The highlight of my day was having two of my aunts come for a visit. My father’s sisters, Paula Baer from Aurora and Annalee Cogar from Columbus, Georgia. We enjoyed a visit, went out to lunch and then reconnected at the house after I conducted a funeral service while they connected with a friend for a visit. We even searched for some strawberries in my picked over patch. Pastor Steve Harris came by and dropped off some of Sherri’s strawberry jam and became a willing photographer.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.” 2 Timothy 3:12-14 HCSB

As you read through Paul’s letters to Timothy you can tell Paul’s concern for this “son in the faith.” Paul’s words time and again challenge Timothy as to his focus and his responsibilities. As I read these chapters, I get the sense that Paul is saying, “If no one else stays true, Timothy, I want you to stay true to the faith.”

As Paul is at the end of his life he is aware of the troubles and persecution that he had endured. He is aware of those who once voiced faith and were among those who listened to his words, but “fell by the way side” for a number of reasons. He was aware that the gospel he preached was one that would face opposition.

Take note of four powerful words, “but-as-for-you.” These are words that draw a line in the sand. They are words that are intended to arrest  Timothy’s attention. They are words that warn and challenge him  to a higher commitment, a deeper faith.

Paul called Timothy to live a life as an example to believers in faith and godliness. (1 Timothy 4:12) Now,  he warns him that commitment will result in persecution. Persecution will come to him and all others who demonstrate unwavering faith and loyalty to the cause of Christ. Jesus warned His disciples to be prepared for persecution, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.“ (John 15:8 NIV)

Paul warns Timothy that “evil men and imposters will become worse.” He was to be on guard against those who were openly against him and those who tried to look like they were with him, but were really against him. Often the later is far more dangerous and discouraging.

In light of all this Paul gives Timothy his, “marching orders,” “continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.” (2 Timothy 3:14 HCSB) It seems that the word, “continue” is a key word and theme of Paul’s letters to Timothy. He is saying, “Timothy, don’t be thrown off by what happens, by what others do, keep your focus, guard your own heart and commitment to Christ.”

The bedrock foundation for his life of faith was to be in the scriptures. What Timothy had learned as a child was good for him to remember as an adult. Why? “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:16,17 HCSB)

Paul wanted Timothy to know that God’s Word would continue to help him grow, to keep him on the right path and to serve as his “training manual” for life and ministry.

That is why from the beginning Satan has tried to bring doubt and confusion about God’s Word. Remember the question to Eve? “Has God [really] said….?” The same temptation to doubt and question, can happen in hearts and minds of people today. When we keep to Word, the Word will help us keep to the task and empower us to live the life that Christ died for us to experience.

Prayer for Today…  “Lord, help me with spiritual “blinders” on, to keep to the life and work, You have called me to. Don’t let what happens to me or what I see happening in others, discourage or divert my attention from You. Thank You for Your Word, that guides my life, helps me grow and equips me to serve You.”

A planned meeting in Denver was cancelled today. I was glad to have that off my schedule. It gave me time to work on a memorial service for tomorrow. This afternoon, I traveled to Greeley. I enjoyed a lunch with Pastor Michael Popineau (and gave him a copy of my book). I then was part of a radio interview at KFKA for a “Senior Circle” program that will be aired on Sunday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be…. ungrateful, unholy, unloving….“ 2 Timothy 3:1.2 HCSB

As Paul writes Timothy toward the end of his days, he desires Timothy to be prepared for future ministry and future challenges, including “last days” actions and attitudes. We don’t know when the Lord will return but we do know what the character of people will be. The difficult times of the last days will not be caused by economic turmoil, though that will happen. It will not be caused by disruption in the fabric of nature, though that will happen. The difficulties of the “end times” will be due to the lack of character of people.

People in this generation will lack the actions and attitudes that hold the fabric of a society and the world together. What people will manifest in their conduct will be the opposite of what God call us to be and what creates peace and harmony among families and nations.

The list includes, “…lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good,  traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  holding to the form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5 HCSB)

I don’t believe I can think of a negative trait that is missing from this list. These characteristics can be viewed in individual lives and today as they have been throughout time. However, what creates the intensity of the last days before Christ returns is that the exception today, becomes the norm in the future.

That is why Paul’s advice to Timothy is to, “Avoid these people!” (2 timothy 3:5 HCSB) Individuals who possess the combination of these characteristics or a majority of them become a cesspool that poisons all who come in contact with them. It is like being introduced into a centrifugal force that pulls you into its trap.

Paul says these people are, “always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth…these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith…they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all…“ (2 Timothy 3:7-9 HCSB)

We see in these verses a warning and a challenge. The warning is clear, the challenge by inference, is to live a life that is the opposite of the “un” generation. That means at its core being, “grateful” “loving” and “holy.” I would encourage you to examine the entire list of negatives and consider their opposite as the goal and mandate for our lives as Christ-followers.

When Jesus taught His disciples about serving He said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…” (Mark 10:42,43 NIV)

I believe we can take from Paul’s words to Timothy the idea, “This is how people will be in the last day, but that is not to be the way it is to be with you!” When we take this to heart and live by God’s standards, the light of our lives will shine bright in the midst of the darkness around.

Prayer for Today… “Lord help me to remember the greatest challenges in our world will occur due to the character and actions of people who turn away from You. Help me to “stay above the fray” and to focus on what is pleasing to You.”

I began today with an early morning fitness center workout with my trainer. After picking some strawberries, I attended my Rotary meeting in Loveland for my induction ceremony as new member. Today, I responded to the need for someone to conduct a memorial service for a Timberline family. I found out that the family lives about half a block away from my house!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This is what the Lord says: The wise man must not boast in his wisdom; the strong man must not boast in his strength; the wealthy man must not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me—that I am Yahweh, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things...” Jeremiah 9:23,24 HCSB

The Lord speaking through Isaiah declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…” (Isaiah 55:8 NIV) I believe this includes the priorities and focus of people compared to the Lord. This is what stands out in the words of the Lord through Jeremiah.

Wisdom, strength and wealth. When you consider what we see and admire in our world those three pretty much can sum up the focus of human endeavor and what is prized. We have game shows that display knowledge, we look to leaders who are able to solve challenging problems. Human strength since Samson’s day, has always caught the attention of the masses. We all find it interesting to read of the “Richest people” in the world, nation or state.

But that which is prized by human’s is not what is prized by the Lord. Jesus said, “…The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned.” (Luke 16:15 CEV) Wisdom, strength and wealth are not bad in themselves. They are just not to be the viewed as our highest achievement and that which becomes our identity and a source of pride.

Instead if there is something a person can “boast” about it is, “…that he understands and knows Me…” That is something that we can never be fully confident about, let alone over confident or boastful about. We can have assurance that we have relationship with the Lord and are secure in His love, but we remember this is the God who says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9 NIV) This is the God of which Paul declares,  “..How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!“ (Romans 11:33 HCSB)

We see that instead of wisdom, strength and wealth, the Lord delights in “showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth…” Who is wiser than God? Who is stronger than the Lord? Who “owns” more than the God of the Universe?” All the achievements of mankind are nothing compared to God. Yet the Lord says, faithful love, justice and righteousness are to characterize our lives and to be that upon which we focus our attention.

In Jeremiah’s day, like ours, there are those who boast of their wisdom, strength and wealth, but judgment was just around the corner. It is God’s priorities that bring true peace and stability and security to nations.  When faithful love, justice and righteousness are valued and put into practice, it changes lives and nations.

Prayer for today… Lord, today, help me to value and evaluate my life based on what You say is a priority and what You delight in. It is easy to delight in wisdom, strength and wealth. Those are affirmed and recognized by the world around. But help me to remember that it is You, that I am to please; that it is You that I must allow to align my focus.”

I attended a Republican breakfast meeting this morning and heard an interesting talk from a former astronaut, talking about the operation of a space shuttle. After some work at home, I headed to an afternoon massage appointment and then returned home for a Colorado Public Radio interview on West Nile Virus. It will be interesting to see what comment or two is used in the brief story when it airs.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:1,2 HCSB

As Paul is writing this last and final letter, his concern was for the continued stability of the Church and gospel is clear. Paul knew that he had a task to fulfill and a mission to accomplish. However, it went beyond his own commitment to Christ and proclaiming the gospel, but including his calling as an apostle.

An apostle is one who establishes. He lays a foundation for others to build on, his concern is for the continuance and the strengthening of what he established. One of the great questions an organization or movement faces is, “What will happen when an influential and effective leader is gone?” “What will happen when the last of a generation of leaders is gone?” Those questions continue to asked down the corridors of time. But what we observe is that there is always someone who emerges to “fill the shoes” there is always someone the Lord uses in unique and powerful ways.

The key to this continuance and expansion of the faith is found in these simple words and admonition to Timothy… “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

This was to be a focus and priority of Timothy’s as a leader. Essentially, what Paul had been to him, he was to be to others. We not only see the priority of his task, but the priority of his teaching. He was to pass on “verifiable” truth. What Timothy was teaching was going to be able to be confirmed by others. In that way there was integrity and accountability for protecting the message.

Then we can see the priority of the qualifications of those entrusted with the message. Men who are faithful and who will teach others. They were to be spiritual rivers, not ponds. They were not just to receive, they were to in turn give. Life comes to bodies of water when there is inflow and outflow. The same is true of the “water of life” that enters into our lives. Jesus told his disciples, “freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

I recall often speaking of the qualifications of “F-A-T” people. “Faithful, available and teachable.” All three are important and if one is missing, there will be a lack of efficiency and effectiveness. As I began to develop in my pastoral ministry, I recall feeling the incredible responsibility of being a “steward of the gifts and talents” of those under my leadership. That continues to be the challenge of pastoral leaders in every church and every part of the world. The faith is not just to be “kept” – it is intended to be “given away!”

Prayer for Today… “Lord, what an awesome responsibility we have to receive and embrace the truth, but to also pass it on to others. Those faithful people in our lives may be friends or family members or others in our circle of relationships. Thank you for the impact Your truth has on us, help us to share that with others. Help us to be conduits and a life flow, so people are strong in Your grace and Your work and Church remains strong.”

I conducted the chapel service at Mackenzie Place Retirement Center today. This is a sharp group. I am amazed at people like the 94-year old who talks about research on the internet and the man who still follows the news in the Wall Street Journal. This afternoon we attended a memorial reception for Bob Hannawalt, a family friend from Fort Collins. It was good to reconnect with friends from the last 40 years or more.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:6,7 HCSB

The Christian life and ministry can be hard, it can be challenging, it can be discouraging. Paul is one who was acquainted with the hardships of ministry. He endured physical abuse and persecution, threats, imprisonment and even tells Timothy, “All those in Asia have turned away from me…” (2 Timothy 1:15 HCSB) So, if you have faced rejection and betrayal in ministry, you are in good company, it happens to the best of them.

As Paul writes to Timothy from prison, I am sure he wants to see Timothy remain faithful in the challenges that will confront him in the years to come. So, he calls him to “keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you…”

In doing so, Paul reminds  Timothy of his own prayer for him, Paul’s spiritual concern and investment in his life. He was “ordained” into ministry through the “laying on of hands” by the apostle.

Timothy is also reminded of his heritage of faith. “…recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice…” (2 Timothy 1:5 HCSB) Even though his father was a Greek and presumably not a Christ-follower, Timothy still represented three generations of his family that had embraced faith in Christ. He had a heritage to follow and embrace.

Paul knew Timothy would face opposition and and those who would ridicule him for his faith and his proclamation of the gospel. Timothy was to be bold, not giving into fear, but operating through the Holy Spirit’s power, in love and with sound judgment. Paul called Timothy to, “…share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:8 HCSB)

Paul wanted Timothy to know that those who are called to declare the gospel are part of the working out of God’s eternal plan. The calling and gifts don’t come by merit or human decision, “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” (2 Timothy 1:9 HCSB)

Paul wanted Timothy to know that faithful ministry to Christ is “worth it” and that in the end it is Christ who will have the final say; not our own opinion or the judgment of others. “But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 HCSB)

The “fire” of devotion can be doused with the wet blanket of persecution, hardship, attacks and betrayal. But as  Timothy remembered his past and those who invested in his life and the resources available through the Holy Spirit and the reward that awaits those who are faithful; the “gift of God” could remain ablaze.

Prayer for Today… “Lord, thank You that You provide all the I need to remain faithful and to keep my eyes on You and not on all that could bring discouragement. I choose to live with fearless resolve to You and Your work. I choose to operate in the power You provide and to do so in love and with sound judgment that comes from the Holy Spirit.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had happened to him, each of them came from his home. They met together to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they looked from a distance, they could barely recognize him. They wept aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust into the air and on his head. Then they sat on the ground with him seven days and nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw that his suffering was very intense.”  Job 2:11-13 HCSB

Outside of Job’s wife, Job’s friends, who intended to bring comfort, ended up bringing as much confusion and pain emotionally as Job experienced physically. However, even when “things go bad” there is often some positive that can be observed.

First of all all three of these friends were concerned enough about Job that they did something. They made the effort to meet up and to travel together to see Job in the midst of his suffering and stayed by his side. Their intent was good, to “go and sympathize with him and comfort him.”

As I experienced my health crisis, some of my first visitors were three legislative friends who came to visit, and pray for me. I’m sure like Job’s friends, the condition they found my in was shock to them. I was in a condition where I was not able to remember their visit, but was pleased when I learned from family how they took the time to travel, come together and to show their concern. Over the course of my hospitalization there were many others who followed suit. The thought of the time and effort it took for these friends and family members to come for a short visit was most humbling and encouraging. They did not travel across the city, but for some almost across the state.

What is important to remember is the power of presence. When Job’s friends came to his house they entered into his grief. One of the best things they did was to say nothing! That is difficult, because silence can be awkward and we are tempted to “say something” just to break that condition. His friends did not wait in silence for a few moments or hours, but for days.

They then allowed Job to speak first. As we move into chapter 3, we find Job’s first discourse with his friends, as he begins to verbally express his pain and discouragement. What happens after this, turns the tide as Job’s friends feel the need to confront him in his expression of anger and despair. They wanted to help Job to “make sense” of his suffering and why it was happening.

The easiest explanation was that Job had “hidden sin.” They believed this suffering revealed that the life Job was living outwardly was not genuine. We see as we read the many chapters that follow, we read the attempts of his friends one by one to show themselves right with Job trying to respond their views and opinions about Job, life, suffering and God.

This points to a common misconception and that is, “if I can understand my suffering, if I can “make sense” of it, I can accept it.” That is why the question, “why?!” is the first response to crisis. I recall going through a time of my own grief many years ago. Irealized that when I asked “why?” I really wasn’t looking for a rationale response, but was just processing what I could not understand or comprehend or make sense out of.

In the midst of suffering it is better not to attempt to answer the “unanswerable” but to keep our focus on what we do know. God is in control, He loves us, He answers prayer (many times in different ways than we expect) and as we trust in Him, He gives us hope.

Prayer for Today… “Lord, thank You that You choose us to be a source of strength and comfort for those who are suffering. Remind us of the power of presence and keep us from trying to speak when we should be silent. Allow us to be to others what you are to us; unconditional love, courage and strength when it is needed the most.”

The highlight of the day was the completion of our basement refinish project to the point of just needing carpeting. Our thanks to Brian Maseberg and his son Drew and friend August for many days and hours of attention to details to get us to this point.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “His wife said to him, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die!” “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.” Job 2:9,10 HCSB

One of the most important things to remember in a “health”  or personal crisis, is that it impacts the entire family. Outside of the words of Job’s wife early in the story, we fail to remember that Job’s wife walked through this crisis with him. As a mother she lost her children, she saw her security destroyed and she was watching her husband endure unspeakable agony.

Her cry of “curse God and die” is not blasphemy against the Lord as much as looking for a “way out” for Job as well as herself. When we are in pain, the total focus is on to “stop it!” At times, that can make people resort to extreme measures. We can be thankful for Job’s example and willingness to endure; even though he regretted his life and even being born. Expressing our deepest thoughts and pain is an important part of making it through a time of crisis.

In our present time, Colorado has been presented with essentially, “physician assisted suicide.” I find it interesting that most of the support is a result of people who know of or watching a loved one or friend die in pain. Their cry instead of “curse God and die” is “take some medication and die.” The result they say, is to end the suffering of the loved one, which is easier to accept than to say, “This is too painful for me to watch.”

What I find of interest through Debbie’s work as a hospice nurse is that even patients who desire death as a way out of their pain, hesitate to take any actions that actually will end their life.

Prolonged illness, the deep trials of life, test the fabric of relationships like nothing else. Many spouse’s have chosen to exit a relationship, instead of “sticking it out.” Even during my illness, Debbie had people ask her if she was going to stay married to me.

Job’s attitude was one that is important to grasp. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” How relevant that question is for our lives today. When difficulties come questions abound. Questions about God, about our lives, about “why?” Why this? Why now? Why me? Those questions are all okay, natural and are part of a grief process.

What matters is the response to the circumstances of life after “why” is asked. Job endured and saw the Lord intervene, he learned more about God, than he had known and he saw his health and wealth restored. Apparently Job’s wife “hung in there” with him, because they had more children at the end of the story.

Through my experience, I often say that Debbie has the real story to tell. I’m sure the same was true of Job’s wife. It is too bad we don’t have her perspective, but we can observe some natural responses that need to be recognized and “worked through.” These are all part of confronting the challenges and tests of life. I’m thankful God’s grace is available for the those who suffer. That includes the individual themselves and their loved ones.

Prayer to Today… “Lord thank You for Your grace and strength that is available during times of trials and suffering. Thank You, that You allow us to express our deepest fears and frustrations while holding us in Your love and grace. May we continue to trust you, day by day, moment by moment as we rely on Your provision.”

This morning I did make it back to the fitness center for a workout. It was good to see John and Ben two of my friends who are always such a great encouragement.  Sometimes we need the perspective of others to help us see and appreciate the progress we are making.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life… Instruct them [those who are rich] to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.” 1 Timothy 6:12,18-19 HCSB

Paul’s instructions to Timothy are direct and to the point. As he comes to the close of his first letter to Timothy, the commands given are intended to keep this young minister focused on what matters most. It appears that even in the first century the lure of wealth and the things of this world were strong.

There has always been the temptation to define the “good life” and contentment in terms of monetary measures or possessions. Paul directs Timothy to focus on the eternal over the temporary. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and told them that he himself focused on the eternal over the temporal. He said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.“ (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

Now as he writes to Timothy he reminds him, “But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 HCSB)

The gravitational pull to that which is of this life is great. Distractions and misplaced priorities are a danger. As a result Paul admonishes Timothy, “But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life…” (1 Timothy 6:11,12 HCSB)

The success of the Christian life is to know what to “run” from, what to “pursue” and how to “fight” the right battles. When we apply the wrong strategy to the wrong arena, it results in trouble. For example, Paul told Timothy to “flee temptation, not fight it. We are to fight for the “faith” not fight each other. We are to pursue righteousness, not worldly ambition.

Finally, what Paul tells Timothy to remind those with wealth, applies to us all, “…Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.” (1 Timothy 6:18,19 HCSB)

What we find of importance is not what we possess, but what possesses us. It is the importance of our attitude and how we view life, ourselves and others. We can all “take hold of life that is real.” That “real” life is found in our relationship with Christ, living for Him and keeping eternity in view.

Prayer for Today… “Lord allow me to take to heart Paul’s instructions to Timothy. Help me to focus on that which really matters and to seek “real” life. Help me to remember what to run from, what to pursue and what to fight for.”