BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Matthew 19:30 ESV

In yet another verse we run into the concept of the stark difference between the views of people in this world and the priorities of heaven. We admire success and wealth and achievement and position. All of these are commendable and deserve honor and respect, but they are not the sum total of life.

I like that statement, “It is what you learn after you know it all that makes the difference.” We could say, “It is what you achieve after you have achieved it all that makes the difference.” There are those who have sought the limelight and life on the pedestal only to find out that it didn’t deliver what was promised. An empty life before success, is an empty life with success.

In this passage, Jesus is talking about the difficulty of those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. The disciples would fit perfectly into our modern era because their response is, “they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25 ESV)

It is often observed that one of the great surprises of heaven is those who are not there and those that are. Eternal life is not earned in this life. It is God’s gift, God’s grace. God is the “great equalizer.”

In her hospice work, Debbie has provided care for the “down and out” and the “up and out.” Those who had very little and those who were people of means and status in the community. She has observed that “death is the great equalizer.” When the end comes the process is the same regardless of the money you have and the achievements that have come to you in this life.

Jesus’ response to His disciples is an interesting one, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 ESV) You can be rich and famous and inherit eternal life if you follow Christ and trust in Him and you can be poor and forgotten and miss eternal life if you believe that your own merits or lot in life make you acceptable to God.

The key is “who or in what do you trust?” more than what have you earned or achieved. In this passage Peter not to miss the opportunity points out to Jesus what they have “sacrificed” for His sake. Instead of a rebuke, Jesus actually provides reassurance and promises the disciples their positions of authority in heaven because of their faithfulness.

Our challenge is not to seek to be “first” in the world, but “first” in God’s kingdom.

Prayer for today…. Lord we give You thanks for the way You challenge our focus and priorities. Help us to live in this world as those who have their eyes on the next.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others….when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.”  Matthew 6:2,5 ESV

Rick Warren begins his best-selling book, “The Purpose Driven Life” by stating, “It’s not all about you!” So much of our life can focus on ourselves. Our own goals, our own possessions, our own status. Jesus’ teaching on giving and praying could be summarized by borrowing Warren’s statement, “It’s not all about you!” 

His introductory warning is, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 ESV)

That which we do in worship of the Lord and in service to the Lord is to strengthen our relationship with the Lord and our obedience to Him. We are to exalt the Lord and not ourselves. We are to make the Lord big in they eyes of people and not ourselves.

I’m not sure if there is a specific parallel in our world today, with the practice of the “super-spiritual” scribes and pharisees of Jesus day. But we can learn that the basic concept is the Lord is the one who sees our hearts and our actions. The impact we make on others and for God’s kingdom does not go without notice of the Lord.

It is like Jesus offers a choice. You can have your reward from people or from God. You can be big in the eyes of people or the eyes of God.

We also need to remember that what impresses people, may not impress God. For example, when someone with great means makes a large gift, it may not be that much of a sacrifice compared to little given by someone of lesser means. Jesus said, “I do not accept glory from human beings….” (Matthew 5:41 NIV) We are reminded, “What is highly valued by people is deeply offensive to God.” (Luke 16:15 CEB)

When it comes to prayer we are reminded it is not the eloquence of words, but the sincerity of the heart that moves the hand of God. There are times that I have been moved by the most simple, yet sincere prayers. I believe God is too.

My attention is drawn to the motivation Jesus condemns, “to be seen by others” “to be praised by others.” If we are respected and praise by others out of faithfulness to the Lord, that is one thing. But to be those who prioritize the favor of people over to the sacrifice of the favor of God is different. Let’s seek to always be those who live in and seek the Lord’s favor.

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to seek the private power over the public righteousness that comes when we seek to please you and not others. Allow our actions to be driven by a desire to be faithful to you, even when they are not pleasing to others. While there may not be modern Pharisees in our world, we are reminded in these verses about the values of Your kingdom.

Yesterday I went to Lakewood to pick up the grandchildren for an overnight stay. Today, they followed me to my Chiropractor appointment, dropping off my ballots, and helping me with my campaign. A different day for them for sure on their spring break.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 ESV

The “Sermon on the Mount” begins with the beatitudes. Of these nine pronouncements of blessing to those in various spiritual conditions and actions, two deal with persecution in some form for those who stand for righteousness and identity with Jesus.

As much as we like to talk about the blessings of following Christ, it is important to understand the reality that in a world that is “headed for destruction” righteousness is not a popular topic. A recent issue of Time Magazine contains the title, “Is Truth Dead?” The description of the Book of Judges that says, “every man did what was right in his own eyes” seems to characterize our day. We need to remember…..

The possibility and potential of being reviled for the cause of Christ is a reality. Paul warned Timothy, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV) Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18 NIV)

Persecution for the cause of Christ calls for the proper response. One the practical side, we live in a country that does provide for religious freedoms and personal rights. On a personal side, the attitude we possess is important. Persecution is to happen because of righteousness, not sin. It is to happen due to our identification with Christ, not deficiencies in our attitude and conduct. Jesus said when we are reviled for His sake we are to, “rejoice and be glad….”

Peter said, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”  (1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV)

Persecution places us in good company. The prophets of old were rejected and ridiculed. Jesus faced opposition.  The Lord was faithful to them and he will be faithful to those who endure hardships, misunderstanding and attacks. The reward for our faithfulness is not received in this life, but the next.

Persecution for Christ’s sake results in blessing. Those who are persecuted and reviled are in the same “camp” as the poor in spirit, those who morn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Following Christ sets us apart, not because we are special or unique, but because Christ is special.

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to remember that Your blessings often come when we place You first and are willing to take a stand for righteousness. Help us not to be discouraged, disheartened or surprised. Grant us the strength and wisdom that is needed for all that we face in following You. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… ‘Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 ESV

We live in a world that is fighting an epidemic of suicide. It is prevalent in our communities from our military veterans to our youth. Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. When we lived in Lakewood and Jefferson County there seemed to be an inordinate number of teen suicides and recently I have found that same to be true in Larimer County.

Colorado recently passed a “right to die” amendment that allows the terminally ill to end their life. Yet everyday there are those who have given up on life and feel that the inevitable direction of their life and the only recourse is death.

That was the case with a young man, years ago, in India by the name of E.V. Abraham. He went to a motel room and was prepared to stick a gun in his mouth and end his life. There was a Bible on a nearby table. It was like he heard a voice that told him, “take up and read.” He did know where to turn, but as he opened the Bible it was on the page he read where the verse above was found. “Why should you destroy yourself?….Why should you die before your time?”

In God’s sovereign plan, intervened for a confused young man who is now a pastor in one of the most challenging parts of India. God spared his life and he has given his life to saving others from physical and spiritual death.

David declared, “But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:14,15 NIV) Solomon declared,  “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2 ESV)

It is all too easy for many in times of despair and in the confusion of the moment to feel that the end of their troubles is found in the end of their life. But God has a better plan. He desires us to know His presence and love that provides hope and purpose. Unfortunately many do not have that understanding.

Debbie recently had a co-worker take her own life. She was one who had been very supportive of us during my health crisis. But in her suicide note one of the issues she addressed was not finding any peace spiritually in her life.

We do have an obligation to be aware of those around us, to reach out, to connect. When there are those who are withdrawing it is important to pay attention. For those who are in despair it is almost impossible for them to reach out and seek the help that is available. Paul wrote of his time in Asia, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV)

The circumstances are different, but the feelings can be the same for those who contemplate whether life is worth living. These are complicated issues that defy simple solutions. We need to know that our God is a God of life, abundant life and is able to reach people even in the darkness of despair.

Prayer for today…. Lord, remind us that in our darkest times, You are there. When we feel to be without hope, we can find hope. Help us to remember how illusive what You offer is to others and enable us to be a source of comfort and hope to others.

I made it back to DIA from Atlanta by 7:30 a.m. this morning. That meant an early start to my day. I’m glad that I made the trip and it was good to be home and to jump back into the home stretch and final seven days of campaigning.

After Carter’s lacrosse games we made a long drive to Dalton, Georgia and saw Mason’s baseball games. He pitched most of the first game and was the catcher for the second. So he was involved in every pitch of both games.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,   “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand….Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:1-2;5-6 ESV) 

John was known as the forerunner, the prophet who prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus did not just “show up.” There were those who spoke words of prophecy about a coming Messiah and then John in close proximity to Jesus’ appearance took on a unique and special role.

John was tasked with his responsibility, but it was incumbent upon the people to respond. And they did respond. They did so by coming to be baptized, but they understood that this act was signaling a change in their life. It was combined with confessing their sins.

The coming of God’s kingdom is a time to be ready, to respond. We read in Genesis that even though Noah was a preacher of righteousness the people “…were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:27 NIV)

The people of Noah’s day heard the warning, they knew the message, but they didn’t respond. As John came to declare the nearness of God’s kingdom, people did respond. The other gospels reveal that they looked for specifics about their actions that needed to be addressed. Whether the religious leaders or the tax collectors or the soldier.

Just as judgment came on the earth in Noah’s day, just as Jesus came and appeared on the banks of the Jordan, so we see that there is a coming “Day of the Lord.” Peter declared, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10 ESV)

Hearing the message, knowing what is coming, demands a response. It can be to continue to eating, drinking, buying, selling, etc. or it can be a response of giving attention to our lives and being prepared for the coming Day of the Lord.

Peter asks the important question, “what kind of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11 NIV) Living by heaven’s priorities now, is not only a good way to be prepared for the Day of the Lord, but it sets our hearts and lives in a direction that keeps us on the right path.

Jesus warned, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34 NIV)

When we pray, “let your kingdom come, let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” there is no better way to be those who answer that plea than by realizing when God’s kingdom is at hand, it is time to evaluate, to change, to act, to repent and to keep our focus on the Lord.

Prayer for today….. Lord remind us that we prepare for the “Day of the Lord’ before the Day of the Lord arrives. Allow us to be responsive to the cry from Your Word and take action that our hearts and lives will be in sync with Your plan and purpose for our lives.

This morning I attended Restoration Church for the service honoring Don Munn (son-in-law Nathan’s father) for his 34 years as the Senior Pastor. Don is changing roles and is “passing the baton” to another Senior Pastor who has been working with him for months on this transition.

Don shared a powerful and encouraging message and took the lead in recognizing Chuck Ramsey as the new Senior Pastor. It was a delight to be there to see this take place. In the last few weeks I have made a list of six Senior Pastor friends who have left or are in the process of leaving their churches. These transitions can always be challenging and some go better than others. This was certainly as well planned celebration and transition that has set a high bar. It was an honor to be in attendance.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

As the transition of authority was shifting from Moses to Joshua, there is one command, one challenge, that is associated with this transition. It is the call to be “strong and courageous.” This command is first given by Moses as he is preparing Joshua for the time of his transition to a position of leadership.

After Moses is dead the Lord Himself appears to Joshua and tells him, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.” (Joshua 1:6-7 ESV)

Then after commanding Joshua to be careful to follow all the laws and ways of the Lord, the Lord repeats the command, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

This last verse is the one most memorized by children in Sunday School, but it is the third time the command has been given to Joshua.

Leadership is challenging and is filled with all types of uncertainties. Paul said of his ministry in Macedonia,  “…there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.” (2 Corinthians 7:5 NLT)

The oath of office for President contains the words, “defend and protect…..against all enemies foreign and domestic.”

The reality is that the only opposition a leader faces is not “outside” sources. It is often the “enemy” within that can be the greatest challenge. As a result, courage and strength are needed at every turn and in every situation.

There are two specific reminds that Joshua is given to bolster his courage and strength. One is to remember the Lord your God is with you. When we feel alone, we are not alone. When we feel weak, we can trust in the strength of the Lord. Our courage is from the presence of the Lord, our strength is that which the Lord alone can provide.

The other reminder Joshua is given is,  “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” (Joshua 1:8 ESV)

Knowing God’s Word, meditating on God’s Word helps us to apply God’s Word and reminds us of who the Lord is and what He has done for His people. This was to be a key to Joshua’s success and it is for us as well.

Strength and courage is needed for all believers. Paul writes to the Corinthians and in his closing comments he challenges them, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”  (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord we all need strength and courage to face the challenges of life. Help us to understand those qualities don’t just come from us but come to us as we focus on You and Your Word.

Today will be a busy afternoon in Atlanta. Carter has a Lacross game and Mason as baseball game in close proximity as far as time, but not location. So, this morning is a good time to get ready for a busy afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”  James 5:15,16 ESV

As James provides direction for some conditions in life we find prayer and praise at the heart of what he says. Are you suffering? Pray. In times of confusion, anxiety and the perplexities of life, we need to find the solace that can be found in prayer. It is one thing to have people “pray for us” it is another to find that sense of comfort and assurance when we take our needs to the Lord.

The old hymn asks, “Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Jesus knows our every weakness take it to the Lord in prayer…..you will find a solace there….”

James asks, “Are you cheerful”? Then sing songs of praise. We can be quick to seek the Lord when in trouble and neglect the Lord when life is good. If we are cheerful, we should give continual thanks to the Lord, recognizing Him as our source and the faithful Lord that He is.

James focus on prayer begins with those who are sick. The suffering that comes from sickness calls us to reach out and to seek the power of prayer found in obedience to God’s Word. We are to call for the Elders of the Church. God has chosen to work through those in whom He has placed spiritual authority and care over God’s people. This community connection is of value in God’s economy.

We see the “together” focus on praying for each other and for confessing our sins to each other. This shows that we are strongest not when we are alone and independent, but when we are together and share in mutual support of each other. We are not to isolate or insulate ourselves in life, especially at the most critical times, but we are to reach out and embrace and be embraced by a community of faith.

James says it is  in praying for others, that we find healing. It is understanding that God uses ordinary people (like Elijah) to do the extraordinary, when we, in faith, obey and trust in the Lord.

Prayer for today…. Lord remind us that we simply need to obey and be willing to ask. To ask of You in prayer and to ask others to pray when we find ourselves in need. Help us to remember that You call us to a life of mutual support and encouragement. Healing, forgiveness, comfort and power is found when we pray. 

I left for the airport at 3 a.m. this morning for a trip to Atlanta. This will be quick weekend trip to visit Stephanie and Nathan. The primary motivation was to be here for Don Munn’s (Nathan’s father) final Sunday as the Senior Pastor of the church he started 30 years ago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14.15 ESV

This verse and Proverbs 27:1 (NV) “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” have taken a special significance to me in the last almost four years. For the most part, during my adult life and our marriage, Debbie and I have been able to avoid crisis that we have seen other families walk through. We had been grateful for that and while realizing we weren’t immune or insulated, we certainly considered ourselves blessed.

It was easy to plan and anticipate the future and to look at “contingency” plans and such as nice, but not critical for what we could imagine taking place in our lives.

On the other had there can be those who live with so much uncertainty in life and a fear or paranoia about the future, that they hesitate to “step out” or to make plans of any significance. Extremes in life can be equally dangerous.

My friend Paul Irwin reminds me that “life is a gift, life is precious, life is fragile.” I found out how much that is true when I faced a sudden and unexpected health crisis that involved almost five months of hospitalization, four hospital visits in the following year, and a significant prolonged recovery from West Nile Virus and Myasthenia Gravis.  It is easy to take for granted our health and vitality and ability to do what we enjoy.

James addresses a sense of cockiness or arrogance that has a self-centered view. This is in line with his focus in his letter up to this point. There is a sense of God’s providence in our lives and over our lives that is to permeate and impact how we live.

We are to view each day as gift. We are to be stewards of the time we have, not knowing the number of days we will have on this earth. We need to be prepared for the unexpected without living in fear.

We can be those who have confidence that the Lord can not only keep us form, but He can also see us through the crisis and grief and challenges that are a part of life. “The Lord willing,” whether spoken or reflected in our attitude, shows that life has its uncertainties, but there is One who is above them all and is with us each step we take.

The music group Mercy Me, has a new song, “Even If” whose chorus captures the importance of maintaining our hope in times of uncertainty:

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You are the God who is with us and, enables us to live life with confidence, hope and anticipation. Help us to dream big, pursue the dreams You give, while we remember that all we are and all the days we have are a gift from You.