After returning home on Tuesday, I have had early morning meetings the last three days. That has been unusual for my regular schedule. I did enjoy attending a Local Legislative Committee meeting with the Fort Collins Chamber and hearing a presentation by County Commissioner Tom Donnelly.

After some office work that took longer than anticipated, I had another fitness center workout with my trainer. It went better today than on Wednesday when I a forgot to take my midday medications.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.”  John 12:42,43 NCV

If there was a group that was threatened and intimidated by Jesus it was the Pharisees. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was the turning point miracle in Jesus ministry. When the Pharisees heard of it their sense of being threatened was evident. They responded, “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him.” (John 11:47,48 NCV)

While they stated their concern was for the security of the nation, it was really their own security and authority they held over the people they were concerned about. As people began to believe in Jesus it presented them a challenging choice. To believe in Jesus was to incur the wrath of the Pharisees. We see when Jesus healed the man blind from birth his parents were afraid of the Pharisees because, “the Jewish leaders…had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue.” (John 9:22 NCV)

This put pressure on those among the religious leaders of the day. Two of note are Nicodemus and Joseph of  Arimathea. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night as recorded in John 3. Later when the Temple guards returned without arresting Jesus, the Pharisee rulers asked, “Have any of the leaders or the Pharisees believed in him? No!” (John 7:48 NCV) What is interesting is, Nicodemus was in the group. He tried to speak up, but was quickly put down by the others.

Joseph from Arimathea is known for being the one who “loaned” a tomb for Jesus burial. But we see some insight into his background. “Joseph of Armiathea asked Pilate if he could take the body of Jesus. (Joseph was a secret follower of Jesus, because he was afraid of some of the leaders.)”    (John 19:38 NCV) Joseph was a “secret” follower of Jesus, but when Jesus died on the cross his courage was strengthened. Mark’s gospel records that he, “went boldly to Pilate..” (Mark 15:43 NIV)

So we see along with the women, these two “secret followers” of Jesus were responsible for providing the spices and burial place for Jesus. Though they had been silent in the past, they were willing to step up and take action.

Solomon tells us, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”  (Prov. 29:25 NIV) Being praised and respected by people is not bad. But when it comes to valuing human opinion and status over God’s….that is a problem.

Jesus stood up to the intimidation of the Pharisees and said, “Your approval means nothing to me, because I know you don’t have God’s love within you.” (John 5:41,42 NCV) When it comes to the approval and praise of people, it is godly people whose opinion counts the most.

The praise of people or of God. Many today, are intimidated into silence because of “what others might think” if they stand up for Christian values or even let others know of their faith. At times these modern day Pharisees make people believe that it is “their” opinion or approval that is the most important to achieve status or success.

It is for the timid in their faith that the words of Paul to Timothy are important to remember, “God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NCV) The words of Jesus are challenging and important for us to remember, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38 NIV).

May the Lord give us all, the courage and wisdom and love to be those who stand strong for Christ and reflect Him well to those around.

I made a early morning trip to Berthoud to meet with the Executive Director of the Berthoud Chamber of Commerce. It was my first time to be in Berthoud. What is of interest is that my paternal grandmother was born in Berthoud. I will have to check out the local museum and see what I can learn of the history of the town. I’m glad we didn’t get the snow and cold that was anticipated, I still need to have my sprinkler system blown out. I believe this will be the latest in the year this has ever happened.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When the people heard Jesus’ words, some of them said, “This man really is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Christ.” Still others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee…” John 7:40,41 NCV

Jesus was an enigma in many ways, to many people. He said things people did not expect. He did things they did not like. When it was recognized that He performed a miracle, the religious leaders were upset because it was on the Sabbath. His words comforted, but more often confronted, challenged and confused. The “coffee”shop discussion on “who is this man?!” was always of interest and always filled with controversy.

The opinion of people in John 7 reminds me of Matthew’s gospel when Jesus turned to His disciples and asked two important questions, “who do men say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?”  (Matthew 16:15) It is always challenging when the focus turns from “them” or “they” to “me.”

The Jews of Jesus’ day were familiar with the ministry of John the Baptist and the record of the Old Testament prophets. So, it made sense to at least affirm that Jesus was or is “the” prophet. Yet others were more convinced by not only His word but His miracles and declared Him to be the “Christ” or Messiah.

The last group seems to almost “get it” – but they stumbled because Jesus was from Galilee and a Nazarene. We see their knowledge of the prophecies about the Messiah because they said, “The Scripture says that the Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived.” (John 7:42 NCV) They were so close; they just forgot their internet search to find that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and was tied to David’s lineage.

It seemed like there were those who looked for reasons to not believe. Jesus addressed some of these who struggled with His teachings and said, “…even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:38 NIV)

What we observe in Jesus day, we can see in ours. If someone doesn’t want to accept the testimony of Jesus, more “evidence” is usually fruitless. People in Jesus day even with seeing Him, hearing Him and witnessing His miracles, struggled to believe in Him. For many, He “just didn’t fit into their frame of reference.”

How often that is the case today. There are those who refuse to believe because of something the Lord has done or not done that is outside of their context. So people demand more. At times the Lord in His grace provides what is needed for personal belief; at others times He doesn’t; leaving what a person already knows and has experienced for them to consider.

It is interesting how many people remain “confused” about Jesus. It is easier to engage in generalized discussions, than to bring it home to a personal level. But it is on the personal level where Jesus meets each of us. While He taught the multitudes, He healed one person at a time. He took time for a Samaritan woman at a well, He took time for a Pharisee coming to see Him under the cover of night. He took time to release a woman caught in adultery to a new life. He took time for a tax collector names Zacchaeus. To those who wanted to “see” He opened their eyes. To those who refused to believe, He allowed them to stay in their “darkness.”

After the controversy over the healing of a man born blind, Jesus said, “…I came so that the blind would see and so that those who see will become blind.” (John 9:39 NCV)

The bottom line is, some people look for reasons to believe, others look for reasons not to believe. The question then is, “which best describes you?”

It seemed our adjustment back to the “swing of things” proved more challenging than anticipated. After somewhat of a restless night, I got up early for a breakfast meeting at CCU with the Centennial Institute Fellows. It was good to be with this group and to hear from Jeff Hunt who will take over for John Andrews in January as the Director the Centennial Institute.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People who believe in God’s Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God’s one and only Son. They are judged by this fact: The Light has come into the world, but they did not want light….” John 3:18,19 NCV

John chapter 3 contains some well known words of Jesus. It can easy to forget that they are all related to Jesus’ response to Nicodemus, a Pharisee…a respected ruler among the Pharisees who came to Jesus and recognized that God “was with Him.” 

Jesus’ response seems abrupt as He makes the statement, “unless you are born again, you cannot be in God’s kingdom.” (John 3:3 NCV) Recognizing who Jesus is through what He does, is not enough to gain eternal life; believing in Him as God’s only Son and His Words is what makes the difference.  As we move through Jesus discourse we observe that spiritual life comes from God’s Spirit. It is not a product of human intellect of understanding.

Jesus told Nicodemus, “…you will not believe me if I tell you about things of heaven.” (John 3:12 NCV) Paul would write, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

Spiritual life is not through human intellect and it is not through human goodness. “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.” (Romans 8:3 NIV)

Spiritual life comes from God’s Spirit. That was Jesus’ simply explanation to Nicodemus about what it means to be “born again.” Just as the wind is mysterious and it can not be controlled and it comes and it goes at will, so God’s Spirit comes to bring life to people at times they don’t expect and in ways they don’t anticipate. But it all takes place when an individual places their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Savior.

When we look to Jesus, we see God’s judgment on sin, just as the serpent in the wilderness reminded God’s people of God’s judgment on their sin. Our sin has been judged by God, but placed on Christ. That is why the prophet declared, “…LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 NIV)

That which is important in scripture is repeated. Consider these verses, “…everyone who believes can have eternal life in him.” (John 3:15 NCV) “…whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NCV) “Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18 NCV) “Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life.” (John 3:36 NCV)

We see that God has done everything possible for people to believe. “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16,17 NCV)

Failure to believe, to come to the the light of Christ’s love and truth is to place the guilty verdict on your own life. We are familiar with the idea of being “judged guilty” by others. In our modern day “jurisprudence” that is a jury of our peers. But in the context of John 3 when a person is on trial and judged guilty, when they look into the jury box the faces of those on the jury pronouncing the verdict, all have the face of the guilty person. By their own actions and attitudes they have condemned themselves. Jesus said, “they have already been guilty, because they did not believe…they did not want light. They wanted darkness…” (John 3:18-20)

I am reminded of the old saying, “I would rather be safe than sorry.” When it comes to our spiritual life and response, “we have to be sorry, to be safe” or saved.

We arrived home from Atlanta this evening after a full day of travel. We were able to get Caedmon connected with his parents just in time to connect with our shuttle service back to Fort Collins.  I think his siblings missed him the last five days he was gone. We ended our stay before the cousins began treating each other too much like siblings and still loving each other.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I have seen Christ’s sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to shepherd God’s flock, for whom you are responsible.”                1 Peter 5:1,2 NCV

As Peter comes to the close of his first letter, he addresses elders who serve and are among the people. There are passages of scripture where we find qualifications for spiritual leaders and descriptions of spiritual gifts. But perhaps there is no other greater summary of the value, priorities and motivations required for spiritual leaders than what is found in these first four verses of 1 Peter 5.

My attention is drawn to some of the following observations.

1 – Peter approaches elders in humility. From the very beginning Peter shows his identification with other spiritual leaders. He does not refer to himself as an apostle, which he was. He does not refer to himself as being “chosen” for a special role, which he was. He simple says, “I also am an elder.”

He talks about his history, but also anticipates his own future in God’s will. He saw firsthand Christ’s suffering, and he knew the sufferings that he would face. The next thing I observe is the use of the word, “beg” in admonishing elders to their primary task. He doesn’t say “command” – which he could have, but instead pleads and implores these fellow elders in their role. By his approach Peter is letting elders know that humility must characterize their life.

2 – The call to Shepherd God’s flock. The only job description Peter gives elders is to “shepherd God’s flock.” That’s it – and then he reminds them this is their responsibility – and with responsibility comes accountability, because it is “God’s” flock.

When we think of the familiar Biblical role of a shepherd, all kinds of verses and images come to mind. This includes Psalm 23 as well as Jesus words in John 10. But what is interesting is the model for the shepherd of God’s flock comes from the Lord Himself. We see protection, care, concern and self-sacrifice all pictured in God’s “shepherding” role.

3 – The motivation for leaders. Next we see two statements that speak to the positive motivation of the shepherd set in contrast to a negative one. “Watch over them because you want to…Do it because you are happy to serve…”       (1 Peter 5:2 NCV) Spiritual leadership is first and foremost a “calling” not a vocational choice. If that is not at the basis of your motivation, the tenure will be short and the damage will be great.

I recall the advice of Debbie’s parents when I told them I was going to enter full-time ministry. They said, “if you can do anything else, do it!” That advice was not to discourage as much as it was related to the second motivation Peter addresses, “because you are happy to serve.” It could also be viewed as  “only do it because you will be miserable if you don’t.” There is joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord and being in His will.

These two positive motivations are set in contrast to two negative ones, “because you are forced to…because you want money.” No one should feel “pressure” to be in spiritual leadership by virtue of family history or the expectations of others. Also, a smile comes on anyone’s face, who is in ministry, when it comes to viewing ministry as a way to “make money.” When someone begins to view their efforts through thoughts of “how much more” they could be making doing something else; or how much they “gave up” – it is a recipe for ineffectiveness and resentment.

4 – Elders are to lead by example. Character and the approach to spiritual leadership counts. “Do not be like a ruler over people you are responsible for, but be good examples to them.”  (1 Peter 5:3 NCV) The call to spiritual leadership is not “tell” and much as it is to “show.” There is the adage that says, “I would rather see a sermon, than hear one.” We certainly see the Biblical mandate for preaching and teaching of God’s Word, but it must be backed by an individual who journey’s with people who are following Christ. Paul put it well when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.“ (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)

5 – Eternity holds the reward. “…when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will get a glorious crown that will never lose its beauty.“ (1 Peter 5:4 NCV) A shepherd works to please the “Chief Shepherd.” Elders are to serve and shepherd God’s flock anticipating the commendation, “well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of  your Lord.”  (Matthew 25:23 NKJV)

It is interesting that Peter writes this in lieu of his comments on one occasion to Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Matthew 19:27 NLT) Jesus’ response included the words, “…everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.”  (Matthew 19:29 NLT) What Peter found is when you look after God’s flock, God looks after you.

The challenging work of spiritual leadership is demanding and difficult to summarize. There are so many roles and expectations placed on church leaders today. But we see that Peter establishes an important foundation on which to build for the spiritual leader who seeks to find direction and satisfaction. Paul expresses the goal for every spiritual leader when he said,  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.“ (Romans 12:11 NIV)

I stayed up late last night to see the Broncos win their game and Kansas City to win the World Series. Today we enjoyed a visit from our friend Carol Roberts and then later in the afternoon, I went for a workout with Stephanie to their local YMCA. We have had a good visit and will return home tomorrow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I will show how great I am. I will show my holiness, and I will make myself known to the many nations that watch. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”  Ezekiel 38:23 NCV

Ezekiel is a book of prophecy that addresses God’s people in rebellion, pronounces coming judgment and then promises future restoration. However, it is also a book with images and references to end time events. As the prophet warns of the invasion of  Gog from the north it not only relates to future events during Ezekiels day, but future events in our day as well. Famed Bible Commentator Matthew Henry relates Ezekiel 38 to the events of Revelation 18.

 ^“You will attack my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. This will happen in the days to come when I bring you against my land. Gog, then the nations will know me when they see me prove how holy I am in what I do through you.” (Ezekiel 38:16 NCV)

In the Book of Ezekiel at least twelves times prophecies are spoken to nations and God’s people that contain the words, “then they will know that I am the Lord” or something similiar.

We see that the Lord through His actions reveals Himself to His prophet. Ezekiel speaks to false prophets concerning the Lords judgment,  “I will punish the prophets who see false visions and prophesy lies…and they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord God.” Ezekiel 13:9 NCV As the Lord begins to work through Ezekiel the first thing He does is to make sure that Ezekiel has a clear revelation and confidence in his God.

This past weekend, I heard a statment that got my attention. It had to do with not just, “bellieving in God, but believing God.” It is on thing to say, “I believe in God.” That gives credance to  God’s existence. But when someone “believes God” and takes Him at His Word, it compels obedience and action. As Ezekiel recevied His own revelation of God, He knew that the Lord would do what He said He would do.

We see that the Lord through His actions reveals Himself to His people. The Lord speaks to His people and says, “Keep my Sabbaths holy, and they will be a sign between me and you. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” (Ezekiel 20:20 NCV) God revealed Himself to His people through blessing for their obedience and through judgement for their disobedience. We consistenly see the Lord desires His people of all people to “know” Him and to obey Him and to experience all the blessings He has for them.

“Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them. The nation of Israel will know that they are my people, says the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 34:30 NCV)

We see that the Lord through His actions reveals Himself to nations. “When I make the land of Egypt empty and take everything that is in the land, when I destroy all those who live in Egypt, then they will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 32:15 NCV) The Lord through Ezekiel, like other prophets, speaks to “the nations” about God’s judgment on them. Even those who did not recognize the Lord God, would find who the true and living God really is. Through His sovereign power and the words of His prophets and the judgments that would come and the protection of His people the Lord was revealing Himself to the nations.

This is certainly what we see when Christ returns. There may be all kinds of explanations to end time events from “global warming” to “alien invasions” to whatever the human mind will use to rationalize away God’s activity in the events of the world; but a time will come when “every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7) and “every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11) In that moment all people will know that “the Lord He is God.”

What makes the greatest impact on a life is embracing on a personal level, the reality of the Lord and embracing relationship with Him.. That involves not just “believing in” but “believing God.” Living by faith, trusting your life each day to the Lord, and taking Him at His Word is the path to peace and blessing.

It was a cloudy and rainy day here in Atlanta. We went to a service at Revolution Church where Stephanie and Nathan attend. We spent the day at home watching football and for me working on some details on my book. This evening Stephanie wanted to celebrate Debbie’s birthday and mine that is coming during this next month. We took a picture with the grand kids and our birthday pie.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…if the people of a country sin against me by not being loyal, I will use my power against them. I will cut off their supply of food and send a time of hunger, destroying both people and animals. Even if three great men like Noah, Daniel, and Job were in that country, their goodness could save only themselves, says the Lord God.” Ezekiel 14:12-14 NCV

When we look in the Bible we see some great men of God that were used to intercede for those facing God’s judgment. We see Abraham “bargaining” with God about saving the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of the righteous. We consistently see Moses and Aaron interceding for the consistently disobedient Children of Israel in the wilderness. We see the prayers of Isaiah in the days of idolatry and Nehemiah as God’s people were in captivity.

In many cases the intercession or actions of a leader or prophet stayed the hand of God’s judgment and allowed time for the people to repent. However, as the downward spiral of God’s people continued God’s patience had come to an end and the fate of His people was sealed. To emphasize this destiny the Lord speaks to Ezekiel and specifically names Noah, Daniel and Job as individuals who, though righteous, would only be able to “save” themselves; much like Lot who had to flee Sodom.

The reference to these three points to three critical segments of world history. Noah a “preacher of righteousness” lived before the flood. Job lived after the flood and before the formation of Israel, is described as “…a man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.“ (Job 1:1 NIV) Daniel lived among the exiles and distinguished himself as a leader, interpreter of dreams and faithful in his commitment to daily seek the Lord and intercede for God’s people.

From these three we see the Lord using key people at key times to play a significant role in their day. These three distinguished themselves because they set themselves apart from the prevailing culture of the day. In each time period people were focused on “eating, drinking, and giving in marriage.” They were only concerned about this life and failed to have a perspective of life that included eternity.

Jesus said that before he returns people will have the same focus as that in Noah’s day. “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:38,39 NIV)

Each of these three were willing to stake their lives and their future on obedience to God. They faced ridicule for their faith, but they stayed true to what they knew, without needing to “know everything” before they trusted and obeyed. Noah built the ark, Job refused to “curse God and die”, Daniel would not defile himself with the King’s food and later faced a den of lions.

All three of these men speak to us about God consistently working out His plan and bringing good out of tragedy. We see new life and a new beginning after the flood, we see Job emerge from suffering with greater wealth, possessions and family. We see Daniel not only being a part of the restoration of God’s people to the Promised Land, but also speaking of days which are still to come.

All three of these men through their obedience saw the Lord reveal Himself to them and through their experiences they help us today understand the heart and character of God. It is important for us to realize we continually learn, grow and discover more about God and His plan for us and our future as we live in obedience to Him.

We see many “great” people in the Bible. Those whose lives mirrored Noah, Job and Daniel. They dedicated themselves to  God, sought God, obeyed the Lord and were used of the Lord to be an influence in their day. Just as the reference to these three reveal God’s work in our world over the history of time, the Lord is still at work in our day. He still uses those who will trust Him, one day at a time, dedicate themselves to His purpose and allow God to use them in strategic ways.