This morning I went to Windsor the the Harvest Fest Celebration to work the booth for the Larimer Energy Action Project. When I returned home early afternoon Christian, Bridget and the children had arrived. Sue and Sam also joined us for lunch. We went to the swimming pool and then will make a trip to the neighborhood lake for some fishing. It is good to have them all with us once again.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now the Lord has kept his promise.” 1 Kings 8:20 NCV

As Solomon secures his kingdom, he builds his own palace and the Temple of the Lord as instructed by his father, King David according to the Lord’s directions. The day of the dedication, as Solomon spoke to the people and prayed a lengthy prayer, Solomon’s consistent focus is on the fact that the “Lord has kept His promise.”

He reminds the people of the promise the Lord made to His people and to David and then he declares, (and I picture it with great emotion and a crescendo), “Now the Lord has kept his promise!” Perhaps it is my political background, but celebrating “promise keeping” is of great importance.

I recall some political campaign pieces from years ago that followed the theme of “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” I was at an event recently and my former State House colleague now serving in the US Senate told the audience of how there were promises made during the last election and the steps that had been taken to fulfill those promises. People look to leaders to do what they say and to improve the lives of those who follow them. And they become frustrated and disillusioned when promises made are not kept.

This is certainly true when people are called to follow the Lord and to remain loyal to him. Solomon declared to the people, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel. He has done what he promised to my father David”  and “Now I rule Israel as the Lord promised…” (1 Kings 8:15,20) Solomon reminded the people of the promise to David almost 40 years ago and that now was being fulfilled. Solomon after declaring the “Lord has kept His promises” reminds the people of how the promises fulfilled in their midst goes back to the days of Moses, “Praise the Lord! He promised he would give rest to his people Israel, and he has given us rest. The Lord has kept all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.” (1 Kings 8:56)

Some of God’s promises are conditional upon obedience and others He brings about through His sovereign plan of redemption. The Lord made promises to Solomon and Jeroboam after him, but both of these leaders did not receive all that the Lord promised because of disobedience and rebellion. But we see the Lord’s plan for bringing people to the promised land and God’s plan to reconcile people to Himself through Christ came about through His mercy and grace.

Finally remember God’s promises don’t have a timeline or an expiration date. Peter declared regarding the promise of the Lord’s return, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)  Paul encouraged believers about God’s promises with the words, “…no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV)

What is our response? What should we do? We are called to follow the Lord in a life of trust and obedience, knowing that He will surely fulfill that which He has promised. You can count on it! And one day, when we are all together before God’s Temple in heaven, (that was represented by the earthly Temple of Solomon), we will declare in praise, “The Lord has kept His promise!”

Today was a good holiday Saturday. Well, kind of a normal Saturday for us. Work around the house, walking the dog and for me a trip to the fitness center and the pool. I think I felt the impact of my activity later in the day, but it is good to be finding greater strength. I stood for the first time in church tonight without leaning on a crutch. But I was holding  on to Debbie.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…I am calm and quiet, like a baby with its mother. I am at peace, like a baby with its mother. People of Israel, put your hope in the Lord now and forever.”  Psalm 131:2,3

This “Psalm of Ascent” is one of the shortest and one of the most vivid in its imagery and most poetic in its prose. This psalm is at the end of the journey for spiritual pilgrims, traveling to the “City of God” to the place of worship. It is a picture of arriving at the “House of God” and being in the presence of the God.

In God’s presence is peace and satisfaction. It is a place of rest. David declared, “.. you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psa. 16:11) Paul ended his second letter to the Thessalonians with this benediction, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way…”                  (2 Thess. 3:16) Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….” (John 14:27)

In this psalm we see that those we experience peace in God’s arms understand their need and their limitation. “Lord, my heart is not proud; I don’t look down on others. I don’t do great things, and I can’t do miracles.” (Psa. 131:1)

I believe the psalmist is looking to God in humble reliance. He realizes his need and his powerlessness to change things. This is opposite of the view of the “self-reliant” individual, who believes they are above others who need God and who believe they have the power to change their lives and destiny. We find that we get what we need, when we realize that we don’t have what want, and understand the Lord is our source.

The psalmist doesn’t discuss any specific problems or trials, but simply describes a state of peace and satisfaction in the presence of the Lord. He says it is like a an infant satisfied and quiet and at peace in his mother’s arms. Perhaps there is no greater picture of peace and rest than a baby sleeping in a mother’s arms.

I am reminded of the words to the old hymn that tells us, “there is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of  God.” The chorus of that song goes on to say, “O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God; Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.”

For the tired, for the weak. For the stressed, distressed, worried and fearful. For the lonely and those who need a “time out” from the concerns of life,  God offers his peace and rest in His presence, in His arms.

A good Friday as we begin a holiday weekend. I was able to get some work done around the house and then had several appointments this afternoon. The last one gave some potential for a pending contract for my government affairs work. When it comes through, it will be one the “good out of bad” outcomes from my health crisis.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “These are the names of David’s warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth…was head of the Three. He killed eight hundred men at one time. Next was Eleazar…one of the three soldiers who were with David when they challenged the Philistines. The Philistines were gathered for battle, and the Israelites drew back. But Eleazar stayed where he was and fought the Philistines until he was so tired his hand stuck to his sword. The Lord gave a great victory for the Israelites that day…. Next there was Shammah…The Philistines came together to fight in a vegetable field. Israel’s troops ran away from the Philistines,  but Shammah stood in the middle of the field and fought for it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord gave a great victory.” 2 Samuel 23:8-12 NCV

In David’s day, war with surrounding nations was as regular as a sports season. The strength and ability of a countries army provided for safety, protection and claiming the territory the Lord had promised His people. One of David’s “sins” was taking a census of Israel. This displeased the Lord because victory was not dependent upon the number of men, but he favor and strength of the Lord. However, we find that the number of men qualified for military service numbered about 1,300,000.

However the strength of the army was found in a select few of men. Mighty warriors. There was an elite and brave group of three and a highly trained and successful group of 37. These men and their leaders are mentioned by name in 2 Samuel 23.

When we look at the exploits of the three we notice that they were brave, skilled and victorious. One single-handily killed 800 in one battle. Two of them are mentioned as standing their ground when everyone else ran. It was these three men who sneaked into the town of Bethlehem, risking their lives to get David water from the well of his home town. David realizing their sacrifice and bravery poured out the water as a sacrifice to the Lord.

As we look at the lives and exploits of these men there are some lessons for us in our spiritual life. In Ephesians, Paul uses a military metaphor as he discussed the “armor of God.” He says, “…put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”     (Eph. 6:13 NIV)

Success in the battle comes from “standing your ground.” We see that in the exploits of these three warriors. There are those who will run in fear, but the strong remain. Solomon said, “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!“  (Prov. 24:10 NIV)

You will find that times of trouble and testing will result in you being…defeated…or defined by the conflict or determined to stand your ground and overcome.

Success in the battle comes from clinging to your sword. It is said of Eleazar that he held to his sword so tight that it became “one with his hand.” Paul related the Christian “warrior’s” sword to the “Word of God.” To be victorious in our spiritual life, we must fight with God’s Word and hold tight to God’s Word.

Success in battle comes from the Lord. As brave and skilled as David’s famous three warriors were, we see they were successful because the Lord honored their efforts. As a young warrior David understood this. He said to Goliath, “…Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord‘s…” (1 Sam 17:47 ESV) As Moses and God’s people stood on the banks of the Red Sea with Pharaoh in hot pursuit, he told them, “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deu. 3:22) Those who were successful, understood that the Lord was on their side. Unless the Lord builds, labors with us, and fights for us, we build, labor and fight in vain. (Psa. 127)

In our spiritual lives the Lord gives us the weapons and the courage to be victorious, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:4 NLT) We can be assured of victory in our life as we stand our ground, cling to  God’s Word and rely on the Lord’s strength and faithfulness.

After some work related business today, I had another workout with my fitness trainer. I learned a couple of things. I can still get quickly fatigued; and I still have a ways to go before I can stand from a sitting position without leverage from my arms.

This afternoon Debbie and I went to the movie, “The War Room.” This was another powerful movie from the Kendrick Brothers (producers of “Facing the Giants).  The movie was about prayer and I believe will spark a greater commitment to prayer for all who see it. It was interesting to see the number of other “faith films” that will be coming out this fall.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord, and he answered me.” Psalm 120:1 NCV

David’s opening verse of this first “Psalm of Ascent” speaks to the Lord’s response to his cry in trouble. This is the first Psalm in a series of Psalms that are associated with the journey made by the Israelites to Jerusalem for the three major feasts on the Jewish calendar.

David knew what it was to face trouble. He experienced it before becoming King, when he was hunted by Saul. During the securing of his kingdom, he faced war. He faced war with the Philistines, and other surrounding nations. He faced the uprising of Absalom, his own son, in a take over of the kingdom. He had troubles from without and within his kingdom. But David, even when the trouble was of his own doing, found the Lord faithful to hear when he called on Him.

That simple statement is important for us today. When we are in trouble and we call on the Lord, we will find that He answers. A few nights ago, for some reason, the theme came to my mind, “every prayer matters.” At times we may questions where prayer does matter. Does God hear me? David through all of his experiences found that prayer does matter, every one and that the Lord does hear us when we pray.

This Psalm ends with the verses, “I have lived too long with people who hate peace. When I talk peace, they want war.” (Psa. 120:6,7) At times, we are motivated to turn to the Lord when our present circumstances become unbearable and we simply grow tired of the “way things are.”

As we consider this series of Psalms that have to do with “going up to Jerusalem” it is as if, David is saying, “I’m leaving all this behind and going to where the City of the Lord – to where He is.” We realize that God’s presence is not confined by geography, but imagery is important to consider.

There are times when I need to move away from my circumstances and troubles and “go where the Lord is.” To call on Him in prayer and to find that He is there and that He hears and answers. When we do we say with confidence, “My help comes from the Lord,  who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

This has seemed to be a busy day for me. I’m getting into the routine of my new responsibilities and after a busier day yesterday than I reailzed, It caught up with me today. So, I found that I needed more rest than anticipated and was not up to or didn’t seem like I had the time to get in some of my regular workout regimen. But overall, it was  productive day as I enter into a new phase of life and recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it. God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.”  Ephesians 2:8-10 NCV

I’m not a big fan of horror movies; but it seems that the idea of “zombies” and the “walking dead” is in vogue. What is interesting that is pretty much what Paul says of those who lives their lives for themselves, ignoring God’s invitation for life. “In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God.” (Eph. 2:1) We don’t see the “divine and immediate” retribution for sin that some people anticipate from the way they live their lives. But don’t be fooled. The Lord already considers them “dead men walking.”

However this condition is not unique to those who are “really bad.” Paul says, “In the past all of us lived like them, trying to please our sinful selves and doing all the things our bodies and minds wanted. We should have suffered God’s anger because we were sinful by nature. We were the same as all other people.“ (Eph. 2:3)

The good news is when we have the sentence of death and we can’t help ourselves, regardless of what we do, we find that Christ comes the rescue. What an exciting story! “But God’s mercy is great, and he loved us very much. Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God’s grace. And he raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens.” (Eph. 2:4-6)

This death out of life comes by simply and confidently placing our “faith in Christ.” The result is we don’t have this new life by anything we do, because we would surely “boast” about our ability and then look down on others. Instead God in His mercy and wisdom provides life for all regardless of who we are.

The great reversal is that those who had the sentence of death and only did what was bad, now have new life and are able to do what is good. “God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” (Eph. 2:10)

The apostle Paul who wrote these words is a prime example. He went from a murderer of Christians and persecuter of Christ, to one who live for Christ and proclaimed life through His name. Paul lived his life doing “good” because he realized how bad he had been. He said, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Cor. 15:9)

The bottom line is that we were all under the sentence of death. The life and hope we have in Christ, is because of God’s love and mercy available through Christ. The “good” we do, we do because we have life in Christ by faith and we are now able to fulfill God’s purpose for our new life in Him.

Without Christ our “good” is never good enough. In Christ the “good” we do is all possible because of Him and for His glory.

The summer must be coming to an end, we had a good group back to our Tuesday morning prayer time with county officials. It was a good time together of sharing and prayer. After some “office” work, I had a dentist appointment for a new crown. I’m glad it went well. I then began my new regimen of workout sessions with a trainer at the fitness center. I’m looking forward to those sessions, pushing me forward to full recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.  Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.”  Philippians 2:3,4

The theme for our current culture seems to be “look for out for number 1!” meaning yourself. In a self-centered world it seems like every one lives by the “reverse golden rule.” One that says, “do to others, before they do to you!” We are constantly reminded that “personal happiness” is king; don’t trust anyone else.

As I read these first few verses of Philippians chapter 2 they got my attention in a fresh way. Paul asks a series of questions, they appear to be rhetorical, but I’m not sure you can count on it. He asks, “Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness?” (Phil. 2:1-2) Read those thoughtfully. I find it is easy to say a quick “yes!” to the first two and then they become more challenging, “do we share the together in the spirit?” let me see… “sure, I think so.”  “Do you have mercy and kindness?” “I hope so…do you mean personally or are you talking about what I have received from Christ?”

Paul begins by focusing believers on what we have in Christ and have received from Him. He then calls them to a unity and an “others-centered” life. “Don’t let selfishness and pride be your guide?” Are you sure you know what you are asking, Paul? I tell people that for years I heard the adage, “it is amazing what  a group of people can accomplish if no one is concerned about who gets the credit.” Then I served in the State Legislature and found out that in politics, it is all about “who gets the credit.” And it you don’t fight for your name to be on the right bill and in the headlines, someone else will!

Guess what? It seems the problems of our day, were present in Paul’s day. That is why he challenged first century believers to be humble, and to honor others….are you ready, “more than yourself.” He goes on and says be interested in the lives of others, not just your own life.

What does that require? Personal security and confidence in knowing who you are and “whose” you are. That is why Paul goes on and gives the example of Christ. He was equal with God, but humbled Himself to God’s plan and came to this earth as a man, taking on the form of the lowest of servants and giving His life on the cross. Through humility Christ was exalted by God to the “highest place” and “given a name about all names.” (Phil. 2:9)

Peter learned this lesson and shared it in his first letter, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…”  (1 Peter 5:6)

Christ calls us to a different focus and value system than what we see in the world around us. The way to honor is through humility and bringing out the best in others; to serve others. It doesn’t mean we become “limp-dish-rags” that are vulnerable to be used and abused by others. But it calls us to live our lives by Christ’s example and to trust in Him to be our strength and source of confidence in life.