This morning I attend the Men’s breakfast at Timberline Church. Actually the men were helping hosting a community wide gathering on Human Sex Trafficking. Several organizations were present to share what they were doing to fight against this societal tragedy. It was good to see my friend Vicki Proffit who now is the Director Sarah’s Home.

With the cooperative weather, I am hoping to get the landscaping project I have been working on completed this weekend. Some dirt arrived to fill in around the foundation and I rented some equipment to see if we can make modification to our slope around two sides of the house that have been the source of some water problems.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Israel says, “I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me; my God will hear me. Enemy, don’t laugh at me. I have fallen, but I will get up again. I sit in the shadow of trouble now, but the Lord will be a light for me.” Micah 7:7,8 NCV

A commercial for an emergency call system for seniors has an elderly women crying out, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” I actually now what that is like; and it is no fun! Before leaving the rehab hospital Debbie and I worked with my physical therapist on “fall recovery.” Because of my complete weakness, it proved to be a challenge and we needed a system and strategy in place for when that happened.

While falling without the ability to get yourself up is a feeling of desperation; falling and being able to get up brings confidence and hope. That is what describes the spiritual condition of God’s people as the Book of Micah comes to an close. Throughout the book the prophet provides words of hope and restoration after judgment, but now these words come from the perspective of God’s people, “I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me….”

The Lord speaks through Micah and declares that there will be extreme famine and time of trial. The Lord addresses the sins of dishonesty and self-centeredness and says, “don’t even trust members of  your own family.” The people are confused about what the Lord wants and the Lord let’s them know that more than sacrifice or ritual He wants them to, “do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God.” (Micah 6:8 NCV)

The people seem to finally understand their “fallen” condition. But through the words of the prophet they understand that they can and will “get up.” But here is the process for this “fall recovery.”

“I will look to the Lord for help.” That may sound basic, but remember these people worshiped, gave credit to and sought the advice of idols and false gods and prophets for generations. Understanding that God is for them and is their source of help is a significant revelation and commitment.

“I will wait for God to save me.” Patience is an important spiritual discipline. In our quick fix, microwave, instant gratification world, waiting is not in our DNA. Waiting is a sign of submission. It is not giving God an ultimatum; “If you don’t come through this week…I’m seeking other help.” Waiting on God to save, shows you understand that God is the true source of help and that He knows what is best and we rest in that.

“God will hear me.” Do you have doubts that God is listening to your prayers…that He is aware of  your situation and needs? Do you feel that you have alienated yourself from God to the point He has “given up” on you? If anyone could feel that way, it was God’s people in their sinful condition. But they realized that God does hear the prayers of His people. John writes to Christians and reminds them, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 NIV)

“The Lord will be a light for me.” Even if I am in darkness now, I know the Lord will be a light to lead me out of darkness. Basically this is the concept that, “what I am experiencing now, is not the way it will always be.” That is why we see the words addressed to the enemies of God’s people, “don’t laugh, I have fallen, but I will get up again.” At times it is easy for us and for those who oppose us to feel that our downfall is final. But that is not the case when we call on the Lord and wait for Him to act on our behalf.

With this resolve and confidence in God, we find the final words of Micah are filled with hope and faith in the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness.

“There is no God like you. You forgive those who are guilty of sin; you don’t look at the sins of your people who are left alive. You will not stay angry forever, because you enjoy being kind. You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins. You will throw away all our sins into the deepest part of the sea.”  (Micah 7:18,19 NCV)

These verses communicate the heart and character of God. Remember who He is and what He alone can do for you. Remember, “If you fall, you will get up” if you call on the Lord and wait for Him to act lead you forward in life.

Today was like “old times.” I went to the Banner Hospital in Fort Collins for an MRI on my neck. This was a follow up from an MRI over a year ago that discovered a bulging disc in my neck. My doctors want to determine the status of my neck and if this disc could be hampering the nerve regeneration needed for my full recovery.

My tech in the lab told me that he had participated in the Iron Man finals in Hawaii. This event will be aired tomorrow on NBC sports. There were several from Fort Collins that I discovered who qualified for this challenging event. They ranged in age from 23 to 50. The Iron Man is a  2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full marathon. My tech finished in 10 hours; the fastest time from Fort Collins was a little over 9 hours! I am really impressed by the 50 year old who competed and completed the race. So, I went to the fitness center today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In the last days the mountain on which the Lord’s Temple stands will become the most important of all mountains. It will be raised above the hills, and people from other nations will come streaming to it. Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Temple of the God of Jacob, so that he can teach us his ways, and we can obey his teachings.”His teachings will go out from Jerusalem, the word of the Lord from that city.”  Micah 4:1,2 NCV

The words of the prophets point out the sin and corrupted character of God’s people. But we see with the condemnation and announcement of judgment, the justice of God and the mercy of God. These are often intertwined in the message of the prophets.

Many of the words of the Old Testament prophets found their fulfillment in Jesus day and beyond. It is Micah’s words that declare, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are too small to be among the army groups from Judah, from you will come one who will rule Israel for me.” (Micah 5:2 NCV) This was this passage that was searched for by the scholars of Jesus day to answer the question of the Wise Men, “where is He, who is born King of the Jews?”

We see the prophetic declaration about the importance of the “Holy City” Jerusalem as the place where the Lord’s presence and teaching will be sought. It is prophesied as “the place” from which the knowledge of the Lord will originate and spread.

We see this fulfilled as the Temple is restored and established and as Jesus comes as the “light of the world” and as the “way, the truth and the life.” It is on the “Mountain of the Lord’s Temple” where a cross will be lifted high with the sacrifice of the “Lamb of God.” It is on the “Mountain of the Lord” where the Temple curtain will be torn from top to bottom and all will be provided access to the presence of the Holy God. It is from “God’s mountain” that the good news will spread to give light to all the world. The “word of the Lord” has indeed gone forth from the city.

Even today, we see the people  of the world coming to Jerusalem to see the place where God’s people have lived and where Jesus walked, taught, performed miracles and died and rose to life.

But the journey to this glorious promise and destiny, would be through captivity in Babylon. “…now you must leave the city and live in the field. You will go to Babylon, but you will be saved from that place. The Lord will go there and buy you back from your enemies.” (Micah 4:10 NCV)

What is of interest is that Micah prophesied this almost 100 years before it would happen. The enemy of the day was Assyria, from whom the Lord delivered Judah. But we see that Hezekiah, welcomed an envoy from Babylon when they came to visit him after recovery from his illness. Hezekiah proceeded to show these foreign visitors all the wealth of the nation. This brought the first pronouncement of God’s judgment on His people by the hand of the Babylonians.

Remember the saying, “it is darkest before the dawn.” Often times the days of blessing are preceded by days of trial and hardship. The Lord was promising days of blessing and prosperity for His people, but they were not a people ready to inherit that blessing.

In our lives we can discover the same thing to be true. The blessings that come from trusting and obeying the Lord are often experienced after we learn the hardships that come from living for ourselves and not trusting and fully obeying the Lord. Just as death precedes resurrection, we must experience death to ourselves and our desires, before we share in the “power of the resurrection.”

Paul would write to the Galatians and remind them, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their own sinful selves. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24,25 NCV)

So the good news is the Lord has great days for those who follow Him…but first we must experience a death to our old lives, thoughts and actions.

I have come to mark another birthday. This is day has become significant because of the reminder of “celebrating” my 60th birthday two years ago at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. While my recovery is prolonged it is good to be able to recognize progress. Today, I had a work out with Garrett my trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. I was able to walk farther with one cane than I have at any time in the past; so on my birthday, I marked another sign of progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“The Lord says, “Even now, come back to me with all your heart. Fast, cry, and be sad.” Tearing your clothes is not enough to show you are sad; let your heart be broken. Come back to the Lord your God,because he is kind and shows mercy. He doesn’t become angry quickly, and he has great love.” Joel 2:12,13 NCV

Joel is a short book of prophecy that opens with an alarm about how terrible the coming judgments will be on land and people. The coming condition is summarized in these words, “Our food is taken away while we watch. Joy and happiness are gone from the Temple of our God.” (Joel 1:16 NCV)

In the Old Testament the sounding of a trumpet was one of the main tools of communication. The trumpet would call to worship as well as war. The trumpet would announce the coming of the King and times of celebration. Two trumpet sounds are found in Joel, the first is to warn…warn of God’s judgment, “Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem;
shout a warning on my holy mountain. Let all the people who live in the land shake with fear, because the Lord’s day of judging is coming;  it is near.” (Joel 2:1 NCV)

The Lord’s warnings have been ignored and His patience has come to an end. The people were to be prepared for the Lord who is ready to act and act in a way that will cause trembling and has never been known among the people. “The Lord’s day of judging is an overwhelming and terrible day. No one can stand up against it!” (Joel 2:11 NCV)

Then we see another trumpet sound. A trumpet sound that is a call to repentance, “Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem; call for a day when everyone fasts. Tell everyone to stop work.” (Joel 2:15 NCV) The warning of judgment is a call to repentance; true repentance. Not going through outward demonstration, but truly experiencing a change of heart, the outlasts the time of crisis. This is life altering, work stopping repentance.

Because God is a God of love, mercy and kindness; there is always hope. The prophet says, “Who knows? Maybe he will turn back to you and leave behind a blessing for you.” (Joel 2:14 NCV)

The cry that is required at this time is a “cry for mercy” a cry for God to uphold the integrity of His name by coming to rescue His people.

We see the assurance of the Lord’s response to the humble cry of repentance and mercy, “Then the Lord became concerned about his land and felt sorry for his people. He said to them: “I will send you grain, new wine, and olive oil, so that you will have plenty. No more will I shame you among the nations.”  (Joel 2:18,19 NCV)

The restoration of the contrite is assured, “At that time I will pour out my Spirit also on male slaves and female slaves. I will show miracles in the sky and on the earth: blood, fire, and thick smoke…Then anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved;” (Joel 2:29,30,32)

In these short chapters we see sweeping judgment, a warning and call to repentance and the assurance of restoration. The words of Joel 2, are referenced on the Day of Pentecost recorded in the Book of Acts, we see other signs and the reference to the “Day of the Lord” as an indication of the application of these words to days yet to come.

We need to remember, awareness of God’s judgment is to be taken serious. It calls for true heart change. When that happens we find God in His mercy, forgives and restores. If people call on the Lord, then, they will be saved.” The trumpet call in the Old Testament may today be a “sound” in our hearts and minds that the Lord is using to get our attention as individuals and as a people. The right response, makes all the difference. To ignore is to be doomed; to heed and turn is to be saved and restored.

We had our first snow fall this morning. I had an early morning meeting in Berthoud so I’m glad the roads were clear. I attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting at Grace Place in Berthoud. This church was started 19 years ago in a school and just moved into a new large facility west of town on Hwy 287. This church is making a huge impact on a community in their community activities and church ministries.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children. Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God’s Good News with you, but even our own lives. You had become so dear to us!”  1 Thessalonians 2:7,8 NCV

I have always viewed Paul as more like Peter, than John. John was the Apostle of “love” and Peter…you know Peter….Strong, brash, outspoken. Paul knew how to stand his ground, endure suffering and keep persevering in the work of the gospel. But as he writes to the Thessalonians we see a “soft side” of Paul. But when we take a close look we see that character is reflected in conduct.

Consider the type of character Paul was trying to avoid. “Our appeal does not come from lies or wrong reasons, nor were we trying to trick you…. You know that we never tried to influence you by saying nice things about you. We were not trying to get your money; we had no selfishness to hide from you.” (1 Thess. 2:3,5 NCV)

In Paul’s day there were those who took advantage of the faith of people. They came across as “spiritual men” but were out for themselves. They were more interested in money, than others. Their motivations were always hidden behind a vale of spiritual authority. Paul knew what his “competition” was like and how he needed to go the “extra mile” to reveal the true character of God’s servants.

So to counter the charlatans of the day, Paul’s conduct spoke of the character of his life and that of Christ. We see he was caring and patient. He was willing to work hard and not be a burden to people. “I know you remember our hard work and difficulties. We worked night and day so we would not burden any of you while we preached God’s Good News to you.” (1 Thess. 2:9 NCV)

Paul was able to stand strong in the face of opposition. He had just come from the Philippian jail where he was persecuted for the work of the gospel. . “People there insulted us, as you know, and many people were against us. But our God helped us to be brave and to tell you his Good News.” (1 Thess. 2:2 NCV)

Paul continually sought to please God and not “fleece” people. “…we speak the Good News because God tested us and trusted us to do it. When we speak, we are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts.” (1 Thess. 2:4 NCV) Paul realized that preaching the gospel may upset some people, but his desire was to be faithful to God’s call and not just win the favor of people. His care for people compelled him to speak the truth.

Paul realized the modern day adage, “you can impress people from afar, but you can only impact them up close.” He said, “Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God’s Good News with you, but even our own lives.” (1 Thss. 2:8 NCV)

Conduct that flows from character leads to impact. Paul said, “…you know our visit to you was not a failure.” (1 Thess. 2:1 NCV)

Paul’s life challenges us today. Does our conduct reflect a godly character? One that is patient and caring and stands for truth? Are we looking to impress people, or to make a genuine impact on lives?

We see the summary of Paul’s life in these words, “When we were with you, we lived in a holy and honest way, without fault.”  (1Thess. 2:10 NCV) Out of this commitment to the Lord Paul said, “We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God…” (1 Thess. 2:12 NCV)

May the Lord give us the strength, like Paul, to “go the way and show the way” as we admonish others in their life of faith. When we do, we see our character impacting our conduct.

After feeling quite a bit of fatigue last night I had some good energy and activity today. I attended my Tuesday morning prayer time and then got in a work out at the fitness center before getting in some landscaping work before the snow falls. I was able to get some other officials duties taken care of as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “As I looked, thrones were put in their places, and God, the Eternal One, sat on his throne. His clothes were white like snow, and the hair on his head was white like wool. His throne was made from fire, and the wheels of his throne were blazing with fire. A river of fire was flowing from in front of him. Many thousands of angels were serving him, and millions of angels stood before him. Court was ready to begin, and the books were opened.”  Daniel 7:9,10 NCV

Daniel is about dreams, visions and divine interventions. We see God revealing Himself to Nebuchadnezzar and then to his son Belshazzar who failed to learn the lesson of humility from his father and in turn lost his throne to another ruler.

During the reign of Belshazzar Daniel has a vision of the sea and beasts. In Bible prophecy the sea speaks of people, so we see these beasts representing rulers and nations coming up from among the people. Much of what unfolds is future history for the world of Daniel, but past history from our perspective, but also prophecies about events yet to happen.

In the midst of all the images of beasts and thrones, we see “a” throne or “the” throne which is most important. While human kingdoms may come and go and jockey for power and positions and dominance, the throne of God stands firm over all. God’s reign is not coming, it already is!

We see a picture of God sitting on His throne. The throne is not empty  and God is not standing waiting for some coronation. He is in position of rule and authority and is at the task of exerting His judgment. His throne is made of “fire” and has “wheels.” Not only that a “river for fire” flowed before Him.

We see the fire purifies and destroys. No one can stand before a blazing fire; and in like fashion no one can stand before the great God of the universe who is not bound or confined by time and geography.

Just as a king is attended by servants, we see the throne of God served by angels…thousands of angels and millions of angels before Him. We often forget about the “heavenly host” that is active in our world. God is not alone, His presence is filled with angels. Not only do they serve God, they serve “God’s people.” “…angels are only servants–spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.“ (Hebrews 1:14 NLT)

Finally we see the “books are opened” and court was ready to begin. This is a vivid picture of God as judge of all the earth and judge of all the kingdoms of the world.

We see this great picture of “God’s throne” sandwiched between Daniel’s description of a “little” horn that grew up out of three of the beasts or nations. While earth is in the midst of all its activities, while ruler believe they have ultimate authority, there is a God in heaven who is sovereign and in control and stands ready to judge.

God acts. In His time and in His way. We see a description of an event that sounds much like the Book of Revelation, “…I saw in front of me someone who looked like a human being coming on the clouds in the sky. He came near God, who has been alive forever, and he was led to God. He was given authority, glory, and the strength of a king. People of every tribe, nation, and language will serve him. His rule will last forever, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13,14 NCV)

On the Isle of Patmos, John saw a revelation that included this, “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7 NIV)

There is a day coming ( just as all other days of prophecies have been fulfilled) when Christ will return. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom and those who belong to His kingdom will be a part of that eternal kingdom. Daniel saw it, John saw it and one day there will be a generation that sees it not as a vision, but as fulfillment of God’s promise. That is the day of the final “Amen.”

We are enjoying a few more days of mild weather before a predicted snow comes our way. It was nice to have a day to get caught up one some personal finance work and to get some of the leaves out of the front yard.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me…His wonderful acts are great, and his miracles are mighty.His kingdom goes on forever, and his rule continues from now on.”  Daniel 4:2,3 NCV

These words of praise above sound like words you would find in the Psalms or one of the prophets. But they come from the idol-worshiping, powerful King Nebuchadnezzar who was the ruler of the known world. His armies conquered the Assyrians, he overpowered Jerusalem and Judah and eventually moved into Egypt. His wealth, power and fame were widespread. He was, after all the head of Gold from the statue in the first dream Daniel interpreted for him. (Daniel 2)

Nebuchadnezzar had a revelation and a testimony about the greatness of God and he shared it with everyone. It all started with another dream. The dream was troubling and had a clear message of judgment.  The dream was a picture of the greatness of his kingdom, but also had a chilling turn of judgment and torture.

One of the first things we can learn is that “when all seems to be well…all may not be well.” Nebuchadnezzar said, “I, was happy and successful at my palace…” (Daniel 4:4) For this great King the battles had been won, kingdoms conquered and he was enjoying peace and prosperity. He thought all was well, but soon discovered God had another perspective.

The verdict and future was clear…“You will be forced away from people to live among the wild animals. People will feed you grass like an ox, and dew from the sky will make you wet. Seven years will pass, and then you will learn this lesson: The Most High God is ruler over every kingdom on earth, and he gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses.” (Daniel 4:25 NCV)

The warning and counsel was clear… “Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.” (Daniel 4:27 NCV)

Then we observed that delayed judgment does not mean avoided Judgment. “Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon,  he said, “I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.” (Daniel 4:29,30 NCV) With those words God acted and stripped the great King of his power and sanity. A year of peace….then seven years of torture.

Recognizing the true God brings restoration. “I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever.“ (Daniel 4:34 NCV) Nebuchadnezzar was use to people bowing before him and “looking up” to him. Now he finds himself in the lowliest position possible and is restored when he “looks up” to the God of heaven. His gods could not keep him safe or rescue him. He “honored” Daniel with a name in honor of his god, but he found out that “God is judge” (the meaning of the name Daniel)

Nebuchadnezzar found that true prosperity and authority come from God. “I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.” (Daniel 4:36,37 NCV) Here is a king that experienced the success and honor that comes through human efforts, but then found that even greater success and honor comes from submitting to the true God of heaven and earth.

Peter reminds believers, “….God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5,6 NIV) From Nebuchadnezzar’s story we can learn it is better to humble yourself, instead of being humbled by God. We can be confident that the Lord honors those who honor Him. Finally, when conviction or correction comes into our life, an immediate response is best.

This morning we traveled to Lakewood early to attend the Lakewood Vineyard church service. Our oldest grandson Riley was being baptized, so it was a special occasion. My mother was able to attend so we had four generations of faith present for the occasion.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“God gave these four young men wisdom and the ability to learn many things that people had written and studied. Daniel could also understand visions and dreams.…Every time the king asked them about something important, they showed much wisdom and understanding.”  Daniel 1:17,20 NCV

The downfall of Jerusalem and Judah took place in phases. The final days were not the result of a sudden taken over but years of struggle. After the godly reign of Josiah his son Jehoahaz became king but was taken captive by the King of Egypt. Neco King of Egypt made Jehoahaz’s brother King and gave him the name Jehoiakim.

During the reign of Jehoiakim Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem and took possessions from the Temple and took a number of captive including young men from “important families, including the King of Judah.” These men included Daniel and his three friends. We don’t know for sure their family background, but we do know when Jehoiakim’s son was taken captive to Babylon his brother became King, apparently because He had no sons.

The bottom line instead of Daniel and one of his three friends perhaps being King in Judah, they were selected to be in prominent positions on Babylon. These four men serve as an example of how to be “godly leaders” in an ungodly land.

First we see they chose their identity based on their faith and heritage, not their culture. One of the first things that Nebuchadnezzar did was change their names. Names have meanings and those meanings in the Bible were of great significance. For example, Hannaniah means ‘Yahweh is gracious’, Mischael means “Who is like Yahweh?” and Azariah means “Yahweh has helped”.  Their names were changed to Shadrach (purportedly means the command of aku, a Babylonian moon god); Meshach (supposedly means the servant of a Chaldean god) and Abednego (means the servant of Nabu/Nego, another Babylonian god). Daniel, whose name means “God is Judge” was changed to Belteshazzar (“Bel protects his life”).

We see in the history of these four Hebrews in Babylon that as they stayed true to the true God, He showed Himself as the One who the true judge, the gracious God, who protects and who is above all, “no one like our God.”

Next we see that they refused to be identified with the prevailing culture. For whatever the reason, they did not “defile themselves” with the King’s food. As a result the Lord granted them favor and status.

We see that these men became distinguished among all the leaders and wise men of Babylon through the knowledge and wisdom that the Lord provided. Scripture is very clear that “God gave them…wisdom and the ability to learn…”

God’s wisdom and insight gave Daniel the knowledge to know and interpret the King’s dreams and this was what Nebuchadnezzar said, “Truly I know your God is the greatest of all gods, the Lord of all the kings. He tells people about things they cannot know.“ (Daniel 2:47 NCV)

When God rescued the “three Hebrew children” from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their God has sent his angel and saved his servants from the fire! These three men trusted their God and refused to obey my command. They were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god other than their own.” Regardless of where they lived or how they were identified they knew where their “true north” was found and as a result God honored them and used them in their “alien” world.

We can learn and be encouraged from the life and example of these four men. Sometimes the Lord takes us away from our “comfort zones” and uses us in places that are “foreign and unfamiliar.” As that happens if we keep our focus on pleasing God and living according to His ways, He will provide the favor that is needed to be a person of impact and influence.

Then for all Christ-followers, it is important for us to know and identify with the “kingdom” that is our true home. In Jesus “priestly prayer” He said of His disciples, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.“ (John 17:16 NIV) Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36 NIV) However, the Lord desires to use us to demonstrate His power and reveal who He is and to be a source of wisdom and influence in the “kingdom” where we live.

As we observe the actions and attitudes of the prevailing culture, we need to adjust our attitude and perspective. Instead of complaining and being distressed because of “what is” – we need to seek the Lord how we can make a difference and even allow those in power to see that “God is the greatest of all gods.”

This morning, I thought it had snowed, but we just had a heavy frost on the ground. Fall and winter is finally coming our way. However, our grass is as green as midsummer. It was good to get outside and try to tackle the battle of the leaves that had fallen from the trees while we were gone.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 NCV

When it comes to life in this world peace or trouble is not a choice. Jesus stated as a matter of fact, “in this world you will have trouble..” You can count on it, trouble will come from a variety of sources.

Much of the trouble for Christ followers can come from their faith. Jesus said of those who rejected Him, “…they have seen what I have done, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this happened so that what is written in their law would be true: ‘They hated me for no reason.’” (John 15:24,25 NCV)

Paul told Timothy, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV)  Peter wrote to believers enduring suffering and said, “…do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV)

We also see trouble coming from some key arenas in life. James says, “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual , and demonic”. (James 3:15 NLT) These are often summarized as the “world” the “flesh” and the “devil.” Some translations use the word, “self-centered” for “unspiritual.”

We live in a fallen world, where there is sin and disease. There are natural disasters and we see too often “the innocent suffer for the guilty.” At other times we find that “we are our own worst enemy.” Temptations and the self-centered life that is evident from the early years of life, can cause all kinds of trouble throughout our life.

It is also important to remember that we do have a spiritual enemy who wants to “steal, kill and destroy.” Peter warned, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.“ (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

But we see that Jesus gives a sense of hope and direction. He enable us to “be brave.” We can have the courage and strength that is needed to be an overcomer in all areas of the trouble and the challenges of life. When Jesus preparing to leave this world He told His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans…” (John 14:18 NIV) He promises to be with us always. His grace is available to forgive and strengthen. John wrote and said, “….you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.“ (1 John 4:4 ESV)

We take heart because Jesus has overcome the world and all that will confront us. When we stay close to Him we can have the assurance that we are overcomers as well. John wrote these encouraging words, “…everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4 NIV) Peter said in our spiritual warfare we are to “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.“ (1 Peter 5:9 NIV) Paul said, it is the “shield of faith” that distinguishes the “fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

Trouble is a part of life, but victory in trouble can be ours as well. We overcomer through a life trust and faith, allowing Christ’s strength to be lived out through our lives.