July 4, 2017

I'm in a delightful neighborhood in Greeley, CO, visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.  Last night the sky was filled with beautiful colors as neighborhood families celebrated our national Independence Day, and the City of Greeley put on quite a show.  The explosions and noise went on well past midnight in our neighborhood.  I was glad that I didn't hear the sound of emergency vehicles, which often accompanies such celebrations.  What I did hear, despite the late hour, was the sounds of wonder, laughter, friendship, and revelry.

It made me think about my own wonderful family.  I am grateful to be part of multiple families!  My sons are married to wonderful women, joining us to two new families.  My daughter is getting married to a wonderful man, and we'll be joined to yet another family.  When I married Cathy 43 years ago, I became part of another family.  (Her family was the first group of people I met that enjoyed true family values.)  Our family values are posted on our family room wall.  (God first, love well, forgive quickly, praise often, walk the talk.)  I began to think about the people that founded this country in the 1600s, and established the values that led to the Declaration of Independence and eventually to our Constitution.  It was their family values that formed the basis of what they believed and how they acted.

Men like Patrick Henry, a true patriot, made an impact on history.  He is noted for his famous statement:  "Give me liberty, or give me death!"  Few remember his other quotes and wisdom.  Here is one that our revisionist colleges and present government have worked hard to erase:  “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!  For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”  Where did he learn to think like that?  If you look at the founding statements of the colleges of that era you will easily discover that our universities and colleges were very different back then.  For instance:  Harvard’s requirements declared:  “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus which is eternal life, John 17:3, and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.”  Yale–a college “for the liberal and religious education of suitable youth”–required:  “Seeing God is the giver of all wisdom, every scholar, besides private or secret prayer . . . shall be present morning and evening at public prayer.”  Princeton produced nearly one-third of the two hundred-plus Founding Fathers, including men like President James Madison and Signers of the Declaration Benjamin Rush and John Witherspoon.  The founding statement of Princeton University in 1746 set forth its educational philosophy:  “Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ!”

Under British law, slavery was permitted in the colonies.  Did you know that Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush spoke against slavery?  Our declaration declares that all men are created equal!  When British authorities demanded they stop talking abolition (ending slavery, for those of you who don't know that word), those two worthy men founded the first abolitionist society in Boston.  These were brave men who believed that God's word (the Bible) was the standard by which all men should be governed and treated.  Our constitution is based on that belief, though many modern day historians would have us believe otherwise.

You may well ask the question:  Why?  If one takes God and His incomparable Word out of government, out of science, out of ethics, one can do whatever one wants without consequence.  That is why.  Men want to silence those who believe in the one true God, and follow His Word, practice His principles, because then there are no consequences for sin.  We don't talk much about sin.  It is not a pleasant subject.  Those who follow Jesus know that they are sinners, saved by grace, and that there is nothing worthy within them deserving of that salvation.  Man doesn't like to admit that he is not worthy.  I know I don't.  But I do know the truth.  I am a sinner.  My only claim is the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross.

I am proud that our founding fathers attempted this great task, of forming a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, set upon the standards of Scripture, so that all men could and should be treated with respect and dignity.  Being a realist, Understand that we are all sinners, and therefore capable of some pretty awful acts of cruelty, debauchery, and immorality, I accept that we often get it wrong.  The underlying principles are there!  So I celebrate our independence!  Celebrating the amazing men who dared risk so much to create a government designed to protect the rights and privileges of mankind, I applaud them, and rejoice that such worthy examples were set for us to follow.  Our country will never be perfect, no man will ever be perfect.  Yet we can do our best to achieve our highest moral values, live in such a way that other people are respected and treated with dignity, speak and act accordingly.  Yes!  I am proud to be an American.

In a way, we are all part of a huge family.  Every American should treat every other individual he or she meets, as a person worthy of respect, honor, and dignity, as part of his or her family.  Just like every family member has flaws, every culture has flaws.  Yet we can live together in peace and harmony if we recognize that God loved every human being so much He gave His only Son.  How much is one drop of Jesus' blood worth?  There is no treasure great enough to pay for just one drop.  He died for every man on this earth.  How much, then, is every individual worth?  Let's make an effort this year to remember the worthiness of our neighbors, the people that live in our communities, and in our country.  I believe we can make this a country of which to be proud!  

In the Spirit's Power

In any given moment, whatever the circumstances, I want the Lord Jesus to know that I trust Him completely.  When I am at peace and my heart is thankful, I am saying to Him:  "I love You, Lord Jesus."  To walk blamelessly before Him has nothing to do with me, or my circumstances.  Always and forever it is about Jesus.  His blood cleanses me and makes me blameless, not something I do, neither some sacrifice on my part, nor some effort I make.  So, what exactly is my part in all of this?

Wrestling with this question, I am driven to Psalm 119.  With the Psalmist my heart cries out to God:  "Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!"  Figuring out what that looks like should not be difficult!  Why then, so very often, do I get confused and miss the mark?  I try to do His work in the power of my flesh rather than that of the Holy Spirit!  That is why I fail, why my church fails, and why the global church fails.

In his letter to the believers in Ephesus Paul writes:  "Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father, and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ."  (Ephesians 5:15-21 NASB)

Have you ever asked:  "What is God's will for my life?"  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives the answer!  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  Isn't the warning in verse 19 interesting?  "Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances."

Now I know what it looks like to do things in the power of the spirit.  In any given moment my heart will be full of joy, I will be connected to Jesus, and my lips will be able to pour out thanks, even when nothing seems to be going right!  What exactly will be going correctly?

My Lord will receive recognition and glory, and I will mean nothing because He means everything.  I so often get in the way!  People will know that Jesus is real, that He is active in touching lives and acting in history when they see men and women who in any given moment, regardless of circumstances, exhibit peace and a thankful heart.  As long as I allow the Holy Spirit to fill me with joy, stay connected to Jesus through prayer, and remain thankful, He can use me to change my world.

My eternal Lord Jesus is extraordinary.  His love is perfect, and in His love there is no fear.  I can do extraordinary things when I allow Him to do them through me.  When I follow Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to control me, I will not seek to live conservatively or safely, but to courageously share His truth and love.

Lord Jesus!  Let the eyes of my heart be enlightened, so that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in me, and what is the surpassing greatness of Your power toward me, because I believe in You! This is in accordance with the working of the strength of Your might, Father, which You brought about in Christ, when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come!  This is my prayer. 

From my beloved wife of 43 years to my littlest granddaughter Sutter Grace I have been blessed with many "darling valentines" and wish to express to all of them something special on this day.

Cathy, my love, I begin with you.  I can still remember the jolt I felt in my inner being when I first met you!  Your sweet kisses still linger on my lips and in my memories; from that first icy cold kiss in Chicago to our sweet kiss goodbye this morning in the kitchen.  I love you more every day, though that just doesn't seem possible!  You remain, and will always be, my true love, best friend, wisest counselor, and dearest companion.

Serena, my dear sweet daughter, you bless my life with laughter and your own special brand of sweetness mixed with hilarious sarcasm and wit.  Thank you.  I'm thrilled this valentine's day to see you enjoying it so much.

Tawny and Savanna, my wonderful daughters-in-law, I would say I'm speechless, but neither of you would believe that, so I'll be honest.  Finding words to express how much you have blessed our lives isn't easy.  Both of you are such loving wives and mothers I am often deeply moved as I observe you in person, and see the things you post on line.  Thank you for adding so many blessings to our lives.

Bristol, Brighton, and Sutter Grace!  Grandpa and Grandma love you very much.  I wish I could hold each one of you on my lap today and just give you hugs and kisses.  My arms aren't long enough to reach to Colorado, so just pretend I'm hugging you!  Happy Valentine's day!

I can't forget my sister, Elaine, and my Niece, Tami Rae.  Happy Valentine's day you two very special ladies.  

Intentional Change

Not being one to make New Year's resolutions I do contemplate each month what I want to change about myself.  It takes at least thirty days to form a habit, and so I am intentional about finding an area for improvement and growth, and concentrating on that for a month until I have formed the habits I believe will help me be more successful.  With each change, I also write a mantra, a motto for the month.

January's mantra is simple.  Gratitude is the attitude that brings altitude to my life.  When Harvard University was founded Harvard’s requirements declared:  “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus which is eternal life, John 17:3, and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.”  I believe that all foundational wisdom can be discovered in the Bible, and so I began to search for the foundation verses for helping me change, and found them in I Thessalonians 5:12-24.

"But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." (NASB)

How do I use this foundational material to help me change?  My goal is to memorize these verses and repeat them every day, and every time I get frustrated because I want to control things.  God is in control, not me.  I must value those around me, because I cannot inspire anyone that I don't value, nor can I be inspired by anyone I do not value.  Joy is something God has given me, a wonderful gift, and I can experience it if I value every experience, both the good and the bad!  Staying connected to the Lord in prayer is paramount to any change, and being thankful will keep my attitude where it needs to be to achieve altitude.  My focus must be the Lord Jesus, and I must turn to Him every time I feel frustrated because I want to control things, rather than allowing Him to have control.  He has set me apart for His service and He is faithful!

At the end of each day I jot down a record of how I feel I performed in keeping Him as my focus, where I failed, and where I succeeded.  I will journal weekly, from those jots, to remind myself what I need to improve, and giving myself a pat on the back for my successes.  But all of that is useless if I don't share it.  There is power in sharing my journey, both the successes and the failures.  My beloved wife of 43 years is my best friend and confidant, prayer partner, and loving critic and cheerleader.  Sharing with my friends at work is important too.  Some will encourage me, some will politely listen, and those who are negative I will keep at arm's length.

If I value those I work with and under, let God fill me with joy, never disconnect from Him, and thank Him continually I will see change.  Will I fail along the journey?  Often!  Every failure is an opportunity to learn.  Discerning the root cause of my failure and correcting that will strengthen me.

My goal, the end result of this change, is to become a more grateful person on a daily basis.  Notice that I am looking for change daily, not a sudden transformation or reaching my goal by the end of the month.  What I want to do is establish a habit of being more grateful, growing each day.  Being intentional about growing and changing will influence everything.

Pride, a Deadly Sin

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Matthew  20:25-28 NASB

Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and if I have a besetting sin, this is it.  Because I love to write, I will often sit down at my computer and just begin to write, in my pride confident I can do my very best.  Yes, I can get by on giftedness alone, but I cannot do my very best work without first approaching the Throne of Grace, and asking humbly for God to enlighten my mind and give me words to write that will make a difference.  Anything I do without God being involved in it, leading it, taking first place, is an empty conceit.  How often I will begin something before putting God first.  My love language is affirming words, so I often say and do things to draw attention to myself, rather than letting my light shine so that people see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven.  Pride.  It cripples me.

The beautiful sea turtles you see in these pictures remind me that God is the Creative Genius I need.  The Loggerhead top left is absolutely beautiful.  On the right is a Hawksbill, gliding through the ocean waters with enchanting adroitness.  And to the left is a Green sweeping through the Hawaiian waters with impressive speed and grace.  Could I, with mere words begin to describe the beauty of these sea creatures?  With His help I can do far more credit to His creative genius than I can without his help.

An Eastern Box Turtle, pictured on the right, lives in the woods, and in Indiana as I was growing up I found several of these beautiful turtles.  God designed them so that they are very difficult to find in their natural habitat.  There are dead leaves on the forest floor, and plants that effectively hide these distinctive shells from the casual observer.  Yet in my pride I believe that I can approach a task as if I possessed this creative ability, as if I, in my own power, can successfully accomplish a task apart from His power.  I really hate my pride!  It pops up all the time and strains my relationship with my Savior.  He is so patient and loving, allowing me to struggle until in frustration I finally call out for help.  I'm sixty-four!  One would think that by this time I managed to get a handle on this pride thing.  And so, with a sigh, I must confess once again to the Lord that I acted as if I didn't need Him!  How that must break His heart!  He is so eager for my fellowship, desiring to help me, and all too often I brush off His gentle prodding with my pride.  Forgive me, Lord.  I cannot draw a breath without You!

A dear friend went to be with the Lord yesterday.  When I heard the news I wept for a family now separated from a dear loved one, a wife, mother, and grandmother.  But I was also envious, because her days of struggle are over.  She is with Jesus!  Now, in His presence, she is made perfect, and has the name He reserved for her.  I look forward to that day.  Until then, like you, I struggle on, battling my weakness by memorizing Scripture, praying, and hoping for that glorious future perfection.  Paul told the church in Thessalonica to never disconnect from God, to never cease praying.  Would that I could remember those three simple words!  Never cease praying!  Help me, Father!  

Subtle Changes

I'm obese.  Having been a body builder, involved in sports, I know the disciplines for losing weight.  Diet and exercise are both necessary.  Yes, it is my fault that I am obese, and yes, I'm doing something about it.  But losing weight when you're past sixty is a bit more difficult than many realize.  Be that as it may, I have noticed a difference in medical treatment.  Constantly I get the subtle message from my doctor that because I'm obese, I'm not worth taking the extra effort.  Is that truth, or perception, or both?  I'm inclined to think both!

Recently California passed the suicide assisted bill, allowing people to choose death over life.  I've called that bill the sewer side bill since its inception.  Why?  Because life is not something to be flushed down the sewer, and that is exactly what that bill allows!  Obviously it won't stop there.  How soon before Capitol Hill decides there's not enough money to support Social Security, so all those on Social Security should be euthanized?  They will find a way to identify people who are retired as worthless and useless, a drain on the economy.  I do not doubt that soon the medical profession will devise a simple pill to take to have a painless death.

There are many who would argue that this is most humane!  Why wouldn't we offer a painless death to someone?  Because life is precious.  If you want to measure the preciousness of life, answer this question:  What is the value of one drop of Jesus' blood?  Am I correct when I say that He shed His precious blood for all mankind?  Did He not say that He came to give life, and to give it abundantly?  Does the Psalmist record that every day ordained for him was written in a book before there was one of them? (Psalm 139:16)  How angry will He become when our physicians begin helping people die?

But what about people who are suffering?  That's a legitimate question.  I hate suffering, and I don't want to suffer.  But what if in the midst of all the suffering I find His perfect will and purpose?  What if that is what He uses to show Himself to me as my most intimate friend and provider?  There are many who were martyred who suffered terribly, yet through the entire experience their faith remained steadfast, and their testimony touches lives even today.  I guess the real question is:  Will I accept what God allows in my life, or will I try to avoid His desire.  In reality I often do try to avoid His desire.  Those choices always lead to unpleasant consequences.

Am I less because I'm obese?  If I lose all the weight, what real difference will it make?  My quality of life might be better.  We'll see.  But I will still be me, a human being for whom Christ died, and therefore worthy.  In the end it is not what I've accomplished that sets me apart, how many friends I have, whatever legacy I leave, how much money I made, or how many books I wrote that were published.  What will set me apart is that Jesus died for me!  Me!  My one and only claim is the blood of Jesus!  All glory, power, majesty, authority, and honor is His.  I am His. Whatever I face, I can face because He lives.

I fear that the battle for the dignity and value of human life is long lost in our culture.  That is our great shame.  Yet I know who I am in Christ, and can with confidence face whatever future there is.  I hope you know Jesus well enough, and intimately enough, to find courage when you need it most.  "Whom have I in heaven but You?  And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.  But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works."  (Psalm 73:25-28)

Vacation Observations

It has rained off and on for the past few days, but not so much it interfered with swimming in the pool, visiting town for the fireworks, or enjoying the lush green and amazing vibrant flowers of Maryland.  This morning I stood outside the back door and listened to the insects, birds, and sounds of the countryside with a deep sense of peace.  We're on vacation, and that means I can take the time to do some things related to my spiritual well-being, refreshing and recharging with my best friend and constant companion, the Lord.  His word has been especially meaningful to me over the past few days and I've experienced his touch on my life in an exciting series of insights.  "God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.  You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.  True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction."  That's the first two verses of Psalm 23 in The Message.  He is always true to me, even when I am not true to Him!

Jill and Rodney live in Mt. Airy, Maryland.  I have always loved coming here and visiting with family, especially the Lehman family.  For the past nine years Serena has lived here, renting a room from Rodney and Jill, and tomorrow we leave for California.  It is a traumatic time for her.  For us as well!  Yet I always know that as long as Jill and Rodney live here I can come and visit.  They know they're welcome in California at our house too!  Any time!  Although I miss the lush plant life and beautiful farms with tall fields of corn waving in the wind, the deer on the side of the road and in clearings during the evenings and night hours, streams, rivers, and lakes everywhere, California is still our home.  Until God moves us it will remain home.

We enjoyed the swimming pool, playing with Ethan and Grant, and their friends, Katherine, Nicole, and Andrew.  The house was full of children and the usual noises that accompany a house full of kids.  We played games, read stories, and enjoyed spending time with the children.  Talking to Jill and Rodney, older relatives we met for dinner one evening, and other family that came to visit on the Fourth was rewarding and sweet, and we will leave with those memories warming our hearts.  Every time I am with my family I thank God that they are part of my life.  None of us are anything more than sinners, saved by grace, but we love the Lord and we love each other, and somehow that's more than enough!

Meeting some of the kids for the first time was a real treasure.  We got to meet Kristyn and Will's son Grayson and daughter Ella was precious.  I told Mom, Aunt Irma, Aunt Gladys, Uncle Charles, and Aunt Ruth that Cathy and I knew we were so blessed because we came from a rich Christian heritage, a family that followed the Lord Jesus and prayed.  We hope to follow that tradition, praying for our children as they grow up.  Our most urgent prayer is that the children will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  These two dear ones so desperately need to know Him, it has become part of my daily prayers.  Will and Kristyn, you are precious!  I know you are great parents and it fills my heart with joy to know these two precious lives will grow up with your love and leadership.  Duane and Teresa, I know how proud of your kids you are, and with reason!  You too were good parents, and set a good example, and I love you for that!

I didn't get a chance to photograph Travis and Judy with little Emmy.  Here Judy is with Teresa and Emma, and I have one I really like of Travis with Emma.  Again, dear and sweet parents with a life to raise and nurture in faith will be challenged with all the difficulties of parenthood.  Yet I have complete faith in these two!  You two are in my prayers, and I was so impressed with what loving parents you two proved to be!  Watching Teresa and Duane with their grandkids was especially sweet.  Cathy and I love our grandkids to distraction, and love them deeply.  We're not perfect, just sinners saved by grace, but we love them as best we can.  Yet both of us know that we need the Lord to help us.  I guess as we all get older we are realizing just what that means!

Tomorrow Serena, Cathy, and I will get in this amazing Kia Soul to begin our trip home to California.  I'm really looking forward to the scenery and discoveries we will make along the way.  But behind us we will leave family that we love.  Yet the Lord Jesus is watching over them, so I needn't worry about what they might face when we're apart.  That doesn't mean I won't worry about it, because we all know I will.  Yet each time I do I will give that concern to the Lord in the knowledge that He is far better at caring for my family than I will ever understand!  What will tomorrow bring?  I don't know!  But He does!  I am anticipating many things tomorrow, but first and foremost is His tender loving care for us. At least of that, I am sure.

He watches over every creature, knows when a turtle scoots off a float into the water, what it eats each day, and though it neither toils nor plans, He cares for it.  Such beauty reminds me that He is a creative genius, His wisdom and power far beyond my understanding.  What will He weave into my life tomorrow as part of His design for my life?  I can't wait to find out.  Yet it is today that I must focus upon.  Today He is touching my life and weaving into it His plans for me.  Will I see them?  I pray that it is so!  So often I get so busy that I miss His touch!  I'm very thankful for vacation!