Last night we attend a “Lincoln Day Dinner” with about 800 others to hear author and film maker Dinesh D’souza. This morning Debbie joined me again for the chapel service at McKenzie Place retirement home. It was a delight to be joined by Jerry and Virginia Pippin and to enjoy brunch after the service.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the Lord even though they feared the surrounding peoples.…On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, even though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid.…In the second month of the second year after they arrived at God’s house in Jerusalem….all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began to build.” Ezra 3:1-9 HCSB

The words of the Lord through Jeremiah were coming to pass for God’s people. They were being returned to the own land with the support of the country where they had been captives. A change in government presents opportunities and some challenges. Babylon has fallen and the Persians are now in control. King Cyrus issues a decree for a temple to be built in Jerusalem to honor the Lord God.

As the exiles return, the first thing they do is to establish their homes in the land that had been left desolate and they then build an altar to offer sacrifices to the Lord. When we look at the chronology it appears this took place seven months before the work of rebuilding the Temple began.

I believe it is important to take note of this sequence. So often when given a project, the desire is to, “get at it.” Let’s get to work and begin the task we have been assigned and are eager to complete. However, God’s people had learned an important lesson and they put “first things first.” Even though the Temple would facilitate worship and sacrifice to the Lord, it was not a prerequisite or the only way to show honor to the Lord.

So, as the people were settled, they worshiped first and worked second. They didn’t assume God’s blessing on their efforts, they sought  God’s blessing for their efforts. Just because it was “God’s work” it still required God’s wisdom, strength and provision.

During this time the people prepared their hearts and organized their efforts. As a result their efforts were successful in getting the foundation of the Temple laid. That was the first and most important step in the process. When the foundation was laid, there was time to stop, and give thanks to the Lord, who had helped them to accomplish the first step.

“When the builders had laid the foundation of the Lord’s temple, the priests, dressed in their robes and holding trumpets, and the Levites descended from Asaph, holding cymbals, took their positions to praise the Lord, as King David of Israel had instructed. They sang with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord: “For He is good; His faithful love to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s house had been laid.” (Ezra 3:10,11 HCSB)

It is interesting that in modern building projects, we have “ground breaking” ceremonies and we have church building dedication ceremonies. We take time before the project is start to celebrate and when it is completed. Perhaps we should learn from the Old Testament and have times of celebration at key phases of a building effort. But regardless, we can observe that worship should always precede our work.

Prayer for today…. “Lord, I am guilty of rushing into a project with eagerness to accomplish a task. Allow me to remember that taking time to seek You and to worship You is the best preparation that can be made in any effort; especially when it comes to my work for You and the work of building my life and family.”

This past week, I attended an event hosted by our Colorado Senators called the “Colorado Capital Conference.” The event was co-hosted by Mesa State University and the University of Colorado. CU Regent Sue Sharkey was in a “foot boot” so it provided a partner in my attempts to navigate the mobility challenges in Washington D.C. CU Regent Steve Bosley, was a great companion helping me get to where I needed to be and even pushing me in a wheelchair.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….   ^“This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:17,18 HCSB

We don’t always learn the lessons we should, when we should learn them. We miss opportunities, we don’t take advantage of the wisdom of others, we don’t apply the lessons that we are taught.

God’s people spend 70 years in captivity in Babylon as exiles before they return to Jerusalem. It was one difficulty way to get their attention, but that is what had to happen. I can’t read the words, “if only you had paid attention to My commands” without feeling a sense of regret over the “lost opportunity.”

What God’s people failed to understand, is what many fail to comprehend today. God is on our side, He is for us! What He teaches is for our benefit. It is not to be viewed with a “take-it-or-leave-it” attitude. Where He leads we are to follow. We are not to exert our own preference and will. Stubbornness and fierce independence can be positive in the right context, but when applied to our relationship with the Lord, they are costly.

The good  news was God was preparing to fulfill His promise to return His people to their home. So we read, “Leave Babylon, flee from the Chaldeans! Declare with a shout of joy, proclaim this, let it go out to the end of the earth;
announce, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!” (Isaiah 48:20 HCSB)

At one point in their history, God told his people, “don’t resist go to Babylon.” Now, He is telling them, “don’t remain in exile, get ready to return, I have redeemed you.” The Lord on His own initiative was going to the “pawn shop of Babylon” to bring back His people.

We see the edict in Ezra 1, “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the word of the Lord spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The Lord put it into the mind of King Cyrus to issue a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom and to put it in writing: This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever is among His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem…” (Ezra 1:1-3 HCSB)

God’s people had a new opportunity. Even though it was in a new generation, to have the peace and righteousness the God had planned long ago. But it would take them to understand that God teaches for their benefit and where He leads they are to follow.

If we can learn those simple lessons today; and live by God’s teaching and direction, we too will have a life of peace and righteousness. And it doesn’t have to take 70 years to learn that lesson.

Prayer for today… “Lord, help me to remember that your instructions and guidance is for my benefit. When I listen and apply Your truth, when I follow Your lead, You take me into paths of “righteousness of Your name’s sake.” Thank you for the peace that comes to my life when I pay attention to the One who cares for me and desires the best for me.”

Another long day of travel. But this one, is bringing me home. I enjoyed this week in Washington D.C. and will share about my conference in coming days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now this is what the Lord says, the One who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. ” Isaiah 43:1,2 HCSB

God’s people were headed for tough times. Their sin and rebellion had brought God’s judgment and correction. They were going to be exiles in a foreign land.

It is in facing this unknown future the Lord speaks through His prophet these words of encouragement. The courage that is found in hardship and adversity is not assurance that we are “bullet proof” from all harm. It is found in two key concepts. The Lord says, ” you are mine” and “I will be with you.” 

We see this vividly in the story of the “three Hebrew children” in the fire. We see it with Daniel in the lion’s den. But we are not guaranteed, to escape all harm, but we are guaranteed that the Lord will  be with us and we have the assurance we belong to Him.

God’s promise to be with His people is seen throughout the Bible. The final assurance is when Jesus ascended, “I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

Pastor Mark Batterson says, “I need to know two things, God is with me and God is for me.” I have said the assurance of God’s presence, gives confidence that what God does not keep us from, He is able to see us through.

Batterson observes, “If God is for us it doesn’t matter what comes against us. Without Him we can do nothing. With Him we can do all things. When we let God turn me, into we….it is life altering….”

Prayer for today…. “Lord help me to remember that I am Yours and You are with me. When trouble comes, it is never just me, but we who encounter it together. Thank You for making me victorious through You”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Therefore, dear friends, since we have such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, completing our sanctification in the fear of God.”  2 Corinthians 7:1 HCSB

The people we choose to be close to and the attitudes and we have and the lifestyle we possess impacts our Christian joy and contentment in life.

You will find its true, God’s ways are the best. They are designed to protect us from hardship and to allow us to enjoy God’s richest blessings.

That is what we can observe from the Old Testament to the New. God’s love and grace is not conditional, but His blessings are enhanced through our obedience. We have confidence in God’s love for us, but our love for God is what makes the difference in the quality of our life.

God’s promises are motivation for our behavior.  The promises Paul refers to at the beginning of chapter 7, are seen at the end of chapter 6.

“I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing,
and I will welcome you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 HCSB

Sanctification is related to “separation.” We “set ourselves apart” to God, that by nature means we “distance” ourselves from the relationships and behaviors that would grieve the Lord and rowwb us from God’s best for our life.

As Paul says to the Romans, “When you think of what he [Christ] has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:2 TLB)

Prayer for today... “Lord, help me to make the choices, that allow me to experience the best you have for me.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14,15 HCSB

I remember hearing the comment, “if we can missed the point, we certainly will!” This is a verse I recall from my youth. It was one of those that was more abused than properly used. It seemed to promote a “Christian subculture” and isolation, instead of providing a basis for wise counsel.

My daughter commented just today in reflecting on people she has observed, “those you choose to hang out with have an impact on your life.” That sounds like a summary of these words of Paul.

Paul wrote at the end of  1 Corinthians, “Bad company corrupts, good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:34 NIV)  Perhaps some in this church missed the point and he felt the need to elaborate in his second letter.

Perhaps you have heard a more modern statement of this age-old truth, “Those closest to you determine your level of success.” While that statement is applied not just to character, but is related to personal and business success, the concept is the same.

If you want enjoy success in life and keep yourself from hardship and a variety of challenging issues of life, choose your friends wisely. Make sure that those you are closest to will not undermine your faith and confidence in the Lord.

That doesn’t mean you don’t have a variety of friendships or isolate yourself from unbelievers. It does mean you use wisdom in who you connect with at the deepest levels, who you “partner” with and who exerts the greatest influence on your life.

As we are in D.C. and reconnecting with our friends Paul and Colleen Irwin, I’m reminded how close Christian friends serve as an inspiration and encouragement to your faith and focus.

Life is relationship. They can make you or break you. Choose wisely, “because those closest to you….”

Prayer for today…. “Lord than you for friendships. Thank you for those who encourage, challenge and strength me in my faith and personal development. Help me to impact others in a positive way, as I have been impacted by others.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For we know that if our temporary, earthly dwelling is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 HCSB

We are in Washington D.C. This is the home of monuments and magnificent buildings. But all buildings are subject to deterioration. Currently the Capitol is going through renovations to address concerns     related to age and wear.

Not only do buildings have a “useful” life, so do our bodies. As we grow older we become painfully aware that our bodies are showing the signs of age. That is not just in appearance, but in strength and resilience.

The Apostle Paul’s body had taken a beating, literally. Paul would soon talk about his “thorn in the flesh.” The weakness of our human bodies and the deteriorating of what is of earth, allows us to place our hope and focus on that which is eternal.

Paul says when the temporary passes away, the eternal emerges. Like a butterfly emerging from a cacoon, there is a change, a metamorphis that takes place.

The Lord has not only prepared a place for His children, but has prepared new bodies for His children. What hope that can bring and what perspective in the midst of the challenges of life. I am reminded of Paul’s words,

“I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be clothed with immortality.”  (1 Corinhians 15:51-53 HCSB)

So, remember in the challenges of life remember, the Lord has a glorious future planned for those who put their hope in Him.

Prayer for today…. “Lord, as that which around me changes, and as I grow older and change, allow me to remember that this life which is temporary, will give way to that which is eternal. Help me to live life not in dread or fear but in anticipation of the fulfillment of all you have for me….in this life and for eternity.”

The day before a trip is always hectic. I was glad that I had an appointment that was cancelled to have more time to get some things done. I was pleased to connect with my “Energy Action” partners and our founding director Rep. B.J. Nikkel. I shared my book and it was great to have conversation about God’s ability to heal.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We have this kind of confidence toward God through Christ.  It is not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.”   2 Corinthians 3:4,5 HCSB

It seems through the years those called to serve the Lord in vocational ministry were encouraged with the words, “those God calls, He qualifies.” Certainly skills need to be developed, and experience counts. However, if the confidence for effectiveness is in human charisma or abilities, effectiveness, if manifested, will be short lived.

Paul, in writing these words was aware of the divisiveness that the Corinthians had experienced. It was over gifted and influential leaders. But it seems that it went from giving automatic acceptance and credibility to asking for “proven credentials” or proof of “calling.”

We see this in Paul’s words, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone.” (2 Corinthians 3:1,2 HCSB)

It is not wrong to be “aware of those who minister among you” as Paul himself would caution. But Paul already had established a credible ministry impact in the city and there were many who served as his human “letters of approval.”

Beyond that Paul goes on to the point out that God’s endorsement, borne out through spiritual fruit and personal integrity is what really matters. Paul could have pointed to his “spiritual heritage and credentials.” (He actually does later in the letter. But just to prove a point.) Paul understood that without God’s approval, all his efforts were only going to produce what human abilities would be able to produce. What matters is what lasts. When a dynamic and influential leader is gone, does the work continue? Do people continue in faithfulness and service to the Lord?

Human competence leads to pride. Confidence in God’s empowering leads to humility and effective ministry. So, whether you are in “vocational” ministry or serving as a “volunteer” in a ministry role, confidence in the Lord using you is all important.

I’m thankful for the examples of King Saul, Gideon and others in the Old Testament. I am thankful for Jesus’ disciples and others in the New Testament. Because we can see in these “ordinary” people the Lord accomplishing the “extraordinary” just because they were obedient and responded to God’s call in faith.

We can observe many people who are like those in Corinth, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.“ (1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV) Why does God use the “unlikely”? “So that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:29 NIV) He does so in order for them to understand they can be “competent” in fulfilling God’s call to serve or just to live for Christ, but it is all because of the strength and ability the Lord gives.

Prayer for today… “Lord thank you for choosing unlikely people to be used by You. It shows how You reveal Yourself to those You use and to the world. Help me to remember that what You call me to, you will equip me to accomplish as I trust in you and commit to diligence in all things.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY...  “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!”  Psalm 30:11,12 NLT  “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:3 NIV

Sometime I feel like a spiritual “Forest Gump.” Forest used to say, “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.” There are times when I want to say, “I’m not smart man, but I know when the Lord is trying to get my attention.”

That is what happened today. This morning Debbie and I attended the “Traditions” service at Timberline Church. It has been a long time since we have made it to an 8:30 a.m. service and longer since we have slipped into this service with more traditional music. I took note of the theme of two songs that were sung.

One was a Gaither song entitled, “This is the Time I Must Sing.” One of the verses contains these words,

“There are days filled with sorrow and plans for tomorrow,
But this is the time I must sing.
And I know there’s a reason why in His own season
God gives me a song I can sing.”

After this, we sang the old gospel song, “He Keeps Me Singing.” You may recall the words

There’s within my heart a melody
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of life’s ebb and flow.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Sweetest Name I know,
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.

This song by Luther Bridgers, of Atlanta, Georgia; was written in 1901 after a tragic fire killed his wife and three sons.

I then went to Morning Star Assisted Living to conduct a chapel service. I decided we should sing the old anthem “Fairest Lord Jesus.” As we sang the song, I noticed the words, that say,

“Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.”

It is easy to sing when all is going well, when we are rejoicing and happy. But singing when there is a struggle, or discouraging news or when life’s “ebb and flow” is over rocky terrain and is more ebb than flow? God’s people asked their captures who wanted to hear songs from Zion, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psalms 137:4 NIV)

But then we look in the Book of Acts and find Saul and Silas arrested, beaten and sitting in a dark musty dungeon. What do they do? They begin to sing songs at midnight and praise the Lord. In the midst of their singing and praise the Lord brings a earthquake that sets them free.  (Acts 16:16-40)

Perhaps that is why the writer of Hebrews, who addresses God’s people in times of distress and trial says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NIV) At times our song requires “sacrifice” to sing. We don’t go by feeling, but by faith.

I am reminded that there were songs that became a continual source of encouragement during my health crisis. Songs that encourage my family to continually trust and be assured that “God is with us.” Just this afternoon as Debbie and I returned from some errands one of those songs was being played in the radio.

This week my Neurologist told me that “I shouldn’t anticipate recovery greater than what I have already experienced.” Although he did clarify that it is “better to be pessimistic rather than optimistic so you won’t be disappointed or discouraged.” However, I found that perspective somewhat disappointing and discouraging!

So when I was unexpectedly confronted by songs that challenged singing and praise, even in the mist of the trials and discouragements of life, I felt like the Lord was trying to get my attention. Not only that, as I sat in the coffee area at church later in the morning, I was surprised to have my infectious disease doctor come over and greet me. I haven’t seen him for almost two years. He still recognized me and remembered me and spoke encouraging words.

Prayer for today… “Lord thank you for Your love that uses the unexpected to get my attention. Thank you that when I keep my eyes on You, I can continue to sing and praise regardless of the circumstances of life. Help me to remember that each challenge, each trial, each struggle is a time to sing.”