Memorial services like the one today for Senator Bill Armstrong, can be like “family reunions.” It is always good to see people that don’t pass our paths all that often. Among those were Dr. James and Shirley Dobson. I believe I had met Dr. Dobson on only one other occasion. I had the opportunity to share with him that when our son was only one year old, that the film series, “Focus on the Family” had just come out. Also, his book “Dare to Discipline” and “The Strong-Willed Child” were among our early reads as parents. I told him our son would say of he and his sister, “we were raised as Dobson children.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised.  For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:29-30 NASB

Today, I share a few reflections on life, a leader and our Lord. I attended with a few thousand others the memorial service of Senator Bill Armstrong, President of Colorado Christian University. It was a service in honor of a “great American” and servant of Christ, but it was a service for the glory of Jesus.

From the processional of “In Christ Alone” to the closing anthem with proclamations of “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” boldly and prayerfully in between, it was a tribute to both a man and a Savior.

The service was moving and challenging, not just because of Bill Armstrong and his legacy, but because of the focus on Jesus. The verse above is from the mouth of Simeon when he held in his arms the new born Messiah. But how appropriate for the life that held on to and was held by the a risen, living Savior.

Bill Armstrong as a man at peace with His Savior and at peace with his world. He had much more he desired to accomplish if the Lord permitted, but he anticipated and was at peace with seeing his Savior knowing his time “for his departure was hand.”

Since facing  my own mortality, I find these moments far more impacting that ever. I am challenged as I am sure others were to live out their faith in a more winsome manner and to reinforce the need for the hearts of people to be changed by the love and power of Jesus Christ. We all have a legacy that we will leave. The time to consider what that legacy will be is now. If there was anyone who attained enough success in life to “sit back and take his leave” it was Bill Armstrong. But he was a man committed to living life with purpose to the full to the every end.

The final eulogy was by Bill’s son Wil Armstrong. Wil said he had been preparing for this day for thirty years. He shared how he remembered his father speaking the memorial of his father and Wil knew that one day he would be doing the same for his father.

Whether you were a close friend or someone like myself who knew Bill Armstrong casually, his impact was always deep and profound. He was a great man, because of his commitment to a a great Savior.

The service today was being held on Bill and Ellen’s 54th wedding anniversary. As Dr. Don Sweeting was giving an invitation (at Bill’s request) for people to respond to Christ, I couldn’t help but think how significant it was for people on the anniversary day, that Bill said, “I will” take Ellen as his wife, that individuals would say, “I will” take Jesus as my Savior.

Gerry Klassen wrote a wonderful tribute, painting a picture of Bill Armstrong’s entrance into heaven. The final words, are “The Angel Gabriel brings in the Book of Life and he turns the pages until he stops at William Lester Armstrong, there he reads, “Child of the King and faithful to the service of God’s kingdom, trusted in His Word, he is an ethical, Christ-centered Christian.”

Simon Peter is carrying a beautiful, pure white, floor-length rob and the apostle Paul is polishing a crown. The orchestra is turning up their instruments, the choir is practicing their harmony; hear them singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord God Almighty.” The celebrants are steaming into the hall. I hear the crowd give a joyful shout for Jesus has arrived.

Hallelujah, What a Savior.”

And I would add that Bill Armstrong raises his “radio voice” and leads the throng in a shout of “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank you for the reminder from the life of Bill Armstrong that there is nothing better that we can do, than to exalt Jesus! Allow our lives to be lived in a way that will bring glory to Your name and impact people for the cause of the gospel.

You can read obituary and view service at http://www.ccu.edu/billarmstrong/

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.” (1 John 1:5 HCSB)

Three words sum up the character of God and challenge our response, “God – is – light.” John makes the statement emphatic, when he says, “…there is absolutely no darkness in Him.”

The first words of creation were, “let there be light.” We see God’s light reflected in His angelic beings, who always appeared in “dazzling array.” The night sky was made brilliant when the angels appear to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ. Paul described God as One, “…who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light…” (1  Timothy 1:16 NIV) We read of the “new Jerusalem” “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.“ (Revelation 21:23 NIV)

What are the ramifications for our life of the “God who is light”? First it impacts our conduct and reveals our condition. “If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.” (1 John 1:6 HCSB)

Next we see walking in God’s light connect us to others and is the best remedy for sin. “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”  (1 John 1:7 HCSB) You can count on it; when someone is “living in darkness” they will distance themselves from the Church and other believers.

God’s light can reveal what we are not willing to admit, “If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 HCSB)

God’s light can give assurance of forgiveness and acceptance.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  (1 John 1:9 HCSB)

The God who is light does not just overpower us with His brilliance; He invites us to enter into and live in His light and share in His glory. In the final chapter of Revelation we read of the promise to those who belong to Christ, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5 NIV)

Prayer for today…  Lord, thank You for the provision of Your grace that allow us to live in Your light now and for all eternity.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt; they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.^“ Psalm 14:1-4 HCSB

The simple assessment of the atheist is found in a brief statement of the Bible, “The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” What is of interest is that this is not just foolish “thinking” but is an indication of foolish “behavior.”

In the Old Testament, often the word, “fool” indicates one who is morally debase. We can observe this in the context of Psalm 14 because we see the lack of moral character and conscience clearly described. As “wise” and as “enlightened” humanity may view itself, without God they are “foolish” and “corrupt.”

Why is this? Because without a belief or awareness of God, there is no absolute moral standard. Man lives for himself, to himself and is his own arbitrator of right and wrong. To recognize any consistent moral standard is to recognize the existence of the One who puts into place that standard. Rejecting God and His standard brings a downward path to destruction.

We can observe this in Romans 1. We read this list of evil deeds by those who reject God and His standard, “They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,  undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful.” (Romans 1:29-31 HCSB)

These deeds become the lifestyle of those who reject God. It is not that they don’t know or have not heard about a God and His righteous standard; they just exalt themselves and their ways above the Lord. The final statement of Romans 1 sounds not just like the first century, but the 21st century.

“Although they know full well God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.” (Romans 1:32 HCSB)

Those who are righteous become an “irritant” in the minds and eyes of the “foolish.” There is an attempt to silence their voice and remove their influence. But we see these encouraging words, “…God is with those who are righteous. You sinners frustrate the plans of the afflicted, but the Lord is his refuge.” (Psalm 14:5,6 HCSB)

The calling of people of faith is not to gain acceptance by the “world” but to live lives that are submitted to Christ and bring honor to Him.

Prayer for today…. “Lord, as the world more and more reflects the character of those who live as “fools” let those who follow you, maintain their faith and focus on You. Thank You we serve a God who is “with us” and who is our refuge.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains…” Psalm 12:1 HCSB

Often the simplest of prayers can be the most effective. I recall, when a leading layman our song leader and choir director suddenly died when I was in my first pastorate. As I sat with his wife in an ambulance, I opened my Bible to find something to share in our mutual shock and grief. I thumbed the pages of the Psalms and my eyes fell in the first two words of Psalm 12, “Help, Lord…” That was my simple prayer and one that I have repeated many times since.

This earnest plea of the Psalmist is found as he surveys that landscape of the culture of his day and sees a void of those who are faithful, loyal and true. Character and virtue has been replaced by vice and debauchery and all kinds of evil. Almost sounds like our present day.

In the midst of this the cry goes out for the Lord to “help.” For the Lord to intervene and to bring a change. For the Lord to judge the arrogant and deeds of the oppressors.

We see that the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous and responds to their plight. “Because of the oppression of the afflicted and the groaning of the poor, I will now rise up,” says the Lord. “I will put the one who longs for it in a safe place.” (Psalm 12:5 HCSB)

The Lord “rises up” and then reassures with His word, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6 HCSB) The words of man can be shallow and empty, but God’s Word provides hope and confidence.

We can have assurance of the Lord’s actions, have confidence in His Word and comfort in His protection. “You, Lord, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever.” (Psalm 12:7 HCSB)

This Psalm ends with this important reminder, “…what is worthless is exalted by the human race.” (Psalm 12:8 HCSB) That is why God’s Word and our focus on Him is so important. You can count on it, what people prize is detested by the Lord and what the Lord values, is viewed with contempt by people. Don’t be surprised or discouraged in the face of evil and rebellion against the ways of the Lord; just keep the simple prayer on your lips, “Help, Lord…”

Prayer for Today… “Lord, thank You that when we cry out to You, You hear, You rise up, You guide with Your Word and You provide protection.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, why do You stand so far away? Why do You hide in times of trouble?”           Psalm 10:1 HCSB

We have all been there. Those times when we don’t understand why God allows certain things to happen, or those situations where there is not the immediate “divine retribution” when there is evil that is so prevalent. It is so easy to look at circumstances and to make the wrong conclusion due to God’s timing of His actions.

I was reading in Jeremiah 44 as the prophet is pronouncing judgment on those who have fled to Egypt from Jerusalem and they are continuing their idolatry there. This is their response, “As for the word you spoke to us in the name of Yahweh, we are not going to listen to you! Instead, we will do everything we said we would: burn incense to the queen of heaven and offer drink offerings to her just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in Judah’s cities and in Jerusalem’s streets. Then we had enough food and good things and saw no disaster, but from the time we ceased to burn incense to the queen of heaven and to offer her drink offerings, we have lacked everything, and through sword and famine we have met our end.” (Jeremiah 44:16-18 HCSB)

What the people were saying is when we were worshiping idols our life was just fine. But when we were commanded to stop (undoubtedly during the reign of King Josiah) things began to get worse. What they failed to see and understand was that God’s judgment was coming and Josiah was trying to make a correction, but it was too late. The people were displaying a twisted understanding in which they correlated, disobeying God’s instructions as good and obeying God’s instructions as bad.

Just as the understanding of the people of Jeremiah’s day was distorted, so was that of the psalmist. He saw what was happening around and declared  God had “run a way” or at least hid in the midst of evil. His perspective was reinforced by what was seen in the attitude and actions of the wicked,

“In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks: “There is no accountability, since God does not exist.” His ways are always secure; Your lofty judgments are beyond his sight; he scoffs at all his adversaries. He says to himself, “I will never be moved—from generation to generation without calamity.” (Psalm 10:4-6 HCSB)

Why does  God let some people get away with such attitudes? That question still plagues us today. Yet we must understand that God is long suffering and shows His mercy as much with others as He has with us before we submitted our lives to Him. But it is clear that there is coming a day of accountability. It will be in God’s time and choosing.

The psalmist ends with an affirmation of God’s final and ultimate justice, “Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully, doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed
so that men of the earth may terrify them no more.” (Psalm 10:17,18 HCSB)

In times of confusion we can be confident that the Lord does hear our cry, He sees what is happening and He will provide the strength that is is needed and bring a final justice.

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank You that even when it feels like it, you are not hiding from our times of trouble and confusion. When we question ‘why?’ give us the assurance that You are in control, You hear our prayers, You provide that strength that we need. Thank You for listening and bringing an ultimate victory over all evil in our world.”

This morning I returned to conduct the chapel at Mackenzie Place Retirement home.  This is is always an enjoyable group with some of the sharpest, seniors I have met. They are gracious and grateful. We are experiencing some hot weather, so it was good to get the neighborhood pool for a short swim and some exercise.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.”              Titus 3:1 HCSB

As Paul writes to Titus his focus is clear. He outlines responsibilities for leaders and provides instructions to guide the conduct of believers. He addresses the duties of older men, young men and slaves. Paul challenges Titus to be bold,  “Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 HCSB)

Those traits are important to be kept in balance by a leader. If a leader only encourages and is not willing to correct, there will be a lack of focus and discipline. If as leader is only “rebuking” behavior, there will be discouragement and a lack of confidence in God’s work.

Paul’s desire was for the church to be strong, but to stand in contrast to the behaviors of the “world.” So submission to leaders, ready for every good work, refusing to slander, avoiding fighting, kindness and gentleness, were not to be the norm of behaviors.

We see this because Paul follows these traits with saying, “For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.” (Titus 3:3 HCSB)

The implication is that Paul was calling God’s people to a “norm” that was not normal for their day. The words, “for we too were once foolish, deceived….” is a description of a characterization of a  life that once was, but now is not to be.

The progression of Paul’s instructions is, “this is how you are to behave, this is how you used to behave, which is reflective of the culture around, and this is why a change has come.”

The change came when Christ brought salvation to the hearts of people. It was not because of their good behavior, because their behavior was not good. “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy…” (Titus 3:4,5 HCSB)

The bottom line is our lives are to reflect the character of the one who has redeemed us and given us hope for the future.  Paul goes in and says, “He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.“ (Titus 3:6,7 HCSB)

Christ has saved us according to His mercy and has justified us by His grace. As a result we have life, hope and purpose. That change should be reflected in how we treat others and live in this world as people whose hope is in the eternal life that Christ gives to all.

Prayer for today… “Lord, it is apparent that the attitudes of our world come from those whose only hope is in this world. Thank You, that You have redeemed us from an empty, hopeless existence. Allow the character of the eternal be reflected through the lives of those who know your love and grace and have the hope of eternity in their hearts.”

It was good to have Pastor Jim Walters speak to our men’s group today at Timberline Church. Jim shared about his career as a pilot and made some applications to our spiritual life. Jim is the former lead pastor of Bear Valley Church in Lakewood. I always enjoyed attending the services at his church while I served in the State House. His book, “When Faith Takes Flight” is available on Amazon.com

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… ‘If indeed you surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive…. But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am worried about the Judeans who have deserted to the Chaldeans. They may hand me over to the Judeans to abuse me.”…Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the Lord in what I am telling you, so it may go well for you and you can live.“ Jeremiah 38:17,19-20 HCSB

Zedekiah was the last King of Judah from David’s lineage. His end was tragic. He and his leaders were fleeing the city under assault, he was captured along with his sons. He watch as his sons were killed and then his eyes were blinded and he was chained and taken captive to Babylon.

Zedekiah like many was caught between wanting God’s word and will and fear of what would happen. On three occasions Zedekiah sent for the prophet Jeremiah to ask him to pray for him and city and to inquire about God’s Word. The Lord’s word was “don’t trust in your human understanding and your resources. Surrender and submit to my plan and it will go well for you and city will not be burned down.”

The consequences for disobedience was the opposite. There would be tragedy for Zedekiah and his leaders and the city would be burned down. These words of Jeremiah made him a “traitor” in the eyes of the nobles. He was accused of destroying the morale of the people and the army that remained. Jeremiah was thrown in prison and then into an empty cistern to silence his words.

But on the last and final warning we see Zedekiah fearing to obey the Lord’s word for what “he” thought would then happen. Jeremiah tried to reassure him, “if you obey the Lord, the Lord will take care of you.” But in the end Zedekiah gave into his fear of his advisors and the unknown and failed to trust in the Lord’s word and will and we see the consequences.

The circumstances are different, but the concepts are the same with people through the ages. “If I commit fully to obey the Lord, what will happen? What will people think? What will happen?”As a result individuals “lean on their own understanding” instead of trusting the Lord and placing their faith in Him and the consequences can be devastating. Pastor Jim Walter challenged our men’s group this morning about this in speaking to the issue of fear and how it can create a hesitation in pursuing God’s call and the desires He places in our hearts.

This issue can be seen in surrendering your life to Christ as well as fully pursuing God’s dreams and direction. God’s Word assures us, “Trust in the Lord with all your hearts….in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5,6) We also read in the Psalms, “No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced…” (Psalms 25:3 NLT) There is safety and security in obeying and following the Lord, even when our own minds battle with reservations. That is called faith. God honors our faith in Him. He will never disappoint. Learn from Zedekiah.

Prayer for today… “Lord, help me to be bold in following You. Enable me to recognize and resist my human fears and instead place my faith fully in You. Allow me to trust in Your love and Your provision as I obey and follow You.”

I finished my third day of IV drug therapy. It has gone fairly well. I have only experienced some low grade headaches which is one of the side effects. I’m looking forward to our men’s breakfast tomorrow with my friend Pastor Jim Walters.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke even though I had married them”—the Lord’s declaration. “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least to the greatest of them”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin.” Jeremiah 31:31-34 HCSB

Jeremiah is filled with warnings and judgment from the Lord. But it also contains glorious promises of restoration and the future that Lord had for His people. Essentially we see the Lord is in the process of a “reset” or creating a new beginning for His people.

We read these words of the prophet, “So then, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when people will no longer say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ but they will say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the descendants of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.’ Then they will live in their own land.” (Jeremiah 23:7-8 HCSB)

We see this described in Psalm 126. This is one of the Psalms that was recited annually during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the three annual feasts.

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter,our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:1,2 HCSB)

God’s people were going into a long captivity, but what they were about to experience was not going to be their ultimate future. God was using this time to reset their hearts and to show that He is constantly at work to fulfill His purposes, even when God’s people stray and get off track and lose their bearings.

When we look at the history of mankind, we see the Lord did a “reset” when He choose Noah and destroyed the earth with a flood. We see  God calling Abraham and through the years, after a journey that went through Egypt, God brought them to the land He had promised. In the midst of it, God in His anger was prepared to start over with Moses. But Moses interceded and that is why the Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.

Now the Lord was going to place His people in the “womb” of Babylon for seventy years. He would restore them to the land and to Jerusalem. There would be a new Temple and they would be a people with a “new” heart. The Lord promised them a glorious future and was promising them a new “covenant.”

The words of Jeremiah find their ultimate fulfillment when Jesus with his disciples at the “last” supper told them, “I am making a new covenant with you…” The provision of Calvary would allow God’s laws and ways to be in the hearts of people by faith and the grace of God would fulfill and do what the law of God could not.

When I consider God’s ways in accomplishing His work in the lives of His people, it allows me to be confident that He is still at work on our world today, bringing to pass all that He has planned for those who love Him and place their faith in Him. That is something that we can observe in individual lives and as well as in our world.

Prayer for today…  “Lord, thank you for the assurance that You are still working out Your divine plan and purpose in the world and in our lives as Your people. Allow us to be patient, keeping our eyes on You, knowing that what You have promised You will fulfill in Your time and in Your ways.”