BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV

The more I learn, the longer I live, the greater my appreciation for simplicity. Some of the greatest insight comes from having a “firm grasp of the obvious.”

Preachers and teachers easily become prey to the desire to share teachings that are new, fresh and insightful. It may be out of a desire to impress, to show they have done their “homework” or because the “basics” seem to be insufficient to keep one growing in their spiritual commitment.

Paul was well educated and could stand his ground with the “best of them.” You might recall his discourse on Mars Hill from the Book of Acts. He creatively delivers a compelling and relevant challenge to the philosophers and stoics who daily would gather to discuss and debate the latest ideas.

As Paul comes to the Greek city of Corinth, he specially asserts a different strategy. He says, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.”  (1 Corinthians 2:1 ESV) Paul’s desire was not to impress people with himself, but to impact them with the life that Christ has to offer.

The most basic articulation of the “Paul’s gospel” is found at the end of 1 Corinthians, “….Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures….” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4 ESV)

From my observations, the greatest theological errors have come from attempts to ferret out insights that go beyond what is the obvious meaning of a text of scripture. One of the most basic “rules” of biblical interpretation is that the Bible, “says what it means, and means what it says.” 

What is it about the Bible and the “basics” of scripture that you tend to “take for granted” or that have become so common that they have lost their “luster” or power in your life? What about just the fact that our sins have been forgiven and forgotten by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ demonstrated in the cross? What about the Lord’s abiding presence in our life to guide and direct and empower us with what we need, when we need it.

Paul’s expressed desire was, “[that] I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10 ESV)

When it comes to spiritual maturity and growing our Christian life, we can feel confident in just, “keeping it simple.” To fully grasp the relationship and privileges we have through Christ and the cross and the promise that is ours in Him is a lifelong journey.

Keep in mind Peter’s final words to believers were, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”  (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for the insight and strength that is gained from meditating and appreciating the “basics” of life with You. May our aim to always be to know You more and to have a “closer walk” with You.

Yesterday I connected with Luke and Melanie Able. This newly-wed couple are campus missionaries at CU in Boulder. Both of them came to Christ as students at the school and have committed their lives to reaching students on campus through the ministry of their local church. We are pleased to be a part of their support team and encourage them in their service for the Lord.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends.” Job 42:10 ESV

What if? What if Job had not repented? His words at the end of the Lord’s challenge to him were, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5,6 ESV)

Job knew about God, but now he really knew God. God’s revelation of Himself to Job and his friends overcame their views and pontifications about God, suffering and man’s relationship to God.

What if Job’s friends did not humble themselves before Job? For we read that the Lord told Job’s friends that they were to offer sacrifices and to ask Job to intercede for them. “Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly.” (Job 42:8 ESV)

Job stood as a “priest” between his friends and God. Like Moses and the Children of Israel he would be asking the Lord to have mercy on those who had treated him harshly and judged him severely.

What if, Job did not intercede for and forgive his friends? I don’t believe it is without significance that we read, that Job’s fortunes were restored after he prayed for his friends.

It seems simple, but so often individuals can balk at simple steps of obedience and repentance in order to receive the Lord’s forgiveness and blessing. Perhaps it is due to holding on to and nursing a hurt or grudge. Perhaps it is because of an unwillingness to admit wrong. Pride and stubbornness can be the obstacles that stand between a life misery and blessing and peace.

The Apostle James advised, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19 NIV) Keeping emotions in check, not rushing to judgment, not demanding our way or defending our “rights” can be keys to peace with God and peace with others.

The end of the Book of Job and the story of his life and suffering ends on a “high note.” This was true for Job as well as his friends. Job’s friends did not experience God’s wrath, they became “true” friends of Job and Job had his health, wealth and family restored. But the key was an open heart, obedience to the word of the Lord and a willingness to “let go” – to forgive.

Prayer for today…. Lord let us learn from the end of Job the importance of forgiveness and obedience as the path to blessing and restoration. Thank You for Your mercy and that we can be confident as Job discovered, “…..that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:1 ESV)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus…” 1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

At our chapel service at Morning Star Assisted Living we sang the chorus of the old hymn “Grace Greater Than All Our Sin.” The words declare, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within, grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin.”

As I reflect on those simple words, the depth of them are not to be taken for granted. As Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Corinth, it was appropriate for him to give thanks for God’s grace to those in this “city of sin.” Paul will shortly remind this church about those who will not “inherit God’s kingdom.” He lists these sins,

“…neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9,10 ESV)

But Paul continues and says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV) Washed, sanctified, justified because grace that is greater than ALL our sin!

God’s grace transforms our speech and our minds. Paul says of the Corinthians,  “….in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge..” (1  Corinthians 1:5 ESV)

It is through God’s grace we have God’s power and receive gifts and have hope. “…you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 1:7 ESV) Paul later in this letter will address the importance of spiritual gifts and provide instructions as to their use and caution against their abuse.

Then we see that grace sustains and guards our lives and enables us to have fellowship with the Lord.   “…will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:8,9 ESV)

Our sin and our failures remind us that we cannot achieve perfection in this life. We need the sustaining power of God’s grace to keep us connected to Him and moving forward in our life as Paul said, “toward the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

We can, like Paul, not only be thankful for the Lord’s grace extended to others, but we can be thankful for His grace that has been and is extended continually to each of us!

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for Your amazing grace. It is what we need in our lives more than we realize. We so easily fall short, but we are not condemned because You keep us by Your grace that is greater than all our sin.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Hosea 11:1 ESV

This is the verse that was fulfilled when Joseph took Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. In this context the Lord is speaking through Hosea concerning Israel’s history as a nation. It is this history that the Messiah would identify with in His life’s journey.

As I consider this verse, I notice God’s love, concern and divine purpose for His people. God brought Israel into existence and they have always held that special place and purpose as His own people.

His “calling them out of Egypt” is a call to fulfill their divine purpose and destiny. They were not created to be slaves and oppressed. Over 400 years it would be easy to become entrenched in the life you have known and are living and accept it as your “lot in life.” But God’s plan was far different. His plan was for His people to the “the head and the not the tail.”

As we review the history of God’s people and as Hosea speaks words of judgment and issues a call to repentance, we observe that it was easier to “take the people out of Egypt than to take Egypt out of the people.” Hearing the call to fulfill a destiny is one thing, taking the steps to actualize that calling is another.

When we “fast forward” to the Book of Revelation we see a similar call. “‘Come out of her [Babylon], my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins…” (Revelation 18:4) The call was to “come out of Babylon.” The Babylon of Revelation is a place of political and economic power, just like ancient Egypt. It was a place of sin and wickedness and a place where God was not honored and the Lord’s prophets were killed.

But just like ancient Egypt, it can seem that Babylon of Revelation is the resting place for even God’s people to settle down and accept as their “lot.” However, the cry is to, “leave!” “Come out!” “Get out!” It is as if, a shaking is taking place and the message needs to be heard that says, “this is not your destiny. You have been chosen for a purpose! Live for that purpose and that destiny!”

God’s people today, need to listen to and heed the call to, “come out of Egypt” to “leave Babylon” to be set free from the bondage of a consuming world system and order that does not produce God’s best for our lives. This spiritual call is just as important as it was to ancient Israel in bondage to Egypt. It is not a call though to a different “place” but to different priorities. To live a life of a destiny and purpose in God.

This is the call to true  “freedom.” Away from bondage to sin and a direction in life that erodes and destroys faith, to a life that brings peace and one that speaks of a hope and a future and a God-ordained destiny. The world may be as it is – but we are called to be as God has ordained us to be through our faith and commitment to Him.

Prayer for today…. Lord, make us aware of “where we live.” Don’t let the world “around” dictate our commitment, purpose and direction in life. 

It was good to return home today after my week long conference. Last night I traveled back to Lakewood once again. This time for a reception for George Brauchler, Jr and his bid to become Colorado’s next Governor. My final sessions today were good challenges on how to facilitate change and some leadership observations from a veteran teacher and community leader.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I was at ease and he broke me apart…”  Job 16:12 ESV

Some people seem to face one crisis after another. Others find themselves, “blindsided” by the unexpected. For Job, life was good. There didn’t seem to be any pressing challenges or issues of concern. He was prosperous and enjoying his life and family, when it all “blew up.”

I was saddened recently when I heard of an accident that killed a mother and her children, leaving a husband and father without the family that he loved. Talk about someone who can related to Job! (By the way, I am scheduled to speak at the church where this family attended in a few weeks, I value your prayers.)

I think of my own experience. Within a few weeks of navigating and still in process of a major change in life for Debbie and me, I found myself moving from not “feeling that good” to “fighting for my life.” In a moment in time or in a short period of time life can change from comfort to crisis.

Being “at ease” is not necessarily a bad thing. Often in our modern world we can fall into the “when-I-relax-I-feel-guilty” syndrome. If anxiety is not our constant friend, we can feel like something is wrong. But we need to remember the Lord does promise us peace and invites us to experience “His easy yoke” was we live in relationship with Him.

Being “at ease” can make us vulnerable. I think of the military distinction between “at attention” and “at ease.” When we are at ease, we can become vulnerable and susceptible to the “surprise attack.” I think of my “verse” that I share with my grandchildren. It begins with, “Be on your guard….” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

I also remember the adage it heard years ago that says, “unseized time tends to flow toward our area of weakness.” We see Paul’s advice is to “redeem the time.” (Ephesians 5:16) So the challenge is to make sure that being “at ease” is not the same as undisciplined and losing our focus.

Being “at ease” can lead to self-centered living. Dr. E.V. Hill, years ago at a Billy Graham School of Evangelism preached on the “Sin of Job.” He used this verse as a reminder that when there are those who are “lost and without hope” in the world around us that we can’t afford to be “at ease” just because of the security of our own eternal destiny. We can live with the assurance of “it is well with my soul” while we remember that God’s heart is for, “all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

Prayer for today….. Lord allow us to experience Your peace that enables us to live a life of peace, while we “keep our spiritual fervor” in serving You and fulfilling Your call and purpose for our life. When the unexpected happens whether life “is good” or we are experiencing one test after another, give us confidence that You are with us to give us strength and courage to trust You with our life and our future.

This week I am in Breckenridge for a Colorado Municipal League conference, so my schedule is thrown off. Last night I traveled to Lakewood to the home of my niece Kate and her husband David for a family gathering. My brother and his wife from California were in town.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10 ESV  

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.”    Job 19:25

The discourses of the Book of Job can seem to never end. Certainly Job felt that way as his “friends” tried to give him the reasons why he was suffering as he was. They were confident of their understanding of life, God and Job.

We see that Job struggles as well, understandably so. So often life doesn’t make sense. As a result we believe the best approach is to “make sense out of the senseless.” If we can only understand and have an answer to the “Why?” question then we believe we can accept and deal with what life brings.

In times of great suffering human words and perspective fail. When then Vice President Al Gore, addressed the thousands gathered for the community memorial service following the Columbine tragedy, his opening words set the tone. He said, “Nothing I can say can bring comfort. Nothing anyone can say can bring comfort. But in a times like these there is a voice that speaks to our troubled souls, ‘peace be still.'” 

In the midst of all the attempts to justify and bring sense to Job’s suffering, there are a few “classic” statements that we remember and rightly so. I think of his words, “The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Two others statements are found in our verses for today. One reveals Job’s confidence in the Lord, “I know that my redeemer lives….” What is of interest is the context in which Job speaks these words. It is one of great despair and feeling the heavy hand of God against him and the words of his “comforters” adding insult to injury.

Just before Job’s well-known words he speaks to his friends, “My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! Why do you, like God, pursue me?”  (Job 19:20-22)

Yet in all that he faced and felt, Job had a bedrock confidence in the God he did not and could not understand.

The next statement reveals Job’s confidence about himself. “….When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Once again the context stands in contrast to this strong statement of confidence. Job’s friends have just gave a laundry list of how they believe Job has sinned and what in reality a terrible person he is. In the face of all the accusations Job attempts to defend himself, but in the end, makes an appeal to God.

“He knows that way I take…” We have our view of our life, others may have their view of our life, but it is God who really knows. Job not only recognizes that, but expresses confidence that God in the end will vindicate him. And when we come to the end of the story that is exactly what happens.

Prayer for today…. Lord there is so much about life that we don’t understand, that we can’t make sense of, but we can have confidence and trust in a God who knows the beginning from the end. We do “know” and have confidence in a Redeemer who lives and is at work. We can have confidence that You, O Lord are working for us and not against us.

We enjoyed connecting with the Munn family last night to celebrate father’s day and Stephanie’s birthday, which is today. It is also an anniversary date for Debbie and me, forty-one years! I left Atlanta on a 6 a.m. flight, so I was up at 2 a.m. east coast time. Glad for a good trip to Atlanta and a good time there and a good trip home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.” 1 Chronicles 22:5 ESV

1 Chronicles for the Bible reader can be a lot like Leviticus. The goal is just to get through the laborious list of names in genealogies and the chapters of organizational details. However, when we view what is taking place it reveals some important processes and some lessons that we can apply to our lives.

David had a great vision for building the Lord’s Temple. However, it was not a vision that he would be able to fulfill. But instead of that being a discouragement, it put David on a course to ensure that his vision and dream would come to pass.

David was a “man of war.” Solomon would be a “man of peace.” Solomon would be the beneficiary of David’s victories and efforts to unify and secure a great kingdom. But David was not going to take a, “let Solomon figure it out” approach to life and the future.

David made sure all the plans were in place and the materials were provided for the construction of the Temple. But David went beyond the physical structure. As we read through the chapters of 1 Chronicles we see his attention to organizing the priests and levites, musicians and gatekeepers as well as the military divisions.

David was, as we often say, “setting his house in order.” He was making plans while he was alive, for that which would out live him. He was intent on a legacy. That is something we can learn from David and apply to our lives.

With age inevitably comes an awareness of the end of one’s life. So each person has the choice to just live out their years or to make plans for their years to out live them. That doesn’t always have to do with financial planning and “leaving an inheritance” for family members. Even if you out lives your money, there is still a legacy that can remain.

As a pastor, I have been impressed by those who had the foresight, to make arrangements for their families in advance of their death. It not only brought greater peace at the time of death, but set the stage for the family moving forward in life. I have also seen the confusion and anxiety when family members were left to “figure it out” on their own.

David’s greatest legacy was not a financial one. It was one that had a focus on worship to the Lord and ensuring that the Lord’s presence would be in the center of His people. With that in mind, we need to remember that our greatest legacy, the one that will live on for ever, is the spiritual legacy that impacts generations to come.

Prayer for today….. Lord “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Prov. 90:12) Help us to make sure that our life’s journey reveals forethought about the legacy we will leave.

Yesterday was a big day. We attended Mckenzie’s Vacation Bible School program. She went all by herself! It was great to connect with Nathan’s mother, Linda, who joined us for lunch. Last night we attended an Atlanta Braves baseball game at the new stadium, SunTrust Park.BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.” 1 Chronicles 13:14 ESV

The Ark of the Covenant became the physical symbol of the presence of the Lord. It was built by standards given by God to contain the tablets of the commandments the Lord gave to Moses on Sinai. The center of the covering or lid on the box, was the “mercy seat.” It was that place where the blood of the sacrifice was placed as the Lord instructed.

In time it became a symbol of God’s power. In reality it was a symbol of God’s holiness and judgment and presence. When the wicked sons of priest Eli took the ark into battle, it was taken captive by the Philistines. (1 Samuel 4)

The ark which was of no value to the Israelites when they attempted to use it presumptuously, became a curse to the Philistines and their god.

The Philistines returned it to Israel and when some of the men of the city looked into the ark, they were killed. The ark remained at Kiriath-Jeariam until David became King and his heart’s desire was to bring it back to Jerusalem into the center of God’s people.

As the ark was being transported on a cart (like the Philistines had done), the oxen stumbled and Uzzah one of the priests reached out and touched the ark and died. David was angry. He found himself doing the “right thing the wrong way.” Not only that his heart was right, but his methods were wrong.

Three months later, David “tried again” this time in accordance to what the law had instructed. The ark was carried with poles on the shoulders of the priests. This was a cause of rejoicing and celebration with David leading the procession.

In the record of the ark, one of the most fascinating observations is when the ark was shuffled to the house of Obed-edom after the failed attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. We read, “The Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom mand all that he had.”

This object that has been the center of mystery and wonder, judgment and death, is a blessing on this man, his house and “all that he had.” I believe it is important to see that is God’s desire above all else. The acts of judgment are riveting and at times confusing. God’s is not to be manipulated and disrespected. We should not knowingly expose ourselves to God’s judgment (like removing the lid of the ark. When the mercy seat is removed, there is only a broken law inside of the ark.)

But as David would declare, “…you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 ESV) David also realized that his greatest treasure was the Lord’s presence. He prayed, “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11 ESV) Perhaps he remembered the downfall of Samson came with the Lord removing His anointing from him.

One of the great provisions of the work of Christ is not only the Lord’s presence with His people, but in His people. May we be those who seek, respect and honor God’s presence and the blessing that comes from the Lord’s gracious hand.

Prayer for today….. Lord may we not treat Your presence in our life casually, take it for granted or fail to recognize the privilege that is ours because of what Christ had done for us. Allow Your presence in our life to be that source of needed blessing in our lives, our house and in all that we have.