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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “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

How do individuals accomplish great things for God? How do you respond when called to a great task? As we look over the history of the bible and the Christian faith, we see the Lord has always had those who would be used in significant ways for Him.

We see it from the rise and then passing of the patriarchs of the Old Testament to the death of Christ to the passing of the last apostle and throughout the ages. We can be those who are so focused on the human element of ministry that we question the future of “the”‘ church or “a” church or “a” ministry when a leader who has been used in a significant way passes from the scene.

I have observed the extremes. I can think of those who viewed the effectiveness and reach of their ministry with such a degree of self-importance that they communicated the idea (through attitude or words) that if or when their ministry came to an end somehow the kingdom of God would experience a significant setback.

Then there are those who feel that God was calling them to a great task and their own sense of inadequacy allowed them to hesitate instead of moving forward with confidence and trust in the Lord.

There are few the Lord has used in a more significant way than the Apostle Paul. Yet we see his attitude being one that reflected a complete dependence upon the Lord. Paul realized that “in himself” he was not sufficient for the task. He possessed not special spiritual power. There was nothing in his personality or make up that would allow him to be fight back from a physical death, as well as on-going persecution and hardship to preach the gospel, if the Lord was not giving him the power and strength that was needed.

Paul’s declaration about his sufficiency being in Christ, was not just an expression of humility. It was an expression of dependence and an encouragement to all those whom the Lord would call and use in any way, whether it was viewed as a life of great impact or seeming insignificance.

A saying of old goes something like this, “those the Lord calls, He qualifies.” We can say that the Lord doesn’t use those who are significant or sufficient by virtue of their own giftedness, but those who find in the Lord a source of strength and sufficiency that surprises them and others.

I believe I have found that in my years of life and ministry. I know the Lord has used me and has spoken through me that which was beyond my own intelligence, spiritual development or giftedness.

I recall memorizing the above verse as a teenager. It encouraged me in my walk with the Lord then and it still does today.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank you that You are the One who is the source of our sufficiency in life. What we are able to accomplish for You, comes from You. Help us to remember that so we remain humble and that we remain open, willing and obedient.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”  Jeremiah 31:33,34 ESV

The distinguishing hallmark of Christianity from any other religion or system of belief is relationship. World religions focus on knowledge, they focus on what you are to “do.” They focus on manipulating spiritual forces. Faith in Christ is about not knowledge of God, but “knowing” God in a personal relationship.

Jesus told His disciples, “….I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15 ESV)

In the Old Testament the focus was on what the people were to know “about” God. the focus was on the commandments “written in stone.” But they were never embraced and understood as a path to entering into relationship with this all-powerful, yet merciful God. There was a need for a “reset” – a new approach or understanding.

The Lord would use 70 years of captivity. Back into slavery for God’s people for them to be freed once again into a new beginning. God’s desire was to erase from their hearts their longing for “other gods.” God’s desire was for them to really “know” Him. Not just know “about” Him, but to have a relational a “knowing” that goes beyond distance and reflects closeness and intimacy.

These verse in Jeremiah are a foreshadow of that which would find final and full fulfillment in the cross. That is when the “new covenant” would come into existence through the sacrificial death of Christ as the “Lamb of God.” As the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Relationship is reflected in connection. “I will be their God and they shall be my people.” So often we see the “Old Testament God” as an historic God. We see it in the words, “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” We see in references to “the God of my fathers.” Real change come when the God who one knows about, is the God who forms their personal identity. When “their God” become “my God.”

Relationship is reflected in “knowing.” “….they shall all know me, from the least to the greatest….” We know about historic figures by what others teach us. We know of others that we are not connected to by the words and experiences of others. But when we have a personal relationship with someone, we don’t need someone else to tell us about that person.

Relationship is reflected in forgiveness. “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”  Those we are connected with in relationship are special recipients of our forgiveness and grace. Friends understand. Friends forgive. Friends do not give up on each other.

It took thousands of years, yet still many don’t understand what the Lord has been trying to communicate through the eons. He is a God who is there. He is a God who forgives and invites us to enter into a personal relationships of trust and commitment. He is committed to us. The challenge becomes our commitment to him.

Prayer for today….. Lord thank You for relationship with You. Help us to keep and open heart and to respond to You not from “fear of the unknown” but from truly knowing and living in You.

Christian and Bridget and the grandchildren arrived this morning. We headed to the pool for some “family fun.” Debbie and I returned to our condo unit while the rest of the family enjoyed some of the amenities at the resort. I think we will get our “heat-index” management plan implemented in the coming days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.  Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel!” Jeremiah 31:2,3 ESV

In the 1980’s the “PTL Network” founded by Jim and Tammy Bakker was dominate and on “the top” of the church world. However, ethical and moral issues and financial dealings brought them down and ended top leaders in prison.

Richard Dortch was the Executive President. He tells of receiving a letter from David Wilkerson. The letter was a direct warning against the consequences of the pride that was dominate in the organization and calling for repentance and warning of God’s judgment.

While in prison Richard Dortch received another letter from David Wilkerson. He braced himself as he opened the letter and to his surprise instead of rebuke or condemnation he found reassuring words of mercy, love and a promise for a better future.

Prophets are not known for positive, encouraging words. Like Jeremiah, they are called to caution, warn and call to repentance and warn of judgment. But as rebellious as God’s people were and as serious as their present and immediate future, the Lord still had plans for their future. Even while experiencing the siege from the Babylonians armies and seeing thousands taken into captivity, the Lord gives Jeremiah a look into the future.

The is “good news” for the future from the Lord, “…I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel…..as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring harm, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 31:9,28 ESV)

The Lord promises a future restoration and stability, “I will build you, and you shall be built…Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth…” (Jeremiah 31:4,8 ESV)

The Lord promises to turn mourning into joy and to bring back the “song of Israel.” “Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers…Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.” (Jeremiah 31:4,13 ESV)

The Lord promises a return to fruitfulness. “Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and shall enjoy the fruit.” (Jeremiah 31:5 ESV)

The Lord promises a new heart and a new relationship.  “…this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33 ESV)

God had a hope-filled future in store for his people, but they would not be the same people. They would have their hearts “re-set.” They would come to “know” the Lord in a far greater and personal way than they had known Him in the past. This is the good news from the prophet that would find its ultimate fulfillment in not just a “new” covenant but in the “New Covenant.” In that which is available to all through Christ’s death on the cross.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You not only lead us to a new future, but create in us a new heart. When we “survive” that which can bring confusion and pain we are not only “brought back” but we are “made new.”