Today, I spent most of the day at the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance Conference. I was part of a panel discussion on energy issues. I had the opportunity to meet and then have lunch with Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Oil Company. He has a remarkable background and has been involved in a number of formats and debates on energy issues.

Yesterday, at the lunch I attended in Lakewood, I had the opportunity to visit with Senator Norma Anderson. Norma has one of the most illustrious legislative careers of anyone that I know in Colorado. She was a constituent of mine and was supportive of my legislative service while I served in the House. Even though it has been ten years since she retired from active service, she is still involved in and is looked to for advice on key public policy issues in the state. There is probably no one who understands the operation of the state and a variety of issues more than Norma.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Listen carefully to these words from the wise. Pay attention to what I have learned. It will be good for you to remember these words and have them ready when they are needed.  I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the Lord.”                      Proverbs 22:17-19 ERV

Contained in the  many proverbs of Solomon is a section of special interest. The section is entitled, “Thirty Wise Sayings.” It seems to be a listing of “the proverbs of proverbs.” The preamble seems to indicate that this selection of sayings and insight were in response to an inquiry, “They will teach you things that you can know for sure to be true. Then you can give good answers to the one who sent you.” (Prov. 22:20 ERV) They also appear to be ones that Solomon says with confidence, “…you can know for sure to be true.”

It is important for us to remember…

When wise people speak, it is important to listen. Recently Vice-President Dick Chaney spoke at Colorado Christian University. These types of guests and programs take place at Universities across America. Why are they important? Because they provide an opportunity for college students to learn from the knowledge, experience and wisdom of some of our nations leaders. They can learn insight from the perspective of history shared by these individuals. These proverbs from  Solomon are from the perspective of observations from life and lessons learned in his days as King. Have you ever been asked, “If you could ask one question of a great leader in business, politics or history, what would it be?” Solomon seems to be responding to that type of question, so the words he speaks are important.

We can learn from the experiences of others. Solomon says, “pay attention to what I have learned.” At times it is challenging to learn from other people’s experiences, but we need to do that as much as possible. Often a parent will want a teen to “learn from their mistakes” so they will avoid certain hardships. Invariably they observe that their children have to learn from their own mistakes. At times that is part of life. But if we are wise, we will listen, observe and learn from others. As we prepare for an assignment or position of responsibility the wise seek out the counsel of those who have been in that type of position before.

Not all lessons learned are for the present. Solomon’s advice is to “have them ready when they are needed.’ That means these proverbs and others need to be read and re-read. They need to be “kept in mind” so when the situation arises that they relate to, they can be applied. For example, the advice,  “Don’t promise to pay someone else’s debt” may not be a decision that will come that often. But when it does, this advice is important to remember.

Trusting the Lord is the greatest advice of all. Solomon says, “I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the Lord.” Any wise parent knows that children need to be equipped with the specifics and the principles that will guide them through life. Even with 700 proverbs written by  Solomon, what he realized was most important was how to trust the Lord. Proverbs serve as wisdom from life experiences, but the Lord is the source of all wisdom.

These thirty proverbs had significant meaning for Solomon. They warrant our special attention and focus. If you don’t follow the advice of reading one chapter of Proverbs a day, reading these thirty and giving them consideration would be a good practice.

Two years ago on this date, I was discharged from Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. I came home on that day in my power wheelchair and handicap van and enjoyed my first meal at home with some friends. Today, I enjoyed celebrating the season with friends at the Foothills Republican Club at Pinehurst County Club Lakewood. George Brauchler, Jr. was the speaker. He is the District Attorney who tried the case for the Aurora Theater ramp several years ago. George’s father, and his wife Annette attended my church and served as my treasurer during my six years in the Colorado House.

After visiting my mother, I returned to northern Colorado in time for a reception at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital with a “Professionals for Seniors” group. So I found myself back to the halls that I had left two years ago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A good attitude will support you when you are sick, but if you give up, nothing can help.” Proverbs 18:14 ERV

I finished reading through the Bible ten days ago, so I have been reading the Book of Proverbs. I am using the “Easy to Read Version” (ERV). As I came chapters 18 and 19 I found some relevant Proverbs for today. As I read these verses I found the words coming to my mind, “ain’t it the truth!” I believe those words are from the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz. I don’t remember what they were in response to, but his emphatic response is one of the lines out of the movie that has stuck with me.

Since today marks the second anniversary of my leaving Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital bringing nearly five months of my initial hospitalization to an end, the verse above seems appropriate. Solomon, even thousands of years ago recognized that your attitude in a health crisis makes the difference. Even in the midst of some challenging and painful circumstances, with my future being uncertain, giving up was never an option.

I have been surprised at the number of people, even when they meet me for the first time and hear of my story, comment about my positive attitude. Visiting with a former legislative colleague recently this topic came up and I responded, “that’s the only way I knew how to approach my illness.”

Reflecting on my legislative days another verse in Proverbs 18 was one that I had framed on my Capitol office wall.

“The first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks the right questions.” (Prov. 18:17 ERV) The saying goes, “there are always two sides of a story.” In life, leadership and decision making, you soon realize that listening to “both sides” and asking the right questions reveals much about an issue or conflict at hand. It is always interesting for legislators to have lobbyists representing both sides of an issue to come to your office in close proximity to each other. You can feel like you have the information you need and soon you find yourself thinking, “I never thought about that” as the other side presents is talking points.

As a leader I have learned the lesson in this proverb, “Being excited about something is not enough. You must also know what you are doing. Don’t rush into something, or you might do it wrong.” (Prov. 19:2 ERV)

As a pastor, I know the temptation to find a “key” to success or church growth. Many pastors or business leaders have been inspired at a conference or from the experience of someone else and quickly tries to duplicate the success without understanding the proper steps for implementation and acceptance. Many failures are due to improper execution more than a poor idea or concept.

I have also seen the truth of this proverb in people’s lives, “People ruin their lives with the foolish things they do, and then they blame the Lord for it.” (Prov. 19:3 NCV)

Someone once said, “there is no cure for stupid.” People may believe they are doing the right thing, or they may just assume that the Lord will “bail them out” of a jam. But when we fail to bring the Lord into the our plans and our actions, it is difficult to blame Him for the failed results. Instead it is important to, “Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” (Prov. 16:3 GNT) Better yet is to ask the Lord to give you the plans.

Finally, a good goal in life is found in these words of wisdom, “Respect the Lord and you will have a good life, one that is satisfying and free from trouble.” (Prov. 19:23 ERV)

As you read the Bible you will find truth that speaks to our life today and guides us in the direction we should take.

Today was an interesting day for me. I had the opportunity to attend the arguments before the Colorado Supreme Court on some energy development bans in local communities. It was interesting to observe the process and listen to the arguments. I then had lunch with Braden Wahr. Braden was an aide of mine at the Capitol and is now working in Washington DC for “American’s for Prosperity.” I had the opportunity to walk some distances and stand for long periods of time, so it was good exercise and test of my endurance.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I correct and punish those whom I love. So be eager to do right, and change your hearts and lives. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.” Revelation 3:19-20 NCV

The Church of Laodicea is one of the most known of the churches. This is because of the words of verse 20, “I stand at the door and knock..” Also, this is the “lukewarm” church, the one that nauseated the Lord.  “I know what you do, that you are not hot or cold. I wish that you were hot or cold! But because you are lukewarm—neither hot, nor cold—I am ready to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-16 NCV)

The church of Sardis had a reputation for being alive, when the Lord said they were dead; but the church of Laodicea is arrogant, smug, self-sufficient and delusional  in their attitude. “You say, ‘I am rich, and I have become wealthy and do not need anything.’ But you do not know that you are really miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”  (Rev. 3:17 NCV)

This church didn’t believe they needed anything, but they did need to…

1 – Confront their mediocrity.  In a day when we “shy away” from and fear being “too extreme” these words of the Lord about being “in the middle” are challenging. The Lord says, “I know what you do.” It seems from this assessment that their actions revealed more than they were willing to admit to themselves or the Lord. We need to ask ourselves if our actions match our profession. Do we just “talk the talk” or do we “walk the walk?”

2 – “Buy” what they really needed. The Lord tells them if they are “rich” they need to buy “gold refined in the fire” “white clothes” and “eye salve.” In other words, they needed a life that would stand the test. They needed conduct that was holy and pleased the Lord and they needed to see themselves, the Lord and their world as it truly was.

3 – Seize the opportunity. The Lord brings judgment and condemnation not to punish but to correct. His love does not allow us to stay in our own self-delusion. At the same time He doesn’t force His will on ours. He gives the “wake up call.” He “knocks on the door.” They just needed to “open the door.”

4 – Embrace a new destiny.  This church reveals the mercy and grace of the Lord. When the proper response takes place, relationship and reward replace the repulsion and a distorted reality. We see fellowship with the Lord is described.  “I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.” (Rev. 3:20 NCV) We see the promise of not “just making it” but the promise of reward. “Those who win the victory will sit with me on my throne in the same way that I won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Rev. 3:21 NCV)

I am thankful that the Lord comes into our lives and let’s us know the truth about ourselves. He does so, because of His love and the opportunity to “hear what the Spirit is saying…” What is important is not the condition we are in, but the condition we can be in. When we listen and respond we find His mercy, grace and reward. When that kind of opportunity knocks, we need to open the door.

This is the one day of my week without a trip to Denver or specific appointment. It was nice to focus on some work with my book and some other business. I did have a massage appointment, which usually calls for nap after it is over.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those in the synagogue that belongs to Satan say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews; they are liars. I will make them come before you and bow at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. You have obeyed my teaching about not giving up your faith. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world to test those who live on earth.” Revelation 3:9-10 NCV

The resurrected Christ has a message for the Church at Philadelphia. He appears as one with the “key of  David.” This is a key of access, privilege and rule. This is what the Lord speaks through John,“When he opens a door, no one can close it. And when he closes it, no one can open it…I have put an open door before you…” (Rev. 3:7-8 NCV)

The words that are spoken are to encourage and give strength. This is a Church that has been obedient, but has endured opposition. There were those who were false in their declaration of who they belonged to. As a result, it seems they had words that weakened these believers. Christ says, He “will make them come before you and bow at your feet.” That is what subjects do before a king.

We see that regardless of how we view ourselves or how others view us, or what they say, it is the opinion of the risen Lord that makes the difference. Consider the Lord’s words of commendation and encouragement.

“I know what you do…I know you have little strength, but you have obeyed my teaching and were not afraid to speak my name….You have obeyed my teaching about not giving up your faith.“ (Revelation 3:8,10 NCV)

The Lord then speaks this promise to the Church of Philadelphia,  “I am coming soon. Continue strong in your faith so no one will take away your crown. I will make those who win the victory pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it…” (Rev. 3:11,2 NCV)

The Lord is able to make the weak strong. All we have to do is what we can. That is obey and remain faithful. As we do, He will take care of the rest. He will give us strength, protect and provide and He will bring us to a place of victory and security. He will identify Himself with us and claim us as His own.

“…I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, that comes down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on them my new name.” (Rev. 3:12 NCV)

This morning after attending a Republican breakfast meeting, I headed to Denver for the annual “Colorado Gives Day” rally on the west steps of the Capitol. The rally to promote this event is something I started six years ago when the goal was to raise one million dollars in 24 hours for Colorado nonprofits. Last year over one million dollars was raised per hour in a 24 hour period. “Colorado Gives Day” is the “brainchild” of Community First Foundation and has been supported by First Bank and other sponsors and the local Denver media. Governor John Hickenlooper read a proclamation at the event. There were all kinds of nonprofits, including Teen Challenge, represented and even a choir singing holiday carols.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People say that you are alive, but really you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what you have left before it dies completely. I have found that what you are doing is less than what my God wants. So do not forget what you have received and heard. Obey it, and change your hearts and lives. So you must wake up, or I will come like a thief, and you will not know when I will come to you.” Revelation 3:1-3 NCV

As the message comes to the Church in Sardis we see a stark contrast with other churches to this point. Each church so far has had commendable aspects, but was troubled by the presence of false teaching or practices. The Church in Sardis was living an illusion. They had a reputation, “people” had the impression that they were alive, but in the eyes of Him who holds the “seven spirits and seven stars” they were dead.

In the final analysis it doesn’t matter what others believe, it doesn’t matter what you believe about yourself, what matters is the Lord’s opinion? What does He see? What does He say? A friend of mine once told me he had found that working in the highest positions of major corporations, that ” It isn’t the “job you were doing” that matters. What mattered was “how your boss viewed, you were doing your job.” At times that could go both directions. The issue is, human judgment is often incomplete and inaccurate. But the Lord’s assessment is always true.

To this lazy and lethargic church; one that was resting on its reputation, the Lord says, “wake up!” This church did not need “new” revelation. They needed to just remember and apply what they had already received and heard. The danger they were in was having the Lord return when they were not ready. Just like the five foolish virgins in Jesus parable, or Jesus parable about the landowner; the “master” would return when they were not expecting it. They thought the would have time, but they did not.

As the Lord looks at this church He says, “…a few there in Sardis who have kept their clothes unstained, so they will walk with me and will wear white clothes, because they are worthy.” (Rev. 3:4 NCV) Instead of a few being the source of false teaching and sin, this church has only a few that have remained faithful. To these the Lord has special words of encouragement and promise.

“Those who win the victory will be dressed in white clothes like them. And I will not erase their names from the book of life, but I will say they belong to me before my Father and before his angels.”  (Revelation 3:5 NCV)

We can not “coast” our way into the “pearly gates.” We need to be focused and vigilant in our life and even more so as we see the last days approach. From time to time we need an evaluation. We need to look to the Lord and ask Him to search our hearts.

We read in scriptures, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?..”I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives….” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT)
John in his first letters said, “…we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.“ (1 John 3:20 NIV)

It takes courage but we need to allow the Lord to “search our hearts.” We need to be willing to hear the truth about our lives. For some your personal estimate may be less than the Lord’s. For others it may be better than what the Lord would say.

I found the words of a song that include this call,

Today has been an interesting day. I have been working on an online course on the Constitution and Declaration of Independence through Hillsdale College. I also worked on my lesson for tomorrow nights men’s group. I am also trying to monitor some periods and times of fatigue. This could be some residual symptom of the West Nile or some lingering affects of the Myasthenia Gravis. I am looking forward to an active week ahead. I have three trips to Denver on my calendar.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You let that woman Jezebel spread false teachings…I have given her time to change her heart and turn away from her sin, but she does not want to change. So I will throw her on a bed of suffering. And all those who take part in adultery with her will suffer greatly if they do not turn away from the wrongs she does. I will also kill her followers. Then all the churches will know I am the One who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for what you have done.” Revelation 2:20-23 NCV

As the message comes to the Church of Thyatira, the “eyes of fire” and “feet shining like bronze” of the resurrected Christ are the focus of attention. This is the God who sees what we don’t want Him to see and goes where we don’t want Him to go. His steps are sure and firm and His eyes penetrate the darkness of any situation or life.

This is a church of love, faith and patience. It is a church that continues to “do more” for the Lord. However, there is a toleration of false teaching and evil practices. The responsible party is referred to as “Jezebel.” Jezebel was the famed “Queen of Evil” during the days of the Old Testament kings. Her evil had an impact on her husband, King Ahab of Israel and on the nation of Judah as well.

Since the Church was not responding with correction, the Lord was preparing to “step in” and to judge those who were guilty. Perhaps the “love” and “patience” of these believers allowed them to be slow to judge and condemn. But as they coddled carnality, the Lord was prepared to take action they had failed to take.

What is interesting is with the metaphor of an Old Testament person of evil, we find an Old Testament outcome of God’s judgment. ” Then all the churches will know I am the One who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for what you have done.” (Rev. 2:23 NCV) In the Old Testament prophets we see a repeated statement from the Lord, that as a result of His judgment the people would, “know that He is the Lord…”

Those who have been faithful are to continue in their service to the Lord. As a result of their faithfulness they are promised not just victory or the prospects of overcoming or receiving a reward, but the promise of ruling and reigning over nations with Christ.

The promise of Revelation  20:6 says, “Blessed and holy are those who share in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and for Christ and will rule with him for a thousand years.”

Just as false prophets were a plague to God’s people in the Old Testament, that threat will continue until the last days. It calls for God’s people to be continually on guard. It calls them to continue to be people of love, faith and patience. To continue to grow in their service while maintaining constant vigilance. In the words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, “His truth is marching on.”  He is coming soon and His reward is with Him. (Rev. 22:12)

This morning I attended a town hall meeting with my local State Representative. The topic was on palliative care and hospice. However, it was interesting to see the questions and comments that focused on a bill to allow for “assisted suicide” in Colorado. I am thankful for those who “spoke up” for life in the face of some sneers and negative reaction. After my meeting Debbie and I took at tour of the new Morning Star assisted living facility. It was very nice and we looked at it for the possibility of serving the needs of my mother.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…You have some there who follow the teaching of Balaam. He taught Balak how to cause the people of Israel to sin by eating food offered to idols and by taking part in sexual sins. You also have some who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. So change your hearts and lives. If you do not, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword that comes out of my mouth.”  Revelation 2:14-16 NCV

As the message of the resurrected Christ is communicated to the Church of Pergamum, the Lord appears as one with a sharp two-edged sword from His mouth. We read in the Book of Hebrews, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 ESV)

As the Lord appears to this church, He is ready to perform spiritual surgery. There appeared to be an interesting mixture of believers in this church. First of all there were those who stood for their faith in Christ even when one of their members was martyred. They refused to deny the name of the Lord. But as the same time there were those whose lives did not match up to the proclamation of their faith.

Their actions are described as being like the children of Israel who were lead astray in the wilderness and began to mix worship of idols along with sexual immorality. Also, there were those who followed false teachings. It seems the Nicolaitans held to a teaching similar to that of the sin of Balaam. Instead, they held that it was part of their freedom in Christ. They viewed Christian grace and liberty as license to sin.

What is interesting is the Church of Pergamum was “where Satan has his throne.” It is important to be on guard. For those Satan cannot defeat, he will work to render ineffective. The confusion and compromise that comes from false teaching and compromise is as serious as defeat. In politics if someone who is opposed to you does not vote, that is a victory. Spiritually, these believers were holding strong to their faith, but compromised actions were neutralizing their corporate influence.

Jesus was calling those who were compromising to repent. If they did not act, He was preparing to act. They would be confronted with not just the truth but the One who is Truth. They would realize how important the truth they believe and profess is to their actions.

Paul spoke of Christ’s love for the church and said, “…Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.”  (Eph. 5:25-27 NLT) The Lord is looking for a pure and holy and fully devoted Church.

Those who repent and are true to Christ receive this promise, “I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. I will also give to each one who wins the victory a white stone with a new name written on it.” (Rev. 2:17 NCV)

It appears that the “hidden manna” and “white stone” speak of insight and access. False teaching is often based on some “new revelation or insight.” Jesus is saying “If you want true revelation” stay close to me and my Word. A white stone was often used in Roman times to gain access to certain events. It was like a “ticket” that allowed entrance. It is possible that this is a picture of access and privilege into the Lord’s presence in fulfillment of being faithful to Him to the faith you proclaim and in the life you live.

What we see in this message is a church that must be on guard against compromise. That is why Paul admonished the Ephesian elders to,  ^“Be careful for yourselves and for all the people the Holy Spirit has given to you to oversee. You must be like shepherds to the church of God, which he bought with the death of his own son. I know that after I leave, some people will come like wild wolves and try to destroy the flock. Also, some from your own group will rise up and twist the truth and will lead away followers after them.” (Acts 20:28-30 NCV)

Just as political leaders take a pledge to “guard, protect and defend the constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic” the Church and its leaders must be on guard against threats that come from our spiritual enemy whether from the “outside or inside” the church.

I ended my week as I began it; a day without scheduled appointments. That provided me an opportunity to work on editing my book and some other projects. I did get to the fitness center for a late afternoon workout. Next week the schedule will be pretty full, so it was good to have this type of day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 NCV

In the letters to the churches, the Church of Smyrna stands out as the exception. The words to this church do not contain the condemnation of any action or attitude. Smyrna is the persecuted church. Those facing suffering for the cause of Christ need hope and encouragement and that is what we see in Christ’s words.

We see hope offered because of who Christ is. Christ addresses these saints as, “The One who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again…” (Rev. 2:8 NCV) These words come from the “highest” authority. Christ reminds those in Smyrna not only of his eternal nature, but also of His identification with their suffering and the one who has experienced resurrection. In Christ, they have the example of one who was faithful, endured and was raised to life.

These saints are known by Christ. He says, “I know your troubles and that you are poor, but really you are rich! …” (Rev. 2:9 NCV) The Lord allows these suffering saints to know that He is aware of what they are facing. He also knows what others don’t. To people they were “poor” but in Christ’s eyes they were “rich.”

Christ was aware of their suffering past, present and future. Jesus told his followers, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matt. 5:11 NIV) He also warned them, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.“ (John 15:18 NIV)

The Lord warns them to be prepared for what is coming, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days.” (Rev. 2:10 NCV) They had suffered and were to be prepared for more, but their time of suffering would one day come to an end. It would be limited.

A reward was waiting for those who endure. “….But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life. “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev. 2:10,11 NCV)

Those who suffer are encouraged and reminded to “be faithful.” There is a reward for the faithful. Even in the ultimate display of faithfulness, “being faithful unto death”, there is the promise of something better. Someone once observed, “You can’t kill a Christian, you can only change his address.”

Victory is determined by those who are “standing when the battle is over.” The final judgment people will face is at “The Great White Throne” judgment. (Rev. 22) Those who have died are raised to life to account for their deeds. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into a lake of fire. The Lord gives the assurance to these suffering and faithful followers that this is not an event they need to be concerned about. They instead will find themselves “ruling and reigning with Christ.” (Rev. 20:4-6)

These words of Christ to this suffering church are a good model for us in responding to those who suffer. They don’t need correction or condemnation. Instead they need hope and encouragement. They need to know the Lord is with them, the He understands and the He will see them through as they are faithful in all that they are facing and will face.