Today I had a much better day. In reality, yesterday and last night was fairly rough and even this morning, I wasn’t quite “up to par.” 

So, we rested the morning in preparation for Mason’s baseball tournament this afternoon. Stephanie did a good job making sure I kept as cool and hydrated as possible. I did much better today than yesterday.

Mason’s team won the tournament and all the players received individual trophies. Mason played well and his team won by a “run rule” in every game they played. I return to Colorado late tomorrow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “….I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God….They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them…”  (Revelation 20:4-6)

One of the interesting aspects of Revelation and the final judgment is the reference to two different resurrections and the “second death.”

Paul in writing to the Thessalonians, tells of the return of Christ  and says, “…the dead in Christ shall rise first, to meet The Lord in the air…and so shall we ever be with The Lord…” (1 Thess. 4:16)

In Revelation, John says, those killed for their faith are raised to life, to rule and reign with Christ for 1,000 years. This is the first resurrection. The second resurrection is when all those who have rejected Christ. They will appear before the “white throne judgment.” 

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.” (Rev. 20:11-13)

What is notable about this second resurrection, is people are judged on the basis of their own criteria. People often say, “I have lived as good life and that should be good enough for God.” It is at this moment, they find their “best” does not meet God’s righteous standard.

These so judged, experience the “second death” which is described as eternity in the “lake of fire.”  The good news for those who place their faith in Christ this “second death” is not what they need to fear.  “The second death has no power over them…”

Everyone will experience a “resurrection.” For those who place their faith ion Christ, it results in eternal life and honor. For those who refuse to receive God’s gift of life, they receive the consequences of their own actions and choices.

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.”  (Daniel 12:1-3)

“The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”  (John 5:28-30)

The Bible is clear from the Old Testament to the New Testament concerning God’s desire and the future for all people. The call goes out today, just as it did thousands of years ago, “choose life!” And as you make that choice encourage and help as many as possible to make that same decision. It matters now, and for eternity.

We were up early to head off to Mason’s baseball game. His team won both of their games, scoring 20 runs in each game. This should place them as the top seed to tomorrow’s tournament.

Outside of that, it was rest for me. I am taking care of the grand kids as Nathan and Stephanie attend a wedding.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure….”  (Hebrews 6:19)

When times of difficulty come, it is hope that is the crucial ingredient needed to survive. When hope is gone, life comes  to a halt. That is why Hebrews offers a significant metaphor for hope. An anchor for the soul…firm and secure. The context relates to God’s unchanging promise to His people. What God has promised, you can count on.

An anchor keeps a boat from being driven by the current and just running aimlessly. That is what hope does for our lives. It brings stability so we are not cast to and fro with the storms of life.

Hope gives courage in the midst of the trial. “Be strong and courageous, all you that hope in The Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)

Hope dispels fear and despondency. “Trust in the Lord, do not despair…” (Psalm 27:14)

 Hope gives assurance of the Lord’s protection and help. “We put our hope in the Lord; He is our protector and our help….May your constant love be with, Lord, as we put our hope in you..” (Psalm 33:20,22)

Hope gives confidence.  There are those who have placed their hope in the wrong things. It may be themselves, others, the stock market…only to be disappointed and shamed of their decision.

But the Lord Himself, gives the reassurance that is needed. “…you will know that I am The Lord; the one who hopes in Me won’t be ashamed.” (Isa. 49:23)

When the trials of life come….when “life” happens, we can be strong in the hope that we have in The Lord. His promises are sure and His love and presence is steadfast.

Today we made a trek to Waffle House for breakfast. My first visit in years. It was good. Then we attended the VBS program for Mason and Carter. I still needed a good afternoon nap before we headed back to the pool this evening.

I am managing well with my crutches and notice greater strength when I walk in the pool. Tomorrow Mason has two baseball games with the first at 8 a.m.  No sleeping in  on Saturday!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…The angel said, “There will be no more delay!”  (Revelation 10:6)

“The voice said to the sixth angel, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates!” The four angels were released; for this very hour of this very day of this very month and year they had been kept ready to kill a third of all humanity.” (Revelation 9:14, 15 GNB)

I find it challenging at times to understand the concept of a God who is above time, yet works within the time of human existence. Our life is marked by time. Time we live on the earth. The seasons and stages of life. The hours in a day; and the list goes on.

In Revelation 6:10, we read the question of those who had laid down their lives for Christ, They shouted in a loud voice, “….How long will it be until you judge the people on earth and punish them for killing us?” (Revelation 6:10 GNB) It seems in Revelation 10, they get their answer. “There will be no more delay…”

Then I notice the time context of the four angels released from the River Euphrates.  They had been kept ready….”for this very hour of this very day of this very month and year.” What is clear is, God is not just “making events up” as time goes on.

This should gives us a degree of comfort and reassurance about our lives and the events of the world. Psalm 31:5 simply begins, “My times are in your hands….”  Most people are familiar with Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.”  I take special note of the words, “under heaven.” Because in heaven there are not clocks, there is no time.

In light of this, what is our response? We are called to, “..number our days, to gain a heart of wisdom.” (Prov. 90:12) We are called to “…redeem the time because the days are evil.”  (Eph. 5:16) We are to be quick to respond to God’s call to Himself and the work of His kingdom… “Behold…now is the day of salvation….” (2 Cor. 6:2)  Jesus said, “don’t say there is four more months to the harvest, lift up your eyes and see the fields white unto harvest.” ( John 4:35)

This life is about time. We are to use it wisely and keep it in perspective as we anticipate the Lord’s working out His divine plan of redemption and brings us to a place where “trips around the sun” are no longer needed, because, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5) May The Lord hasten that day….in His time!

I arrived in Atlanta over an hour later than expected. So, I slept in later than I planned this morning. Carter was excited to have me here, so he stayed home from Vacation Bible School so we could play the NBA video game.

We did go the swimming pool this afternoon. Mckenzie has taken lessons since the last time I was here so she is getting used to the water  and learning to swim. Not too bad for two! I was able to try out the goggles and swim trunks, hat and shirts Stephanie got me for Father’s Day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “….These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution…. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, because the Lamb, who is in the centre of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17 GNB)

The Bible is clear that God’s judgment will one day come to the earth and all who have rebelled against The Lord. The events are recorded and sealed. Seven seals guard the contents. They stand ready to be opened; but not just anyone can do so. There is only One who is worthy. He is described as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” He is none other than our crucified, resurected and glorified Savior, Jesus Christ.

As John sees and records the events the breaking of the “Seven Seals” themselves triggers. These are events of great magnitude. It is as it were, “the beginning of the end.” 

When the Sixth Seal is opened we see a multitude of mrytrs. They are not those in rags, with forlorgned looks on their faces. They are from all the peoples of the earth, dressed in white, praising and worshipping The Lord.

” They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9, 10 GNB)

In God’s “upside down kingdom” those who are persecuted, despised, tested and found true are the ones who are exalted. In the eyes of earth  they may be viewed as defeated, but not in God’s eyes. As Jesus addresses the seven Churches, we see these words of promise:

“Those who win the victory will be clothed like this in white….In the presence of my Father and of his angels I will declare openly that they belong to me.” (Revelation 3:5 GNB)

 “I will make those who are victorious pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it….” (Revelation 3:12)

“To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, I will give the same authority that I received from my Father…I will also give them the morning star.” (Revelation 2:26-28 GNB)

There is a day when suffering comes to an end and The Lord says, “enough.”  The Lord brings a great reversal for these faithful Ones. Their response is one of praise before The Lord. The praise of these faithful Ones is followed by the angels, twenty-four elders and four-living creatures that are before God’s throne. So, I picture this multitude not just in joining, but leading the praise before God’s throne.

These faithful Ones experienced persecution, tribulation, and trials of all kinds…for a time. But they are protected and provided for by The Lord for all eternity.

Paul said, “And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 GNB)

As I make progress in my long road to full recovery, I am surprised how some trying and challenging days of the past have faded in light of the present. I think, if that is the case with a journey through illness, how much greater the glories of eternity in light of any troubles that come to this life.

And the important thing to remember, we don’t have hold our praise for “that day.” We can offer an “overcomers” praise to The Lord each day.

Today is a travel day for me. I am headed to Atlanta for another visit with Stephanie and family. My flight was scheduled to leave Denver at 4:40 p.m. and as of now is delayed.

Before leaving for the airport, I did make it to my Chiropractor appointment and got the lawn mowed. This is my first trip with crutches only, but I believe it will go well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Don’t be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.”  Revelation 2:10

This call to the Church at Smyrna is dramatic and challenging. It reminds me of Hebrews 2:15 “[That Jesus] might render powerless him who had the power of death….and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”

The most dangerous person is the one who doesn’t fear death. The saints in Smyrna had suffered trials and persecution. The resurrected Christ lets them know He is aware of their circumstances and tells them to have courage for what lies ahead. They will face prison and some may die, but the promise is that in death they will find life.

Those who remain faithful even in the most trying of circumstances are the ones who are the true victors. Christ brings victory over death and in death as we stand strong in faith.

As we face the trials of life, whether through the challenges that come in our sojourn through life, or because of our faith, if death is the “worst that could happen” even that does not need to discourage or intimidate us.

Most of us will not face “Smyrna” kind of sufferings. But we will face times of struggle and difficulty. These come and test our courage, faith and resolve.

What we need to remember is, The Lord knows, He is with us and will give the strength needed for each trial we face.

I am writing my blog later than usual. I returned from a full day and a long drive home from Lakewood. I went to Englewood this morning to go with my mother to her doctor’s appointment. Later in the day, I stopped to see my friends George and Annette Brauchler. It was good to see them and we shared updates about our respective health challenges. I was pleased when George mentioned his sister, Linda, follows my progress and blogs in the midst of her own health challenges.

After leaving the Brauchlers, I made a quick stop to see my friend Rick Enstrom. I made him promise to come to Fort Collins to take me fishing. My plan was to stop at Broomfield on the way home to see Riley’s baseball game. But traffic and rain changed my plans and delayed my return home.

Tomorrow, I travel back to Atlanta for another visit with Stephanie, Nathan, Mason, Carter and Mckenzie.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Once again old men and women, so old that they use canes when they walk, will be sitting in the city squares.  And the streets will again be full of boys and girls playing. “This may seem impossible to those of the nation who are now left, but it’s not impossible for me.  I will rescue my people from the lands where they have been taken,  and will bring them back from east and west to live in Jerusalem.”        Zechariah 8:4-8

As Zechariah prophesies about the restoration of Jerusalem, he draws a picture that is far beyond the imagination of  the present circumstances would dictate about the future. Men and women who would be cast aside due to age or disability are seen in public, in the midst of the activity of the city. Children playing in the streets. Life has returned to a desolate place.

When I think of the condition of Jerusalem and the contrast of the picture the prophet paints, I think of some of the bombed out cities during World War II. Complete devastation and rubble as far as the eye can see. The condition of Jerusalem and prospects for the future would seem as far fetched and challenging as those conditions.

The Lord speaks and says, “This may seem impossible…but it’s not impossible for me.” I am thankful that the Lord can work and do that which beyond our ability to comprehend or believe. We look at situations and say, “it’s impossible!” The Lord says, “not with me.”

From a human perspective a virgin having a baby is impossible. A barren woman having a baby in her old age is impossible.  But not with God. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you [Mary], and the power of the Highest will overshadow you… Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.”  (Luke 1:35-37)

When the “rich young ruler” walked away from Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. The disciples were perplexed. “Who can be saved…who can make it in God’s eyes?”  Jesus responded, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

A man brings his demonized boy to Jesus and asks for help. He basically says, “Lord do something, if you can…” Jesus responded, “‘If you can’?” …. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark  9:23)  We don’t have to believe that something is possible through the natural events of life, but we can place our faith in the God who says, “everything is possible for one who believes” and “with God nothing is impossible.”

During the day of Elisha, the city of Samaria was so devastated by drought and war that all the money you had couldn’t buy food for your family. But Elisha prophesies, “Listen to the word of the LORD; thus says the LORD, ‘Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.'” The royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Then he said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.” (2 King 7:1,2)

This turn around was not something the human mind could comprehend. But it happened. It happened when the angel of the Lord went into the Assyrian camp and the armies ran for their lives and left all the plunder of recent victories along with any supplies. In twenty-four hours the Lord showed with Him, “all things are possible.”

In Zachariah’s day it seemed impossible for God’s people to return to Jerusalem for the city to prosper once again, but it happened. It happened again in 1947 when Israel was once again recognized as a nation. Impossible in the human mind, in the mind of nations and leaders, but not with God.

Don’t base your expectation for the future and the outcome of your situation on what you can picture taking place in your mind or what other people have to say. A teenage girl couldn’t comprehend how she was going to have a baby, but she did. A royal officer of the King of Samaria didn’t believe God could change the economy of the city in a day, but He did. A father, concerned for his son, wasn’t sure if Jesus was able to bring deliverance, but He did. The Lord will always have the final word and with Him, “nothing is impossible.”

Today was busy day for me. I was able to manage without a nap and pushed through my schedule. I had three meetings this morning by the time 11 a.m. arrived, which is unusual for my schedule. After some work at home and lunch, I set off for over three hours of appointments and errands.

When I arrived home, Debbie told me we heard the reports from my mole biopsies last week. It does look like the one over my eye is a squamous cell carcinoma, which is the grade between basil cell and melanoma. So it looks like they will need to do some more digging on my forehead.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord does not easily become angry, but he is powerful and never lets the guilty go unpunished.…The Lord is good; he protects his people in times of trouble; he takes care of those who turn to him.” Nahum 1:3,7

The prophet Nahum speaks against the people of Nineveh. If you are familiar with the story of Jonah, you will recall the name of the capitol city of Assyria. Nineveh repented under the preaching of Jonah, but they did not completely turn from their ways. They were used of the Lord to take Israel (the ten northern tribes) into captivity. They were a ruthless and violent people.

After they conquered Israel they came against Judah in the days of Hezekiah. But the Lord intervened and the Assyrians did not shoot an arrow at Jerusalem, but an angel of the Lord went into the camp and destroyed the army that was poised to attack God’s people.

In our human understanding, it is challenging to have a balance view of the Lord. We do see that “God is love.” But God is also, “holy, just and righteous.” That means His patience with evil will have a limit. Some view God as inactive and an almost overindulgent parent. Others view Him as a harsh task master, difficult to please and ready to punish. Neither view is correct.

In our human existence, will continue to live with this mystery of the greatness of God, the “fierceness” of God, if you will and at the same time His love, compassion and mercy. Nahum’s statement is important. “The Lord is not easily angered and never lets the guilty go unpunished.” The Lord’s patience creates as much consternation as His love and judgment. Some are frustrated because God doesn’t act and others view His lack of “immediate divine retribution” as license to continue to lives of disobedience.

How powerful is our God? Look at Nahum’s words, “He commands the sea, and it dries up! He makes the rivers go dry. The fields of Bashan wither, Mount Carmel turns brown, and the flowers of Lebanon fade. Mountains quake in the presence of the Lord; hills melt before him. The earth shakes when the Lord appears; the world and all its people tremble.” (Nahum 1:4,5)

What is the appropriate response? Awe and worship to God who is holy and powerful. And when we understand His power that is available to us it gives us hope. Paul in the New Testament says God’s power is so great we limit him by even imaging what to ask, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.“ (Eph. 3:20)

For those who place their faith in Christ, God’s power works for us and in us, not against us. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers is appropriate for all time. “…[I pray] our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…” (Eph. 1:17-20)

God’s power for the disobedience brings fear and judgement. For those who live in relationship with Jesus Christ, His power reminds us of His goodness and His work in our lives. God’s holiness and power may bring punishment to the disobedient, but to His children it brings protection, reassurance and confidence.

In your life, in good times and in bad, always find yourself, “turning to the Lord.” That is the place of His care, provision and protection.

This has been a nice day to get work done. Debbie and I enjoyed our first morning coffee time on our patio. Then most of the day has been Debbie working inside the house and me working outside. I’m not able to get as much done in the time I have as I used to, but it is still good to be able to navigate around and do what I can for as long as I can.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…You have said, ‘It’s useless to serve God. What’s the use of doing what he says or of trying to show the Lord Almighty that we are sorry for what we have done?  As we see it, proud people are the ones who are happy….” Malachi 3:14,15

Malachi is an interesting book of prophecy. The context itself does not give any history about Malachi or the historical setting or timing. It undoubtedly is before Israel and Judah were taken into exile, but during the reign of which king it is unknown from the text.

It is also interesting in that, much of the context is a back and forth, question and answer, statement and question between the Lord and the people. For example the book opens with this exchange: “The Lord says to his people, “I have always loved you.” But they reply, “How have you shown your love for us?” (Malachi 1:2,3)

In chapter three we read: “you ask, ‘What must we do to turn back to you?’  I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings.”     (Malachi 3:7-8) Just before our “…verse for today” above, we see this exchange: “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘What have we said about you?’ (Malachi 3:13)

This type of dialogue reminds me of someone who is in trouble in and tries to keep avoiding the issue, misdirecting the conversation, making accusations, instead of “fesing up.” But

God’s people had begun to focus on the “world around them.” They looked at evil, the saw drought and storms. As a result they had grown weary of serving the Lord and had adopted a view of God from the idol worshipers of the day. They thought God could be fooled.  They thought they could “go through the motions” and determine their own standards in worship to the Lord, and all would be well.

So, they brought sacrifices that were the worst, not the best. They brought the lame and the blind as an offering to the Lord. They allow marriage and family commitments to be disregarded. They did not tithe on their crops but determined whatever they gave in honor of the Lord should be good enough for Him. In all of their actions they showed contempt for the Lord and endeavored to make God their servant, instead of serving the Lord.

This all came about because people saw injustice, but did not feel that God was doing anything. They even concluded that “God must love evil doers.”  They challenged God with the question, “Where is the God who is supposed to be just?”  (Malachi 2:17) They failed to see that it was their disobedience and behavior that was at the root of their troubles and confusion. They were the problem, not God.

In the midst of this spiritual confusion, there were those who kept to God’s promises and did not compromise their faith. Of those committed to the Lord, God says, “On the day when I act, they will be my very own. I will be merciful to them as parents are merciful to the children who serve them. Once again my people will see the difference between what happens to the righteous and to the wicked, to the person who serves me and the one who does not.” (Malachi 3:17,18)

God is not unaware of what is happening among His people. He is not deaf to their cries. Whether we like it or not; understand it or not, God is working out His plan and purposes for His people and the world. In the end the wicked will not continue to prosper and will face an accounting. Those who remain faithful to the Lord will be shown mercy and receive the reward of their faith.

In the closing verses of the book of Malachi, we see the Lord giving assurance of a “coming day.” A day when the wicked will be judged and the righteous rewarded. “The Lord Almighty says, “The day is coming when all proud and evil people will burn like straw. On that day they will burn up, and there will be nothing left of them. But for you who obey me, my saving power will rise on you like the sun and bring healing like the sun’s rays.”  (Malachi 4:1,2)

The questions and challenges to faith that God’s people faced in Malachi’s days are faced today. We see injustice and those who are wicked prosper. We see the godly struggle far beyond what we believe should be taking place. But it is important for us to not make hasty conclusions about our life or God’s faithfulness and character by what is seen in this temporary time and space we occupy. We are assured that the Lord is faithful and knows how to protect His own. That is why Peter toward the end of his life, hundreds of years after the day of Malachi reassured believers with the words, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”  (2 Peter 2:9)

Patience, perseverance, faith, hope, obedience are the keys that should direct our lives. Remember, you can’t “fool God.”  If you get in an accountability conversation with God…..just be quick to repent and find His forgiveness and mercy.