We made an early morning trip to Englewood to my mom’s house to meet some people to help us deal with my mom’s belongings. There is still much to just throw away and the challenge of selling enough for a price to at least recoup our “clean out” expenses.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping.” Psalm 6:8 NLT

The process of healthy respiration is often described as, “in with the good, out with the bad.” It describes the process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. I thought of that when Christian was describing my respiratory failure during my health crisis four years ago.

He wrote how the West Nile Virus had impacted my muscles and neurological function to the point that my lungs were not able to expel the “bad.” As a result, I was being poisoned by my own body and its inability to sufficiently exhale carbon dioxide.

I thought of that as I read this verse. David with an emphatic declaration after a time of intense sorrow, turmoil and weeping says basically, “evil, go away from me!” Whether evil is personified in individuals or impacts our lives by what is around us or what influences us, it takes a deliberate action to deal with it.

Consider the last part of the verse. David refers to the Lord hearing his weeping. The previous verse is intense, “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.” (Psalm 6,7 NLT)

This is sorrow, grief and weeping that is physically draining. Have you every been there? Evil impacts our lives. When we let it in, when it comes against us, it can wear us down. This biggest problem is when we become our own “worst enemy.” When those we allow into our lives, or the influences that come into our lives dampen our spiritual sensitivity and vitality. We are convicted, but it takes more than a recognition of the impact on our lives.

It can be easy to tolerate or to accommodate “evil” without meaning to or even recognizing it. It comes subtly, it may be becasue something is occasionally a part of our life or a periodic compromise.

Evil, in whatever form it takes, must be confronted. The verse begins with the emphatic words, “Go, away!” We have to get to the point where we say, “enough is enough.” For some, like those escaping addiction, it means new “friends.” My wife likes to use the saying there is a need for a, “new playpen and new playmates.” 

When the “evil” is not just around us, but “in us” the challenge can be ever greater. We have to recognize that a change is needed that we just can’t will ourselves into a better position. We need some “outside” help. That may be a friend, but it will require the Lord’s intervention.

David says, “Go away…because the Lord has heard my weeping.” It is one thing to cry tears of sorrow or grief and another to turn our hearts to the Lord for His strength and help to “take a stand.”

When we expel the evil, it provides a greater capacity for the “good.” Let’s allow the Lord to fill our hearts and minds full of His goodness.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You are more willing to help, than often we are to trust You to help. Grant us the strength to deal swiftly with that which is in our lives that hinders our relationship with You. We may not always recognize it as “evil” but we need to call for for what it is, for how it is impacting our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5

With the passing of my mother, there has been a lot of old pictures and family history that has reminded us of the past. It is part of the process and always provides a sense of perspective and gratitude about the past and that which is “old.”

However, that which is “new” holds a far different interest. We can think of a “fresh” start. We can think of something different that what has been known or experienced. We can think of that which has been known or experienced, becoming completely different.

When we look at the verses of the Bible that hold the promise or contain the description of that which is “new” it provides a sense of anticipation and confidence in the future the Lord has in store for His people. This is most evident in the Book of Revelation.

John begins with the promise to overcomers of a “new name” and a prediction of a “new Jerusalem.” We read of a “new song” and a “new heaven and a new earth.” Then we come to the final chapters and we read the grand declaration, “I am making everything new.”

There are some reasons for the need of that which is “new.” It may because the purpose of something has been fulfilled. It may be due to something being damaged or destroyed. It may be for the need of just something better than what I have or am experiencing.

We see Christ’s forgiveness results in a “new life.” Scripture calls us to put on, a “new a man” created after the image of God. We read of being a “new creature.” The old is passed away and all things become new.

The culmination of God’s plan of redemption is seen in a “new name.” A new identity that comes from Christ. We see a new home as heaven and earth that have experienced God’s judgment is made new. Peter declared that, according to the Lord’s promise we look for a new heaven and a new earth the home of the righteous.

The promise of that which is “new” gives hope and anticipation. That which is, is not what will always be. There is coming a day when troubles cease, pain is erased, sorrow is no more.

We can experience the Lord’s newness now as we anticipate that which is to come. When we pray, “Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” we are reminded that heaven is about that which is new and renewed. So, let’s embrace the call of being people of hope and good news.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank you for bringing newness to our lives. We anticipate that day when “all things” are made new in our heavenly home.

Yesterday was a full day with a trip to Englewood to follow up on business at my mother’s house. A lot to deal with and important decisions to make. Thank you for your prayers for insight, favor and wisdom.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “To the one who conquers….”  Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21

The churches of Revelation all had their unique qualities and challenges. But with each one there is a promise or a reward that is mentioned for the one who, “conquers.”

The good news from the Resurrected Christ is that there is not just a warning or word of correction, but a promise or a reward to every person who is a “conqueror” or “overcomer.” Regardless of whether first love has been lost, or a church is lukewarm and everything good and bad in between there is a message of hope. We don’t need to diminish the bad or rest in that which is good. It is not how we view ourselves that matters, but how Christ views our life.

To the Church at Sardis we read, “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead….” (Revelation 3:1 ESV) We read about the Church in Laodecia, “…you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17 ESV)

The key toward alignment of our lives with Christ’s is found in the repeated statement, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:13 ESV) I recall my high school German class. The instructor would, speak the instructions in German that said, “listen and respond.”

That is Christ’s desire for our life. To listen and to respond. His observations and instructions matter. They make the difference between victory and defeat. Christ’s desire is for all to be “overcomers.”

The promise and the reward is appropriate to each church and significant to their future.

To the Church at Ephesus the promise to the one who overcomes a loss of first love is, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 ESV)

To Smyrna, the one who overcomes suffering and persecution, “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2:11 ESV)

To Pergamum, those who overcome false teaching and ungodly behavior, “I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the onule who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17 ESV)

To Thyatira, those who overcome seductive and sinful behavior, “I will give authority over the nations…”  (Revelation 2:26 ESV)

To Sardis, those who overcome spiritual lethargy,  ^“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5 ESV)

To Philadelphia, those who keep the Lord’s Word and endure patiently, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name…” (Revelation 3:12 ESV)

To Laodicea, those who repent and open the door, “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3:22 ESV)

As read read those, we can see that the Lord has a great future and destiny for those who conquer through Him. Let’s listen, let’s respond, let’s overcome, let’s look forward to that which the Lord alone can provide.

Prayer for today….. Lord grant us ears to hear and hearts ready to respond. Let us do so in light of what your promise is as we overcome through You. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “I know your works…”  Revelation 2:2 ESV

The Book of Revelation is a letter written to the seven churches of Asia Minor by the Apostle John. These churches are not just mentioned as the recipient of the letter, but with each church there is a message from the resurrected Christ.

Of the seven, one is not given any words of correction (Smyrna) and one is given no commendation (Laodicea). Smyrna is known as the “persecuted” church and Laodicea is known as the “lukewarm” church.

Two important words are in the address to all seven churches, “I know…” At times, especially in difficult times, we can question whether the Lord, “knows.” And we question if He knows, does He care? In Revelation and in many other accounts in the Old and New Testaments we see that He does know and He does care. Just because He doesn’t do what we would like or reveal Himself like we would desire, is not evidence that He is absent and removed from the affairs of this world and our life.

The word to these churches can be both comforting and convicting. Because we see in these messages, the Lord sees the “good” and the “bad.” But we see His support and promise for that which is good and we see His words of correction and invitation that address shortcomings.

We see the Lord “knows” our commitment to His truth and our faithful labors in His name. To the church at Ephesus He says, “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.” (Revelation 2:2 ESV)

The words, “you cannot bear with those who are evil…” get my attention. Dennis Prager, the Jewish political and cultural commentator, says that he observes in scripture that to truly love God one must “hate” evil.

To the church in Smyrna John writes, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not…” (Revelation 2:9 ESV) In these words, I observe that the Lord sees our condition differently than the world does. We can be “poor” in this world, but “rich” when it comes to heaven.

Suffering creates the greatest questions in our hearts and minds. It challenges us to see beyond the temporary to the eternal. As a result we read, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 ESV)

To the church in Pergamum, the Lord says, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name…” (Revelation 2:13 ESV) Living in the midst of evil, is not excuse to give into evil. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, “But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.” (2 Timothy 3:13,14 NLT)

To the church at Thyatira the Lord says, “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” (Revelation 2:19 ESV) The Lord knows what we do and the motivation behind our “doing.” In the midst of our walk with the Lord may our lives reflected a growing dedication, not a lessening one to the Lord. We read, “your latter works exceed your first.” 

All too often our zeal that can characterize our faith when it is new becomes dampened over the course of time. What a great commendation for any life or church for the Lord to say, “you are finishing strong!”

The sampling of these church provides opportunity for considerable contemplation about what is important to the Lord in our service to Him in good times and in times of testing. May we all be found faithful to the end. May our love for the Lord continue to fuel our labor for the Lord and our faithfulness to Him.

Prayer for today…. Lord we know that You know everything. But as we study Your Word, we can be challenged in what we read as standing our to You in these churches. You know what we do, You know why we do it and You know our consistency in our service to You. Help us to know that Your desire is for to work in us and through us. 

A picture with my mom, brother and sister and their spouses the last time we were together for my mom’s 90th birthday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ESV

The last week or so has been the longest break in my blog posts. Since my mother died on September 6th the days have been filled with planning her memorial service and tending to things at her house in Englewood. We have enjoyed family time together in reflection, work and discovering the “hidden treasures” she had tuck away in the midst of the clutter of her home.

At her graveside service this past Tuesday, I shared from the passage above. My mother’s given name was “Martha” and it seemed to fit her well. She was a hard worker and was a woman given to hospitality and opening her home to others. She loved her family and her Lord, but showed it in ways that always didn’t connect with others as she intended.

Like Martha in the gospel’s my mother was one who could be “worried and upset about many things.” Even though her final days were peaceful, that aspect would “pop out” once in a while even then. She was also one whose expectations of others were often judged by her own priorities.

She was a woman committed to serving the Lord throughout her life and her faith remained strong to the end. Even as she prepared to leave the hospital she prayed with my niece and her husband and expressed confidence in the Lord’s healing power, regardless of the medical outlook.

But now that she is in the presence of the Lord, she finds herself, like Mary, at His “feet.” The work of life and the worries of life have come to an end. As the old hymn says, “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” That is the future for all who place their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

As I reflected on my mother’s life and this passage of scripture, I had to admit there is some “Martha” in me. It is far too easy to “do” for the Lord, than to be “with” the Lord. The things that I believe are important and that can captivate my thoughts and concerns, may not be what the Lord would say are a priority. I the past I can recall being “judgmental” of those whose priorities and values were more balanced than mine.

Serving the Lord is good, being at His feet is better. Both are important, but only one will last forever. So, I want to be more like Mary in this life, because I have come to realize that is my eternal destiny. I might as well learn to spend more time at Jesus “feet” now to be more prepared for heaven.

Prayer for today….. Lord thank You for this peek into the lives of these sisters. Help us to learn to choose that “which is better.” Remind us that heaven is about being in Your presence and at rest. 

My siblings and I spent yesterday making final arrangements for my mothers memorial services. The celebration of her life will be next Tuesday, (September 12) at the First Baptist Church in Englewood. We have been dealing with her house and as anticipated it has been a challenge. The issue with the “depression-era” generation is not in their propensity to hold to things, but what and how much they decide to hold on to. We are just thankful that while she held on to “things” she held firmly in her faith in the Lord anticipating the “end.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven….And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world.” Luke 21:11,25-26 ESV

The news of natural disasters has captivated the airwaves, internet and new outlets. A 1,000 year hurricane in Houston, Texas, a great hurricane off the coast of Florida, an historic earthquake in Mexico. All within weeks of each other.

Some view these as “normal” or “abnormal” weather patterns or events. Some view them as the consequences of global warming. Some view them as “acts of God” or “signs” of the times.

I was thinking earlier today as I was out for an earlier morning meeting about “signs.” They are certainly much more prevalent and a part of our lives today, than 2,000 years ago. There are signs outside of businesses. There are all kinds of traffic signs. There are street signs to help us find a location. In our communities signs abound and we take them for granted.

Spiritual signs or signs of the coming of the Lord are much more difficult to “read.” It is easy to panic and have the emotional reaction to when were have misread a street sign and ask our self the question, “where am I at?!” In the midst of everything it is easy to get caught up in what we don’t know and to forget the clear message of Jesus as to what we do know and how we are to focus our hearts and our minds.

Jesus as He tells His disciples about His coming communicates the signs. In short, there will be disruption in the political and natural order. Those disruptions will become more frequent and severe. There will be false “messiah’s” and those who attempt to exert undue influence over people and their lives.

What is important is to understand our reaction. Jesus says,  ^“And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” (Luke 21:9 ESV) While events around may get our attention and create questions, they are not to create fear and panic. Disorientation, confusion and fear is a tool of Satan. I have found in my personal and public life that no good decisions are made in an overly reactive mode.

Even when God is blamed and believers are viewed as the “enemy” Jesus says, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” (Luke 21:13 ESV)

We are to keep our focus and have confidence in the God who is in control and can be trusted with what we don’t know or understand. “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 ESV)

Regardless of what God “causes” and what God “allows” there are always opportunities to demonstrate in word and deed a “clear headed” calm in the midst of the storm.

Prayer for today….. Lord, our days require us to have Your mind and heart to know how to live and how to be people of hope and peace in a world of turmoil. Bless those who serve, guide our efforts and our words so that Your name is honored as we live in challenging times.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “….I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. And now the prize awaits me…”  2 Timothy 4:7 ESV; 2 Timothy 4:8 NLT

My mother died at 9:15 a.m. this morning. It was last Thursday that I made my final trip to Englewood to visit with my mother. We had a good time together and had lunch at the senior center where she ate every day. It was that night after working outside, she began experiencing some severe pain, was hospitalized and ended at our home in hospice care.

As I prayed with her this morning just minutes before her final breath, I made reference to her being on her final “leg” of her life’s journey. She was one in the midst of her mental struggles in these final years and months held firmly to the reality that she had “heaven to gain.” I have been telling people that her attitude, as we consulted with the surgeon on Friday afternoon, when told if she didn’t have surgery she would die was, “…. and what’s the bad news!?”

To the end she held to her firm faith that God was able to heal and she would rather trust the Lord, anticipate heaven and live at peace. She did keep her faith. She always reflected on her early years in life when “bell’s palsy” twisted her face and made her shake to the point of having difficulty eating. Those years had an impact on her self-esteem that last throughout her life. However, she would often hold out her hands (even like she did last Friday in pre-op) and say, “look at me! See how steady my hands are at 92! God is able to do anything!” 

It was only about 10 minutes after my prayer, that my brother came to get me and Debbie to tell us that mom had taken her last breath. She had finished her race.

The metaphor of “finishing a race” takes on some significance runners. First of all, a runner knows that when the finish line is in view, there is one last spurt of effort and energy. That is so often what we observe in the final stages leading to death. There may be a temporary “rally” time. (Mom experienced that on Monday night) and then there is the “work” of dying.

But crossing the finish line gives a great sense of relief and satisfaction. The striving is over, there is the reward of finishing and finishing well and anticipating rest.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13 NIV)

“And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return….” (2 Timothy 4:8 ESV)

Those two words, “and now….” point us to the reality that the end is not the end. There is something coming after finishing. The end for those who place their faith in Christ and “finish the race” is the beginning of eternity in the presence of our Lord. The Bible refers to it as, “entering the joy of the Lord.”

That is a reward that makes “finishing the race” worth it. “It shall be worth it all when we see Jesus….one glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase, so bravely run the race till we see Christ.”

The past 48 hours have sent life in a new direction for my mother. After spending several hours with her on Thursday during the day, she ended up in the hospital with severe pain on Thursday night. It was found that she had a very rare hernia in her pelvic region, causing a bowel blockage. Debbie and I went to Denver yesterday anticipating a surgery for my mother but she dug in her heel and refused to “be cut on.” After some lengthy conversation with the surgeon and among my siblings we “got on the same page with mom.”

That means she has come to our house in Fort Collins and has been admitted into hospice care. We will take coming days, one at a time and see what the future holds. She has talked about her desire to be in heaven and at this points this turn in her physical health status may be that ticket. (picture: leaving hospital with Debbie and niece Kate Martin)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 ESV

I recall a saying that goes, “If we can miss the point, we certainly will!” I believe that saying applies to understanding what God requires and what people, even God’s people, believe He requires. Perhaps it not so much a “requirement” but understanding God’s priorities, God’s desires.

Micah 6:8 is a verse known by many. It speaks to God’s desire for His people to “do” justice to “love” kindness and to “walk” humbly with God. These priorities speak to our actions, our values and how we live. The contrast to these can be seen in the verses that precede this one.

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6,7 ESV)

These verses show the human perspective of what would please the Lord. Each posit grows more dramatic from prized year-old calves to a firstborn child. (What is of interest is that some Canaanite gods were worshiped with child sacrifice.) With each of these questions comes a sense that God can’t be pleased; that what pleases Him and how to worship Him is either impractical or extreme. Such was the case with the false gods that the people endeared themselves to. The problem was they confused what the Lord God was like opposed to the human gods.

The response to the questions comes with the initial words, “I have told you…” The Lord God has not hidden Himself and His desires and His priorities. It is His people that were not paying attention. As I read these verses, it strikes me like God is saying, “let’s go over it once again!” Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God. We make it hard, God makes is clear and simple. At least simple to understand, perhaps challenging for us to do. It is a challenge because justice, mercy and humility can run contrary to our fallen human nature.

But as I read and re-read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, I come to a greater appreciation of the Lord’s mercy, patience and loving kindness. Not only that, but He promises that if we “yoke” with Him, we find that His “burden” is light. (Matthew 11:30)

Our challenge is to stay on the same page with God. When we do that and focus on not only His priorities, but His strength to fulfill them, we stay on the right path.

Prayer for today…. Lord, we can make it complicated, You make it simple. Following You, doing life with You is much easier, than doing life for You.  Keep us from our own ideas and enable us to focus on what Your Word instructs and reminds.