Today, Debbie and I shared at the “Prime Timers” potluck. The food was good and it was an honor to share with about 300 members of the seniors group from Timberline. We shared along with Ben and Susan Brock. We shared about our journey with West Nile and the Brock’s shared about their spiritual journey and a remarkable healing for Susan. Ben did a great job blending our two stories together as he wrapped up the program.

Later this afternoon, Christian and Bridget arrived with the grandchildren. They are headed to a retreat in Estes Park and I am serving as the home school teacher and transportation to their basketball game over the next two days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God….(The first meaning of Melchizedek’s name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) … He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.”  (Hebrews 7:1-3)

As Hebrews is discussing the role of Jesus as our great High Priest, he makes a reference to the ancient King Melchizedek from Abraham’s early life. This unknown King is described as “having no beginning and no end..” and as such, like Christ, serves as a “Priest forever.”

We also see a similarity to Christ in the description of Melchizedek’s character. “Righteousness and peace.” These two qualities are ones associated with Jesus in both the Old and New Testament. What is important is that “there is  no peace without righteousness.” Righteousness always precedes peace.

This is the basic concept that Moses communicates to the Children of Israel as they prepared to enter the promise land. God promised them that He would provide, “peace like a river.” Trust the Lord and obey him to experience God’s peace and blessing in your life. Many people today strive for peace, but they live life for themselves and violate God’s commands. But as we align our lives with God’s plan and purpose for our life, we experience the peace of God in our life. Paul in writing to the Romans twice mentions God as the “source of peace.” (Romans 15:33; 16:20) I’m not a big fan of bumper stickers, but there is one which puts this concept succinctly, “No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace.”

The good news for us today, is that the peace we can experience is not dependent upon our ability to be righteous in our own strength and effort. Just like Abraham, our faith in Christ is counted to us as righteousness.

“…and be found in him [Christ], not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–he righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9)

I am thankful that through Christ we can experience both the righteousness and the peace of God.

After battling a headache last night, I have had a better day after some times of rest. I was glad to get in a workout at the fitness center. One that went better than I was feeling that it would.

Tomorrow our grandkids are coming up from Lakewood for a visit, while their parents attend a retreat in Estes Park. Debbie and I will be speaking at the Timberline “Prime Timers” lunch tomorrow as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working.”  (Deuteronomy 6:6,7)       

Moses is preparing the Children of Israel to enter the promise land. In doing so, he affirms and reminds them about the laws and instructions the Lord has given them. He reminds them of the history of God’s deliverance from Egypt and the rebellion of their fathers who have died in the wilderness.

His admonition was,  “Do not add anything to what I command you, and do not take anything away. Obey the commands of the Lord your God that I have given you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)

God’s instructions were complete. God did not need help from people in adding to or taking way. It is interesting how this basic instruction about what obedience is, was a key point of failure for God’s people. Over the centuries they would “take away” and find that partial obedience is viewed as full disobedience. They would “add to” the law and as a result we see the gospels refer to the teachings or the law of the Pharisees. Both of these are perversions of God’s instructions that they were to be avoided.

Here is another reason for obedience to the Lord that is often overlooked. “Obey them faithfully, and this will show the people of other nations how wise you are. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, ‘What wisdom and understanding this great nation has!’” (Deuteronomy 4:6)

The status of God’s people would be elevated by honoring and obeying the Lord opposed to following the ways of idolatrous nations they were driving from the land.

We see at the heart of the law and obeying the law is loving God. “Israel, remember this! The Lord—and the Lord alone—is our God. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4,5)

Then we see that God’s instructions were to be at the center of their life and they were to be passed from generation to generation. This is how God’s blessing would rest upon His people for all time to come.

Moses admonishes parents to use every opportunity and every situation to instruct children of  the ways of the Lord and why they live their lives as they do. It is important for parents today to still follow this guideline.

“Passing on the faith” is still an important requirement. It is to be done by modeling love for the Lord in all aspects of our life. And we are to use every opportunity to do so.

I am reminded of a time when our children were small and Debbie was cutting up potatoes in the kitchen. She cut open one and the inside was black. She told our children who were at her side, “look at this! This is just the way sin is. You can’t see it on the outside, but it marks your life on the inside.” A 30 second teaching opportunity for a truth that can last a lifetime.

Use structured times, use the ministries of your local church, use times when you are in the car and at home. Use bed time and when you are working on projects around the house. Use them all as opportunities to pass the faith on to the next generation. And remember at the heart of it is, “loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.”

Today was a fairly active day. I attended my Tuesday morning prayer time with one of our County Commissioners and the County Sheriff and then have a workout session with a trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. I returned home for lunch and then a trip to the dentist.

I think it has been fifty years since I had a cavity. But considering my lengthy hospital say in 2013, I’m pleased that my oral health is as good as it is.

We are continuing to enjoy the pleasant weather and our dog always enjoys getting out for a walk or just hanging out in the backyard.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8

Have you been going through a tough time and your mood is picked up by a friend who says something like, “I can tell something is bothering you, tell me about it.” When I read the words of this simple verse from Psalm 62 I am reminded of the old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The words of the hymn ask, “are you weak and heaven laden, cumbered with a load of care, Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Do you find it of interest that the God who knows everything, wants you to “tell Him all your troubles”? It is evident that suppressed hurt, anger, frustration, loneliness, rejection, pain can all create both physical and emotional problems. It is good to “talk it out.”  That may be a spouse, pastor or listening friend; but it is important to know that the Lord is always available and He invites us to turn to Him and find a place of safety and refuge in His presence.

We do that out of a sense of trust. What is a “trusted friend”? It is someone who accepts you. Someone you can express feelings to, knowing there will be nonjudgmental listening. A friend is someone who believes in you and will pick you up when you fall. I speak a lot of trusting God, but it is important for us to relate to that trust, as we would to a close friend. That moves us from a focus on God’s hand (His power) to God’s heart (His love for us).

Our trust in God enables us to understand that He cares and He will intervene in our lives and the situation that we bring before Him. And our confidence is that His presence is with us through the entire journey.

So follow the admonition of Psalm 62:8 and the old gospel quarter song that says, “…let us have a little talk with Jesus, let us tell him all about our troubles, he will hear our anguished cry and he will answer by and by…a little talk with Jesus, makes it right..”

Today was another interesting day “under the golden dome” at the capitol. It accompanied Nate Banke, the CSU Chi Alpha Director to a House Education Committee meeting to testify on a bill about the right and freedom of Christian organizations to select leaders for their group based on the groups doctrine and code of conduct.

While that seems simple enough, it was interesting to hear the discussion that ensued some of the questions that were asked. Across the country several Christian groups have been obligated to adhere to “non-discrimination” policies that apply to the leaders of the group. This sets aside the bylaws of the group, and overrides the groups criteria for selecting its own leaders. The bill actually failed by one vote after four and half hours of testimony.

I have mentioned how that last year at this time, I was restricted to a power wheelchair and a handicap van. Now that I have progressed to a walker and am able to drive myself, the van is for sale. If you or anyone you know is in need or interested in a handicap van with a lift let me know.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…Now let’s build a city with a tower that reaches the sky, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth.” (Genesis 11:4)   “The Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “This is the country that I am going to give to your descendants.” Then Abram built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.”  (Genesis 12:7)

This past weekend at Timberline Church, Jeff Lucas was speaking on greatness from the life of Abraham. As he addressed several myths about greatness he discussed the myth that “work is more important than worship.” He referred to the contrast between people building the tower of Babel and Abraham building an altar. This observation got my attention and prompted some thoughts.

So much of our life can be focused on “doing.” Ambition is good, but “blind ambition” is folly. Work is good. But work without or even against God’s plan and purpose brings confusion. That is what we see in the building of the tower of Babel. The express purpose of the effort was to, “make a name for ourselves.” And so it is with so many of our efforts. The goal of pursuing goals and success is to simply, “build a name” a reputation of self. It is almost out of envy of success.

Abraham found that God was choosing him to be great. He did not set out to make a name for himself. He heard from God and obeyed in faith and God credited his faith to him as righteousness. As the Lord called Abraham the first thing he did was build an altar to the Lord. That required work. But at the end of the work, at the end of all the effort was not a monument to the greatest of a man, but a place of worship to the Lord who is able to make our plans and purposes come to pass.

I believe it was Ronald Reagan who once said, “It is one thing to ask God to bless American, it is another for American to bless God.” It is one thing to ask God to bless our plans, it is another for us to have our plans line up with God’s will and purposes for our life.

In order for our work to be successful and fulfilling, it must be preceded by worship. A God-centered life, is the path to true greatness. Remember the Lord’s instructions to Joshua as he began the work of leading the Children of Israel to the promise land:

“Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”  (Joshua 1:8)

Let’s make sure we don’t worship our work, but that our worship informs, empowers and gives meaning to our work.

Today was a full day at church for me and Debbie. I had an early meeting at 8:30 and Debbie came later for her grief-share class. I ended up staying through the morning, helping with the prayer team at then end of the second and third service.

The weather was great once again and I hoped to get out and trim some rose bushes or go to the fitness center, but instead I did get in a short walk with Debbie and the dog. That was after a nap. So I will try to get back into the swing of things tomorrow and do some exercise at home for today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “But I will sing about your strength; every morning I will sing aloud of your constant love. You have been a refuge for me, a shelter in my time of trouble.  I will praise you, my defender. My refuge is God, the God who loves me.” Psalm 59:16,17 (GNT)

The closing verses of this Psalm are set in contrast to the dangers from enemies and their constant threats. David begins the Psalm with a plea of “Save me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who attack me!” (v.1) He then petitions the Lord, “Rise, Lord God Almighty, and come to my aid…Listen to their insults and threats.” (v.5,6)

For fifteen verses of this Psalm David reminds the Lord about the attacks against him and implores the Lord to take action. He describes their relentless schemes and even vacillates in what he wants the Lord to do, “Do not kill them, O God…Scatter them by your strength and defeat them…” (v. 11)  “…destroy them in your anger; destroy them completely…” (v. 13)

When we become overly focused on what is against us, we don’t even know what the real resolution is that we would like to see. So as David describes the constant attacks in words and deeds from his enemies, at the same time he resolves to be constant in his focus upon the Lord.

David says, “But I will sing about your strength…of your constant love.” It is important to remember that each day brings its own unique challenges that we must confront. They may be subtle, they may be direct and unrelenting. But praising the Lord arrests our attention away from our problems to the God who is with us. Who is with us to give strength and protection all because of His great love.

David was a warrior. Certainly  no wimp by any imagination. Yet he was reassured when he realized that the Lord God was his “refuge”, “shelter” and “defender.” And this mighty warrior takes heart in the God who loves him. These verses twice mention God’s love and God as a refuge. The style of the Hebrew poetry has these repetitious words and concepts for emphasis. They are to call us to stop and ponder and meditate on what that means for our life.

As we do that our attention is drawn away from the troubles and dangers around and focused on the Lord who is on our side. And when that happens we are ready to face each new day, each new challenge with hope and confidence.

What a great “spring-like” day today. Good day to take care of some cleaning and run some errands. This afternoon Debbie’s friend Terrie came for a visit from Highlands Ranch. Terrie was a great support to Debbie as a co-worker and friend. Charlie Simineo joined us for dinner after the evening service tonight at Timberline. These two friends of ours were some of the support system of many during my hospitalization. It is always good to see progress and reflect on days gone by.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.”   John 10:10 (GNT)

As I listened to the recent committee hearing at the Colorado State Capitol on “physician assisted suicide” I began to think about the subjectivity of “quality of life.” A hospice nurse testifying for the bill asserted that “quality of life is more important than quantity of life.” I think I understand what she was saying, I just didn’t agree. Certainly not from the perspective of “quality of life” justifying ending ones life. It that were the case we would have all kinds of people who would feel they would qualify to end their life. After all, I believe we are all terminal.

The eleven hours of testimony on the bill covered all of the issues related to a person choosing to end their life when facing a terminal diagnosis. There were opinions, perspectives, philosophies, worldviews and legal issues presented that don’t readily come to mind on the topic. But the comment about “quality of life” or “no one should be able to die like that!” is really at the crux of the issue.

I think we all have gone through difficult journey’s with people when we see their “quality of life” diminish be virtue of age or illness or disability. That usually means they can’t live the life they once did or were accustom to living, they can’t do what they use to be able to do.

In doing some surface investigation, I found “quality of life indicators” for countries and those that define “quality of life” for individuals. Interestingly, the quality of life index for individuals did mention “spiritual” domain of life. To me that is foundational to our life. That is why the familiar words of Jesus in John 10:10 are so important. That is why the value of the soul is greater than all the riches of the world. If we don’t have a quality of life inside, we won’t have quality of life “outside.”

Quality of life can be experienced in all kinds of situations and in all kinds of lives, that I could not identify with. I think of dear friends in third-world countries. I think of the life experiences of grandparents. I think of severally handicapped individuals who are still functioning in life; making a contribution, loving and being loved.

Quality of life is not the same for everyone. But everyone can have the same source of strength in life that empowers them to live a “full and abundant” life. We can live in peace; we can live in contentment; we can live in hope; we can live knowing that we are loved, accepted and forgiven; we can live knowing that God is with us always!

When it comes to “quality of life” at the end of our natural life, there are some challenges. Family members of strong faith, have seen loved ones of strong faith, suffer greatly before their final breathe. One of my early teenage memories was my grandmother crying out in pain as she was carried to an ambulance as she suffered with cancer. I recall looking across the room an seeing my grandfather sitting quietly, with tears in his eyes.

When a loved one suffers we all suffer. And even in those “painful” experiences we can know God’s sufficiency. We can be open to what we need to learn about life and eternity. It reminds us that we don’t set our hope and our eyes on this earth and this life.

A book could be written on these issues. I am reminded of the words of Solomon at the end of Ecclesiastes, “So remember your Creator while you are still young, before those dismal days and years come when you will say, “I don’t enjoy life.”… there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for….” (Ecc. 12:1,13)

None of us know where the journey of life will take us and how it will end, but we can have this assurance….

“….God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14)

As I was at our Saturday evening church service, the words of this song caught my attention…

…I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Today was more of a restful day. I had a fitness center workout and connected with a new trainer today. I did run some errands and took the dog on a walk.

I have been monitoring the bill on “assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.” It looks like it will be at least an eight hour hearing. While this issue has been a topic over the years as far as I know this is the first piece of legislation in Colorado to address the issue. I am confident that this bill will not make it through the process, but it may be the beginning of hammering away at another critical issue for our state.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross,  so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” Galatians 2:19,20

The good news of the gospel is about death and resurrection. A new life. We often reflect on the death of Christ for our sins on the cross and the resurrection as the full provision of our new life in Christ and hope for the future.

But the Christian life is all about new life and resurrection. It is not adopting just a life-style or worldview. It is not accepting a set of teachings or a philosophy about life. All of those may be a part of our life as Christ-followers, but to understand the dynamic life we have in Christ, is to grab a hold of understanding that death and resurrection is something that we all experience in a spiritual sense, that has practical ramifications for our life.

Paul in writing the  Church in Galatia, spends some considerable time discussing the relationship between the law and faith. The law can’t make us right with God. The law speaks of sin and death. That is why Paul says, “as far as the law is concerned…I am dead.” But that “death by law” was necessary for us to entered into life with Christ.

That is why the Bible says, “all have sinned…” and that the “wages of sin is death.” That is why Jesus said, “you must be born again.” And with that new life is the “gift of eternal life.” Paul recognizes the universal sacrifice of Christ for the sin of the world, when he says, “I am crucified with Christ…” Crucified, yet alive. Alive as a “new creation” living a new life through faith in God’s Son.

This is what is pictured in baptism. That is why this ordinance of the Church through the ages is so important. It is a constant reminded of death and resurrection through Christ.

Paul admonished the Romans, “…count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)

Paul reminded the Colossians,  “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”     (Colossians 3:3) Paul goes on and says this new life requires decisive action and a mindset made new through Christ. “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:5-10)

Consider as well 2 Corinthians 5:15 “…he [Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.“

I am thankful for the new life that is ours through Christ. A new life not lived to gain favor, but to please Him who has done so much for us and promises to be with us in every situation, in every day we live. That is certainly a lesson that has been made real to me, when every day was filled with uncertainty. Whether it was uncertainty of living, walking, talking, regaining health… We must live each day in the strength the Lord gives us as we trust in Him. We can know resurrection life, even in this life.

I made a trip to the State Capitol in Denver today. It was good to be in the midst of all the activity of this time of the legislative session. I was testifying on a bill related to physical therapy reimbursement rates. The hearing last much longer than anticipated and I was the last one to testify.

The bill was actually laid over for action to a later day, so I will need to wait to see what the outcome will be. However, it was good to see many from the legislature, government departments and the lobby corp that I have not seen in a while. It was also good to meet some new Representatives and to find some who had followed my illness.

It looks like I will have a trip back to the Capitol over the next two weeks. Tomorrow I have my next fitness center workout with my trainer. I will see how I fare later tomorrow as far as my level of fatigue.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“The Lord said to Moses, “Take the stick that is in front of the Covenant Box, and then you and Aaron assemble the whole community. There in front of them all speak to that rock over there, and water will gush out of it. In this way you will bring water out of the rock for the people, for them and their animals to drink.”… Moses said, “Listen, you rebels! Do we have to get water out of this rock for you?” Then Moses raised the stick and struck the rock twice with it, and a great stream of water gushed out, and all the people and animals drank.” Numbers 20:7-11)

I must admit that I feel sorry for Moses. Putting up with the challenges of leading this large mass of people to the land the Lord promised was not easy task. The challenges were great. The people constantly complained, whined and wanted to return to Egypt. There were always on the verge of rebellion and continued to disobey the Lord regardless of the miracles that they saw.

Yet we see that the Lord is “no respecter of persons.” When it comes to issues of His holiness and trust in Him, He will not “share His glory with another.”

In this situation the people again are complaining because of the lack of water. Moses and Aaron intercede before the Lord and the Lord gives Moses His instructions. “Speak the Rock”.  I recall reading how that shepherds in the dessert could find the right type of rock and break it and allow water that was trapped to flow out and water their flocks. Moses as a shepherd for 40 years would have been familiar with this practice.

But the Lord was not asking him to rely on his background or knowledge, but to do something completely different. Something that would require complete trust in the Lord and would honor the Lord before the congregation, because the people would know this was a provision of the Lord.

I’m not sure what Moses was to speak to the rock, but we do know what he spoke to the people. “Do we have to get water out this rock for you?” He then struck the rock, twice and the water flowed. Who provided the water? In the eyes of the people, Moses did.

The Lord’s rebuke to Moses was, “Because you did not have enough faith to acknowledge my holy power before the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land that I promised to give them.” (Numbers 20:12)

Knowing human weakness, the punishment may seem severe. Knowing the holiness of God, the consequence may have been an act of mercy.

As the account of scripture progresses we see that Moses was lead by the Lord to the top of the mountain, where he could survey the promised land from a distance. And then we read in the gospels that on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus there appeared, Moses and Elijah. (Matthew 17:1-4) Someone pointed out, “see Moses finally made it to the promised land!”

What can we observe? God’s holiness and instructions are to be followed. Trust, obedience and faith are to guide our actions and guard our lives. We can be thankful that while our human failures may have consequences, they don’t cause the Lord to abandon us and don’t have the final say over our service to the Lord. Our failures are not fatal. Let us always point people to the Lord for who He is, as the One who alone is to be worshiped above all others.