Debbie and I attended church at Timberline Windsor this morning. It was great to see the good things that are happening in this church location that is less than three years old. Pastor Reza Zadeh left the staff at Timberline Fort Collins to launch this satellite church on December 24, 2011 and has provided excellent leadership. Unfortunately this was Pastor Reza’s last Sunday. I am confident that the Lord will open up doors of His making for Reza and use him in a powerful way.

Other than that it was an enjoyable brunch at Mimi’s, a nap, some shopping, (which has not been on my activities list) and then a jaunt down to the the neighborhood pool.

Yesterday as I was trimming roses I couldn’t help but notice these pink roses. Pink was one of Debbie’s mom’s favorites roses. When I saw this bush it reminded me of her. (see picture)

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”  Joshua 3:5

This is the verse Pastor Reza used for his text this morning. I want to share a few of his points from the message and some of my own on “consecration” and “obedience.”

This passage is about the children of Israel moving into the Promised Land through crossing the Jordon River at flood stage. It was going to be similar to  crossing the Red Sea, but different for this generation. The priests, caring the ark of God, were instructed to step into the water and when they did the waters would roll back and the people would cross.

In preparation for this miracle Joshua commands the people to “consecrate” yourself.  Consecration for God’s people would be ceremonial preparation, a surrender to God’s plan and God’s ways. Confessing and offering sacrifice for sin. Riding any idols or things of defilement from their life.

Consecration involved the people taking actions for themselves. Demonstrating their faith and obedience to God’s laws and God’s ways.

Pastor Reza pointed out that, “Consecration always end in amazing.”  He also observed that, “we are more comfortable doing things “for God” than trusting God to something “for us.” Consecration is not intended to be some type of onerous “religious” duty it is a pathway to the miraculous.

Consecration that leads to the amazing (the miraculous) happening occurs when we “no longer call all the shots and give God veto power in our life.” (Pastor Reza)

Consecration leads to obedience – “Obedience is putting faith in action. Consecration proceeds obedience and obedience brings the miracle.” (Pastor Reza) Joshua, the priests and the people had to follow God’s plan. This time it was different, yet God would provide. This shows that God doesn’t always do the same thing in the same ways.

Peter admonished believers to “set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15) As we do that act of consecration, which requires an act of obedience in itself, we position ourselves to live a life of obedience that not only pleases the Lord but allows us to see the “amazing.”

A good summer Saturday morning at the Summers house. A leisurely start to the day enjoying coffee, pastries and strawberries from our garden patch. I  tried to trimmed some rose bushes and some of our other bushes as much as possible. Yard work can be more challenging sitting down than I expected.

This afternoon we invited the Grizzels to come by  with their grandchildren, Levi (5) Eliana (7) and Victoria (10) (I think I got it right) to pick some strawberries. I believe the children enjoyed their experience and went away with enough strawberries for grandchildren and grand parents. (see picture)

This evening Debbie and I went to Berthoud for a gathering with some of her co-workers. It was an enjoyable evening with good food and an opportunity for many to meet me for the first time who had heard of my illness.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. Then I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, dressed like a bride ready for her husband.I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “God lives with humans! God will make his home with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and be their God.He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There won’t be any more death. There won’t be any grief, crying, or pain, because the first things have disappeared.”  Revelation 21:1-4

It is easy to become engrossed in all of the when, how and why’s of the Lord’s return and what heaven is all about. These verses above are some of my favorite in Revelation if not the Bible. This is because they describe the final home for those who place their faith in Christ.

Peter said it well when he said, “we according to His promise look for a new heaven and a new earth, the home of the righteous.”  2 Peter 3:13 It is not God’s judgment that we anticipate, it is not what we question but don’t understand that we focus on. Our hope and focus is on the sure promise that the Lord is preparing a place for all eternity for those place their trust in Him. It will be a new day, a new order, a new home, our real home; that place God has intended for us to be all along.

So often we focus our attention and try to figure out what we don’t or can’t comprehend and we miss that which is plain and simple. I would call to your attention the following about heaven:

1 – God is making everything new – New heaven and a new earth. It is of His doing, His design

2 – God lives in the midst of His people – God is and always has been the “with them”  God. In heaven our faith becomes sight. We see God, He is with us; His ultimate plan and purpose for our lives comes to a completion. In John 17  Jesus prayed, “…Father I pray that those you have given me be where you are…” Heaven is the answer to that prayer.

3 – God is reversing the curse – no death, no pain, no tears, no grief.  The tends that characterize our life in this world we know,  will be distant memories if remembered at all!

“There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the lamb will be in the city. His servants will worship him and see his face…There will be no more night, and they will not need any light from lamps or the sun because the Lord God will shine on them.” Revelation 21:3-5

Do you recall watching one of those “home make over” shows and when the new home is revealed to the owners they often say, “it is more beautiful than I could have imagined!”  Perhaps that will help you understand how it is impossible to comprehend the full extent of the glory of our home for eternity. That is why we don’t cling to this world as if it is all we have. Instead the cry of those who place their faith in  Christ is simply, “even so come quickly Lord Jesus.”

Today marks our 38th Wedding Anniversary! Debbie and I were married at First Baptist Church in Fort Collins on June 19, 1976. Looking back it is interesting how fast the years seem to have gone by. It is hard to believe that our children are now in their 30’s and in the thick of raising their growing children.

In our memorized wedding vows Debbie used the words from the Book of Ruth that say, “where ever you go I will go…” I’m not sure she realized at the time where the path of life would lead. She married a young man who had already received a contract to teach high school business beginning in the fall. We moved to a house near Washington Park in Denver and began attending a First Assembly in Lakewood.

That church became the transition point from teaching into ministry and the congregation that we would be associated with for 19 of our 28 years of pastoral ministry. The last fourteen and a half serving as the Senior Pastor  what became known as Dakota Ridge Assembly after our stints in Strasburg and  Colby, Kansas.

The “where ever you go” lead from teaching to preaching to politics. Debbie went from being the “first lady” of Dakota Ridge Assembly to the “first lady” of House District 22. (Don’t tell her I used that designation!) Finally the “where ever you go” ended up being “what if we go to my home town.” So we moved to Fort Collins. A dream or at least thought that we had for many years. So there it is. thirty-Eight years in four paragraphs. You can tell I’m male!

Thirty-Seven years of growing together through the decades of life, raising our two children, following God’s call ‘where ever’ that would seem to lead. And then as we were looking for a new chapter of life in a new city, eleven months out of year 38 would find me in the hospital, with many unsure outcomes, a serious surgery and a lengthy rehab process. Just when we were are the age where we thought we had life figured out, we found out that “life makes up its own mind.”

Yet in the midst of it all we find a  God who is faithful and provides that strength that is needed and the friends and support needed to make it through each month, year and season of life. I could not have survived and recovered to the extent that I have without Debbie’s steadfast love and devotion. She is certainly the glue that has made our life together what it is and for that I will be forever grateful!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.Love never comes to an end….” 1 Corinthians 13:7,8

Today was a busy day with book work regarding some of my medical records. I was surprised how my benefit explanation statements I received related to my last hospitalization and some back treatments. With the high cost of health care, I’m not sure it is cost effective when I seen billings of less than $30! I was surprised lately when I received a bill for $550 from September of 2013. It seemed odd to me, so I checked it out and three phone calls and four customer service reps later, I was told  the statement was sent in error. I’m glad I didn’t pay it assuming it was owed.

Today I was back to Northern Colorado Rehab for therapy. It went well but must have required more exertion than I realized because by the time I returned home, I was pretty tired. My new device is a muscle stimulator that is designed to help my right leg gain the strength to match my left. There are four patches that placed on my leg and then a periodic electrical current signals me to  tighten the leg muscles and to hold them until the end of the cycle.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “They cursed the name of God, who has the authority over these plagues. They would not change the way they think and act and give him glory.” Revelation 17:9

I am getting close to completing my reading through the Bible in the God’s Word Translation. I am about to finish the Book of Revelation. This is a book that as a teen I just avoided. However I owe it to my Las Vegas/New Zealand friend John Childers for giving me insight and appreciation for this New Testament Book of Prophecy.

What I have found important is not to “figure it out” as a puzzle as much as to see Christ revealed. It is interesting how many people anticipate God acting in judgement or divine retribution. This is reflected in statements like, “if I’m not suppose to do this, why doesn’t God strike me dead!” People often anticipate the worst from God. Yet it is clear that He is patient and long suffering and full or mercy.

Yet we read of a time when people fail to respond to His love, that God begins to act in judgment. When we don’t understand and respond to God’s ways, He often times  brings judgment by “doing it our way.”

As the plagues of judgment are unleashed upon the earth in the end times, the source of the plagues becomes very clear. How do people respond? “Do they cry “uncle”? Do they plead for mercy? Do they repent as some did in the Old Testament? No they harden their hearts, much like Pharaoh of old, and they “curse God.” In spite of the cry from the altar of God, “Yes, Lord God Almighty, your judgments are true and fair.”

Three times in this chapter that describes the “bowl plagues” of God’s wrath it says people respond by “cursing God.” Verse nine says, “they cursed God and would not [repent] change the way they think and act.” It doesn’t say they “could not” it says they would not. That indicates that even toward the end of God’s judgment He is looking for hearts that will respond to Him.

Bottom line – keep an open heart to the Lord. We don’t always understand His ways and His works. But that is why He is God. We are constantly given assurances and have the Biblical record and our own experiences that reveal His patience, long suffering and grace. Trust Him and give Him the worship He deserves. In the words of the “Song of Moses and the Lamb”…..

Today I received a notification that I did not meet the “minimum” qualifications for a job with the State of Colorado I had applied for. It was a job I felt my background and passion would help in achieving the goals of the position. I have to admit is was a little blow to the ego and a little ironic. It was ironic because I was the Chair of the House Committee that provided oversight for this Department of the State of Colorado. During that time I had open access to the Department Director and would often find his staff before my committee testifying on a bill or addressing issues on which I had requested a report.

When you take an action and trust the Lord to provide direction, and be prepared for an immediate and abrupt response. If nothing else my motivation to “investigate” shows that I am feeling like I am ready to assume more of a normal routine in life. Of course I am given to “denial” at times.

I did take time to venture to our neighborhood pool for about an hour. It went well, for which I was pleased. When Debbie got home, she asked if I got in okay? I said, it wasn’t getting in that I was worried about it was getting out! That part actually went better than anticipated. I made it back into my wheelchair without calling on the life guard for help. When I returned home I couldn’t help but notice our roses coming into full bloom. (see picture above)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“When you bring a blind animal to sacrifice, isn’t that wrong? When you bring a lame or a sick animal, isn’t that wrong? Try offering it to your governor. Would he accept it from you? Would he welcome you?” asks the Lord of Armies.” Malachi 1:8

I enjoy watching the criminal/legal programs. CSI Miami is still one of my favorites, even though I have to watch reruns. I must admit to still being a “Matlock” fan. The current shows are the Law & Order variety and  The Mentalist type of programs. Don’t forget “Monk.” In each of these programs there is an interrogation process of suspects, or a court scene where witnesses are questioned and cross examined by attorneys. Statements are made and then challenged.

When I was reading the Old Testament Book of Malachi, I thought of this process. This book is filled with questions that God is posing to His people. Some are questions or statements that God’s people have addressed to God and He is confronting them about them. For example in Malachi 2:17, we read, “But you ask, “How have we tried his patience?”  [answer] When you say… “Where is the God of justice?”

In Malachi 1:8 we find several questions in one verse. This issue is one of importance for us today, thousands of years beyond the end of the sacrificial system. It is important because it addresses issues of the heart and attitudes toward God. Do we give our best to God? What do we honor the Lord when it comes to our finances? Our effort? Our service? Does God just get the “left overs” of our life?

God basically says to His people, “what you would be embarrassed to offer to a human governmental official you give to me and then question why your prayers are not answered.”

This reminds me of a Pastor who many years ago who had a church member approach him and offer her old (junky – his words) piano to the church because she had bought a new one. He told her she could keep her old (junky) piano but he would be interested in the new one! She stormed off in a huff, mortified over such a statement. A few days later the lady called the Pastor almost in tears saying that she had not been able to sleep for the last few nights and she wanted to donate her new piano to the church!

Excellence glorifies God. Giving Him our best and making  Him a priority is what honors Him. As we do our relationship with Him provides the confidence and strength that we need for each day.

Stephanie, Carter and Mckenzie returned to Atlanta this morning. I gave Carter two “Rockies” hats to take home with him. One for him, one for Mason. I hope that the brothers can get which one they will lay claim to settled without any major challenges! Then they need to decide when they can wear the hats in “Braves” country.  (picture of Carter and Mckenzie at airport – can’t see front of Carter’s hat) I rode with Stephanie to the airport and then drove home. That was my “long” test of driving a distance on the highways. It went well! It provides a sense of independence and normalcy to my life. My only challenge is making sure that I get in and out of the car and into any business or appointment that I might have.

I returned home and mowed the lawn which had grown over the last week while we were gone. It wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. I also noticed that the strawberries are coming on strong in “Isla’s garden.” The garden Debbie’s mother was so known for may turn into a strawberry patch, if I am not able to return to some normal gardening activities next year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “The people of Ephraim will be like mighty warriors. Their hearts will be glad as if they had some wine to drink.…Their hearts will find joy in the Lord.”    Zechariah 10:7

When I read the verse above during my Bible time this morning it arrested my attention. As the prophet is telling of the future victories for God’s people returning from captivity he mentions specifically Ephraim as mighty warriors, rejoicing in victory, finding strength in the Lord.

The reason this verse is noteworthy is because a few hundred years earlier the Psalmist had this to say about the  tribe of Ephraim:  “The men of Ephraim, well-equipped with bows and arrows, turned and ran on the day of battle.” Psalm 78:9

One generation had the stain of “cowards” and “deserters” associated with their name. Now a new generation of the same tribe is known as victorious, mighty warriors.

The critical issue that I observe is that the downfall or characterization of one generation does not need to dictate the character of the next. But what is needed is for a generation to serve as the “pivot” generation and turn the course of history around.

We can observe that the compromises in one generation, become the accepted practice in the next, which become the downfall or bondage or at least characterization for the next. We see this in the history of Israel and the issue of idolatry. We can observe this in families today on various fronts.

However, by the same token. The spiritual commitment of one generation to live as Christ followers, can set a pattern and destiny for the generations that will follow. This requires a “pivot” generation to make a decision to reverse a trend or address a negative pattern. This requires a resolve that what has characterized a past generation doesn’t have to apply to me and my  children and grandchildren.

A godless heritage passed from one generation to the next can become a God-centered legacy of the next generation. An alcohol or substance abuse may be the heritage left by one generation; the next generation can leave a legacy of freedom in Christ. A family that has been characterized by tension, anger, fighting and even abuse in one generation can be a family of peace and love for the next.

One generation can be well equipped for victory and still run in the face of the enemy; the next can have the assurance that the Lord is on their side and experience a joyous triumph over the enemy that confronts them.

Perhaps God is calling you to be that “pivot” generation.

Happy Fathers Day! It was good the celebrate a Father’s Day with my son and daughter and five of my six grandchildren. We missed having Nathan and Mason with us who are holding down the homestead in Georgia for Stephanie and making sure that Mason hones his baseball skills.

It was good to be a Mile High Vineyard this morning with Christian and Bridget. I meet a host of people that were very gracious and expressed their support for me in prayer during my illness. Christian is a part time staff member and many I met commented on their appreciation of his ministry. They have several families who are from the Lakewood area. Perhaps there is a church plant or satellite in store for this growing church.

Christians children made him personalized Father’s Day cards and Eliana wore a pretty little dress. It did take some convincing for her to wear her pretty blue shoes instead of her tennis shoes with her dress though! Grandpa tried to help with the assistance of “Minnie Mouse.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Dear friends, don’t ignore this fact: One day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.”  2 Peter 3:8,9

Peter provides reassurance to Christians who are facing taunts of those who riddle God’s promise of Christ’s return. It is interesting that these individuals are described as “evil people who want to follow their own ways.” They mock the belief that Christ will return by saying, “where is the promised coming?” Perhaps the fact that He hasn’t returned is providing a false sense of comfort of those who live in rebellion to God’s ways.

Peter makes it clear that –

1 – Time is irrelevant to God.

One day or a thousand years. It doesn’t make any difference as far as God is concerned because He is above time.

2 – God’s perspective  is different from mankind

Our lives are gauge by time. We are tied to days and weeks and years. We grow impatient with “time.” From a human perspective God is taking His time, but from a Divine perspective He is always right on time! God is patient. That is a quality that people constantly struggle with, but not God. God’s patient is for our good.

3 – God’s Priority is people

God’s mission expressed through the ministry of Christ is to, “seek and save the lost.” That mission continues through Church. God’s desire is for all to turn to Him in repentance or as God’s Word translation states it, “to change the way they think and act.” When we turn to God we begin to view our lives and the world the way God does. We also adjust our lifestyle and behavior to that which reflects God’s priorities and values.

Peter reassures that Christ will return! That day will bring the destruction of the heavens and earth. But for Christians that is not what they look forward to; instead, “we look forward to what God has promised—a new heaven and a new earth—a place where everything that has God’s approval lives.” 2 Peter 3:13

As you consider the promised return of Christ, which perspective describes your life, losing heart or keeping your eyes on the prize?