This morning I headed to Denver to attend an advertising specialty trade show. It is amazing to see all that is available from simple to complex from inexpensive to high end jewelry. (I saw a championship ring for the Denver Lacrosse team.) Thanks to my friend and business mentor Dan McCuthen for inviting me to tag along.

On my way home, I stopped by the Capitol and made some connections. I will be returning to Denver for a committee hearing on a bill that I have been assisting with on Thursday. Today I navigated pretty good with my walker and arm crutches. That is some progress since my last outing of this type back in November.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am not trying to relieve others by putting a burden on you; but since you have plenty at this time, it is only fair that you should help those who are in need. Then, when you are in need and they have plenty, they will help you. In this way both are treated equally.” (2 Corinthians 8:13-14 GNT)

People helping people is a Biblical mandate. In chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians Paul lays out the challenge, opportunity and blessings that accompany Christian generosity. Of all people followers of Christ should be (and are) the most generous.

When we horde and hold on, it is often out of a sense of fear. Fear that “I won’t have enough for my needs.” Paul gives this assurance, “God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I am thankful that believers and Christian organizations are the first to step up and respond when disasters impact communities. They give of their money, time and talents to reach out to those who are in need. They are motivated by Christ’s love and generosity to us. What I have found of interest is that often the impact of this is overlooked when an analysis of giving is made by “nonprofit organization” research groups. I am thankful that this is an area where the Church does shine; even in the midst of their own trying times and hardship.

In the verses above, Paul asserts a “keep the money moving around” approach. He is very clear that he is not imposing a mandate or wanting to create hardship. But simply saying, when you are blessed and have much, give to help those who are suffering and when you are suffering, you will find those who now have plenty coming to your aid.

Debbie and I have always endeavored to be generous people and we have been so blessed in the past, now almost two years, by the generous outpouring of love and support of those who came to our side at a time of need. It certainly motivates me to be even more responsive to others who find themselves facing a crisis that strains their finances.

One of my favorite passages and a principle that we have found at work in our lives is this…“God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity.  He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gift….” (2 Corinthians 9:10,11)

There are many additional concepts that Paul communicates in these chapters. He discusses “giving as the Lord has prospered” and the importance of  “…giving freely, not out of compulsion…”  What we see is that giving isn’t an option. Whether is it a little or a lot, it is an opportunity to express  God’s generosity to us. We do so, “giving as unto the Lord.”

Another beautiful day here in Colorado! For me it was combination of some office work, yard work and a fitness center workout. The extra activity with being able to get outside provides some additional therapy and some challenges as well. I am strategically placing some canes to help me get places where my wheelchair won’t go outside.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 GNT) So we are always full of courage….For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. (2 Corinthians 5:6,7 GNT)

At the end of 2 Corinthians 4 and the first part of chapter five we find Paul discussing the hope and courage we have because of the resurrection and the promise that provides for those who follow Christ. In looking toward that time Paul asserts, “We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) This verse reminds us of Paul’s letter to the Philippians when he said, “….which I should choose.  I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing…” (Philippians 1;22,23)

We also see Paul pointing to the resurrection of all believers  when he writes, “…We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence.” (2 Corinthians 4:14) This reminds us of his letter to the Thessalonians when he said,  ^“We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

What we find is Paul telling believers that because of the resurrection of Christ and the promise of our own resurrection and an eternity in the Lord’s presence, that it provides perspective for this life. We understand that this world is temporary, heaven is eternal. There is turmoil and the decline of our mortal bodies, but we look to a time when our bodies will be changed and we will have a “heavenly body.” While we don’t know or understand what all of the entails, Paul says the important thing to remember is,  ^“God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.” (2 Corinthians 5:5)

As a  result, “we live by faith, not by sight” And when we place our faith in Christ and the future He has promised and has in store for us it gives us courage to face discouraging situations. It gives us perspective and hope that is needed to make sense out of a life that often doesn’t make sense. Regardless of the struggles and challenges of this life we have a future that will out weigh them all.

As I have been in my physical recovery process, I find that many of the issues that were so critical and the challenges that loomed so large are now a distant memory. Restless days, uncertain days, days of pain or discouragement are now in the rear-view mirror as I journey onward in life. I believe that is what it will be like when we are loosed from the chains of this life and ushered into the Lord’s presence. We don’t focus on the temporal, but the eternal, we don’t focus on alone what we can see with human eyes, but what we know is our destiny through “eyes of faith.” And that gives us courage to face tomorrow.

My outdoor work day on Saturday made me more tired than I expected. I slept well last night and needed a nap after coming home from church today. We are enjoying another beautiful day, just a little windy. I will get back to more of a normal routine this next week, as I continue to focus on some of my yard work.

Last weekend when we were in Atlanta, grandson Mason wanted to try on grandpa’s glasses and McKenzie was trying out my shoes. Neither one of them fit, but made for “cute pictures.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When King Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and burned up the sacrifices that had been offered, and the dazzling light of the Lord‘s presence filled the Temple.  Because the Temple was full of the dazzling light, the priests could not enter it. When the people of Israel saw the fire fall from heaven and the light fill the Temple, they fell face downward on the pavement, worshiping God and praising him for his goodness and his eternal love.”  2 Chronicles 7:1-3

As Solomon dedicated the Temple in prayer, he focuses on the “promise keeping God.” He declared how the Lord made and kept His promise to David about the Temple and his son Solomon beginning a family dynasty that would never end.

Solomon recognized that the “God of Creation” could not be contained in a building, but it would be a symbol of God’s majesty and power. When Solomon finished His prayer, God showed up. He did so in a way that has never been experienced since the Children of Israel saw His glory over Mount Sinai. Fire consumes the sacrifice and the brilliance of God’s glory fills the temple; the priests could not enter and the people bowed in worship to the Lord.

When I look at this picture, I think of the Biblical declaration that “God is light.” (1 John 1:5)  That God dwells in “unapproachable light.” (1 Timothy 6:16)

When we are faced with the glory of God, only one response is appropriate. The people fell on their faces and worshiped the Lord. Often times we will say or think, “when I get to heaven I want to ask God or I want God to explain____________.” When I look at these verses and the description in Revelation, I think there will be no asking and lot of falling on faces and worship.

But we can’t overlook the worship response to the brilliance of God’s glory. You would think the natural response would be that which we see in Revelation, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty!” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8) Perhaps that happened but what is recorded is that the people were  “praising him for his goodness and his eternal love.” I believe it is notable that a God who demonstrates that much power is worshiped for His goodness and love. Those are the character qualities through which  God primarily deals with His people.:

Finally when I look at Solomon’s prayer, I think of Jesus words as He cleared the Temple courts during His ministry and declared, “my House shall be a House of Prayer for all nations.” (Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:7)

During Solomon’s prayer, he focused on God answering the prayers of people who pray toward the Temple.  He mentions when, “people are accused of wronging others….when your people are defeated by enemies because they sinned…when you hold back rain, because of sin…when there is a famine of epidemic in the land… listen to their prayers. If any of your people Israel, out of heartfelt sorrow, stretch out their hands in prayer toward this Temple…. hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven and forgive them.” (2 Chronicles 6:22-31)

He continues and includes all people,  “When foreigners who live in a distant land hear how great and powerful you are and how you are always ready to act, and then they come to pray at this Temple, listen to their prayers…”  (2 Chronicles 6:32-34)

When Solomon finished praying about people praying to the Lord and seeking Him, He show up! And we can be confident today that when submit our lives to the Lord and seeking Him, He will show up! It won’t be with fire and the brilliance of His appearing, but He will hear and answer prayer and make Himself known.

We enjoyed a beautiful day today. After attending the monthly “Allies” Men’s breakfast this morning I began to focus on some outdoor work, before moving to other tasks. But the “other tasks” never came about. But it was a good day of outside activity. It won’t be long before planting a garden in on the agenda. Outside of the aerobic activity, my outdoor work is good therapy.

Last night we enjoyed dinner at Jerry and Virginia Pippen’s. Rich and Becky Dixon were with us as well. We enjoyed the meal and our evening together. Virginia’s pie lived up to its reputation, Jerry played the piano and Rich shared some of his story about overcoming a spinal cord injury to become a long distance cyclist. (see www.richsride.org)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 GNT

The message of the Old Testament prophets was not just focused on condemnation and calls to repentance. We see in their words the Lord speaking of a day of redemption and restoration. The verse above is found in one of those passages. The wording from the Good News Translation is different than most translations. If you are familiar with this verse you will more likely recall this wording: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)

We can certainly understand that when our mind is fixed on the Lord, our purpose will be firm and focused. It gives direction and meaning to our life. Outside of a God-centered, Biblical-worldview I’m not sure how someone lives life with meaning and a sense of destiny.

We realize that there are all types of assaults against experiencing consistent peace in our lives. The issues were even more extreme in Isaiah’s day. Enemies armies may be surrounding the city. Plagues and famines seemed all to common. The loss of life was a continual reality daily facing God’s people. There was great uncertainty about the future. All of the issue that create worry, concern and even panic draw our minds away from the Lord and to the issues that confront us. The only real solution is a steadfast trust in the Lord, and a mind that is directed away from the worries of life and is focused on the Lord and His promises.

We find another parallel in the New Testament in the words of Paul to the Philippians. He helps us to understand what it means to have our “minds focused on the Lord.” He says, “…fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.  Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

First Century Christians faced real threats that would captivate their minds and rob them of peace. Paul’s advice is to have an “upward” perspective. To fill your mind with qualities that promote God’s peace. When we look at this list, we can readily see that everywhere we turn in our world, whether it is the news, daily life, family, modern media; what we are confronted with is exactly the opposite of these virtues.

This calls us to be focused and intentional. As Paul wrote the Corinthians, we have to “take thoughts captive and bring them into obedience to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)  As we do this it does become easier to put God’s principles for living into practice. And when we do that, we experience God’s peace and God’s presence.

Old Testament, New Testament, today; we face issues of life that make a sense of peace illusive. But God’s peace and God’s presence are available to us. The “age-old” challenge, is confronted with the “age-old” solution…keep your minds on the Lord, live according to His purpose, trust with with your life and the concerns of life and He will keep you in perfect peace.

I got out early today to begin some yard work. This morning, my brother and mother came to visit. We went to lunch at “The Lodge” in Old Town Fort Collins. My brother and I shared their signature “Sasquatch” sandwich. It is a half pound hamburger with bacon and crispy onions between two grilled cheese sandwiches! After that lunch and some more work back a home, I was ready for a nap. Fitness center tomorrow!

During their visit my brother received a call from his daughter Kate, who had just received word that she has been accepted for an occupational therapy internship at Saint Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. We have been praying for a Colorado internship to work out for her. Thanks to my sister, Nathalee who works for Centura Health for facilitating some connections. Kate has completed her course work for her masters degree from San Jose State University in California.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…Plow new ground for yourselves, plant righteousness, and reap the blessings that your devotion to me will produce. It is time for you to turn to me, your Lord, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you.”  Hosea 10:12

God through His prophet is calling His people is calling them back to Himself. The agricultural imagery is very vivid. It speaks of a fresh start (“new ground”) A focus on the proper priorities (“plant righteousness”) and securing the results that will change the quality of your life. (“reap blessings”)

My wife often refers to the priorities that bring about changes in a person’s life as, “they need new friends and a new playpen.” It is what the prophet of God is addressing with His people in getting them back on track with God. A new environment, a new focus and a devotion that will result in receiving God’s blessing.

However, once again we see in the verses that follow, a disheartening response. “But instead you planted evil and reaped its harvest. You have eaten the fruit produced by your lies.” (Hosea 10:13) The direction of our life and the character of our life impacts the quality of our life. God called His people to renewed devotion. They instead seemed to persist in living life on their terms and reaped the results.

The New Testament parallel to these verses is found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians,  “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7,8)

If you are frustrated with what your life is producing, it might be good to take a look at what you are planting. The Lord is patient and merciful and His invitation today is the same and as meaningful as it was to God’s people in Hosea’s day, ” It is time for you to turn to me, your Lord, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you.” 

The Lord’s message through Isaiah is encouraging as well.  “…If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” (Isaiah 30:21 GNT) You don’t need to worry about the path to travel, just turn to the Lord, and He will enable you to find the way, He will get you “on track” and you will receive the blessings that result in walking in His ways.

I am thankful for sunshine today. Getting caught up on rest and the sun can make a big difference in your perspective about life. Today, I attended the final “Primetimers” banquet at Timberline Church. Special guests were Christian musicians Don and Wendy Francisco. Don has been part of the Christian music industry for 40 years and is best know for his song, “He’s Alive.”

I didn’t get my fitness center work out in today, but I did make a trip to Home Depot to get some things that I need for the lawn. It is that time of the year and I’m looking forward to being outside more.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. The people say, “Let’s return to the Lord! He has hurt us, but he will be sure to heal us; he has wounded us, but he will bandage our wounds, won’t he?  In two or three days he will revive us, and we will live in his presence.  Let us try to know the Lord. He will come to us as surely as the day dawns, as surely as the spring rains fall upon the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3

These verse offer words of repentance, hope and restoration. God’s people had been overwhelmed in their idolatry with confusion and twisted thinking. They had received the fruit of what they had sown and were recognizing it as such.

It is always right to have an attitude and a desire to return to the Lord, when our ways have gone in the wrong direction. We have the assurance that the Lord stands ready to freely pardon. In the verses above the people recognize that they have been wounded by their disobedience, but had confidence in the Lord’s healing.  When restoration comes, so does  God’s presence, and where God’s presence dwells there is provision and protection.

But the Lord who freely welcomes and pardons also knows our hearts. He knows the depth or lack of our sincerity. In this passage we find one of those prophetic contrasts of “the people say” followed by “the Lord says.” While words appear right the Lord speaks and addresses their habitual lack of genuineness. He says, “Your love for me disappears as quickly as morning mist; it is like dew, that vanishes early in the day.” (Hosea 6:4)  As the Lord continues to speak, we find words that remind us of Samuel’s words to Saul, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Here the Lords says,  “I want your constant love, not your animal sacrifices. I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me.” (Hosea 6:6)

This is a powerful revelation of the “relational” God that we serve. Ritual without relationship is rebellion in God’s eyes. We may fool ourselves, but we don’t fool  God. He wants our love, He wants our hearts, He wants us to come and “learn of Him.”

The Lord is willing to redeem, heal and restore. The Prophet Isaiah spoke of a time like this, “…streams of water will flow from every mountain and every hill. The moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter than usual, like the light of seven days in one. This will all happen when the Lord bandages and heals the wounds he has given his people.” (Isaiah 30:26)

God’s people spoke words of truth. Words of truth about themselves and the Lord. What is important is a “heartfelt response” or genuine repentance. That is reflected in not just correcting behavior, but having a different view and attitude toward the behavior your are turning away from.

That is what the Lord spoke through Jeremiah, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore…” (Jeremiah 29:13)

That is why Paul wrote the the Romans and reminded them of the priorities that lead to relationship with Christ, “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:10)

Mean what you say and receive what you don’t deserve.

Today has seemed to be a day or recovery. It was for Debbie’s computer and cell phone. Debbie’s computer was dumped out of the security bin at DIA and would not reboot. In the recovery process we lost our Microsoft programs. Debbie also had to replace her cord to charge her cell phone, so that presented a challenge for her to get back into action with work.

It has been somewhat of a “tired” kind of day for me. But we did have an intense travel day yesterday and late arrival home. Although I didn’t do a fitness center workout in Atlanta, navigating the steps gave me some good exercise, along with trying to play basketball and baseball with the grandsons.

It did get in a short workout today at 24 Hour Fitness. It was interesting a gentleman that I haven’t seen before inquired about the cause of my disability. After I explained, he said, “you have a good attitude, you must be a Christian with strong faith.” He had been through hip replacement so was sympathetic with the rehab process.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… This, now, is what the Sovereign Lord says: “I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, ‘Faith that is firm is also patient.’  Isaiah 28:16 (GNT)

Outside of reading tombstones, one of my interests is what is written on the cornerstone of a building. Often it may be just the date that it was laid, and the name of some officials; but sometimes a more meaningful phrase can be found. The cornerstone is important, because it is the first stone laid on the foundation and it is the stone from which the building finds its anchor and point of origin.

As I read this verse this morning it caught my attention; most certainly the declaration, “faith that is firm is also patient.” But the context and imagery for this statement gives it special significance. As Isaiah spoke these words the security of Zion was anything but firm and strong and certain. The faith of God’s chosen people was watered down and hijacked by the gods of the surrounding nations. Both Israel and Judah would face God’s judgment through being conquered by enemy nations.

But the Lord through His prophet spoke of a brighter day and a stronger future. This pronouncement comes from the “sovereign Lord.” This is the God of all nations who know that beginning from the end. He is the one who sets up kingdoms and brings them down. He is the one who when He speaks you can count on His word coming to pass.

The foundation the sovereign Lord will establish will be firm and strong. It will not easily shaken or destroyed. It will serve the purpose of supporting the structure that will hold the Temple of the Lord God. When we were touring Israel in the year 2000, I recall viewing underground on the Temple site, the largest single “brick” that has ever been discovered. This massive stone has been in place of centuries and forms an unshakeable foundation.

In addition to a strong foundation is a solid and sure cornerstone. In the prophet’s day cornerstones were integral parts of the building and not just “monuments” inserted into the structure. Next to the solid foundation, this stone was of great importance. And at this point of origins are the words, “faith that is firm is also patient.”

It you want a starting point for building a life that will endure and make a difference; build it from the vantage point of a “faith that is firm…” Paul the Apostle wrote to the Corinthians and said, “…stand firm. Let nothing move you…”   (1 Corinthians 15:58) The reality is that there are people, circumstances, philosophies in our culture, the trials of life that will assault and shake our faith.

But a strong faith is a patient faith. It is easy to feel that “faith” is a formula or a quick faith. Faith is a foundation, it is a cornerstone for a stable, well-built life. A firm faith is needed as we draw closer to Christ’s return. The Apostle James said, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)

In a day when faith can be shaken. When there are those who lose faith, or “walk away” from their faith; let me encourage you to be have a firm faith in the sovereign God. Allow that firm faith to reflect patience. Patience in the face of the challenges of life and the assault of those who find it easier to tear down instead of build up. As you do, you will have a life, a “temple of the Holy Spirit” that will stand the storms and the attacks. And when the smoke of the conflict clears, when the storm clouds dissipate,  it will be seen standing strong a testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness and a beacon of hope for others. “Faith that is firm is also patient.”

We arrived home from Atlanta in time to join my family at White Fence Farm in Lakewood to celebrate my mom’s 90^th birthday, which was today. My brother was able to come from California for the event. (Picture of my brother, sister, mom and me)

I wrote this blog on my mini-pad on the way home which was a challenge. No I wasn’t driving, but between bumps in the road and the dark, it was a new challenge. But it did make the trip home go faster.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.  1 Chronicles 10:13,14

As I have been reading through 1 Chronicles, I was struck with this final assessment of the life of King Saul. He was Israel’s first King, but his leadership and kingdom was plagued with wars and challenges.

Saul’s life ended on the battlefield along with three of his sons. For many it would appear as death in the midst of terrible defeat. However,  the Biblical record is that he died because of being unfaithful to the Lord. The verses above detail the spiritual failures of Saul. No mention is made of military victories. No mention of political achievements. No reference to accumulated wealth.

How do you want your life summarized when it comes to an end? What will others say of you? What will be the Lord’s assessment?

What these verses reveal is there may be a different verdict at the end of life than what is seen on the surface or the events may have a meaning beyond what seems obvious from a human perspective.

Perhaps all of this is unique to Saul. It is at least nice to think so. At any rate, I believe there is a challenge for us from the life of Paul the Apostle who, made it his “aim to please the Lord.”  And whose desire was that after preaching to others he would not be disqualified for the prize.

If nothing else, we can see that these areas of downfall for Saul mattered to God and they should matter to us too.