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.”

It was good to be home and to focus on the days ahead. This afternoon, I attended the first planning meeting for the National Day of Prayer event for 2017.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 HCSB

This well-known psalm begins like a conversation with the Lord. The psalmist makes his declaration in the early verses with these words, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2 HCSB)

The verses that follow reveal God’s promise to those who place their full trust in the Lord and find in Him that place of refuge that is needed from the storms of life. We see assurances from the Lord “safe-guarding” our life from all kinds of assaults.

But as the psalm concludes it carries a personal tone, as if the Lord Himself is addressing His faithful ones. Loving God results in deliverance, knowing the power of His name results in protection. Relationship with the Lord provides confidence in the Lord hearing our voice. “When he calls out to Me, I will answer him…”

I am reminded of other verses that reinforce these promises. “…call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalm 50:15 NIV) “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV) “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:13 NLT)

We need to be willing to ask and to keep on asking. Often an unanswered prayer serves to discourage bold requests in prayer. Of one thing we can be certain, 100% of the prayers not prayed go unanswered.

The Lord not only responds to those who “honor” Him, but He in return says that He will “honor” those who make Him their refuge and source of trust. I am reminded of the promise, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11 NIV)

The reality is that troubles to do come to those who are faithful to the Lord. Some times it seems the faithful are defeated, at times their lives are not always “long.” But we can be certain that as we find our refuge in the Lord and we trust in Him, He will show us “His salvation.”

Prayer for today… Lord, there is no better place to be than under the shadow of Your wings. To stay close to You and make You our source of trust and our eternal refuge. Thank You for Your care and Your promise of blessings as we abide in You.

I left Atlanta early afternoon and arrived in Fort Collins by 5 p.m. On the way to the airport we stopped by a local Waffle House for breakfast, to cap off my southern experience. I got up early this morning to say goodbye to Mason and Carter as they headed off to school for “picture day.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” Psalm 90:16,17 NLT

Psalm 90 declares the glory and majesty of God. Every time I fly on an airplane and view the earth from 30,000 feet it is difficult to understand all of the activity that is taking place on the ground. With all of the human-centered activity, and all that is part of life, it is ironic how it all disappears from the view of the “heavens.”

At times we need a re-orientation about life and God. That is where this psalm takes us. The opening verses declare, “Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.” (Psalm 90:1,2 NLT) God is and has always been and when we remember that it keeps us steady and focused, when we forget about Him, we lose our plumb line and perspective.

The psalm reminds us of how the greatness of God and how even our years are a gift from Him. God is the giver of life and all life finds its purpose and meaning in Him. That is why the psalmist implores, “O Lord, come back to us!…
Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,  so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” (Psalm 90:13,14 NLT)

Perhaps it is better to pray, “Lord, we are coming back to You…” That is because we more often “walk away” from the Lord more than Him, leaving us. The issue is when we feel separated from the Lord, the best thing to do is to reach out to Him. As we do we find Him ready and willing to respond to an open and sincere heart. David declared, “O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.“ (Psalm 51:17 NIV)

When God is at work, when His favor is on our life, He will crown us and our efforts with “success.” That which we desire is found being “at home” with God. That is a lesson and truth for all generations.

Prayer for today… Lord, You give us true success in life when we honor You and submit our lives to You. May we always make You our “forever” home and experience the stability and favor that comes from You.

Today, I went to the “Y” here in Canton with Stephanie, after we dropped off Mckenzie at preschool. Later we went to lunch in downtown Canton. I was tired today after my day yesterday “baby sitting” so I took a couple of naps.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!
No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.” Psalm 89:47,48 NLT

My friend Paul Irwin, from Washington D.C. shared a short synopsis about life that I used at a recent memorial service. Life is a gift. Life is precious. Life is fragile. No matter how many years are lived on this earth, they pale in comparison to eternity.

Life is a gift, we must value it. Life is precious, we must make the most of it. The psalmist said, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.“ (Psalm 90:12 NIV) We must not just spend our days, we must invest our days on this earth. Just like our money will out last us (hopefully); the legacy of our life will continue after we are gone.

Life is fragile, prepare for eternity. The time to do that is now. It is reflected in our vales and our faith. This past Monday, as I was in Atlanta, the family and friends and entire church staff at Timberline Church mourned the sudden death of two long-time members and support staff members, Josh and Sherri Zander. They were both killed in tragic motorcycle accident on their way home from Estes Park.

Josh had posted these words on a FaceBook post just hours before the accident, “In a blink of an eye everything can change, so forgive often and love with all your heart, you may never have the chance again.” How powerful these words, when we consider the “thin veil” between this life and the next.

Last week after doing a radio interview about West Nile Virus, I met a lady going into a meeting we were both attending. She told me she heard my interview and it made her think of her brother who had contracted West Nile Virus. He was a health, strong, farmer living in Pueblo, Colorado. She shared, “he had a suppressed immune system.” I thought, “so did I.” She went on, “he contracted meningitis and encephalitis.” I thought, “so did I.” So, I asked “what happened?” She said, “He died.”

Having survived by my health crisis, there are times that I read about my own experience or hear of some one else and it drives home to me how I really did “escape” death. It makes me glad for the Lord’s mercy and the opportunity for a few more years in this life.

The reality is one day all of us will pass from this life. Even those that Jesus raised from the dead, one day died. That doesn’t have to be a morbid, foreboding reality. It just calls us to live with purpose, trust and focus, not taking anything for granted; to forgive often and to love fully. It calls us to prepare for that day, in every way, to face the day we must all encounter.

Prayer for today…. Lord, while no one an escape the power of the grace, You have defeated death and turned it into victory for those who place their trust in You. Help us to live each day with the understanding that “life is gift, life is precious and life is fragile.”

Today I played “baby-sitter” for Mckenzie my three-year old grand-daughter. It made an interesting day and not too much nap time regardless of my pleading. It has been great to see how much she has grown and developed in her personality since I saw her the last at the end of last year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed… But based on His promise, we wait for the new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.“ 2 Peter 3:10,12 HCSB

In the midst of all that we see taking place in our world and in our present culture, it is easy to loose sight of God’s eternal plan. It is both disturbing and hope-filled. We see the new emerging out of the destruction of the old. Just as God’s Word promises a new “body” in heaven to replace our earthly body, so the heavens and the earth will be made new.

It is difficult to image how and when that will all take place but we see it clearly predicted in scripture. In the Old Testament we read of the flood and how all humanity was destroyed, except for Noah and his family. This “cleansing” of the earth by water is only a foreshadowing of the “Day of the Lord” where the earth is destroy and a new earth created as the home of God’s “righteous people.”

At the end of the Book of Revelation we read, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.“ (Revelation 21:1 NLT)

This “new earth and new heaven” is not only the home of the righteous, but it signals the end of the “curse” that came on the earth with the sin of Adam and Eve. The “perfect” world that many would envision in this life, will come in the next. We read, “…there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

What we see pictured for the earth, is a reminder of what Christ does for us as individuals. Jesus told Nicodemus, “you must be born again…” (John 3:3) Paul talks about those who embrace faith was moving from “darkness to light”, from “death to life.” A familiar verse declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Paul declared to the Romans, “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.“ (Romans 6:4 NIV)

Christ bringing the new out of the old should not be viewed as a foreign concept. He does it with each life that places there faith in Him and He will do the same with the present heaven and earth in order to have a new eternal home for those who have been made new in Him. Paul referred to Christ’s coming as our “blessed hope.” (Titus 2:13) Peter includes it as one of his “precious promises.” The bottom line is, knowing our destiny in the future, gives us strength in the present.

Prayer for today….  Lord, thank You for the newness You have brought to my life and the newness that You have promised one day for all those who love You. As we live as a people of “destiny” allow us to be hope-filled in this present world as we anticipate the next.

This morning I attended Stephanie and Nathan’s home church. Revolution Church in Canton is baptizing people every other month who have made declarations of faith. It is exciting to see what is happening in this church that reaching young and old alike. This afternoon I attended Mason’s baseball practice that included a scrimmage. Mason did a good job and played short stop and catcher. He is also being groomed as a picture.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.” 2 Peter 2:19 HCSB

There is a current TV commercial that addresses the issue of Medicare fraud. Featured are several seniors who are showing their disgust and expressing that they are committed to being on guard against the schemes of those who would steal their identity or falsely use their benefits.

As Peter is writing this last letter, he warns against false teachers that are going to contradict and confuse, if possible, those who have received  God’s truth. I like fashion to the senior citizens in the commercial, Peter wants the Church to be aware, not shock, but prepared for that they may confront.

He speaks of the time from the Exodus to the present day, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” (2 Peter 2:1 HCSB) Peter says, they will bring destructive hearsays, but in so doing they bring judgment on themselves.

Peter goes on and says, “They will exploit you in their greed with deceptive words….and their destruction does not sleep.“ (2 Peter 2:3 HCSB) While their end will be that of God’s judgment, their danger is real and present and must be taken seriously.

The confidence of those who are on guard is reflected in Peter words, “..the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment…” (2 Peter 2:9 HCSB)

Even as he speaks of the character and end of the “deceivers” he realizes that those who are vulnerable are, “…unstable people [who] have hearts trained in greed.” (2 Peter 2:14 HCSB) So, to protect ourselves we need to have the stability in life that comes from complete trust in the Lord and confidence of the Lord’s provision for all of our needs. We need to remember like the “deceivers” we are “enslaved to whatever defeats them [us].” Being aware of our greatest temptation and area of weakness is important for successful Christian living.

Peter’s admonitions continue to the end of the letter as he gives the final way to remain stable and to keep from “falling” into error. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….”  (2 Peter 3:18 HCSB) 

As we continue our focus on the Lord, abiding in His truth, growing in knowledge of Him and being protected by His grace, we will be overcomers and not be swayed by that which sounds good, but is a deception of the truth.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You we can have confidence in Your protection and deliverance from those who would threaten our commitment to Your truth and that stability of faith You have for us. May we continue to grow in grace and knowledge of You.

We arrived late to Nathan and Stephanie’s home last night. It was a surprise and very special to have the entire family waiting for me when I arrived at the airport. This morning, I went to Carter’s baseball practice. Mason’s practice is tomorrow. This evening we will go to Nathan’s parents home for cookout.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me. And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure.” 2 Peter 1:12-15 HCSB

Peter’s second letter is much like Paul’s second letter to Timothy. They were both written by these apostles with a sense of their life soon coming to an end. As a result, they carry some great significance. Peter’s short second letter is written to not teach what would be considered “new” as much as to remind and emphasize again some important principles. Principles that he wanted to “out live” him and to be remembered.

Just that point begs an important question. Is the issue to learn as much as possible? or Is it to have the best grasp on the most important concepts that need to be applied to our Christian life? I believe Peter’s letter leads us to focus on the latter. As he sensed the “time of his departure” he was not trying to cram more information into the minds of believers. Instead he is reminding them of some truths, “even though you know them…”

As we look at the early verses of chapter 1, we see some of the things Peter is reminding believers about. He talks about God’s “precious promises” that are important to embrace and serve to help us “participate in the Divine nature and escape corruption in the world.” He then lays out a list of character qualities that are to be present and growing in the believer’s life. Things like, being sure to “supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,  knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,  godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 HCSB)

The bottom line is this: “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8 HCSB)

As I think of Peter’s priorities, I think of what I would want my children and grandchildren to remember after I’m gone. Last month at our GrandCamp a grandmother was present with two of her grandchildren. The grandmother’s father had just passed away a couple of months before the camp. All of them had lived together in the same house before his passing.

During the “blessing ceremony” the grandmother reminded her grandchildren of “great-gramps” two verses that he often quoted to the children. Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” and “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

I was impressed by the power of those two verses on the lives of these young children as they grow into adulthood. It made me consider, it is not the “top ten” most important verses of the Bible. It may be one or two that can serve as an anchor for faith and focus. I think Peter would be pleased with the legacy left by this great grandfather’s reminder of God’s abiding presence and ability to work on our behalf. I am still thinking of my basic verses, my “legacy of truth.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, I’m reminded that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” It is easy to have pride in how much we know, but too often we fall short on our love for You based on how we live. Help our faith and obedience to run deep in our commitment to You and Your ways. Help us to leave a legacy of truth that will out live us.