We had a day of travel to Lakewood. We spent most of the time with Christian and Bridget and kids, waiting on word for Riley’s baseball games. The word finally came that they were cancelled for today. What started out as a nice sunny day, was interrupted by another rain storm. If I get another notice from the City of Fort Collins that my water useage is higher than my neighbors, I will be disappointed!

We did get by to see my mother and help her with the TV I brought to her on Tuesday. My sister and I will go with her to a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday.

We did return home in time for the Saturday evening service at Timberline. It was good to hear another challenging and practical message from my friend Jeff Lucas. When we returned home I felt fairly fatigued, but then again, I might have just been hungry!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Haggai gave the Lord‘s message to the people: “I will be with you—that is my promise.”  Haggai 1:13  “When you came out of Egypt, I promised that I would always be with you. I am still with you, so do not be afraid.”  Haggai 2:5

The Lord calls the prophet Haggai to confront God’s people about their failure to rebuild the Temple. They were satisfied with having their homes and living in the land of Judah once again. They were also satisfied with the Temple being in ruins. The prophet let the people know that their misplaced priorities was having an impact on their prosperity.

You will find an important principle at work. If you place yourself and your needs first you will never have enough. If you place the Lord first, your needs will be met. That is why Jesus said the remedy for worry over food, clothes and life itself was to, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matt. 6:33)

As the people committed themselves to rebuilding the Temple, the Lord gave them this promise,  “I will overthrow all the nations, and their treasures will be brought here, and the Temple will be filled with wealth.  All the silver and gold of the world is mine. The new Temple will be more splendid than the old one, and there I will give my people prosperity and peace.” The Lord Almighty has spoken.” (Haggai 2:7-9) Even though the rebuilt temple would lack the splendor of Solomon’s temple, the Lord would make it would be magnificent, a place of splendor because of the His blessing and provision.

As God’s people repent, His simple response and affirmation of their repentance was, “I will be with you….” No great details, no road map for the future. God’s presence is the most valuable and at times the most overlooked promise of the Lord.

When Moses was preparing to lead the Children of Israel from Mount Sinai, the reassurance the Lord gave him in the midst of his anxiety and feelings of inadequacy was, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) When David was dealing with the consequences of his sin, his cry was, “…take not your Holy Spirit from me…” (Psa. 51:11)

When we understand that the Lord is with us, it gives us strength for the journey. It provides the encouragement we need to face the challenges of life. It shouts to us the new beginnings and new life is possible.

As I read the short book of Haggai this morning, I was also reading the commencement address of Michael Ward from Oxford University at Hillsdale College. This statement in his introduction caught me attention:

“I come from the Old World in particular from Oxford, the home of lost causes, where we don’t have “Commencement”: we just graduate and diminish and go into the west and remain embittered. So America’s status as the home of fresh starts, of the pioneer spirit, of beginnings leading to commencements, sounds to me alarmingly positive and energetic.”

The connection is this, Haggai was addressing a people who were living in the midst of what seemed to be “a lost cause.” Every day, was a day of struggle. Their expectations were not being met. But as they aligned their priorities through obedience to the Lord they found a “new beginning.” They committed themselves to a fresh start and adopted a “pioneer spirit” that would carve out a new future in the Lord’s land of promise. And as they did, the Lord promised them that, “He would be with them…” As a matter of fact. He had always been with them.

When the Lord is present, there are no “lost causes.” There is hope, there is a fresh start and a new beginning.

Today, I found out that I’m not a good garage sale person. Our neighborhood is holding their annual garage sale and after having a few items out for about an hour, I had reached the limit of my patience. So, I took the few items we had to my neighbor girls and told them to sell anything they could and keep the proceeds.

We had a mid morning rain storm, instead of our normal evening showers. That threw off some of my plans. This afternoon I did have a massage, which was good following some of my Chiropractic adjustments this week. I returned home to mow the lawn before any more rain hit this afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.” Jude 20,21

Jude, his short letter, like Peter focuses on warning against false teachers. The risk that false teachers pose is not just leading people astray in what they believe, but confusing people and distressing people to the point of them “losing their faith” at least failing to maintaining a vibrant faith, a true faith in the Lord.

Jude says the our faith must be contended for and not taken for granted. The risk is not those on the outside lobbing attacks, it is from those who work their way into “the church.” “…some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.” (Jude 4)

Jude reveals the destiny of false teachers. Again like Peter he shows how there have been those throughout time that have opposed the ways of the Lord. Who have brought confusion to people and led them astray in what they believe. The risk of being deceived and abandoning true faith is great.

Jude points out those of the exodus who rebelled and did not follow the Lord. He even points to angels who abandoned their secure position. He calls to remembrance the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam and Korah. He even quotes a prophecy from Enoch, one of the ancients, “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him!” (Jude 14,15)

Jude reveals the character of false teachers.  “These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way….will make fun of you…follow their own godless desires.”  These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit.” (Jude 16,18-19)

Jude reveals the key to a stable faith. A stable faith is a strong faith. Faith is made strong when it is put into action, just like building of muscles. Jude says to, pray in the “Spirit” – the power of the Holy Spirit. Reliance on the presences and power of Christ makes our faith strong. Then Jude says fix your eyes on the eternal life Christ has promised and that He is bringing about in our lives.

Jude then challenges believers to the actions and attitudes that contribute to a stable faith. “Show mercy toward those who have doubts; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and to others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their very clothes, stained by their sinful lusts.” (Jude 22,23)

In our present culture we see faith more often mocked than held in esteem. We can see those who “grumble and blame others, brag about themselves and flatter to get their way, while making fun of people of faith.” But we are called to respond with mercy, to take action and rescue those from a path of destruction and to “love the sinner” without participating or endorsing their sin.

Believers throughout time have faced adversity and challenges to their faith, yet they remained strong and faithful. While times change, the challenges of life and faith seem to the same. We can learn from the past and be strengthened in our resolve in the present.

I have noticed some increased a fatigue in the past couple of days. I’m not sure if it is related to my body acclimating to  the Chiropractic adjustments or just the Myasthenia Gravis. After an afternoon nap, I did ride my bike to the fitness center for a workout. It has been a few weeks since I have been there, so it was good to return. Debbie is enjoying our new garage set up. I’m not sure I appreciated the challenges she has had to put up with the past almost two years. So this new change is not only good news for me but for Debbie as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17,18

In his second letter Peter cautions believers against false teachers. It is one thing to be opposed in your faith by those who are against Christ, it is another to have your faith challenged, put to the test, by those who claim to be followers of Christ. But this has been a tactic of the “evil one” since the Old Testament and Peter acknowledges that as he writes, “False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)

Paul warned the Ephesian elders, “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.“ (Acts 20:30)  Peter warns that false teachers are often after financial gain and are covering up their own lives of disobedience. Peter told believers about those who twist the words of Paul to gain a following: “There are some difficult things in his [Paul’s] letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)

In this environment that can challenge and be toxic to faith Peter reassures believers, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment…”       ( 2 Peter 2:9) Distorters of truth and mockers of God’s promise can pose a trial to those who are endeavoring to live faithful lives. The solution is to stay close to the clear teaching of God’s Word. There are some who have almost made it their life calling to “call out” those they believe are “false teachers,” but Peter says the Lord will be the final judge and hold them accountable.

Peter’s final words give additional direction. “Be on guard…” Awareness is the key. Just because someone uses a biblical reference doesn’t mean they are teaching truth. What is the fruit of their lives? What is the impact on people’s lives? Are their words a clear departure from the historic teachings of the faith? These are the questions that help us to “stay safe.”

Peter concludes by saying, “grow in grace and in the knowledge of….Jesus Christ…” We have a personal responsibility to strengthen our faith, to know and study the Bible so that we can navigate the “mine fields” that pose a threat to our spiritual lives.

Today, I had my Chiropractor appointment and then came home to plant some flowers in my garden. I have been a little more fatigued today than I anticipated. But fortunately my dog is always willing to keep me company if I need to lay down.

A big event for today was Steve Grimes, coming to take out the handicap ramp. We are leaving a platform outside the back door, but this is certainly a sign of increased mobility and progress in my recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way…. For God chose you…to be saved by the Spirit’s power to make you his holy people and by your faith in the truth…. to possess your share of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, our friends, stand firm and hold on to those truths which we taught you…”                      2 Thessalonians 2:3.13-15

Paul speaks more about the second coming of Christ and the rise of the Anti-Christ in his letters to the Thessalonians than in any of his letters. These believers were growing in their faith, but had some concerns about “missing the day of the Lord.”

Paul also wanted them to know that the coming of the “Wicked One” was going to be a day of great deception. The Anti-Christ is a fraudulent, “Christ” and works to deceive many. We hear  many warnings today about “fraud protection” when it comes to finances. In order for that to happen, the on perpetrating the fraud must appear to be legitimate and the one “taken in” must believe and place their trust in that person.

This scenario describes the work of the Anti-Christ in deceiving people. But just like financial fraud, people will set themselves up to be deceived by rejecting the real truth about Jesus Christ. Paul says of those who will be deceived:

“…They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth so as to be saved. And so God sends the power of error to work in them so that they believe what is false.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10,11)

But we see that Paul has a better expectation for those who have placed their faith in Christ. The key to not being deceived is to hold on to the truth and your faith in the Lord and to continue to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Paul’s charge to the Thessalonians is similar to that to the Corinthians when he said, “…stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord…” (1  Corinthians 15:58)

Spiritual darkness uses fear and deception to perpetrate fraudulent activities among people and in people’s lives. That is why confidence on God’s love and a strong faith provides the protection that is needed. The Lord is on our side and when we place our trust and confidence in Him, we are on the “winning side.” Paul’s benediction to the Thessalonians is one for us to accept for our lives as the protection against fraud.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.”   (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)

I am posting my blog later than usual. It has been a big day for me. I had an early morning appointment with a dermatologist who looked at my eyebrow mole and actually found a couple of other suspicious spots on my arms. So I left with some bandages from the biopsies that were taken.

With my doctor’s appointment and the need for some rest, I got out of town for a trip to Lakewood later than anticipated. After retracing my steps from Friday in visiting friends and family, I left Denver hoping to miss most of the rush hour traffic. The trip home went better than expected, but still later than what I anticipated in making my original plans.

I will hear back in about a week regarding the biopsy results. Until then, I will continue with some of my appointments and projects while Debbie helps me attend to some “wounds.”

BIBLE VERSE TODAY… “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight…” Luke 15:17,18

Getting knocked down in life is often through circumstances or the actions of others. It can also be due to our own poor choices. Such was the case with the “prodigal son.” But he was not content to settle for his “pig pen” existence and resolved to go back to his father. As he did, he found his father anticipating, not angry over his arrival. He found celebration, not consternation. He found dignity instead of a diminished status. He was able to “bounce back” from his failure.

Yesterday, I shared some “Expert Tips for Resilience” from the June 1, 2015 edition of Time magazine. Continuing the list, experts recommend….

6. Be quick to each out for support when things go haywire.

I applaud my wife for doing this when my health crisis hit. She realized what her priorities needed to be and was willing to receive help from family and friends so she could focus on my care and still have all the details of family life taken care of.

Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 says, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. ¹⁰ If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” We need friends. We need to be gracious receivers when life hits a road block. The Lord works through others to demonstrate His love and care for our lives and to help us bounce back.

We see this in the life of Paul, who said, “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” (2 Corinthians 7:6)

7. Learn new things as often as  you can.

I like the concept and commitment of being a “lifelong learner.” Remember, “it is what you learn after you know it all can change your life.” Solomon wrote “Choose my instruction instead of silver; choose knowledge rather than the finest gold.” (Proverbs 8:10)  He also observed, “Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn.”  (Proverbs 18:15)

8. Find an exercise regimen you’ll stick to.

The “stick to” part of this advice can be the most challenging. Meaningful and consistent physical activity  has tremendous benefits for our mental and emotional health. Scripture tells us “our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:19) It reminds us of the benefit of “bodily exercise…” (1 Timothy 4:8) We also see the warnings about laziness in such verses as, “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” Then your poverty will come as a robber….” (Proverbs 24:33,34)

9. Don’t beat yourself up or dwell on the past.

What encouraging words we find in Paul’s life when he says, “…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:13) I like the admonition of Isaiah 43:18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”  Don’t let regret or worry stymie your life. Live each day as a gift from the Lord.

10. Recognize what makes you uniquely strong – and own it.

Our relationship with Christ enables us to know that we are unique, gifted and valued in God’s eyes. “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:5) 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.”

An individual’s gifts, abilities and motivations are unique. Each person has something to offer in service to the Lord and in service to others. It is important to recognize and affirm your uniqueness. Remember Paul’s’ words,  “All of you are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Allow your ability to “bounce back” to be strengthened through your faith in the Lord. I trust there are some other verses from the Bible that have come to your mind as you have considered these “Experts Tips for Resilience.”  I am thankful that the Lord, who has made us, not only knows what we need to be over-comers, but He also through His Word shows us the way.

A pretty busy day for me. I began with a morning breakfast where Steve House, the Chair of the State Republican Party spoke. Steve did a great job sharing his efforts over the last eleven weeks in office and plans for the future.

This week I begin my three Chiropractic appointments per week. Today included some exercises that I will do before each treatment. After returning home Steve Grimes came by to look at modifying our handicap ramp. It is great to feel like I am at the point where I don’t need a full ramp for mobility purposes. He also helped rehang some doors that had to be removed so I could navigate some rooms. I told him those type of projects are simple, but significant markers in my road to recovery.

I had an appointment with my primary care doctor. I have a mole that has been growing above my right eyebrow the past several weeks. She took one look and told me it was a “basil cell carcinoma.”  These forms of skin cancer are not usually serious, but the location she said was close to a nerve that effects the eyelid, so she did not want to touch it. While she expressed some regret over not being able to “cut on me” she was more comfortable with a referral to a dermatologist.

After a late afternoon, HOA board commitment, I have a meeting this evening. I might arrive late and leave early at this point.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.”      2 Corinthians 4:8.9

The recent edition of “Time” magazine (June 1, 2015), contains an article on resilience, simply entitled, “Bounce Back.” Resilience is a hallmark of the Christian life. We are to be those who overcome the circumstances of life and not be overwhelmed by the circumstances of life.

I recall in my youth a vinyl blow up boxing toy. It was weighted on the bottom and when you hit it, it would immediately bounce back and take some more, and bounce back again. That is they type of tenacity the Lord desires to build into each of our lives.

The “Time” magazine article contains a list of “Expert Tips for Resilience.” The experts can tell you what you need, they just fall short in telling you how to acquire what you need. For that we can turn to God’s Word. Here we go…

1. Develop a core set of beliefs that nothing can shake.

Paul said, “…Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.“ (1 Corinthians 15:58)  Paul said with confidence, “…I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.”                         (2 Timothy 1:12) A solid faith in Jesus Christ is foundation on which you can build your life. I didn’t grow up on a church where the “Apostle’s Creed” was part of our worship. But those core foundational truths are important to rehearse.

2. Try to find meaning in whatever stressful or traumatic thing has happened.

“We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) What a perfect application for this well known verse.  I am also reminded of Joseph’s perspective of his enslavement and alienation from his family, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

3. Try to maintain a positive outlook.

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) I am also reminded of the promise of Philippians 4:19,20 “…all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.  To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.” The Lord does provide “strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow” as we trust in Him.

4. Take cues from someone who is especially resilient.

When I think of those we can look to, I think of Paul and I think of Jesus. Perhaps there are others in the Bible or your circle of friends that come to your mind. Paul told the Philippians, “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.” (Philippians 4:9) “…for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

5. Don’t run from things that scare you: face them!

What a great time to remind ourselves, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory…because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.“ (1 John 4:4)
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) One of the most often repeated words of encouragement in scripture is, “fear not.” I like Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.“ The promises to be with us, He cares for us, He will go before us, He will strengthen us, so that whatever is of concern and creates anxiety in our life we can trust Him to help, guide and direct us.

There are five more in the list and we will look at those tomorrow. Just these five can bring a sense of faith and confidence in the Lord as we are “knocked” down by life. Through the strength of the Lord we can bounce back strong and victorious.