Last night Debbie and I attend the Murphy Center banquet. The Murphy Center is a single entry point providing services to the homeless and those in poverty. It was well attended. I was pleased to be joined by several former legislative colleagues and our State Senator John Kefalas, whom I served with in the House. I also appreciate Dan Betz being present to represent US Senator Cory Gardner.

This morning, after getting caught up on some rest made another trip to Denver. This time to attend the annual Assemblies of God conference for Pastors in Colorado and Utah. It was good to see many friends that I have not seen for the past year. Jim Mazurek from Chili. told me that people in South American were praying for me when I was at my worst.

Later this afternoon I traveled to Lakewood and will attend a baseball game for grandson, Riley.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… After fifty-two days of work the entire wall was finished…When our enemies in the surrounding nations heard this, they realized that they had lost face, since everyone knew that the work had been done with God’s help.  Nehemiah 6:15,16

I began yesterday in making some observations about leadership from the life of Nehemiah. At times leadership is called for when a need or problem arises and someone is willing to step forward and be the person to make a difference. This is what we see in the life of Nehemiah. He was a cupbearer to the King when he heard of the distress of God’s people in Jerusalem and the condition of the walls. His prayer resulted in God using him to be the leader of a great project and a victory for God’s people.

As the account of the project of rebuilding the walls unfolds we see…

Leaders solicits the skills and involvement of others. Nehemiah chapter 3 simply begins with the words, “This is how the walls of the city were rebuilt.” What follow is an extensive list of those who were involved and the responsibilities they were assigned. Sizable, manageable sections were assigned to a specific group of people. Perhaps this falls into the “project or organizational management” aspect of leadership, but is is an important function.  Leaders motivate, organize and empower others to accomplish as task.

Leaders overcome opposition. As soon as the people committed themselves to rebuild the walls opposition arose. “…Sanballat, Tobiah, and an Arab named Geshem heard what we were planning to do, they laughed at us and said, “What do you think you’re doing? Are you going to rebel against the emperor?” (Neh. 2:19) The opposition was in ridicule, false accusations, threats of violence. Nehemiah needed wisdom and a strategy to deal with each situation as it arose. One of those required even arming workers and keeping them focused and strong and encouraged.

 “…I armed the people with swords, spears, and bows, and stationed them by clans behind the wall, wherever it was still unfinished… I saw that the people were worried, so I said to them and to their leaders and officials, “Don’t be afraid of our enemies. Remember how great and terrifying the Lord is, and fight for your relatives, your children, your wives, and your homes.” (Neh. 4:13,14)

Leaders are willing to confront problems within. “When I heard their complaints, I grew angry and decided to act. I denounced the leaders and officials of the people and told them, “You are oppressing your own relatives!” I called a public assembly to deal with the problem…” (Neh. 5:6,7) Nehemiah received word about the financial distress of some of the people and how that Jews were mistreating Jews. One of the internal issues was the connection between a priest and the enemy of Nehemiah, Tobiah. “Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, being related to Tobiah,” (Neh. 13:4) This situation creates a special challenge for a leader, when individuals have split loyalties.

Leaders are willing to make sacrifices. “During all the twelve years that I was governor of the land of Judah, from the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was emperor until his thirty-second year, neither my relatives nor I ate the food I was entitled to have as governor. Every governor who had been in office before me had been a burden to the people…” (Neh. 5:14,15) Nehemiah made a commitment to remain “above reproach” and he did that by distinguishing himself from other leaders who put themselves first and became a burden to the people.

Leaders help people celebrate progress toward a goal. “They dedicated the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.” (Neh. 3:1) It appears that as a section was completed it was dedicated. This provided an opportunity to celebrate small steps of accomplishment toward the larger goal.

Leaders must be prepared for personal attacks. “They hired him to frighten me into sinning, so that they could ruin my reputation and humiliate me.” (Neh. 6:13) There were those who tried to intimidate, threaten and accuse Nehemiah in a way that cause him to act in a way that would diminish his leadership effectiveness.

Leaders are successful when a a goal is achieved. “…our enemies in the surrounding nations heard this, they realized that they had lost face, since everyone knew that the work had been done with God’s help.” (Neh. 6:16) Success is the best answer to critics. It is also noteworthy that Nehemiah is not recognized for the success of the project, but it is recognized as something that was made possible by God and not a man.

This may not be an exhaustive list, but it provides some of the main observations that we see in God using Nehemiah as an effective leader. As we continue to read through the book we see that Nehemiah’s leadership continues after the “project” is completed. There was time to celebrate, dedicate and worship, but not stop the role that the Lord had called him to.

Once again, you can see the challenge that leaders face. You need to be prepared for these in your leadership context. Also, I hope you are encouraged to pray for your leaders, especially your pastoral leaders.

Today will be one of my more busier days in a while. Early this morning I left the house at 6 a.m. to meet a friend to travel  to the Capitol in Denver for a legislative Bible Study. We visited the House and Senate Chambers and then made it back to Loveland in time for a Rotary meeting. I then stopped at Northern Colorado Rehab hospital to take care of a couple of issues and then home for a rest, so I could work on my blog before getting ready for a banquet tonight.

There was a good group of legislators in attendance at the Bible Study and it was good to connect with some former colleagues over in the Senate that I have not seen for a while. The picture is me with former Loveland State Representative Jim Welker and Dan File, the Chaplain at the Capitol.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“See what trouble we are in because Jerusalem is in ruins and its gates are destroyed! Let’s rebuild the city walls and put an end to our disgrace.”  And I told them how God had been with me and helped me, and what the emperor had said to me. They responded, “Let’s start rebuilding!” And they got ready to start the work. Nehemiah 2:17,18

As I read the account of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, I was once again amazed at the “leadership lessons” that are in these first six chapters of the Book of Nehemiah. Because of Nehemiah’s faith and reliance on the Lord I call this “effective spiritual leadership” but most of the principles apply for believers of faith in any leadership context.

The first thing I notice is that often leaders come from unexpected places. Nehemiah was a captive in a foreign land. He was in a position of trust and responsibility, but he was a cupbearer to the King. He was not like Daniel and his friends who had been groomed for positions of leadership, but his position proved to be strategic in getting the Kings attention and favor. (Neh. 1:10,11)

Then I note that leaders are aware of their own limitations. I see this in Nehemiah’s consistent commitment to prayer. When he heard of the distress of the exiles in Jerusalem and the condition of the walls, he prayed.  (Neb. 1:4) When the King asked why he was sad, he prayed. (probably a good idea since this was not acceptable in the King’s presence.) When the King asked what he wanted, he prayed. We read consistently of Nehemiah’s prayers throughout the process of rebuilding the wall.

Leaders are people of courage. I notice this in Nehemiah’s bold request of the King. His bold request, took courage. I see courage in stepping out an calling the people to task for rebuilding the walls. He faced all kinds of opposition and challenges. What confronted him was not an easy task nor something for the “faint of heart.”

Leaders evaluate and plan before taking action. Nehemiah personally assesses the task the is before him. When Nehemiah gets to Jerusalem he doesn’t tell anyone one what the Lord has laid on his heart, he takes time to evaluate the condition of the walls, and as he did I’m sure he was formulating a plan and considering the challenge that was ahead. (Neh. 2:11-15)

Leaders inspire others to take action. (Neh. 2:17,18) Nehemiah assembled the leaders and key people of the city and pointed out the problem. “See what trouble we are in because Jerusalem is in ruins and its gates are destroyed!” People must believe the mission they are being called to is possible and that the Lord is with them.

I will continue with some additional observations tomorrow. We find many practical lessons in God’s Word that we can apply to our lives. Whether someone is in a leadership “position” or not we all exercise influence in certain places and at certain times. All of these observations that we see in Nehemiah’s life can be applied to our lives today.

Last night I did make it to the fitness center for a workout. I had a doctor’s appointment this morning. Nothing wrong just a routine check up and update on my progress. It was good to touch base share an update on my progress and some questions related to my health. I will look forward to the results of some of the lab work to see how it compares to a few months ago.

After the doctor’s appointment, I ran a few errands. One which included a stop at the Post Office. That proved to be a test of strength and endurance. I returned home and took time to attempt some repair on my patio concrete. After lunch some fatigue set in so I needed to take a nap and will end my day with a massage appointment and our Monday evening men’s meeting.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way.But the  Lord made the punishment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved.”  Isaiah 53:6

It is often said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. Perhaps that is none clearer than the prophetic words of  Isaiah 53. This is the passage of scripture the Ethiopian eunuch was reading when the early church leader Philip told him about Christ. (Acts 8:26-40) I am sure this is one of the passages Jesus had on his mind when he chided the disciples on the road to Emmaus about, “…how slow you are to believe everything the prophets said!  Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?” (Luke 24:25,26)

As Isaiah said 700 years before Christ, “…Who could have seen the Lord‘s hand in this?” (Isaiah 53:1) Sometimes we need to be still and stand in awe of the Lord’s patience and plan that has unfolded through the ages to bring salvation to the world. Then we need to remember that same God is patiently, yet actively working to bring His entire plan of redemption to fulfillment through the “second coming of Christ.’

The prophet addresses the impact of Jesus suffering and how the brutality of what He endured made people “turn their faces” if not run away.

“We despised him and rejected him; he endured suffering and pain. No one would even look at him— we ignored him as if he were nothing.”  (Isaiah 53:3)

The most striking aspect of looking to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is that Jesus suffered unjustly, having not sinned, but bore punishment that was due mankind for turning away from God. He suffered, so we don’t have to. Isaiah even points to what would happen on the cross being viewed differently that what is was. I believe it is important to take note of the “we” “our” pronouns in the verses below.

“But he endured the suffering that should have been ours, the pain that we should have borne. All the while we thought that his suffering was punishment sent by God. But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received.” (Isaiah 53:4,5)

Isaiah reveals Jesus as the, “Lamb of God” so that when John the Baptist used that term, people familiar with the words of the Prophet would sit up and take notice. Unfortunately those who should have noticed, didn’t.

“He was treated harshly, but endured it humbly; he never said a word. Like a lamb about to be slaughtered, like a sheep about to be sheared, he never said a word.” (Isaiah 53:7)

The prophet even foretold of Christ’s burial with striking accuracy.

“He was placed in a grave with those who are evil, he was buried with the rich, even though he had never committed a crime or ever told a lie.” (Isaiah 53:9)

Isaiah closes his messianic prophecy with speaking of the glory of Christ’s obedience and the sacrifice He made.

“…so I will give him a place of honor, a place among the great and powerful. He willingly gave his life and shared the fate of evil men. He took the place of many sinners and prayed that they might be forgiven.” (Isaiah 53:12)

This reminds me of the words of Paul the Apostle written about Christ’s incarnation and ultimate sacrifice for us,

“For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.  And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.“ (Philippians 2:9-11)

Some times instead of a “quick read” through a familiar passage, it is good for us to slow down, reflect, contemplate, consider and make sure that we have personally embraced through faith in Christ, the wonder and glory of God’s plan.

I navigated with my “Canadian” crutches at church today. That was a first for me and it went well. Several people commented and were pleased with this sign of progress. I have been checking into a “recumbent” bike for me to use during this summer to get outside with my exercise.

I helped at the Allies table at church to sign up men for our upcoming retreat in May.  I will be sharing some of the life lessons that I have learned through my illness during one of the breakout sessions. I hope to do an evening workout at the fitness center today, I’ll see how that goes.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… A great number of people gathered in Jerusalem in the second month to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread.…After the seven days during which they offered sacrifices in praise of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, they all decided to celebrate for another seven days. So they celebrated with joy….The priests and the Levites asked the Lord‘s blessing on the people. In his home in heaven God heard their prayers and accepted them. (2 Chronicles 30:13,22,23,27)

I recall as a teen, the church I grew up in would have special meetings with a “guest evangelist.” We referred to them as “revival meetings.” I recall one of significance where the attendance the work the Lord was doing in hearts was so great that it continued every night for six weeks.

When King Hezekiah lead God’s people in a time of “revival” or turning back to the Lord there seems to be a deep response, for the normal celebration called for in the Law of Moses was extended an additional week. Some of the details leading up to this event reveal the sad spiritual condition among God’s people.

Hezekiah’s father King Ahaz was a wicked and rebellious King. Here is how his conduct was described, “When his troubles were at their worst…Ahaz sinned against the Lord more than ever.  He offered sacrifices to the gods of the Syrians…He said, “The Syrian gods helped the kings of Syria, so if I sacrifice to them, they may help me too.” This brought disaster on him and on his nation.  In addition, he took all the Temple equipment and broke it in pieces. He closed the Temple and set up altars in every part of Jerusalem.”  (2 Chron. 28:22-25)

The heart of Hezekiah was different, but he had a lot of work to do. He set out repairing the Temple, and then rededicated the Temple. The successful efforts caught the attention of the people. “King Hezekiah and the people were happy, because God had helped them to do all this so quickly.” (2 Chron. 29:36)  Hezekiah then called on the people to celebrate the Passover. This is the first recorded celebration of the Passover (which was an annual feast), since the days of King Solomon. It was to be held on the first day of the first month of their year. The problem was no one showed up and there were no Priests qualified to perform the duties.

The Passover is postponed for one month. A call goes out throughout the land to come to Jerusalem and to obey once again the Lord God of their ancestors. That call included these words, “The Lord your God is kind and merciful, and if you return to him, he will accept you.” (2 Chron. 30:9) The result was this, “God was also at work in Judah and united the people in their determination to obey his will by following the commands of the king and his officials.”   (2 Chron. 30:12)

The Passover was celebrated. The false idols were removed and destroyed. The animal were presented for sacrifice. The people obeyed the Lord and worshiped Him and celebrated in His presence. What we see is that this was not a perfect act of worship, by a “holy” people. But Hezekiah knew their hearts were right so he prayed, “O Lord, the God of our ancestors, in your goodness forgive those who are worshiping you with all their heart, even though they are not ritually clean.” (2 Chron. 30:19)

The worshiped with all of their strength, Hezekiah commended the Levites for their skills in leading the people and when the seven days were over, the people said, “let’s continue!” As a result, the celebration and sacrifices continued for another seven days. When it was over, the people returned to their homes and removed idolatry and false forms of worship from the land;  and the practices called for in the Law of Moses were re-instituted.

Some important observations from this account. We see the importance of true spiritual leadership and its impact on the lives of people and a nation. Leadership is hard.  Spiritual leadership has its own unique challenges. But I recall a mentor to pastors reminding them, “if people could get to where they need to go, without you, you aren’t needed.” Hezekiah had to take bold, decisive action that was against the current of the times. He sought the Lord and the Lord gave him direction and a favor.

Next I notice that, a pure heart is more important than perfect performance. Because of the condition of the Temple and the lives of people some adjustments had to be made to the rigid instructions in the Law of Moses. But as the people responded to the example and words of Hezekiah and the leaders, God honored their sincerity and did a work in their hearts and facilitated their return to Him and their worship.

When people experience the presence and provision of the Lord through obedience and a sincere  heart, they want more. For years the people through their leaders had been shown that God or “gods” only existed to serve people. They believed, “If you don’t get you want, you just get a new god.” They failed to realize that their hardships were God’s way of getting their attention and calling them back to Him. When they corrected their thinking and their view of God and repented and began to seek the Lord, they found His mercy, forgiveness and blessing. When they experienced that, it was like they said, “this is what we have needed, and we want more!”

True “revival” is shown in changed lives. It is one thing to be “moved spiritually” it is another to see that impact manifest itself in action and new priorities. We see that in the lives of God’s people. As they left the celebration of the Passover the Feast of Tabernacles, they returned to their homes with a new commitment, a fresh understanding of the Lord and a determination to follow the Lord.

Do you need a fresh commitment and a new understanding of the Lord in your life? This week consider these observations and how they might apply to your life and to our nation.

This morning after a trip to Lamar’s Donuts, I attended a town hall meeting for our State Senator. Perhaps it was a good reminder of why I don’t miss certain aspects of political office.

After I returned home Debbie was in the basement attending to some duties we intended to get to when we first moved to Fort Collin…clearing out some old and unused books. Debbie laid the books out and I began going through “my pile.” While I took a nap she took them to Goodwill, before I had a chance to change my mind. So I now have 318 fewer books in my collection with probably twice that many more to go through.

Last night we attended an event for “Footprints Across Africa.” This is nonprofit that was started by Rhonda Allen wife of missionary Larry Allen that reaches out to women and children in some of the most impoverished countries in Africa providing education, food, and income producing projects. The Allen’s before becoming missionaries served as the Pastor of the Church in Strasburg where we spent seven years in the 1980’s.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“Israel, remember this…I created you to be my servant, and I will never forget you. I have swept your sins away like a cloud. Come back to me; I am the one who saves you.” Isaiah 44:21–22

The words of the prophet Isaiah reveal the imploring heart of a God who is patient and merciful. The gravest sin of God’s people was in breaking the first commandment, “you shall have no other gods before me…” It is interesting when God is replaced with a priority to other gods, seen or unseen the rest of the “Ten Commandments” lose their impact and are easy to break. That is why Jesus said the greatest commandment is, “…love the Lord  your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…” (Matthew 22:37)

In this chapter leading up to these verses above we see the Lord reminding His people of who He is and what He has done for them. He then leads to an amusing and embarrassing description of the mindlessness of idolatry.  “The maker of idols hasn’t the wit or the sense to say, “Some of the wood I burned up. I baked some bread on the coals, and I roasted meat and ate it. And the rest  of the wood I made into an idol. Here I am bowing down to a block of wood!” (Isaiah 44:19)

A block of wood can’t rescue or provide for a person’s needs and neither can any other source of reliance other than the Lord. So the Lord instead of walking away and wiping His hands and giving up on such a “stupid” people, instead implores them to return to Him.

In doing so, He reminds them of their purpose. “I have created you to be my servant.” This is not a put down or a demeaning role, but a relationship that gives identity and purpose. A servant is cared for and provided for and protected by his master. As servant is one who simply does the masters bidding and in doing so helps bring recognition to the master. A servant is aware that “my life is not my own.”

The Lord reminds them of His watchful eye. “I will never forget you.” Distance impacts a relationship. God’s people separated themselves from Him, they “forgot their God” but His commitment was to never forget them. His eye was upon them even when they were in rebellion and running in the opposite direction.

The Lord reminds them of His love, mercy and forgiveness. “I have swept your sins away like a cloud.” This statement precedes the invitation to “come back.” God’s provision of forgiveness stands ready and is already provided. This reminds me of the words of Romans 5:8  “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.“

The Lord invites them to return.  “Come back to me; I am the one who saves you.” Salvation does not come from a block of wood. Salvation does not come from ourselves, our our own efforts. Salvation is from the Lord. As we were going through some books, I ran across the testimony book of former rock star Brian “Head” Welch. The book is simply entitled, “Save Me From Myself.” Our only response is to simply come back to the Lord. Just like the prodigal that returned home to his father after leaving home, making all kinds of bad decisions and squandering his wealth.

The words of the old gospel song say, “Coming home, coming home, never more to roam. Open wide your arms of love. Lord I’m coming home.” When we come to the Lord, we find His arms of love already outstretched and waiting.

We continue to have a good amount of rain. I started out to the fitness center and rain was so heavy I decided to wait. After working for some time in my office the weather began to finally improve. But by that time, I was feeling so tired, I needed to get in a nap before an evening commitment.

As the weather improves, the moisture will green things up and propel us even more into spring. I’m glad I was able to get my garden spot tilled before the rain set in.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… As soon as King Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah learned of her son’s murder, she gave orders for all the members of the royal family of Judah to be killed.  Ahaziah had a half sister, Jehosheba, who was married to a priest named Jehoiada. She secretly rescued one of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash, took him away from the other princes who were about to be murdered and hid him and a nurse in a bedroom at the Temple…. For six years he remained there in hiding, while Athaliah ruled as queen. 2 Chronicles 22:10-12

This stretch between Jehoshaphat and Jehoiada was a challenging time for God’s people. Jehoshaphat did many things right as far as confronting idolatry, but he made an alliance with Israel at the worst possible time when King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel were in power.  A marriage was arranged with his son Jehoram and Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel,

This brought an evil influence to Judah that almost brought the dynasty of David to and end. Jehoshaphat was killed in battle when we formed a military alliance with Ahab. His son Jehoram reigned eight years before a painful death. He killed off his brothers and the Bible records, “He followed the wicked example of King Ahab and the other kings of Israel, because he had married one of Ahab’s daughters. He sinned against the Lord,  but the Lord was not willing to destroy the dynasty of David…” (2 Chron. 21:6,7)

The evil character of King Jehoram and his short reign is seen in this epitaph, “Nobody was sorry when he died.”    (2 Chron. 21:20) Ahaziah, His twenty-two year old brother, the only living heir to the throne, ruled only one year before being killed by King Jehu of Israel who the Lord used to bring judgment to the household of King Ahab.

In this void Athaliah did what Jezebel was not able to do. She quickly made herself Queen and killed all of the Kings sons. She ruled for six years as a wicked, idolatrous queen. Ahaziah’s half-sister rescued a one year old son of the King and they hid him in the temple for six years. When they felt the time was right Jehoiada the priest presented the boy King to the people as the rightful heir to the throne. The coronation of Joash and the death of Athaliah saved the dynasty of David in Judah.

What can we learn from this account? First of all, it is important to remember that those who are closest to us, will determine our future. King Jehoshaphat, in spite of his good qualities made a fatal error in aligning his family and kingdom with that of Israel and King Ahab. Perhaps he thought this would be a step to reunifying God’s people, if not under one government, at least in a peaceful alliance.

However, we see the wicked influence of Ahab, mitigated any righteous acts by Jehoshaphat. Solomon gave this warning, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Prov. 12:26) The first Psalm offers this advice, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers… “(Psalm 1:1) Paul the Apostle puts is clearly, “Don’t fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 CEV) This is an important concept for youth and adults to remember.

Next it is important to remember that the choices we make can have immediate and long term ramifications. King Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab, led to his own death when he joined Ahab in battle. But we see the impact of what was set in motion playing itself out over years to come. There was much evil and bloodshed that took place as a result. The downward slide was broken when a child King was raised by a Godly priest came to power. But history also shows the seeds of idolatry and rebellion against the Lord remained in the hearts of the people.

Finally, we see the Lord’s faithfulness to protect and keep His promise to David. The saving of a one year old boy, made the difference in perpetuating the line of David ruling in Judah. The faith and bravery of one family member and a priest who took action allowed the Lord’s promise of an enduring dynasty to be restored.

It is important for us to remember the we have a spiritual enemy who will work to undermine and destroy the Lord’s good purpose for our life and our family. This calls us to be vigilant and focused. We can be confident that the Lord is on our side and what He has promised for those who love Him will come to pass.

Today we received moisture in the form of rain and snow that we missed yesterday. Our  Colorado spring has been interrupted by a touch of winter. I traveled to Denver once again for a legislative committee hearing regarding a physical therapy bill that I have been consulting on. I was pleased that a compromise was reached and a change made to keep this issue “on the table.”

My travels to Denver went better than expected, but coming home later in the day was more of a challenge. But overall, I did well for a long afternoon.

Christian and Bridget and the children are on vacation in California this week. They shared this picture of Christian with Eliana (almost 4). After a long day, Ellie said, “I’m not tired, Daddy, I’m just resting my head.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You will not have to fight this battle. Just take up your positions and wait; you will see the Lord give you victory. People of Judah and Jerusalem, do not hesitate or be afraid. Go out to battle, and the Lord will be with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:17)

This promise comes from one of the most dramatic military victories for God’s people. It is somewhat reminiscent of the armies of Israel walking around the walls of Jericho. Instead, this time the armies march out lead by the “choir” declaring “Praise the Lord! His love is eternal!” That is not your normal battle cry; but the words were not to frighten the enemy they were intended to extol the character of the Lord. This victory was not because of the righteousness of the people, but because of the love and mercy of the Lord.

The verses above are great words of encouragement from the Lord to King Jehoshaphat and the army of Judah.  These are words that we would like to hear in the “battles” that we face in our lives today. But there were two significant keys to this message of encouragement and the victory that came to God’s people.

First, they sought the Lord. The news came that a large army from Edom with allies were coming against Jerusalem. They had already captured some of the cities of Judah. This was the King’s response, “Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the Lord for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country. From every city of Judah people hurried to Jerusalem to ask the Lord for guidance…King Jehoshaphat went and stood before them  and prayed aloud….” (2 Chron. 20:3-6)

It would have been easy to rely on military strategies or to look for a neighboring King to come to their aid. But Jehoshaphat, knew the only and best recourse was to seek the Lord. He lead the way and then called to people to fast and gather to seek the Lord. It is out of their time of fasting and prayer that the Lord speaks and gives them assurance of victory.

We like the “word from the Lord” but often we fail to place ourselves in a position to receive that word when we don’t seek the Lord.

Second, they obeyed the Lord. The armies still needed to step out and be ready to engage in the battle. Anxiety was still high at the overwhelming odds they were facing. The prophet spoke God’s word to the people once again, “…the Lord says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you…” (2 Chron. 20:15)

What followed next was the instruction to be ready to attack. As they prepared to go out for battle the King spoke these words, “Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed.” (2 Chron. 20:20) I notice that passages reveal the King and people continue to seek the Lord and worship Him. The King gives the directions and the people respond. I’m sure no army ever went to battle with the “choir” going in front of them. This was more of a parade than preparation for battle. But the end result was a “victory parade,” because no sword was swung or arrow shot. The Lord brought confusion to the enemy and they turned on each other and God’s people just moved in and picked up the “spoils of war.”

Victory comes our way when we follow the Lord’s direction; even if it doesn’t seem to make sense. We never know to what extent our involvement will be, when the Lord fights for us. At times the Lord brought victory to His people as they fought. At other times, He brought victory without them fighting. Our task is to trust, obey and leave the results to the Lord.

Welcome to tax day 2015! I was going to go to the post office and remembered what day it is, so decided I better hold off until tomorrow. I actually need to file an amended return and will get to that over the next few days. The good news for all the tax preparers is that their work load will significantly decrease and for some seasonal prepares come to an end. I think some celebration for those people and those receiving refunds is in order.

We have cooler weather and a strong wind. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to navigate with a walker in wind, but it is. Before the weather set in for the day, I did get out and use my  electric tiller to work in the garden. I was actually able to stand up and us the tiller (with the security of my wheelchair behind me) for most of the project. I’m ready for some rain, but it hasn’t materialized as of yet.

I also made a visit to the recumbent bike shop to start looking for a bike that I can use outdoors as the weather improves. Signs of spring are showing and I noticed the variation of trees in our neighborhood recently.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Five times I was given the thirty-nine lashes by the Jews;  three times I was whipped by the Romans; and once I was stoned….” (2 Corinthians 11:24,25 GNT) “To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17 GNT)

Perhaps it is the proximity to Easter and seeing some scenes from the “Passion of Christ”  or other movies with scenes of the crucifixion; but for some reason these verses where Paul lists his trials and sufferings for Christ stood out to me. I am sure I have read this passage at least 100 times in my Christian life, but it is easy to gloss over it. Every once in a while when we read scripture, we need to stop and say, “what?!”

One timeline of Paul’s Christian life establishes about 32 years from his conversion to his death. It is estimated that he wrote his second letter to the Corinthians in  57 A.D., twenty-one years into his Christian life. The reason I place this in context is that by this time Paul would have endured the eight beatings total by the hands of the Jews and Romans. If you were to spread them out, that averages just over once every three years. One beating of that severity in a lifetime would be enough for most people! Then we read in Acts when Paul was stoned, and taken outside the city and left for dead. (Acts 14:19)

This helps us to put into context any “persecution” that we feel we face in our culture today. Certainly we do see Christians throughout the world that do suffer for their faith and many recently have given their lives for the cause of Christ.

The evidence of Paul’s devotion was readily seen in “his body.” The scars left from his treatment would have been gut wrenching I am sure. He viewed them as signs of his slavery to Christ and the gospel. But in the midst of it all Paul told the Philippians, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.“ (Philippians 3:14)

There are trials and sufferings that believers face today. They may not be the physical torture that the great Apostle endured, but they still try our faith and our focus and our resolve. As a result, we need a strength that comes from outside of ourselves and that is not possible through human effort. We take heart in God’s Word. God spoke through Isaiah of old to His people in distress and said, “Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Pastor Steve Harris was sharing with the men of Timberline on Monday night. He shared the words to a song that he and Sherri used to sing. I recall my wife Debbie singing it as well. It is taken from Paul’s life and resolve.

When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall

When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all

In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on

In the challenges of life you will find the strength to press on, as you trust in the power of Jesus name.