This morning I had an appointment for a MRI on my head and neck. It ended up taking longer than it was suppose to because they had to redo several exposures. I guess you are not suppose to tap your feet and move your legs when your head is in the MRI machine and you are listening to Curtis Chapman. I guess that is better than the panicked screams when I was first hospitalized and they tried a MRI on swollen brain due to meningitis and encephalitis.

I spent some time getting caught up on some computer work and listened to the end of an early Childhood Preschool and Preparedness Committee hearing taking place at the State Capitol.

I have been feeling a little “under the weather” today. It looks Debbie and I came home from Florida with some cold symptoms. Hopefully nothing more develops and we are back feeling our full energy soon.

I mentioned last week that McKenzie our twenty month old granddaughter was taking her time to warm up to us. At this age she is just beginning to show more of her personality and getting everyone figured out. So when she came into my bedroom with her blanket and raised her arms for me to pick her up, I thought, “I am ready for vacation to end and go home feeling like I connect with my granddaughter.” McKenzie had made several trips with her mom when I was in the hospital last year, so this picture is far more pleasant one than those from my hospital days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “David summoned the priests….and the Levites….“You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” 1 Chronicles 15:11-13

From time to time I have observed people who took action, attempted something positive and it just didn’t go well. My wife usually says, “well, at least he (she) meant well.” Sometimes  she says that about the dog, but I don’t think it applies.

King David had one of those experiences, where he meant well, but it didn’t go well. It was a perplexing and costly experience. It was his first attempt to bring the Ark of God back to Jerusalem as recorded in 1 Chronicles 13, “…they carried the ark of God on a new cart…David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might…And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he

struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.” (1 Chronicles 13:7-10)

The  Ark of God had been captured in battle by the Philistines and had been away from the midst of God’s people for twenty years. After David’s throne was established one of the first things he desired was to have the Ark in Jerusalem among God’s people where it belonged.

His heart was right. He knew the importance of the Ark of God to God’s people. He summoned the right people, he called for the priests and Levites. His plan was endorsed and supported by the people. As the Ark was being transported there was celebration and rejoicing and worship. But unexpectedly tragedy struck.

The Ark had been sent back to Israel by the Philistines on a new cart, pulled by a cow that had just had a calf. It was a test to see if God would lead the Ark back to Israel without human guidance. David had the Ark transported to Jerusalem the way it had been transported when it was returned by the Philistines.

The death of Uzzah put a damper on the celebration and was a great consternation to David. What David learned was, “when it comes to instructions given by God, you have to do the right thing the right way.” Good intentions are not enough. That is why God gave specific instructions on the animals that were to be sacrificed. The type, their condition and the process. God gave specific instructions on who and how the Ark was to be transported. Carried by the priests on poles.

David makes a simple statement that is a good reminder for us today. ” [The] Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” How many times in our zeal, our “good ideas” do we charge ahead without seeking the Lord. Sometimes in practical terms, in the Church, that includes consulting with pastoral leadership. Too often people adopt the adage, “it is easier to seek forgiveness, than permission” but that is too risky when it comes to God’s work. Even though David was King and he was committed to the Lord, he learned what walking in the fear of the Lord is all about.

I am thankful today that Christ’s grace and forgiveness covers a lot of our blunders, but that doesn’t mean damage is not done in the process or a greater result was not possible. Our desire should be to have the results that come from God’s blessings, not our good intentions and efforts. That means being prayerful, patient and submissive to God’s ways and leadership.

Remember God’s uses us to accomplish His purposes, we are not to be those who in anyway attempt to “use God” even if is for that which is well intended. God’s desire is for our good intentions to be graced with His blessing, because we are seeking Him.

 We made a trip to Englewood today to retrieve our dog from my mother. “Andy” seemed to provide some good company for her while we were away. We turned home to catch the early part of the Broncos’ game. For a while I was thinking, “life is back to normal. We at home with the dog, watching the Broncos lose to the Seahawks.”

But after some yard work at halftime I was pleased to find the Broncos still in the game and able to watch their exciting regulation time comeback. Too bad overtime ended in an uneventful fashion.

Speaking of returning to the normal routine, I head off first thing in the morning to have an MRI performed on my head and neck. This is one of three tests my neurologist wants to conduct to see if there is any significant difference from previous tests and to what extent.

After posting some vacation and grandkids pictures this past week, I want to post a picture of Stephanie and her family. The live in Canton, Georgia, I hope to make a trip out to see them before the end of the year. That would be a first with me traveling by myself!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”  Romans 12:6

When we were in Florida we found ourselves in the hot tub with a gentleman from New York. The subject turned to football, especially when he learned we were from Denver. What was of interest was how our conversation turned to successful teams noting that some successful college coaches fail as an NFL head coach. Some defensive or offensive coordinators fail at being a successful head coach. The bottom line was recognizing that giftedness in football doesn’t always equate with ability at all levels, especially that of a head coach. The same can be found in our spiritual life and our service to Christ.

The verse above is from one of three main passages in the Bible along with 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 that make reference to gifts given to believers. In this passage prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and acts of mercy are all mentioned. (v.7-8) The focus is on whatever gift you have been given by God’s grace should be used.

Let’s look these important points of focus in verse six that can be easily glossed over, in the rush to look at the gifts that are listed. We see first of all that there are different gifts. This means being comfortable with the gifts we have, using them as they are to be used and doing so in a way that furthers God’s kingdom.

This is important because it is tempting to looks at those with significant and fruitful gifts and to feel that “to do anything of value, I need to be like that person.”  I recall some teens years ago who mentioned their ambition was to be a national speaker at youth conferences. Having attended a conference or two these well meaning and overly mesmerized teens saw the speaker in front of thousand of teens and thought, that is what I want to do. Some of them were surprised to learn that those individuals had established and proven ministries that provided them the credibility to speak at a conference.

Next I notice that gifts come from “the grace of God.” God’s favor in our lives is expressed in the variety of ways that He uses people to accomplish His purpose. We can develop natural gifts, we can learn to function in different arenas with some degree of effectiveness. But what we find is that there are certain expressions of God’s favor working through our lives that gives us the greatest sense of satisfaction, fulfillment and fruitfulness. In our world where “mega-churches” are becoming more common, we still find in comparison to the total number of churches in American they are rare. Why is that? Because we don’t have that many “mega-church” gifted leaders.

Finally, the gifts that God gives us by His grace, “are to be used.” With a few exception, Romans 12 basically says, if your gift is teaching, teach! If it is giving, give! If it is leading, lead! Do what you are called to do, not someone else. Don’t stay on the sideline and let your contribution lay dormant. This is certainly a challenge for leadership; having the right people, with the right gifts, doing the right things, at the right time. When I became a senior pastor I realized one of the greatest challenges I had was being a faithful steward of the gifts of those who were in my congregation.

The same is the challenge for any business leader as well. I recall when I was a vocational high school business teacher. I had a student working at a local grocery story. She was being trained and working as a cashier and was failing miserably. Fortunately the store manager was willing to work with her and transferred her to the general merchandise department. She began to excel in her work and was a much more pleasant and productive employee. It proved to be an important lesson for the manager as well.

The challenge at the end is where we began, “whatever gift you have been given by God’s grace use it, for God’s glory and the benefit of others.”

We left Orlando at 7:45 a.m. this morning and arrived back in Denver at 9:30 a.m. The trip went smooth and well for which we were glad. When we returned home I took a nap (Debbie should have – she’s been fighting a cold) and then mowed the lawn. We made it to our Saturday evening church service, but by the end of the evening I was feeling like my body was till on east coast time.

During our last day in the pool, Nathan took a few underwater pictures. I wanted to include one, because as I looked at it I noticed that Carter has his mouth wide open and grandpa has puffed out checks like a blow fish. I guess you can tell who is more comfortable in the water.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3:17-19

I recall memorizing these verses as a teenager. I can still remember repeating, breath, length, height, depth. Soon my rote memorization gave way to a sense of wonder as I realized that these dimensions describe being surrounded by God’s love. God’s love is the soil in which we are planted, it is the air we breathe, it is the key to experiencing the “fullness of God.”

It is difficult to speak about and understand God’s love, because human love is all that we have as a context. And human love no matter how sincere and mature falls short of God’s love, making it difficult to have a context we can relate to.

This “knowing of Christ’s love” is not instinctive knowledge, it is knowledge that is attained through experience. As Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, we “come to know” the vastness of God’s love. As we fail and God picks us up, as we sin and God forgives, we come to know God’s love, because we have experienced God’s love, not just studied God’s love or have been taught about God’s love. That is how we “know the love Christ that surpasses knowledge…”

As I review these verses the phrase, “…have strength to comprehend with all the saints…” gets my attention. I believe we find that community, the community of  God’s people is one of the key ways in which we discover the love of God. We see God’s love in action for others, we see God’s love in action in worship, we see God’s love in action in the dedication of people’s lives. We can’t fully appreciate and know God’s love outside of community. That is not because people are perfect, it is just the opposite. As we rub shoulders with imperfect people it provides us the opportunity to, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

The goal is to be “filled with all the fullness of God.” That only happens through faith, through the work of God’s Spirit and understanding the we live life surrounded by the love of Christ. No wonder Paul said, “nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

Remember: human love doesn’t help us understand or know Christ’s love – knowing Christ’s love enables us to love God and others as He would have us to.

We have come to our final day of vacation. That means Debbie will return to work next week and I will return to my “normal” schedule. For me that includes several tests that I have schedule with the first on taking place on Monday.

After our morning run to Dunkin Donuts, we hit the miniature golf course. Nathan ended up being the best, but he was keeping score! After lunch and a little rest I took the grand boys to the activity center and I went to the fitness center for a workout. It is too bad that I didn’t discover the facility earlier in the week. It as least was an indication that I  may be up to and able to benefit from some regular “gym” workouts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”  Luke 9:24,25

The call and cost of following Christ is one of great importance. Jesus offered the call to “follow Him” to a rich young ruler among others who showed hesitation and offered excuses. At the end of Luke 9 we read of one that Jesus said, “come follow me” and two others who said, “Lord, I will follow you.” To one Jesus prepared him with the challenges of “discipleship life” with the words, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58) The others responded by stipulating their own terms preceded with “Lord, let me first…” (Luke 9:59-61)

These responses are in contrast to the disciples that Jesus called who “immediately…followed” Jesus, leaving fishing nets, tax collector booths and family. Being a follower of Christ today does not involve “leaving” a job, or family members to physically follow Jesus as it was during His earthly ministry. But if does mean placing all that we value in our life as second compared to our devotion to Christ.

Jesus made it clear, you can’t find the true life He offers by holding on to your old life. For those who feel they have too much to give up Jesus simply asks, “what does it profit a man if he gains the world yet forfeits his own soul.”

I found it interesting that a recent issue of Time magazine reported that those in the highest income levels report at 41% satisfaction level with their life. The percentages go down from there, as the income levels drop. If money, fame, fortune are what people seek, we find that 60% of those that have what others seek aren’t that much happier with their life.

What is the value of a human soul? It cost Christ everything. Coming to earth as the baby in Bethlehem’s manger; living 30 years of life just like any other Jewish boy; three years of controversial ministry where He was misunderstood, rejected, faced threats against His life and was finally betrayed by one of his closest and trusted followers; an agonizing death on a cross in the place of a common criminal between two criminals; and then hastily buried in borrowed tomb. That is the cost. The glory of Christ’s obedience is found in being raised to life after three days and offering to all who would follow Him, forgiveness, His presence and eternity with Him.

Our response to all this, in the words of author/pastor Mark Batterson, is to be “all in for the One who was all in for us.”

Debbie and I enjoyed breakfast out this morning. It was a little of a challenge navigating some steps at the restaurant, since I was just using my walker.

Later, I went to the resort workout room and had a good hour and a half work out on weights and a bicycle. Louis one of the trainers was very attentive and helpful in working with me on the equipment. I realized that this was my first try at some exercise equipment to this extent since my illness. It was an interesting feeling to feel like I pushed weights to my capacity and endurance but did detect any muscle change. Of course I don’t have too much muscles mass to contract with the activity.

Later I joined the family at a different pool here at the resort. We took some pictures to share, so here is one of them. I believe our plan after dinner is to try our hand as a family on the miniature golf course. I’ll let your know how that goes.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days being tempted by the devil….And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee…”           Luke 4:1,14

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry is marked by being baptized by John, tempted by the devil, and then returning to Galilee to teach in the synagogue. This forty day interlude between the two bookend events is well chronicled in the gospels. It is one of the most significant times of Jesus life and ministry. A forty day fast, in the wilderness, constantly being tempted by Satan. When the forty days were nearing to an end we read of the three recorded temptations of Christ. And then we see that Luke records, “…he [Satan] departed from him [Jesus] until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

What caught my attention in this reading was Luke’s comments that Jesus began and ended this time of temptation and trial “full of the Holy Spirit.” It is one thing following baptism, the dove, the voice from heaven, to be “full of the Holy Spirit” as Jesus journeyed to the wilderness. But for the same condition to be how Jesus spiritual condition is described after the forty day fast and time of testing is of significance.

As I thought of this, I thought of how I would describe the converse. It would be tired, beleaguered and spiritually weary. Spiritual warfare is intense work. Fasting is hard. Forty days in the wilderness is no walk in the park. Consider Elijah in the Old Testament after confronting the prophets of Baal and being confronted by Jezebel. He was worn out, felt alone and even despondent. Yet we see Luke describing Jesus coming out of the wilderness in the same way he described Him going into the wilderness.

This is of importance because Hebrew’s records,” For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:18) The encouragement that is found in this truth is also recorded in Hebrews 2:18, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

The strength we need for our spiritual journey is found in being “full of the Holy Spirit.” That means trusting the Lord for strength and power for each new day. That means yielding our life to the Holy Spirit, as Paul admonished the Ephesians, “be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18) This carries the meaning of “be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This is reflected in Paul’s admonition to the Galatians  “…walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16,25)

The strength for life, the strength for trials and temptations, the strength to do God’s work is found in the life of Jesus, “being full of the Holy Spirit.” Like any gift it is available by asking, trusting, yielding. Don’t journey alone.

Today Mason Munn (Stephanie and Nathan’s oldest) officially turned seven. It was a full day of activity and Mason said, it was his best birthday ever! It started with Krispy Creme donuts and opening presents, fishing, lunch at McDonalds, swimming with games at the pool, bike riding, tacos for dinner, birthday cake and ice cream and then a late night movie outside at poolside.

All in all a pretty good day for a seven year old and a tiring day for adults. I’m glad that I got in my morning nap after the fishing trip.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”  Amos 5:14,15

The Book of Amos is an interesting one. Amos was not the typical prophet. He was a farmer. God called him to go and prophesy to not just Judah and Israel but surrounding kingdoms as well. As the book opens we read,  “The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem…” (Amos 1:2) This is not the meek and mild God that people often pictured, but his is the Lord who is ready to act.

As a result Amos pronounces judgment on Damascus, Gaza, Edom, Tyre, Ammonites, Moab; all Israel’s neighbors. Then we see the word of the prophet spoken against Judah and Israel. As the sins of these nations are listed the clock is ticking toward the day when the Lord will bring to pass the words spoken by Amos and other prophets. The generations may have made God’s people forget the Lord’s wonders and His laws, but God still held them accountable.

Even though the judgment from God is certain and coming, we see that God also promises a future time of restoration: “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old…” (Amos 9:11)

This sequence is not to far removed from what we see in God’s ultimate plan for this world and His people. We see the Book of Revelation containing judgments on the nations of the world and a final restoration of a “new heaven and a new earth.” But this one is one that will never come to an end.

In the midst of the impending doom on the nations of Amos day is a call from the prophet to “seek good, not evil…hate evil, love good, establish justice…” This is a call to repentance. Change the way you think and act. Even if God’s promise is future restoration, now is the time to seek the Lord and live. Now is the time to find God’s favor in the time of judgment.

I am reminded of the words of the psalmist: “…Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Your salvation.…” (Psalm 85:5)

Mason 7

When God roars, it is time to respond. It is time to seek the Lord and change our ways. That call includes a nation. That call includes each individual. It is a call to stop, reflect, repent and renew.

We had a good day today with activities around the resort. Debbie and I went to the miniature golf course near of condo unit. It was a simple course, that was handicap accessible. So I used my wheelchair and tried to stand to hit the ball until I lost my balance and fell. Debbie had two holes-in-one and beat my by six strokes. She wasn’t sympathetic for the handicapped!

This afternoon we enjoyed more time at the swimming pool. The water is warm and the weather has been good. I enjoyed my time with Mason and Carter in the water. Tomorrow is Mason’s seventh birthday, so he is working with his mom on an hour by hour schedule of activities.

It has been good to see McKenzie growing and being more active. Here is a picture of her with me in my wheelchair. This took a little coaxing and time for her to warm up to me with all the apparatus that is a part of my life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”  Luke 1:1-4

Target marketing is the modern day concept of endeavoring to match the message to the intended audience. The marketer asks important questions about those who are the intended recipients of the message and the way the message is presented must connect with that audience.

My undergraduate degree had an emphasis on marketing and I recall a marketing and public relationships class in my masters program reviewing some basic concepts that I had learned and even taught thirty years prior. However, from the perspective of ministry and my ongoing study of the Bible, I realized that the gospels are the earliest form of “target marketing” that I can recall.

People often ask, why four gospels? What different content? Why different emphasis? The answer is found in the author and the audience. In recorded scripture we have four different authors addressing four different groups. As a result the content contains some variations.

For example, Matthew was written to a Jewish audience and contains the greatest number of Old Testament references. Jesus is shown as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, the one who fulfilled the claims that the Messiah would be tied to the lineage of David.

Mark, considered the oldest gospel, was written to a Roman audience. It is short to the point and filled with action. It begins with the ministry of Jesus and not his birth. In Mark Jesus is presented as “servant.”

Luke, was the physician, historian of early Christianity. He liked details. He writes his gospel to Greeks, one in particular by the name of Theophilus. He presents Jesus as the “Son of Man.” Jesus lineage is traced all the way back to Adam and Luke uses the term, “Son of Man” more than any other gospel.

John’s gospel was the last to be written and his audience were first century believers. He presents Jesus as the Son of God. We see this from the first verse when he writes, “In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1) We see that John’s gospel contains the greatest number of chapters dedicated to Jesus with His disciples in the upper room before His crucifixion.

This brief overview is not to diminish but to show the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in presenting the life and ministry of Jesus and the gospel to a variety of audiences in a way that connects with them. What we see in scripture was eventually developed by people hundreds of years later in their attempt to promote a product or service.

Both Luke and John give the reason for their gospel account. Luke says, “…that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:4) John says, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

Then we see the variety of audiences reveals that the gospel is for all people. During John the Baptist’s ministry we see the religious, tax collectors and soldiers and “regular” people all in his audiences. The same was true with Jesus.

This is also a  reminder for us today. As followers of Christ as we connect with people in our present day, we need to know how to effectively communicate the good news with them. It is important to understand their background, concerns and needs.

This morning Debbie, Stephanie, Mason and Carter took off for Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. That left Nathan, me and McKenzie to our own devices. So we traveled to a well known sandwich place here in Orlando that has been in business since 1968 and sampled their historic roast beef sandwich.

I am feeling strong today which I am thankful for and had a couple of swimming workouts. We have access to several pools and even a miniature golf course right across the parking lot. It does look like it is clouding over a little this afternoon, but haven’t seen any rain yet.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.’”  Isaiah 7:9

King Ahaz was ruling over Judah at a time when they did not deserve to have God help them in time of crisis. We see that Syria was attacking Jerusalem and were being restrained. So Syria joined alliance with the King of Israel to attack Jerusalem. When Ahaz and the people heard this the Bible says, “…the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.” (Isaiah 7:2) So they were a little more than frightened at the prospects before them.

The Lord sends Isaiah to King Ahaz with a message of encouragement to strengthen him and the people. As the message of the prophet comes to an end the call to be “firm in faith…” serves as the punctuation mark and call to action for the people.

The opposition was still great. The obstacles were still formidable. Yet the Lord had given His word and if King Ahaz and people stood firm in that word and placed their faith in the Lord, they would find a firm place to stand in the face of overwhelming odds. The emphasis reminds us that there is no foundation which provides greater security than faith in the Lord.

The reality is faith must have an object. King Ahaz could have placed faith in his vast army if he had one. He could have put faith in his armament, horses and chariots if they existed in large enough numbers but they didn’t. He could have looked to making alliances with other nations if he had time and resources but he didn’t. All he had was what was available along with the promise of the Lord that the Lord would fight for him.

Yet the Lord was willing to accommodate King Ahaz by providing a sign to prove the Lord’s trustworthiness. But King Ahaz was reluctant. The prophet’s responded, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

God proves His promise with the sign of Immanuel, “God with us.” “And if God be for us who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

When you stand firm in faith in God’s word and God’s presence you will always have a firm place to stand.