This is my first-day “post-op.” Yesterday I had surgery to address a herniated disc in my lower back. The surgeon actually referred to it as “blown” which means it was worse than the MRI revealed. Surgery was definitely needed. I am glad that I am progressing. The greatest post-surgical pain has been in my throat. That may be due to the tube they insert and my history of being on a trach. Thank you for your continued prayers for my recovery and progress in the coming days and weeks.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted. Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants…had cornered David and was about to kill him. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men declared, “You are not going out to battle with us again! Why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?” 2 Samuel 21:15-17 NLT

David was known as a mighty warrior and a great military leader. His exploits were many. From the killing of Goliath to serving as Saul’s armor bearer to being the commander of the armies of Israel to serving as King. He was feared and revered.

But like all great fighters and leaders, his active role in battle faced an end. It came in dramatic fashion as David was about to be killed and was rescued at the last minute by the fast actions and bravery of one of his men.

This escape from death on the battlefield caused David’s leaders to let him know that his fighting days were over. He was more valuable in the palace than on the battlefield.

That can be a difficult realization for any warrior. But it appears that David took the advice of his men and allowed others to fight the battles and lead the charge for God’s people.

I notice with interest this account of David’s final battle is followed by a list of the exploits of some of the bravest and best soldiers in David’s army. God was with His people, but the skill and success of his men are impressive indeed.

This points to the fact that success is not dependent upon one individual or leader. The Lord has many “in the wings” who are active and ready to assume greater responsibility when the need arises. I have seen this when great leaders come to their “final” battle and there can be anxiety over what’s next or who will “fill his shoes.” We can be confident that in every area and in all times God has those He is using and will use to advance His divine purposes.

Then I notice the next chapter after a review of the mighty acts of David’s mighty men is a song of praise to the Lord by David. David extols the Lord for being his “rock, fortress, savior; my God in whom I find protection…my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise…” (2 Samuel 22:1-4 NLT)

Wow! I think he covered it all. This shows where David’s focus and confidence were in spite of his accomplishments. He was able to remain humble and submissive in the mountain tops of victory and in the valley of failure.

David had a role to play at a given time in God’s plan. Others would come behind and the situation would be different as well as the challenges and the leadership that was needed. As we see the course of history we can observe God calling using individuals in strategic ways. Regardless of their qualifications and human weakness and failings.

When our “final battle” comes to an end, we can be confident there are others who will faithfully continue to win battles and advance the cause of the Lord’s kingdom.

With each medical challenge, we pray it will be the last. This Wednesday (May 23) at 11 a.m. I go in for surgery on a herniated disc. The procedure is a one to two hour outpatient surgery. The surgeon will trim the herniated portion of the disc away from my siatic nerve. I appreciate your prayers and trust that this will remove a roadblock to continued improvement in my mobility and overall health.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY... “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLT

This verse is one of the most well-known in the New Testament. This wording is probably more familiar. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19 NKJV) This verse of assurance has been an anchor of hope and faith for many in a variety of challenges and situations.

As I read this passage some days ago, my attention was drawn to the broader context. Paul is commending the Philippians for their faithful and generous support of his ministry. Their actions provide some characteristics about those who are generous and concerned for others and the gospel.

1 – Generous givers give when others don’t. In other words, Spirit-led giving is not a result of “peer pressure.” It responds regardless whether others do or not. Givers respond to Spirit-directed giving even if they “stand alone.” Paul says,   You…were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News…No other church did this.” (Philippians 4:15 NLT)

2 – Generous givers invest in others. It’s one thing to support the Apostle when he is living among you. When you are receiving the benefit of his life and ministry. It is another when he leaves and you continue to support him that others might hear the gospel as well. That’s what the Philippians did. Paul comments, “Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.” (Philippians 4:16 NLT)

3 – Generous givers continue to give. Paul says they sent him support, “more than once.” We observe their faithful and consistent support of the gospel when Paul was in Philippi when he traveled on on Macedonia and their support was more than a “one-time” gift.

4 – Generous giving is an offering to the Lord. Paul is very clear in his commendation of the Philippians that he is not trying to thank them so to get more but to affirm their giving had spiritual implications. He says,  “I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.” (Philippians 4:17 NLT) He also says, “…the gifts you sent me…are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18 NLT)

5 – Generous giving produces confidence in the Lord’s supply. The gifts of the Philippians in their support of Paul provided “more than enough.” This provided the security and stability  at this point in time for the apostle. As a result, he reassures the Philippians “And this same God who takes care of me [through you] will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NLT)

Paul was recognizing the support of the Philippians as supply from the Lord. The Philippians had responded in faith an obedience to the Lord. In the natural, it was a two-part transaction from the Philippians to Paul. Spiritually it was a three-part transaction from the Philippians to the Lord and then from the Lord to Paul. That’s what makes spiritual giving different from human philanthropy.

Paul wanted the Philippians to know that the Lord who received their gifts would honor them by not only meeting Paul’s needs, but that they could have confidence that the Lord would also meet their needs. Human resources are limited, divine resources are infinite.

Debbie and I can relate to what Paul experienced. Not from a single source, but from many friends and family members who provided financial assistance that has helped cover many of the extraordinary medical expenses I have incurred over the last almost five years. So my prayer for you, is the same as Paul’s, that as you were instruments of the Lord’s blessing in our lives at a crucial time, that the same God who supplied for us, will supply for you according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

It was an honor to have Dr. Jim Diehl as our guest speaker at our men’s breakfast this morning at Timberline Church. Dr. Diehl is a former pastor of Denver First Church and is Superintendent Emeritus of The Church of the Nazarene. He is still active in ministry and is a great example of continued faithfulness to the Lord. He challenged our men about the importance of living a balanced life between, work, worship, rest and relationships.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… And Samuel told him [Saul], “Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord has anointed you king of Israel.” 1 Samuel 15:17 NLT

We like Saul of old have to decide how we are going to live our lives as followers of Christ. How we view ourselves, will determine our obedience to the Lord, our effectiveness and our level of joy. As those who are “new creations” in Christ, we have to consistently fight gravitational pull to view ourselves and to take actions based on our natural inclinations instead of by faith living in the new identity and power that Christ makes available to each of us.

The verse above is a rebuke to Saul by the prophet Samuel when Saul failed to completely follow the Lord’s directions to destroy the Amalekites. It is interesting how the prophet tied Saul’s view of himself to his lack of moral courage and leadership. Regardless of Saul’s background, his family of origin, his natural abilities or personality, he was now the King of Israel and he had an obligation to conduct himself according to His God anointed and empowered position.

Having served in elected office, I find myself identifying with Saul. When I served in the State House I recall one of my colleagues commenting how “we are viewed as ‘special’ but we are just regular people.” The challenge of leadership on whatever level is to have humility but also to understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with the job or calling. It has been observed, “the higher the calling, the fewer the choices.”

Consider Saul. When Samuel first met him and announced the Lord had chosen him he said,  “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe!” (1 Samuel 9:21 NLT) When it came time for Samuel to anointed Saul, he was found hiding.

As Saul was anointed, we read that “he was changed into a different person.” The Lord would provide Saul with the strength, wisdom, and ability needed to be God’s leader if he would trust in the Lord’s anointing and not his human abilities.

But Saul was plagued by his deep-seated insecurities. We see it reflected in his anger. We see it reflected in his “fear of man” and his lack of courage to take a stand and exert strong leadership at the right time.

As Saul was waiting for Samuel to come offer a sacrifice before going to battle he became fearful and impatient. “Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. So he demanded, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself.” (1 Samuel 13:8,9 NLT)

In his battle with the Amalekites, he kept the king alive and some of the best livestock to “offer to the Lord. He denied his disobedience and then finally admitted, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.” (1 Samuel 15:24 NLT)

As I consider our own lives I think of New Testament admonitions such as, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV)

We can choose to live in our own strength or to live by faith and in the power of God’s Spirit. When we surrender to Christ, His Holy Spirit comes into us and changes us into a new person. We can live by His Spirit, trusting in the Lord’s sufficient grace, knowing He will help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

I spent most of today at a training related my City Council role. Tomorrow at our Men’s Breakfast at Timberline Church we will have Dr. Jim Diehl as our guest. Dr. Diehl is a former Pastor of the well-known Denver First Church of the Nazarene and a Superintendent for his denomination. He is over 80 and still active in speaking in churches and conferences around the country.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry…And the Lord made the people afraid of Saul’s anger, and all of them came out together as one.” 1 Samuel 11:6-7 NLT

The verse above describes Saul’s first act as a newly anointed King of Israel. Saul is stepping forward to rescue the town of Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites by calling the men of Israel to go with him into battle. Since we know the history of Saul, I couldn’t help notice the reference to Saul’s “anger.”

Anger is a normal human emotion. It has been observed that it is not by itself good or bad. It is how we use it and what we do with it. Anger can be a powerful motivator and it can be a destructive force. In the verses above we see the Lord allowed Saul’s anger to show the people that he was serious about the situation that was being faced by their fellow Israelites, he was angry with the enemy of God’s people and they needed to respond.

However, we see Saul’s “sanctified” anger early in his life became his Achilles heel in his later years. We read how Saul responded with anger and jealousy after David killed Goliath and the dancing maidens attributed greater victories to David than Saul.

We see Saul throwing his spear in anger at David trying to kill him. We see Saul cursing his own son Jonathan in anger when he believed that Jonathan was being more loyal to David than him.  It was Saul’s anger that allowed him to hunt David like an animal in an attempt to secure his kingdom.

It is interesting that scripture talks about how an “evil spirit” tormented Saul. I have observed in my years the connection between uncontrolled anger in some individuals and spiritual bondage. Anger in this way is used for punishment, manipulation, and control. Like Saul, it often comes out of a very insecure individual. I was able to see this in my own mother in spite of her strong spiritual commitment.

Psychologist tells us anger is a “secondary” emotion. It arises out of fear, hurt or frustration. Scripture admonishes us to “be angry and sin not.” (Ephesians 4:26) We are reminded that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20 ESV) Anger is one of the “works of the flesh” that Paul says as Christ-followers we are “put off.” “…now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.” (Colossians 3:8 NLT) It is interesting how anger often leads to many of the other sins that Paul warns believers about.

Paul goes on and gives us the direction for our life, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone…Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:12,15 NIV)

We can’t do in ourselves or for ourselves what the Lord alone can do in us and for us. The Lord can help us use our anger and keep our anger from controlling us. He can help us recognize the underlying reasons for our anger and deal with the fear, hurt or frustration that is fueling our emotions. And when our anger gets the best of us we can find forgiveness from the Lord and others as we respond in humility.

Today I had my appointment with Dr. Blatt, a neurosurgeon. He reviewed my medical history and did an exam before reading the MRI results. Debbie and I appreciated the fact that he did not push any particular treatment, but left the decision up to us. It seemed obvious from his explanation that surgery was the best option to relieve the pressure off my nerve. I am confident from what others have shared that this can be a key to my continued recovery. He is working on scheduling surgery in about two weeks. Thank you for your continued prayers.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call on my name. All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they follow their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes.” Isaiah 65:1,2 NLT

There are words of an old hymn that says, “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

There is nothing sadder than missed opportunities or ignoring help and a better life than one is experiencing. We see that the Lord stands ready to respond to those who call out to Him, especially those who know Him and feel distant from Him.

Earlier in Isaiah, we read “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” (Isaiah 55:6,7 NLT)

I recall Jesus’ words when He told His disciples, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

The invitation is clear, the Lord’s response is clearly assured. The Lord stands more ready to forgive and respond than we are to ask and to seek. The failure of God’s people to respond to Him creates a heartache and sense of regret for the Lord who loves us and cares for us and desires the best for us.

Consider these words, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:18 NIV)

As Jesus prepared to ride into Jerusalem he paused and wept, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34 NIV)

It is incumbent upon us to keep our focus on the Lord. We can become so easily distracted by the cares of the world, the priorities of the world and soon seem that the Lord is distant and removed. However, the Lord stands ready to respond, when we are ready to call on Him.

When a parent holds out their arms to their child, they anticipate a willing and eager response from their children. We need to understand that the Lord is holding out His arms to us. Let’s be quick to respond confident in His love, seeking Him and being found by Him.

I had my MRI on my back today. My neurologist called this evening to talk to Debbie and me. He told me I have a severely herniated disc in my lower back. He wants me to see a surgeon as soon as possible. So continue to pray for wisdom as we move forward with an appointment this next week. At the Northern Colorado National Day of Prayer Breakfast yesterday, County Commissioner Tom Donnelly presented a “Day of Prayer” proclamation on behalf of the County Commissioners.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY... “For the Kingdom of God…[is] living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” Romans 14:17-19 NLT

Yesterday was the annual National Day of Prayer.  The theme was “unity” taken from Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Many are decrying the divisions in our nation, while at the same time declaring that our strength is in our “diversity.”

That is not what God’s Word teaches us. It teaches us that strength is in unity. We can list and focus on how different we are all day long and in so many ways. That approach does not accomplish anything of value. It tends to focus our attention on ourselves. A victim mentality or a false sense of superiority dominates. Competition between individuals and groups diminishes any meaningful accomplishment.

True progress takes place when in spite of our differences, we join together in acceptance of each other and respect and seek to achieve a common goal.

We see in Psalms that it is in unity the Lord commands his blessing. (Psalm 131) Much of Paul’s letters carry themes of unity. As I read Romans 14 today, I noticed the admonition to accept others regardless of differences. Paul is saying, “don’t major on the minor issues, keep the main thing the main thing.” For Paul, the main thing was loving God, declaring the gospel and honoring each other so they could grow in God’s grace.

In 1 Corinthians 12, At the foundation of Paul’s instructions on spiritual gifts is the importance of unity. Paul’s call to accept, honor and forgive each other is to promote unity. The Corinthian church was one of the most divided, contentious groups of believers in the first century. They had their favorite spiritual leader, they valued certain gifts over others, they defended their “rights” to the point of seeking a secular resolution to matters involving the church.

Jesus told His disciples that the world would know they were His followers by the love they showed one another. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one. Unity is reflected in the Godhead and it is to be reflected in God’s people.

Unity is a fundamental principle, that is seen in human activities and endeavors. I think of the Tower of Babel. This monumental anti-God building effort was attributed to a unified effort of the people of the world. Hitler united a fractured Germany following World War I and was marching his way to world domination when the unity of the allied forces defeated his armies in World War II. A united effort resulted in landing a man on the moon in less than 10 years in the 1960’s.

The Philidelphia Eagles, victors in the 2018 Superbowl had a team mantra, “An individual makes a difference, a team makes a miracle.” In politics when there is unity great things can be accomplished for the good of a state or nation. When there is political stalemate big problems are left unsolved and often become worse.

We are constantly reminded of the differences in our world and how diverse people and groups can be and all the points of differences that exist. The true miracle is that regardless of that reality there is love, honor, acceptance, and unity. When that is present there is peace, God is pleased and great things take place. May the church be living example of this reality.

This last weekend I spoke at Journey Church in Strasburg. It has been almost 30 years (I thought 40 – glad I’m not that old yet) since we left this community. It was good to connect with a few folks who still remembered our days as young parents and rookie pastors. This Friday I have an MRI on my back and an injection into my hip. These tests are intended to see if there are other issues contributing to my pain that has been hindering my mobility.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY.… “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.” Romans 1:18,19 NLT

The last part of Romans 1 reads like a description of our modern culture. It is easy to focus on the description of the moral decline and blatant acts of sin. But this time as I came to this chapter my attention was directed toward the root of the issue. Suppressing the truth. Just as suppressed emotions manifest in unrelated and unexpected ways, so does suppressing the truth.

We see it in many ways in scripture and in our day. There is a denial of truth. “Truth” is viewed as relative. Like art, it is in the “eye of the beholder.” You have your “truth” – I have mine, goes the modern thought. It is all subjective.

When we attempt to deny what we know is real it has a direct impact on our lives. We ignore the obvious. Paul puts it this way, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Romans 1:20 NLT)

People then create their own “god” – their own “truth” instead of accepting the truth about the Creator. “…instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.” (Romans 1:23 NLT)

It has been said, “he who believes in nothing will fall for anything.” Paul puts it this way, “They traded the truth about God for a lie.” (Romans 1:2 NLT) That “lie” resulted in living life according to the dictates of human nature, lusts, and desires. That downward path leads to moral decline, perversion and more and more evil behavior. This list is descriptive and exhaustive:

 ^“Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.” (Romans 1:29-31 NLT)

The hardness of their hearts is reflected in actions that spurn remorse or conviction. “They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” (Romans 1:32 NLT)

The last part of this verse reminds me of a woman I met during my political campaign for the State Senate. She openly admitted to having several abortions and said, “I just can’t seem to keep from getting pregnant.” She went on and told me how she tried to encourage and help teen girls who got pregnant to get an abortion.

To me, there was an obvious denial of the truth about her own actions that she was attempting to cover up by helping other women have abortions. We see this same type of thing in other areas of modern culture. If others are doing what I am doing, it makes me feel better about my actions. Actions that deep down, I know are wrong.

All of this shows the importance of recognizing God’s truth and allowing God’s truth to guard and direct our lives. It is God’s truth (His Word) that brings freedom, life, and light.