Our wintry, spring weather has continued today. Some snow in the air off and on, but none that is sticking to the ground. We are told within a week, we will be having 80 degree temperatures. I worked today on a funeral service that I will be conducting on Monday. This will be my first one in a number of years. I was glad that I got in a workout at the fitness center. I am trying to up my frequency to see if I can push forward in my recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Then they all cried out together, “Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!”  (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify Him!” Luke 23:18-21 HCSB

As I read once again the chapters about Jesus crucifixion, I was reminded of the personalities involved and the contrasts. We see Pilate and Herod, two men, different leaders who had been enemies, became friends. We see Pilate the ruthless, desiring to show mercy and the religious leaders demanding death. We see scant evidence of any charges against Jesus from the many witnesses who could not “get their story straight.” As a result, Jesus had to incriminate Himself, so they would have something to charge Him with. As a matter of fact the only time Jesus spoke, was not to defend Himself, but words that ended up condemning Him.

The death of Jesus all hinged on this “great exchange” with Barabbas. What Pilate viewed as a “way out” of a difficult situation backfired. He never thought the jealousy of the religious leaders and their influence over the crowds would allow them to exchange a well known terrorist or the innocent Nazarene.

However, it is in this “turning point” that we find the greatest picture of what the cross is all about. Jesus died in the place of the condemned. He died the innocent one for the guilty.

We see it prophesied in Isaiah, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him…the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.“ (Isaiah 53:5,6 NIV) Peter declared, “…Christ suffered for our sins once. He was an innocent person, but he suffered for guilty people so that he could bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18 GW) Paul declared, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)

Christ…died…for…us! For you and for me and for Barabbas. We don’t relate to the brutality and evil of Barabbas’ actions, but we all have a sentence of death on our head, because no sin can stand in the presence of a Holy God. Whether we view our sin as great or as insignificant, it all separates us from God. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV)

I recall a depiction of a man watching Jesus being whipped and tortured, the man in his dream, goes to stop the solider. As the man grabs the shoulder of the man with whip, the solider turns to look at the man who is stopping him and the man see his own face on the soldier.

It is our sin that placed Jesus on the cross. The words of the old hymn says it well, “He was nailed to the cross for me. One the cross crucified for me He died, He was nailed to the cross for me.” When we read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, Barabbas is not some legendary ancient criminal, he represents you and I and everyone for whom Jesus died. Jesus was condemned, we are set free. Thank the Lord for His love, grace and mercy offered through Jesus.

This morning I had one of our final planning committee meetings for next week’s National Day of Prayer event here in Northern Colorado. We anticipate close to 400 in attendance. After being “on hold” for several weeks and months, it seems some of the projects we have had on our agenda are making progress around the house. One of those is the build out of our basement which was started last June.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:11 HCSB

It is interesting to hear prognostications from all kinds of sources for all kinds of future events. The predictions run from, invasion of aliens from outer space, to earth destroying asteroids, rising oceans, plagues and famines.

But when we look into scripture some of the events that are believed to be the source of just chance or the impact of human existence on the planet, may actually happen, but the source is going to be different than modern predictions.

When we look at Jesus warnings about the “end times” we see upheaval on many fronts. We see it in conflict among nations, we see it in economics, political systems and we see it in the heavens and earth itself.

“Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves. People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.“ (Luke 21:25,26 HCSB)

Scripture does not give all the details of events, nor the extent and the timing of their occurrence. But it is clear that in the future before the Lord returns will be times of trials and testing.

We see throughout the Book of Revelation from the opening chapters describing the different colored horses to the plagues brought by angels and the two witnesses all the different aspects of human existence that will be challenged.

What is of interest is that all the events that occur will challenge the pride and superiority of humanity. We are often lead to believe that people are the cause of all problems that exist and are the source of all solutions for those problems. But as Pharaoh of old had to recognize, so all people in the future will recognize that, “this is the finger of God.” We see this because Revelation tells us that they, “cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.” (Revelation 16:11 NIV)

Jesus provides the warnings and tells us the proper response. In a word it is simply, “watch” or “be on guard.”

 “Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly  like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.  But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 HCSB)

For many “carousing” and “drunkenness” don’t seem to be an issue, but everyone is vulnerable to “the worries of life.” We are called to be ready, not to panic,  to pray and trust the Lord for the strength that is needed for whatever comes. These events will provide an opportunity greater than ever to share the hope that is found in Christ.

There is always a desire to know more and to know when “end time” events will take place. But what is most important is clear and emphasized. We are to keep our focus on Christ, and know that the Lord will provide for His own and has a place in His presence prepared for those who love Him.

My morning today was fairly busy. I began with a breakfast meeting Windsor and then two service visits before leaving for my morning Chiropractor appointment. This afternoon was more relaxing and I was even able to get in a workout. Our spring weather has turned to more winter-like and is to last for a few days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways!…In this very way the man who fears the Lord will be blessed.”  Psalm 128:1,4 HCSB

It is often observed that a tombstone has two dates separated by a dash. The dash between the two dates represents the life of a person. A beginning point and an ending point. It is the dash between the dates that really counts!

The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms that are believed to have been recited as Israel’s men made their way to Jerusalem for the three main festivals of the year. They are “Psalms for going up.” We see a starting point for the journey in Psalm 120 and an ending point in Psalm 134 as a call for worship from God’s holy hill goes out.

What is important is what happens in between the longing for God’s house in a place of distress and arriving at  God’s House in the midst of worship. Between the beginning of the journey and the end of the journey. This psalm is found toward the end of the journey. It addresses and affirms the blessings of those who walk in the “fear of the Lord.” Sometimes in a long journey it is easy to get weary and question is the “journey worth it?”

What we see in between the verses above is a description of those blessings from the Lord that shows keeping to the journey, the commitment to fear the Lord and walk in His ways is “worth it.”

We see described is a life of prosperity. “You will surely eat what your hands have worked for.” (Psalm 128:2 HCSB) In a time when food from the land not only sustained the family, but provided the means for acquiring other things needed for life, being assured that you will enjoy a harvest is significant. When Moses warned the Children of Israel in the wilderness of the consequences for disobedience he said, “You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit. Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will eat none of it.” (Deuteronomy 28:30-31 NIV)

We see described a life of satisfaction. “You will be happy, and it will go well for you.” (Psalm 128:2 HCSB) In the Old Testament the greeting was, “is it well with you?” Today it is just, “how are you dong?” A life of peace and contentment is a blessed life. It is the promised life of those who follow the Lord. Solomon said,  “…the way of transgressors is hard.“ (Proverbs 13:15 KJV)

I believe even when life is “not good” it can still be “well” for us. The consistent side affect of following the ways of the Lord is described as “blessing” or “Happy.” We see that reflected in the Beatitudes of Jesus. (Matthew 5:3-12) We see it in Psalm 1. “Blessed [or happy] is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.“ (Psalm 1:1,2 NIV)

We see described a blessed family.   “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your sons, like young olive trees around your table.” (Psalm 128:3 HCSB) We see in scripture that barrenness for women, really for a couple, was viewed as a curse. If money is the greatest source of martial conflict in our world today, barrenness was that in the ancient world. Children were not only viewed as a blessing but having sons (and daughters) that live successful, god-fearing lives is a blessing as well. Another Psalm of Ascent says,

“…Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” (Psalm 127:3-5 NIV)

When we keep our eyes on the Lord and continue to walk in His ways and journey with Him, we will discover that it is a life of blessing. Keep to the journey, it is worth it, we have a grand destination in view.

I ended up spending last night in Lakewood. It was good to be with Christian, Bridget and the children overnight. I was able to take the boys to school and then head back to Fort Collins in time for my morning workout appointment. I then attended a lunch meeting with two candidates for the US Senate. This afternoon, I finished up on some logistics for my work and some upcoming events.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear…. Don’t keep striving for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious.”  Luke 12:22,29 HCSB

If there is a triumvirate that can sap the peace and enjoyment out of life it is worry, striving and anxiety. It is hard to distinguish between “worry” and “anxiety” and to just view them as the same. I found an interesting description of the two from Dr Linda Mintle. She describes “anxiety” as “…that uneasy feeling, apprehension, a feeling of danger, doom or misfortune.” It can be induced by perceived danger or threat when one considers future events. “Worry” is “the mental part of anxiety. Worry has to do with anxious thoughts.”  http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/doinglifetogether/2013/09/the-difference-between-worry-and-anxiety.html#7jsHMhXcfSsqMMtJ.99

So, “anxiety” can be viewed as the emotional response to a situation, “worry” is related to the thoughts about life or an area of concern. Most people would say, “regardless of how you explain it, it feels the same and has the same impact on my life.” That is so true. That is why Jesus said, “don’t do it…”

The other enemy of peace of “striving.” If anxiety is the emotional response and worry is the mental activity, striving is what I do to solve the problem on my own. In these verses Jesus is talking about food and clothing, not cars and yachts and recreational apparel. Those basic needs of life, if you don’t have them or fear losing them it would seem to be a good reason to be anxious.

But even in the midst of the most basic, fundamental needs of our life, Jesus says, don’t strive, don’t get worked up on how you are going to bring them into your life. Instead, “trust me.” The God who cares for the creatures of field and the birds of the air says, that He cares for each of us, just the same.

Jesus draws a contrast between the “gentiles” who seek after these things and His children who are to “seek His kingdom.” Our priorities and focus is not be dictated by the world around or what others do. This is one of those, “not so with you” contrasts that Jesus presents to His followers.

We are called to put Jesus first and then to “make heaven rich.” “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:33 HCSB) In a practical way Jesus says, you have possessions that can be sold and have resources to give to the poor and to have your own needs met.

We trust, we maintain a focus on the eternal and we do what the scripture tells us to do. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9 ESV)

The Lord has a plan to provide peace in the pressure of life. Don’t worry, don’t strive, don’t be anxious. But trust the Lord who knows your need, seek His kingdom, focus on the eternal and follow God’s plan for your finances and your future.

After attending my Tuesday morning prayer and devotional meeting, I joined some Timberline seniors for breakfast. We had a new visitor by the name of “Speck.” Named for his eye glasses. I asked him how old he was when he got glasses, and the nickname. He was eight. The same age as my newly eye-glass wearing grandson. Speck is now 95 and in good health with good eye sight! I then traveled to Denver to visit my mother. This evening I will attend a presentation at Colorado School of Mines.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Summoning the Twelve, He gave them power and authority over all the demons, and power to heal diseases. Then He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick…When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. “ Luke 9:1,10 HCSB

When Jesus called His disciples He did so, “…that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:14 ESV) Jesus knew that His life and ministry would one day be entrusted to those He call to follow Him. The preparation for the future ministry of the disciples was not only being with Jesus, hearing His words, seeing the miracles, but experiencing what it was like for God to us them in preaching and healing.

There is a process in training or mentoring that goes something like this, “I do, you watch.” “You do, I watch.” “You do.” Jesus didn’t live in isolation and then one day suddenly call men that He sent out. There was a preparation time. There was an opportunity for them to observe Jesus, to ask questions, to see “how He did it.” Jesus then sent them out so that He could provide the support that was needed. This allows confidence to be built and to “learn by doing.”

Mark records of the twelve’s missions, “They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” (Mark 6:12,13 NIV) The disciples did what Jesus had done. They preached repentance, drove out demons that healed the sick. Yet after they returned, we see later, Jesus coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration finding the disciples with a demon possessed by that they were unsuccessful in freeing from the demon. This was not so much a failure, as a learning opportunity.

As Jesus was preparing for the cross, His work of preparing and equipping the disciples moved into high gear. “…I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans…” (John 14:16-18 HCSB)

At the ascension Jesus spoke His final words of instruction, “He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me…you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now….you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:4,5,8 HCSB)

Jesus showed the way before modern day leadership theorists discovered the “art of successful training.” He allow the disciple to see Him in action, He provided support as they stepped out in ministry and then He sent them out.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB)

As we continue to train and prepare for ministry or work with others in developing any skill or competence this model is a good one to follow. After all, it comes from Jesus Himself.

Today was a good day to get caught up on some office work. I took a bike ride to drop some mail at a post office, but it took me longer for the three miles than anticipated. It was good to have a massage after the bike ride.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?…” Luke 6:46 HCSB

It seems that we can always come up with a response or an excuse for a tough question. But this question of Jesus’ is one that is almost impossible to respond to. The assertion of Lordship in this verse is not some casual commitment. When we find in repeating, “Lord, Lord” it is an emphatic declaration of loyalty and commitment. It is like Peter declaring, “even though all deny you, I never will.” Saying, “Lord, Lord” is a way to say, “I’m all in.”

Jesus simply asks, “how can you say that and not do what I say?” Jesus makes it clear that it is not our profession of His Lordship, it is our obedience that matters. Jesus told His disciples, “If you love me, obey my commandments.“ (John 14:15 NLT) As Jesus explains the importance of our actions of obedience matching our words of commitment, the focus is not on what it means to Jesus, but to those who foll0w Jesus.

Look at Jesus explanation:  “I will show you what someone is like who comes to Me, hears My words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn’t shake it, because it was well built.” (Luke 6:47,48 HCSB)

That stability of our life is not found in the profession of our lips, but in the dedication of our lives. Putting Jesus words into practice make the difference between standing strong and being on sinking sand. In describing the foundation-less house built by those who do not act on His words Jesus says, “The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great!” (Luke 6:49 HCSB)

This weekend driving the Thompson Canyon between Loveland and Estes Park was a vivid reminder of the destruction of a raging river. In September of 2013 rain swollen tributaries, flowed in the Thompson River and the raging torrent destroyed everything in its path. Road and highways were no match. The destruction was great! Such it is, Jesus said, for the life, that is deceived by believing words without actions is sufficient for a strong life that strands the test of the storms of life.

James said, “…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17 NKJV)  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV) Paul told the Philippians,  “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:9 NLT)

When we act on what we believe; when we put into practice what Jesus tells us to, it results in peace and stability and keeps us from being blindsided by the storms of life.

Last night Charlie Simineo and I traveled from Estes Park to Fort Collins and back. We had the opportunity to hear Mark Batterson at Timberline Church and then return to Estes Park to hear Jeff Lucas’ message. Mark Batterson shared one of the most inspiring messages on prayer that I have ever heard. You can check it out at www.timberlinechurch.org This morning Jim Szakmeister closed out the retreat with a strong challenge for the men to “live the adventure” that they were challenged to choose during the weekend.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So he took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  The Devil said to Him, “I will give You their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If You, then, will worship me, all will be Yours.” Luke 4:5-7 HCSB

When we just read on the surface the three recorded temptations of Jesus by Satan, they can be difficult to related to. Who has the power to turn “stone to bread”? Who is going to face the temptation of jumping off a high building and having God rescue them? We can’t be tempted by that which is beyond us or we can’t related to.

We realize that the specifics are different, but the concepts are the same. We are tempted by our natural desires, we are tempted when we are called to, “prove ourselves” or when our faith is tested and called into question. But one of the greatest temptations we face is one of misplaced priorities and worship.

A country singer of old by name of Tennessee Ernie Ford, popularized a song about coal miners. The song included the words, “You load sixteen tons, what do you get, Another day older and deeper in debt, Saint Peter don’t you call me ’cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store.”

People of all times have “struggled to get ahead.” As a result there is the temptation to “get rich quick.” We allow the world around to dictate our priorities and focus. Yielding to that temptation can be reflected in many ways. Going into debt, gambling, perpetual worry, “living beyond your means” It may not be an attempt to “gain the splendor of all the kingdoms of the world” but there is still a desire to have, to possess and to control.

We see in the Bible that Satan offered Jesus, “all the kingdoms of the world” in exchange for His worship. We read that Satan makes the same offer to another. He failed with “the Christ” but he will succeed with the “Anti-Christ.”

The currency Satan is desiring is “worship.” That has always been Satan’s end game. He craves and desires and distorts the worship that belongs alone to God. We may not be vulnerable to the actual “worship” of Satan, but we are vulnerable to giving credence and value to a world system inspired by Satan. One that replaces God’s priorities with the priorities of the world.

Jesus during His ministry recognized the pressing and undue focus on things, or just making in life without “owing your soul to the company store” or worse Satan. So He told His disciples that the right focus, leads to provisions the security that we seek. “Things” can be great servants, but serve as harsh taskmasters.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and [then] all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33 HCSB)

It is easy to think, “things first and then God.” But the pattern of blessing is “God first!” When your focus with right, your future will be secure. That has ramifications for this life and the next life. When Christ “owns your soul” you never have to be concerned about when, “Saint Peter may call.”

Last night and this morning we enjoyed the conversation and message from Dick Foth and Mark Batterson. Much of their discussion was on the importance of connection and making a difference in the lives of others. This morning Mark shared a powerful message about Peter’s denial of Jesus and eventual restoration by Jesus. He used the analogy that God constructs the “highlight video” of our life. He erases the past and redeems that present and gives hope for the future.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.  Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Luke 1:19,20 HCSB

There is saying that goes, “God is never late, but He misses some great opportunities to be early.” I’m sure for Elizabeth and Zachariah that meant having children before they were old and “past the years of childbearing.”  But the desire to have a child seemed never to leave their hopes and dreams.

As Zachariah is chosen by chance (lot) to offer the incense before the altar, his prayers in the very presence of God are for his wife to have a child. We know that because the first words spoken by the angel Gabriel are, “…Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.” (Luke 1:13 HCSB)

Not only was Zachariah’s prayer heard and answered, it went beyond what he could have desired in that his son would play a critical role in God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. While Zachariah heard the good news, human doubt still prevailed. In this situation he didn’t ask for a sign like Gideon or Hezekiah in the Old Testament, but he was given a sign due to his unbelief.

What caught my attention as I read this passage were the words, “you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Zachariah received the good news, but he didn’t have a promised time frame. Did the angel mean ten months from now? Eighteen months from now? Three more years? When?

What we in Zechariah and what challenges us today is being a peace with God’s timing. God has a “proper time” for the events of this world and our lives. It is easy for us to become restless and begin to worry, but we are to remain steadfast, trusting God to fulfill His promise in His way and in His time.

Paul wrote to the Galatians, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4,5 NLT)

God has a plan and timing for Christ’s birth and He has one for Christ’s return. “Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth.“ (Revelation 9:15 NLT)

God had a timing for Joseph to be elevated to a position of power in Egypt. God fulfilled the words of Jeremiah, when Jehoichin was released from prison in Babylon and elevated to a position of honor. At the right time God choose Saul of Tarsus to become Paul the great Apostle.

Just as God’s ways are above your ways, His timing is different than yours. But His time is the right time, it is the proper time. I recall when I was in the hospital, I waited with eager anticipation for a surgery that would facilitate my recovery and help my health improve. There were frustrating and unexpected delays. At the time is was a cause for discouragement. But when the time for the surgery came, I realized that it was “the proper time.” My strength and little weight that I had gained during the waiting time, made me better prepared for a major surgery.

In your life, in all that concerns your life; trust the God who fulfills His Word at the “proper time.”