Last night a made a trip to Denver to check on my mother, who had been taken to the hospital. We spent several hours in the emergency room before she was released to come home. Everything checkout pretty good, but her blood pressure was consistently running high. I spent the night with her and the we went out for breakfast and attended church this morning. I tried to help on a few thing around the house before retuning to Fort Collins this afternoon. Overall, it was a good visit. I told her I would return in a couple of days to check on her.

Tomorrow I have a couple of medical appointments. I begin my 90 treatment plan with my Chiropractor. I also have an appointment with my primary care physician.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need or yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

As I was attending church with my mothers this morning, the guest missionary’s wife made reference to God being “more than enough” in His provisions for His people. We serve a God of endless resources, who delights in providing for us all that we need…and more!

Consider the resources you have at your disposal or those that have been provided to you. Sometimes, it is adequate, just enough, sometimes not quite enough; and yes sometimes “more than enough.”

As we place our trust and faith in the Lord for every circumstance and need, we will find Him to be the Lord who supplies, “more than enough.” More than enough forgiveness, favor, comfort, finances, peace, blessings and more.

Jesus words, in explaining the master’s response to the faithful “ten-talent” steward said, “For to every person who has something, even more will be given, and he will have more than enough…” (Matthew 25:29) In this parable the person who “had something” was the steward who had been faithful and multiplied what the master had given him.

As the Lord sent Joesph ahead of his family to Egypt to spare them in a time of famine, the Pharaoh told Joesph, “I will give them the best land in Egypt, and they will have more than enough to live on.” (Genesis 45:18) We see how the Lord sometimes, (actually more often than not) provides for us through others. Even those who don’t acknowledge Him as Lord.

Debbie and I have experienced that in our lives as people, friends and acquaintances from various contexts and some who just heard our need, have demonstrated overwhelming support to us during my health crisis. What a blessing to receive so much, from so many, in so many ways.

The Apostle Paul received support from the church in Philippi and this is what he said, “Here, then, is my receipt for everything you have given me—and it has been more than enough!”  (Philippians 4:18)

When we consider the great expression of confidence from Paul when he wrote,  “…my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) We realize that he is talking about the “more than enough” God.

We can look into scripture and see words like,“abundance” – “lavish” – “over flow” and others that describe the extent to which the Lord provides for and meets the needs of His people. So today, whatever your need, whatever your situation; entrust your life and place your confidence in the Lord who is “more than enough.”

This morning we took the grand kids to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for a stroke awareness event. It was their first time to the hospital when grandpa wasn’t a patient. It was good to see many of the staff members from my time as an resident patient and outpatient. One of those was Danielle, the nutritionist, who watch over my care during my time in acute care as well as in the rehab side of the hospital.

After that event and some rest (at least for me) and lunch, we headed to our neighborhood swimming pool for the first time this season.

I did receive a call from my sister about a health crisis with my mother. So, it looks like I will head to Denver, while Debbie takes care of the grand kids and waits for Christian and Bridget to arrive.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then they will know that I am the Lord.”  Ezekiel 36:38

As Ezekiel speaks God’s word of judgment and redemption, the prophetic emphasis that is most often found is, “then they will know that I am the Lord.” As a matter of fact it is found fifty times in the book.

We see it in prophetic words of judgment, such as:

“They will know then that I am the Lord, I did not threaten in vain to bring this calamity on them.”  Ezekiel 6:10

“Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the detestable things they have done.” Ezekiel 33:39

We see it in prophetic words of restoration, such as:

“They will know that I am the Lord, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind.”  Ezekiel 39:28

“….I will show all the nations that I am great and that I am holy. They will know then that I am the Lord.”              Ezekiel 38:23

Throughout the time of the history of God’s people; the Lord consistently and miraculously revealed Himself to His people. He did it in the lives of the patriarch’s; He did so in the judgments against the gods of Egypt during the exodus; He did it in the victories over enemies and the provisions in the wilderness to bring them to the promised land.

Yet for all that, the allurement of other “gods” and rebellion against the Lord became the plague of generations until the Lord allowed nations more wicked than they were to take Israel and Judah into captivity. God used this time of captivity to get their attention and then restore them to their land.

He once again revealed His power and sovereign rule over nations, to accomplish His purposes for His people. It was all so that they would realize that, “He was the Lord” and that they would serve Him from pure hearts of devotion. The words of Elijah ring throughout time, “If the LORD is God, follow him..” (1 Kings 18:21)

God’s people fell into the mindset of many today. That is one in which they viewed the Lord from a perspective of idolatry, with the attitude, “what have you done for me today?!” The attitude is one that views people as the highest order and those to be served. But throughout time the Lord God shows Himself as the sovereign Lord over all nations and people. His ways are beyond comprehending, and He is to be worshiped, followed and obeyed.

Embracing “God as the Lord” of your life brings comfort in times of trouble and confidence for living life in times of uncertainty. He doesn’t change, nothing takes Him by surprise and He knows you and your future.

After attending the monthly breakfast for Timberline seniors, I made a trip to Denver. It was good to have lunch with my friends Larry and Jay Belvill and Ron Watt and visit my dear friend Vila Mae. Jay’s sister Linda had also come from the western slope to visit mom.

I then picked up our three grand kids in Lakewood to come to Fort Collins for an overnight stay while their parents attended a staff retreat. We stopped by my mother’s house and she enjoyed seeing the great-grand kids. Our return trip started out later than we expected, but made it back to Fort Collins in reasonable time with sleeping kids and a tired grandpa.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If an evil person stops doing evil, he won’t be punished, and if a good man starts sinning, his life will not be spared.…your people say that what I do isn’t right! No, it’s their way that isn’t right….I am going to judge you by what you do.” Ezekiel 33:12,17,20

Twice in the Book of Ezekiel we find the Lord calling Ezekiel as a “lookout” (watchman) to warn people of coming judgment. He uses the analogy of a sentry  who stands guard on the city walls and look for invading forces and then sounds the alarm so people can take action and save themselves. In like fashion, Ezekiel was called to be a spiritual sentry to warn people of the Lord’s coming judgment.

In the context of the warning and individual responsibility for action, the Lord says, those who turn from evil will be saved and those who turn from good to evil will be lost. The past bad will not be counted against them, and the good will not be “credited” to their “account” if they turn to a life of evil.

What we see at the basis of these responses is, “…I, the Sovereign Lord, am the living God, I do not enjoy seeing sinners die. I would rather see them stop sinning and live. Israel, stop the evil you are doing. Why do you want to die?”  Ezekiel 33:11

The issue is, “where will you be when the time of judgment comes?” Jesus put forth this question, “…when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” (Luke 18:8) This becomes the critical question because on “this side of the cross” scripture declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)

Two parables of Jesus give some perspective to God’s heart and His “unfair” justice.  One is the “Parable of the Two Sons.”

There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the older one and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ ‘I don’t want to,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.  Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. ‘Yes, sir,’ he answered, but he did not go.  Which one of the two did what his father wanted?” (Matthew 21:28-31) We see that it is our actions, not our words that reveal our heart.

The other parable is the Parable of the “Workers in the Vineyard.”

Once there was a man who went out early in the morning to hire some men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them the regular wage, a silver coin a day, and sent them to work in his vineyard.  He went out again to the marketplace at nine o’clock…Then at twelve o’clock and again at three o’clock he did the same thing…. “When evening came, the owner told his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with those who were hired last and ending with those who were hired first.’  (Matthew 20:1-10)

Each were given the promised silver coin. Those who had worked the entire day complained about those who had only worked a few hours receiving the same wage. The owner of the vineyard asked, “…are you jealous because I am generous?’”

The Lord who is “rich in mercy” freely bestows His grace and mercy on those who respond to Him. We don’t always understand the ways of the Lord, but we can always to thankful for the ways of the Lord. That applies to our own lives and those to whom the Lord calls us to serve as a “watchman” sounding a warning and encouraging them to find life.

We had another good day today. I was able to get out and plant my garden. I was actually surprise how hard some of the soil was in some spots. This is the first garden I have planted in about 20 years. We will see how it goes.

I did attend a lunch with some minister friends. It was the last monthly meeting of this kind until next fall. It is always good to connect with friends that I don’t have a chance to see too often.

My day ended with another trip to the Chiropractor and getting a review of a treatment plan for the next 90 days. I believe this something can really help.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But even now,” says the Lord, “repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning. Let your broken heart show your sorrow……Come back to the Lord your God. He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish.”                  Joel 2:12,13

I have come to be more aware of the Lord’s long suffering, mercy, grace and forgiveness than anytime in my life. Being “near death” and spending a few months on your back in a hospital looking up to the ceiling provides an opportunity to reassess and evaluate life. What you believe about yourself, what you believe about the Lord.

However, God’s holiness and righteousness does call for action and judgment. Judgment delayed, doesn’t mean judgment avoided if we don’t turn to the Lord. The  Bible is clear about a judgment day. We see “that day” is referred to in the Old Testament as the “Day of the Lord.” Here is how Joel describes it, “The day of the Lord is coming soon.
It will be a dark and gloomy day, a black and cloudy day.…like darkness spreading over the mountains. There has never been anything like it, and there never will be again.“ (Joel 2:2) The “Day of the Lord” is described as “great and terrible.” (Joel 2:31) It is a day when all creation is thrown into chaos, bringing fear on all who live.

The Bible records these words as warnings, to help us understand the ways of the Lord and to see these predictions of coming judgment as “warning signs” on the road of life. Have you ever ignored a sign the read, “Dead End” or “No Outlet.” I have! I have always found the signs are correct and I waste time and effort and come to the verge of risking my life by ignoring them. Those warnings signs are there to get our attention and for us to change our course.

That is why in the midst of prophecies about coming judgment and the “wrath of God” – There are pleas to repent (change direction) and return to the Lord and experience His forgiveness and life. Joel says, “…He is always ready to forgive.” That is amazing love and grace. But to experience it, the warning signs must not be ignored.

Consider these verses with the signs of the end and the opportunity to turn to the Lord….

“I will give warnings of that day in the sky and on the earth; there will be bloodshed, fire, and clouds of smoke.
 The sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn red as blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
But all who ask the Lord for help will be saved.”  (Joel 2:30-32)

It is never too late, but a response is necessary before it is too late. That is why Scripture says, “…today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Keep your heart always open to the Lord and discover the gracious God who, yes, one day will bring judgment, but “is always ready to forgive and not punish.”   

We had good weather today. With warm temperatures tomorrow, I may be able to get some of my garden planted. I had another appointment with my chiropractor today and I believe getting my skeletal system in alignment will facilitate some of the nerve regeneration that needs to take place.

I did get out for a late afternoon ride on my bike. Before that I took the dog for a walk and took some pictures or our neighborhood lake. All the recent rain has it at capacity, but it makes for a nice setting. You can see many of the “willows” of  the Willow Springs community.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be joyful always, pray at all times,  be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When I read this verse from the Apostle Paul, I think of Micah 6:8 “….Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.”

When it comes to what the Lord desires for us and from us, the list is fairly small. Even the commandments are summarized in two basic admonitions. “Love the Lord you God with heart, soul, mind and strength….love your neighbor as yourself.” John the Apostle said, “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.“ (1 John 5:3)

During Jesus ministry, He was challenging the Pharisees about their hundreds of rules and regulations that were the source of pride and judgment, while calling people into relationship with Himself and the Father. A relationship based on forgiveness, love, and faith. Jesus’ desire is for us to know Him as the one whose, “burden is light.” His greater desire is for us to experience what He has for us, more than what He wants from us.

When we look at our verse for today, we see three basic concepts of joy, communication with the Lord (prayer) and thankfulness.” I am attracted to these verses because they are to serve as the guide for all of our life, in all circumstances of our life.

We relate “joy” and “thankfulness” to our life when life is well. We view “prayer” as being more fervent and consistent when life is filled challenges. However, these aspects of our life are to be a part of our life in all circumstances. Paul communicates that when he says we are to “thankful in all circumstances.” But it comes across as well when we are to joyful “always” when we are to pray “at all times.”

How can this be? Remember, “joy” is not a sense of happiness or being “giddy” about life. It is not a manic condition; it is a deep settled peace that comes from our faith and confidence in the Lord. “Prayer” is important in all situations and circumstances. When we are glad as well as when we are sad. Since prayer is our communication with the Lord, it is important that we cultivate our relationship with the Lord on a daily basis, not just out of our own sense of need. Remember the words of the old hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour”?

Finally, we can be “thankful in all circumstances.” We don’t have to be thankful for all circumstances, but we can have confidence that regardless of where the path of life leads the Lord is with us. And that alone gives us something to give thanks for.

When I share my story, about my illness and hospitalization and on-going recovery, people comment about my positive outlook and attitude. I realize that is not something that is possible in myself. People have prayed for me and I have faith and confidence in the Lord for His plan for my life. But it is important to note Paul says, God’s desire for our life is an out growth of our, “union with Christ.” Outside of Christ you won’t and can’t be joyful and thankful and persistent in prayer. I’m thankful that the Lord enables us to live the life He wants for us, as we simply place our faith and confidence in Him.

We had a nice morning with some sunshine and warmer temps. I attended the Tuesday morning prayer meeting at Everyday Joes and then came home to connect with Alan Kee who is going to be doing some work for us in our basement.

I have actually fought a level of fatigue. So, I continue to learn how to manage and judge what I can do and when. I was after a rest able to get out and ride my recumbent bike for the first time in a couple of weeks. I than had a chiropractor appointment, as I continue my health and physical recovery treatment.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives.”                    1 Thessalonians 2:4

I often find myself reading in the the Old Testament and New Testament at the same time. It is important that we guard against being New Testament believers with an “Old Testament” mindset or view of God. In the Old Testament the idolatry of God’s people confused them about God’s character and God’s ways. Idols are deities that are to be appeased to gain their favor and avoid their wrath. But the Lord is one we are to seek to please because “…the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
There is much in scripture about “pleasing God” and it makes for a good on-going study. But for this brief discussion I note in Paul’s words that…

Pleasing God is a choice. As the Lord’s apostle Paul realized he had an obligation to the Lord. His commitment and loyalty to the Lord provided the motivation for his life and ministry. So he makes it clear that his desire is to please God over people. That can often place us in challenging situations when we are confronted with that choice. It is important for us to choose to please God, over pleasing ourselves. Paul told the Romans, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1) Spiritual maturity is reflected in the ability to lay aside the impulse to “please ourselves.”

Pleasing God requires faith. “…without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We come to God in faith, we live by faith, we pray in faith. Our faith not only gives us confidence that God exists, but that He is a “rewarder” of those who seek Him.

Pleasing God requires us to be open.  “Learn as you go along what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10) In a relationship, you learn how to please someone. That is how we should view our relationship with the Lord. Our desire out of love for the Lord should be to please the Lord. That means learning, listening, obeying.

Pleasing God is the path to peace.  “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Pleasing speaks of relationship and security. Appeasement speaks of fear and insecurity. The Lord knows our hearts and is able to guide us into paths of righteousness and relationship so that we can faithfully serve and please the Lord.

As I write this afternoon the rain is coming down again. We have had a nice day today with sunshine in the morning. I was able to get out a get a little work done in the yard. It was good to have Spence Swalm come to Fort Collins for another visit. We enjoyed lunch together and an opportunity to reconnect after a few months since his last visit. Spencer has been a great encouragement over the past two years and has taken the opportunity to drive from Centennial to Fort Collins to check up on me and for us to get caught up.

As we come to another Memorial Day, we pause and reflect on those who have fought for our freedoms and for other loved ones who have passed from this life. During this time I recall the service of my father-in-law Elmer Kercher during World War II. This experience is such an integral part of my in-laws story. They were married just a few days before Elmer headed off to basic training and then to Europe as part of the Seventh Calvary unity of the US Army.

During the chapel service yesterday, I shared about “Living a Life of Honor.”  Below is a summary of some of my thoughts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Prov. 22:1  “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:7

On Memorial Day we recognize and “honor” those who have fought for and died in the cause of freedom over the years of our nation’s history. It is also a time when we remember loved ones who have passed from this life.

The concept of “honor” is two-fold.

1- It speaks of living a life of integrity. It has to do with upholding a standard and living according to a code of conduct. Honor historically, is viewed as something that is lived in the context of relationship and commitment to others and a cause greater than ourselves. We speak of “honoring” a contract, or “honoring” our word. When the Psalmist describes the person of integrity that the Lord honors he refers to these traits.

 “…who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn’t insult a neighbor; someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the Lord; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts…” Psalm 15:3-5

 2 – It speaks of bestowing recognition, respect and dignity on someone. This can be for the life they have lived or a service they have performed. It shows that you prize and value relationship with someone. In this context is “honor” means, “regard with great respect.”

Thomas Carlyle once said,  “Show me the person you honor and I will know what kind of person you are.” I also like Mark Twain’s perspective,  “It is better to be overlooked for an honor, than to have an honor you don’t deserve.”

This is why it is fitting and proper to “remember and reflect” on lives that have faithfully served our country as well as lives that have made an impact on us and who we have been in relationship with.

This is why “memorial” services are an important aspect of life and death. What is important is not what a person feels about themselves, but others having the opportunity to recognize their life and influence.  Remember, all of us regardless of our station in life, impact others far more deeply than we imagine.

What is a life of honor?

1 – A life of honor is not  life of perfection. But it is a commitment to a direction and values in life that win the respect of others and honors the Lord. Life has its ups and downs; its challenges and trials. Living a life that deserves respect demonstrates a commitment and leaves an example on how to make “mid-life” (or “end of life”) corrections.

2- It is a life of wisdom…..”Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor.” Prov. 3:16

3-A life of honor is one that “honors” the Lord.  The Lord spoke through the prophet and asked, “….where is my honor? If I am a master, where is my respect? – Malachi 1:6  Solomon said,  “To honor the Lord is to hate evil;” Prov. 8:13  He also said, that obedience is the path to honor. “Obey the Lord, be humble, and you will get riches, honor, and a long life.” Prov. 22:4

We honor the Lord by living a life of trust and receiving forgiveness and strength for each day and for each stage of our life. We honor the Lord with our praise…through recognizing Him in our daily lives.

John III Sobieski, King of Poland in the late 17th century, is best remembered as the man who led a charge that broke the seige of the Turks against Vienna. His rescue of Vienna is considered one of the decisive battles in European history. In announcing his great victory the king paraphrased the famous words of Caesar by saying simply, “I came; I saw; God conquered.”

Heaven is filled with praise and honor to the Lord. As John, sees in to heaven this is what he hears. “Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life.”    Revelation 4:11

Remember, Living a life of honor, leads to being honored…and the path to a life of honor begins with honoring the Lord.   On this day I recall the life of my father-in-law and others who served their country well and honored the Lord with their life.

This morning I spoke at a chapel service at a local assisted living facility. They have a great theater where the service takes place. I did get me message in within the fifteen minute target, which I thought was an accomplishment. I then attended the last service at Timberline Church before coming home to mow the grass.

The sun was actually out this morning which was a good start to the day. But we have had some rain off and on through the day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “Listen to us, O God; look at us and see the trouble we are in and the suffering of the city that bears your name. We are praying to you because you are merciful, not because we have done right.  Lord, hear us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! In order that everyone will know that you are God, do not delay!”   Daniel 9:18,19

Daniel receives some dramatic and troubling visions about what is going to take place in the future. His response is to turn to the Lord in prayer, repentance and imploring the Lord to intervene. The entirety of Daniel’s prayer that beings in verse four contains some important guidelines in seeking the Lord in times of distress.

Daniel begins with worship: giving recognition and honor to the Lord for who He is what He does. “Lord God, you are great, and we honor you. You are faithful to your covenant and show constant love to those who love you and do what you command.“ (Daniel 9:4)

Daniel contrasts the rebellion of people and the righteousness of the Lord. “We have sinned, we have been evil, we have done wrong. We have rejected what you commanded us to do and have turned away from what you showed us was right.  We have not listened to your servants the prophets…You, Lord, always do what is right, but we have always brought disgrace on ourselves.”   Daniel 9:5,6

God’s people had not only “done” wrong, they made it a lifestyle. Their rebellion was reflected in ignoring the words of the Lord from the prophets. Daniel recognizes the sin of God’s people over the generations, but affirms how the Lord is consistent in His ways.

Daniel reminds the Lord of His mercy and power of deliverance in the past. “O Lord our God, you showed your power by bringing your people out of Egypt, and your power is still remembered...” Daniel 9:15

Daniel implores the Lord to hear and act. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! Daniel 9:18

What we can remember is that regardless of our circumstances or trouble we can turn to the Lord with confidence in the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness to act according to His character and mercy. We approach the Lord not based on our worthiness, but the Lord’s faithfulness and love.

Daniel learned from an angelic visit, how much the Lord is aware of our cries. The angel Gabriel appears and tells him:  “When you began to plead with God, he answered you…”  Daniel 9:23

We usually don’t have angels giving us reassurance, but we have God’s Word that let’s us know that when we cry…He hears; when we plead…He answers. Whatever your situation. Whether issues have been cause by your own sin or the  sin of others or neither; seek the Lord and know that He hears, listens, forgives and acts.