I left Atlanta early afternoon and arrived in Fort Collins by 5 p.m. On the way to the airport we stopped by a local Waffle House for breakfast, to cap off my southern experience. I got up early this morning to say goodbye to Mason and Carter as they headed off to school for “picture day.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” Psalm 90:16,17 NLT

Psalm 90 declares the glory and majesty of God. Every time I fly on an airplane and view the earth from 30,000 feet it is difficult to understand all of the activity that is taking place on the ground. With all of the human-centered activity, and all that is part of life, it is ironic how it all disappears from the view of the “heavens.”

At times we need a re-orientation about life and God. That is where this psalm takes us. The opening verses declare, “Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.” (Psalm 90:1,2 NLT) God is and has always been and when we remember that it keeps us steady and focused, when we forget about Him, we lose our plumb line and perspective.

The psalm reminds us of how the greatness of God and how even our years are a gift from Him. God is the giver of life and all life finds its purpose and meaning in Him. That is why the psalmist implores, “O Lord, come back to us!…
Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,  so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” (Psalm 90:13,14 NLT)

Perhaps it is better to pray, “Lord, we are coming back to You…” That is because we more often “walk away” from the Lord more than Him, leaving us. The issue is when we feel separated from the Lord, the best thing to do is to reach out to Him. As we do we find Him ready and willing to respond to an open and sincere heart. David declared, “O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.“ (Psalm 51:17 NIV)

When God is at work, when His favor is on our life, He will crown us and our efforts with “success.” That which we desire is found being “at home” with God. That is a lesson and truth for all generations.

Prayer for today… Lord, You give us true success in life when we honor You and submit our lives to You. May we always make You our “forever” home and experience the stability and favor that comes from You.

Today, I went to the “Y” here in Canton with Stephanie, after we dropped off Mckenzie at preschool. Later we went to lunch in downtown Canton. I was tired today after my day yesterday “baby sitting” so I took a couple of naps.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!
No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.” Psalm 89:47,48 NLT

My friend Paul Irwin, from Washington D.C. shared a short synopsis about life that I used at a recent memorial service. Life is a gift. Life is precious. Life is fragile. No matter how many years are lived on this earth, they pale in comparison to eternity.

Life is a gift, we must value it. Life is precious, we must make the most of it. The psalmist said, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.“ (Psalm 90:12 NIV) We must not just spend our days, we must invest our days on this earth. Just like our money will out last us (hopefully); the legacy of our life will continue after we are gone.

Life is fragile, prepare for eternity. The time to do that is now. It is reflected in our vales and our faith. This past Monday, as I was in Atlanta, the family and friends and entire church staff at Timberline Church mourned the sudden death of two long-time members and support staff members, Josh and Sherri Zander. They were both killed in tragic motorcycle accident on their way home from Estes Park.

Josh had posted these words on a FaceBook post just hours before the accident, “In a blink of an eye everything can change, so forgive often and love with all your heart, you may never have the chance again.” How powerful these words, when we consider the “thin veil” between this life and the next.

Last week after doing a radio interview about West Nile Virus, I met a lady going into a meeting we were both attending. She told me she heard my interview and it made her think of her brother who had contracted West Nile Virus. He was a health, strong, farmer living in Pueblo, Colorado. She shared, “he had a suppressed immune system.” I thought, “so did I.” She went on, “he contracted meningitis and encephalitis.” I thought, “so did I.” So, I asked “what happened?” She said, “He died.”

Having survived by my health crisis, there are times that I read about my own experience or hear of some one else and it drives home to me how I really did “escape” death. It makes me glad for the Lord’s mercy and the opportunity for a few more years in this life.

The reality is one day all of us will pass from this life. Even those that Jesus raised from the dead, one day died. That doesn’t have to be a morbid, foreboding reality. It just calls us to live with purpose, trust and focus, not taking anything for granted; to forgive often and to love fully. It calls us to prepare for that day, in every way, to face the day we must all encounter.

Prayer for today…. Lord, while no one an escape the power of the grace, You have defeated death and turned it into victory for those who place their trust in You. Help us to live each day with the understanding that “life is gift, life is precious and life is fragile.”

Today I played “baby-sitter” for Mckenzie my three-year old grand-daughter. It made an interesting day and not too much nap time regardless of my pleading. It has been great to see how much she has grown and developed in her personality since I saw her the last at the end of last year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed… But based on His promise, we wait for the new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.“ 2 Peter 3:10,12 HCSB

In the midst of all that we see taking place in our world and in our present culture, it is easy to loose sight of God’s eternal plan. It is both disturbing and hope-filled. We see the new emerging out of the destruction of the old. Just as God’s Word promises a new “body” in heaven to replace our earthly body, so the heavens and the earth will be made new.

It is difficult to image how and when that will all take place but we see it clearly predicted in scripture. In the Old Testament we read of the flood and how all humanity was destroyed, except for Noah and his family. This “cleansing” of the earth by water is only a foreshadowing of the “Day of the Lord” where the earth is destroy and a new earth created as the home of God’s “righteous people.”

At the end of the Book of Revelation we read, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.“ (Revelation 21:1 NLT)

This “new earth and new heaven” is not only the home of the righteous, but it signals the end of the “curse” that came on the earth with the sin of Adam and Eve. The “perfect” world that many would envision in this life, will come in the next. We read, “…there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

What we see pictured for the earth, is a reminder of what Christ does for us as individuals. Jesus told Nicodemus, “you must be born again…” (John 3:3) Paul talks about those who embrace faith was moving from “darkness to light”, from “death to life.” A familiar verse declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Paul declared to the Romans, “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.“ (Romans 6:4 NIV)

Christ bringing the new out of the old should not be viewed as a foreign concept. He does it with each life that places there faith in Him and He will do the same with the present heaven and earth in order to have a new eternal home for those who have been made new in Him. Paul referred to Christ’s coming as our “blessed hope.” (Titus 2:13) Peter includes it as one of his “precious promises.” The bottom line is, knowing our destiny in the future, gives us strength in the present.

Prayer for today….  Lord, thank You for the newness You have brought to my life and the newness that You have promised one day for all those who love You. As we live as a people of “destiny” allow us to be hope-filled in this present world as we anticipate the next.

This morning I attended Stephanie and Nathan’s home church. Revolution Church in Canton is baptizing people every other month who have made declarations of faith. It is exciting to see what is happening in this church that reaching young and old alike. This afternoon I attended Mason’s baseball practice that included a scrimmage. Mason did a good job and played short stop and catcher. He is also being groomed as a picture.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.” 2 Peter 2:19 HCSB

There is a current TV commercial that addresses the issue of Medicare fraud. Featured are several seniors who are showing their disgust and expressing that they are committed to being on guard against the schemes of those who would steal their identity or falsely use their benefits.

As Peter is writing this last letter, he warns against false teachers that are going to contradict and confuse, if possible, those who have received  God’s truth. I like fashion to the senior citizens in the commercial, Peter wants the Church to be aware, not shock, but prepared for that they may confront.

He speaks of the time from the Exodus to the present day, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” (2 Peter 2:1 HCSB) Peter says, they will bring destructive hearsays, but in so doing they bring judgment on themselves.

Peter goes on and says, “They will exploit you in their greed with deceptive words….and their destruction does not sleep.“ (2 Peter 2:3 HCSB) While their end will be that of God’s judgment, their danger is real and present and must be taken seriously.

The confidence of those who are on guard is reflected in Peter words, “..the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment…” (2 Peter 2:9 HCSB)

Even as he speaks of the character and end of the “deceivers” he realizes that those who are vulnerable are, “…unstable people [who] have hearts trained in greed.” (2 Peter 2:14 HCSB) So, to protect ourselves we need to have the stability in life that comes from complete trust in the Lord and confidence of the Lord’s provision for all of our needs. We need to remember like the “deceivers” we are “enslaved to whatever defeats them [us].” Being aware of our greatest temptation and area of weakness is important for successful Christian living.

Peter’s admonitions continue to the end of the letter as he gives the final way to remain stable and to keep from “falling” into error. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….”  (2 Peter 3:18 HCSB) 

As we continue our focus on the Lord, abiding in His truth, growing in knowledge of Him and being protected by His grace, we will be overcomers and not be swayed by that which sounds good, but is a deception of the truth.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You we can have confidence in Your protection and deliverance from those who would threaten our commitment to Your truth and that stability of faith You have for us. May we continue to grow in grace and knowledge of You.

We arrived late to Nathan and Stephanie’s home last night. It was a surprise and very special to have the entire family waiting for me when I arrived at the airport. This morning, I went to Carter’s baseball practice. Mason’s practice is tomorrow. This evening we will go to Nathan’s parents home for cookout.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me. And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure.” 2 Peter 1:12-15 HCSB

Peter’s second letter is much like Paul’s second letter to Timothy. They were both written by these apostles with a sense of their life soon coming to an end. As a result, they carry some great significance. Peter’s short second letter is written to not teach what would be considered “new” as much as to remind and emphasize again some important principles. Principles that he wanted to “out live” him and to be remembered.

Just that point begs an important question. Is the issue to learn as much as possible? or Is it to have the best grasp on the most important concepts that need to be applied to our Christian life? I believe Peter’s letter leads us to focus on the latter. As he sensed the “time of his departure” he was not trying to cram more information into the minds of believers. Instead he is reminding them of some truths, “even though you know them…”

As we look at the early verses of chapter 1, we see some of the things Peter is reminding believers about. He talks about God’s “precious promises” that are important to embrace and serve to help us “participate in the Divine nature and escape corruption in the world.” He then lays out a list of character qualities that are to be present and growing in the believer’s life. Things like, being sure to “supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,  knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,  godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 HCSB)

The bottom line is this: “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8 HCSB)

As I think of Peter’s priorities, I think of what I would want my children and grandchildren to remember after I’m gone. Last month at our GrandCamp a grandmother was present with two of her grandchildren. The grandmother’s father had just passed away a couple of months before the camp. All of them had lived together in the same house before his passing.

During the “blessing ceremony” the grandmother reminded her grandchildren of “great-gramps” two verses that he often quoted to the children. Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” and “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

I was impressed by the power of those two verses on the lives of these young children as they grow into adulthood. It made me consider, it is not the “top ten” most important verses of the Bible. It may be one or two that can serve as an anchor for faith and focus. I think Peter would be pleased with the legacy left by this great grandfather’s reminder of God’s abiding presence and ability to work on our behalf. I am still thinking of my basic verses, my “legacy of truth.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, I’m reminded that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” It is easy to have pride in how much we know, but too often we fall short on our love for You based on how we live. Help our faith and obedience to run deep in our commitment to You and Your ways. Help us to leave a legacy of truth that will out live us.

This afternoon, I am traveling to  Atlanta to see my daughter Stephanie and her family. This will be first trip for this year to see them. But I have plans to return two more times before the end of the year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14 HCSB

The logo of Sherwin-Williams paint for years has been a bucket of paint that is being poured on top of the world. That seems a strange visual connection to the words of the prophet of a “pouring out” and filling the earth with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory.

This hope-filled declaration takes place in the midst of a prophetic declaration of “five woes.” These are statements of condemnation against those who do evil and those who trust in themselves and deny the Lord. Condemnation is announced against those who bow to idols and focus on building of earthly kingdoms. Why? Because the knowledge of the glory of the Lord makes everything else look shallow, empty and for what it is, misdirected priorities and focus.

How does the earth become full of the knowledge of the Lord’s glory? As I read this verse, I considered the twin priorities of the reading and hearing of God’s Word and the proclamation of God’s Word.

For over thirty years our friends Abe and Debbie Koop have been working with steadfast dedication to promote the work of Wycliffe Bible Translators. This well-known organization, started in 1942, is still committed to providing God’s Word in the “heart” language of peoples of the world.

I think of one of my newer acquaintances, Gregg Kelly from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who through his organization “World Mission” distributes solar-powered audio versions of the Bible in multiple languages throughout the world. I think of the faithful work of the Gideon’s who are are continuing to distribute hard copies of the Bible and electronic versions of the Bible so all people have access to it teachings.

I think of the national pastors and missionaries, who are faithful in proclaiming the hope that is found in the “knowledge of the glory of the Lord to individuals, small groups gathered in homes and churches and in large crusades all over the world.

The earth is filled with “knowledge of glory of the Lord” because of the dedication and faithful obedience of God’s people. In our efforts we can be confident of the work of the Holy Spirit to do and act in ways that are only possible through His Divine revelation. Through large efforts and through the witness of individual Christ-follower we can all be a part of “filling the earth of the knowledge of the Lord’s glory.”

So, the next time you see a Sherwin-Williams paint logo, allow it to serve as a visual of the knowledge of the Lord’s glory being “poured” out on the whole earth.

Prayer for today… Lord, that You that when Your knowledge fills the earth, the world is made right. You have given us a great opportunity to not only pray for that to happen, but to facilitate it happening. We pray for organizations in the translation of Your Word, distributing Your Word to those who proclaim Your Word. Allow each of us to see the opportunities we have to share Your knowledge and glory in our part of the “world.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written to you; in both letters, I want to develop a genuine understanding with a reminder, so that you can remember the words previously spoken by the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles.” 2 Peter 3:1,2 HCSB

As we look at Peter’s letters to Jewish believers, we see some familiar themes. Reminders about God’s grace, a call to perseverance and to “holy” living. This shows a consistency with Paul’s writings and also those of James, John and Jude. The teachings of the prophets of the past, Jesus and the apostles of the present were important for believers to pay attention to.

In this short letter, Peter ends with pointing to two important issues.

1 – Be on guard against scoffers and deceivers. 

“First, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, living according to their own desires, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?…..” (2 Peter 3:3,4 HCSB) The threat to the stability of faith was going to be faced by forces from without and within the “family” of believers. Earlier Peter was forthright in addressing deceivers. He calls them, “Bold, arrogant people! They do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones…like irrational animals—creatures of instinct born to be caught and destroyed—speak blasphemies about things they don’t understand…These people are springs without water, mists driven by a whirlwind.” (2 Peter 2:10,12,17 HCSB)

Paul wrote,  “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 HCSB) Paul also writes of the issues he faced in his ministry,“…when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn— conflicts on the outside, fears within.“ (2 Corinthians 7:5 NIV) All of this requires the development of Christian virtues and consistent faithfulness.

2 – The Day of Lord will come suddenly

“But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed…” (2 Peter 3:10 HCSB) While there are those who lose their focus on the Lord’s promised return, faithful followers are called to be patient, watchful and diligent.

Peter words are reflective of Jesus words,  “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man… Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.“ (Matthew 24:36-37,42 NIV)

Paul warned, “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2 NLT)

These two realities call for a focused response, “…it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God.” (2 Peter 3:11,12 HCSB)

When our lifestyle and choices are not pleasing to the Lord, His coming is not anticipated. But “right living” and a clean conscience results in an eagerness for the Lord’s return. What was true for Peter’s audience is true even that much more for us today.

Prayer for today… “Lord thank You for the teachings and warnings that we see in Your Word. Allow the reminders and admonitions that we read, arrest our attention and direct our lives.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.…Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17; 3:16 HCSB

I like the power and encouragement of these two benedictions found in 2 Thessalonians. In this short letter to this Church living in a Greek culture with all of its challenges, Paul recognizes the persecution, they are experiencing; reminds them of all that is to come before the “man of sin” emerges and the end comes and then challenges them about their perseverance and faithfulness and they kind of life they are to live.

We see this outline in other letters Paul writes. He consistently calls believers to a steadfast life in the face of persecution and understanding the days in which they live. He then reminds them about how they are to live “in a world headed for destruction.” This broad focus is a good one for our day.

Religious freedom is still valued, but is something that is in danger as we look to the future. What the future holds contains some uncertainties. We may find ourselves or the next generation, identifying more and more with the Christians of the first century. In spite of what is happening now, or in the future, Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers reminding them of an eternal comfort, a wonderful hope and God’s peace that is available at all times and in every situation.

Comfort, hope, strength and peace. Those are all needed when we suffer loss, when life seems hopeless, when we are feeling frail and weak and when the challenges and obstacles of life loom large. The bottom line is the Lord provides all that we need, for all the situations of life that come our way.

It doesn’t mean we won’t experience struggles, challenges, difficulties and obstacles. It means when we do, we will find the Lord through His love and grace intervening in our situation and circumstance. So, when your consider the current challenge or the encounter the next one in your life, know that the Lord is “with you.” He will not fail and He will be for you all that you need Him to be and provide.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for the comfort when we mourn, for hope when we are confronted with despair,  for strength when we are weak and for peace when life is filled with turmoil. As we trust You, we are reminded of Your love and grace that provides all that we need, when we need it.