We had our first official “snow day” here in Colorado. Schools were closed, flights cancelled and navigating road ways proved to be a challenge. So, for me it was a good day to stay put. Fortunately, I had some neighbors help me with clearing the six inches of snow or more that had accumulated on our driveway. Debbie left early this morning and fortunately was able to come home a little early.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” Proverbs 31:8,9 ERV

There are many guidelines for those who would be in positions of authority. During a political campaign many promises are made and often the integrity of an individual becomes the focus of political ads. However, these basic words of counsel from Solomon to his son carry significant weight, not only for his day but for ours.

The first thing Solomon says is, “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.” When it comes to political influence having the “ear” of policy makers is what individuals and interest groups seek. However, Solomon says wise leaders don’t just pay attention to those whose “voice is the loudest” but those who cannot speak for themselves. In our present day this has significant application for the unborn.

Solomon then says to, “help people who are in trouble.” So often government systems can create additional problems for those who are experiencing unexpected hardships. For example, I learned of the issues that can compound for those whose homes are destroyed by fire. Those people are not only responsible for the ongoing mortgage payment on a house that doesn’t exist, but also for the property taxes on those homes. When I was in the legislature we passed some laws that provided some relief to people in those situations.

Solomon says, “Stand up for what is right, judge people fairly.” In Solomon’s day and in cultures outside of ours bribes of leaders can be almost expected. In the Law of Moses we find these instructions, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.“ (Lev. 19:15 NIV) Doing what is right oppose to what is politically expedient is a challenge in all times.

Finally, Solomon says, “Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” It is interesting the frequent appearance of verses in Proverbs related to not stealing from the poor. This may have more application to the “working poor” than the homeless. The bottom line challenge is all individuals are to be treated fairly and equally. The little that the poor have is to be respected and guarded. Our county treasurer has shared about her efforts to help to the degree possible those who are poor to meet their property tax obligations. I believe this is the type of sensitivity that Solomon is addressing. The poor are not to be treated with “special” rights, but the rights they have are to be protected and respected.

These words of advice for “wise rulers” are good words of advice for all people. Once again we find some timeless counsel from the world’s wisest King.

My Monday’s are often my “rest days.” It was good to work on several projects today and to still get in some rest to be ready for the rest of the week. After a busy week last week, this one should be more “low key” in comparison.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.” Proverbs 29:18 ERV

As a nation we live in some of the most challenging times in our history. There is more anxiety about the future and fear for personal safety than any other time in modern history. Since the end of the civil war we have not seen violence in our own land like what is taking place today. Much of what happens on a daily basis goes unreported.

A growing concern among many is the erosion of fundamental values that have guided our nation since its founding. The United States was not necessarily founded as a “Christian” nation. However, it was established on the basis of religious freedom in which all people were allowed to worship God after the dictates of their own hearts. It was founded on the premise that “Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!“ (Psa. 144:15 ESV) Even the deists, who believed God created the world like a “clock on the mantle” and then left it one its own, so to speak; at least recognized the hand of the creator in history and life.

John Adams, one of our Founding Fathers said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

The familiar words of Proverbs 29:18 state, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” The New Living Translation gives added meaning, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.“

Our laws and our national values must have a foundation.  Otherwise find ourselves in the days described  in the times of the judges, “..there was no king in Israel, everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) We need order, we need moral constraint. It doesn’t take too much understanding to see the foundation of our moral society in the Ten Commandments and the conduct of life an attitude of accountability to God. Without those we see a disregard for the rule of law, human life, respect for others and justice.

As Solomon said, thousands of years ago the result is, “people will lose self-control.” Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Human perspective has its inherent flaws. If we don’t have a divine perspective we don’t know the “right way.”

In establishing the moral basis for our nation, the founders did not expect people to have the same religious convictions. But they did realize that a moral code based on the Bible and the fear of God created the best environment for all to enjoy the blessings of liberty. They understood Solomon’s wisdom, “…but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.”

There are three institutions that have been established for the stability of societies. The family, the church and government. All of those have a different purpose in God’s economy, but all of them function best when they understand their God-given role and purpose.

This morning I spoke at the chapel service at Mackenzie Place retirement village. Debbie joined me and Sherry Harris came with Steve. We enjoyed a lunch time together and with some of the residents after our “Christmas” service. This afternoon Debbie’s sister Sue and her husband Sam came by for a visit. Sue has been reviewing the manuscript of my book and had some great recommendations. Once again, I found myself learning some details that I didn’t have correctly in my  mind.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Never brag about what you will do in the future; you have no idea what tomorrow will bring...Neither wealth nor nations last forever.” Proverbs 27:1,24 ERV

In the beginning and end of Proverbs 27 we find verses that speak to the unpredictability and frailness of life. As I shared this morning at the chapel service at Mackenzie Place, I talked about how things can happen that we don’t plan or expect. The daughter of a resident, after the service, told me it seems that since she became an adult life hasn’t gone as she would have expected.

Solomon says the the future is uncertain. He then later says that wealth and even the security of nations is uncertain. We see all of these issues have application down to our day. Being overconfident about that future and what the future holds will only bring disappointment. That may sound like a pessimistic viewpoint, but we can be prepared through living life with a security that is found in trusting in the Lord and keeping our eyes on the eternal. Failing to plan and failing to anticipate the unexpected are sure recipes for failure.

Just this last week on a radio talk show I heard comments about the longevity of nations. At this point in history the United States has the longest lasting constitutional republic in history. Many are questioning how long our nation can endure in light of current events and the threats that we face from without and within. That is why our security and confidence can not be in our political system or leaders. We need to pray for our leaders and our nation, but we need to anticipate the everlasting reign of the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

As fleeting as health can be, we see that wealth can be the same. I visited recently with a City Councilor who has a background as a floor trader in Chicago. During our conversation he said, “I have seen small investors become rich and have seen big investors become poor.”

What is interesting in Proverbs 27 is that Solomon gives some practical advice. He says, “Learn all you can about your sheep. Take care of your goats the best you can...Cut the hay, and new grass will grow. Then gather the new plants that grow on the hills. Cut the wool from your lambs, and make your clothes. Sell some of your goats, and buy some land. Then there will be plenty of goat’s milk for you and your family, with enough to keep the servants healthy.” (Prov. 27:23-27 ERV)

We see knowledge, wisdom and industry in providing for yourself is important. Also, “diversifying your investments” and making the most of what  you have are all pictured in these words of wisdom. Perhaps the application from an agrarian society to the “information age” can be challenging, I believe when the principles Solomon speaks to are examined the lessons still become clear. Financial security comes from being diligent, educating yourself and applying wisdom principles.

What I have observed in life is the heartache and challenge that can come to people when the uncertainties of life manifest themselves. However, thousands of years ago, Solomon warned that life is fragile. It needs to be approach with realism, wisdom and confidence that can be found in relationship with God alone.

After a busier than usual week, it was nice to stay home in the midst of the falling snow and work on our Christmas card list and get ready of my chapel service tomorrow morning. I did get out this morning to our monthly men’s breakfast meeting. Outside of my lengthy rest from yesterday, the week wasn’t too taxing on my level of strength and energy.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Never move an old property line that was marked long ago by your ancestors.” (Prov. 22:28 ERV)  “Never move an old property line, and don’t take land that belongs to orphans. The Lord will be against you. He is powerful and protects orphans.” (Prov. 23:10-11 ERV)

Land and property rights have been a part of human civilization since early days. It is interesting how that issue of “property rights” is so much in focus in our world today. What is of interest is God’s original plan was to emphasize that the “world” belonged to Him. There was no permanent “ownership” of land as we know it today. However, we do see the importance of land allotted to various tribes remaining under the control of that family.

These two verses above come from the list of “Thirty Wise Sayings” of Solomon. So we find not one but two references to respecting property of others in this list. That indicates to me that, (1) this is an important issue and (2) it was a problem in Solomon’s days.

It seems that rulers and those in a position of wealth and power took advantage of others; especially those in financial problems. We see this in the case of the widow in the days of Elisha who was facing a debt she could not pay and her sons were going to be taken as slaves. We see this in King Ahab wanting the land that belonged to Naboth. In our day we would call that an illegal taking or the wrong use of “imminent domain.”

In the story of King Ahab we see the truth of Solomon’s words when he says, “the Lord will be against you.” The prophet of the Lord pronounced judgment on King Ahab for killing Naboth and seizing his property.

Why are these words that seem so unusual on the surface important?

They speak to the heart of the human condition. They relate to attitudes of greed and taking advantage of others. Especially those in difficult circumstances in life. These instructions also show that respect is to be given equally to all people. Power is not to be used to take advantage of others and treat them with contempt. That is whether the power is held by virtue of wealth or position or both.

The first of the “Thirty Wise Sayings” is “It is easy to steal from the poor, but don’t do it. And don’t take advantage of them in court. The Lord is on their side. He supports the poor, and he will take from those who take from them.” (Prov. 22:22-23 ERV)

We also see the warning, “Don’t be like a criminal who makes plans to rob those who are good or take away their homes. Good people might fall again and again, but they always get up. It is the wicked who are defeated by their troubles.” (Prov. 24:15-16 ERV)

We see that the Lord is concerned about the “poor.” In so doing, He recognizes that some are in that state because of the circumstances of life and yes others may be in the condition because of their own foolishness or laziness. Regardless of what brings it about they are not be taken advantage of, but responded to in an appropriate manner. Those who are “poor” because of circumstances of life need assistance. Those who are in financial distress because of their own doing, need instruction and correction.

As we study God’s Word, it is interesting to find insight into the verses of scripture that have spoken to the human condition and challenges in life that have existed over the millennium.

Today, I spent most of the day at the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance Conference. I was part of a panel discussion on energy issues. I had the opportunity to meet and then have lunch with Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Oil Company. He has a remarkable background and has been involved in a number of formats and debates on energy issues.

Yesterday, at the lunch I attended in Lakewood, I had the opportunity to visit with Senator Norma Anderson. Norma has one of the most illustrious legislative careers of anyone that I know in Colorado. She was a constituent of mine and was supportive of my legislative service while I served in the House. Even though it has been ten years since she retired from active service, she is still involved in and is looked to for advice on key public policy issues in the state. There is probably no one who understands the operation of the state and a variety of issues more than Norma.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Listen carefully to these words from the wise. Pay attention to what I have learned. It will be good for you to remember these words and have them ready when they are needed.  I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the Lord.”                      Proverbs 22:17-19 ERV

Contained in the  many proverbs of Solomon is a section of special interest. The section is entitled, “Thirty Wise Sayings.” It seems to be a listing of “the proverbs of proverbs.” The preamble seems to indicate that this selection of sayings and insight were in response to an inquiry, “They will teach you things that you can know for sure to be true. Then you can give good answers to the one who sent you.” (Prov. 22:20 ERV) They also appear to be ones that Solomon says with confidence, “…you can know for sure to be true.”

It is important for us to remember…

When wise people speak, it is important to listen. Recently Vice-President Dick Chaney spoke at Colorado Christian University. These types of guests and programs take place at Universities across America. Why are they important? Because they provide an opportunity for college students to learn from the knowledge, experience and wisdom of some of our nations leaders. They can learn insight from the perspective of history shared by these individuals. These proverbs from  Solomon are from the perspective of observations from life and lessons learned in his days as King. Have you ever been asked, “If you could ask one question of a great leader in business, politics or history, what would it be?” Solomon seems to be responding to that type of question, so the words he speaks are important.

We can learn from the experiences of others. Solomon says, “pay attention to what I have learned.” At times it is challenging to learn from other people’s experiences, but we need to do that as much as possible. Often a parent will want a teen to “learn from their mistakes” so they will avoid certain hardships. Invariably they observe that their children have to learn from their own mistakes. At times that is part of life. But if we are wise, we will listen, observe and learn from others. As we prepare for an assignment or position of responsibility the wise seek out the counsel of those who have been in that type of position before.

Not all lessons learned are for the present. Solomon’s advice is to “have them ready when they are needed.’ That means these proverbs and others need to be read and re-read. They need to be “kept in mind” so when the situation arises that they relate to, they can be applied. For example, the advice,  “Don’t promise to pay someone else’s debt” may not be a decision that will come that often. But when it does, this advice is important to remember.

Trusting the Lord is the greatest advice of all. Solomon says, “I will teach you these things now. I want you to trust the Lord.” Any wise parent knows that children need to be equipped with the specifics and the principles that will guide them through life. Even with 700 proverbs written by  Solomon, what he realized was most important was how to trust the Lord. Proverbs serve as wisdom from life experiences, but the Lord is the source of all wisdom.

These thirty proverbs had significant meaning for Solomon. They warrant our special attention and focus. If you don’t follow the advice of reading one chapter of Proverbs a day, reading these thirty and giving them consideration would be a good practice.

Two years ago on this date, I was discharged from Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. I came home on that day in my power wheelchair and handicap van and enjoyed my first meal at home with some friends. Today, I enjoyed celebrating the season with friends at the Foothills Republican Club at Pinehurst County Club Lakewood. George Brauchler, Jr. was the speaker. He is the District Attorney who tried the case for the Aurora Theater ramp several years ago. George’s father, and his wife Annette attended my church and served as my treasurer during my six years in the Colorado House.

After visiting my mother, I returned to northern Colorado in time for a reception at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital with a “Professionals for Seniors” group. So I found myself back to the halls that I had left two years ago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A good attitude will support you when you are sick, but if you give up, nothing can help.” Proverbs 18:14 ERV

I finished reading through the Bible ten days ago, so I have been reading the Book of Proverbs. I am using the “Easy to Read Version” (ERV). As I came chapters 18 and 19 I found some relevant Proverbs for today. As I read these verses I found the words coming to my mind, “ain’t it the truth!” I believe those words are from the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz. I don’t remember what they were in response to, but his emphatic response is one of the lines out of the movie that has stuck with me.

Since today marks the second anniversary of my leaving Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital bringing nearly five months of my initial hospitalization to an end, the verse above seems appropriate. Solomon, even thousands of years ago recognized that your attitude in a health crisis makes the difference. Even in the midst of some challenging and painful circumstances, with my future being uncertain, giving up was never an option.

I have been surprised at the number of people, even when they meet me for the first time and hear of my story, comment about my positive attitude. Visiting with a former legislative colleague recently this topic came up and I responded, “that’s the only way I knew how to approach my illness.”

Reflecting on my legislative days another verse in Proverbs 18 was one that I had framed on my Capitol office wall.

“The first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks the right questions.” (Prov. 18:17 ERV) The saying goes, “there are always two sides of a story.” In life, leadership and decision making, you soon realize that listening to “both sides” and asking the right questions reveals much about an issue or conflict at hand. It is always interesting for legislators to have lobbyists representing both sides of an issue to come to your office in close proximity to each other. You can feel like you have the information you need and soon you find yourself thinking, “I never thought about that” as the other side presents is talking points.

As a leader I have learned the lesson in this proverb, “Being excited about something is not enough. You must also know what you are doing. Don’t rush into something, or you might do it wrong.” (Prov. 19:2 ERV)

As a pastor, I know the temptation to find a “key” to success or church growth. Many pastors or business leaders have been inspired at a conference or from the experience of someone else and quickly tries to duplicate the success without understanding the proper steps for implementation and acceptance. Many failures are due to improper execution more than a poor idea or concept.

I have also seen the truth of this proverb in people’s lives, “People ruin their lives with the foolish things they do, and then they blame the Lord for it.” (Prov. 19:3 NCV)

Someone once said, “there is no cure for stupid.” People may believe they are doing the right thing, or they may just assume that the Lord will “bail them out” of a jam. But when we fail to bring the Lord into the our plans and our actions, it is difficult to blame Him for the failed results. Instead it is important to, “Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” (Prov. 16:3 GNT) Better yet is to ask the Lord to give you the plans.

Finally, a good goal in life is found in these words of wisdom, “Respect the Lord and you will have a good life, one that is satisfying and free from trouble.” (Prov. 19:23 ERV)

As you read the Bible you will find truth that speaks to our life today and guides us in the direction we should take.

Today was an interesting day for me. I had the opportunity to attend the arguments before the Colorado Supreme Court on some energy development bans in local communities. It was interesting to observe the process and listen to the arguments. I then had lunch with Braden Wahr. Braden was an aide of mine at the Capitol and is now working in Washington DC for “American’s for Prosperity.” I had the opportunity to walk some distances and stand for long periods of time, so it was good exercise and test of my endurance.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I correct and punish those whom I love. So be eager to do right, and change your hearts and lives. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.” Revelation 3:19-20 NCV

The Church of Laodicea is one of the most known of the churches. This is because of the words of verse 20, “I stand at the door and knock..” Also, this is the “lukewarm” church, the one that nauseated the Lord.  “I know what you do, that you are not hot or cold. I wish that you were hot or cold! But because you are lukewarm—neither hot, nor cold—I am ready to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-16 NCV)

The church of Sardis had a reputation for being alive, when the Lord said they were dead; but the church of Laodicea is arrogant, smug, self-sufficient and delusional  in their attitude. “You say, ‘I am rich, and I have become wealthy and do not need anything.’ But you do not know that you are really miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”  (Rev. 3:17 NCV)

This church didn’t believe they needed anything, but they did need to…

1 – Confront their mediocrity.  In a day when we “shy away” from and fear being “too extreme” these words of the Lord about being “in the middle” are challenging. The Lord says, “I know what you do.” It seems from this assessment that their actions revealed more than they were willing to admit to themselves or the Lord. We need to ask ourselves if our actions match our profession. Do we just “talk the talk” or do we “walk the walk?”

2 – “Buy” what they really needed. The Lord tells them if they are “rich” they need to buy “gold refined in the fire” “white clothes” and “eye salve.” In other words, they needed a life that would stand the test. They needed conduct that was holy and pleased the Lord and they needed to see themselves, the Lord and their world as it truly was.

3 – Seize the opportunity. The Lord brings judgment and condemnation not to punish but to correct. His love does not allow us to stay in our own self-delusion. At the same time He doesn’t force His will on ours. He gives the “wake up call.” He “knocks on the door.” They just needed to “open the door.”

4 – Embrace a new destiny.  This church reveals the mercy and grace of the Lord. When the proper response takes place, relationship and reward replace the repulsion and a distorted reality. We see fellowship with the Lord is described.  “I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.” (Rev. 3:20 NCV) We see the promise of not “just making it” but the promise of reward. “Those who win the victory will sit with me on my throne in the same way that I won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Rev. 3:21 NCV)

I am thankful that the Lord comes into our lives and let’s us know the truth about ourselves. He does so, because of His love and the opportunity to “hear what the Spirit is saying…” What is important is not the condition we are in, but the condition we can be in. When we listen and respond we find His mercy, grace and reward. When that kind of opportunity knocks, we need to open the door.

This is the one day of my week without a trip to Denver or specific appointment. It was nice to focus on some work with my book and some other business. I did have a massage appointment, which usually calls for nap after it is over.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those in the synagogue that belongs to Satan say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews; they are liars. I will make them come before you and bow at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. You have obeyed my teaching about not giving up your faith. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world to test those who live on earth.” Revelation 3:9-10 NCV

The resurrected Christ has a message for the Church at Philadelphia. He appears as one with the “key of  David.” This is a key of access, privilege and rule. This is what the Lord speaks through John,“When he opens a door, no one can close it. And when he closes it, no one can open it…I have put an open door before you…” (Rev. 3:7-8 NCV)

The words that are spoken are to encourage and give strength. This is a Church that has been obedient, but has endured opposition. There were those who were false in their declaration of who they belonged to. As a result, it seems they had words that weakened these believers. Christ says, He “will make them come before you and bow at your feet.” That is what subjects do before a king.

We see that regardless of how we view ourselves or how others view us, or what they say, it is the opinion of the risen Lord that makes the difference. Consider the Lord’s words of commendation and encouragement.

“I know what you do…I know you have little strength, but you have obeyed my teaching and were not afraid to speak my name….You have obeyed my teaching about not giving up your faith.“ (Revelation 3:8,10 NCV)

The Lord then speaks this promise to the Church of Philadelphia,  “I am coming soon. Continue strong in your faith so no one will take away your crown. I will make those who win the victory pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it…” (Rev. 3:11,2 NCV)

The Lord is able to make the weak strong. All we have to do is what we can. That is obey and remain faithful. As we do, He will take care of the rest. He will give us strength, protect and provide and He will bring us to a place of victory and security. He will identify Himself with us and claim us as His own.

“…I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, that comes down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on them my new name.” (Rev. 3:12 NCV)