BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself….Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you…” 1 Samuel 12:20-22,24 ESV

Final words, the last words of a leader to a people are important. A month a ago I was in Atlanta when Don Munn, my son-in-law’s father delivered his final message as the Senior Pastor of the church he had served for 32 years. As I sat in the congregation, I was eager to hear what he would share. Don delivered a powerful and encouraging message about the faithfulness of the Lord. It was so fitting and seemed to be just the right message for the congregation as they moved into the future under new leadership.

Samuel the prophet as facing the time for the end of his ministry. Instead of a prophet/Priest being the leader of God’s people, it would be a King. A King the people had demanded and God allowed, even though it wasn’t the Lord’s “Plan A.”

Because of this situation these words are more than “just another sermon.” It was the prophets final charge and call to God’s people. Samuel begins by “clearing the air” on his integrity. His sons like those of Eli the priest had not been faithful to the Lord, but Samuel made it clear that his life had been one of integrity. In response to the questions of Samuel the people confirm, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” (1 Samuel 12:4 ESV)

Samuel rehearses the history of God’s people and some of the last 400 years of the judges of Israel. While they had not been faith, God had been faithful. While they sinned by asking for a king, God would not abandon them. Their new king and the people were to commit to following the Lord. If they did the Lord would be with them and bless them. If they sinned, “their sin would find them out” and they would eventually experience the consequences of their persistent rebellion.

Samuel’s word thousands of years ago, echo down to Christ followers today. “Serve the Lord with all your heart….Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you…”

Samuel’s warning was, “…do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver…” You will find that regardless of how much “in vogue” something is, how appealing it is to “follow the crowd” or the ways of modern culture, when all is said and done they are found to be empty; of no profit and fail to bring any true satisfaction.

Through the ages people have found themselves learning and re-learning the truth of Samuel’s words. The great assurance we have is, “The Lord will not forsake His people.” Just as the Lord brought the Children of Israel into a special relationship with Himself, those who enter into a personal relationship with Christ can be confident of the fulfillment of the words of Paul, “….he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Prayer for today…. Lord keep us from that which is empty, shallow and of no profit. Help us to see that true satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment comes from serving You with all of our heart. Thank you for Your steadfast love is beyond our comprehension and assures us of Your constant work in our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:16,17 ESV

I have been working on the preparations for this week’s National Day of Prayer event in Northern Colorado. The theme is “For Your Great Name’s Sake – Hear Us, Forgive Us, Heal Us!”

For those who in our history that were even marginally committed to a life of faith, have recognized the value of prayer and the need for divine guidance and intervention. It is obviously more pronounced in times of national crisis. Whether it was the revolutionary war, the challenging of carving out our Constitution or the times of war and national crisis that have been a part of our nation’s history.

When we “lose our way” it is the Lord who can help us find our way. That was the condition of God’s people when Isaiah was called to be the Lord’s voice to get the attention of a wayward people. The call was a call to repentance. To stop, to change, to redirect.

In the verses above, I notice that it takes personal resolve. Without a recognition of need, without sense of desperation there is no avenue back to God. The call to action is to “remove” “cease” “learn” “seek” “correct.”

It is important to observe that “personal” righteousness precedes “national” righteousness. The prophet says, “wash yourself; cease to do evil; learn to do good.” As individuals make this type of commitment then the impact is seen on how others are treated and the responsibility to others.

The character of a “nation” is reflected in these actions, “seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” 

This is not possible by virtue of human will power. It requires a recognition of God as the source of life and help. As a result we read a well-know verse,

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

A godly people, brings a righteous government. That is why one of our nation’s founders and Presidents John Adam’s said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to realize that a godly nation is established first in the hearts of people. Allow men and women to be open to Your call and to be willing to heed Your voice. When You reside in individual hearts, we can truly be a collective “nation under God.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites…Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal.”  1 Samuel 11:11,14-15 ESV

We have just ended the first 100 days of a new President. During this time I have found myself asking, “why is the “first 100 days” out of a four-year term of office so important?” My pondering was probably more of an expression of frustration than a lack of understanding. My pastoral and political experience have allowed me to learn the leadership reality that we see in Israel’s first King.

Saul was selected by the Lord and anointed by Samuel to be Israel’s first King. This was a fairly dramatic process. All the tribes were present and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then one of the clans of the tribe Benjamin was chosen. Then one of the families of the clan was chosen. Finally the individual was called forth to be the King. However, instead of jumping to the forefront with fanfare, there was awkward silence, because Saul was hiding.

When he was finally presented there were shouts and the instructions and the anointing and gifts, there was a King in Israel! But not all were excited. We read, “….some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present.” (1 Samuel 10:27 ESV)

But there were those who were quick to “jump on Saul’s side” and be supportive and loyal. Such is the case when any new leader arises, whether in a church, organization or government. Some will immediately be supportive, some will “hold off” some will even oppose, whether vocal or in silence.

What we can observe is this, “It is one thing to be chosen for a position, it is another to gain confidence, respect and loyalty.” Saul like any other newly appointed leader needed a “win” to really establish his kingdom.

The opportunity was presented when there was a conflict with a neighboring people. Saul steps forward, calls fighting men into action and a great victory is won. That military victory was the key event that established Saul as King.

We see Saul cemented in the hearts of people as King expressed in two ways. The “loyalists” wanted revenge on the naysayers,  ^“Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” (1 Samuel 11:12 ESV) But Saul stepped forward and restrained them; another expression of his character, authority and leadership.

Then we see that the “kingdom was renewed” “…they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal.” Wait! Saul had already been anointed!? It is one thing to be “given a leader” – it is another to accept that leader. We the validation of Saul as King went from Samuel saying, “Israel this is your King!” to Israel saying, “Saul, you are our (my) King.”

What is true for a leader of an “organization” is true of our lives. It is one thing to understand that “Jesus is Lord” by virtue of a theological understanding. It is another to know Him as “my Lord” by virtue of a personal relationship and a commitment to allow Him to rule in our hearts and lives.

Prayer for today…. Lord, the most important realm of leadership, is that which governs my life. I don’t just want to recognize Your Lordship, I want to embrace it, and allow You to be the ruler of all. Allow me to be an eager and willing subject.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord….Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.” 1 Samuel 10:25-27 ESV

As God’s people lived among the Canaanite people groups, they saw they way they lived and were governed and soon desired not only their way of life, but their system of governance.  Samuel warned them about all the “downside” of a human King, but the people resisted and remained firm. The Lord told Samuel, to let the people have it their way.

As a King is appointed there are several observations that stand out to me; ones that are unique to godly rule.

1 – The King was chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. As such he was to see his authority as that which was derived from and given by the Lord. He was not god, but he was the “Lord’s anointed.” In the New Testament we read, “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 ESV)

2 – God equips those He chooses. As Samuel meets Saul, he gives him a detailed and extensive list of events that will take place. Only a sovereign God through His prophet could with “pinpoint” accuracy tell someone step by step what where he should go and what would happen. But the key was the Lord’s words, “Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” (1 Samuel 10:6 ESV) The enabling the gifts that the Lord provides leaders is what enables them to serve as God’s agents in their sphere of influence in an effective manner.

In the New Testament we read, “If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously…” (1 Corinthians 12:8 NLT)

3 – I notice the key function of governance. It could be summarized by saying the King’s duty was to, “protect the people (keep them safe) from outside forces and to protect them from themselves.”

“He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines….When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.” (1 Samuel 9:16,17 ESV) National security and domestic order are seen in this brief job description.

Romans says of governing authorities,  “…for he is God’s servant for your good…” (Romans 13:4 ESV) The familiar verse of Proverbs says, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” (Proverbs 29:18 NLT)

“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” (Proverbs 29:2 NLT)

The Lord’s leadership in the lives of His people and the order He establishes is a good model and guideline for human leaders and those who govern today.

Prayer for today… Lord when our leaders and those who govern recognize the “divine” role to which they have been called and they look to You for wisdom and guidance we can know the blessings that You desire for people who live as a “nation under God.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us….Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:18,24-25 ESV

It is hard to admit your mortality and the fact that you are getting older. Not than I am old, but I notice how those I have known for years are getting older. 🙂

As I attended an annual church council meeting today, it was good to connect with some friends that I have not seen for a while. When I asked one how he was doing, he responded, “it is will with my soul.” I thought I remembered some health issues he had faced but soon learned of his diagnosis of cancer and also Myasthenia Gravis the same rare neuromusular disorder that I have. We chuckled at the idea that as you get to a certain age and someone asked, “how are you doing?” the response might be “how long do you have?”

Then I chuckled while viewing a video of a senior minister reflecting on his years of planting churches in Utah. He commented that most of his friends were in heaven and if he didn’t join them soon, they might think he was not going to make it!

That all sounds fairly negative and like your viewing life as “one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel.” The bottom line is that whether by age or illness or the difficulties of life we are remind that “this world” can be filled with hardship and trouble. No one has a future that is guaranteed. In our memorial service this morning we remembered the life of a 24 year old youth pastor who died of cancer, following an extended time of treatment.

Paul addresses this issue and reminds us that there is a future and there is a hope for those who have found true freedom in Christ. There is “this life” and there is the “glory that is to be revealed to us.” We know from the writings of Paul that he had a glimpse of that future glory.

He wrote to the Corinthians, “I know a man in Christ who….was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.”      (2 Corinthians 12:2-4 ESV)

Paul wants all believers who face their own mortality, whether by virtue of age, disability, illness or the hardships of life, to know that there is a hope that keeps us pointed away from this life to the next. Hope is a “confident expectation.” As such Paul says, we only have hope in what we have not yet realized, but that which we wait for with patience, knowing for sure that it will come.

That is what faith is all about. Hebrews declares, “Now faith is substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)

When the hope you have is found in faith in the Lord and His Word it forms a foundation for life as you face the test of life and the test of time.

Prayer for today…. Lord we can struggle with waiting patiently. Help us to know that the unexpected for us does not take you by surprise. That which seems to be our destiny or even our demise, may just be a door to that which You desire to perfect and work in us. Allow us to keep our eyes on You and the glory that is ours, secure forever in Your presence.

This morning I was at an event where State Treasurer Walker Stapleton was the speaker. I recall when I was in the hospital and when the phone rang and I answered, it was Walker checking in to see how I was doing. I have always appreciated his kindness and consideration with that call.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:26-28 ESV

In reading the early chapters of 1 Samuel, the faith and sacrifice of Hannah stood out in vivid contrast to the compromise of Eli the Priest.

First we see Hannah’s faith and obedience. She was carrying the curse of barrenness in the context of Eli having another wife who had children. But we see Hannah as one who “poured out” her heart to the Lord. Instead of blaming God and viewing Him as the reason for her problems, she realized that God was the One who could help her and solve her problem.

As she becomes pregnant and gives birth to Samuel, the real test comes with time. She made a vow in the midst of her desperation, now she would have to face the test of keeping that vow. The Lord had show Himself faithful to Hannah, how would she respond?

Samuel represents one of many “promised children” in scripture. We think of Abraham and Isaac and how that the Lord tested Abraham with the call to sacrifice his son. Now Hannah was facing a sacrificial decision and commitment. She would give up the promised child to serve the Lord or would she give in to motherly instincts and renege on her commitment? We don’t see the anguish but I’m sure that it was there none the less.

What we do see is “Hannah’s prayer” where she doesn’t complain or express doubt, but instead rejoices and worships. She declares, “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2 ESV) In the end, the Lord rewarded Hannah’s faith and trust with more children.

Eli the Priest was a failure as a father, more by what he did not do, than what he did do. The Lord’s first appearance to Samuel contained this message, “I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.” (1 Samuel 3:12,13 ESV)

Eli’s sons are described as being wicked. They were immoral and they were treating the Lord’s offerings and sacrifices of the people with contempt. They practiced extortion and abused their position and power. We see a record of Eli rebuking his sons, but it seems that his words were contradicted by his actions. The prophet confronted Eli with these words:

“Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’” (1 Samuel 2:29 ESV) Eli’s actions spoke louder than his words. Eli tolerated the sin of his sons more than fulfilling his duty to honor the Lord. In our lives will we put God first and foremost, even when it calls for challenging choices?

Hannah did so in following through on her commitment to give Samuel in service to the Lord. For whatever reason, Eli failed to do so and the ramifications impacted, himself, his sons, Samuel and eventually a nation.

Prayer for today…. Lord allow us to see that honoring You, even when it is difficult, is always the best. Give us faith to trust in You knowing that You will be faithful to Your word as we are to ours.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 ESV

How can a person be right or “righteous” in the eyes of a Holy God? That is what Paul is addressing in the first few chapters of Romans. The Old Testament concept of righteousness was “following or living by the Law of Moses.” But instead of “righteous” living by the law giving confidence of connection with God, it only made people more aware of their failures.

Paul stated it in this way, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20 ESV) The result of the law was that it made us more aware of our sinfulness than our righteousness. It caused more frustration and fear than peace and confidence.

But through faith in Christ there is a new hope and direction.  “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law… the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” (Romans 3:21,22 ESV)

Paul now tells us this “justification” by faith results in peace with God. The questions about whether we are “good enough” or is God is pleased with us, is forever settled. When we have peace with God, we can have peace with ourselves and the world in which we live.

Paul then says, “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” In Christ the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 is fulfilled, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Faith in Christ brings confident living and the anticipation that all of the promises of God are ours. It shapes our future and gives assurance of our destiny in this life and the next.

Finally, Paul says, “we rejoice in our sufferings.” Our faith in God does not shield us from the trails of life and the test of our faith, but sustains us in the midst of those circumstances. The reason for this “rejoicing” is because we can see beyond the current trial. The “suffering” of life is the beginning, not the end. “….suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame…”

This statement is related to what Paul says later when he writes, “…we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

God’s purpose is for us to know we are “right” in His eyes, to have peace with Him and to know that as we walk with Him our future glory is bright and secure.

Prayer for today…. Lord allow us to never take peace with You for granted. May we embrace it and live fully in You as we see You work in our lives and as we anticipate our future destiny in You; both in this life and the life to come.

As I adjust to my new role, I am finding some unexpected challenges with my level of activity and fatigue. It is probably something that I will need to be aware of and manage more closely. While I am thankful for the improvement, I realize that I just can’t jump back into a mode of activity that I was use to five years ago. As part of that my daily postings may not as “daily” as they have been the last three plus years.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”  Romans 8:5,6 NIV

These verses were read at a recent Christians Business Association Prayer Breakfast. It was at the time I was reading through the Book of Romans. The simplicity of these verses arrested my attention.

So often we look for keys to spiritual vitality and living a victorious life. We all face temptations of various kinds. Paul had just confessed, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;  but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” (Romans 7:21-23 NIV)

In writing to the Ephesians Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit opposed to the “works” of the flesh. The Apostle John addressed this struggle in his first epistle.  “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16 NIV)

Although the temptations faced are timeless and universal, there is help and hope. Paul in Romans chapter 7, declares hope in God when he answers the question, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death?”  “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25 NIV) The grace and mercy of God is greater than our sin and our human nature.

But we all have a responsibility. It is to live according to God’s Spirit and it is found in “taking thoughts captive and bringing them into obedience to Christ? (2 Corinthians 10:5) Our thoughts drive our behaviors and our behaviors are what lead to sin. So, the key is control of our thought life.

Paul puts it simply, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” It is not the occasional thought or thinking pattern that gets us in trouble or enables us to experience victory, but the focused attention on either the carnal nature or on Christ and His will. 

This is a passage that you don’t need to be a biblical scholar to understand. This is Paul in his clearest presentation. He says, “you can’t please God, when your thoughts are on pleasing the sinful nature.” Makes sense, no argument with that.

The issue is how often do we “catch ourselves” and redirect our thoughts and our focus? That becomes the issue and the challenge. We can trust God’s Spirit to get our attention and then help us to know where to focus our thoughts.

If there is any question, Paul writes to the Philippians with this advice, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things….And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8,9 NIV)

Remember, “…the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to consistently experience life and peace that comes from you as we focus our thoughts on that which is according to Your will.