Today I flew to Dallas, Texas for the “Legacy Conference.” This is the first national conference on Christian grandparenting. There are a host of great speakers and topics and the schedule for the next three days will be full and challenging.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20 NIV)

The Temple in Jerusalem was the physical representation of the glory of God. It was “God’s dwelling” place with the understanding that the God of the universe can not be confined or limited in space. He is omnipresent. He is everywhere, at the same time. He is without limit.

Paul used that imagery to arrest the Corinthians attention to the importance of honoring the Lord with their lives. There are two ways in which Paul used this metaphor. One of those is in reference to committing sin with and against our physical bodies.

He asserts that our “bodies are the temple of the Holy.” The Holy Spirit Paul says is, “in us” and is God’s gift to us when we embrace life in Him.

We use the language of “inviting the Lord into our life.” As children many raised in the church remember singing a song that contain the words, “….come into my heart Lord Jesus.”

We we stop and consider that, it should get our attention. Paul revisits this in his second letter to the Corinthians. Paul challenges believers by asking the rhetorical question, “…do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

This presents a challenge to us as individuals to live as those who have “sanctified” bodies that reflect the “sanctified” life the Lord calls us to. Paul says clearly, “you are not your own.” It we stop and give that consideration, it should have an impact on us. That flies in the face of “it’s my body, I can do with it as I want” mentality that we find in present culture.

There are perhaps a host of applications and it is easy to “run wild” with the concept. But what is important is that while we are in this life, our spirits are part of our bodies and Christ’s spirit inhabits our lives. We must consider the impact of this. Does it just relate to the way we live? But also how we use and “treat” our bodies?

Prayer for today… Lord, often we read the words of scripture, but find the challenge in taking them to heart; meditating on what is being said; and applying it to our lives. May we seek Your guidance, as we to please and honor You.

After Riley’s football game yesterday afternoon, we gathered at Christian and Bridget’s home for my birthday dinner. They surprised me with an ice cream cake. The family joined for a picture after yesterday’s game with “Coach Christian” and “star” Riley.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4,5 NIV

Outside of the Book of Proverbs, the first few chapters of 1  Corinthians reference wisdom more than any other book of the Bible. We read of the contrast between God’s wisdom and man’s wisdom.

God’s wisdom can’t compare with human wisdom. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV) God’s wisdom is far greater than human wisdom. The Greeks, like many today, value and almost deify human wisdom. I remember those who claimed that all problems can be solved by the education that comes from human wisdom and understanding.

Human wisdom doesn’t understand God’s ways.  “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” (1 Corinthians 1:19 NIV) Paul goes on and asks, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20 NIV) Human wisdom, does not solve the problems of the “human predicament” that are only solved by God’s ways. 

Human wisdom does not draw us closer to God. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21 NIV) God’s way don’t “make sense” to the human mind. God’s “mysteries” are not comprehended or understood through human wisdom. Paul of his preaching,

“…we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.  None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 NIV)

God’s wisdom and power is reflected in the life and work of Christ. “…but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God….Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30 NIV) Paul said, Jews seek signs, Greeks seek wisdom, but God choose to send His Son in human flesh as the “sign” and the expression of “God’s wisdom” that confounded both. Life in Christ was received by those who would respond not according to human intellect, but according to their “spirit.”

God’s wisdom, erodes trust in human wisdom. Paul declared, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4,5 NIV) God has done what He has done, to bring people to Himself through Christ, “so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:29 NIV)

True revelation comes from the Holy Spirit to our “spirits” and not the mind. “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:13,14 NIV)

We can say the “true enlightenment” comes from the having the “mind of Christ” through faith in Him. The ways of God can’t be explained or understood, outside of divine revelation from the Holy Spirit. We lay hold of the promises and life in Christ through our faith in Him.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for choosing the cross to reflect divine wisdom. What doesn’t “make sense” to human minds, is what You use to confound those who trust in their own wisdom. Thank You that when we choose faith and trust, you illuminate our human minds with a wisdom beyond this world.

It is always great to mark another birthday in light of where I found myself three years ago. This morning it was a delight to have Jerry Schemmel, voice of the Colorado Rockies as our guest speaker at our Allies Men’s breakfast at Timberline Church. This afternoon we traveled to Lakewood to watch grandson Riley compete in the “Carnation Bowl” the little league football championship. His team rolled to a 52-7 victory. After the game we gathered at Christian and Bridget’s home for dinner.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” 1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV

The word “deplorables” will forever be associated with the 2016 Presidential election. However, it could as well have been how some followers of Christ were viewed in the eyes of the world; especially among the smug and elite of the wise philosophers or religious class of the first century in Corinth.

In declaring the glories of the gospel and the transformation power of Christ, Paul reminds the Corinthians of their status in the eyes of the culture of the day. If you were choosing teams for those who would transform the world and serve as ambassadors for the God of the universe, they were among those who would have been last to be selected.

It seems that God has a habit throughout time of choosing the unlikely, the overlooked and those a little, “rough around the edges” to be those He decides to use to show His glory.

Why does God do what He does? Paul explains,  ^“God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:28,29 NIV)

If only the smartest, brightest and best were used by the Lord, any success or achievement would have been credited to human ability. It would have been easy for people to give credit to their own talent. Even Paul would identify himself as unworthy and refer to himself as the “least among the apostles.”

In the Book of Acts we read of the observation of the religious elite of the apostles, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13 NIV)

They were not just astonished because of the contradiction between who they were and what they did, but they identified them as being connect to Jesus. May that same thing be evident in our life. May what we do and the impact of our lives, not be viewed as the byproduct of human excellence, but of the work of the Holy Spirit through human vessels.

The great encouragement in all this is all are qualified to be used of the Lord. None need to feel inadequate, none are left out. All that is needed is an open heart, persistent obedience, trust and faith.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that in Your sovereign plan you make all who yield their lives to You as those who can “change the world.” Allow our hearts to be open, our faith to be strong and our trust to be steadfast as You use us for your purposes.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.” Proverbs 30:1 NLT

Proverbs 30 are sayings attributed to Agur. We don’t really know anything about him, although it is assumed he was a contemporary of Solomon. As we begin to read his recorded sayings and reflections we find a description of one who is “at the end of himself.”

It is like he has tried and come up empty. Whatever the reason may be he is experiencing frustration and weariness. At times the best way to move forward is to come to the realization of your own inadequacies. For the  fans of the Jerry Seinfeld sitcom, Agur could be George Costanza. He was the Jerry’s childhood friend who just couldn’t “get his act together.” One time he quipped, “I’m depressed! I’m inadequate! I’ve got it all!”

But Agur did have some revelation about God. He knew that God was Supreme. “Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world?” (Proverbs 30:4 NLT)

When we are the end of ourselves, we can begin to move forward by looking to God. He is above all and over all.

Agur understood that all wisdom and truth is found in God. He realized that you can’t “trick” God. “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5,6 NLT)

As the Psalmist declared, “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble….” (Psalm 46:1)

Agur knew that seeking the Lord, living right before Him and being content was a key to a balanced and successful life.

He had two requests of the Lord,

“First, help me never to tell a lie….” (Proverbs 30:8 NLT) When I read that I think of David’s declaration, “You desire truth in the innermost being…” (Psalm 51:6 NASB) We may be able to fool others, but we cant’ fool God. Then we are faced with the reality that deception robs joy and harms relationships.

“…Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” (Proverbs 30:8 NLT) Agur felt that great riches, might cause him to deny God by trusting only in himself. He felt that poverty would compel him to steal from others. This does speak to the issue of contentment and balance and perspective in our lives.

When you have “one of those days” you can find direction and perspective by looking to the Lord, seeking His help and wisdom and committing all the issues of life to Him.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You that when we come to the end of ourselves we can see You more clearly. Even when we are down and frustrated with ourselves and life. Help us to see Your greatness and receive the strength and perspective that You desire to grant to us.

This morning early, I headed to Littleton for a Colorado Christian University Business Alliance meeting. We heard a presentation from new CCU President Dr. Don Sweeting. I made it back to Fort Collins in time to prepare for and hold a planning committee meeting for next year’s National Day of Prayer.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.”  Proverbs 30:25 NLT

Nobody likes them, but there is a fascination with ants. Often you will see them scurrying about and even carrying something that is bigger than they. Here are some things that Solomon observes from ants that challenge us.

1 – Planning ahead.  

It seems that Solomon contrasts outward strength with wise planning. Ants plan ahead and prepare for the future. That discipline can be a struggle for many people. Too often it is “living for today.” When you look at the financial practices of many it is interesting to learn of the lack of savings and forethought for the future. Also, the concept of “all” summer means they don’t wait for the last minute. They know their task and stay at it.

2 – Diligent effort.

“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” (Proverbs 6:6-8 NLT)

Ants are always active. No one has seen ants just “laying around!” They are constantly on the move. Solomon uses ants to goad those who would be lazy and fail to use their time wisely. Laziness leads to poverty.

“But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” (Proverbs 6:9-11 NLT)

3 – Getting a task done together. 

Solomon seems to point out that the success of the efforts of ants to store food is not due to an elaborate organization (although I’m not sure what science has discovered) but to due to their unity effort in “helping each other out” and working together. In other words, they do what they need to not because they are “being told” but because it is what is needed.

I consider how often there can be a lack of involvement or assistance that people offer each other if they are not motivated by some “outside force.” So, the challenge is to have the inward incentive to do on our own what would otherwise take some “organized effort.”

When we look at ants, as baseball player Yogi Berra said, “you can observe a lot by look’n.”

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for the wisdom that comes through unexpected ways. We see in nature your desire for us to be diligent and thoughtful in our efforts and planning for the future. We also, see how much more can be accomplished when we work together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.” Proverbs 29:7 NLT

The role of individual believers and the Church in meeting the needs of the poor is clear. Even though government has assumed a primary role in many social and assistance programs God’s people are still active and effective. When you look at issues from food banks, to financial assistance, responding to natural disasters, to giving hope for a better life, the efforts of God’s people have an impact. This is especially true when you look at what is happening around the world.

While there is still much to be done and that can be done, compassion for all humanity is an extension of God’s love and care. Proverbs also says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17 NIV)

Doing the “Lord’s work” gives assurance of the Lord’s blessing and reward, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him…” (Psalm 41:1 ESV)

Solomon says, the wicked are those who are self-centered and unwilling to make the sacrifices needed to help those in need. True compassion is shown by those who have experienced Christ’s love and the value He brings to each person.

Prayer for today…. Lord, empower us as Your people to be those who demonstrate Your love in practical ways to those in need. Thank You that as we do, we can have the assurance of Your blessing and reward.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NLT

We live in a world of uncertainty. That can be observed in every aspect of our lives. This is election day and deciding who will serve in various elected offices from the national to the state level is a process filled with anticipation and uncertainty.

But just as we can be sure the sun will rise each new morning, we can have assurance and confidence in Jesus Christ. His love is eternal, His truth changes lives, He gives hope to the hopeless and help to those in need. Hebrews declares Jesus the same, yesterday, today and forever.

When it comes to “days gone by” (yesterday) Hebrews gives this admonition, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7 NLT)

God is faithful to His Word and still responds to faith and commitment. There is no need for “new” revelation or insight. The teaching declared by those of the past is still relevant for today.

We are to be encouraged and inspired from the faith of those who have faithfully, “fought the fight.” What the Lord did for them He will do for us. As they kept their eyes on Jesus through hardship, so we are to do the same.

We are reminded that Jesus is the same today. “So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace….” (Hebrews 13:9 NLT) All kinds of things change over time. Clothes, songs, cultures, even scientific theories with new discoveries and ideas. Yet the challenge for people of faith is not to look at the basic message of Christ as “out dated” or in need of change.

Many are tempted to “make God into their own image” based on current thoughts, trends and opinions. Paul declared to Timothy, Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19 NIV)

Jesus is the same forever. That simple fact provides confidence and assurance. He is a rock, a foundation upon which we can build our lives. Human rule is temporary, but the Lord’s kingdom is forever.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the encouragement, stability and comfort that can part of our lives, when we look to the “unchanging” God. When all around is shaking, we find in you a firm foundation for our lives. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips….The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.” Proverbs 27:2,21 NLT

I remember a fellow legislator telling me she was going to use my saying, “I’m tired talking about me, why don’t you talk about me for a while.” I’m not sure if that really applies to that many people. For most, handling praise can be a challenge. When is it best to “sell yourself” and when is it good to have others provide the endorsement?

In my own experience that was something new to me as I entered the world of politics. As this election cycle comes to an end, we have been made very much aware of the value of “endorsements” for candidates and the support those who speak on behalf of a candidate.

Solomon communicates some basic “age-old” truths.

The praise of others does give credibility. It is always interesting to find out what others think about you. Sometimes that can be good and bad?! But our lives are not lived in a vacuum, but in relationship. The encouraging words of others is an important part of our life and contributes to our success in life. Your view of your life and accomplishments is important, but when there is verification from others, it carries a great deal of impact. That is why resumes contain “references.”

Praise also reveals. Solomon uses the comparison to the “testing” or proving of silver and gold. Praise from others may reveal things to ourselves that we are not aware of. It also challenges us to accept praise with a spirit of humility. That is because we know ourselves, better than others. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t be quick to believe your own press releases” ?

Praise also needs a “reality check.” “Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
 profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6 NLT) We need to understand the difference between genuine praise, which shows appreciation and words that are more for manipulation. Our ability to handle the “positive” and “negative” reveals maturity and wisdom. 

When it comes to life, there is a time and place to “sing our own praises.” We just need to be sure we not always singing a solo.

Prayer for today… Lord, help us to be wise in handing praise. Let us walk with humility and confidence in the gifts and accomplishments that are part of our life.