BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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…” Hebrews 12:1,2 HCSB

What a great day! I had the opportunity to be the special guest at Dakota Ridge Church this morning. It was such a delight to see so many old friends and to meet new ones. I shared about my health challenges and book and shared a short message. It is hard to believe that is has been 10 years since I left my pastoral ministry to run for political office.

This afternoon Caedmon and I traveled to Estes Park for this year’s “Grand Camp.” It is great to see so many who were at the camp last year and at the same hard to believe it has been a year. I had the opportunity to share on the first night with the group as well.

Our theme this year is from Hebrews 12:1,2 and is entitled, “The Amazing Race.” I spoke briefly about perseverance and how it relates to my experience of the last three years. In so doing I asked, the adults and children to consider:

1 –  What is perseverance (or endurance)?

2 – What areas of life require perseverance?

3 – What enables us to persevere in life?

Perseverance is simply that ability to keep going when we want to stop. I had two 10-year old boys come forward. I had them both run in place for a minute. While the first “ran” I asked everyone to remain silent.  As the second “ran”, I had everyone cheer the entire time. The difference was noticeable.

Perseverance is needed in so many arenas of life. For adults it may be continuing in a difficult job, or a child it is continuing in a challenging class. It applies to our faith, the trials that come our way, marriage and a host of other areas of life.

What empowers us to persevere? Having others “cheering us on” makes a difference. We can experience that in athletic competition, but the same applies to others areas of life. When I was in recovery my friend Pastor Bob Strauch was with me during one of my workout sessions. With a background as an athlete and coach, he was verbally encouraging me on, “you can do it!” “keep trying!” “good job!” “Come on one more!” About a week later I was in therapy and having struggle and my therapist asked, “where is that guy who was here last week?!” You can use him right now, you did better when he was here.”

We are encouraged by those who come alongside and those who have “gone before us.” That is why Hebrews 12, follows Hebrews 11 and those who are commended for their faith. It is an account of those who “stuck it out”, even when what they believed, did not materialize. The writer of Hebrews refers to this “cloud (or crowd) of witness” with the implication of “If they can make, you can make it!”

Then we realize that our focus makes all the difference. We must “Keep our eyes on Jesus.” Jesus is not only our example of endurance, but He is the one who provides the strength that we need at the time  we need it.

We are also reminded that at the finish line there “awaits a crown of righteousness that the Lord shall give on that day…” (2 Timothy 4:9) It isn’t true on earth, but it is in heaven, we can all be “winners!”

Prayer for today…. “Lord, thank You for  Your example and the power You provide so that we can “endure.” Enable us all to “keep our eyes on You.” Let us not grow weary and give up. Allow us to be to others that source of encouragement they need at the right time.”

This morning we got up early (3 a.m.) to take Debbie to the airport for her trip to Atlanta. She will be there while I take grandson Caedmon to Grand Camp this next week. I came to Lakewood to spend some time with Christian and his family. We spend several hours at my mom’s house visiting her and helping with some yard work.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This is the declaration of the Lord God. “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak….I will shepherd them with justice.“ Ezekiel 34:16 HCSB

Old Testament prophets communicated God’s message through a variety of word pictures and metaphors. In this chapter the focus is not so much on the sheep, but the failure of shepherds. These shepherds were like the “hired hands” we read about in John’s gospel.

Jesus said, “The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep.“ (John 10:12 NIV) The Lord spoke through Ezekiel and said, “My shepherds do not search for My flock, and because the shepherds feed themselves rather than My flock…” (Ezekiel 34:8 HCSB) These irresponsible and self-centered shepherds allowed the sheep to be exposed to danger and they focused on meeting their own needs. The Lord passes the indictment, “The shepherds will no longer feed themselves…” (Ezekiel 34:10 HCSB) In contrast Jesus said, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.“ (John 10:11 NIV)

So we see the Lord steps in, “fires” the bad shepherds and demonstrates the actions and care for His own flock. The type of care that He would expect from those given a trust. The context of Ezekiel is how the Lord will one day restore His “lost sheep” to the land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But in doing so, we see striking parallels to Jesus the “Good Shepherd.”

The Lord says, “I Myself will search for My flock and look for them….” (Ezekiel 34:11 HCSB) We are reminded for the “Parable of the Lost Sheep” and how the shepherd leaves the 99 and looks for the one that is lost.

Then we see a vivid description of the care and restoration of the shepherd. “I will bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak….”  Restoration, healing and recovery are all part of what we see in the Lord’s care for His people throughout time. Those who feel lost and without hope, can be found and restored. The wounded even by their own actions, and wanderings, can find healing from the Lord. Those who are crippled and weak can find new strength through the intervention of the shepherd’s care.

The capstone of the restoration is seen in the words, “I will send down showers in their season—showers of blessing. The trees of the field will give their fruit, and the land will yield its produce; My flock will be secure in their land.“ (Ezekiel 34:26,27 HCSB)

These verses not only remind us of what the Lord does for us in His care, but is a foretelling of the day when we will be in the true “promised land” of an eternity in the Lord’s presence. It is also a reminder of the responsibility and expectations that Lord has for those who are “given a trust” to care for God’s people. Be that within the Church or the world or our families.

Prayer for Today… “Lord thank You for the care you have for us as Your “flock.” When we wander, you seek, find and restore us. When we are injured, you heal, when we are weak, you restore strength. We look to that day when we all of Your children are restored the the “place of promise” You have prepared for all who love and serve You.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “As for you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.” Ezekiel 33:7 HCSB

This call to Ezekiel is a challenging one for us today. As one called by God to be God’s voice to the people of God in rebellion, Ezekiel had a duty and responsibility to fulfill his call. The Lord uses the imagery of a watchman on the city wall.

A watchman on the city wall was there to sound the alarm when danger was at hand. He was to keep alert and understand the importance of his task, “he sees the sword coming against the land and blows his trumpet to warn the people.” (Ezekiel 33:3 HCSB)

The watchman was to sound the alarm, to put forth the warning, but was not responsible for the reactions of the people. He warned, so people could appropriately respond. If the watchman was a sleep, or distracted or inattentive, the failure to fulfill his duty was at the risk of his own life.

The New Testament parallels are clear as well.  Paul says, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?“ (Romans 10:14 NLT)

On the “Sermon on the Mount” Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

The children’s song says, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…put it under a bushel? No!” Just as a watchman is to watch, a light is made to shine in darkness.

Jesus told the parable about the foolish and wise virgins. The foolish ones, for lack of oil, allowed their light to go out and were unprepared when the time of the Lord’s coming was upon them. While we usually view that as personal preparation for the Lord’s return, I believe we can understand it in the duty we have to provide a light in the darkness of the world as Jesus return draws close.

Before you grab a sandwich board, with “The End is Near,” remember that Jesus calls us to allow our “light to shine before men that they may see your good works.” (Matthew 5:16) Peter said, “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

That doesn’t mean we don’t need to take initiative either. We are to be prepared, ready and looking for God-ordained opportunities to share God’s love with the world.

Prayer to today… “Lord, remind us of our duty to share good news with others. Give us sensitivity to Your spirit and the needs of others, confident of the work of Your Holy Spirit through us and in the lives of others.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I will restore the fortunes of Egypt and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom. Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself over the nations. I will make them so small they cannot rule over the nations.“ Ezekiel 39:14,15 HCSB

I recall visiting Egypt as part of a Israel tour sixteen years ago this month. It was awe inspiring to be in the land with such great history and impressive pyramids, and artifacts from the ancient world. Yet, in they year 2000, it seemed more like a “third world” country. While there were the streets packed with cars and commerce taking place, as we traveled around the country outside of Cairo, the poverty and lack of quality of life for the citizen was evident.

I found myself asking, “what happened to this once great culture?” Just doing some cursory internet research, it appears that question has not been fully answered, even today. We can observe the history of the invasions by the Assyrians, Greeks and the conquest of the Roman Empire; but there seems to be more “under the surface.”

The Bible gives us some insight. At the height of its power, Egypt was seen as a place of refuge. We see Abraham visiting Egypt. We see the children of Jacob, due to Joseph’s elevation finding refuge in Egypt and then becoming slaves. Slaves that helped build some great buildings and monuments. We see Solomon taking a wife of Pharaoh to secure his throne. Without a doubt Egypt was a world power with an intimidating military and a prosperous land that proved to be a place of hope for people in need.

So much so, that it was easy for God’s people in Israel to trust in Egypt’s power and privileged status more than in the Lord God. As a result, due to this and because of their arrogance, the Lord pronounces judgment on Egypt. They would experience their own exile, be returned to the land, but would never rise to the level of prominence and prosperity for which they were known and admired.

We can observe in scripture, that God knows the affairs of the nations and is the Lord over all the nations of the world. Is the Lord still at work in the nations of the world today as he was in ancient times? In many ways the United States is like Egypt of the ancient world. A world power that was the envy of other peoples of the world.

An article on Egypt’s demise from “The Journal of Historical Review” observes, “The one thing that we know with certainty about the causes of the collapse is that they were internal….What happened in Egypt was not a mere political upheaval to change the ruler or form of government; it was the ruin of a whole civilization through the collapse of its moral foundations.”  (http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v15/v15n1p34_oliver.html)

The author of the article observes, “When civilization had come to Egypt, it must have seemed eternal. It was, of course, designed, like the pyramids, for all time….the earliest and most primitive form of civilized society is always socialism, with an omnipotent central government, a completely managed economy, and with inhabitants reduced to the kind of serfdom that our planners in Washington are now imposing, step by step, on the American people.”

We need to remember that the Lord is still the “God over the nations.” He allows to rise up those He desires to use and is able to bring down those who in the pride become overly self-sufficient and forget the God who allow them to gain such prosperity and success.

What the future holds for our country is yet to be seen. However, there is a growing sense that we will yet see in our lifetime that trajectory that our great nations will take. Will we become like Egypt of old or will we recognize that the blessings we enjoy have not come from our own might, power and resources, but from the Lord God, who has chosen our nation to be a light and beacon of hope for freedom in our world?

American is strong because it is good. When it ceases to be good, it will cease to be strong. Just look at the history of Egypt.

Prayer for today…  “Lord, we stand in awe of Your ways. You are the God of the whole earth and the kingdoms of man. You use nations for Your purposes. Help us to understand that what we have in our land is from the benevolence of Your hand. Enable a spirit of humility to be restored to our land that we may enjoy Your blessings, be continue to be used by You and to be protected by You sovereign will.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.” Psalm 37:25,26 NLT

Psalm 37 provides a striking contrast between the wicked and godly. For the godly, the wicked are not be a source of worry, anger or fear. God watches over the godly and but the wicked will “like flowers in a field—they will disappear like smoke.” (Psalm 37:20 NLT) The Lord provides and protects the godly and makes them a source of blessing. “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.” (Psalm 37:21 NLT) The wicked are takers and the righteous are givers.

David summarizes the faithfulness of the Lord by reflecting on the Lord’s faithfulness over a life time. “Once I was young and now I am old…” During his span of time David had times of discord and peace. David had his failures and his victories. But through it all he saw that the Lord remained faithful and consistent. God never abandons His own, even if they are unfaithful to Him. This is the testimony of the godly.

The Lord provides the needs of the godly and sustains even in times of difficulty and trial. That provision becomes a channel to others to help them in a time of need. But it doesn’t end there, “The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.” (Psalm 37:30 NLT)

Psalm 37 ends with yet another resounding statement of the Lord’s faithfulness. “The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.” (Psalm 37:39,40 NLT)

Before these final words of assurance we find an invitation for all to heed, “Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever.“ (Psalm 37:27 NLT) Then there is this declaration, “Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.” (Psalm 37:38 NLT)

Prayer for today…  “Lord, thank You for the encouragement to keep our eyes on You and the future you have in store for those who love You. Thank You for your protection and provision. Help us to remember that we are to allow the blessings from You to flow to others.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Trust in the Lord and do good…Take delight in the Lord… Commit everything you do to the Lord…” Psalm 37:3-5 NLT

Psalm 37 contains some of the most familiar verses of the Bible. It really provides direction and reassurance to God’s people living in an evil world. What relevant instructions for us today in our present culture.

The Psalm opens with the admonition, “Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong…” (Psalm 37:1 NLT) Then we read, “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper...For the wicked will be destroyed…” (Psalm 37:8,9 NLT)

When we see evil rise those two reactions become common. We become inundated with worry and fear or we become angry at the prevalence of ungodly values and practices. The Lord responds by changing our focus to trust, delight and commit.

With each of these “commands” is an accompanying promise. Consider each of them.

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.” (Psalm 37:5 NLT) We can fear the wicked, we can be angry at worldly ways, but trusting in the Lord and doing what pleases Him, results in safety and prosperity. The Lord can allow His people to be people of influence and to meet their needs regardless of what may come their way. We take heart in Paul’s words, “If God be for us who can be against us.” (Romans 8:31)

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.“ (Psalm 37:4 NLT) I am reminded of Jesus words addressing those who are overcome with worry, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) When the Lord becomes our joy, he not only provides, but I believe He also places in our hearts desires that are of His Spirit.

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:5,6 NLT) Talk about practical. I believe “everything” includes every thing! When what we do is done trusting the Lord to help us and committing the results to the Lord, the results will be good! He will defend us and give us strength for each day and task.

The days in which we live can be challenging and troublesome. Yet we are not to respond with human emotions, but to focus our attention on the Lord and trust Him, delight in Him and commit all we do to Him. When we do that, He takes care of the outcomes and us!

Prayer for today…. “Lord in our world, there is so much we can be upset about and angry over. But when those emotions arise, remind us that You call us to trust in You, delight in You and commit all we do to You. Thank you for the assurance that You are in control and You take care of Your own.”

Today we moved a step closer to the completion of some of our basement build out with duct and carpet cleaning. It is nice to see the project wrapped up. Now we are ready for all the grand kids to come visit (almost). Yesterday, we enjoyed a nice meal and fellowship at the home of Glen and Joan Schlueter. The live on Horseshoe Lake in Loveland. We connected with regular Saturday night attenders from Timberline. Our current sermon series is entitled, “At the Table.” This hospitable couple put into practice the concept of connection and friendship over a meal.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?…. Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die…For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live!”  Ezekiel 18:23,31-32 HCSB

It is observed that, “God has no grandchildren, only sons and daughters.” In other words, the faith of your parents will not save you and the sins of your parents will not condemn you.

I recall over 30 years ago visiting with a man who was near death. He realized that he had not lived right before the Lord, but he hesitated to turn to the Lord in his final days. His biggest “hang up” was that he felt that he, by his actions and lifestyle, had condemned the spiritual destiny of his children.

I endeavored to reassure him from both the Old Testament and the New that each of us stands accountable before the Lord for our own actions. I am confident that he received the message and invite the Lord into his life before his final breath.

As Ezekiel writes to God’s people in rebellion, I am sure that he is bringing some clarity to the statement, “…he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (Numbers 14:18 NIV) I believe the gentlemen I was visiting with had enough Bible knowledge to be aware of this scripture, but not enough to keep it from being a stumbling block.

Now the Lord declares, “A son won’t suffer punishment for the father’s iniquity, and a father won’t suffer punishment for the son’s iniquity.The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him.“ (Ezekiel 18:20 HCSB)

The prophet goes through the various scenarios of a righteous father and a wicked son. A wicked father and a righteous son. A righteous person who turns from the Lord. A wicked person turns to the Lord. In each situation the underlying concept is personal responsibility for our lives and our decision about the Lord.

In the New Testament we see God’s heart when we read, “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.“ (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) We recall the “last minute” plea of the thief on the cross who asked for Jesus forgiveness and the Lord’s assurance, “today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NIV)

The Lord does not send, “anyone to hell.” His desire, His delight is for people to turn to Him and live. People choose their destiny through their own denial and failure to embrace what is freely offered by Christ. I like the straightforward declaration of the Apostle John, “…He who has the Son has life.” (1 John 5:12 ESV)

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank You for Your patience and love that desires everyone to come to You and experience Your life. Help me to continually embrace Your ways, trusting in You alone for my eternal destiny. Empower me to share Your heart and invitation with others.”

Last night after I returned home from church; Debbie met me and told me she had left her computer at her last on-call visit in Greeley. We used the trip back to Greeley to connect with our long time friend, David Holden. David was such a blessing while I was at the Rehab Hospital. He would come on Saturday night and have dinner with me and then “hang out” in my room until I was ready to go to sleep. This allowed Debbie time to go to church and have a break from her long days and week by my bedside.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:18 NLT

The greatest revelation of God in our lives is not so much in what He keeps us from, but how He provides for us in the time of crisis or trial. When difficulties come, it is easy to become so distracted and overwhelmed by the present circumstance that we miss seeing the Lord “watching over us” in those times.

As I reflect on my health crisis now three years ago, we can look back and see the incredible ways the Lord provided through the help, encouragement and prayers of so many. The Lord doesn’t insulate us from life, with all of its trials and hardships, but He is with us in the “midst of the storm.”

The verse above is set in contrast to the ability of natural resources, “The best-equipped army cannot save a king,
nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you.” (Psalm 33:16-17 NLT)

For a king, a well trained army is certainly a source of confidence, but it is not all that is needed. Like that king, we need more than what human efforts can offer; we need a  God who “watches over…” One of the more surprising endorsements of my book comes from Dr. Daniel Asadi, Medical Director of Northern Colorado Acute Hospital. He observed, “I witnessed firsthand how many times Ken faced death right in the eye and found a way to conquer it. The only way to explain it all is that his soul was fed by his faith and the Holy Spirit.” 

It is obvious that Dr. Asadi, is a doctor with a strong faith. But he didn’t point to the availability of exceptional medical care and the expertise of doctors, but that which is from the Lord Himself, the great physician.

During our visit in Friday with Pastor James and Carolyn Majeske, he shared an unusual accident he was involved in about three years ago. He was officiating at a funeral and was standing at the open door of the hearse, waiting for the casket to be removed. The side door of the car was open as attendants were removing flowers, to prepare for the graveside ceremony.

A car, being driven by a distraught woman, tried to park in front of the hearse and in so doing stepped on the gas, instead of the break while backing into her parking place. The impact made the rear door hit Jim on the hip, spinning him around and “face planted” him on the concrete curb. The back tire of the vehicle grazed by, barely missing his head and the side door just missed hitting him in the back of the head, as he passed out.

There was an older couple who when leaving their home, to go to the service, the husband stopped and said, “I need to go back inside and get a white towel. The Lord just spoke to me that I need to take a towel to the service.” It was that towel that was used as a temporary compression bandage on Jim’s injured head while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

How do you explain that?! Other than, “…the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.”

Prayer for today… “Lord with David of old we respond to your watchful care by “putting our hope in the Lord” and “trusting in your Holy name.” (Psa. 33:16,17) We are thankful for what you keep us from, but we give praise to you and thanks for what you rescue us from. Help us to rely more and more on Your unfailing love.”