I got off to an early start this morning with a breakfast meeting. I then had a series of errands and some office work related to my new job. This afternoon, I had my periodic massage. I found myself fairly fatigued and then Debbie got home and notice I hadn’t been drinking my daily water allotment and I forgot to take my noon meds. I guess I found those are still an important part of my daily routine.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away from God, and to those who were near to God. Yes, it is through Christ we all have the right to come to the Father in one Spirit.”            Ephesians 2:17,18 NCV

When God promised Abraham, ” through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed…” (Gen. 22:18) It was difficult to comprehend what that would mean now thousands of years later. The Jews were “God’s people” because of their birth and family heritage. The promises of God belonged to them. But we see that Abraham became chosen by God because of faith, so Paul says of those who place their faith in Christ, “….you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” (Gal. 3:29 NLT)

Much of the Book of Acts, is about the message of Christ being preached and received by “gentiles.” This group that was to be avoided by Jews, were now placing their faith in Christ and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish disciples had received.

Paul declared that this all was in God’s plan from the beginning.  “It was also Christ’s purpose to end the hatred between the two groups, to make them into one body, and to bring them back to God. Christ did all this with his death on the cross.” (Eph. 2:16)

Christ’s purpose is for all people to come to God through Him and to be joined into the same spiritual family.  “Now you who are not Jewish are not foreigners or strangers any longer, but are citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family.” (Eph.  2:19)

Christ’s desire is to bring unity to those who are “at odds” with each or “strangers” to each other today. That may be those separated by income levels, occupations, ethnic groups, those who have a history with God (just like the Jews) and those who “far away” or those who are discovering who God is and what He is about.

During the revival that took place in the early 1900’s, one of the hallmarks was the evidence of unity among those from various walks in society and minority and ethnic groups. That all joined together in prayer, worship and common purpose. Paul pictured this in the words, “And in Christ you, too, are being built together…into a place where God lives through the Spirit.“ (Eph. 2:22)

It is unfortunate that degree of “integration” did not remain over the following generations. Christ’s purpose is to unite and not divide those who come to Him in faith. So, we must make it our aim to reach out and embrace in Christ’s love all those with sincere hearts are seeking Christ in faith and desiring to serve and learn of Him. Remember, you don’t choose the members of your natural family and you don’t decide who will be in God’s family of faith. Let’s allow Jesus prayer for all His disciples of all time to come true in our day, “Holy Father….The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one…” (John 17:22 ESV)

I was glad to get in a good workout at our pool this afternoon. The hot weather made it a nice mid afternoon activity as well. This next week I begin some planned workouts with my trainer at the fitness center and am eager to see some good results over the next two months.

This next week is my “official” start as Director of the Larimer County Energy Action Project (LEAP). I’m looking forward to being involved in this important area of activity for our county and state.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Saul…said, “You are a better man than I am. You have been good to me, but I have done wrong to you.  You told me what good things you did. The Lord handed me over to you, but you did not kill me. People don’t normally let an enemy get away like this, do they? May the Lord reward you because you were good to me today.  I know you will surely be king, and you will rule the kingdom of Israel.” 1 Samuel 24:16-20 NCV

I have just finished reading through 1 Samuel. Almost half of the book deals with the anointing of David to be King following the rebellion of Saul and then Saul trying to kill David because of jealousy and paranoia. When the prophet Samuel went to the house of Jesse and anointed his youngest son David as the next King we read two important statements of contrast, “From that day on, the Lord’s Spirit worked in David….But the Lord’s Spirit had left Saul…” (1 Samuel 16:13,14)

David was anointed King, but he was not ready to be King. The journey from being shepherd of sheep to being King of Israel was not simply a matter of waiting, but it was a matter of testing. We see David as a “harp player”  summonsed to help calm the disturbing moods and spirits that came upon Saul. David was Saul’s bodyguard and his most trusted and successful general. But David’s popularity turned a paranoid Saul against him.

David would spend years on the run from Saul in the wilderness. David, as a brave and successful warrior, knew how to fight, but he also knew when to flee. That kind of wisdom would be critical to his leadership as King. David had to make a choice, he had to allow God’s promise and plan to come about in God’s way and in God’s time, or he would be arrogant and aggressive and fight for himself.

David’s road to the throne was through a wilderness filled with trouble. Those experiences as a fugitive were his school of leadership and personal development that prepared him to establish a dynasty in Israel. David learned to trust in the Lord and cry out to Him. As a result, we have many of the Psalms that we do which encourage us today from what David went through, how he responded and what he learned.

David learned that when you honor the Lord and honor others, you will be honored. We see this when David revered Saul as “God’s anointed” even though he had been anointed as Saul’s successor. David’s character and conduct in this test and in future actions as King won him favor in the eyes of the people.

David learned that every opportunity to “win” is not God’s winning plan. Or as my pastor recently commented, “not every opportunity for victory is the time for victory.”  We read accounts of how David had the opportunity to twice kill King Saul. But he refused to take Saul’s life or let his men do it for him and then hind behind their actions, claiming he wasn’t guilty. This is one of the most challenging concepts of following God’s will for our life. We pray for “open doors” but we need wisdom to know if an “open door” is God’s will or God’s test.

David learn that how lead and influence others and call them to a higher standard.  [David] said to his men, “May the Lord keep me from doing such a thing to my master! Saul is the Lord’s appointed king. I should not do anything against him, because he is the Lord’s appointed king!” David used these words to stop his men; he did not let them attack Saul.” (1 Samuel 24:6,7)

In contrast to David’s control over his men, we see Saul disobeyed the Lord in fear of his men. Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. (1 Samuel 15:24 ESV) We see Saul instead of leading his men with faith, courage and strength; lead from the fear of his men and succumbed to their will.

David learned how to be a “man after God’s own heart” instead of a man after Saul’s heart. He chose not to fight Saul, as Saul was fighting him. He submitted himself to the Lord and followed the Lord’s directions. When the Lord said it was time to fight, David fought and won. But he wasn’t afraid to wait patiently for the Lord’s timing and plan to be fulfilled in his life.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”  (Psa. 40:1-3 ESV)

We can be thankful for the Lord’s plan and purpose for our life. But the true test and choice is accepting the fulfillment of the Lord’s plan by our patience and trust or forcing the Lord’s plan through relying on our own wisdom and resources.

We took the grand kids back to Lakewood this morning and watched their soccer games. They did well. Caed and Riley play on the same team and Eliana plays on a team with some family friends, so they all enjoy their teams.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The Lord says, “Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18 NCV

Often times people view the struggles of their life and the issues they face and just don’t know why it seems “everything is against them” and life is so hard.  That is what the Children of Israel were facing as the prophet Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry.

Notice how the decline of their spiritual condition is described. “Israel is a nation of sin, a people loaded down with guilt, a group of children doing evil, children who are full of evil. They have left the Lord; they hate God, the Holy One of Israel,  and have turned away from him as if he were a stranger.…There is no healthy spot from the bottom of your foot to the top of your head…Your land is ruined; your cities have been burned with fire.” (Isa. 1:4,6,7)

Yet there are some who did not believe their condition was that bad. After all they still sacrificed on the altar, and burned incense; they still went through the motions. But the insincerity of their actions and the rebellion of their hearts was clear to the Lord. The Lord tells them, “Don’t continue bringing me worthless sacrifices! I hate the incense you burn. I can’t stand your New Moons, Sabbaths, and other feast days; I can’t stand the evil you do in your holy meetings.” (Isa. 1:13)

There is a time when the condition of the heart and actions of a life is such that a correction can’t be made by ones own ideas. It is not possible to return to the Lord or to be right with the Lord without consulting with the the Lord.

That is why we see the Lord’s initiative in saying, “let’s talk!” Pretty much everything about their lives and actions was stained with the guilt of their sin, but the Lord said, “that can all change” they can once again be “white as snow.” Talk about the Lord’s mercy and an opportunity to be right and to begin again with a clean slate. Those opportunities in life are often rare, but not with the graciousness of the Lord. However, a proper and timely response is needed.

 “Stop doing the evil things I see you do. Stop doing wrong. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Punish those who hurt others. Help the orphans. Stand up for the rights of widows.” (Isa. 16,17)

There needs to be a renewed commitment of the heart that was demonstrated by action. They had to stop some things and to start doing some other things. Stop the evil, commit to the good. I notice that there was not just a collective personal commitment but there was a community commitment as well. “Punish those who hurt others.”

The Lord’s assessment of the capital city was this, “Jerusalem, your rulers are like those of Sodom, and your people are like those of Gomorrah.” (Isa. 1:10) I recall someone once pointed out that the “sin” of Sodom and Gomorrah that brought judgment included the acceptance of the wrong behavior of the people. It is one thing for sin to be present, it is another to allow it to go unaddressed and even endorsed. This is especially true for those who are to be “God’s people.”

The generous offer from the Lord who tries of “reason” with the wayward is, “If you become willing and obey me, you will eat good crops from the land. But if you refuse to obey and if you turn against me,  you will be destroyed by your enemies’ swords.” The Lord himself said these things.” (Isa. 1:19,20)

This is not like “Let’s Make a Deal” where you choose between “door number 1” and “door number 2” and don’t know what is “behind the door.” The Lord makes it very clear about the choices and the consequences. What is amazing about the Lord’s grace and mercy is that He makes that offer generously; but the right decision, a decision to follow the Lord must be made.

Remember when we take a step toward the Lord, we find Him like the father of the prodigal, running toward us. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”  (James 4:8)

We have had our three Lakewood grand kids with us today. Grandma Debbie got up early and delayed her departure long enough to make waffles. Then I recruited the kids to help with some outside work. After lunch we had our recreation time with trips to parks and the swimming pool and a run to Sonic. I’m not sure how they did, but I was tired.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I ask you to look out for those who cause people to be against each other and who upset other people’s faith. They are against the true teaching you learned, so stay away from them.…I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.“  Romans 16:17,19 NCV

As Paul concludes his letter to Roman believers, he is sending his greetings to many who would be receiving the letter. In this midst of all the requests to “greet’ various individuals, he inserts one final warning. That warning is about those who bring division, disruption and trouble to the faith of others.

What is of interest is that this warning is not just for those “outside the faith” but for those who profess to know Christ but as Paul says, “…are not serving our Lord Christ but are only doing what pleases themselves.” (Rom. 16:18 NCV) What my experience tells me is those people do not believe or recognize that they are being self-centered bu would contend they are serving Christ. But the fruit of their activities and impact reveal the truth.

Paul says their activity “upsets other people’s faith” and causes discord among people. This is opposite of God’s desire for His people. Jesus prayed,  “…that they [those who believe in Christ] may be one as we are one.” (John 17:22) Paul declared, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace–as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.“  (1 Cor. 14:33) James said, “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”  (James 3:16)

Paul is very direct in his advice when he says, “stay away from them.” He doesn’t say correct them, or try to argue with them, he simply says, their teaching is contrary to the truth, so just “stay away.” When someone and others keep repeating something that is not true, it doesn’t make it true, but it can bring confusion and result in strife and discord. The result is that time and energy is spent dealing more with fighting for the faith among those who are to be believers, opposed to sharing the faith with others who are not.

Paul’s concern for believers is for them to be “wise in what is good and innocent of evil.” That doesn’t mean a “Polly Anna” type of approach to life. It has more to do with where we place our focus and thoughts. I am reminded of it being said, that counterfeit investigators spend their time studying the “real” thing more than that which is the “fake.” If you know the real that well, that which is counterfeit will stand out. The same is true when it comes to the truth of God’s Word and our life of faith.

Paul ends with a positive affirmation for those who keep their focus and minds on Christ, “Glory to God who can make you strong in faith by the Good News that I tell people and by the message about Jesus Christ.”  (Rom. 16:25) Strong in faith, united in purpose, that is God’s desire for His people. That should be our commitment and rally cry.

This morning began with a conference call with my “LEAP” team members as I begin my new responsibilities. It is nice to have the confidence of others, but it does give a sense of pressure to “live up to expectations.” If you want more information on my new position, check out our website at http://larimerleap.com/

I then traveled to Denver to pick up the grand kids to come stay with us a couple of days. I connected with them at my  mother’s house, so they had some time with great-grandmother.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Your love must be real… ” Romans 12:9 NCV

“Do not owe people anything, except always owe love to each other, because the person who loves others has obeyed all the law…. All these commands and all others are really only one rule: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.”  Romans 13:8-10 NCV

We live in a culture that constantly reminds us of a lack of love for others. We see violence, self-centeredness, personal attacks, striving to get ahead regardless of the cost. I’m sure it grieves God’s heart, but this has been the condition of the human heart for all time. It is not that people are incapable of good, they just have a default mechanism that yields to self-preservation, and a “me first” approach regardless of cost.

I’m thankful that “real love” is not just having warm, fuzzy feelings about others, but how we honor and treat others with respect even if we disagree with them from time to time. Paul tells us that love is an obligation, it is not something we give as much as it is something we owe, a debt we pay. That is a challenging concept to consider.

We also see that Love is the fulfillment of the law, because it keeps us from harming others, in words or actions. The first and greatest commandments have a basis in love. “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39)

Jesus said, “if you love me, you will obey my commands…” (John 14:15) Paul said, “Love never hurts a neighbor.” It is interesting how all of the commands, even if we focus on the Ten Commandments have a foundation in love. Unfortunately the future may not be bright as we see the day when Christ will return. Jesus said, that one of the signs of His return will be, “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.“ ( Matt. 24:12)

However those who follow  Christ are called to a higher standard. Not because of any ability we possess, but because of the faith we confess. The hope of the gospel is change from the inside, out. Hearts fully devoted to Christ and living a life that is pleasing to Him. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could begin with “paying the debt of love” to those who also profess Christ. Our spiritual “brothers and sisters” in the family of Christ. I think that is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

My day went by quickly considering I didn’t think it was going to be that busy. After my weekly Chiropractor appointment, I had an afternoon appointment and then a conference call and then some work on my new position that took longer than I anticipated. So, I didn’t get in the workout I planned, but the dog still got in his walk.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.  I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.…The Lord gives me strength and a song.…This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad today!“ Psalm 118:5,6,14,24 NCV

As I read through Psalm 118, I saw these verses as the answer to the question, “How did you make it during your health crisis?”  The simple yet profound words of the psalmist summarize the progression, “I was in trouble….I called…the Lord answered…” 

That may sound simple and easy, but the road can still be long, difficult and challenging. There can be days in a crisis when fear begins to set in; but we see the Lord’s presence and love drives out fear. I John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” We know and have confidence that the Lord’s love is perfect and so we don’t need to be afraid.

Next I noticed that the strength the Lord gives also comes with a song.  When I think of strength that is needed for a difficult task, I don’t think of singing. I think of effort and groaning and fatigue and pushing myself forward. But when we are “yoked with Jesus” we do find that strength He gives lightens our burden and…He places a song in our hearts. This “song” from the Lord is a testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness and love.

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”  (Psalm 40:3 NLT)

I also like the practicality of the psalmist as He gives thanks to the Lord for his victory. He says, “The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but he did not let me die.” (Psa. 118:18 NCV) When you are told, “you are lucky to be alive” and you realize the how things, “could have been” you want to make sure that  you don’t miss the opportunity to learn some important lessons. When you are on your back and tied to a bed by tubes and paralysis, you might as well try to make the most of it. “Life threatening experiences” should be “life changing experiences.”

The best way to approach life regardless of the challenges that come our way or the situation in which we may find ourselves, is to take one day at a time. That is why I like the wording of the New Century Version of verse 24. “…let us rejoice and be glad today!” That is all you can do.

If we weren’t glad yesterday, you are too late. You can’t be glad for the next day that hasn’t come. Jesus told His disciples, “…don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries….” (Matt. 6:34) That means you might as well be glad today, and make the most of it and “Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.” (Psalm 118:24)

I as glad that I went to my Tuesday morning prayer connect after missing several weeks. Most of our group was missing but, it gave me some one on one time with County Commissioner Lew Gaiter.

I then had the opportunity to work on some tasks related to my new position and to get caught up on some work on past devotional blogs. I am working on the urging of many people in the past who told me that I should write a book. So, I am giving that some thought and trying to put some content together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “It does not belong to us, Lord. The glory belongs to you because of your love and loyalty. Why do the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven. He does what he pleases. Their idols are made of silver and gold, the work of human hands.”  Psalm 115:1-4

If you lived in Israel when the Judges and the Kings ruled, you could find gods of stone, wood and precious metals under every tree and in a multitude of shrines. It was difficult for the pagans of the day to understand these people who worshiped and served an “unseen God.”

That is why the psalmist records their taunting question, “where is their God?” The response is,  “our God is the God of heaven and earth and He does what He pleases. Your gods are made by your hands and may have heads, hands, ears and feet, but they are lifeless and useless.” We then see the psalmist declares that…

This unseen God deserves all the glory because of His love and faithfulness. That is certainly what the Children of Israel experienced. They forsook the Lord, some worshiped idols along side of the Lord God, they disobeyed and lived life on their own terms. But the Lord in His mercy, responded to their cry and delivered them from enemies and sent His prophets to speak His message to them.

The unseen God is our helper and protection. “You who respect the Lord should trust him; he is your helper and your protection.”   (Psalm 115:11 NCV) The temptation was to look for help and protection from all kinds of sources. Whether it was the strength of an army, the leadership of a King or the idols on every corner. Real help and protection comes only from one source, the Lord God, so place your trust in Him, and don’t doubt.

The unseen God blesses those who honor Him.  “The Lord will bless those who respect him, from the smallest to the greatest. May the Lord give you success, and may he give you and your children success. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115:13-15) God’s promise of blessing and success is not dependent on position, status or wealth. The only criteria is for people to respect and honor Him. Once again we see the contrast with the “specialized gods” of the day. Those who were worshiped as having power over the rain, or sun or some specific arena of life or nature. There was a need for many gods so the many needs of people could be met. But those who are blessed by the Lord, “who made heaven and earth” find that He is all they need.

The unseen God is to be praised. “But we will praise the Lord now and forever. Praise the Lord!”  (Psalm 115:18)  Praise to the Lord is continual and persistent in the lives of those who place their trust in the “unseen God.” Jesus told Thomas, “…blessed are those who have not seen yet believe….” (John 20:29)  Peter wrote to New Testament Christians and said, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”  (1 Peter 1:8)

Yet we see and hold to the promise that one day our faith  will become sight. Scripture declares, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”   (1 John 3:2)

I attended a breakfast meeting this morning and was introduced for the first time as the new Co-Chair of LEAP. The Larimer Energy Action Project. This  bipartisan partnership of community leaders and concerned citizens works on informing the public about the importance of domestic energy resources. Northern Colorado has one of the largest oil and gas reserves in the country and this is an important and vital resource that is being tapped through safe and efficient technologies know as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.

Later today I made my way to the fitness center and signed up for some sessions with my trainer. With some of the gains I have made, I believe this will be the next step to help me move to full mobility. After working out today, I believe I could actually feel some muscle mass, which has not been the case for the past two years.

This morning I had the opportunity to visit with my friend Steve Bosley. Steve is a CU Regent and the founder of the famed Bolder Boulder 10K Race. Steve is in his 70’s and he shared about his plans for the future. He told me, “I’m not planning on sitting around with shawl over my shoulders.” What an inspiration to live life fully and to continually make a contribution. (above is a picture of me with Steve Bosley from a paste event)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We died to our old sinful lives, so how can we continue living with sin? …Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.”  Romans 6:2,7 NCV

The one thing about death is you don’t need to worry about doing anything wrong! But through Christ we are saved from the “slavery to sin” without having to die. That is good news and gives hope for all people.

As Paul discusses sin and forgiveness and the law and grace, he uses baptism as a picture of the spiritual dynamic that takes place when we come to faith in Christ. Baptism is a picture of death and resurrection. Death to sin and self and being raised to a new life to live a new life as “slaves to goodness” not sin. (Romans 6:18 NCV)

Paul’s argument is that grace does not give us license to sin, but is the motivation to live a new life in Christ. The new life we live is the “Christ-resurrected life.”

“…when Christ died, he died to defeat the power of sin one time—enough for all time. He now has a new life, and his new life is with God. In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive with God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:10,11 NCV)

I recall meeting one of the early converts of David Wilkerson in New York City. He was talking about some of the old gang members being together on a trip with David Wilkerson and their talk and behavior was not reflective of their new life in Christ and David, immediately corrected them and told them in no uncertain words that they were now living a new life. That is what Paul was telling the Romans, see yourself as living a new life, not obligated or stuck in the past.

Paul’s teaching in Romans 6 is reflective of his words to the Corinthians when he said, “…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17 NLT)

Although our existence in this life will have temptations and struggles, we don’t need to be defined by those actions or deeds or be “slaves” to them. In Christ there is freedom and hope. Paul reminds us…

“This brings you a life that is only for God, and this gives you life forever. The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ (Romans 6:22,23 NCV)

Sin pays….but the payment is death. Christ gives life as a gift! View yourself as Christ does and live free and victorious in Him.