We left Fort Collins early this morning to come to Lakewood for our grand kids games. Caed scored three goals in his soccer game as they won. Eliana’s team didn’t fare so well, but they had fun, I think. Meanwhile Riley was riding a scooter and took a spill and hurt his knee. He is in a brace and on crutches and will not be playing in his football game this afternoon. (I think I see a fine coming for a non-football injury). This evening we are looking forward to connecting with Jim and Patsy Kerr. I served with Jim in the State House and Patsy was our bookkeeper at Teen Challenge when I was there.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.” Revelation 4:8 HCSB

There is a lot that we don’t know about heaven and the presence of God; but one thing is certain; it is not quiet. As John is invited to enter an “open door” into the throne room of God. There he observes what is described as “four living creatures.” Their worship before God’s throne is described as continuing “day and night.” They extol the God who “was and is and is coming.”

Next we see twenty-four elders on thrones wearing crowns. These are often viewed as representing the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. They bow down and cast down their crowns and worship saying, “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 HCSB) We see the words extol God as Creator and sustainer of all things. As Revelation unfolds we see the God of creation disrupting His creation through judgments that come on the earth.

As the Lamb takes the scroll from “Him who is seated on the throne” we see more worship erupt. This time it is,  “…many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.” (Revelation 5:11 HSCB)

As the number grows the volume grows as they declare, “The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:11 HCSB)

The final depiction is now,  ^“…every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them…” (Revelation 5:13 HCSB) This growing multitude lift their voices and shout,  “Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13 HCSB)

When Psalms declares, “His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10 HCSB) I’m not sure he could not have grasp all the John one day would see as he experiences his “revelation” of the risen Christ and glories of heaven. From four creatures, to twenty-four elders, to countless angels to “every creature” the anthem of praise reverberates through the corridors of heaven. It grows stronger and stronger and grows in mighty numbers in heaven and on earth.

This picture gives greater meaning to the final words of Psalm 150, “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150:6 HCSB)

Our praise to the Lord today, prepares us for an eternity in His presence. It affords us the opportunity to join an activity on earth that is continually taking place in heaven. If you need a “boost” to your praise life, why not just begin with repeating these declarations found in heaven around God’s throne.

Prayer for today…. Lord, You are worthy of all praise. You are great and do great things. Thank You for redeeming us, giving us life and the promise of a future in Your glorious presence.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!” Psalm 108:1 NLT

Do you have confidence in God? Is that confidence greater than your confidence in yourself, or others or things “just working out?” Confidence is related to a “firm trust.”

How is confidence strengthened? Our confidence is strengthened when we look at God’s Word and see His character and His actions on behalf of His people. The psalmist declares, “For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” (Psalm 108:4 NLT)  Our confidence is strengthened by His promises. Our confidence is strengthened when we understand the final outcome that the Lord has promised and is working out in behalf of His children. David declared, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 NIV)

The Lord is willing to prove Himself to us. When the Lord confronts His people through Malachi about their faithfulness in the tithe, He says, “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. “ (Malachi 3:10 NIV)

Using a different imagery we see the invitation, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV) Our faith in God to act on our behalf, is honored by the Lord and His response to our need in turn results in greater confidence in Him.

The bottom line is, confidence in God results in abundant, heart-felt praise. The psalmist ties his praise with all of his “heart” directly to His confidence in God. Praise allows us to give thanks. Praise allow us to honor the Lord for who He is and what He is able to do. Praise allow us to express our faith that God is, “working in [us] you, giving [us] you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, there is nothing more important than to place our confidence in You and to allow that to be the motivation and inspiration of our heart-felt praise. Allow our praise to You to be consistent, joyous and filled with faith.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him…But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…” Malachi 3:17; 4:2 HCSB

One of the greatest struggles of faith can be addressing the issue, “is it worth it?” Does faithfulness and obedience to the Lord make a difference. When the lives of the “wicked” and rebellious seem to be ones of ease compared to the faithful, it tests ones resolve and commitment. We see this issue throughout scripture; from God’s people in Malachi to the psalmist in Psalm 73.

God’s people offer this complaint, “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.” (Malachi 3:14,15 HCSB)

What the Lord wants people to understand is, that the way things appear it not the way they really are and the way they will end. There is hope and a future for those who are faithful to the Lord.

Today I was in a meeting with a couple of former legislative colleagues, who had visited my in intensive care. As we talked, we discussed how grateful we are when we “escape death” but at the same time the great future there is for us in eternity in the Lord’s presence.

In Malachi we see two great declarations about those who commit themselves to be faithful followers of Christ. They are described as, “…those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name” –  and “you who fear My name…”(Malachi 3:16; 4:2 HCSB)

The first assurance is that God’s faithful will be a “special possession” and those to whom the Lord will show compassion. This is set in contrast to the destiny of the wicked and rebellious. The Lord says, “So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:18 HCSB)

The second assurance is related to the “Day of the Lord.” A time when the ultimate consummation of God’s plan of redemption for mankind and the world takes place. That day is described as, “burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble.” (Malachi 4:1 HCSB) But in contrast, “for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…”

That declaration reminds me of Revelation 21:4 (HCSB) “Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.” 

The challenge in Malachi’s day and in our day is for “those who fear the Lord” to remain, focused, to remain faithful, knowing the Lord is with us and has prepared a future for His “special possessions.”

Prayer for today… Lord, for those who are weary or struggling in their faith and commitment, allow them to be recipients of Your divine strength and encouragement. For those who have faltered allowed them to recommit to “staying the course.” Thank You for the helping us keep our focus, like Jesus, on the “prize set before us.” (Heb. 12:2)

This morning I traveled to Denver with my “energy team” members for a meeting. We took time to tour the capitol before returning back to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you ask: “How have You loved?”…where is your fear of Me? says Yahweh of Hosts to you priests, who despise My name.” Yet you ask: “How have we despised Your name?” Malachi 1:2,6 HCSB

Malachi is the last book of the Bible. There is not indication in the text about the author or the time frame of the prophetic words. Much of the book is like a “conversation with God.” Perhaps an “argument with God.” There are a series of questions that Lord puts back to His people; questions they ask when confronted with their behavior. Have you ever been confronted about something and your response is, “what do you mean?!” or “How am I doing that?” Questions in this context reveals a defensive posture, not one of repentance or openness.

The first question puts “God on trial.” The Lord says, “I have loved you” and the people ask, “How?!” The Lord responds by reminding how He choose Jacob and treated him and his offspring with favor.

Next the Lord confronts the priests about their lack of honor and respect. The ask, “How have we despised you?” The Lord responds in pointing out that the sacrifices the offer would not even be acceptable to  human governor, let alone the God of the universe. They offered less than the best, they were going through the motions, but not fulfilling their obligation.

The Lord’s complaint against His people is, “you cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning, because He no longer respects your offerings or receives them gladly from your hands.” The people respond, “For what reason?” (Malachi 2:13,14 HCSB) The Lord points out their unfaithfulness in marriage and practice of divorce and injustice.

The next complaint, “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?”  The Lord responds, When you say, “Everyone who does what is evil is good in the Lord’s sight, and He is pleased with them,” or “Where is the God of justice?” (Malachi 2:17 HCSB)

The next exchange is combined, “Since the days of your fathers, you have turned from My statutes; you have not kept them. Return to Me,and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Hosts. But you ask: “How can we return?” “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!” You ask: “How do we rob You?” “By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions….” (Malachi 3:7,8 HCSB)

God’s people had become so insensitive to their situation they didn’t realize that the way back to God was to stop their actions which reveal disobedience and rebellion and to begin to do what the Lord had instructed. It is like the resurrected Christ speaking to the Church of Ephesus, “Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5 HCSB)

The final exchange is this, “Your words against Me are harsh,” says the Lord. Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?” You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?  So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate.” (Malachi 3:13,14 HCSB)

Toward the end of the book we see the proper response results in God’s promise of blessing, privilege and peace,  ^“At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name.  “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:16-18 HCSB)

In all these exchanges we see that the Lord knows our ways, He knows our doubts and questions and even points of resistance. He reveals where His people have missed the mark and shows that path toward correction. In the end a proper response results in those who are responsive and obedient being a “special possession” and objects of “compassion.”

Prayer for today…. Lord forgive us when we become defensive to Your correction. Enable us to be quick to respond and make corrections, that we may walk in Your light and live in Your blessing.

I am glad to have more energy today than yesterday. I commented to a fellow Rotarian, I’m way to young to have “good days and bad days.” This afternoon I am at Timberline Church for a couple of hours as the “Pastor on call.” This evening I have the opportunity to share my West Nile Story at a Fort Collins Rotary Club.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” Psalm 107:13 NLT

We can observe in scripture and in our own lives, the Lord is available, gracious and responsive to our needs. This verse above occurs four times in this psalm. It arrested my attention because I can recall many times in my life when my simple prayer was, “help, Lord!”

That simple prayer reveals  a cry of desperation. This is not a “meal-time” prayer. This is a prayer for one who is “going down for the third time.” Far too often, we wait far to long before we turn to the Lord for help. But even then, the Lord does not forsake; He hears and He responds.

The condition that brings this cry is desperate. God’s people were in distress our trouble for a variety of reasons. The first occurrence describes this condition, “Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and  homeless.  Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died.” (Psalm 107:4,5 NLT)

Next we see desperation because, “They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell, and no one was there to help them.” (Psalm 107:11,12 NLT)

Next we see trouble because of the consequences of sin. “Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins. They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door.” (Psalm 107:17,18 NLT)

Then we see trouble on the seas as they were “plying their trade.” “Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.” (Psalm 107:26,27 NLT)

In each situation God rescues from desperate circumstances. It wasn’t two out of four times, or three out of four times, each time they cried, the Lord rescued. Whether the trouble was due to circumstances beyond their control or due to their own rebellion and failures. Regardless of the source of the trouble; whether you are a “victim” of circumstances or created the circumstances for your trouble, if you cry to the Lord for help, He will rescue.

Consider the Lord’s response in each circumstance: “He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live….He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains…He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death…He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.” (Psalm 107:7,14,20,29 NLT)

The first and last verses of this psalm are filled with powerful meaning. The first gives this admonition, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!…” (Psalm 107:1,2 NLT) The Lord is good, even when we are not good and our circumstances are not good. He is faithful in His love. The question of the psalmist is an important one to asked yourself. “Has the Lord redeemed you?” Then say something! Say something to God in praise and to others in witness.

In the final verse we read, “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43 NLT) As you review your life and take to heart the Lord’s intervention and deliverance, you will be able to see in your history the “faithful love of the Lord.”

Prayer for today… Lord thank You that you hear our cry in the desperation of our circumstances. Regardless of what they are and the reason they have occurred. We stand in awe of Your faithful love. Help us to reflect on our own history so we can see how you saved us in our distress.

I think I found myself recovering from a busy weekend. Today was filled with a dentist appointment, fitness center work out massage. Normally that would be a day off for me or for you! Talk about adjusting to a new paradigm of life! I have thought recently, if my situation was one of being dependent upon the need for crutches to ambulate, but having the strength and energy I was use to, it would seem like I was experiencing just a “minor” adjustment in life. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the progress I have made and am making, but wanted share a little personal insight.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So he gave them what they asked for…” Psalm 106:13-15 NLT

We live in a “microwave” culture and instant gratification society. We expect things to happen quickly and often grow impatient with the process. Perhaps that applies to spending and saving discipline, perhaps it applies to a pastor’s expectations for “church growth.” It can apply to a long waited promotion or raise, it can apply to changes we would like to see in ourselves or others. It can apply to a achieving a personal goal. But what happens when we grow impatient with God?! What happens when God isn’t talking, isn’t acting and we find ourselves waiting and growing weary?

The history of God’s people in the Old Testament becomes all to often a mirror for our lives today. The mistakes and sins they committed, are often replicated down to our present day. The questions they asked and the frustrations they experience are reflected in our lives today.

Psalm 105 and 106 are palms that retrace the history of God’s people. The Lord did great miracles to bring them out of captivity and to set them on course to the promised land. But the trek from “here” to “there” wasn’t a straight, trouble-free journey. They had to learn to trust God, obey God and wait on God. From their history we can observe…

When we become impatient with God it results in a “short memory.” After all the might miracles in Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea and turning bitter water sweet, it seemed God’s people felt like God has exhausted His powers. Did they believe the miracles had dried up like the desert sand? Had they become so familiar with the miraculous, they failed to see God in the mundane?

We can fail prey to the same “take-it-for-granted” mindset. We are thankful for the intervention of God’s divine power in supernatural ways, but can we be mindful of His presence in the daily affairs of our life. Our pastor recently presented the thought that when we get to heaven, we may become aware of God’s intervention in ways that we never knew that was happening in this life.

When we become impatient with God, we take matters into our own hands. If we don’t have God’s counsel, we rely on our own understanding instead of trusting and waiting on the Lord. We see things from our limited perspective and take actions that make us our own “god.”

For example, “The people made a calf at Mount Sinai they bowed before an image made of gold. They traded their glorious God for a statue of a grass-eating bull. They forgot God, their savior…” (Psalm 106:19-21 NLT) 

An animal that eats grass, produces mile and provides meat, now become a god that people bow down to and worship and seek guidance from. That is a far reach from the God who created the universe that commands the sun, parts waters and displays His awesome power and glorious might. But any time we choose anything but God, we are settling for so much less, it might as well be an animal that we control and use for our purposes.

When we become impatient with God, He will allow us to have our own way. Contrary to the desires of many  God doesn’t keep us from our own stupidity and actions. We can make decisions out of God’s will for our life. When we do it has consequences. In the wilderness the craving of meat by God’s people resulted in a miraculous supply of quail. But they ate to their own destruction as God’s judgment came on the people. One of the most dangerous places to be is to live life outside of desiring the Lord’s presence, guidance and provision.

Prayer for today… Lord, help us to have the patience that we need to wait for You to “speak,” to wait for you to act. May we always place You at the forefront of our lives and trust You, even when there is no evidence of Your actions. Remind us that You are “always at work” (John 5:17), even when we don’t see it or understand how it is taking place.

Today, I conducted the chapel service a Mackenzie. Our friends Val and Di McDaniel came from Aurora to join us. Jerry and Virginia Pippen helped with the music. What a delightful time we had not only during the service, but during the meal later. We ended our morning with Jerry playing the grand piano in the lobby.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.”  Psalm 105:17-19 NLT

Psalm 105 is a review of God’s provision for His people throughout their history. From the time of Abraham to the fulfillment of bringing them to the promised land. We can observe that God’s plan and God’s timing go hand in hand.

The Lord knew that He would bring Abraham’s seed through Jacob to inherit the land of Canaan, but how and when that would take place took hundreds of years and a chain of events. Part of that was a famine in Canaan that forced Jacob’s children to Egypt. But before that took place God prepared to send Joseph ahead to provide for Jacob and his children and their families.

What is interesting is how the Lord through visions, prepared Joseph for a role that he didn’t know how it would happen and when. The words of Psalm 105 reveal that before the Lord fulfills the dream, he prepared the “dreamer.”

The preparation that Joseph went through involved hardship and events that on the surface seemed to signal his dreams were just that; dreams, not a prophetic future. The events that seemed to bring an end to the dreams, were the path for the dreams to be fulfilled. At the time when it seemed that the Lord had forsaken Joseph, God was working on developing and revealing Joseph’s character so that he could be a leader God could trust.

Paul wrote the Corinthians,  “…it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV) That faithfulness is proven in good times and in bad. The test that Joseph went through proved to himself as well as the Lord that he had the character that was needed to take on not only the life saving leadership for his family, but for a nation.

Joseph as a youth had a dream about his family bowing before him, but because of his character development through hardship, rejection and unjust treatment, an entire nation bowed before him. God is able to expand our dreams and our influence even beyond what we dream.

Perhaps that is the greatest of God Paul was referring to when he wrote, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV) Do we settle for less, because we only envision what we can dream, instead of  seeing what God can do for us beyond our imagination? I believe we can see that happening with Joseph. 

Remember…

• Don’t give up on dreams.
• Understand that trials and difficulties can be “character developing” events that Lord can use.
• God in His plan can take us beyond our dreams and expectations

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for working in our lives according to Your time and ways. Help us to understanding You are more interested in our character than our achievements. Help us to know that when You are directing our lives, our dreams become expanded as we trust in You and yield to Your work in our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” Zechariah 14:8,9 HCSB

In the natural world and in the spiritual world “water” is associated with life. In the quest to discover “life” in outer space, one of the first signs is if there is the chemical components or signs of water. It is interesting how water…flowing rivers and “living” water is tied to the Lord’s plan of redemption for mankind and the earth.

Zechariah’s prophesy ends with a glimpse of not only Israel’s future redemption, but the ultimate redemption of the world. We see words that related to the sacrifice of Christ in chapter 13. Words like, “Strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered…” (Zechariah 13:7 HCSB) We see this fulfilled when Jesus was arrested in the garden.

Yet in chapter 14 we see the prophet looking to a time yet to come. “A day of the Lord” when great signs in the earth will take place. The regular order will be upset, a great earthquake and the imagery of water flowing out of Jerusalem, to the east and the west.

Ezekiel saw a vision of a future time when water would flow from God’s Temple. It becomes a raging river, making bitter water, sweet and bringing life. Ezekiel says, “…so everything will live where the river goes.” (Ezekiel 47:9 ESV)

The “river” of God is the life source for everything. Even in creation we read of the river that started in Eden. “A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.” (Genesis 2:10 ESV) I find it interesting and not without coincidence that the picture of a river flowing from the focal point of creation and God’s presence is seen in the creation of the earth and in the new Jerusalem and the new earth.

This what John saw, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1,2 ESV)

Jesus promises to be that source of life, refreshment and restoration for all who believe in Him. He told the woman at the well, “…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 ESV) 

During the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus declared to all, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37,38 ESV)

Throughout the Bible we see these references to rivers and life giving water. In Jesus words the great prospect is that we can not only experience the life flow of the Lord’s presence, but we can become a source of refreshing and life to others.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your gracious provision of life. Allow us to always stay close to You and to receive from You all that You have for us and to vw channels of Your life flow to others.