Yesterday when I was leaving Northern Colorado Rehab hospital once of the occupational therapists asked me if I had any “big plans” for the weekend. I pause and then said, “No!” It seems over the years Debbie and I have enjoyed more laid back weekends and have never been in the habit of making plans or feeling the need to do so for the weekend. It usually has been so nice to not  have to work that just “being more laid back” was fine. Of course there is always work to be done around the house.

Today I did make it to the fitness center for an exercise time today. Nothing spectacular, but trying to be as consistent as possible while I try to manage my energy levels.

After church this evening our friend Charlie Simineo took us out for our birthdays. Debbie’s birthday is coming up this next Saturday, mine was on November 12. We enjoyed the meal and our fellowship at the Red Lobster here in Fort Collins.

I mentioned speaking at to the Loveland Rotary Club this past Tuesday. While a few days late, I am posting a picture from that event.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3

The “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew chapter five begins with the “beatitudes” – a series of statements that pronounce  a blessing on those who heed them. The Book of Revelation contains seven (interesting, with the significance of that number in the book) pronouncements of blessings.

The first one in Chapter 1 is related simply to those who read, hear and keep what is written. In my younger years I recall viewing Revelation as a book for prophecy students and those trying to figure out the precise meaning and timeline of judgements and various images as described by John. But the book has a message an encouragement and warnings for those in any time period.

 “… Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”  Revelation 14:12

It would seem odd that a blessing would rest upon those who die. But it is specifically those who “die in the Lord.” Death for those who follow Christ is not only a rest in this life, but a reward for eternity. Paul wrote to the Philippians about his own life and said, “….to die is gain…”   (Phil. 1:21)  And what we see further in this verse is that these people have an impact on others. Their life in earth may end, but the impact of their life on earth will continue.

“…Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” Revelation 16:15

This blessing is pronounced upon those who are vigilant in looking for the return of the Lord. This blessing reminds me of the parable of the “ten virgins.” Five were wise and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, five were foolish and slumbered and slept and missed the arrival of the bridegroom. When Jesus told of His return a key word is the word, “watch.”  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:14)

 “…Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9

This is the celebration in heaven that is often pictured in song and in messages about the future prepared for God’s people. This meal represents celebration and culmination. It speaks of privilege and honor and reward.

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!…they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.  Revelation 20:6

The first resurrection is for all followers of Christ who have died and are raised to life when He returns. This is what Paul foresaw when he wrote to the Thessalonians. “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with the voice of the archangel and dead in Christ will rise first…” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) The resurrection of Christ is what gives hope to a future resurrection for all who place their faith in Him. This verse shares about that hope becoming a reality and the exalted position of those who are raise to reign with Christ.

“…Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”  Revelation 22:7

Revelation begins and ends with this pronouncement of blessing on those who keep the words of the prophecy. These are not instructions to be obeyed, as much as warnings to be heeded, and a future that is to be remembered.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates”.  Revelation 22:14

As the grandeur of the new heavens and new earth is described the call to those who follow Christ is to be ready and to be eager. To be ready through the life we live and the trust and faith we profess and to be eager in joining with the chorus of the multitudes that say, “come…!” “even so come quickly Lord Jesus…”

As we read about the return of the Lord, the coming judgments, we can take heart in the blessings that are bestowed upon those who hear and obey the words of the Lord and are working and looking for His return.

Today, I was back to my routine in a much quieter house. Perhaps my morning nap was a needed recovery time from yesterday and the days before. I did get to the fitness center for a workout. It was my first of this week and the first on since last Friday. I guess I had a good excuse with company, but I did notice my energy level wasn’t what it had been the previous week.

I mentioned that yesterday Stephanie, McKenzie and I stopped at  Fort Logan National Cemetery to go by the grave of Debbie’s parents. I wanted to share this picture of Stephanie and McKenzie, because Stephanie believes McKenzie is going to grow up to be another “Isla.” I’m not sure what all that means, but those of you that knew Isla can guess.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.”  “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Revelation 13:10; 14:12

As the Book of Revelation unfolds there are some things that are very clear. These include the types of judgments that occur as the seals of the scroll are broken and the scroll unfolds. Another is the extent of the impact of the plagues on the earth and people. Another is the focus on the activity in heaven, the worship around the throne, the words of exaltation even as the plagues come. Another aspect that is not so focused on is the reaction to these events and the response that God is looking for.

During these events followers of Christ will be tested for their devotion and even willingness to die a martyrs death. The response the Lord is looking for is one of endurance, obedience and faith. This is a reoccurring theme that is seen in the New Testament letters to churches.

Peter talks about the importance of endurance in connection with the “trying of faith…”  He goes on to say,  “Don’t feel as though something strange is happening to you…” (1 Peter 4:12) Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “…endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…”  (2 Timothy 2:3) He goes on to say, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”                          (2 Timothy 4:12) Persecution calls for endurance because time is in God’s hands and we are destined for an eternity in His presence.

Obedience, Jesus said, will be our test of love for Him. The events of the end of the world will test hearts of love and loyalty like nothing else. John warned, “Do not love the world or anything in the world…” (1 John 2:17) Love for Jesus must be first. And this love will be tested when family members betray family members as the fire of persecution heats up.

Finally the proper response to judgment is to “keep the faith.” That is our faith in God and our faith in God’s Word. Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the “…shield of faith….can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Eph. 6:16) There are those who will deny the faith, walk away from the faith, falter in their faith. But those who keep on believing and trusting in the Lord are the ones we see pictured in white robes as over-comers and victors, worshiping the Lord around the throne in heaven. Faith does become sight and has a payday.

Once again, we see that scripture challenges us in the greatest area of need when the going gets tough. We will be tempted to give up, to give in and to stop believing. The opposite of that is to endure, obey and keep the faith. The good news is we don’t it on our own strength but on the strength that comes from God’s Holy Spirit who is in us.

Today, Stephanie and McKenzie returned to Atlanta. We left for Denver this morning and went by to see Christian and then stopped at Fort Logan National Cemetery to visit the grave of Elmer and Isla Kercher (Debbie’s parents) and then met my mother for lunch.

We got Stephanie to the airport in plenty of time for her afternoon flight and I returned to Fort Collins by 3 p.m. After running an errand later this afternoon, I returned home and Debbie was home from work.  We now find the house much more quiet, but are thankful for the past few days we had with family.

I feel like I am doing better getting around depending on my walker. Stephanie insisted on driving today until we got to the airport so I would be well rested for the trip back to Fort Collins. She was very attentive and said, “I don’t want you falling on my watch!”  I hope to make a trip to Atlanta sometime in January.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11,12

The old gospel hymn declares there is, “victory in Jesus…” Revelation 12 declares the reality of that victory. It is a victory over Satan, fear and death. The chapter begins with John seeing a great war in heaven, “the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world…”  (Rev. 12:9) Satan being thrown down to the earth begins his time of deception of the nations as never before, but those who hold to their faith in Christ are victors and over-comers.

How is this possible against such a formidable foe? It is possible through Christ and because of Christ. It is because of the finished work of Christ (His blood shed on Calvary) that defeats sin and provides eternal life for all who place their faith in Christ. Because of that there is freedom from holding onto life, in this life, because the “sting of death” is removed. (1 Cor. 15:56)

They conquer by the “blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony.” The “testimony” of believers is a powerful tool. It is so because it speaks of a personal encounter and a changed life. The blind man said, “once I was blind, but now I see…” (John 9:25) The woman Jesus met at the well said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”         (John 4:29) Paul the apostle retells his story repeatedly through the Book of Acts. How Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and his life was changed.

It is said that the “person with an argument is at the mercy of a person with an experience.” All of these individuals above and many more in scripture and many more throughout time have their own encounter with the living Lord;  one that changed their life and set them on a new course, a new life and a new destiny. Each one can say, “I once was….but now….” What is your “once was, but now” story? That is your testimony to the power of Christ to change lives and that power is greater than anything spiritual darkness has at its disposal. All evil can do is to “steal, kill and destroy” only Jesus can give life. (John 10:10) And the life that Jesus gives lasts for all eternity.

Today I had the opportunity to speak to one of the Loveland Rotary club’s. This is the largest Rotary Club in Loveland and is an active and growing club with visitors, new members and projects that impact the community and the world. My thanks to Jim Welker for inviting me and making the arrangements. I reported about my journey and recovery from West Nile Virus. I found that the club has several members who have contracted West Nile in the past but in the more common milder form.

It was interesting in visiting with some of these members after the meeting and learning that they still fight boughts of weakness. It seems that has been the case for me in the past week or so. However, I am still able to rely mostly on my walker to get around which I am thankful for.

Stephanie returns to Atlanta tomorrow. She and Debbie attended the Rotary presentation with me and many of the members made contact with them after the meeting. One of the highlights of  Stephanie being here was her help to get us ready for the upcoming Christmas season. So here is the first picture of our Christmas tree with four of the six grandkids.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”      Revelation 7:8-10

The most notable feature of the Book of Revelation is the reoccurring anthems of worship and praise to the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in the imagery and breaking of the seals, blowing of the trumpets and pouring out of the bowls and their corresponding judgments. However, at a quick glance I found at least seven chapters that contain anthems of praise and worship to the Lord. When we look at what is “revealed” in Revelation we find that the activity of heaven and around God’s throne is all about worship.

One of the greatest events of praise, celebration and excitement during Jesus earthly ministry was when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to the multitudes waving palm branches, paving the road with their garments and shouting, “Hosanna, to the highest….” These shouts of “Lord save us!” took place as Jesus was destined for the cross within the week. By the next Sunday the women would be making their way to the tomb only to find that Jesus was alive and risen.

John on the Island of Patmos sees the throne of of God in heaven. As the curtain is pulled back it reveals not just Jews  from Jerusalem, but a great multitude from every nation before the throne in white robes with palm branches! They are shouting with a loud voice, not “come save us” – but “Salvation belongs to our God…and to the Lamb!” Christ has accomplished the work of salvation for all people. It is finished! And the worship before the throne celebrates that finished work for all eternity. The elders around the throne join in by declaring, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (Rev. 7:12)

We have the opportunity to prepare for our glorious future. That happens when “righteous” people (the symbol of white clothing) worship Christ as King (palm branches) for bringing salvation to all who place their faith and trust in Him. I refer to palm “Sunday” in my title. I do so because everyday in heaven is the “Lord’s day!”

It has been good having the family together. I made the comment today, “this has just been like Christmas, minus the presents” (and Nathan, Mason and Carter). Perhaps that will be good since we won’t be with family this Christmas as we have in the past.

Today we took the grandkids to Regency Beauty Salon for haircuts. This was McKenzie’s first haircut ever and the first time Riley, Caedmon and Eliana had a haircut not given by mom or dad. The boys at first thought they were in place where only girls go, but we gave them reassurance that wasn’t the case. We didn’t do a “before” picture but I am sharing the “after” one. After haircuts we headed to Chic-fil-A for lunch and then home for a nap. (At least for me, McKenzie and Eliana)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.”  Malachi 3:18

Often when I begin reading through the Bible at the beginning of the year, I will find myself reading the first book of the Old Testament and first book of the New Testament. Currently I have found myself reading the last book of the Old Testament and the last book of the New Testament.

If has been interesting to see the perspective and visions of both John and Malachi. Both writing hundreds of years apart and both seeing the “Day of the Lord” at hand. What is evident is that God’s people are tested. They are tested through persecution, some are called in the end to lay down their lives for their faith. However at the same time there are those who grow wear and falter in their faith and obedience to the Lord.

Peter and John refer to them as scoffers. Those who see the Lord’s delay as the failure of the Lord to deliver on His promise. Malachi talks of such people in these words,  ^“You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test…” (Malachi 3:14,15) These may have professed faith at one time, but one thing is clear that they are no longer walking in obedience to the Lord or in “the fear of the Lord.”

Scripture makes it clear that a day of reckoning will come. Jesus told the parable about separating the “sheep from the goats” – Malachi talks about the day when a distinction will be made between the “righteous and the wicked” in these words, “…behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.” (Malachi 4:1)

For the righteous, “those who fear the name of the Lord” the future and the promise is greatly different. “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.”   (Malachi 3:16,17) The prophet continues, “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.”  (Malachi 4:2)

What does it take to “endure to the end”?  It requires having a faith that will stand the test of the fire. It requires a steadfast hope in the Lord and His words. And then, I like the words of Malachi that observe – “…those who feared the Lord spoke with one another.” (Malachi 3:16) That simple statement shows that “walking in the fear of the Lord” requires community. “Lone Ranger” Christians are easy prey to the enemy, within and without. Hebrews says we, “should encourage one another daily as long as it is called today.”  (Heb. 3:13) Finally, we see the Lord reaching out to even those who tried Him with false worship and wearied Him with their words and their actions, “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.”

At times there seems to be little difference between the lifestyles and commitments of people of strong faith and unbelievers. Then there is the temptation to look at life and say, “my life isn’t any easier, isn’t any different as a follower of Christ….as a matter of fact it seems those who don’t follow Him have it easier.” (you’re in good company the Psalmist saw it the same way) But in the end a difference will be seen and that difference will have an impact for all eternity.

I actually woke up earlier than the rest of the family this morning. I decided to get up and get in my Bible time early before the rest of the family got up. By I was soon joined by Caed and then Eliana and then Riley and then Stephanie and McKenzie. We made a morning trip to LaMar’s Donuts which ended up in the largest donut purchase of the past year.

Later our family watched the demise of the Broncos in Saint Louis which was hard to take. One of the advantages of having a house full of kids around is that you are  never out of help (or excitement, or drama) Last night Caed, Eliana and McKenzie decided to help me exercise.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “To the angel of the church…write… ^‘I know your works…'” Revelation 2:1,2

Each of the letters of the New Testament are written to an intended audience. Revelation is no different. However, instead of a specific church or to believers in a region, it is addressed to seven churches. Instead of just the church being mentioned we find a critique of that church by the resurrected Lord.

That critique includes areas of commendation, areas of condemnation and a call to repentance with an accompanying promise. The exception to this “outline” is the Church in Smyrna which doesn’t have any condemnation from the Lord and the Church in Laodicea which doesn’t have any commendation.

In five of the seven churches of Asia Minor to which this book is addressed, the Resurrected Lord says, “I know your works….” To the church in Smyrna He writes, “I know your tribulation and your poverty….” (Rev. 2:9)  To the Church in Pergamum He writes, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is…” (Rev. 2:13)

The Lord of the universe knows. He knows that which is good and commendable, He knows that which is sinful, He knows the way to redirect our lives to address our greatest need. He knows what we don’t know. As John declared in his first letter, “we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20) He knows what is best for us and desires that for our life.

Look at what the Lord promises the churches who obey and repent. “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life….” (Rev. 2:7) “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death….” (Rev. 2:11) “To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.” (Rev. 2:17) “I will give him the morning star…” (Rev. 2:28) “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5)  “I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven…” (Rev. 3:12) “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Rev. 3:21)

What is the response that brings the blessing? “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches….” Listen and respond. Hear the message, don’t deny the reality, take heart in the Lord who is willing to serve as a warning and even stop sign on the road of life. Just as the message of the Lord to these churches was personalized and directed, the Lord knows us each individually. Our good points are different as are our shortcomings, what is the same is the Lord’s desire for us to stop, listen and change. When that happens we can experience the blessing, direction, protection and future the Lord desires for each of us.

The gang is “almost” all here. Stephanie and McKenzie arrived from Atlanta, but Nathan, Mason and Carter had to stay behind. I think it was something about school. O, the responsibilities of growing older. This morning  Christian, Bridget,  Riley, Caedmon and Eliana braved the cold and roads to make it here.

This has been a “snow kind of day.” Snow has been gently falling in Fort Collins. The kids have been outside and playing in the basement. The sounds of laughter, crying, talking (all at the same time), O, the joys of family together! This morning Stephanie got a decal on the wall that we have had for some time. The words are my personal life motto after my illness. “Faith, Family and Friends.” Stephanie and McKenzie and Riley are in the picture. I had Riley look at the picture, and he spoke the words, “faith, family and friends” and then said, “I can’t read cursive.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8

The Book of Revelation is rightly named “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” In vivid imagery John sees and describes the appearance of Jesus Christ as the judge of all the earth and the only one who is worthy to open the seals on the scroll of God’s judgment. As these seals are broken a series of judgments on the earth, the world system, its inhabitants, the Anti-Christ and Satan himself unfold. The culmination is the return of Christ as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the revealing of a new heavens and new earth.

This all begins with a repeated statement in Revelation chapter 1 that Christ is the eternal God. We see some well known words such as, “Alpha and Omega…the First and the Last.” However, the repeated phrase is “who is and who was and who is to come.”

I like the sequence in this phrase. It begins with, “the One who is” When Jesus left His disciples, He promised the presence of the Holy Spirit to be “with them forever, the Spirit of Truth.” (John 14) During my lengthy time of hospitalization and even the setbacks in this past year, my families faith we bolstered by the words of the song that simply reminds us, “God is with us, God is with us, always…” The declaration of the Psalmist that the Lord is “an ever-present help in time of trouble” (Psa. 46:1) is a reality that we can experience in our lives.

He is the God “who was.” He has no beginning, He has no end. John simply declares, “In the beginning was the Word…”        (John 1:1) His work in creation is clearly seen when scripture declares, “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3) “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16)

Then He is the One “who is to come.” The promise of the Lord’s return is foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus comforted His disciples with the words, “…if I go away, I will come and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also.” (John 14:2) During Jesus ministry He spoke of the destruction of the Temple and the disciples ask, “what shall be the signs of your coming and the end of the world.” (Matthew 24:3) At His ascension into heaven an angel appeared and spoke these words, “…This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) Paul speaks of Christ’s return, Peter does as well as John. The return of Christ is “the blessed hope” of the Church. (2 Peter 3:13)

Faith in Christ is not in a philosophy or human leader or great teacher or example. It is faith in the eternal God. The One who is, and was and is to come and the One who is still working in individual lives and in the affairs of this world. This reality allows us to affirm and join with the Apostle Paul in worship…“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17