I believe I am finally turning the corner on my cold. I did have a dental appointment and had a good check up! Glad that is over for six months. Since my day was free of other appointments I was able to continue to rest and work on some projects at home. The rest of my week will ramp up some.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.… “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.  Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:2,6,7 HCSB

I am at least an “observer” if not a “student” of leadership. I have found that Leadership transitions are the most challenging experiences for a people or an organization. This is especially true when the leader has served long and is “bigger than life” in the eyes of the people.

Moses had lead God’s people for forty years. He was the deliverer, a prophet, priest and giver of the Law.  The transition from a “Founding” leader can be especially difficult. I have observed churches and other organizations over the years and have always watch with interest what happens when a founding or long-term pastor/leader comes to the end of his tenure. The transitions I have witnesses are more challenging than successful.

Joshua was well-known to the people. He had been Moses aide since the Exodus. He was with Moses on Mount Sinai, he was the general of the army and had won great victories through the Lord’s power. He was one of the spies who first “scouted” the Promised Land.

With all of that experience, Joshua still needed confidence in the “sandals” he was called to fill and the task he was to undertake. I believe that is why we see the repeating of the words, “be strong and courageous.” One who possesses strength and courage is someone who is confident and assured.

We can observe some key events that made the transition successful. First we see that Moses, before the people, anointed Joshua for the task. Scriptures says,  ^“Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.” (Joshua 34:9 HCSB) Not only was this spiritual enabling important, but Moses anointing Joshua in the eyes of the people, was to give them confidence in Joshua’s leadership.

The confirmation of a new leader takes place through ceremony and through action or events. Joshua’s confirmation came from Moses and the words of the Lord Himself. Joshua was then able to unite the people behind his leadership, [The people] “…answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go.  We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses.” (Joshua 1:16,17 HCSB)

We then see the appearance of the first miracle; the crossing of the Jordan River during its flood stage. Moses had the Red Sea, Joshua had the Jordan. We read, “On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him throughout his life, as they had revered Moses.” (Joshua 4:14 HCSB)

Then we see the victory over Jericho. The strategy was unusual, but the people followed the Lord’s instructions through Joshua and a great victory was won. There is nothing like a “big win” or accomplishment to provide credibility to a new leader.

Joshua learned his success like that of Moses, came from the Lord. When he obeyed the Lord, the Lord gave him success. As we read of the final days of Joshua and the end of his “leadership tenure,” “So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the Lord had told Moses. Joshua then gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. After this, the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 11:23 HCSB) “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45 NIV)

Joshua fulfilled all that the Lord had for him to do. He conquered and then divided the land, distributed the inheritance to the various tribes and sent them on their way to finish the task. Often times a leader will have a specific task to accomplish or contribution to make to an organization or ministry. When that is accomplished often his leadership in that place comes to an end.

Finally, God has the right person for the right time to accomplish what needs to be done. Joshua as a military leader was the most suited leader for the “conquest” phase of God’s people entering the Promised Land. He was able to build on and finish the vision the Lord gave to Moses.

When God is directing and fulfilling His purposes during the “journey” of an organization or ministry, we can be confident His purposes will prevail. God uses human leaders;  there may be many, there may be few. Transitions do come in the life of every organization. God’s desire is for those times to be ones where the right leader, arises at the right times, with the right skills for the Lord to continue leading His people forward.

Since my health crisis, I have found a “routine” seasonal illness, is not as routine as it used to be. It has been a roller-coaster type of week with my symptoms. Today has been mainly a day of rest. I am thankful to my friend Don Thurn for filling in for the Assisted Living Chapel services today. Don covered my last week when I was out of town and when I show up today, he was there for his “regular” Sunday. That helped me return home to get some rest.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.”  James 3:2 HCSB

It is often observed that a “wild” lion or tiger is not tamed, but trained. That means there is still the possibility at any moment, especially when it is unexpected, for its destructive nature to emerge. That seems to be a fitting metaphor for the “tongue.”

The tongue or the words we speak, have potential for good and for harm. We curse and we bless. We entertain and bring joy, or we attack and bring pain with our words. James makes some detailed observation about the contradiction and dilemmas that come from the tongue. However, he doesn’t give too many recommendations. Just cautions. Perhaps that is because, we aren’t perfect. We are not able to completely exercise self control at all times.

James points out that we have learned to bring wild animals and huge ships under control using small devices; a bit and a ruder. He goes on to explains that the tongue though small, directs our lives and exerts disproportionate control. Even though small, it is capable of great destruction.

Consider James words, “And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.…It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.“ (James 3:6,8 HCSB)

The tongues brings a contradiction found no where else in nature. “Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?  Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.” (James 3:10-12 HCSB)

Perhaps James’ best summary is that fact, “…no man can tame the tongue.“ (James 3:7 HCSB) However, we can exert awareness, control and responsibility when it comes to our “tongue.”

James begins his discourse on the tongue with a warning to those who would be “teachers.” Those who live in the “world of words” have a greater opportunity to “sin” and “misspeak” than anyone else. As a preacher and politician, I felt doubly vulnerable. There is the risk of the words not coming out right, to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. ( Look at the most recent President George Bush.) But in a greater way there is the responsibility to not lead people astray by what we say. (Look at our current President.) In our world of technology the spoken word is still powerful.

This is an area, where we need the help of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, I believe it was God’s divine plan for the most unruly member of the human body to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4) We need to recognize that control of the tongue is beyond our human efforts and to seek the Lord’s help.

Our daily prayer needs to be the same as the psalmist, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NLT) Being silent is often the safer approach, Proverbs reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Prov. 10:19 NIV)

Finally, it is important to ask for forgiveness and to forgive.

• “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19 NIV)
• “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry….be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:26,32 NIV)
  
• “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. (Matthew 18:15 NIV)
  

We can all relate to the words of James. We can also understand the challenge in “tongue control.” We may not be able to “tame” it, but with the Lord’s help we can “train” it to be more of a blessing than a curse.

I continue to wage the war on my cold. We had an overcast, but pleasant day in Fort Collins. I was pleased to have my former legislative colleague and friend, Spencer Swalm, fight the weekend traffic to come for  a visit. The highlights of the day were, submitting the edited manuscript of my book to begin the formatting and production phase and taking a picture standing on my own, without leaning on crutches, walker, chair, or podium. Perhaps this is the year, the crutches will be left behind.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”  James 4:6,7,10 HCSB)

I recall an episode from the old, “Seinfeld” Comedy program. George Costanza, Jerry’s childhood friend, found a amazing turn around to success in his otherwise challenged life. He did the opposite of his natural inclinations. He wasn’t applying biblical principles and in keeping with the theme of the program his antics were outlandish. However, when I read James’ admonitions that idea of “going against the grain” of our natural tendencies comes to mind.

We admire the strong, confident and self-assured. We will even tolerate the proud. But James says, it is those that God resists. It is those, that when they may attain a level of success, feel self-assured in what “they” have accomplished. They like they don’t need God and they view God is an unnecessary encumbrance in life.

Debbie had an aunt, who married an immigrant soldier of Norwegian descent, shortly after World War II. The couple began life with the normal struggles of the time and the uncle’s immigrant status. However, over the course of the time, Debbie’s uncle, with the help and support of his wife as a partner, started an electronics business. That business became a success. At one time it was recognized as the “Business of the Year” in San Diego. God was far from his consideration and concern. One day, he found himself, depressed and incapable of running his growing business. He found in his striving for success he had shut himself out of any meaningful relationships and friendships that could provide the true support that he needed. When you are a “self-made” man, that is all you have; when you come to a breaking point, you have nowhere to go.

James solution and advice is to, “be humble..draw near to God…submit to God.” That’s pretty simple, but you will find it hard to do; it is the “opposite” of our natural inclination. But when we follow God’s plan we find the “wind of life” filling our sails. We live in a position of grace, we have victory over Satan and we have God’s presence and we have God’s promotion. We learn that much of what we desire in our life is found in yielding our life to God and His plan and purpose.

You will find it is better to “submit to God” than to to submit to Satan. What did Satan do? He resisted God, he exalted himself, he went his “own” way. Submitting to God enables us to yield our lives to the Lord in a way that is for our good. Don’t play, “hide and seek” with God. Place the Lord at the center of your life and all that you do.

A legislator missed, my morning prayer at the Capitol this last week. She told me she doesn’t participate because, “she goes to her church on Sunday, and comes to ‘work’ on Monday. I don’t mix my ‘religion’ and politics.” I didn’t respond, but in my mind I thought, “that’s too bad.” I found when making difficult decisions that impact an entire State, you don’t want to rely on just “human” wisdom.

James’ entire sequence is built on the concept, “God resists the proud, but give grace to to humble.” When we realize that and desire God’s grace, we submit to God, draw near to God and humble ourselves before the Lord. When we do that, even when it is the opposite of our natural inclinations, we are never disappointed.

I am working on “feeling better.” I did receive a call from my doctor this morning about some medication that I could take to address my symptoms. This morning I met with a candidate for the State House and enjoyed getting better acquainted and sharing my perspective. I am ready to submit the edited version of my book to the publishers. The finished product is to be ready for display at two book conventions, one in May and one in June. I am eager to see the cover design.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”  James 2:26 HCSB

James in his writing about “faith and works” has drawn the analysis of many commentators. It is not as some would fear that James is advocating “works” a means for salvation. It appears, I believe clearly that just saying, “I have faith” is not enough to demonstrate true faith or that you belong to Christ.

 Faith and works are not mutually exclusive. James said, “I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 1:8 HCSB) He goes on and says, “You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder.” (James 2:19 HCSB)

There are many that I have met over the years who will profess that they, “believe in God.” But their belief has not resulted in them asking for forgiveness of sin and becoming a follower of Christ. James focuses on the fact that faith is a verb, there is action tied to it.

Consider those in the Bible. Abraham believed God and he went on a journey. The blind man, had faith in Jesus power to heal, so he cried out. The man with the demon possessed son believed Jesus could deliver, so he brought his son to Jesus. We see in example, after example that those who had faith in Jesus, took action based on their faith. As Jesus saw their actions, He recognized that they were motivated by faith.

While James says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.“ (James 2:24 HCSB) I believe he is really saying, “your works, the fruit of your life, will reveal your justification by faith.” Faith results in life change, which is evident to all. Hebrews 11, talks about those of “great faith.” We see the consistent accounts of actions motivated by faith and the results. We read, “by faith they….conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead—they were raised to life again….”  (Heb. 11:33-35 HCSB)

Because of faith, we pray and believe the Lord will answer. Because of faith, we seek to obey through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of faith, we go into all the world. Because of faith, we endure and persevere.

Faith is more than what you “believe.” Faith is related to what you do. Paul said, “…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.“ (Galatians 5:6 NIV) Let faith be seen in how you live your life.

I’m glad that, after some treatment for my nasal congestion, that I woke up this morning feeling much better. That was good because I need to be up early to head to Denver. I open the House session in prayer on “Anti-Human Trafficking Day.” It was good to visit and to take care of some “lobbying” business while I was there. I was glad I was able to return home by early afternoon and get some rest. The House Chambers has been renovated to return them to an earlier time period. A sky light is now in the center of the Chambers, along with the historic chandelier.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”   James 1:2-4 HCSB

As James opens his letter, he presents a significant challenge. “Consider it a great joy…..whenever you experience various trials.” The words, “great” and “various” get my attention. It is one thing to say, “be joyful in suffering for Christ.” But James says consider it a “great” joy in the midst of all kinds of trials. So, it seems to indicate those that come from being faithful to Christ and those that come as just a part of life.

James says the reason for the proper attitude in trials, is that trials, require endurance and endurance brings maturity. Later in his letter James says, “…we count as blessed those who have persevered….”  (James 5:11 NV) He uses Job as an example. Job at the end of his grueling time of suffering learned something about himself and about God that he did not know before. I don’t compare myself to Job, but I do know my “trials” revealed something to me about myself and God.

James says, the “one who endures is blessed.”  ^“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12 HCSB) Paul’s attitude reflected this, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18 NIV) At times we need to look beyond this life in the midst of our trials, in order to keep our perspective.

Then it is important for us to understand the source of our trials. “No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.”  (James 1:13 HCSB) James goes on to say, we are “tempted by your own lust.” We also see trial can come from living in a “fallen world.” They can come from our spiritual enemy as well. What we can observe is that, “God doesn’t cause, but He uses trials in our life, for our good and His glory.”

Faith and endurance grow by the test of life. We don’t seek or look for trials, because they will come in sufficient quantity and intensity as part of life. Remember, what is exercised (put under stress) becomes stronger. When trials

do come, we can know that the Lord is with us in the midst of the “battle.” We can be confident that when we endure trials, we don’t do so alone.

My symptoms have turned into a head cold. So, today has been the most miserable of the week. Perhaps that was good from the stand point of not having any appointments. I was able to work at home and get some rest as I could. Tomorrow, I am schedule to be at the Capitol to open the House session in prayer. I look forward to being there, but hope I have a good night of rest and feel much better in the morning.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel, saying…Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you….Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the Lord swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it.” Deuteronomy 31:1, 6-7 HCSB

The call to be “strong and courageous” is most associated with Joshua. But when we look Moses’ final words, we see those two words form the theme for preparation to enter in and conquer the Promised Land. Moses first speaks these words to all of the people. He assures them that the Lord will be with them as they obey Him and the Lord will win victories for them in the future, just as He had in the past. He basically says, “God will do His part, you do your part.” Their part was to be strong and courageous.

Moses then brings Joshua before the people as their new leader. His first words to Joshua were, “Be strong and courageous…” There was never a question about the success of their mission. The Lord would bring it to pass just as He had promised. However, strength and courage for the task must be displayed on the part of the people.

Strength and courage are the opposite of weakness and fear or timidity. The enemy was real and the battles would be fierce. Just as David would one day face the giant Goliath, the people needed to know that “the battle belongs to the Lord.” Victory would not come because of who they were, but because of who God is. And because the Lord was the “Lord of Hosts, Mighty in battle” it was to give them the strength and courage they needed to move forward with a new leader into a new land.

We see this reflected in Moses’ words, “The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deu. 31:8 HCSB)

After Moses is dead, the Lord speaks to Joshua Himself and says, “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.  Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you.” (Joshua 1:6,7 HCSB)

Strength and courage was need to obey the Lord and follow Him completely. Strength and courage was needed to face the enemy that was bigger and stronger. Strength and courage was needed for Joshua to lead a “stiff-necked” people. Strength and courage was needed to occupy the land, which was the completed task.

Strength and courage is needed for our lives today. It is needed for the same tasks. We need to rely on the Lord to fully trust and obey Him. We need His strength for each challenge of life and we need the Lord’s strength and courage to finish life well.

Just like Joshua and the Children of Israel, we need to remember that our strength is in the Lord. During my final day in the State Legislature, we were facing a highly critical, emotional and controversial issue. I still remember sitting in the side room leading to the House Chambers. The Majority Leader walked by and said, “Ken, are you ready? Let’s be strong in the Lord!”

When you face life with all of its challenges, be strong and courageous in the Lord. He is with you and He will not fail.

Today I was feeling some better. I had a rather busy day for the most part. I conducted two Bible studies at the Morning Star Assisted Living facility and then had my Rotary Club lunch. I made it home for a brief break before heading out for my workout appointment. My trainer did have me walk as far a I could without using my crutches. I was able to make it about half way across the width of the basketball court. It wasn’t “pretty” but I’m pushing it.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… [Moses to the people]“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you…. [The Lord to Moses] When I bring them into the land I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. They will turn to other gods and worship them, despising Me and breaking My covenant.” Deuteronomy 31:6,20 HCSB

Have you ever said, or heard the statement, “I’m doing the best with what I have to work with!” It may be a craftsman, who is lacking sufficient tools. It may be a coach who has team that is lacking talent. It may be an individual who lacks the skills and experiences for a task. I believe these words could have been spoken by God in His task of fulfilling His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Leadership guru, John Maxwell, once expressed it in this analogy. “Sometimes you feel like you, hit the ball and drag Charlie, hit the ball and drag Charlie. After a while, you just want to hit Charlie.” God certainly hit a few “home runs.”  The deliverance from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the provision for two million people in the wilderness, victory over enemies. Yet it seems the people were reluctant followers, as if  God was dragging them to the Promised Land.

In Deuteronomy we read how the Lord calls His people to the highest level of obedience and commitment. He promised them victory, peace and prosperity for loving Him and living according to His ways. Yet at the same time, the Lord realized the fragile condition of their hearts and the vulnerability to temptation. As the covenant was renewed the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience were made very clear.

The Lord includes in His instructions words that anticipated the failures of His people. It is seen in the instructions about a King, hundreds of years before the people demanded one. “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, take possession of it, live in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations around me,’  you are to appoint over you the king the Lord your God chooses….” (Deu. 17:14,15 HCSB)

The Lord even speaks of the eventual captivity of God’s people. “When all these things happen to you….and you come to your senses while you are in all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you, and you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and all your soul by doing everything I am giving you today, then He will restore your fortunes, have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you.” (Deu. 30:1-3 HCSB)

Moses spoke to the people about their vulnerability. “For I know that after my death you will become completely corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. Disaster will come to you in the future, because you will do what is evil in the Lord’s sight, infuriating Him with what your hands have made.” (Deu. 31:29 HCSB)

Deuteronomy 32 is a “song” the Lord gave Moses for the Children of Israel to memorize and remember, for the times when they would slip into idolatry and disobedience and the experience judgment from the Lord. The Lord warned the people that in their prosperity they would reject the Lord and turn to idols.

There are many more verses where the Lord warns and then promised restoration for those who have turned away from the Lord. Why is that? Because God is a covenant-keeping God and He is full of grace and mercy. He uses His judgment to get the attention of the wandering and to bring them to their senses. But a proper response is required.

The Lord established a “new covenant” with people through Christ’s death on the cross. He knows our weakness and how even when we desire to give Him our best, we often miss the mark. John reminds us, “…I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1 NIV)

Just as God’s desire was for His people in the Old Testament to “choose life” and to be “strong and courageous” – He made provisions for them when they disobeyed and were weak and timid in the face of temptation. He has done the same for us! That does not give us permission or an excuse for our sin and failings. Choices have consequences. God knows our hearts and has provide a way for us to have victory even when He is “dragging Charlie.”

It was good to be home last night. However, I had a rough night we some severe pain in my left leg and hip and then a very sore throat. I’m glad I started feeling better as the morning progressed. I was able to make a trip to Greeley to be on a radio program hosted by long-time friend, John Clarke. This afternoon I needed several hours of rest to continue my recovery. As I reflected on our travels this past week, I realized we put about 1,000 miles on our cars in our detours to navigate the normal 150 miles between Denver and Glenwood Springs.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit. When someone hears the words of this oath, he may consider himself exempt, thinking, ‘I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.’” Deuteronomy 29:18-19 HCSB

As Moses recounts the law to a new generation that will possess the Promised Land, he focuses on that fact that God’s laws are for their good, protection and future security. “Look, today I set before you a blessing and a curse:  there will be a blessing, if you obey the commands of the Lord your God I am giving you today…For you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you possess it and settle in it, be careful to follow all the statutes and ordinances I set before you today.” (Deu. 11:26-28;31-32 HCSB)

At the end of Deuteronomy we find Moses repeating this warning and challenge.  “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,  love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life…“ (Deut. 30:19,20 HCSB)

The obstacles to choosing this life promised by the Lord are similar to those faced today. One was from the influence of the nations around them, that they were to expel from the land. They were not “copy” or follow the ways of the “culture” of the people of the land. This threat may come from family members, it may be that entire cities would be drawn away to idolatry. If so, the response was to be quick and thorough in riding the nation of the influence. (Deu. 13:6-18)

The priorities of our present culture continually test the devoted follower of Christ. Do the attitudes, actions and priorities of your life reflect what is pleasing to the Lord or that which is acceptable to the culture? Do you seek the approval of the Lord, or others?

The people were also to be on guard for “false prophets.” These were those who predicted future events that did not come true and those who proclaimed a message that contradicted the clear instructions of the Lord. Throughout time those who would follow Christ faithfully, must be aware of those who would distort God’s message and attempt to gain their “own following.”

The desire to “live by my own rules” is another obstacle to choosing life, the best life the Lord has for His people. Even in Moses day, he recognized that there would be those who would question God’s ways. They deceived themselves by saying, “I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.” The challenge of submitting to Christ’s Lordship over our own is a constant battle. It is often said, “if Christ is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.” There is in the fallen nature of humanity the desire to “go our own way.” We want to be the captain of our own destiny and the ruler of our future. That is a sure recipe for disaster.

The reality is, it can appear on the surface, that approach works out okay for them. On the surface they are “happy, wealthy and wise.” They seem to be enjoying the “good life.” But this life is only a small part of eternity. Paul told Timothy, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV)

The lesson can be observed and learned throughout time; the “Lord’s ways are best.” When we choose to follow the Lord and submit to Him, it is a life of blessing and freedom. All that people seek and desire, is met through what the Lord has provided through Christ and the life He brings. “Choose life…for He is your life.”