Today, I accomplished a personal recovery goal. I was able to walk, in my struggling gait, the full length of the basket ball court. In the past half court was the most I was able to accomplish. This brings a ray of hope for my continuing recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 NLT

How would you describe unity or harmony? As the spiritual pilgrims gather in Jerusalem, the long journey has come to an end. God’s people are together from their various territories and villages. They have all come for a single purpose; to worship. They have come in obedience to the Lord and with a focus to enjoy the presence of the Lord and the fellowship of each other.

In this atmosphere there is no, “business” to be transpired other than God’s “business.” No agenda. No plans or strategy sessions. All that would divide is laid aside for a singular focus and purpose.

When I “googled” “unity” I found it interesting that it included the number one. Unity is such a degree of integration, that a group functions as a single unit. Jesus prayed for His disciples and all who would believe on Him, “…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:21 NIV) We see this fulfilled in the Book of Acts when we read, “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32 NIV)

In this psalm we see that harmony or unity is precious. “…harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head…” (Psalm 133:2 NLT) Anointing oil in the Old Testament was a special blend of oil and spices that was used for only special occasions. It was used to cleanse, it was used to designate a King or to set apart the one serving as High Priest. Unity is precious, it is unfortunately, rare. But when it is present, God is beginning to act. A new day is dawning and hope arises.

We see that unity is refreshing. “Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.” (Psalm 133:3 NLT) When unity is present, it brings a refreshing from all that divides and creates tension. When the early church was wrestling with Gentiles coming to faith and how that impacted the following of the law, after much discussion they came to a consensus. As they wrote of their unified decision, they said, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us….” (Acts 15:28 NIV) Unity brings a sense of relief, it brings life and joy.

Finally, we see unity is a place of blessing. “…there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.” (Psalm 133:3 NLT) When the church functions in unity there is life, growth, excitement and joy. I recall visiting with a pastor friend about the rapid growth of his church. He shunned taking credit for it based on his leadership or abilities and instead pointed to the fact that the congregation was functioning with a unique level of unity, he had never experienced.

I notice in the metaphors of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and the dew that falls from Hermon; a picture of the blessing of unity flowing from “top to bottom” from “high point to low.” I believe that is a good reminder that when the leadership of a church or organization is functioning in unity, it permeates the entire “organization.”

I recall listening to a former coach of the successful CSU football teams discuss some of the “glory days” of their success. He referred to a unique sense of unity among the coaches that impacted the players and facilitated the success of all their effort.

Truly unity is wonderful and pleasant. That is true for a football team, a church, a family, a nation. But it doesn’t come through human efforts or strategies. It comes from a focus on the One who reflects perfect unity and brings life forevermore.

Prayer for today… Lord, we see the chaos and harm that comes from division and conflict. That is not Your desire for our life. You alone are able to bring the unity that we desire and seek into all arenas of life. As we reflect on these words of Psalm 133, we are reminded of the unity around Your throne in heaven that we will all enjoy. Grant us glimpses of that as we pray, “let you kingdom come…one earth as it is in heaven…”

Yesterday, we traveled to Lakewood to watch grandson Riley’s football game. In the evening, I attended a concert at my old high school, with a Country music group called, “New West.” The leader, Mike Flemming, is an Englewood High graduate. It was good to reconnect with my friend Stan Countryman and his wife Lynn who coordinated the event. Stan and I have been friends since elementary school.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” Psalm 132:3-5 NLT

The territorial capital of Colorado was in Golden. There were several cities that were considered before the decision was made that the capitol building would be located in Denver. As David was establishing his “home” and the city where his rule over a unified Israel would take place, he set his heart on Jerusalem. It became known as the “City of David.”

But the greater desire was for God’s Temple to be built in Jerusalem as the permanent resting place of the “Ark of the Covenant” the symbol of God’s presence and power.

Psalm 132 is the longest of the “Psalms of Ascent.” It is a reflection on David’s history and his desire to build the Temple. It would make sense that as generation after generation made the journey to Jerusalem, for the annual feasts, for there to be a reminder and reflection on “why here?” and “how did this all come to be?”

David after his years as a fugitive, running from Saul, made had two priorities. A place to located the Ark to rest and plans to build the Temple of the Lord.

When the Ark returned to Jerusalem, the heart desire of God’s people is reflected in the words, “Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord; let us worship at the footstool of his throne. Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place,
along with the Ark, the symbol of your power. May your priests be clothed in godliness; may your loyal servants sing for joy.” (Psalm 132:7-9 NLT)

While David was not allowed to build the Temple, the Lord gave him the promise, “I will place one of your descendants  on your throne. If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant and the laws that I teach them,
then your royal line will continue forever and ever.” (Psalm 132:11,12 NLT)

This psalm makes it clear that David’s desire was the Lord’s desire: “For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem^[ he has desired it for his home. “This is my resting place forever,” he said. “I will live here, for this is the home I desired. I will bless this city and make it prosperous…Here I will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light for my people.“ (Psalm 132:13-15,17 NLT)

As we look into the Gospels we see a reversal take place. We see Jesus promising a “home” a “resting place” for His disciples, “…I go to prepare a place for you….that where I am you may be also…” (John 14:1,2) Just as David was “the Lord’s anointed” and a “light” for God’s people, we read of the New Jerusalem from heaven, “…the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.” (Revelation 21:23 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the promise of being with You, worshiping at Your footstool. May we focus on and anticipate the fulfillment of Your promise of a home You have promised for us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” Psalm 131:1,2 NLT

There is much in life that can divert our attention away from the Lord. We can become easily distracted, lose our focus and become agitated and anxious. Pride can keep us from trust, we can rely on our intellect and ability to understand what can’t be understood and to “figure out” what is illusive.

So we see in this psalm of ascent is a picture of humble trust and confidence. The psalmist declares a shunning of pride and self-reliance. There is a recognition that some things are beyond our human understanding. But real peace comes from connection to the One who is knows all, is above all and is our God.

The picture is not turning inward, but resting in God’s care…being content. Content in understanding that we don’t always understand. Content in knowing we always don’t know.

The final call in this short psalm is, “…put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:3 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, help us to find the contentment that comes from placing our hope in You alone.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” Psalm 130:3,4 NLT

As spiritual pilgrims come to the place of worship, the preparation of the heart is of utmost importance. In the Old Testament law we see sacrifices for sin always, preceded worship. The cleansing of the priests preceded the offering of sacrifices.

When we become aware of our sin and its impact, it can create a sense of desperation. That is why this psalm opens with the declaration, “From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.” (Psalm 130:1,2 NLT)

Real hope and help is found in the promise of forgiveness. Without forgiveness there is no hope, no help as we stand before a holy God. The good news is that the Lord offers forgiveness. Consider these verses, “He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.” (Psalm 103:10 NLT) “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV) “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 NIV) 1 Corinthians 13 in its description of love tells us, “love keeps not record of wrong.” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)

The result of being forgiven when we know we deserve judgment and punishment is to “fear” the Lord. To stand in awe of His love and mercy. Often that “good news” is “news too good to be true” for some. It seems to easy, to simple. They feel that they need to do something. But the proper attitude is seen in this verse, “I am counting on the Lord;
 yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” (Psalm 130:5 NLT)

When we “count on the Lord” He will come through. “…with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.” (Psalm 130:7 NLT) We need to remember there is nothing God can’t forgive and redeem. This psalm ends with, “He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin.” (Psalm 130:8 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, we stand in awe of Your forgiveness. Allow us to always be quick to turn to You and to trust in You to be our salvation and the One who enables us to stand without shame in Your presence.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows. But the Lord is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.” Psalm 129:3,4 NLT

In this psalm of ascent we see a reflection of God’s people on their past history. The psalm opens with this observation, “From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me. Let all Israel repeat this: From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me.” (Psalm 129:1,2 NLT)

The history of the creation of the nation of Israel is one of struggle, challenge, hardship and persecution. At times they were their own “worst enemy” at others times they were the “victims” and object of scorn. When life brings that level of hardship and it seems to characterize your history it can impact your perspective.

But instead of spewing bitterness and resentment we see a recognition of God’s intervention and faithfulness. “…but they have never defeated me.” and  “But the Lord is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.” 

Even though the wounds and scars may serve as a reminder of the harsh and unjust punishment, there is a focus on the Lord’s faithfulness. That can make a big difference in our lives, as we are confronted with the injustices and hardships of life. Is it possible to experience, “the worst” and yet still come out with rejoicing? I believe that is what we see in this psalm.

The last half of this psalm is a prayer or declaration of the Lord judging those who would punish and mistreat God’s people. “May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.” (Psalm 129:5 NLT) The psalm pronounces a desire for God’s enemies to “get what they deserve.” To be useless, in need and without blessing. 

The last verse says, “And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: “The Lord bless you; we bless you in the Lord’s name.” (Psalm 129:8 NLT)

What is interesting is to see the “higher” calling Jesus gives to His followers. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27 NIV)

These verses stand in stark contrast. I believe most of us identify with the response at the end of Psalm 129 opposed to Jesus instructions in the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus to His disciples challenged them to a “higher” response. One that reflects God’s character and nature. We read that the Lord, “does not treat us as our sins deserve.” (Psalm 103:10 NIV) How the Lord treat us, we are in turn to treat others. That is a challenge and certainly a “supernatural” response, not our “natural” response.

So we can see that in the midst of unjust treatment, we can still recognize the Lord’s faithfulness and we can follow Jesus’ call to “love”, “bless” and “pray” for those who mistreat us.

Prayer for today… Lord, just the thought of the challenge of Your words is difficult to understand and put into practice. However, help us to understand Your love for us, even when we fail. Enable us to see Your hand working in the most difficult times of our life and help our response to be one that honors You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways!” Psalm 128:1 NLT

The clear message of this psalm of ascent is that those who honor the Lord, who “fear” the Lord, who follow His ways are a blessed and joyful people. The ways of the Lord are designed for our good, our protection and well-being. I am remind of the words of Psalm 144:15 (NKJV) “Happy are the people whose  God is the Lord.” In these verses and others we see the Lord’s desire for us is to experience a life of joy and peace.

The blessings of the Lord are seen in the Lord’s provision, “You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!” (Psalm 128:2 NLT) This is seen in contrast to those who refuse to follow the Lord, to obey His ways and they see all that they have worked for vanish and come to naught. The prophet warned, “You will plant crops but not harvest them. You will press your olives but not get enough oil to anoint yourselves. You will trample the grapes but get no juice to make your wine.” (Micah 6:15 NLT)

Then we see the blessing of the Lord on families. “Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.” (Psalm 128:3 NLT) God has established the family to reflect His character to show His love and to experience His satisfaction. The greatest heartaches in life can come when the family is in turmoil; when there is conflict in marriage, when children are in rebellion. This is contrary to the Lord’s desire as we place Him first and seek to honor Him in all of our ways.

That is why we read, “That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.” (Psalm 128:4 NLT) When there is peace “in the home” and all is well with the family, you realize it is not because of human achievement. 

The summary of the joy that comes from following the Lord is seen in the final verses, “May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!” (Psalm 128:5,6 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, remind us that true joy comes from following You and trusting in You. My Your blessings from the “heavenly Jerusalem” flow in the lives of all those who make You their refuge and source of life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1 NLT

Have you ever been involved in activity and in the end discover your hard work and all your effort was in vain? This psalm reminds us that human effort apart from the Lord is done in vain. The Lord is the critical “partner”; the “main ingredient”; the true facilitator for all useful activity.

The vivid reminder is found in three word, “Unless the Lord.” Unless the Lord builds, unless the Lord protects, unless the Lord enables. Notice in this psalm the frustrating end result when the Lord is eliminated from our efforts. The “work of the builders is wasted.” The “sentries (guards) do no good.” All human effort, gifts and talents are expended for naught.

It is easy for me to reflect on projects that I have tried to take on, that were “beyond my skill set.” It was a lengthy, frustrating effort that proved to be a waste of time, until an individual with the knowledge and skill came to the rescue. They made what seemed so challenging a simple task.

That is how the Lord wants us to understand the need for His involvement in our lives. We see in contrast to our tireless efforts and wearing ourselves down, the assurance, “…for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:2 NLT)

This psalm reminds me of Jesus words, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34 NIV)

In building your life, your family, your future, allow the Lord to work with you, doing what He alone can do.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You desire to build, protect and provide for us as we trust in You. Allow us to be quick to express our need for Your intervention in all aspects of our lives. As we do, our efforts won’t be in vain.

After a day of not too much activity, today we got toured around Summit County. We had breakfast in Dillion, traveled Highway 6 through Keystone and A-Basin to the top of Loveland Pass. We haven’t made this trip in over 30 years. On the way home we went to Breckenridge, walked around a little and enjoyed a quick lunch, before returning to Frisco.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” Psalm 126:5,6 NLT

The return to Jerusalem, was a challenging trip, but not one of drudgery. It was one of anticipation. It was like a goal to be achieved. So this psalm opens with the declaration, “When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” (Psalm 126:1,2 NLT) 

The words of this psalm not only reflect the focus and goal of spiritual pilgrims returning to Jerusalem for annual feasts; but the time when God’s people returned to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After years of being in a foreign land, removed from the visible presence of the Lord, when King Cyrus, ordered the Temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem; the news was too good to be true.

The time of weeping and sorrow had come to an end. The time of joy had now come. The hard work of “planting and growing” was over, now was the time of “harvest.”

“Weeping” and “tears” seem to be the seeds of joy in the Bible. We read, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 NLT) “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 KJV) 

When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and the law was read to the people there was weeping by the people. But we see Nehemiah telling them, “…Do not mourn or weep…Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9,10 NIV)

God’s faithfulness to His people becomes a witness to others. This psalm declares, “…the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (Psalm 126:2,3 NLT)

Finally I notice the plea for the Lord to bring to completion, what has been dreamed for in the return to Jerusalem. “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.” (Psalm 126:4 NLT)

We can be confident that the Lord not only brings us “home” and to our desired place, but along with that brings full restoration. That is why we see in Revelation John’s vision of a new heaven and a new earth and a  new order. (Revelation 21:1-4)

There may be weeping in this life, in this place removed from “God’s home.” But one day we will enter the true “City of our God” and it will be like “a dream” and we will be full of joy!

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You see our tears and our sorrow; our hardships in this world. But we look forward to the day when we enter the city You have prepared for us. What a day that will be!