Today, I spend most of my day in Denver. I went to my mothers’ home to get our dog and go over some of her financial statements with her. The highlight of my day was spending one of the most enjoyable days with my 90 year-old mother that I can remember. She seemed to have clearer thoughts and more control over her emotions than what I usual encounter, especially when explaining finances. She seemed genuinely appreciative of our time.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted?…Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him…” Genesis 4:6-8 HCSB

Personal responsibility is a key issue that arises in the early stories of Genesis. I recall as a Senior Pastor there was an incident that arose that I believed a part-time staff member was involved in. I called the individual and inquired about the incident. His immediate response surprised me. He said, “I did it.” That was not the response that I expected and I had a great deal of respect for his honesty and how quick he was to “own” his actions.

We don’t see that when God confronted Adam and Eve and when the Lord did not accept Cain’s offering. When confronted about eating the forbidden fruit, it was not a quick admission of guilt. Adam’s first response was “the woman you gave me, she gave it to me and I ate.” (Gen. 3:12 HCSB) So, it was really God’s fault or Eve’s fault and Adam was an innocent bystander with lesser guilt. Eve’s response was similar, ““It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.” (Gen. 3:13 HCSB) Someone observed, “Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent and the serpent didn’t have a “leg” to stand on.”

When Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to the Lord, for whatever reason Cain’s wasn’t accepted. There are certainly some missing facts in the story we would like to know. But it appears  that Cain must have known what was right and didn’t do it. Cain is mad at the God. But God basically tells him, “don’t be mad, just do what is right or you will be overtaken by sin.”

In these words of caution from God, Cain is warned that if you begin to do wrong, it becomes easier to do wrong the next time and the next and soon you are the servant to sin. Paul refers to those who live according to the “flesh” or their own desires as “slaves to sin.” “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.“ (Romans 6:20 NIV) He basically says, “you were free from the control of righteousness, because you were under the mastery or control of sin.”

Instead of listening and repenting, Cain in his resentment goes to the extreme of killing his brother. Sin and anger leads to irrational actions. Killing Abel was not going to make  Cain acceptable before God. It wasn’t Abel’s fault that he obeyed and Cain did not. Getting rid of the righteousness person, does not make sin and rebellion acceptable. Taking your anger at God out on another person doesn’t solve the problem.

However, we see attitudes and actions that seem to reflect that in our day. Often the presence of God’s people living as light and salt in our world serves as an irritant to those who are steeped in living life according to their own standards. There is an attempt to “silence” the voice of the righteous so the wrong doing of others is not so obvious.

We can also observe times when individuals are upset, mad or disappointed in God and they “take it out” on others. It may be Christian family members, church members in general or “the church.” Unfortunately some “ambassadors” for Christ (2 Cor 5:17) do not represent Christ well, which can harm how people view believers and the Church. But what I am referring to are those who in their misconceptions about God and their unrealistic expectations about God, attack a “brother” (or “sister”) instead of taking an introspective look at their own lives.

In the case of the first family, the parents suffered greatly. They lost both sons. The younger at the hand of violence of the older and the older when he became a fugitive on the run. It is important to remember that a failure of personal responsibility and accountability has ramifications on others in greater ways than we realize.

The proper response is to “own” and “confess” our sin and misdeeds. “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (Psa. 32:5 NLT) The word “finally” seems to indicate that confession came “later than sooner.” You will find that “sooner” is better, but in the final analysis coming to a point of owning and addressing our disobedience is better than taking actions that make our situation worse.

It is always interesting to find the adjustment back to our time zone, even with such a small change from the east coast to the mountain time zone. Today was a good day to get “caught up” and ready for the week ahead. We watched the Bronco game with interest and breathed a sigh of relief when they finally won a critical game against a weaker but resilient San Diego team.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 HCSB

As we look at the temptation of Adam and Eve and the sin that resulted in their fall, the curse and their removal from God’s paradise, there are some important observations. Ones that have significance for all times.

Don’t underestimate your enemy. “I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NKJV) We have an  enemy that is “cunning” and dangerous. He is able to use what seems to be rationale thoughts, even our own thoughts against us. We also face temptations from our present world and our own natural evil tendencies.

We are warned, “For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16 NIV)

Don’t doubt God’s plan. “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4,5 HCSB)

The “serpent” told Eve that God was trying to keep something from her and Adam. He challenged God’s truthfulness and God’s word. We fall prey to temptation when we believe life according to God’s standards are keeping us from “something” – something good. The “serpent” wanted Eve to believe that God’s instructions were not protecting her but “holding her back.” They were told the lie that, God’s “rules” were not keeping them from bad, but from good.

Don’t let your senses overrule your mind and heart . Eve knew what God said, but she “saw” and she desired what God had set apart. “…then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom.” (Genesis 3:6 HCSB) The Psalmist prayed, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things…” (Psa. 119:37 NIV)

Sin promises, but doesn’t deliver. “…the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.” (Genesis 3:7 HCSB) The “god-like” knowledge the serpent told Eve she was missing, was knowledge of “self” outside of the covering provided by God. They became self-conscious and ashamed.

Sin causes a change in behavior. [Adam and Eve] “…heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard You in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” (Genesis 3:8-10 HCSB)

Adam and Eve hid from God and became afraid of God. The openness they had up to this time changed and their attitude toward God changed. You will find these traits common in people’s lives today. This relates more to those who know what it is to be in relationship with the Lord than it does for those who have never experienced that fellowship.

Sin brings consequences. The fall of Adam and Eve had consequences for their lives, the earth and those who would come after them. For Eve, increased pain in childbearing. For Adam, hard labor for the land to produce. For the “serpent” judgment as well. We also see the ramifications of the relationship between Adam and Eve as man and woman and the eternal conflict that would exist between mankind and sin.

The spiritual battle of the ages is not between God and Satan, it is over the hearts of people. God judges Satan and through Jesus Christ people triumph over Satan and his counterfeit plans and purposes.

These early events of the beginning of the world are not just “Bible stories.” They contain instructive truths for us to heed and understand for our lives today.

We were up early in Atlanta to head to the airport. It is good we arrived as early as we did, because it was a very busy day at the world’s busiest airport. The weather was cold in Atlanta and felt warmer by the time we arrived at DIA. It was good to get home by early afternoon. The snow on the driveway reminded us we were back in Colorado. Debbie jumped into taking down the Christmas tree and cleaning the house…I took a nap.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 HCSB

The beginning of the Bible, starts with the beginning of the earth. Where do you start when with a project of this magnitude? God begins with His Spirit hovering “over the face of the deep.” He then speaks. Out of darkness came light. He speaks and the sky appears. He speaks and earth appears, waters are gathered together into seas and oceans. Then plant life appears and the stars of the sky and all kinds of animals.

Three consistent aspects in creation can be observed. God speaks, it comes about and it is good. However, when it comes the creation of man we see a change.

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.” (Genesis 1:26,27 HCSB)

God did not “speak” man into existence, He made him. We read of God’s actions in creating man, “Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7 HCSB)

The creation of the earth is detailed in Genesis and is referred to throughout the Bible in various ways and by various authors. We read,

“Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm…” (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV)

“For from him and through him and for him are all things…” (Romans 11:36 NIV)

“…God is the builder of everything.”  (Hebrews 3:4 NIV)

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2 NIV)

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:28 NIV)

“He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth; he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land—the Lord is his name.” (Amos 9:6 NIV)

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth…He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations….” (Acts 17:24-26 NIV)

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11 NIV)

Beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation we see God the Creator. God as Creator is not just an aside to our faith, it is at the heart of our faith. It gives meaning and purpose to our world and to our lives. He is beyond our understanding and is worthy of our worship and the commitment of our life.

I stayed up last night to welcome in the New Year through watching the infamous “ball drop” from Times Square. I usually stay up on New Year’s Eve until midnight on the east cost, but this year we were on the east coast. Today is a good day for college football. Currently, I am enjoying watching the Rose Bowl with Colorado’s own Christian McCaffrey.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 HCSB

A New Year for many represents a new start, a new beginning. This is often symbolized by the proverbial “New Year’s Resolution” that shows the goals or commitments for life to be different.

The Bible is a book of beginnings and new beginnings. Genesis, Ezra and Matthew symbolize three of those beginnings. In Genesis, we find the creation of the heavens and earth, we find in Ezra the restoration of God’s people to the holy land after 70 years of captivity and in Matthew we find the birth of Jesus the beginning of the gospels and the culmination of and fulfillment of all the Old Testament had symbolized.

In each of these we see some important concepts that provide ongoing encouragement for our lives.

In Genesis we see God creating something out of nothing. As the creator God, He is able to bring into existence that which has never been before. That means with God all things are possible. He bring something out of nothing. He brings life out of death, He speaks and it comes to be. In creation it took place as “the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Gen. 1:2)

When God’s Spirit invades the darkness and emptiness of our life, something happens. As you begin this New Year perhaps the Lord needs to do something entirely new for you and in your life. Trust Him for that. We can “ask big” of the Lord. Psalm 2 we read, “Ask of Me,and I  will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.” (Psa. 2:8 HCSB) That is a big ask! God invites us to “ask big.”

In Ezra we see God is able to restore. Ezra begins, “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah.'”  (Ezra 1:2 HCSB) When it comes to God’s restoration we often look for regaining that which was. However, when it comes to the Temple the Lord says through the prophet Haggai, “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” (Haggai 2:9 NIV)

What the Lord restores, He improves. Often our possibilities are limited to what we have seen the Lord do or have experienced in the past. The Lord is not only able to restore that which has been tarnished, lost or is found in ruin, He is able to make it far better than what we have known in the past.

In the gospels we see the Lord accomplishes His purpose. The coming of Jesus and His death and resurrection is all in according to God’s plan. It is first referenced at the time of the fall of man, it is established with the call of Abraham, it is seen in the exodus and the occupying of the promised land. The work of the Messiah is prophesied in the Old Testament and the story unfolds in the “New Testament.”

The result is a “people of God” who are destined to experience life with Him now and for eternity. We can be confident that God accomplishes His purposes. He is doing that in the history and events of the world and He is able to do that in our lives. The Lord will bring to pass what He has promised and He will finish what He has started in our lives.

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

As you begin this New Year, trust the Lord to do in you what is needed. It may be creating, it may be restoring, it may be fulfilling that which is needed in your life. Resolve to trust the Lord to work in your life as “His Spirit hovers” over  and works in you.

We are spending the final day of 2015 in Atlanta. We were here three years ago when our youngest grandchild, Mckenzie was born. We spent some family time and activities celebrating her birthday. This evening Debbie and I joined Nathan’s parents, Don and Linda Munn for a meal. We enjoyed our time with our family-friends and rejoiced in the Lord’s work in our children’s lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…when Christ comes again, those who belong to him will be raised to life.  Then the end will come. Christ will destroy all rulers, authorities, and powers. Then he will give the kingdom to God the Father.”                    1 Corinthians 15:23,24 ERV

A popular commercial features the Rock band “Europe” singing the song “The Final Countdown” as an employee stands watching the seconds tick away on a microwave in the lunch room. As we come to the end of the year, there will be a final countdown in Times Square and other places for the beginning of a New Year.

Countdowns create a spark of anticipation. They are the signal of an end and a beginning. That which was is no more. That which was not is coming to be. Countdowns were made popular through the space program as anxious watchers viewed the clock and counted together to the point of the launch. The successful launch was a celebration of all the time, work and technology that has gone into the effort. There is also a sense of anticipation of what will be discovered on the new journey.

The words of the song, “The Final Countdown” actually gives an image of such an event:

We’re leaving together,
But still it’s farewell
And maybe we’ll come back
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We’re leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?

It’s the final countdown
The final countdown

The song goes on to describe a journey to “Venus”!?

There is another “final countdown” that is anticipated in the Bible. It is the time when Christ returns and “time will be no more.” All the events that have been fulfilled for Christ to return will be celebrated. In comparison and contrast to the lyrics of the song, we see that all believers will leave together and they will return.

Paul writes about the “believers leaving“:

“The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the people who have died and were in Christ will rise first. After that we who are still alive at that time will be gathered up with those who have died. We will be taken up in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 ERV)

John foretells of the time when “believers will return” with Christ to rule and reign:

“Then I saw heaven open. There before me was a white horse. The rider on the horse was called Faithful and True, because he is right in his judging and in making war.…The armies of heaven were following the rider on the white horse. They were also riding white horses. They were dressed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Revelation 19:11,14 ERV)

This is the “final countdown.” Like others we can relate to, it is the culmination of what is and the beginning of that which is new and that which has been anticipated.  In the final analysis all followers of Christ “will be with the Lord forever.”

This is an end that we should anticipate and work towards. Jesus said, “…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14 NIV) Our efforts to share the gospel with the whole world, moves us closer to the time when Christ returns.

The anticipation of Christ-followers for the final countdown is pictured in Revelation:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Everyone who hears this should also say, ‘Come!’…Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:17,20 ERV)

This “countdown” to the end becomes closer with each passing year. Unfortunately there is no “countdown” clock in Time Square, that let’s us know exactly where we are in the process. It requires awareness, being ready and prepared whenever the Father says to the Son, “now is the time.”

This morning we received warning messages on our cell phones about the danger of flash floods in our area. I guess that is better than a blizzard. Debbie and Stephanie joined some of the other ladies of the family for a special birthday tea time in honor of Mckenzie who turns three. This evening Debbie and I enjoyed connecting with our friends Billy and Carol Roberts. It is always good to see them and get caught up on family and enjoy good conversation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 ERV

Plans, goals and anticipation are all part of looking forward to a New Year. The future also holds are great deal of uncertainty. As we face 2016, we don’t know what all will transpire. We have an important Presidential election, we have economic uncertainties, we face the constant awareness of terrorism in our country and world.

However in the midst of all the uncertainties of the future we have the steadfast assurance that the Lord is with us. The well-known words of Isaiah tell us that the Lord’s presence should dispel worry and fear. When the Lord is with us we ca have confidence for the strength and help that is needed when it is needed. That is one thing individuals consistently discover. When the Lord is with you, what you don’t believe you can “face” or “handle” you can because of the strength of the Lord. We find the Lord remind us, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you...” (Isa. 43:2 NLT)

We often associate God’s presence and blessing to “good times.” To those times in life when life seems smooth and trouble free. However, the promise of God’s presence is consistently found describing the most challenging times of life. We need to remember that those times in which we are tempted to doubt God’s presence, is when He wants us to realize the power of His presence.

That is one of the key lessons that my family and I learned during my time of extended illness. Facing many days of uncertainty, when the seriousness of my medical condition escalated they held firm that God was with us. God’s presence may be manifested in the strength and peace He provides beyond our comprehension and it may be revealed through others and even circumstances that defy human logic. If we look for Him, we will see Him. “I will be found by you,” declares the LORD…” (Jeremiah 29:14 NIV)

We can have assurance of God’s presence and His love for us. Paul the Apostle declared with confidence, “Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38,39 ERV)

The Lord does not change His opinion about us. He is faithful and He is consistent. He doesn’t change like the seasons. God’s love is not an insulation from life, it is a comfort we find in the midst of all that life brings.

We also take assurance that God is in control. “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
(Habakkuk 2:20 NIV) During a time of great distress and confusion for Isaiah, he received this vision, “I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple.“ (Isaiah 6:1 ERV) The posture of a ruler, sitting, high and exalted shows sovereignty and control. He is not surprised in distress or confused.

The writer of Hebrews declared, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8 NIV) Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matt. 24:35 NIV)  We have an anchor, we have a hope that steadies us in times of uncertainty.

As you face any sense of concern or uncertainty about the future, you can have the assurance that God is with you, His love never fails and He is in control.

We enjoyed a pleasant day in warm Atlanta. We had the opportunity to get out to run some errands and enjoy a nice lunch in a new area of suburban Atlanta.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Mind your own business, and earn your own living, as we told you before. If you do these things, then those who are not believers will respect the way you live…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 ERV

As Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers he makes the observation, “We taught you how to live in a way that will please God. And you are living that way. Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more.” (1 Thess. 4:1 ERV)

As we face the coming year it is important that new goals are not the only focus for our life. When people make a “New Year resolution” it seems that people look for something insightful, creative and unique. Paul tells these believers to “continue to live the way that they have been, as he taught them.”

Often times the best goals we can have are those that continue and build on what we have accomplished or committed ourselves to. I recall Tony Dungy writing about his years of success as the Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He said for a number of years they maintained their focus on the same basic goals for offense, defense and special teams.

Paul reminds believers about the priorities he gave them. These priorities included living holy lives, living in right relationship with other believers refusing to take advantage of or cheat each other.

He then summarizes the goals they should have by saying, “live a peaceful life.” We see scripture says that much of the peace we experience in our life is under our control. To the Romans, Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom. 12:18 NIV) The writer of Hebrews says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy…” (Heb. 12:14 NIV)

Paul then basically tells believers to take personal responsibility for their lives. “Mind your own business, earn your own living.” While we have a duty to share with others and “carry each others burdens” our focus should be on our own lives and families, being responsible and productive.

The result of a “life well lived” is respect from others, especially those who do not believe. It is important for Christ-followers to not look for excuses for ungodly behavior, but to live a life that reflects the values and commitments which earn the respect of others. The result is an opportunity as Peter said, “…to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear...”           (1 Peter 3:15,16 NIV)

As you plan for the coming year, perhaps the best thing you can do is to focus on the basics you have been taught and have been practicing. Improving the areas that are weak, protecting the areas that are strong and in the process demonstrating the life of Christ that is lived by faith.

We will be in Atlanta this week. Based on what we see the warm rain is better than the cold in Colorado. Today, we went to the local “YMCA” for some workout time. Later in the day we went to Mason’s basketball game. His team won and Mason played well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…wise people think carefully about everything.”  Proverbs 14:15 ERV

This is the time of the year that thoughts are turned to the end of one year and the beginning of another. The end of a calendar year can often be like the end of a week. That is if we apply the “Sabbath” concept of looking back in reflection and then preparing our lives for that which is ahead.

To “be” ready for anything, a trip, a business venture, a new discipline, a new year; it is important to “get” ready. The preparation aspect will of course vary depending on what you are preparing for. Since we are facing the turning of the page of the calendar to a New Year, let me suggest the following.

1- Think carefully. Proverbs 14:15 says a “wise” person thinks carefully about everything. Some people just “let life happen.” But those who make the most of life, take time to reflect, renew and recommit.

2 – Evaluate the past, don’t live in the past. Paul the Apostle’s commitment was, “…But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.” (Phil. 4:13 ERV) For Paul, there were many things in his past that he could take pride in. There were also those actions against the Church before his conversion that allowed him to refer to himself as the “chiefest of sinners.” As we evaluate the past, the good and the bad only should serve the purpose of compelling our future plans and goals. We learn from the past, we don’t live in the past.

3 – Keep spiritual growth in the forefront. It is easy to plan and anticipate when it comes to business, personal finances, family and recreation and many other areas of life. Often we overlook spiritual goals for our life. We need to consider our commitment to God’s Word, prayer and service among other spiritual goals for our life.

4 – Remember change is inevitable, but growth if optional. Plans are what you hope takes place, reality is often far different from the goals and plans we make. Adjustments need to be made. Unexpected challenged will arise. I believe it was Pastor Rick Warren who said something like this: “growing things change, change creates challenges, challenges requires us to trust in God, trusting God results in growth….” The cycle then repeats itself at various times and for varying periods of our life. So we need to be prepared for those times, those “growth opportunities” when they arise.

The list is not exhaustive, but manageable. And that is often what is needed as we apply a strategy for the New Year to our life. What will you do to “get” ready to “be” ready for the New Year?