in exchange for His worship. We read that Satan makes the same offer to another. He failed with “the Christ” but he will succeed with the “Anti-Christ.”

The currency Satan is desiring is “worship.” That has always been Satan’s end game. He craves and desires and distorts the worship that belongs alone to God. We may not be vulnerable to the actual “worship” of Satan, but we are vulnerable to giving credence and value to a world system inspired by Satan. One that replaces God’s priorities with the priorities of the world.

Jesus during His ministry recognized the pressing and undue focus on things, or just making in life without “owing your soul to the company store” or worse Satan. So He told His disciples that the right focus, leads to provisions the security that we seek. “Things” can be great servants, but serve as harsh taskmasters.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and [then] all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33 HCSB)

It is easy to think, “things first and then God.” But the pattern of blessing is “God first!” When your focus with right, your future will be secure. That has ramifications for this life and the next life. When Christ “owns your soul” you never have to be concerned about when, “Saint Peter may call.”

Last night and this morning we enjoyed the conversation and message from Dick Foth and Mark Batterson. Much of their discussion was on the importance of connection and making a difference in the lives of others. This morning Mark shared a powerful message about Peter’s denial of Jesus and eventual restoration by Jesus. He used the analogy that God constructs the “highlight video” of our life. He erases the past and redeems that present and gives hope for the future.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.  Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Luke 1:19,20 HCSB

There is saying that goes, “God is never late, but He misses some great opportunities to be early.” I’m sure for Elizabeth and Zachariah that meant having children before they were old and “past the years of childbearing.”  But the desire to have a child seemed never to leave their hopes and dreams.

As Zachariah is chosen by chance (lot) to offer the incense before the altar, his prayers in the very presence of God are for his wife to have a child. We know that because the first words spoken by the angel Gabriel are, “…Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.” (Luke 1:13 HCSB)

Not only was Zachariah’s prayer heard and answered, it went beyond what he could have desired in that his son would play a critical role in God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. While Zachariah heard the good news, human doubt still prevailed. In this situation he didn’t ask for a sign like Gideon or Hezekiah in the Old Testament, but he was given a sign due to his unbelief.

What caught my attention as I read this passage were the words, “you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Zachariah received the good news, but he didn’t have a promised time frame. Did the angel mean ten months from now? Eighteen months from now? Three more years? When?

What we in Zechariah and what challenges us today is being a peace with God’s timing. God has a “proper time” for the events of this world and our lives. It is easy for us to become restless and begin to worry, but we are to remain steadfast, trusting God to fulfill His promise in His way and in His time.

Paul wrote to the Galatians, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4,5 NLT)

God has a plan and timing for Christ’s birth and He has one for Christ’s return. “Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth.“ (Revelation 9:15 NLT)

God had a timing for Joseph to be elevated to a position of power in Egypt. God fulfilled the words of Jeremiah, when Jehoichin was released from prison in Babylon and elevated to a position of honor. At the right time God choose Saul of Tarsus to become Paul the great Apostle.

Just as God’s ways are above your ways, His timing is different than yours. But His time is the right time, it is the proper time. I recall when I was in the hospital, I waited with eager anticipation for a surgery that would facilitate my recovery and help my health improve. There were frustrating and unexpected delays. At the time is was a cause for discouragement. But when the time for the surgery came, I realized that it was “the proper time.” My strength and little weight that I had gained during the waiting time, made me better prepared for a major surgery.

In your life, in all that concerns your life; trust the God who fulfills His Word at the “proper time.”

Last night we attended a play of the Wizard of Oz at our grand kids elementary school. Today was a day of great weather. I mowed my lawn for the first time this season. This afternoon I made my way to Estes Park for our Allies Men’s Retreat. It should be a good weekend. Mark Batterson from Washington DC, author “The Circle Maker” and several other best selling books will be our speaker.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he pardoned King Jehoiachin of Judah and released him from prison. He spoke kindly to him and set his throne over the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon.  So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life.  As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king, a portion for each day, for the rest of his life.” 2 Kings 25:27-30 HCSB

This account of King Jehoiachin is the final report in 2 Kings. Judah is taken captive by Babylon. The years between King Josiah and the final fall of Jerusalem are filled with turmoil, attacks and quick succession of leaders. When you see the elevation of Jehoiachin from prison to a position of privilege is begs the question, “why?”

I believe the key is found in the simple and easily overlooked description of his capture. Jehoiachin was only 18 when he became king and reigned for only three months. As the Babylonians came against the city we read, “Jehoiachin king of Judah, along with his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials, surrendered to the king of Babylon...“ (2 Kings 24:12 HCSB)

Jehoiachin was the only king of Judah to surrender to the Babylons. King Jehoiakim, (Jehoichin’s father) reigned as a vassal of the King of Babylon and then rebelled. He disobeyed the Lord and disobeyed the King of Babylon and died in his disobedience.

King Zedekiah, followed Jehoichin and refused to obey the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. He fled the city at night, was captured by the Babylonians. His eyes were gouged out after he watched the Babylonians kills his two sons.

For years Jeremiah the prophet spoke against Jerusalem that God’s judgment was coming and that it was the Lord’s will for them to submit to the King of Babylon. Jeremiah was ignored, persecuted and treated as a traitor. King Jehoichin was the only leader to surrender and as a result in God’s time was brought from prison to the palace and was given a position of privilege the rest of his life.

I believe these events are a vindication of Jeremiah’s prophetic words. They can almost be missed without “connecting the dots.” Jeremiah had spoken that “if you surrender, to the King of Babylon it will go well for you.” It is hard to hear messages that go against the grain of our expectations. Initially Jehoichin spent several years in prison, but those years ended up a being few compared to the years spent in his elevated position.

Bottom line. When we obey God’s Word and follow in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense and even when there is initial hardship; we can rest assured that the Lord will prove Himself trustworthy and true.

Today wrapped up the symposium, I have been attending. Some good information and excellent presentations. Kirby Wynn, Garfield County Local Energy Designee, was the leader of the event.  I had a chance meeting with when my family was in Glenwood Springs for my niece’s wedding. It was good to be at the conference and meet some county commissioners, and other industry members. I was pleased with how well my trip went getting back to Denver. Yesterday was a taxing day, so I was glad that I had greater energy and strength today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the Lord’s temple. I will add 15 years to your life…. Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What is the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the Lord’s temple on the third day?”       2 Kings 20:5-8 HCSB

Facing a terminal illness in Hezekiah’s day was in many ways more of a “death sentence” than it is in our day. Modern medicine seem to always provide some kind of options, even with the most discouraging prognosis. Hezekiah was not only ill, but received a message from the prophet Isaiah, “Put your affairs in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.” (2 Kings 20:1 HCSB)

Hezekiah could have accepted the “death sentence” and “put his affairs in order.” However, in his desperation he, “…turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Please Lord, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what pleases You.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 20:2,3 HCSB)

On the positive side, Hezekiah knew he had lived a life pleasing to the Lord and brought “revival” to Judah. He sought the Lord with earnestness and tears. I am thankful that in our distress we can “cry out” to the Lord with the assurance that He hears us. We read in the Psalms,  “In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.”  (Psalm 118:5 NIV) “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 62:8 HCSB)

Before Isaiah left the palace, the Lord told him to return to Hezekiah with a response to his prayer. The Lord heard and gave a treatment solution for Hezekiah’s illness and he recovered. But even with Hezekiah’s prayer and the confirmation from the prophet of the Lord, he asked for a “sign.” He desired proof outside of the Lord’s word alone.

This situation and Gideon’s “fleece” are the two times we see in all of scripture where we see the Lord accommodating the doubts of those He spoke to. I believe many today would be more than excited to have God speak an audible word or have a prophet confirm an answer to prayer.

While we see God in His mercy, accommodating Hezekiah’s request, this is not a pattern or a precedent to constantly require God to “prove Himself.”

True trust, takes God at His Word. We see it reflected in the hymn of old, Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, And to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus says the Lord!” Our faith is what enables us to “lay hold” of God’s provision for our life.

In your need, turn to the Lord; cry out to Him; know that, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV) As you do that rest in His presence and His promise.

I attended an oil and gas symposium in Rifle, Colorado today. It was well attended and some good information. This evening we had a steak fry on the one of the most remote “ranch” locations I have ever been to. It just happens to be one of the largest natural gas fields in western Colorado. I was pleased to see Scott McGinnis tonight. Before I could get his attention he came over to me to say “hello.” Scott is a former Congressman and candidate for Governor. He was very gracious and introduced me to some people and expressed how pleased he was to see my progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.”  Psalm 119:9-11 HCSB

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and perhaps appropriately focuses on  “God’s Word.” This psalm refers to “God’s Word” as His commands, instructions, law and precepts. It is an extolling of the value and power of God’s Word from A to Z. Each stanza begins with a different letter from the Hebrew alphabet.

The psalm begins with the declaration, “How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction!”  (Psa. 119:1 HCSB) The life lived according to God’s ways is the blessed life, it is the way to “keep us  on track.”

We this reflected in the familiar verses above. When we follow the Lord’s commands, when we treasure them in our hearts, they help us to maintain the life that is pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others.

We see that the Lord listens to our cries and it is important for us to listen to His words, “I told You about my life,
and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts so that I can meditate on Your wonders.” (Psa. 119:26,27 HCSB) If we seek the Lord ask Him for insight, He will give us greater understanding of His Word and His ways.

The psalmist declares the confidence and boldness that the Lord’s instructions provide, “I will walk freely in an open place because I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. I delight in Your commands, which I love.” (Psa. 119:45-47)

We see the declaration of the permanence of God’s Word, “Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.” (Psa. 119:89 HCSB)

The Lord directs us through His Word. He illuminates the next step for us to take and shines a light on the direction we are to go. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.“ (Psa. 119:105 HCSB)

God’s Word enables us to know God more and the result is worship and praise. “I will lift up my hands to Your commands which I love….I long for Your salvation, Lord, and Your instruction is my delight. Let me live, and I will praise You; may Your judgments help me.” (Psa. 119:48, 174-175 HCSB)

Instructions, laws, commands and decrees are usually viewed as oppressive and something to be avoided. But when our heart is right with the Lord, we understand that His decrees are for our good. They are our salvation and life, if we will learn them and live by them.

This morning after my prayer connection at Everyday Joes, I conducted the devotional time at Morning Star. It was good to have Harry Weimar and my sister-in-law Sue Schmidt join me. After the devotional time, I left for a trip to the western slope. I am visiting my sister at her new home in Grand Junction and then will attend an oil and gas symposium in Rifle, the next two days. I think this is the longest distance I have driven since my illness.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: ‘What are you relying on? You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. What are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me? Look, you are now trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will enter and pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it…‘Don’t let your God, whom you trust, deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.  Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries: they completely destroyed them. Will you be rescued?“ 2 Kings 18:19-21; 19:10-11 HCSB

In sports “trash talk” refers to the barbs and words of intimidation that one opponent speaks to another. This technique to gain an upper hand through words before the conflict begins is as old as warfare. We see it in the words that Goliath spoke to the armies of Israel and even David as the shepherd boy approached the mighty warrior.

Assyria was gaining power and was expanding its territory and conquering nations. They had overthrown the kingdom of Israel and now the King of Assyria set his sights on Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. The intimidation and threatening words were extensive, creating fear and panic.

We see some responses that are instructive for us when facing opposition in our lives. The first thing we see is control over a response in kind. “But the people kept silent; they didn’t say anything, for the king’s command was, “Don’t answer him.” (2 Kings 18:36 HCSB) More often than not you lose when lower yourself to the level of the one who is speaking works of condemnation and confrontation. Although I do like response of the King of Israel on one occasion to King Ben-hadad. “The king of Israel answered, “Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.'” (1 Kings 20:11 NIV)

Next we see King Hezekiah turning to the Lord. He realized the challenge before him and instead of turning to human strategies and resources he came to the Lord in prayer. “Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord: Lord God of Israel who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are God—You alone—of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.  Listen closely, Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, Lord, and see….Now, Lord our God, please save us from his hand so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God—You alone.” (2 Kings 19:15-19 HCSB)

Hezekiah recognize that this was a battle beyond the abilities of his armies. He needed the Lord’s divine intervention. As the Lord answered through the prophet Isaiah we see the Lord’s response (His own “trash talk”), “I know your sitting down, your going out and your coming in, and your raging against Me. Because your raging against Me and your arrogance have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will make you go back the way you came.” (2 Kings 19:27-28 HCSB)

The Lord’s words are not to intimidate but to warn. He is the One who does what He says and is able to put actions to His words. When you confront the Lord God, you are going to lose. This is what happened, “That night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and left. He returned home and lived in Nineveh. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons…struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat.” (2 Kings 19:35-37 HCSB)

When we trust in the Lord, when we turn to Him for help, He will be our refuge, defender and the One who brings victory into our life. Perhaps that “trash talk” in your ears is not from human words that create intimidation, but the fear that comes from illness, or disease or past sins or failures. Perhaps it is words of condemnation from the enemy of our souls. Be encouraged that the Lord is on your side. As Paul said, “But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 GWT)

We are returning to spring weather. That means it will be time to mow the lawn for the first time this season. I have a busy week with a trip to the Western slope, so today was a day to address several timely issue. Debbie is hosting our table at the Serve 6.8 banquet on Tuesday night and I was making some final arrangements for that event as well as arranging for a table at Timberline Church to promote the National Day of Prayer breakfast in Northern Colorado coming May 5. I did get in a workout with my trainer today. I am realizing the I need to get to the gym in the morning because it is too easy to get focused on other things that eat up my time.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “But they would not listen. Instead they became obstinate like their ancestors who did not believe the Lord their God.  They rejected His statutes and His covenant He had made with their ancestors and the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves...”             2 Kings 17:14,15 HCSB

When the kingdom of Israel divided, the Lord told Jeroboam that if he followed him, Jeroboam would have a lasting dynasty, like that of David. But in his insecurity and trying to gain for himself that the Lord said he would do for him. Jeroboam feared that if the people returned to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices that it would threaten the security of his throne, as a result he lead Israel into idolatry.

Idolatry not only became the albatross around the neck of Israel, but also that of Judah. The Israelites drove out the people from the land as they moved in to take their inheritance, but the presence of spiritual darkness served as a temptation, test and eventual downfall for God’s people.

The nation of Israel (the northern 10 tribes) were the first to fall to the invading forces of the Assyrians. This was not just a military conquest of a superior power, it was God’s judgment against those who were His very own people.

We see a detailed description of the reasons for Israel’s downfall. They sinned against the Lord, doing the opposite of what the Lord commanded. The Lord sent prophets to warn, but they were ignored. Solomon warns, “One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly—beyond recovery.”  (Proverbs 29:1 HCSB)

Israel was relentless in erecting altars to false gods and following the practices of the nations around. Was it like many today, who want to “blend in” who do not want to “go against the grain” of a culture or society. Did they want to be viewed as “the rest” of the nations?

When judgment came they blamed God and when blessings came and victory was won over their enemies, they were quick to take credit themselves, believing they had conquered the gods of the nation over which they were victorious. They would then worship that god.

This is a fundamental difference in serving the “Lord” God and the desire to have “gods” serve the ways of human desires and inclinations. We see that in extreme cases in the occult today. People do not desire to serve Satan, but they do desire to have and use spiritual powers of darkness to their advantage.

On the less extreme spectrum, false gods, however they are manifested are designed to place the individual in control. The psalmist warned of false gods, “Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.“ (Psalm 115:8 NIV) A powerless god, results in being a powerless person. “They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves…” 

Look at the indictment against God’s people…“This disaster happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God who had brought them out of the land of Egypt…They had lived according to the customs of the nations that the Lord had dispossessed before the Israelites… But they would not listen. Instead they became obstinate…They abandoned all the commands of the Lord their God...They devoted themselves to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight and provoked Him.“ (2 Kings 17:7-17 HCSB)

In our world today, “idols” are more subtle and less obvious than in times past. Today, we can bow at the shrine of success, prosperity, pleasure, education, science, and many other things that in themselves are not bad; but when they cause us to love God less and divert our attention from a life surrendered to the Lord they become a snare and a trap.

Be careful what you pursue. When you pursue what is worthless you become worthless. When you pursue the things of God, you become more like God.