I think I’m adjusting to spring and the coming summer months. I feel behind on some of my outside work. Today, I was able to get outside and do some work besides mowing the lawn. Still have a lot to do, but am beginning to make progress. I think we will turn on our sprinkler system and uncover our patio furniture by Memorial Day!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King. He will save us.”  Isaiah 33:22 HCSB

In the realm of human government there are three distinct arenas: those who make laws, those who administer laws and those who made judgments based on the law. In our system of government we refer those as the legislative, executive and judicial “branches” of government.

When the United States was founded, it was based on a “separation of powers.” That is why we have three branches of government. Every country has those functions, but they may not be represented by various “branches” of government. Our founders knew that human government is imperfect. As a result, to have a stable government that does not “over step” it bounds and becomes too ruthless due to the power it holds, our founders endeavored to “spread” the power around.

That is a good idea for “human” government. But we see in Isaiah as the Lord exerts His rule and authority, we find comfort and assurance in a God who is lawgiver, King and Judge. What doesn’t work for fallen man, is found in perfect balance in God’s rule as a King of justice and mercy.

The Lord is the perfect Lawgiver, establishing perfect laws. We see King David declares, “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.“ (Psalm 19:7 NIV) God’s “law” is for our good. It is to guide our life and to keep us from harm.

In His role as judge, we see, “…the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.“ (Psalm 19:9 KJV) Jesus chided the religious leaders of His day, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” (John 7:24 ESV) Righteous judgment goes to the heart of the matter. It is not influenced by bribery, human frailties nor does it look just on the surface, but it goes to the heart of the issue. That is why James declared, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.“ (James 2:10 NIV)

In the Lord’s role as King we can be confident of One who is our protector and friend. He is not concerned about Himself and His power. He is secure and makes us secure as a result. Our King is conqueror and the one who ensures our peace and prosperity. We read in Revelation of the coming Christ, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.“ (Revelation 19:16 NIV) We read in Proverbs, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…” (Proverbs 29:2 KJV)

When the perfect “One” comes, He brings salvation and rejoicing. That is why we see the throngs of people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David” or “Lord, save us.”

Prayer for today… “Lord, thank you for being the perfect lawgiver, King and Judge. I rejoice in You! You are the One I seek and need to govern my life and to direct me into the destiny that you have for all those who love You. When you reign I have peace and all my needs are met. Allow my heart today to experience the fullness of all that you are and bring to my life.”

This was one of those days I found myself wondering, “where did my morning go.” Some of what I hoped to accomplish I didn’t, but sometimes that is okay. This afternoon, I attended a final meeting of our National Day of Prayer planning committee. This year’s event was well attended and went very well. We are already anticipating next year’s event.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”  Hosea 14:9 HCSB

The final verses of Old Testament books are designed for emphasis. Throughout Hosea, we read words of judgment and condemnation for God’s people over run by idolatry and disobedience. But we see God’s righteousness and mercy always go hand in hand. Where there is judgment there is a promise of mercy, if correction is made.

So we see words of promised redemption at the end of this prophecy, “I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger will have turned from him.” (Hosea 14:4 HCSB) The offer is made, now who will respond. The response reveal whether a person is wise or foolish.

I recently visited with my friend Snow Peabody, the Director of Arizona Teen Challenge and a national leader in drug and alcohol recovery. I am reminded that many of those who came into our Teen Challenge program were those who had backgrounds in a Christian family. Many of them struggle with not only their own addiction, but the guilt of disappointing and betraying parents and God.

A key to their recovery is to see that there is hope. That God is able to bring a change in them they don’t believe is possible or believe that they are worthy to receive. If they are able to act not based on the shame and condemnation of their past and embrace hope in the “ways of the Lord” it is the beginning of a new adventure, a road to recovery and transformation.

That is where  God’s people were as Hosea spoke the words of the Lord. So the call goes out, “whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them.” When hope seems to be gone, there is hope in God’s mercy. It is not found in the power of human will or ability, but in simply following in the “ways of the Lord.” It is recognizing, “I can’t, but He can.”

But the ways of the Lord are not always easy, they don’t always make sense to the human mind. That is why Paul declared, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT) Peter described Christ as, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message…” (1 Peter 2:8)

Remember, Hosea was written to God’s people. People that “should have know better.” But whether responding to Christ out of living for self or returning to Christ after “leaving the path”  the truly wise recognize, “the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them.”

A prayer for today….

“Lord, thank you that Your ways are right and that the righteous walk in them. Keep me focused on You and keep me from stumbling. Help me to live with insight and understanding, as I recognize You as the way to follow through the maze of life.”

Thanks to those who have already requested a copy of my book. I spent a good portion of my day getting ready to fill orders and to ship off copies of my book. I had a workout this morning with my trainer, who purchased one of my books. This is a time for me to reconnect with those who were such a great source of support during my health crisis.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When they had pasture, they became satisfied; they were satisfied, and their hearts became proud. Therefore they forgot Me.” Hosea 13:6 HCSB

One of the greatest tests is when life is “good.” If the old saying is true, “there are no atheists in foxholes” the opposite may be true as well. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “…how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24 KJV) You will find, that you can’t trust in yourself, what you have or any other source of security and trust in God.

The prophet Ezekiel reveals the sins of Sodom, “Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.“ (Ezekiel 16:49 NLT) They had what they needed and became proud and self-centered. This lead to even the worst kind of violence and sin.

Ernest Henley wrote a poem that concludes, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” (http://invictuspoem.com/?gclid=CKfAqsXb5MwCFQwxaQodZcMB2w) Those words stand in contrast to the words of the Lord to His people, “I have been Yahweh your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, and no Savior exists besides Me.” (Hosea 13:4 HCSB)

The Lord had been with His people during the most difficult times of their life and He had been with them in every aspect of their development of a nation. He established them in a land that had been promised to Abraham generations before. Even in that process, God warned His people through Moses,

“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”  (Deuteronomy 8:11-14 NIV)

It seems that the Lord knows our hearts and our actions better than we do. How often do we find ourselves guilty of what we at one time would declare we would never do. We can see the downward spiral. In our need we seek God. In response to our cry to the Lord, He hears and provides. He brings us to a place of security and provision. We become satisfied. Our satisfaction turns into pride. Our pride creates as focus on self and we forget God.

How is this downward trend avoided? It is better to learn how to be faithful to the Lord when things are going well, than to face constant struggles, that force us to stay close to the Lord. The simple solution is to, “remember the Lord.” “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV)

This is accomplished by guarding our hearts. It is accomplished through spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, prayer and fellowship with God’s people. It is accomplished through the spiritual practice of tithing and generosity to those in need. When we tithe our income, it is a constant reminder that, what we are doing, we are doing to honor the Lord. We are doing it out of obedience to Him.

We need to remember the God who is there when we need Him the most, is the God who is there when we feel the most blessed and secure. Paul reminds us of the key in “plenty and in want.” All that we are, all that we do, we are to do, “through Christ who gives us the strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

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My book “The Longest Campaign” is available!

You can order a hard copy by sending me an email. Books are $15 including postage.

or

If you want an electronic version go to:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_16?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+longest+campaign&sprefix=the+Longest+camp%2Caps%2C395

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The+Longest+Campaign?_requestid=1011959&No=0&Nrpp=40

Checkout the promotional video at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpn36dSasjE

My day seemed to go fast. I began with my Tuesday prayer time, had a morning connection with a contractor and then my Rotary meeting, a trip back to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital a nap and then off to a Rotary board meeting. I found myself behind on some of my intended duties, but often discover that fatigue requires a nap that can be so characteristic with Myasthenia Gravis. Today, it was good to share my book with some of our County officials and with Dr. Asadi, Medical Director at Northern Colorado Acute Hospital. He wrote a nice endorsement for my book. I also gave copy to the CEO of the Rehab Hospital.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way.…the redeemed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”  Isaiah 35:8,10 HCSB

There is something about “returning home.” Perhaps it is returning home after a trip. Perhaps it is returning to a family home. I can’t imagine all the feelings and emotions, but I recall when we lived in Colby, KS being at the local armory to welcome home local troops returning from “Operation Desert Storm.” There was celebration, tears and sense of relief.

Even before God’s people are taken into exile, the prophet speaks words of hope. One day the faithful will return to the “city forgotten.” It may not be all the generation taken into exile, but it will include some of those who were children at the time of captivity that are now in their golden years who will have the opportunity to once again walk through the gates of Jerusalem. They will be “home at last.” I’m sure that during those days in Babylon some of the faithful encouraged children and grandchildren that “there is coming a day when you will go to Jerusalem. You will return to Mount Zion.”

As Isaiah describes the road or the “way” that will lead God’s people home, we see a spiritual description. This road is like a spiritual HOV lane. It is not for just for anyone and everyone, it is for God’s Holy people, the redeemed. “The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path.” (Isaiah 35:8 HCSB)

When God brings His people home we see described a people who are made whole, “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy…” (Isaiah 35:5,6 HCSB)

We see described life and refreshing were there was desolation, “…for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool of water, and the thirsty land springs of water.“ (Isaiah 35:6,7 HCSB)

We see security and all that would harm is removed, “There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there.“ (Isaiah 35:9 HCSB) My favorite promise is, “Even the fool will not go astray.“ (Isaiah 35:8 HCSB)

Coming “home” to Zion will be marked with celebration, “…come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy.
Joy and gladness will overtake them…” (Isaiah 35:10 HCSB)

We see in the New Testament Paul speaks of  “the heavenly Jerusalem.” (Galatians 4:26 NLT) The writer of Hebrews declares, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly…” (Hebrews 12:22 NIV)

All that we see in Isaiah and the promised return to Jerusalem or Zion, speaks to our hearts about being away from a promised heavenly Jerusalem and eternal home. The path to that destination is for the “one who walks the path” – the path of faith in Jesus Christ.

In that heavenly city all sickness and infirmity is removed, there is no sorrow, “for He will wipes every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:4 NIV) All that would harm and cause uncertainty and insecurity can not be found. It is a day of rejoicing and celebration. We are, “home at last!” As the song of old declares, “What a day that will be….!”

Today ended up being a full day. I attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast and listen to the end of session report from some of our Northern Colorado legislators. I than joined a group from the Larimer Energy Action project for a site tour, had brief break before my scheduled massage and a doctor’s appointment. The good news at the end of the day is no skin cancers to be concerned about.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You have turned things around, as if the potter were the same as the clay. How can what is made say about its maker, “He didn’t make me”? How can what is formed say about the one who formed it, “He doesn’t understand what he’s doing”? Isaiah 29:16 HCSB

I am reminded of the words of Paul to the Corinthians, “Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.“ (1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT) We also read, “God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.” (1 Corinthians 1:20 NLT)

There are all kinds of experts and there are some very smart people in our world, but they are not God. God is not known or understood by human wisdom. Paul says, that is just part of the “wisdom of God.” What man views as foolishness is what  God uses to draw people to Himself.

As we look at the words of Isaiah of old, his statement, “you have turned things around…” is fitting for our culture today. Human reasoning is not only foolishness to God, it can make fools out of people. How many are those today who say to God, “you didn’t make me! I was a cosmic accident, a creation by chance.” How many are those who look at God and pass judgment on the Almighty. “God, you don’t know what you are doing!”

I am thankful for God-given and diligently developed intellect. Today, I took a tour of an oil and gas “fracking” operation. It is hard to comprehend the ability to draw important resources out of solid rock over one mile beneath the earth’s surface. We look at other technological innovations and stand in awe. But how foolish even in the arenas that have been developed by human intellect, for their to be a denial of a God who has given people intellect and who is there and above all.

There are those who look at all the has been developed and created, and instead of viewing it as an extension of a Creator, use it deny the Creator. In the midst of it all God looks at it and calls it, “foolishness.” Instead we should be in awe of God and His ways.

I am reminded of the words of the song by Casting Crowns,

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?

Not because of who I am
But because of what you’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who you are

Today proved to be a busy day. I had a 7:30 a.m. meeting with the core group for men’s ministry at the church and then conducted two chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. Debbie and I went out to lunch and then I came home for short (for me) nap and then headed to Denver to see grandson Riley play a baseball game and attend the 60th birthday party for my friend Jim Brummett. I stayed for their Sunday evening service that featured my friend and long time pastor Bobby Wilson from Pueblo.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There is no truth, no faithful love, and no knowledge of God in the land! Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.” Hosea 4:1,2 HCSB

Hosea is an interesting old testament prophet. God used Hosea to become a living object lesson for God’s people in rebellion. It all started with the Lord telling him to marry a prostitute by the name of Gomer. It was a sign that revealed the Lord was “married” to a sinful people who had turned toward other “lovers” in the form of idols of surrounding nations.

As we come to chapter 4, Hosea presents “God’s case against Israel.” While the description is long and varied, perhaps no verses summarize the state of the nation as the first two. I believe they serve as an indictment for cultures that would exist throughout time, even to our day.

Consider what was missing. “No truth, no faithful love, no knowledge of God.” I find it interesting that we live in a day where “truth” is viewed as relative, subjective and open to change. It seems that the age-old question of Pilate reverberates to our day, “what is truth?” except it has been changed to the assertion, “there is no truth.”

I notice the prophet doesn’t say there is, “no love” but that there is no “faithful love.” Faithfulness in many arenas of our world today seems to be in short supply. The political adage is, “if you want loyalty, get a dog.” A lack of faithfulness breeds insecurity. Even in his day Solomon observed, “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6 NIV)

We certainly live in a day where knowledge of God and His ways is lacking. Even among those who claim to follow Christ we see rampant Biblical illiteracy. A core fundamental declaration of God’s Word is that, “it is our all-sufficient rule for faith and conduct.” Knowledge of God and His Word is to guide our beliefs and our behavior. That is why the founders of this nation, believed in the value of God’s Word as being indispensable for a “free people.”

What happens when these are missing? “Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.” When Proverbs talks about “without a vision, people perish” (Prov. 29:18 KJV) – it is best understood as, “Where there is no [divine] revelation, people cast off restraint.” (Prov. 29:18 NIV)

Without the knowledge of God and the guidance of God’s Word, the actions of humanity sink to an all-time low. When we look at these negative expressions, we can see evidence of them in our world everyday. The impact can be seen in the nation as a whole and individual lives, “For this reason the land mourns, and everyone who lives in it languishes…” (Hosea 4:3 HCSB)

The solution is found in repentance and “returning to the Lord.” Hear the cry of the prophet, “Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, and He will heal us; He has wounded us, and He will bind up our wounds. He will revive us after two days, and on the third day He will raise us up so we can live in His presence.” (Hosea 6:1,2 HCSB)

The consistent invitation even in the most desperate and trying of situations is to “return to the Lord.” When we do we find mercy and strength to help us in our need. That applies to individual lives and to a nation.

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My book “The Longest Campaign” is available!

You can order a hard copy by sending me an email. Books are $15 including postage.

or

If you want an electronic version go to:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_16?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+longest+campaign&sprefix=the+Longest+camp%2Caps%2C395

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The+Longest+Campaign?_requestid=1011959&No=0&Nrpp=40

Checkout the promotional video at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpn36dSasjE

This morning our Allies breakfast guest was Mark Johnson, sports director from KOA radio and voice of the Colorado Buffaloes. Mark did a great job and it was good to give him a copy of my book. This afternoon, I went to Greeley to connect with my niece, Kate and her boyfriend David for a strongman competition. It was fun to be there and see the action, even in the midst of some cold weather. (picture of me with Mark Johnson and Jim Szakmeister)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand. For we live before You as foreigners and temporary residents…Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” 1 Chronicles 29:14-15 HCSB

In the building of the temple, we see some important concepts about giving to the Lord. There are many verses in the Bible about giving. We read, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) “Give and it shall be given…” (Luke 6:38) We find that there is a spiritual dynamic in “giving to the Lord” that goes beyond other acts of human generosity or philanthropy. We can observe the truths of the New Testament in the life of David.

1 – Giving is sacrifice, therefore it costs. “…the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.” (2 Samuel 24:24 NLT)

When the plague was stopped that resulted from David’s counting the fighting men of Israel, David was instructed to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. It was to be on the threshing floor of a man by the name of Araunah. Araunah, offered for David to “just take it.” But David realized the most important aspect of giving, “it isn’t true giving if there is no surrender or sacrifice on my part.”

It is always interesting to observe what people are eager to buy with their “hard earned money” but how reluctant they are to invest in the cause of the kingdom of God. When I give without any personal benefit it involves a sacrifice on my part. That is at the heart of godly giving.

2 – Everyone can give. Not everyone can give the same amount, but all can give something. In the New Testament we read of the widows mite. Her smalls gift was actually greater because it was all she had! In Chronicles, we see David asking the people to give, but leading in giving to inspire and encourage the people. Giving together connect us in partnership with other people for a common cause.

3 – We give what God has already given us.  “…we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.” How many times has a parent given a child an ice cream cone or a cookie and then asks the child, “can I have a bite?” The child says, “No! it is mine.” The parent thinks, “you have no idea where this came from, how can you be so ungrateful!?” I wonder if God views our lives and reactions in the same way?

David underscores this principle, “…all this wealth that we’ve provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand; everything belongs to You.” (1 Chronicles 29:16 HCSB) Moses reminded God’s people, “…remember that the Lord your God gives you the strength to make a living.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 CEV) David declared in his prayer, “…it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.” (1 Chronicles 29:12 HCSB)

4 – Giving provides perspective and direction for our lives. David prayed to the Lord, “You test the heart and that You are pleased with what is right. I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You….keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the hearts of Your people, and confirm their hearts toward You.” (1 Chronicles 29:17,18 HCSB)

We see that the Lord wants our hearts to be true toward Him and for our actions align with the profession of our mouth. It is also important to give with the eternal in view, “Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”

5 – The praise and the privilege of giving. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You…” (1 Chronicles 29:14 HCSB) David recognized generous giving was possible because of the Lord’s blessing.

Consider David’s words of praise, “May You be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all…Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name.”  (1 Chronicles 29:10-11,13 HCSB) “Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” (1 Chronicles 29:20 HCSB)

Generous giving results in lavish praise. It is a recognition of the provision of the Lord, the hearts of God’s people and rejoicing over what has been accomplished. God’s plan of success and achievement still remains today as it is seen in the Bible.

Today was a good day to run some errands and work outside. I was able to get in an early morning workout at the fitness center and then do some work outside. I got some flowers planted and worked getting the garage ready for a shipment of my books that I was expecting this afternoon. If finished some of my projects just in time for a truck to pull up and unload a pallet of seventeen boxes of “The Longest Campaign.” This is really a day I have been looking forward to and am excited to share my story over the next several months where I have the opportunity. Check out the YouTube promo video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpn36dSasjE

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple and its buildings, treasuries, upper rooms, inner rooms, and a room for the mercy seat. The plans contained everything he had in mind for the courts of the Lord’s house, all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of God’s house, and the treasuries for what is dedicated.” 1 Chronicles 28:11,12 HCSB

I have observed many church building projects over the years. Some pastor’s have to finish what another started.  Some have to pay for a previous leader’s vision that perhaps was overly ambitious. Not too many find themselves in the situation Solomon did as the anointed successor for his father David. David made sure Solomon had the plans, the finances and the help to get the job done. All that was left was the execution.

David’s vision for the Temple was not general or just a dream; he had put effort into the plans and the furnishings and all that the law required for the worship of the Lord. David realized that this was not the result of his own ability, but he was being directed by the Lord, “By the Lord’s hand on me, He enabled me to understand everything in writing, all the details of the plan.” (1 Chronicles 28:19 HCSB)                         

David knew that his successor could be counted on to take the project to completion. There have been too many times when available resources have been diverted for other purposes and suddenly the planned project is not able to be completed. David wanted Solomon to understand that he was chosen by God as King for this very purpose. If he accomplished nothing else, he needed to be successful in this endeavor. “Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:10 HCSB)

But David realized that Solomon needed help in accomplishing the task. At the end of 1 Chronicles we find detailed listings of those who served David. Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work… Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of God’s house. Every willing man of any skill will be at your disposal for the work, and the leaders and all the people are at your every command.”           (1 Chronicles 28:20,21 HCSB)

The task of building the Temple would be lead by Solomon, but it was a project that all the people needed to “own.” Then King David said to all the assembly, “My son Solomon—God has chosen him alone—is young and inexperienced. The task is great because the temple will not be for man but for the Lord God.” (1 Chronicles 29:1 HCSB)

As David called the people to give all of the money and items that would be needed for the Temple, we see that he “lead the way.” “Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the house of my God over and above all that I’ve provided for the holy house…Now who will volunteer to consecrate himself to the Lord today?” (1 Chronicles 29:3-5 HCSB)

We then see the people follow David’s lead: “Then the leaders of the households, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly…Then the people rejoiced because of their leaders’ willingness to give, for they had given to the Lord with a whole heart. King David also rejoiced greatly.“ (1 Chronicles 29:6,9 HCSB)

This is a great picture of being united for a cause and the result is rejoicing and the Lord being praised. I am reminded of Psalm 133, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!…For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1,3 NIV)

God-inspired visions characterize the kingdom of God. They are facilitated when leaders show the way and lead the way and people join with the commitment and dedication that brings glory to the Lord.