Last night I attended the Centennial Institute Christmas and awards dinner. It was a delightful event. The institute honored Archbishop Samuel Aquila, in recognition of his fight for the sanctity of life. He gave an excellent message and it was an honor to get a picture with him along with Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, President of G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV

As I read once again the final chapter of 2 Timothy, these final words of Paul in what is viewed as his final letter arrested my attention. Perhaps it is because Paul is telling Timothy about those who have betrayed, opposed or abandon him. All of this makes him value Timothy’s faithfulness and companionship that much more.

He says, “Do your best to come to me quickly,  for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.  Only Luke is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:9-11 NIV)

When we are forsaken, we need those who we can count on. Paul even tells Timothy to bring Mark with him. Mark was the one who had left Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. He later was the cause of a division between Paul and Barnabas. But Mark had redeemed himself over the years. Now at the end of his life Paul sought the fellowship of Mark along with Timothy.

But Paul throughout his years, had suffered much for the cause of Christ. He was not whining or complaining.  He quickly turns and ends with a statement of confidence. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack…” Paul had the assurance of who was on his side. He had already told Timothy about his sufferings, “Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV)

To the Corinthians Paul wrote, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us…” (2 Corinthians 1:10 NIV) The confidence Paul had toward the end of his life, was the same confidence he had throughout his ministry.

Paul was not just looking for the Lord’s strength and intervention in his present trials, but his eyes were on the prize before him, “…will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” Paul had written to the Philippians, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Now his time was drawing near and he looked forward to it with anticipation and confidence.

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8,9 NIV)

Paul in his life demonstrated obedience, faithfulness to a call and perseverance under trials. He showed how to live and now he shows how to die. It is all because of what Christ accomplished for him and though him, To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You, for being faithful to deliver us from any and all troubles. May our confidence and faith be like Paul’s. You alone are the hope for this life and the next.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

The Church throughout time has summarized the gospel and the life of Christ in “creeds.” There as several declarations of core Christian beliefs. In the “Apostle’s Creed” we find these words about Jesus,

“I believe in…Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into Hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven; And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead….” 

Paul’s declaration comes at the end of practical instructions about the qualifications and duties of elders and deacons. His concern is for the integrity of the Church. The Church was important to Paul and it should be to us, because it was established by Christ. Individuals must respond in faith and received Christ’s forgiveness of sin. But that new life brings people into the Church (God’s called out ones). It is a family with structure and responsibilities and accountability. This is because safeguarding the integrity of the Church is safeguarding the integrity of the One who established the Church.

So Paul ends these instructions with declaring how Christ’s Church was established. It was not in the mind of man, but in the divine plan of God. It was a “mystery” that motivates our godliness. Human thinking could not and would not have devised such a plan. God’s plan and mystery is beyond human comprehension.

Paul declares that Christ (The Messiah) appeared in the flesh. John declared in his gospel, “…the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

The Holy Spirit provided the verification of Jesus as the Messiah, the eternal Son of God. Angels, saw Him and ministered to Him. Angels declared His birth to the shepherds. But we see two specific times angels “ministered” to Jesus. At the end of his fasting and temptation in the wilderness. “Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” (Matthew 4:11 ESV) Then just before the cross as Jesus prayed in the garden. “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” (Luke 22:43 NIV)

As Paul writes this letter to Timothy from a Roman prison, he declares the Christ had been “preached among the nations, and believed on in the world.” How much greater in our world today is the proclamation of the gospel and countless lives from around the world who have placed their faith in Him.

Finally, Paul declares, “Christ was taken up to heaven.” This reminds us that He is alive. The grave could not hold Him and His position at the “right hand of the Father” is where He belongs. Christ returned to the place from which He came. Christ’s position in heaven reminds us of His promise, “If I go away, I will return…that where I am, you may be also.” (John 14:3)

As we near the Christmas season, let us ponder and reflect on who Christ is and all that He has done to reveal the “mystery” of God, that we might live as His people.

Prayer for today… Lord, enable us to come and behold Him, who was born “Christ the Lord.” But we see Your life and all that You have accomplished and we fix our eyes on what You have planned for us in the future, may we commit our lives to Your plan for us as Your people in this present world.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1,2 NIV

When I read Paul’s admonition to Timothy, I think of his words to the Ephesians, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesian 6:18 NIV)

Paul encourages all kinds of prayers for “all kinds of people.” Those who are believers, those who are not. Those who are in authority, even at the highest levels. The outcome of this kind of focused and concerted prayer is –

1 – The quality of life is improved – “…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

2 – God is pleased – “This is good, and pleases God our Savior…”  (1 Timothy 2:3 NIV)

What is the most important thing to pray for? We are to pray that people come the truth and commit their lives to Christ. That is what changes hearts and the course of human affairs. “…who [God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth…” (1 Timothy 2:4 NIV)

The path to God is not many roads, it is one road. It is direct access because of Christ’s death on the cross.  ^“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV)

In the Old Testament the priest stood between God and the people. Between the priest and God was the curtain in the Temple that restricted access to the Holy of Holies and God’s ark. When Christ died, the curtain of the Temple was torn showing that God was holding “open house.” Through Christ all can come and receive forgiveness and new life.

Because of Christ’s sacrifice our prayers are “powerful and effective.” Our prayers make a difference. As Paul says to the Ephesians, it is part of our “spiritual armor and warfare.” So we read, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV)

Prayer is not restrict to “church” or specific days or times or settings or locations. Paul simply says, “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray…”  (1 Timothy 2:8 NIV)

If we want to make a difference in our lives and in our world, we will pray.

Prayer for today… Lord, give us eyes to see what happens when Your people commit themselves to pray. May we see that our prayers matter and that they make a difference. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV

When we think of faith, hope and love we often think of the last verse of 1 Corinthians 13. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV) But as Paul brings these characteristics into focus in his letter to the Thessalonians, we see them taking on a practical application. It is easy to look poetically at these virtues, but faith, hope and love impact our lives. They can serve as a motivation and an inspiration to our Christian life.

Paul first of all commends these believers on their work that was produced by their faith. When that comes into focus we see that faith is more than feelings, it spurs us on to productivity. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “…we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.” (2 Corinthians 10:15 NLT) Faith is the forerunner for a commitment to the work we do for Christ.

Paul then points to their labor prompted by love. If faith is the motivation, then love is the sustaining factor in our work for the Lord. It is what enables us to “keep on keeping on” regardless of the results or the trials or difficulties that may be faced. Faith is built when the results are encouraging. We are willing to believe God for more. But love is what sustains, and allow us to commit to the task at hand.

Finally Paul points to their “endurance inspired by hope.” As the words of the old hymn remind us, “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus…” Love keeps us working, hope gives us endurance knowing that there is a reward that is ahead for those who are faithful to the Lord.

There are many areas of our Christian life where we need faith, hope and love. But in his opening commendation of the believers in Thessalonica, we see Paul pointing to these virtues as being at the heart of their work for the Lord.

Prayer for today… Lord, may all that we do for You find us reflecting faith, hope and love. Thank You for the opportunity to serve the purposes of Your kingdom with commitment and endurance.

Today I conducted the chapel service at Mackenzie Place retirement home. We enjoyed teaming with Jerry and Virginia Pippin, singing Christmas songs, sharing a message and then enjoying a great lunch in their five-star dining room.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:5,6 NIV

There are many similarities between Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and his letter to the Colossians. In Ephesians he calls them to “redeem the time.” (Ephesians 5:16) In Colossians he calls them to “make the most of ever opportunity.” All of these words of instruction and encouragement can be placed under the heading of  “wise living.”

In his final words to the Colossians, Paul begins by calling believers to dedicated and watchful prayer. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 NIV) Prayer sensitizes us to the things of God, it is what moves the “hand of God,” it is what enables us to be on guard against our spiritual enemy and to make an impact on our world.

At the end of Ephesians Paul says,  “…pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

I believe Paul calls believers to be a “winsome witness” to those they encounter in their world. This calls for wisdom, seizing opportunities, not pushing, but using words that create a “thirst” for spiritual conversation. Paul says we are to alert “so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Peter wrote and said, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

First century believers faced fierce opposition to their faith. Yet they were encouraged to be on guard and to be wise, and at the same time bold in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul lays out priorities that are important for us today. Pray…seize opportunities…speak words with the wisdom the Holy Spirit gives. Perhaps if we pray more, conduct ourselves in an honorable manner in our world and remember we are called to be alert; we will be far more effective in our normal course of daily activity, than if we are concerned about being more deliberate in making spiritual conversation.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your wisdom to live in our present world. Help us to remember the value of “talking to You about others” before we “talk to others about You.” Grant us the spiritual sensitivity that is needed and the reliance on Your Spirit that enables us to share Your love and grace as a natural part of who we are.

This morning at our men’s breakfast at Timberline Church, James Ruder from L&R Pallet Company in Denver shared about how his business has reached out to the refugee community Denver. His company has been recognized for its accomplishments by the City of Denver and featured on the Denver and religious news networks.

Debbie and I then attended a Christmas reception for G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice an organization that I serve with as a board member. It was good to meet some new friends and share about the impact of the efforts to train and equip leaders that promote biblical justice.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things…” Colossians 3:1,2 NIV

Paul goes into great detail about the importance of the cross as he writes to the Colossians. We see this in his letter to the Ephesians as well. Knowledge and insight into knowing Christ and the power of the cross impacts our life.

Paul does this because he is contending with those who still struggle with their relationship to the law. Some viewed following the law as a requirement of salvation. Paul warns them by saying, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NIV)

Yet Paul makes it clear that a transformed life results in a transformed heart, a transformed mind and a new attitude toward how we live our life.

He calls believers to set their hearts on things above. Our love and passion for Christ and the things of God is central to our spiritual life and our spiritual protection from false teachings and a life style that reflections more the kingdoms of the world, more than the kingdom of Christ.

Then he says that along with our hearts our minds are to focus on “things above and not on earthly things.” What we think about, will shape our actions and attitudes toward life. The reason for setting our minds on things above? “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3 NIV)

A heart focused on Christ and a heart focusing on things above results in taking deliberate action. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…” (Colossians 3:5 NIV)

This is more than “peaceful co-existence” with that which wars against our spiritual life. It speaks of an aggressive attitude of viewing the “sinful” nature as an evil that continues to rise up and must be dealt with decisively.

This is why being a follower of Christ doesn’t make someone “better than” those who don’t. It just means a different focus and orientation. It speaks to transformed desires because of a new life.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the new life that You bring to us. Enable us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of what has transpired in our life, so we can set our hearts and minds upon you and the new life You have brought to us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY...  “…God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross…” Colossians 2:13-15 NIV

As I read once again Paul’s letters to the churches in Asia Minor, his focus on the work of Christ is clear and consistent. We see admonitions on how they are to live their lives in fellowship with each other as believers and in their relationships with others. However, at the heart of it is a foundation of understanding what the gospel message means for them and its impact on their life.

In these powerful verses above Paul again declares “God made you alive in Christ.” What is important to see is that this did not happen through self-improvement or some kind of revelation or insight. Paul states, “When you were dead in your sins…God made you alive with Christ.” (Colossians 2:13 NIV)

This reminds me of Paul’s words, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV) In the cross, we see God taking the initiate. Even though what was happening was not understood. Even though people were not seeking God and a way to know Him better. He is the One who initiates. Just as God initiated creation of this world, He initiates a new creation through bringing spiritual life to all who receive Him.

The work of the cross is summarized in three basic, yet important declarations:

1 – Sins forgiven

2 – Debts cancelled

3 – Enemies disarmed

Sin brings the sentence of death. Scripture declares, “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23) But Christ through the cross died in our place, He paid our debt for sin. This is captured in the words of an old song, “He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay… My debt He paid upon the cross…Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.”

One of the most humbling experiences in life is when someone pays a debt for you and frees you from worry, concern and the bondage that comes with that burden. How much more should it impact our life when we realize what Christ has done for us in coming as Emmanuel (God with us) identifying with us and dying in our place.

In the cross Christ also defeated our spiritual enemy (Satan and his demons) that would assail our lives. Jesus conquered temptation, He pushed through the agony of the cross, He gave His life and in so doing what looked like defeat in the natural was a huge “win” in the spiritual realm.

That means we are free from guilt and condemnation. It means that Christ’s power and Spirit in our lives enables us to have the spiritual resources to be victorious over all that would assail.

No wonder Paul wanted believers of his day and ours to make this commitment, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6,7 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for sins forgiven, debts canceled and spiritual enemies disarmed. May we  have the wisdom and insight into all that has been granted to us by Your death on the cross. May we live our lives rooted in You, built up in You and strengthened in our faith.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness  and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

Paul writes to these Christians and commends them on embracing faith in Christ. “…we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel  that has come to you.” (Colossians 1:4-6 NIV)

The people had experienced a great changed and a new life in Christ. They were demonstrating faith and love that came from an eternal hope. The motivation was not from human origin, but from a divine change and a new life.

Paul talks about their former state. They were in darkness. They were lost and without hope. However, God does not leave us to wander on our own in hopes that we just “figure it out.” Instead He sends His “A” force. His best, Himself through Jesus Christ.

Paul tells of Christ’s supremacy when he declares, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created…” (Colossians 1:15,16 NIV) God’s plan was “to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:20 NIV)

We can rejoice in seeing the creator of all things who gave His life, to create in us a new life with hope. That hope  is demonstrated through love and faith that is reflected in lives of those who have been reconciled to Christ.

As Paul reminded the Ephesians, so he encourages the Colossians to fully embrace this new life, not take it for granted and to demonstrate this new life in the way they live.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience….” (Colossians 1:9-11 NIV)

I recently was watching a “Weather Channel” program that showed a dramatic rescue of a man trapped in his car in the Big Thompson River, in 2013, during our historic floods. The man commented on how his perspective of life and priorities had changed. He realized that he was as “good as dead” but now he was given a new life.

That is exactly the understanding that Paul wants those whom Christ has rescued to view and live their lives.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for rescuing us from death and darkness. You have brought us into life and light through Your cross. May our lives reflect Your a lifestyle that comes from the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives.