The last two nights our friends John and Yvonne Childers have been our guests. In their 70’s they are still “truck’n” for the Lord. For them literally as they travel in their pickup with a camper. We enjoyed breakfast before seeing them off on their journey to Nebraska.

I am basing my thoughts today on a devotional I found while cleaning some files. It was from my time at College Drive Assembly in Colby, KS. I believe it was submitted to the local paper that ran some devotional thoughts from local pastors. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 NIV

“A name you can trust.” That slogan is often used in reference to a business which is promoting its “brand” as being proven over time to be reliable and faithful in the quality of its products or services. In this reference, “name” relates to character, integrity, reliability, consistency that has been developed over a period of time and has been proven.

The Bible contains many names of God. Abraham called God, “The Lord will provide.” God revealed Himself to His people as the, “God who heals.” Gideon who lived in a time of oppression from the Midianites, a hostile nation, knew God as, “The Lord is peace.”

In human relationships, it is easier to entrust our life to those we know and have proven themselves to be faithful friends; those who will come through in difficult times. I certainly found that out during my health crisis. Our lives out of necessity became an “open book” to many. But our confidence in reliable friends made that possible.

The same is true in our relationship with the Lord. David declared from his own experience, “Those who know your name will trust in you.” As you discover who God is and His faithfulness to provide what you need from Him, trust in God will be a consistent part of your life.

David reminds us that those who seek the Lord will be found of Him. The Lord never forsakes those who seek Him. To Lord reminded those who had turned from Him, “…you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord….” (Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV)

Why not discover for yourself who God is and what He can do for you. Do you need provision, healing, peace? Whatever your need, as you seek the Lord in prayer, you will find Him faithful to reveal Himself and to give you confidence that His name….is a name you can trust.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that we can trust in You and the power of Your name. Allow our confidence in You to grow and for us to be quick to seek You for all that we need. 

This morning I enjoyed connecting with my friend, community leader and college instructor Dr. Jose Valdes in  Windsor. This afternoon I participated in my first “FaceBook Live” presentation. This “webinar” format focused on West Nile Virus. It included myself, Dr. Tony Pearson from McKee Medical Center (my hospitalist) and a representative from the Larimer Health Department. You can check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/BannerHealth/

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 NLT

Three times in Matthew’s gospel, the eternal judgment of those who rebel against the Lord is described as being “thrown into outer darkness.” Perhaps there is no greater “punishment” than being alone and in the dark. The highest level of incarceration for violent and dangerous offenders in our prison system is “solitary confinement.”

While there is much we don’t know about “heaven” and “hell” the nature of the two is clearly seen in the Bible. In Revelation we see the punishment of the Devil and his angels being described as thrown into “a life of fire.” We also see the reference to a “lake of fire” as the “second death.” But we also see the condition that causes “weeping and nashing of teeth” related to isolation and darkness.

When I think of total darkness, I relate that to experiences of being on a tour of a cave and for a moment the lights are all turned off. It is the kind of darkness where you literally can’t “see your hand in front of your face.” When you add to that complete isolation, it is easy to relate to the torment of the situation.

Just as “hell” being viewed as being “down” and “heaven” is viewed as being “up” so is the contrast between God’s environment and that of Satan. The realm of Satan is darkness, the realm of God is light. Satan separates, divides and brings isolation. God brings connection, unity and togetherness. All that Satan offers is related to “this life” what the Lord offers extends for all eternity.

Consider the eternal destiny of those who place their faith in Christ. Paul says, “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV) When Paul wrote about the possibility of his death he referred to “being present with the Lord.” (Philippians 1:21) Jesus comforted His disciples with the words, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am…” (John 14:3 NIV)

When God made Adam, His first observation was, “it is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) As a result, God created “marriage” with the creation of Eve, that brought about a family, which brought about nations to live in community. Satan works to destroy what God has created and intended for people. As a result he brings down nations, families and marriages. God unites, Satan divides. God is about being together, Satan is about being alone. God is about light, Satan is about darkness. God is about life, Satan is about death.

The culmination of God’s plan and purpose is seen in Revelation 21. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God…” (Revelation 21:3 ESV)

To be in “heaven” is to be with God in His place with His people. To be in “hell” is to be isolated, in darkness and in suffering and pain: physical, emotional and spiritual. God’s desire is for all to be with Him. That is why we see beginning in the Old Testament the cry to “choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19) That is why we see in the New Testament invitations like:“come all you who are weary….and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, today, I choose to submit to the “with Him” God. The One who offers and gives meaning to life in his world and the promise of grand place in Your presence for all eternity. When we have You, we are never alone or in the dark.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will be careful to live a blameless life…I will lead a life of integrity…My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.”  Psalm 101:2,8 NLT

This psalm of David arrested my attention. He opens with a focus on the Lord and his commitment to praise the Lord. The Lord is the greatest model for rule through “love” for God and “justice” for the people. Those two traits serve any leader well, especially a ruler of a nation.

I shared Psalm 101 recently with some elected officials. The group included a County Commissioner, the County Sheriff and the County Treasurer. I challenged them to view it, as I did when I read it, as a commitment of a leader before the people. What if the media were asking David or a current President or elected official a series of these types of questions. Here are David’s responses according to Psalm 101….

What can we expect as far as your personal conduct in office? “I will be careful to live a blameless life [and wait for the Lord to help me] I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” (Psalm 101:2,3 NLT)

How will you view those who don’t live up to your standards of integrity? “I hate all who deal  crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” (Psalm 101:3-5 NLT)

What kind of people will be in your administration? “I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.” (Psalm 101:6,7 NLT)

What will be the focus of your efforts? “My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.” (Psalm 101:8 NLT)

Prayer for today…. Lord, Give us leaders of integrity and commitment to values that will promote your blessings for all. Also, allow that resolve to be in each of our lives as we serve you and honor You as Lord and King of our life.

This morning I made the trip to Old Town to connect with some of our County officials for prayer. After some work in my home office, I visited Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital to deliver a certificate for their sponsorship of the Rotary Duck Race a few weeks ago. While there I visited with a new patient who is recovering from West Nile Virus. (Picture with Beth Bullard, CEO)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King! Psalm 98:4-6 NLT 

In reading through the Psalms the declarations of praise to the Lord are plentiful. We see encouragement to “shout” to “sing” to praise the Lord with musical instruments. The final Psalm, reveals the emphasis on praise and worship when we read, “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6 NLT)

Our praise is to be a delight. When we read the psalms, singing with joy is consistently found. Our worship is not a drudgery, but is a privilege and delight for those who know the Lord.

We are to praise the Lord for what He has done. “…he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power..” (Psalm 98:1 NLT)  The psalmist declares, “…may I never forget the good things he does for me.” (Psalm 103:2 NLT)

We are to praise the Lord for who He is. “Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:4,5 NLT)   “the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:17 NLT) The reoccurring declaration of Psalm 136 is “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 NKJV)

We are to praise the Lord routinely and consistently. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV) “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1 NIV) 

We are to praise spontaneously. “…break out in praise and sing for joy!”  (Psalm 98:4 NLT) “…Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they’re sitting, Shout the high praises of God…” (Psalm 149:5 MSG)

As God’s creation, we are made to praise Him. I have found myself focusing too often on what the Lord does for me, His promises for my life; but fall short on taking the time to just worship Him. Our gift to the Lord is our obedience and our praise. Heaven is filled with praise and worship to the Lord. Now is the time to get ready for what we will be doing for eternity. It won’t get old then and it shouldn’t get old now.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for what You have done and for who You are. Your love and mercy is overflowing in our life. Your presence is consistent, Your help never fails. Help us to remember to make our praise to You part of everyday. 

On this “Labor Day” Debbie labored as she worked on call with her hospice patients. After a fitness center work out, I got a lot of work done outside thanks to the assistance of our house guests Norm and Heather Edwards.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.” Haggai 2:23 HCSB

The short Book of Haggai closes with this promise from the Lord to Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was God’s chosen leader to rebuild the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. However we see that the opening verses of this prophecy contains words of correction to get Zerubbabel’s attention and to compel him to action.

“…the word of the Lord came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah… “The Lord of Hosts says this: These people say: The time has not come for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt.”… The Word of the Lord came through Haggai the prophet: “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?…“Think carefully about your ways…” (Haggai 1:1-4 HCSB)

As the Lord speaks to His people, He addresses the leaders. God’s leaders are the ones who are accountable to the Lord for accomplishing God’s purposes. When the people fail to act, it is because the leaders have failed to act. That is at least what we see in this situation.

But the right response, brings the Lord’s blessing. We read, “Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the entire remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of the prophet Haggai…” (Haggai 1:12 HCSB)

It was Zerubbabel who lead the people in obeying the voice of the Lord and completing the work of rebuilding the Temple. As a result we see the Lord speaking through the prophet Zechariah these words of encouragement:  “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts. ‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!’” (Zechariah 4:6,7 HCSB)

The project is completed and in the end the words of correction to God’s leader, change to words of commendation and blessing.

My “take away” as I consider this is related to the challenge of leadership in the work of the Lord. God works through “chosen” leaders. We see the Lord’s instruction and challenge to the people of God coming to the leader. In the Book of Revelation, the Risen Christ addresses, the “angels of the churches” which are viewed as the “pastors” or leaders of the churches. Leaders carry a sacred trust but they are not perfect in the execution of that trust. When the “church” needs direction, it will come to the Leaders. The Lord in His faithfulness will bring correction, prompting and providing instruction as it is needed. What is important is an open heart and a willing response.

Zerubbabel was God’s chosen leader when the Lord used the prophet Haggai to get his attention and the attention of the people. The word of the Lord spurred them to obedience and action. The Lord worked with them by His Spirit and power and in the end we see the Lord affirming his “chosen” status with words of commendation and exaltation.

Prayer for today…  Lord thank you that correction does not equate with rejection, failure or diminished status in Your eyes. Your Word reminds us, that you correct those you love and have chosen. Allow us all to open to Your voice and responsive to Your instructions, not doubting our calling from You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…the entire remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of the prophet Haggai…So the people feared the Lord. Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, delivered the Lord’s message to the people, “I am with you”—this is the Lord’s declaration.” Haggai 1:12,13 HCSB

Throughout scripture we see the simple concept. When the Lord is “with” His people or working with any chosen individual, great things are accomplished. When disobedience and rebellion separates us from the Lord, life is hard.

That was what the prophet Haggai pointed out to God’s people who had neglected to move ahead in rebuilding the Temple. They focused on their own needs, but neglected the Lord’s house. As a result, the Lord says,

“Think carefully about your ways: You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to become drunk. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it.” (Haggai 1:6 HCSB)

The first lesson we observe is that an open and responsive heart brings the Lord’s encouragement. The people respond to the Lord’s message with repentance and resolve. As a result, the Lord speaks four simple words of encouragement in recognition of their heart change, “I am with you.” To put the situation in context, the people had stopped the work on the Temple as a result of the King’s command due to the accusations of their enemies. But now in the Lord’s time, it was their time to resume the work fearing the Lord, over any opposition that would come their way.

As the people began the work and became overwhelmed they were to remember, “God is with us.” If they faced ridicule and false accusations they were to remember, “God is with us.” If they faced threats from the “government” they were to remember, “God is with us.”

The we see a second occurrence of the Lord’s encouragement to finish the work. As the people were observing the results of their efforts, they realized the Temple they were building was going to be nothing like the one that had been destroyed. But the Lord spoke them in their midst of their discouragement and said,

“Be strong, all you people of the land”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “Work! For I am with you”—the declaration of the Lord of Hosts.” (Haggai 2:4 HCSB)

The Lord goes on and says that His glory will be among them and in the new Temple. The outward structure may look difference, but God’s glory and presence would remain firm and consistent.

I believe these two affirmations of the Lord’s presence are important for our lives today. The Lord reminds His people that “He is with” them as they commit to the work and as they need strength to finish the work. I am reminded of the words of Paul, “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)

The Lord who is “with us” will remain “with us” and continue to provide in our lives what we need. That is a good personal reminder for me. The song by Love and the Outcome that is entitled, “God is With Us” became a theme song during my health crisis. Now that I am still in the “recovery mode” I need to remember that the Lord is still with me, working on my behalf.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for Your promise to be “with us.” Allow that reassurance to be a source of strength, courage and persistence for our lives as You continue Your work in each of us.

This morning traveled to Denver to see grandson Riley play a football game. It was a two hour long event. I’m not sure about the players, but I was tired by the time it was over. Our guests Norm and Heather Edwards arrived. They will be with us this week as they work with Timberline Church on missions plans.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord of Hosts...“The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,” says the Lord of Hosts. “I will provide peace in this place”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts.“ Haggai 2:7-9 HCSB

Solomon’s temple was the fulfillment of the vision and plan in the heart of King David. The Temple itself was glorious, but at the dedication we see, “…the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.“ 1 Kings 8:11 NIV)

The structure was just a magnificent building, but when it was filled with presence and glory of the Lord, then it was the “temple of God.” Now hundreds of years later after generations of disobedience and rebellion against the Lord and the temple is in ruins.

Toward the end of the Jews seventy years of captivity in Babylon, the Lord moves on the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia to build a temple in Jerusalem. Opposition to the rebuilding of temple, put the plans on hold. In the mean time the people focused on building their own homes as they returned to Jerusalem.

Haggai is a complementary prophesy to the Book of Ezra. It is the Lord speaking through Haggai that the building of the temple is restarted and completed. However, in comparison to Solomon’s Temple, the new temple was view as inferior. The Lord spoke to the past generation,  “Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Doesn’t it seem like nothing to you?” (Haggai 2:3 HCSB)

It is easy to look at the outward appearance and to make a decision about the Lord’s blessing and faithfulness. But what the Lord was getting ready to point out was that is was not the magnificence of the appearance of the building, but the glory of the Lord that made the difference.

So we see the Lord promising His glory to fill this new temple and the “final glory of this house will be greater than the first.” With the Lord’s glory and presence, there is peace. It is not the building that matters, it is the presence of the Lord. That is why the Lord was content for His Ark and the symbol of His presence among His people, to be in  a tent. Whether a tent, a glorious temple, or a “not so glorious” temple; the structure doesn’t matter, what matters is the presence of the Lord.

When we consider the New Testament concept of believers and the Church being the “temple of the Lord” it is important to understand that it is not what we “look like.” It is not our appearance to others that matters. It is not about the circumstances our life, and how they appear. What matters is the glory of the Lord in our life, resting on our life. We can be “good” do the “right” things, go to church, serve our community. What matters is the presence of the Lord that brings peace to our lives and blessing in all that we do.

Prayer for today… Lord, Your presence makes the difference for our life. Help us to cultivate You presence through an open heart, through our obedience, through our worship, through the sacrifice of our life to You.

This morning I was part of a practice run for an upcoming  “FaceBook Live” presentation on West Nile Virus. I will be interviewed, along with Dr. Tony Pierson (my hospitalist) and a representative from Larimer County Health Department. The presentation will be next Thursday, I will share details in a few days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.  Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Jude 21-23 HCSB

Jude’s short letter is a warning for those who would use God’s grace as a license to sin and an admonition for believers to “contend for the faith” and to “build up” their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What stands out in the final verses of this letter is the focus on mercy. First of all those who maintain their love for God, can expect mercy that grants eternal life. This is set in contrast to those Jude describes as, “..denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord….these dreamers likewise defile their flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme glorious ones….These are the ones who are like dangerous reefs at your love feasts. They feast with you, nurturing only themselves without fear.“ (Jude 4,8,12 HCSB)

It is as if Jude is saying, “regardless of the lifestyle, attitudes and actions of others, keep on loving Jesus.” This is not to create as sense of spiritual pride, but confidence in the Lord’s mercy.

Jude continues and shows that those who have received mercy are to show mercy to others. James (Jude’s brother) warned in his letter, “…judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.“ (James 2:13 NIV)

Even though Jude is clear that judgment awaits those who in their arrogance deny the Lord and reject His pleas, those who love the Lord, they are to show mercy. First of all mercy is to be shown “those who doubt.” Our job is not to “condemn” those are rejecting the Lord or do not have a full understanding of the gospel. We are to remember that as the Lord was patient and merciful to us, so we are to be with others.

Jude also says our job is not to “condone.” “…have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Once again, even those living in rebellion and facing God’s judgment are not to be objects of disrespect. We are called to be agents of reconciliation. As Paul said, “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19 NIV) But at the same time we are to make a clear distinction between God’s love for the person as we understand His disapproval of their actions.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you that we can “expect” mercy when we love You and that we can “have” mercy toward others. Help us to not only be “grace” extenders, but encourage others with Your “mercy.” For those who feel that they “can’t be forgiven” Your mercy gives life and hope, because “you don’t treat us as our sins deserve.”