Most of my day was in Denver at the State Capitol. I traveled with former Rep. Jim Welker. Several thousand people gathered for a rally with Franklin Graham. The wind made it a harsh day as far as weather, but people were focused and excited to be on the capitol grounds to pray for our nation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” Romans 12:21 HCSB

The classic conflict is between “good and evil.” It is important to realize that the battle is real and the risks are high. You can’t just coast or you will get run over in life. You just can’t assume all is good, when evil and risk are in your path everyday.

In a short verse Paul summarizes the conflict and the response. “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” If we are not on guard we will be overcome by evil. That evil may be in the influence of the world around, the attitudes of others or our own natural desires. Paul says proactive response is to conquer evil with good. Even if the fight is difficult and the results are not evident, we are to continue to do that which is pleasing to the Lord.

This admonition comes at the end of a list of a “call to action” offered by Paul. The proper approach is a mindset that “detests evil; and clings to what is good.” (Romans 12:8 HCSB) Paul in an extensive list shows us how to treat others, manifest true love, show concern for the less fortunate and to do all that we can on our part to live in peace and promote the well-being of others.

Here is what he says, “Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.  Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.  Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.  If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.  Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath.“ (Romans 12:10-19 HCSB)

These verses reveal that overcoming evil with good not only involves our actions, but our attitudes. It involves how we view ourselves and how we view and treat others. This list is probably one that we need to read and re-read. To not only read, but to contemplate and consider what is means for me in my life, my work, my family.

Perhaps these are some good verses to read the next time I share a prayer at the Capitol. Then again, perhaps they are good verses for me to use as a check list for how I am doing in life. They will help us know if we are being conquered by evil or conquering evil with good.

This morning before attending a funeral service for the father of my friend Ron Kee, I attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast. It has been several weeks since I have been there. It was good to connect with Jefferson County resident Jerry Nativiadad, who is one of the newest candidates for the U.S. Senate. This evening I will attend a local candidate forum in Berthoud as part of my Larimer Energy Action Project activities.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past—things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us. We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.”  Psalms 78:1-4 HCSB

The last few days have brought an interesting connection between my Saturday men’s breakfast and a funeral today. Kirk Weaver of Family Time Ministries challenged us about the family having the primary responsibility to pass on the faith to future generations. He shared some of the verses of this Psalm, that I read recently.

Today, I attended the funeral service of Bill Kee the father of our friend for 40 years Ron Kee. We have also met  Ron’s siblings at some point over the years. During the service Bill’s son-in-law, Wayne Pendleton, shared about legacy, that which is passed from one generation to another.

The verses above reveal the inter-generational connection to the faith. The psalmist speaks of “things we have heard and known and that our fathers passed down to us.” In those words you have three generations in focus. We see words of responsibility and urgency when we read, “we must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord…”

This is more than “story-telling” or as my daughter says, “trips down memory lane.” This is an intentional communication of faith and God’s wonders to stir faith in the Lord’s on-going work in present and future generations.

“He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children
so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep His commands.” (Psalm 78:5-7 HCSB)

As I read these words, I think of the value of “whetting an appetite” for the things of God. The testimony and confidence in God is to create a response of, “I want that too” in the lives of future generations. We live too much in a world that has the attitude of “that’s ‘nice’ for you…but it’s not for me.” This psalm reveals what happens when that attitude exists and future generations fail to embrace the legacy of past generations.

“The Ephraimite archers turned back on the day of battle. They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law. They forgot what He had done, the wonderful works He had shown them.” (Psalms 78:9-11 HCSB)

These sons of Israel experienced panic and defeat, instead or courage and victory when it was needed the most. Why was it? Because they “did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law.” The tribe of Ephraim which were descendants of Joseph had a great family legacy.  The faithfulness of Joseph, became the fear and cowardice in a future generation. They depended on their own resources and found how inadequate they were without God.

The challenge is to remember, embrace and tell. In our own lives, we must not forget the faithfulness of the Lord and His provisions. We must renew daily our commitment to the Lord and His ways. Then we must tell, in engaging and creative ways the “works of the Lord and His wonders” in a way that arrests, engages and motivates the next generation to continue the legacy of faith.

After “manning” the men’s table and attending church last night, today was an assisted living service day. This morning I joined Pastor Steve Harris for a chapel service at Mackenzie Place. This afternoon, I was part of a service at Collinwood Assisted Living. Those services and the preparation took up most of my day. It seem like this month is going by quickly and this next week will a significant number of appointments.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith.  But Israel, pursuing the law for righteousness, has not achieved the righteousness of the law. Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works.”  Romans 9:30-32 HCSB

What is righteousness? It can be viewed as “rightness.” It is living a life by God’s standard and that which is pleasing to the Lord. How often we hear of individuals who justify themselves by their own actions or their perceived standard of conduct. For the Jews the focus was on the Law of Moses. Their focus was bring “right before God based on their ability to adhere to the law.

Then along come the despised Gentiles and they by their faith in God are declared righteous in a manner that the Jews had not and could not attain. Why was that? Because in God’s sight “no one is righteous.” (Romans 3:10) The righteous life is not a matter of doing as much as it is believing. I once heard it explained that religion is spelled, “d-o” – “do” You follow the rules, jump through the hoops, “live the life.” However, relationship with Christ is spelled, “d-o-n-e” “done.” It is a “rightness” before God based on what Christ has done for us on the cross.

Paul says all this is related to the simplicity of the plan. All have sinned, and all have the same remedy available for sin. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Often the statement is made, “there are many ways to heaven.” That is the human attempt to be right before God in their “own way.” But it isn’t God’s plan. God’s plan is straightforward.

“This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.”  (Romans 10:9,10 HCSB)

We can repent, relax and be right before the Lord. As that new life comes, we then live by that new life. “…We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? ….count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:2,11 NIV)

We can be so familiar with the message and the concepts of what God has done for us through Christ, it can lose its power and significance. In my life, I am paying attention in a fresh way what the hymn writer of old referred to as, “the wonder of it all, just to think that God loved me.”

This morning my friend Kirk Weaver spoke to our Allies Men’s Breakfast. Kirk directs Family Time Ministries and provides practical guidelines and encouragement on how parents and grandparents can be a spiritual impact in the lives of their children. This afternoon I finally got a start on my 2015 tax returns. I am running later than usual in this annual obligation to the government. I am also tapering off my reduced prednisone dose. Even though it has been small, we are trying to monitor any effects on my strength and energy.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so.”  Romans 8:5-7 HCSB

What we think on determines the focus of our life, the direction of our life and the success or failure of our life. Solomon said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV) As Paul talks about a life lived by faith that is apart from the law; a life that is to be dedicated to pleasing Christ he talks about the importance of the focus of our mind and our thoughts.

Paul begins chapter 8 with some well-known encouraging words, “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1,2 HCSB) He then provides the why of that freedom from condemnation. Not only has Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law and brought us into relationship with God through Himself, but He also empowers us with a new focus.

The concepts are simple, yet impacting for our lives. When we think about the “flesh” we do what the “flesh” wants or desires. When we think about “Christ” we do what pleases Him. James talks about how the “double-minded” person being unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7) James is really talking about the person who asks God for something and then doubts. That conflict between faith and doubt creates instability. In the same way the conflict of a mind-set on the flesh and a mind-set on Christ creates instability.

Paul says, the mind-set on the flesh cannot please God or do what God wants because it creates a “hostile” attitude toward the things of God. In the same way, when a mind is set on the things of God it brings “peace and life.” Paul also wrote to the Colossians and said, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2 NIV)
What does it mean to “set our minds on things above” or to have a mind-set on Christ? Paul provides some practical guidelines in his letter to the Philippians.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8,9 NIV)

When Paul talks about setting your mind on things above he is referring to Christ’s position of being exalted in heaven. The writer to the Hebrews encourages “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1,2 NKJV)

To be successful in a race you keep your focus on the finish line. You don’t focus on the pain you are experiencing or how far you have to go. You focus your mind on the banner that stretches cross the finish line and that serves as your encouragement and allows everything else to be subject to the goal.

That is the way it is to be with our lives. Do you want life and peace? Do you want a focus that brings encouragement to your day. Do you want something that will help you press through the hard places of life? Have your mind-set on Christ.

I was glad to have a day without appointments or a trip to Denver. I was able to get in a session with my trainer at the fitness center. Today we also enjoyed some warm temps and spring-like weather. Overall a good day to work on some things that other appointments have kept me from.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For I want very much to see you, so I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:11,12 HCSB

Paul begins his letter to the Romans with an emphasis on faith. He begins by saying, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.” (Romans 1:8 HCSB) What a great commendation to not only have a strong commitment to “the faith” – but for your faith to be reported “in all the world.”

The key point or the “big idea” of our verse above is that faith grows by encouragement. So often individuals view faith as “private” and “personal.” While we as individuals must make a commitment of faith, our faith grows when we connect in relationship and are “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

It is interesting that Paul did not say, “I will encourage your faith” but that their would be “mutual” encouragement. Regardless of your “spiritual maturity” or giftedness or ministry position, we all need encouragement in our life of faith.

During the visit of my friend Paul Irwin this week, I found as we shared about life, and our faith the mutual encouragement that arose. At the end of Paul’s visit, I sensed my perspective and focus changed as he shared about his life and the work he is involved in and lessons he continues to learn from his walk with the Lord.

When Tim Tebow played for the Denver Broncos, he gained a lot of attention because of his out spoken faith. I recall during a sports radio program former Bronco Ed McCaffrey made the comment, that Tim’s boldness was a challenge to him to be more open in sharing his faith with others.

Paul says that faith gives confidence and courage in sharing the gospel, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16,17 HCSB)

If we are going to live a “righteous” life, our faith must be strong. We take the Lord at His word and we believe in Him and His promises, even in the midst of the challenges, setbacks and victories in life. To have strong faith, we need to be around other people of faith who are trusting the Lord and seeing Him faithful in the events of their life. We also need to share with others, so that together our faith individually and as God’s people remains strong in a world, “who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18 HCSB)

This afternoon I made a trip to the Capitol, to testify on an anti-oil and gas bill. It was a long hearing with many witnesses. I returned to Fort Collins to join my HOA board meeting late and then finally return home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.” Judges 17:6 HCSB “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  Judges 21:25 HCSB

All of the challenges, faults and failures of God’s people in the days of the judges is reflected in the verses above. What is repeated should get our attention. At the end the life of Samson considered the final judge of Israel (unless you count Samuel) is the striking observation about the spiritual condition of Israel. It is repeated as the last words of the book.

Consider the words of Proverbs 29:18 “When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.” (CEB) “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.” (ERV)

This is certainly what was taking place among God’s people. While there was no political King, there was a leader of the people. God was to be their leader and in the forefront of their hearts and minds. His law was to be the guard rails for the trajectory of their lives.

However they lost sight of God, they were distracted by the nations around and their gods and they were out of control in their behavior. They embraced idolatry and lost their way. It is said of the tribe of Dan, “The Danites set up the carved image for themselves. Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the Danite tribe until the time of the exile from the land.” (Judges 18:30 HCSB) That means their idolatry lasted for hundreds of years.

It is said of Samson, as he lost his strength and became a slave to the Philistines, “When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” (Judges 16:20 HCSB)

Losing our focus on the Lord results in throwing off constraint and becoming insensitive to the ways of the Lord. We assume that the Lord is with us when we begin following our own ways and ignore His. This is why the first commandment is so important. Serving God and Him alone, keeps our focus on Him. We are reminded that He is God and that we are accountable to Him.

When we make ourselves (or anything else) “our own god” we quickly lose our way and “go off the rails.” That is so much at the heart of post-modern philosophy of no right or wrong and “doing what makes me happy.” However, true happiness is found in loving God and obeying Him.

For those who believe people are “basically good” need to examine the lives of God’s people during the days of the Judges. They also need to just look around them at those who live by “their own rules.” You will find that God’s ways are the best and that scripture is true when it says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?“ (Jeremiah 17:9 NLT)

This morning Paul Irwin and I took off at 4:30 a.m. to get him to the airport for an early morning flight to D.C. I returned home and after a while, went back to bed to get caught up on some rest. Later in the day I went to Greeley to participate in a radio interview. This evening are some local candidate forums that I will attend.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God, give Your justice to the king and Your righteousness to the king’s son. He will judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people and the hills, righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.”  Psalm 72:1-4 HCSB

This prayer of David’s was not just for himself, but his son Solomon who would follow him on his throne. Our world and government today is different from the monarchies of old. But in these few verses and in the entirety of the psalm are some insights into godly or righteous rule.

Even though governments and governmental structures change, there are some divine principles that transcend time and order. Two words, “justice” and “righteousness” are the foundation to any government system. Justice has to do with “fairness” and the execution of laws in a way that punishes wrong doers and rewards those who follow the laws. Even in our world today, the “innocent suffer for the guilty.” Instead of holding the guilty accountable, many laws end up creating additional burdens on those who are following the rules and conducting themselves and their business properly.

Righteousness involves doing the “right thing, for the right reasons.” The highest standard is to be “right” in God’s eyes. Often the laws of man, run contrary to the righteousness of God. When that happens a society and the people suffer the consequences. Doing “right” and being “right” are both important for solid governance.

Righteous governance means looking out for and defending the oppressed and bringing the weight of power against the oppressor. It is important for victims, not to be victimized by the system that is set up to punish the oppressor. Too often in our world today, we see that happening.

Righteous government is willing to help those who are oppressed and to bring assistance to those who “can’t help themselves” until they are restored to a position of productivity. The call is to “…vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.”

When this happens it not only brings peace and stability to people’s lives but prosperity. Economic development is found in moral development and the exercise of justice and righteousness. Solomon reminds us, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7 ESV) I believe the same is the reward of righteous government. When Solomon ruled as a wise and righteous King, the nation enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity. When he turned his back on the Lord, all that began to unravel. 

God’s Word provides a road map, that if followed in principle even in our day, can bring the blessings of the Lord and blessings for people.

This morning, I took my friend Paul Irwin with me to our Tuesday prayer connection with some elected officials. I then had my morning Bible Study with the residents at Morning Star Assisted Living. Paul and I joined Dick and  Ruth Foth for lunch. It was a great opportunity to connect and share with those who are making such an impact on others through their lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When Gideon died, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals and made Baal-berith their god.  The Israelites did not remember the Lord their God who had delivered them from the power of the enemies around them. They did not show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good he had done for Israel.”  Judges 8:33-35 HCSB

The story of Gideon is one of the most detailed of the judges in the Bible.  God calls Gideon from a place of hiding. He takes this unlikely hero and turns him into a brave warrior. As Gideon calls out men to battle, the Lord soon reduces the ranks to 300 men. Gideon and his army with the Lord’s help defeat the Midianites and throw off their oppression.

All of this took place so that God’s people who had disobeyed and were suffering the consequences of their disobedience would turn to the Lord and serve Him only and faithfully. But we see that the people desired to make Gideon their King.

Gideon’s response, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” (Judges 8:23 HCSB) For reasons not known, Gideon collected from the people some of the spoils of war and made an ephod, or breastplate. Perhaps this was to serve a memorial to the victory the Lord had won; but the people treated it as an idol and it even became a “snare to Gideon and his family.”

After all the victories, Gideon dies, the people return to their idolatry, they forget about Gideon, the victories won and most important that it was the Lord who had gone before them and delivered them.

As I reflect on these events, I am struck by how easy it is for us to neglect to recognize the source of our strength, provisions and deliverance. The Lord has made it clear the He was the One who had made Gideon successful. The Lord chose an unlikely person, with an inadequate army to show that He was the One who brought the victory. But instead the people wanted to make Gideon King and then they made an idol out of a souvenir from the spoils battle.

Gideon tried to direct the people’s attention to focus on the Lord and stay loyal to Him, but it seems that was not acceptable to the people. They were fixed on what they “could see” – whether a king or ephod, or idol or some object. This strikes a the heart of the first commandment, “thou shalt have no others gods before me.” What we see is when the first commandment is broken, all others fall by the wayside. That is what happened over the years in the moral decline of God’s people.

Next we see how when Gideon was gone, who he was and what he had accomplished were soon forgotten. It is important for us to remember that our lives stand on the foundation of the “victories” of others. That may relate to those who have fought for our freedoms. It may be parents and past generations who worked and sacrifice, so that a future generation might enjoy a “better life.”

In our life it is important for us to continually recognize God’s divine intervention into our lives. We can be and need to be thankful for those whom God uses. But we most not give to others the glory that is due to the Lord. At the same time, we need to value the contribution of others and the difference they make in our life, nation and world. It is so easy to forget the impact of those of the past in seeking, heroes in the present. It is the “heroes” of the past that should provide the encouragement and dedication needed in the present.

Perhaps all of this is summarized in the New Testament Book of Hebrews, “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,  keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1,2 HCSB)