After my morning conference call, I visited with some of the staff of Serve 6.8 about the upcoming, “Colorado Gives Day” event. Next Tuesday, is the annual emphasis for online giving for Colorado nonprofits. Serve 6.8 is the nonprofit based at Timberline Church that built my handicap ramp and did so much to support my recovery. If you would like to join me in a gift you can do so at https://www.coloradogives.org/Serve68/overview

I have enjoyed connecting with the Berthoud Chamber of Commerce in recent weeks. This is a great group of local business people. Today was their holiday lunch with an interesting, Christmas bazaar of gifts from local businesses.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first.”  Revelation 2:4,5 NCV

The Book of Revelation is written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. In each  message is a commendation, a condemnation and a call to repentance with an accompanying reward.

The Church of Ephesus had great devotion. They did many good things, but in their doing, their love for the Lord had lost its edge. Deeds inspired by love, became routine and ritual. In calling them to renew their love, we find steps that are important for love to be renewed to any relationship.

Remember. Jesus called them to stop and reflect on what, “it was like at the beginning.” It seems just as some “fall out of love” with a mate, they had done so Jesus. They were to consider, what happened and when and why in their relationship with the Lord.

Repent. They were not just to be “sorry” for their state or to ask forgiveness, but to change their attitude and behavior. That is true repentance. Repentance leads the way to change.

Renew. The way back to your “first love” is to “do what you did in the beginning.” That may be more time with the Lord. Time in prayer, in His word, time in worship. There is a saying that I heard years ago that says, “you act your way into a better way of feeling.” In human relationships it is tricky because often “feelings of attraction” serve as the motivation to begin a relationship. But soon the calls, time together, gifts and other “acts of love” have a significant impact on the “feelings.” When a young mother gets up in the middle of the night to feed a newborn, she is not captivated by intense “feelings of love.” But as she feeds and cuddles the baby, it begins to respond and she begins to feel different.

How important is our love for the Lord? The warning for failure to change is this, “….If you do not change, I will come to you and will take away your lampstand from its place.” (Rev. 2:5 NCV) That’s pretty serious! But we need to remember that “religion” is about ritual; but being a Christ follower is about, “relationship.”

The promise to those who hear and respond is equally encouraging, “…To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life, which is in the garden of God.” (Rev. 2:6 NCV) Access, fellowship and privilege are the rewards and benefits of love. Our work for the Lord will one day come to an end, but our relationship with the Lord and the pleasure of His presence is what eternity is all about.

Broken relationships are painful. Restored relationships are fulfilling. We find here a key to our lives that can be applied to our relationship with the Lord and others. Remember, repent and renew.

After some work at home, I headed to Denver for some meetings near the Capitol. I then went to visit my mom. I’m glad I am able to ambulate more effectively than one year ago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given power to take away peace from the earth and to make people kill each other, and he was given a big sword.” Revelation 6:4 NCV

As I heard the news of the today, another mass shooting in southern California, I couldn’t help but think of this verse from Revelation. In recent weeks we have seen the terrorists attacks in France, a shooting in Colorado Springs and then in a matter of days an horrific shooting in southern California. This is all in addition to what seem to be daily episodes in the large cities of our nation.

We are living in a day of fear and uncertainty. It seems to be a day when “peace is being taken from the earth.” It is difficult for us to know where are in the  precise timeline in relation to the events of Revelation. It is easy to read our own perspective into what we read. The “rider on the red horse” has typically be viewed as nation against nation more than people against people.

But as we see in our current day, that is not required for there to be a lack of peace in people’s lives and on the earth. The sources of unrest are many, from conflicts in the inner city to the threats of crime and terrorism. We see gun sales on the rise as gun control is touted as the answer to the evil in hearts and the distortions of the mind.

I recall having a difficult time believing the Columbine tragedy could be more than an isolated and one time type of event. But it seems that event opened a floor gate of violence that has taken place in an escalated manner with in recent years. This is in addition to growing concerns over worldwide terrorist attacks.

Jesus talked about nation against nation and earthquakes and famine and said, “All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matt. 24:8 NIV) Perhaps that is what we are experiencing at this time. But the events of our day should arrest our attention to what the Lord wants us to know and affirm in our lives.

I believe we need to remind ourselves that God is in control. He is not confused and from God’s perspective the world is not outside of His control. In the most challenging of times, we like Isaiah can see the Lord,

“….. sitting on a very high throne…Heavenly creatures of fire stood above him…Each creature was calling to the others: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His glory fills the whole earth.” (Isa. 6:2,3 NCV)

We need to remind ourselves that the Lord is our source of peace. Jesus reminded His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

We need to live our lives ready for whatever may happen. It is true, we don’t know what “tomorrow may bring.” Jesus told us, “don’t be anxious about tomorrow…” (Matt. 6:34)

I am thankful that when the world seems to be out of control, we can focus on the One who knows the beginning from the end. When peace is taken from the world, we can know the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today ended up being the opposite of yesterday as far as activity. I attend my Tuesday morning prayer time at Everyday Joe’s and then return home to take care of some work. I then attended a Rotary meeting in Loveland followed by a meeting with former State Rep. Jim Welker. I then headed back to Everyday Joe’s for a “town hall” meeting with one of our City Councilors and the off to my Chiropractor appointment. I’m glad for no evening appointments.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The One on the throne said to me, “It is finished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty.”  Revelation 21:6 NCV

I like the parallels that we see in various concepts in scripture. Each of the phrases in the verse above have a connection to other Bible passages and are significant in God’s plan of redemption.

“Is it finished.” These three words are usually associated with Jesus’ final words uttered on the cross. They signaled the end of His life on earth and the culmination of the sacrifice that was need to make the forgiveness of sin available through God’s grace and faith in Christ. At the cross the demands of the Old Covenant were completed. God’s promise of salvation as finished.

With each “it is finished” is a beginning of that which is new. The cross was the transition point, the entry point from the old to the new. Now at the end of the age we see another declaration by God the Father that “it is finished.” What is finished? We see the judgment on the world is completed and God’s redemption of the world is complete. The old world is gone and the new heavens and new earth are coming down from God.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.” These words describe the self identification of the resurrected Christ that was in John’s vision at the beginning of the Book of Revelation. It was a declaration of the God who always was and is and will always be. The beginning of the world took place at His command and the end of the human age takes place at His command. This declaration is found again at the end of the Book of Revelation. The beginning of the book and the end of the book find these powerful and important words to remind us of who God is, what He does.

“I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty.” In a land of dry, arid conditions, nothing speaks of life like a “spring of water.” We see springs of water flowing from the rock in the wilderness.

Before those days, we see the wells dug by Abraham and the spring that provided refreshment to Hagar and Ishmael. In Isaiah we see the invitation, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1 NIV)

We see Jesus words to the woman at the well in Samaria, “…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 14:4 NIV) Now, at the culmination of all God’ work of redemption for all people and the world, is the promise of “water from the spring of the water of life…”

We then see the picture of the “river of life” flowing from God’s throne, even as Ezekiel saw water flowing from the Temple, the place of God’s presence. (Ezekiel 47)

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. It was shining like crystal and was flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street of the city. The tree of life was on each side of the river. It produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of all the nations.” (Revelation 22:1,2 NCV)

The perfect “garden” of God’s creation is once again described. This time it is not just for Adam and Eve to enjoy, but for all “the offspring from Adam”- those of all nations and times who have committed their life to Jesus Christ. What a glorious picture, what a glorious future, what a wonderful savior!

After a restless night, I tried to make it up with some rest during the day. I did take advantage of some “cyber Monday” buys for Christmas cards. I also had a work out at the fitness center and made my final preparations for my teaching session with the men’s group at church tonight.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” Revelation 20:6 NCV

Resurrection is at the heart of the gospel message. Resurrection speaks of a new life, a new beginning a fresh start. We read in Paul’s words,  “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins…But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much….he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1,3-6 NLT)

The good news of being in relationship with Christ is moving from darkness to light, from death to life. To the Colossians Paul writes, “…you were dead in your sins….God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV)

This resurrected life not only has a spiritual dimension but one that relates to our future and give us hope for eternal life in Christ. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and spoke of the importance of Christ’s resurrection for the forgiveness of our sin and for our own future resurrection from the dead. “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 NIV)

Jesus Himself said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” (John 5:24,25 NIV)

We see the end of Revelation reveals the fulfillment of the words of Jesus. Those who place their faith in Christ are raised to rule and reign with Christ. As Paul said, it will be a time of honor and glory for all those who place their faith in Christ.

But we see Jesus tells that all will be raised. “…for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”  (John 5:28,29 NIV)

Revelation also, describes the resurrection of those who “rise to be condemned.” It is what is referred to as the “Great White Throne Judgment.” “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what they had done, which was written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. Each person was judged by what he had done.”  (Revelation 20:12,13 NCV)

Those who accept Christ are raised to rule, those who reject Christ are raised to be judged. They will face the opportunity to “justify themselves” before the God of the Universe, and give an account of all their deeds, attitudes and actions.

All will be resurrected, but not all will be raised to rule. Your resurrection depends on your present faith in Christ. Understanding that you are dead (spiritually) while you are physically alive, will enable you to be alive, after you are physically dead.

Today has been a laid back type of day. I have enjoyed working on my lesson for our men’s group tomorrow night. I have also been given the opportunity to preview an upcoming e-book on the life and ministry of Missionary Ken Godbey. Debbie’s challenge was having her car battery die as she was out running errands. It took some time, but she was able to get it restarted and then we headed out to buy a new battery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The second beast also forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.  No one could buy or sell without this mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name…Its number is 666.”  Revelation 13:16-18 NCV

One of the most well known events in  Revelation is the “Mark of the Beast.” It is one of the control measures that is taken by the Anti-Christ and the “false prophet.” These two are viewed in the image of two beast in Revelation 13. The mark is mentioned as being specifically identified with “the beast” and it is used to control who can transact commerce. It is a mark that is needed to “buy or to sell.” So it does not just have to do with buying, but the ability of people to conduct or own a business.

The power grab of the Anti-Christ is described in these words,  “It was given power to make war against God’s holy people and to defeat them. It was given power over every tribe, people, language, and nation.” (Revelation 13:7 NCV) We see that his power is universal and it is specifically set against God and those who follow Him.

We notice that people are “forced” to take the mark. This is not an act of volition but one of coercion and deception. We read very specifically that, “…The false prophet had used these miracles to trick those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his idol.” (Revelation 19:20 NCV) Also, we read,  ^“And the second beast does great miracles so that it even makes fire come down from heaven to earth while people are watching. It fools those who live on earth by the miracles it has been given the power to do. It does these miracles to serve the first beast…” (Revelation 13:13,14 NCV)

The “mark of the beast” is a sign of allegiance and loyalty. The mark becomes an identification with the Anti-Christ and his system of government. We see the false prophet sets up an idol and forces people to worship the image.

As a result, the “mark of the beast” is not something that is taken by “accident” or being unaware of what is happening. The events of the world and the nature of the times, makes it very clear as to what is happening. This is designed to set those loyal the the Anti-Christ and those loyal to the true “Christ” against each other.

Just after these events, we read of a scene of the Lamb and the 144,000  “…With him were one hundred forty-four thousand people who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.“ (Revelation 14:1 NCV)  These are those from the twelves tribes of Israel. They are divinely selected and protected by God.

“Then I saw another angel coming up from the east who had the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels to whom God had given power to harm the earth and the sea. He said to them, “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we mark with a sign the foreheads of the people who serve our God.” (Revelation 7:2,3 NCV)

An important aspect of being a follower of Christ is understanding that our lives have been “set apart” to the Lord.  “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph 4:30)

Paul writes about the work of Christ and says,  “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”  (2 Cor 1:22) This is emphasized in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians,  “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise…”  (Eph 1:13)

A seal speaks of ownership and authority. We can be confident that when we “belong” to the Lord, He provides us the confidence in life to live with wisdom and victory as the events of life unfold. We don’t need to worry about being “marked” by the Anti-Christ, if we are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit.

Today was another cold and snowy day. It is also Debbie’s birthday! She made it through another year of life and another year of encouraging and helping me in my recovery. We eat the same diet, so I’m not sure how she stays in such good shape and my shape is….more challenging.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If you are to be a prisoner, then you will be a prisoner. If you are to be killed with the sword, then you will be killed with the sword. This means that God’s holy people must have patience and faith.” Revelation 3:10 NCV

The events of Revelation bring tribulation for the unjust and trying times for those who reject the worship of the Anti-Christ and remain faithful to the Lord. The details of all that takes place is not recorded in scripture, I am confident that in these days there will be times of divine intervention and protection. We see the Lord’s message through the words and miracles of the two witnesses. As a result, there becomes an awareness of the divine connection to many of the events that are taking place.

What we do know is that those who are faithful and loyal to Christ will be persecuted, placed in prison and killed. In the face of all these events it calls for unprecedented “patience and faith.”

Patience is required knowing that what is taking place will be short lived in comparison to the scope of time and events that take place. Faith is required because there will be consistent pressure to deny Christ and to pledge loyalty and worship to the Anti-Christ and his system of government.

This theme of patience is seen in other scriptures,

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” (James 5:7 NCV)

“He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” (Romans 2:6-8 ESV)

In Revelation after the third angel sounds his trumpet we read, “…There will be no rest, day or night, for those who worship the beast and his idol or who get the mark of his name.” This means God’s holy people must be patient. They must obey God’s commands and keep their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 14:11,12 NCV)

Patience, faith and obedience are once again called for on behalf of God’s people. These are consistent themes that we see throughout scripture and they are intensified in the last days.

Patience is important because when we become impatient two things happen. First we lose our focus. Doubts began to arise and compromise can set in. That is why “faith” and patience go hand in hand. The second thing that happens when we lose patience is we take matters into our hands. Have you ever become tired of “waiting for someone else” to act? When you do, you decide to “take care of it yourself.” That can be a response to how they respond as much as when. We can do the same thing if we are not careful with the Lord.

King Saul became impatient, and it lead to his sin of offering sacrifices that were the responsibility of the priests. In scripture we are consistently call to “wait with patience.”

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.“ (Psalm 27:14 NIV) “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.“ (Psalm 40:1 NIV) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:7 ESV)

Waiting patiently, reminds us that we are not in control. We find ourselves in a place of submission to some one else. We need to have confidence that there is not better place to be, than in submission to the Lord who cares for us and is working on our behalf. We see during the “bowl” judgments the Lord arises to defend His people whose suffered and lost their lives for being faithful to Him.

“The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. Then I heard the angel of the waters saying: “Holy One, you are the One who is and who was. You are right to decide to punish these evil people. They have poured out the blood of your holy people and your prophets. So now you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” (Revelation 16:4-6 NCV)

Patience and faith. These two aspects of our life as Christ followers are part of our daily walk of obedience. When we find ourselves faithful in the “little” testings of life, we can be confident that we will be ready for whatever the Lord allows to come our way.

With cold and snow the family stayed an extra night and returned to Denver at midday. It was good to have them hear and to enjoy our time together. Bridget brought a puzzle and did the work by herself. I wasn’t as much help as two years ago after I got out of the hospital. It is a nice “family” project during the holidays. Next time we will give more assistance.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “These are the people who have come out of the great distress. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Because of this, they are before the throne of God. They worship him day and night in his temple.” Revelation 7:14,15 NCV

As we see the Book of Revelation unfold it reveals not just the judgments on the ungodly, but the suffering of the righteous. As the fifth seal is broken we read, “…I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been killed because they were faithful to the word of God and to the message they had received. These souls shouted in a loud voice, “Holy and true Lord, how long until you judge the people of the earth and punish them for killing us?” (Rev. 6:9,10 NCV)

We then see a John has another vision of the throne of heaven. In this one it is not just the angelic hosts and the twenty-four elders before the throne. Now he sees a multitude dressed in white from every nation. They worship the Lord with the words, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:11 NCV) It is to these worshiping around the throne the living creatures join in saying, “Amen…”

Who are these in this position of privilege? John is told, “These are the people who have come out of the great distress.” (Rev. 7:14 NCV) Later in Revelation we read of those who are faithful to the Lord, “…our brothers and sisters defeated him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb’s death and by the message they preached. They did not love their lives so much that they were afraid of death.” (Rev. 12:11:NCV)

What we see is that these who “overcome” have their eyes and focus on the eternal. Paul in the midst of his sufferings said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

As John sees heaven opened he is able to record the “unseen” that is the reward of those who are faithful to Christ even to death. Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, not only inherit the Kingdom of God, but they are in a position of leading in worship around the throne. Their suffering is not an insignificant matter in God’s eyes. Just as the table of a King in the Old Testament was a position of privilege, so we see these who are around God’s throne, in a position closest to Him sharing in the privilege won by their faithfulness.

We also take note that this group represents a “great multitude.” We would like to think that suffering for the cause of Christ will be limited in scope of number and geography, but we see this description is contrary to that idea.

Paul shares some challenging words to believers, “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” (Philippians 1:29 NLT)

We see this  attitude of “privilege” to suffer for Christ in the apostles. In the early chapters of Acts when the Sanhedrin tried to stop the preaching of the apostles and punished them their response was this, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:21 NIV)

The writer of Hebrews talks of those who were people of faith but suffered greatly. “Some were laughed at and beaten. Others were put in chains and thrown into prison. They were stoned to death, they were cut in half, and they were killed with swords. Some wore the skins of sheep and goats. They were poor, abused, and treated badly. The world was not good enough for them!“  (Hebrews 11:36-38 NCV)

Suffering for the cause of Christ is not only a reality, but it is to be viewed as a privilege. We can be confident that the Lord is aware of those who suffer and grants them a special place around His throne in Heaven. Just as we honor the military personnel who sacrifice their lives for our political freedom, those who suffer and are persecuted for the cause of Christ are those deserving of honor in this life and in the the life to come.

Our house was buzzing this morning with the activity of grand kids and the preparations for our Thanksgiving meal. It was good to have Christian and Bridget, Riley, Caedmon and Eliana join us last night. My mom has been with us the last few days and Debbie’s sister and her husband, Sue and Sam Schmidt joined us for our meal.

With Debbie’s past work schedule’s and my illness, this was the first family Thanksgiving meal for us to host in our home in a number of years. It was good to be back together with the “Thanksgiving Day Parade” from New York on the TV.

So, we enjoyed a good day together, thankful for the Lord’s presence and provision for all that we have in Him and through Him.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Thanksgiving is like a fall Sabbath or New Year’s Day. It is a time to stop, reflect and evaluate. These “built in” pauses in our year do serve an importance purpose if we take advantage of them. Thanksgiving has traditionally taken place after the conclusion of the fall harvest. It is a time after gathering to pause, to enjoy the rewards of our labor, to recognize the value of our work and to gain a fresh perspective on the priorities of life.

Since we are far removed from the agriculture lifestyle, the significance of the ingathering normally related to the harvest is lost in modern day celebrations. The security of our lives is not impacted as much as it was on the success of the crops. However, the opportunity to reflect on what we have, who we have in our life and understand the source of our security has not changed.

When Paul tells the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances” – the can present a challenge. It is is easy to be grateful, celebratory and confident of the future when all is well and we feel in control or what we have and where we are going.

However, when the “harvest” is slim or health is challenged or the future appears dim, it is difficult to give thanks and to be thankful. It is in these times that we need to focus on the source of our security.

We can only give thanks in all circumstances when we realize that it is not only “God’s will” but it is through our faith in God that we can have the confidence we need as we face an uncertain future.

So, during this Thanksgiving season, let’s not just reflect on what we “have” but “who” is the source of all that we have and the One who secures our future. When we give “thanks to God” we recognize Him as our source, our provider and the One who is with us in all circumstances.