BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” Ezekiel 18:31,32 ESV

I recall when serving on our local HOA board, the issue of liability for our decisions and actions was being discussed. I called an attorney at the State legislature to ask about protections for volunteer board members. His response was, “Representative Summers, you have to try to be negligent and irresponsible in order to be vulnerable for any liability.”

Many people fail to understand the heart of the Lord for people. Even those who are living in rebellion to all that is righteous and pleasing to the Lord. Many believe the Lord, “delights” in seeing people go to an eternity outside of His presence. The very opposite is true.

I would submit that an individual has to “try” to avoid heaven and suffer the consequences of the stubbornness of their own heart. We see the Lord in the Old Testament, even while bringing much deserved judgment, still pleads with people to turn from their ways.

In the Book of Revelation, we see a glimpse into future “judgment” on a rebellious world. We see the Lord’s judgments are not so much as to punish, but to attempt one last effort to get people’s attention. We read, “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20,21 NIV)

It is interesting how hard hearts will refuse to “cry uncle” even when the final call is given. We read the words of Paul, “…..God our Savior, [who] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3,4 NIV)

The writer of Hebrews declares, “…how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” (Hebrews 2:3 NIV) To the Romans Paul writes and says, “…since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19,20 NIV)

The opportunity is wide open. It is not an exclusive or “closed” invitation. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NIV) Regardless of the issues of life or what an individual has done, we have the assurance of scripture, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

That is good news for those beginning their walk with the Lord and those who have been in relationship with Him for many years.

Prayer for today…. Lord when we consider Your heart for people to know You and the gift of Your Son to make the way wide open we join with the apostle Paul and declare, Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Rom. 11:33) Lord, may we see more clearly Your heart and Your desire for all to come to You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Son of man, when a land sins against me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out my hand against it and break its supply of bread and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast, even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness, declares the Lord God.”  Ezekiel 14:13,14 ESV

Ezekiel in the Old Testament, can read like Revelation in the New Testament. It is filled with images and figures that can be hard to picture and to figure out. We see Ezekiel instructed to take some “bazaar” actions to become a living object lesson to God’s people in their rebellion and impending judgment.

What is interesting in announcing the destruction of Jerusalem, the Lord through the prophet calls to the attention of the people three notable individuals: Noah, Daniel and Job. The basic message is that the Lord’s determination to bring judgment on the people would not be stopped even if these three men were present in the city. However, they would be spared by their own righteousness.

In this passage the Lord refers to several types of “natural” occurrences as signs of His judgment. Famine, wild beasts, sword and pestilence. The Lord used a flood to bring judgment during Noah’s day. Job suffered great physical and emotional pain. Daniel was thrown in a den of lions, yet the wild beasts did not overcome him.

All three of these men suffered the types of conditions that the Lord was bringing upon Jerusalem. However, they did not experience what they did due to their sin, but serve as examples of faith and faithfulness to the Lord to those of all generations. The prophet in speaking of the disasters to come, says “these men would be saved, even if no one else is; because of their righteousness.”

When we read that, it shows how important our faith and faithfulness to the Lord is, even in the midst of sin, rebellion and the Lord’s judgment. Peter talks about Lot being saved from Sodom and Gomorrah and observes, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”  (2 Peter 2:9 NIV)

The Lord does use “natural” disasters as His judgment upon the earth. We see this taking place in Revelation. This can be challenging and requires discernment. I would not view with certainty natural disaster and even terrorism in our world today as signs of the “Lord’s judgment.” Although, Abraham Lincoln viewed the Civil War as the Lord’s judgment on a nation. But it does make me curious what the attitude and view of people will be when the events of Revelation do unfold.

Noah, Daniel and Job. All three are commended for their righteousness and their faith. Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” in an unrighteous world. Daniel was used by the Lord as person of influence in a pagan government and stood his ground for the Lord. Job in the midst of suffering, remained faithful in his trust and confidence in the Lord. This shows that there are different ways to “take a stand” and “make a difference” even in the midst of a world of unrighteousness.

Prayer for today…. Lord, keep us strong in our faith and our faithfulness regardless of what takes place in the “world around.” We can observe Your patience and longsuffering, but we see as well the “judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”

Debbie and I attended the open house at the new Colorado Early College high school in Fort Collins. This open house was well attended with several excellent presentations to present the opportunities the school makes available to its students. Keith King the Founder of CEC is a friend of many years and has a background as a successful businessman and state legislator.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost [sinner], Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 ESV

If there is one attribute of God that is misunderstood, it is His patience and longsuffering. Many seem to have the idea that if they doing something wrong God will just, “strike them dead!” If that happened none of us would be around for that long! Others interpret a delay in consequences for their wrong actions or attitudes as God’s endorsement or “quiet approval.”

What we do see throughout the Old Testament and reflected in the New Testament as well is that the Lord is patient in giving people the “space” to get tired of living “their own way” and to come to their “senses” and to turn to Him. The way to relationship with Christ is the same for every person. How that relationship comes to be is the personal story of each person.

Jesus called Peter and James and John from their fishing nets. He called Matthew from his work as a tax collector. He encountered Saul of Tarsus in dramatic fashion when he was the number one enemy of Christians. This humbling experience that began Paul’s relationship with Christ, continued through his life.

He refers to himself as the “worst of sinners.” He refers to himself as the “least among the apostles.” As Paul writes to Timothy, he tells him that his story is the prime example of Christ’s patience for those who would come to Him. I believe if he were alive today Paul would say, “If the Lord can forgive (save) me, He can forgive You.” or “If the Lord can change the direction and of my life, He can reach that person you believe to be ‘unreachable.'”

Peter, who knew his many failings, wrote,  “….He [The Lord] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

The proper response on our part is to not “try the patience” of the Lord. When we treat the Lord’s kindness with contempt and use it as an excuse to disregard His invitation, we see that we place ourselves in a dangerous position. That is why we see what the Old Testament implores, repeated in the New Testament, “For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT)

Our response to the Lord’s patience should worship, just like that of Paul’s. Right after declaring himself as an example of the Lord’s patience, he declares, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17 ESV)

Prayer for today…. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end…” (Lamentations 3:22) Lord thank You for Your patience toward us and toward those who need to come to know You as their Savior and Lord. Allow us to never take it for granted, but to be in constant awe of Your love.

I had my monthly IVIG treatment today. It seemed to go faster than last time which is good. That means my blood pressure wasn’t too high for too long. This is the time that I periodically check the old CaringBridge blogs to see what was happening to me at this time now four years ago during my health crisis. Since I don’t remember many of these early days, it is interesting to find out what was going happening on a certain day. It gives perspective and gratitude for the life I have today. Even with monthly treatments and ongoing recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….   “I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire…. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.”  Nehemiah 2:13,17 ESV

Nehemiah is the “cupbearer” who became the “rebuilder of broken walls.” The walls of a city spoke of its strength and security. They defined the parameter and identity of the city and were for protection from invading armies.

When a city was invaded and taken, the walls were torn down. It was not just enough to defeat those inside the walls, the walls that stood for the strength and protection of the city were broken down as a sign of ultimate defeat and humiliation.

The Temple of God had been rebuilt under Ezra. Now the Lord uses Nehemiah to take the next step in restoration of the city of Jerusalem. I am sure the sight was overwhelming, sad and discouraging. The once great city of powerful kings lies in ruin. The first thing Nehemiah does is to “tour the damage.” The walls were torn down and burned. The sight had to be overwhelming and discouraging. Where do you begin? How do you proceed?

Nehemiah was on a mission. He was man of vision because he was a man of prayer. Prayer enables us to keep our eyes on God and His ability and not on our own.

The next thing Nehemiah does is to call others to the task. This was more than a “one man” mission. As he puts out the challenge, it is more than a rebuilding of the walls, it is a call to restore dignity. It was a project intended on “removing derision” and no longer being a people who would have to hang their heads in shame.

We see in Nehemiah and we can observe it in our own lives, there are those who for whatever reason, do not want us to be restored. The progress and restoration of one, can be viewed as a blow to the position and status of another.

At least that is what Nehemiah faced. “…when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.” (Nehemiah 2:10 ESV)

As Nehemiah rallied the people to come and help and told them of the favor of God on his life and said, “let us rise up and build!” But opposition rose up once again.  ^“But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing?….” (Nehemiah 2:19 ESV)

When I read the story of Nehemiah, I think of the words of Isaiah, “See, I have tattooed your name upon my palm, and ever before me is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.” (Isaiah 49:16 TLB) The Lord knows the condition of our life. But His desire is for restoration and new life.

Isaiah looks to the future and declares, “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” (Isaiah 58:12 NIV)

I am thankful the Lord makes new and He restores.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You are the restorer of the “broken walls” of our life. We may experience defeat, challenges and setbacks, but You are the One who brings us back.

Today was the final morning of the 2017 GrandCamp. It was great to have Mark Land (daughter-in-law, Bridget’s father, from Ohio) join us. Last night was the “Blessing Ceremony” the capstone for the camp. Mark shared his “blessing” with both boys using some powerful word pictures.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

I remember a little poem that goes something like this…. “There was a man  they thought him to be mad; The more he gave; the more he had.” The verse above was our final “memory verse” from this week’s GrandCamp.  It was a good closing reminder to grandparents and grandchildren about biblical values and character.

The world says, “Hold tight to what is yours, you gain from keeping” The Bible says, “Be generous toward others, you gain by giving.”

I was explaining to grandson Caedmon that one of the approaches of Hebrew poetry was to repeat a concept with different words. We find that in this verse. The second phrase underscores the first by saying, “whoever refreshes (blesses) others will be refreshed (blessed.)” The International Standard Version puts it emphatically this way, “…anyone who gives water will receive a flood in return.”

That reminds me of Jesus’ words, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap….” (Luke 6:38 NIV) When Paul the Apostle talked about generosity in meeting the needs of others he said, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV)

Fear can be one of the greatest deterrents to generosity. But faith is the antidote to fear. When we act on what we believe: that the Lord is our source and our reward; when we take the theme of scriptures that encourage generosity to heart, we will find the Lord faithful.

Over the years Debbie and I have attempted to be generous givers. Four years ago when I faced my health crisis we were recipients of the generosity of others. Many friends and family members provided financial support for our medical expenses. A fundraiser was held near the Capitol in Denver hosted by a former and current Speaker of the House. This fund that was created is still assisting with medical expenses to this day.

It is a blessing to “receive!” But we recall the words of scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NIV)

There are many aspects of the Christian life that challenge us and to which we commit ourselves to. Generous giving should be one of those. Paul’s challenge to the Corinthians applies to our lives today….

“But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you –see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the generosity with which You have blessed our life. May we not only give in faith, but allow us to give in love for You and as an expression of Your divine nature.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”  2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

This morning I was back in Fort Collins to give a keynote address to about 300 faculty and staff members of the Colorado Early Colleges network. This charter school organization is the largest in the state and was founded by longtime friend and former State Legislator Keith King.

The theme for this year is “Champion Your Future.” They did a great job in using that theme of “being a champion” and “making champions” to lay the foundation for a great school year. My remarks were on “The Making of a Champion.” I shared from my personal health crisis about the importance of a positive mind set and the support of others and applied that to the teacher’s work with students in shaping their lives and encouraging their future pursuits.

It was exciting to be see the dedication and commitment of these teachers. It also compelled me to consider what the Bible says about our “lot and status in life.” In the Bible we can see the Lord’s desire and provision enables us to be overcomers and not to be overcome by the world, difficulties of life, sin or even persecution.

The verse above remind us of Christ as the “Champion” who give us victory and leads us in the “victors parade.” Every professional sports team that wins a championship is treated to a parade to celebrate their achievement. While vastly different, it give us the idea that is pictured by Paul. Just as a team is recognized as a whole, there are always those who have made significant contributions. The star pitcher or hitter, the quarterback, or running back, for example.

Spiritually we can celebrate and be celebrated, but we understand it is all because of who Christ is and what He enables us to accomplish.

At the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians we find this verse. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV) The context of this verse relates to the victory that is ours over death. The “sting” of death has been removed, because of eternal life that Christ has provided.

Both verses begin with the exclamation, “Thanks be to God!” There is not doubt as to who is the focus and superstar. But the victory belongs to “us.” It is great to be on top, just because you are on the “right” team regardless of your ability or contribution. That is the way it is for us, when we join Christ’s “team.”

One final verse the comes to mind. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11 NIV) This is victory over Satan. This is victory over persecution. This is being on top, even when it seems one is “down and out.” These are those who are triumphant because don’t give into fear, even of death, because they know the truth, “….The one who believes in me [Christ] will live, even though they die…” (John 11:25 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, we join with the apostle of old declaring, “Thanks be to God!” He gives us victory, He leads us in triumph. He secures our future. Lord keep us close to You, the place where we be “champions” in life.