For the third year, I am attending a GrandCamp at the YMCA in Estes Park. Riley and Caed are both here, because “Gramps” [Mark] Land from Ohio has joined us. Josh Mulvihill is one of the foremost researchers on grandparenting, even though he his a young dad. It was an honor today to have in our morning session, three individuals who are committed to Christian grandparenting and have all written books on the topic. Along with Josh is Cavin Harper (founder of the Christian Grandparenting Network) and Paul and Diane Miller from Colorado Springs who have just recently released their very practical and insight filled book on the “Parenting Triangle.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes 5:4,5 ESV

The verse above is our “verse for the day” at GrandCamp. The overall theme is from 2 Timothy 2:15 where Paul calls Timothy to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

As we challenge our grandchildren and ourselves to be those “approved by God and not ashamed” the focus of our verse today was on “keeping your promises.” The concept of “your word is your bond” seems to be found less and less in our society. Deals that were “sealed by a handshake” have given way to written and notarized contracts that seem to be broken or treated with contempt.

Solomon reminds us the highest vow or promise is that which we make before God. Promises are not only to be kept, they are not be to delayed in being fulfilled. It seems the implication is that delay in keeping a promise, is the same as not keeping it at all.

Solomon, says God sees that one who reneges on a promise as a “fool.” This is more than just someone who uses poor judgment but in the Old Testament this word indicated one who was, “morally bankrupt or debase.” It reveals not just an undisciplined life, but a chasm-sized character flaw of the heart.

Making a promise or a vow, should not be treated lightly and it should be reserved for only those actions that you will commit to fulfilling. Solomon says, “It’s better not to vow, than to vow and not fulfill it.” At times people will be “pressured” for a “promise.” The wise view this with grave consideration, fools are quick to commit.

I found it interesting that when I was first elected to the State Legislature, the most frequent warning was, “remember, your word is your bond.” If you made a commitment on an issue the expectation was that you would stand by that commitment. To fail to do so, was a sure way to lose any sense of confidence and integrity in the eyes of colleagues and others.

The idea of an oath including the words, “so help me God” was not as much a “religious expression” as one that showed the seriousness of the pledge that was being made. It was “before” God and it was to be accomplished with the “help” of God. And at many times that is exactly what it takes to fulfill our vows.

Prayer for Today…. Lord, help us to be people of our word. When we see these instructions in the Old Testament we realize that it is a challenge that has characterized all time. In our day of broken promises and promises unfulfilled, help our words and actions be pleasing to You.

This weekend is my high school 45th reunion. The last one took place just before our move to Fort Collins and my health crisis. It was good to reconnect with many and to find those who have followed my illness and some who didn’t realize what had happened. There were even a handful of us who had attended elementary school together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 1:11

As a noun “good” is defined as “that which is morally right; righteousness….a benefit or advantage to someone or something.” Goodness is pleasing to God and it benefits others. The theme of the Western Conservative Summit last week was, “Making Goodness Fashionable.”

It is interesting how “good” can be viewed. It certainly isn’t “newsworthy.” In social contexts it can solicit a negative response. Perhaps it is because when good is placed in contrast to “evil” or that which is “wrong” it makes people defensive. The old saying was, “You are just being goody two-shoes”  whatever that meant.

Goodness describes the character of God. In at least three psalms you will find the exclamation, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1; 118:1;107:1) The Lord’s goodness and love are twins. Perhaps that is why John, the “Apostle of love” writes,  “Whoever does good is from God…” 

Evil and goodness continual stand in contrast like stands at a “fork in the road.” John in his short third letter admonishes his friends to choose good over evil. To imitate “good.”

Paul writes to the Romans and says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NIV) It is noteworthy to see that evil overcomes a person’s life. It doesn’t add anything of value. That “fork in the road” is downward path. But in contrast “good” overcomes “evil.” It is the antidote, it is that which prevails. We see that carried out in books and movies today. The classic conflict is always “good versus evil.” We all long for good to prevail. I believe that comes from God’s influence in the lives of humanity.

Goodness is not just to characterize our lives, but it is to be put into action. Paul writes to the Galatians and instructs them, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NIV) This fits the second part of the definition above. This describes actions that are for the benefit of someone or something. Goodness brings life, it adds value, it is a positive contribution. It makes a difference.

When I lived in Strasburg, Colorado and served on the school board, we had a well-known news anchor give the commencement address. I remember he focused his comments on the theme of “being good” or something like that. At the time I wasn’t that impressed or didn’t remember his speech as being all the memorable. (perhaps due to his obnoxious attitude, speech and behavior in private.)

However, when you think of young adults embarking on life and moving into their future, embracing goodness and doing good will enable them to find greater fulfillment and to make a great contribution to their world than allowing their lives to be “overcome” by evil.

When Peter preached to Gentiles about Jesus he said, “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and…he went around doing good…” (Acts 10:38 NIV)  Those who bear the Lord’s image and those who follow Christ and have been changed by His Spirit should reflect His goodness.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us to embrace that which is good. Not because it makes us “better than” others, but because it reflects Your character that is to characterize our lives as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4 ESV

The “world” can be a dangerous place. This is not in reference to health and environmental threats, but to the priorities, values and practices around that would diminish our spiritual growth and commitment to Christ.

John has already laid out the call, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 ESV)

As John comes to some of the final words of his letter, he gives a “simple” but powerful remedy for being an “overcomer” in a world, headed for destruction, it is our “faith.” Specifically he goes on and says,  ^“Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  (1 John 5:5 ESV)

In his gospel, John reminded us of the words of Jesus, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

It seems too simple, but the bottom line is, will we believe what Jesus says about our life and our future, or will we believe what the “world” says and offers? We will be “troubled” by the world and its systems and even resistance to the truth of God’s Word. We are tempted to capitulate, to compromise and to accept what seems to be the “status quo” or prevailing attitudes and lifestyle.

When that happens we find ourselves, “overcome” instead of being “overcomers.” Our faith allows us to “rise above” what is the downward pull of the world around. John describes this as the “spirit of antichrist.”

As you read through 1 John, you will notice the consistency of the word, “know.” Knowing truth, knowing Christ. Coming to “know” – instinctively “knowing.” We see this as John writes,

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:13-15 ESV)

When we know what we believe and believe what we know, we are overcomers. The old hymn contains the words that echos the truth of 1 John 5:4, “Faith is the victory, faith is the victory, O, glorious victory that overcomes the world.” That is a truth that remains to today.

Prayer for today…. Lord give us the faith that makes us an overcomer. Remind us that what we believe about You and what You say about our life and priorities and attitudes is what brings true peace and promotes life that is true life.

Yesterday was like working the “swing shift.” I started with meetings at city hall at 3 p.m. and returned home at 10:30 p.m. Yesterday afternoon I received a text message from Kathy Underhill, who I had worked with on hunger issues at the capitol. She said, “it was four years ago today that I received the news you were in intensive care.”  She expressed thanks to God for the answers to prayer for my recovery and progress. It is good to be reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness. I can recall during my health crisis when things “got worse before they got better.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.”  Ezra 4:4,5 ESV

The Children of Israel faced 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After they return to Jerusalem to begin the work of rebuilding the Temple through the Lord moving on the heart of Cyrus king of Persia. It would be nice if the story just continued to a “trouble-free” conclusion and reoccupying of the city of Jerusalem; but that was not the case.

The Assyrians had relocated captives to Israel, who occupied the cities during the time God’s people were in captivity. We read about this in 2 Kings 17,  ^“And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon….and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel….” (2 Kings 17:24 ESV)

It was these people who came to Zerubbabel and said, “…Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” (Ezra 4:2 ESV) When the Jewish leaders refused the offer of their help, the “people of the land” did all they could to discourage the rebuilding of the Temple.

When a new king came into power, they used it as an opportunity to accuse the Jews to the new king and the result was the rebuilding of the Temple was ordered stopped until a new king Darius the Mede came to power and the prophets Haggai and Zachariah called the people to begin to build the Temple once again.

Those who opposed the Jews asked them who they were and why they were rebuilding the Temple, they only identified themselves in this way, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth…. They told the story of the Lord judging them through captivity in Babylon and then how Cyrus gave the decree to rebuild the Temple.

When the royal records were searched Darius found this to be true and commanded “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River….and your associates the governors who are in the province….keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.” (Ezra 6:6,7 ESV)

The work was not only restarted, it was facilitated and financed by the order of the King and Temple was completed. “And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.” (Ezra 6:16 ESV)

The opposition was relentless. The delays were long and discouraging. But God worked in spite of of all the attacks and setbacks to provide for His people. We don’t always understand what the Lord allows, but we know that He will bring to pass that which He has promised and the good purposes of our lives.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord let us not become discouraged by opposition and setbacks. Enable us to know that You will work in Your time and in Your way for our good.

We have had a busy few days. We returned to Denver from Palm Desert on Friday and traveled to downtown Denver for the Western Conservative Summit. On Saturday we attended a birthday party for Carolyn Wilson who attended the church we pastored in Lakewood. Then on Sunday we attended the 50th Wedding Anniversary for our friends John and Bonnie Weston. Today Debbie returned to work and I returned to some of my duties as a City Councilor.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:3 ESV

Ezra is the sequel to 2 Chronicles. The book begins where the end of 2 Chronicles leaves off. Babylon is overthrown as Jeremiah the prophet has foretold. Cyrus King of Persia comes to power and in accordance with God’s plan told through the prophets, the people of God begin to return to the land.

As a “pagan” king, Ezra understands his divine call. We see it in his own words, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” (Ezra 1:2 ESV)

He did not claim this initiative as coming from his own mind or as part of his plan to secure his power or influence. He recognizes that the “God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth.” He invites all of God’s people who are willing and able to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. He provides the articles that had been taken from the Temple by the Babylonians along with all of the provisions needed for the job to be completed.

What is of interest is the the call was not to rebuild a city, it was to rebuild a Temple. In due time houses would be rebuilt, and the walls of the city would be rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah. But the first order of business was the rebuilding of the Temple and the first step in rebuilding the Temple was rebuilding the altar upon which sacrifices would be made.

 ^“They set the altar in its place…and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening.” (Ezra 3:3 ESV)

Before the foundation of the Temple was laid, they erected an altar and began to offer regular sacrifices to the Lord. This order and commitment is a good reminder that in all of our endeavors we need to begin first with prayer and worship. When great tasks are undertaken prayer is the order of the day. Seeking the Lord, having His direction and favor is what makes the difference.

I remember a conversation with a political friend of mine who had served in the administration of a Colorado Governor. As I was early into my political endeavors, she was getting ready for a key role in campaign for congress. As talked about this potential campaign and the preparedness of the candidate she was working with, she made the comment about how they “had prayed about” this decision. I found that both encouraging and convicting.

All too often prayer is viewed a perfunctory or the recourse that takes place when our plans run into an obstacle. Instead it needs to be our first and constant priority.

Prayer for today…. Lord remind us that we are to “worry about nothing, but pray about everything.” May we put first things first by seeking You and always keeping You in the forefront of our plans and endeavors. 

We bring our vacation in Palm Desert to a close today. Early in the morning we will travel back to Denver and attend the Western Conservative Summit before returning home on Sunday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

1 Corinthians begins with Paul addressing divisions and arguments over the “best” apostle or spiritual leader. He continues addresses a list of doctrinal errors and brings correction to a number of wrongs.

2 Corinthians is softer letter of comfort and encouragement. Paul affirms and encourages their obedience and growth in Christ. He encourages their generosity and their open hearts to fellow believers in need. We can observe the foundation of what we read throughout scripture, what we believe and how we live promotes God’s best for our life.

Paul ends his letter with a series of practical admonitions. All of them related to one issue. Promoting healthy, positive relationships and connections to each other.

When there is strife and division, restoration should be the goal. It is interesting the he says, “aim” for restoration. That is the goal but it is not a guarantee. We are only responsible for our own actions attitudes. I am remind of Paul’s words, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 NV) Every situation may not turn out the way we would like, but those that do, begin with each party seeking to “do” what is right versus focusing on “being” right.

Paul then addresses the value and priority of community life. In 1 Corinthians he told them, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV) “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV) Believers are uniquely connected to each other. Just as you can’t choose who is in your nature family, you can’t choose who is in your spiritual family.  So Paul reminds them one more time that they are of “one another” and as a result they are to comfort and agree with one another and live in peace with one another.

All of this requires humility, submission and obedience to God’s Word. When we live according to God’s Word, we experience the blessings of God’s Word. Paul says, when you do these things, “the God of love and peace will be with you.”

That phrase is not unique to this letter. Paul writes similarly to the Philippians and says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9 NIV) 

Connection with God, connection with each other. It’s what the gospel is all about. God’s Word consistently points the way.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that what Your Word instructs to do, we can be confident that You will empower us to do. Help us to trust and obey You and leave the results to You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 ESV

The language of spiritual warfare can be found in much of Paul’s writing. In Ephesians he used the metaphor of military armor to describe the resources for victory in battle against “….the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In Timothy he challenges believers to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3)

Paul makes it clear to the Corinthians that he is not depending on the “flesh” for the work he is doing. He has already declared his sufficiency in Christ, now he focuses on the nature of the “weapons of our warfare.”

Paul says the “weapons of our warfare….have divine power to destroy strongholds.” A stronghold is a city or territory that is in firm control of an opposing army. The battle to conquer a stronghold may take weeks or months. The fights are costly and long. But Paul understands spiritually those “strongholds” are often in the minds and hearts of those who oppose Christ and those who struggle in their obedience to Christ.

Truth is a powerful spiritual weapon. Jesus said, “the Devil is the father of lies.” (John 8:44) Embracing those lies can control an individual and keep a person from the victory and abundant life Christ has provided.

Knowledge found in Christ and obedience to Christ are the two powerful spiritual weapons that Paul says can bring spiritual victory. Arguments and opinions. You can find them in every arena of life. Stephen accused the Pharisees of being like their fathers who, “always resisted the truth.” (Acts 7:51)

To believe human arguments, logic and opinions is relying on “the flesh.” Freedom and security is found in the “knowledge of Jesus Christ” and holding to that. This is why Peter closes his letter with, “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18)

Paul says, “every thought” must be brought into obedience to Christ. We must believe the truth found in Christ and we must obey and do what Christ has commanded. Paul then says we are,  “….ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

Much of Paul’s discourse with the Corinthians is focused on their obedience in doing what is right. He is letting them know he will use spiritual authority to “punish…disobedience” when their obedience is complete. It is easy to point to the disobedience of others and to overlook our own failures to obey. Paul let’s us know that spiritual strength comes from holding to the truth and obeying the truth. Those are powerful, stronghold-destroying weapons.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us not be taken captive, but to take “thoughts captive” to the knowledge and truth You have given. Then we can stand firm and secure against the enemy of our souls.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” 2 Corinthians 7:5,6 ESV

Recognizing the “daily” miracles and the “common place” interventions the Lord uses in our life requires spiritual insight and perception.

When we are in distress, troubled and our faith is being challenged we can count on that which the Lord alone can provide. Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians saying, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 ESV) We have the assurance that the “Lord is with us” in the “flood”, “fire” and the shaking of life. That which He provides is like none other.

However, we often need “God with skin on.” That reality is clear in scripture as well. Paul says that God comforts us so we can comfort others.  “…who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4 ESV)

Paul as one who suffered many afflictions and troubles for the cause of Christ and just from life itself, knew what it was to be comforted by God and to extend comfort and encouragement to others. But he also knew what it was to received comfort from others.

Paul’s relationship with Titus, one of his fellow workers, was a significant one. We find an interesting commentary about Titus in 2 Corinthians 2, “When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there.”  (2 Corinthians 2:12,13 ESV) For some unknown reason the opportunity to preach the gospel was laid aside due to the absence of Titus to be there as a companion to Paul. It is important to see that we are called to journey “with” those God places into our life at significant times and for special purposes.

Paul leaves Troas and goes to Macedonian. There he finds challenges and troubles. There doesn’t seem to be the “open door” that he observed in Troas, but when Titus came Paul was strengthened and encouraged. Often in our lives just the “right” person showing up or being with us is enough to bring strength and encouragement. That was true for the great apostle and it is true in our life.

When facing tough times you can count on the Lord’s presence and help, both through that which He alone can provide, but often through others that come into our lives at the right time. That is what I have experienced.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You are the “God of all comfort.” There is no situation that is outside of Your notice and intervention in our life. Thank You that You often “show up in the flesh” through uisng others in our life. Help us to be open and aware of all the ways you help and comfort in time of need.