I arrived home later last night, after a lengthy, put productive HOA Board Meeting.  This morning I was able to get in a morning workout at the fitness center before an appointment this afternoon about some health care legislation the impacts rural and under-served areas.

It was good to connect with my friend Glenn Vaad. Glenn is a former State Representative. He has one of the greatest resumes of public service of anyone that I know. He currently serves on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Confidence placed in riches comes to nothing.”  (Proverbs 11:7)  “I have confidence in your strength; you are my refuge, O God.”  (Psalm 59:9)

What gives you confidence in life? Is it your abilities, money, health, connections or something else? Confidence in life can be one of the most important attributes that we have for a fulfilling life. But where we place our confidence is all important. There are so many areas that are faulty when it comes to a foundation of confidence. One that Solomon points to is “riches.” It has been observed that “money is a good servant, but a harsh taskmaster.”  Paul the Apostle told Timothy that a misplaced affection for money can bring about all kinds of evil and be hazardous to faith.

“…the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

Jesus was very clear in stating that, “you cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) He also asked, “what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, yet loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

The Lord calls us to place our full confidence for living in Him. That is why David could declare, “I have confidence in your strength…” and “I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) It is out of faith and trust in the Lord that Paul could state, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Solomon sums it up well when he says, “…you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy.” (Proverbs 11:13) There is no one more trustworthy than the Lord. He never changes, He is always the same. That is why the song writer of old could declare, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness…on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand…”

Today I attend the memorial service for Pastor Bill Beard. Bill grew up in Loveland and spent some of his key years of pastoral ministry at the Loveland Assembly of God. It was good to hear the eulogies of his children and the difference that he made in his primary task, that of being a Godly father. I must admit it is always disconcerting when you attend a funeral of someone who is not that far from your own age.

When I was at Liberty Commons High School Tuesday night Bob Schaffer told me how people contacted him when I was in the hospital and said, “you better go see Ken, he may not make!” He went on to say,  “before I knew it you were getting better.” I told his students, “I was more popular when I was near death.”

By the way, yesterday day during my therapy, I walked about 280 feet with my walker without stopping. That is in contrast to last year at this time last year at this time, when I took my first fledgling, baby steps with a walker.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, will you at this time give the Kingdom back to Israel?”Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father’s own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:6-8 (GNB)

As I read these verses of Acts chapter 1, my attention was drawn to the contrast between the disciples question and Jesus priority for them. Their question was not bad. I’m sure it was on the front of everyone’s mind. They wanted to know “what next” or “now what?”

Jesus responded by telling them what would happen next, what their priority should be. As He promised He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them forever and to empower them to share the good news with the whole word. That charge remains to this day, even amidst the same question the disciples ask two thousand years ago, “Lord when are you coming back?” “Is now the time?”

Questions about the return of Christ have been asked since the day of Jesus. Jesus on one occasion told His disciples, in speaking of His return, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)

But I want to challenge you to consider what we “want to know” versus “what we are given to know.” We want to know, “will our kids turn out “alright”? The Bible gives parents instructions on how to love, train and raise Godly children. (Sometimes that question about our children isn’t answered until they have children of their own.)

We want to know “what does the future hold?” And the Lord just assures us the He “holds tomorrow” and if we will trust in Him He will guide and direct our lives. He gives us insight into His Word about His plan, even though all the “what ifs, hows and whens” are not addressed.

We want to know “is my financial future secure?” And the Lord reminds us that “He is our provider.” He is the One who “knows how to take care of His own.”

Perhaps there are other “want to know” questions you can think of. The bottom line is, we believe that “if we know” we can handle it. That is why the “why” question is so common in times of grief and tragedy. But our seeking after knowledge undermines faith and trust. Also, it is important to remember that so much of our personal lives and future is impacted by our decisions and by that which is out of our control.

The bottom line is don’t worry, obsess or be filled with anxiety about your life, God’s plan for the world and the future. Instead focus on what the Lord does want you to know. Stay focused on His Word, your daily trust in Him and “He will direct your steps” and give you a “peace that passes all understanding.”

After a laid back day yesterday, it was good to be out and about for some of today. I attended my Tuesday prayer time for our county officials and ran a few other errands. I returned to 24 House Fitness for my weekly meeting with my trainer. Tomorrow I go to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for my monthly evaluation and therapy session.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord said, “I [my presence] will go with you, and I will give you victory.”Moses replied, “If you do not go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth.” Exodus 33:14-16 (GNT)

The people of Israel were unique among the people of the earth. They were a nation that was established by the Lord to be the people of God set apart to Him for special purposes. The main one was to bring the Messiah to earth as the Savior of the world.

As the exodus takes place and the people travel to Mount Sinai, they received the law. But before the law is even given to Moses and he returns to the people they have committed idolatry and have broken some of the foundational laws of the Ten Commandments.

It is after this that Moses is pleading to God for Israel and for their future and for help to lead the people. The Lord responds with the promise of His presence, and assurance of “rest and victory.” I love Moses response. “If you don’t go with us, don’t allow us to leave this place…”  He then goes on and says, “Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth.”

History reveals that the people struggled with the value of the “presence of the Lord” and an image of a god being before them like other nations. What was to be their unique, distinguishing characteristic was compromised. When they lost their uniqueness, they became vulnerable to corruption from within and defeat from enemies from without.

What is important to remember for Christ’s followers today is, that it is the presence of the Lord that is to be the distinguishing mark of our lives. David declared, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) It is the presence of the Lord that brings peace, wisdom and strength for each day. It is the presence of the Lord that reassures us that the Lord is with us. It is the presence of the Lord that enables us to be a light in darkness and to have the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

The saddest day for Samson was when, “he arose [to face his enemies] and the presence of the Lord had departed and he did not know it.” (Judges 16:20) When David was confessing his sin before the Lord, his prayer included the plea, “….do not take your Holy Spirit away from me…” (Psalm 51:10)

In your life value and cultivate the presence of the Lord. You can do that through times of praise and worship, “for the Lord inhabits the praises of His people…” (Psalm 22:3) Remember the presence of the Lord is what distinguishes you from other people. But it is not exclusive. God’s plan is for all people to know Him, place their faith Him and to know His presence in this life and to find a home in His presence for all eternity.

I have been pleased that I have enjoyed a good stretch of general health. I am looking at putting five months behind me in a couple of week since my last infection treatment was over. I still have some significant weakness, but am making progress to the point of wanting to make some plans for greater activity in the coming months. As a result, you can see that today’s devotional comes out of my own life journey.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right.”  Proverbs 4:26 (GNB)

I like the wording of this verses in the “Good News Bible” (GNB). Proverbs is about wisdom for right living and this verse has a 21st century relevancy. (Actually all of Proverbs is still relevant for today.)

Traversing the road map of life requires of plan. That can apply to all aspects of life from finances, career, to Christian service and many others. The advice of Solomon is “just don’t let life happen.” As Colorado evaluates the impact of legalized marijuana, one thing is certain, drugs take away ambition for a productive life. I recall when we were establishing the regulations for “medical” marijuana several years ago, a fellow legislator commenting about a young adult son, saying, “all he wants to do is sit around the house and smoke weed.” No ambition, no drive, no goals, outside of the next high. This doesn’t only apply to those who abuse drugs, but it is certainly accentuated in those lives.

From early in life the one question that is asked of a child is, “what do you want to be (or do) when you grow up?” Some of us in adulthood will still say, “I’m trying to figure what I want to do when I grow up.” A plan is really the ste of action steps that enables us to achieve a goal and so it is important for the first step, to be established. What is your goal? What is your personal “mission” for life? That is what makes a plan unique to each life. Some plans may be similar but the goal in mind is different.

The second word is important as well. “Plan carefully.” There are costs that are involved in a plan. Plans may changes as we move through life and adjustments must be made. I recall my “planned strategy” for running for the State House. It began several years before I actually became a candidate.  It involved a series of steps from establishing relationships and preparing my self academically. I had a time line in mind as well.

When Solomon says, “….whatever you do will turn out right” he is stating a guiding principal for life and not a promise from the Lord. Or perhaps we should add, “plan carefully and prayerfully.”

“We may make our plans, but God has the last word… Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out….You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.” (Proverbs 16:1,3,9) “People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord’s will is going to be done.” (Proverbs 19:21) I recall that when I became a candidate for the State House, it first appeared that my timing was not going to work out and my “plan” was going to fall by the wayside. But a set of circumstances arose that really seemed to be of the Lord’s doing that opened the door.

When we make plans prayerfully, we can do so with a sense of confidence that the Lord will direct our steps and that His will, will be done in our lives. As we are open to His direction, He can modify or change our plans and we will know that it is because of His care for our lives.

Plan with others.  “Get good advice and you will succeed; don’t go charging into battle without a plan.” (Proverbs 20:18) Wise people get advice from wise people. I have shared how Jethro gave Moses a plan to solve a problem he didn’t know he had. We can certainly look to trusted sources, who know us, who believe in us, to help formulate the plans for our life.

As you live a life of wisdom, and “plan carefully and prayerfully”, may this blessing rest on all of your efforts, “May he [the Lord] give you what you want and make all your plans succeed…” (Psalm 20:4 NCV)

This morning I noticed that Debbie was sleeping in, which I thought was good. Then I discovered it was because she was sick, which is bad. She has been the energizer bunny for the past two years with so much on here plate from work, a move to Fort Collins and my extended illness and needs. I thought she was “sick proof.” So please remember Debbie in prayer and believe with us this will soon pass.

I’m glad that I brought my power wheelchair into the house a few days ago. I felt it would be better to have it out of the extreme temperatures, but it come in handy for my to get around the house and help take care of Debbie this morning. Outside of that we are doing well and continuing to look to the future and trust the Lord in what He has for us.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the Lord. You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you. So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick.”  Proverbs 1:29-31

These verses at the end of Proverbs chapter 1 offer a stern warning. Wisdom is needed for a healthy and prosperous life. The opening verses of Proverbs promises the following: “…They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated…” Proverbs 1:3-5

I like that the “inexperience and the young” as well as the “wise and educated” are all included as benefactors was what the Proverbs have to offer. Those who are “wise” understand that learning is a life-long process. They continue to add to their knowledge and life experiences and apply that to there own life and use that to share with others as well.

As I was scanning the TV channels, I came across a rerun of the movie “Forrest Gump.” It just happened to be the early part of the movies where the young Forrest shared with Jenny the words of his Momma, “stupid is as stupid does.” “Stupid” to Solomon would be spurning wisdom and instruction. Having an open mind and heart to learn and a willingness to submit to the Lord is the key to a happy and healthy life. It isn’t a protection from life, it is a guide on “how to handle life.”

When someone resists and rebels, they find themselves exposed to the consequences of their own actions. When Solomon warns, “your own actions will make you sick”; that can be realized both physically and emotionally. The warning of Paul in the New Testament is “you reap, what you sow.” (Galatians 6:7) If you sow obedience and faith, you reap strength, wisdom and the Lord’s help. If you sow, rebellion and living by your own standards, you reap hardship and brokenness.

This is not judgment or punishment from the Lord. It is simply the natural consequences of the life that one chooses. I point out that much of the Book of Revelation is the Lord allowing the natural consequences of people’s choices, lifestyles and desires to come about. When the world in its actions and even words say, “we don’t want God in our affairs” the Lord allows them to realize the natural consequences of His presence removed from the earth.

The good news in all of this is that God is a God of mercy.  “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end…” (Lamentations 3:22) Remember “mercy” is when we don’t receive what we do deserve. An old hymn that speaks of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross says, “mercy there was great and grace was free….” We can escape the natural consequences of our own actions and lifestyle, by choosing the supernatural provision of a God who sent His son to die for us. Who suffered the natural consequences of our sin, in our place.

The wise heed warnings. The wise make the right choices. Act as one who chooses wisdom today, by submitting your life each day to the Lord.

This morning was fairly laid back with even some additional rest this morning after my normal morning routine. The past few nights just before “bed time” for me, I have really felt fatigued. That may be due to more activity during the day and just making some adjustments.

I did have my fitness workout with my trainer today. I believe we have a good workout routine for me to follow on my own. I will begin just a one day a week with my trainer for the next six weeks and see how things go from there. This afternoon produced some nice warm, sunny weather, so it was good to get out and take the dog on a longer walk.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…Then they [the Wise-men] opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”  (Matthew 2:11)  “Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.”  (Mark 15:23)

It is interesting that we find at Jesus’ birth and at His death a reference to the substance of “myrrh.” First of all, it was one of the gifts brought by the Wise-men when they visited the infant Jesus. It was a gift of value and a gift that spoke of royalty. One commentator observed that the frankincense and myrrh were probably of greater value than the gold brought by the Wise-men.

Myrrh was known for many uses: as a fragrance, as a spice used in burial and as a substance used for medicinal purposes. As a medicine it was known to treat several aliments including joint pain. So, I guess if Joesph had any joint problems from his work, he had a ready made treatment in addition to something of value that could be sold and used to support the family.

Of all the gifts myrrh is view as the one that spoke of the not only Jesus’ kingly status, but one that spoke of the fact that “He was born to die.” Some translations refer to “myrrh” as the ointment used on Jesus before his crucifixion. On that occasion Jesus did say, “…She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:8) It would have been customary for myrrh to be used for this purpose.

Some have also observed that myrrh is extracted from the tree in which it is found, by cuts make in the bark that would allow the substance to ooze out. This could be a foreshadowing of Jesus suffering and the stripes of the whip that He bore which Isaiah said, were for our healing.

On the cross Jesus refused the wine mingled with myrrh as a sedative. Some believe that the myrrhed wine was given to our Lord from a sentiment of sympathy, to prevent him from feeling too sensibly the pain of his sufferings.  Although it was a custom of the Jews to give those who were condemned to death by crucifixion “wine mingled with myrrh”  the effect was to produce insensibility.

In rejecting this “drink,” – Jesus endured the full brunt of the pain of crucifixion and was able to utter the words from the cross that we have recorded in scripture, not from a drug induced state, but as one who came to fullfil the will of the Father to the end.

So, we find the spice that was a gift of honor to the baby Jesus, proved a temptation to Him on the cross. But He refused any “way out” of suffering for our sake, whether through His prayer in the garden or the wine-myrrh offered to him in His pain.

What can we take away from these observations. I believe we can see the provision of the Lord and have confidence that He does “take care of His own.” We see how the gifts at the beginning of Jesus life foretold of the life He would live and one day give for us. As Jesus modeled for us, God’s plans are always the best to follow and to see unfold in our lives. And then I believe it is important for us to recognize when a “gift” is a “blessing or a curse.” That calls for us to be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s will for our life.