Today we attended a graduation reception for my niece Kirstyn Porter (my sister’s youngest daughter). She graduated from Johnson and Whales, a well known College focused on instruction in culinary arts and the food service and hospitality industry.

We experienced the most eventful trip to Denver we have had in the past two years. It took us over two hours to get from Fort Collins to my mom’s house in Englewood. A few weeks ago when I took my mom back home after a visit, we made the trip in right at an hour. We ran into heavy traffic, accidents and pouring rain and hit every stop light in our attempt to “out smart” the traffic jams.

I drove down to Denver, so I let Debbie drive home and I tried to rest. But outside of that, we actually saw sun for the first time in a few weeks. That was nice and encouraging in the midst of our long run of overcast skies.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“He will rule forever, and his kingdom will last for all time. He looks on the people of the earth as nothing; angels in heaven and people on earth are under his control. No one can oppose his will or question what he does…[I] praise, honor, and glorify the King of Heaven. Everything he does is right and just, and he can humble anyone who acts proudly.” Daniel 4:34.37

These verses above that give praise and honor given to the Lord could have been written by one of the psalmists; perhaps a prophet or priest or other man of God. Yet we find that these are the words of a pagan King.

Nebuchadnezzar was the supreme ruler of the Babylonian kingdom. His power and authority were complete and unquestioned and he was known to be ruthless and capricious. He did what he wanted to, when he wanted, to whom he wanted to without the need to explain.

But we find him humbled by the hand of God in  a severe way. The King was shown a dream. One that was startling and unsettling. (see Daniel 4:3-30) Daniel interprets the meaning of the dream and gives this advice, “Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous.” (Daniel 4:27)

It became apparent that the King neglected to follow Daniel’s advice. A year later as he was gloating over his kingdom and its glory, God’s judgment fell on him he was disposed from his throne for seven years and became insane, acting like an animal, until he came to his “right mind” and acknowledged the sovereignty of the Lord God.

Three consecutive accounts in the Book of Daniel reveal God’s revelation of himself to arrogant rulers. Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son succeeds his father and on one occasion takes goblets taken from the Temple in Jerusalem to be used in  a feast for his nobles. His actions are judged when a hand mysteriously appears and writes a message on the wall. He knew what had happened to his father, but ignored it. As a result, he was “weighed in the balance and found wanting” and lost his kingdom. (Daniel 5)

Darius the Mede overthrows the Babylonian kingdom. During his reign, officials jealous of Daniel have the King sign a law the no one can pray to any other power than himself. Daniel maintains his faithfulness to the Lord and as a result, is thrown into a pit of lions; only to be rescued by the hand of the Lord.

This gets Dairus’ attention and this is his response of praise,

“He is a living God, and he will rule forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his power will never come to an end. He saves and rescues; he performs wonders and miracles in heaven and on earth…” (Daniel 6:26,27)

Ponder these two anthems of praise from these human, pagan rulers. They reveal great truths about the Lord that they learned firsthand by seeing God’s power. As people of faith, how much more important it is for us to stop, reflect and take heart in who God is and His faithfulness to His people.

Our God is the true sovereign of the world for all time. Many have sought that status only for their power to come to an end. It is the Lord who establishes and tears down. It is the Lord who “saves and rescues and performs wonders and miracles….”

Those realities open the eyes of those who don’t believe and bring comfort and reassurance to those who do believe.

After a rain-free day yesterday, we woke to more rain today. Rain that is to continue for several more days to some degree. So today ended up being like a “snow day” for me. I stayed in took care of some duties around the house. My activity in clearing out our basement provided me some good “functional exercise.” I was able to move some book shelves and other pieces of furniture relying on patience and little ingenuity.

Last night I was able to attend an event that focuses on energy development in Larimer County. It was good to see BJ Nikkel one of my former House Members who is co-chair of Lairmer Energy Action Project (LEAP).

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… The king said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own. Daniel 3:28

Benevolent dictator. was not how you would describe the kings who ruled nations in the Old Testament era. This was especially true of King Nebuchadnezzar. The fierce King of Babylon was ruler of the known world and did not give second thought to punishing with death those who disobeyed or just those who did not please him. So when a huge statue was erected in his honor and all were told to bow, all bow…or else!

In a sea of people on their hands and knees it is not difficult to spot three men who standing upright. The situation that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego found themselves in was the result of being “set up” due to the jealousy of those in the King’s court who did not like the honor that had been bestowed upon these foreign exiles. Because of their position and status the King brought them in and confirmed the reports and gave them a “second chance.” They were told to bow, “or else.” The response of these three men is as bold as standing in a sea of kneeling subject.

Here is what they said, “Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will. But even if he doesn’t, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up.”                      Daniel 3:16-18

Their defiance outraged the King and he heated a furnace where they were to be thrown “seven times” hotter than normal. It was so hot that the soldiers who threw them into the furnace were killed. I recall a tour of a coal-fired power plant. As the guide prepared to open a hatch to show us the inside of the furnace, he cautioned us to “stand back” and told us how that “back draft” can happen on occasion and flames can leap from the chamber. Such was the fate of those who threw the three Hebrews in the furnace.

We see a miracle of deliverance takes place. The King sees one who looks like, “the Son of God” in the fire with the men. So great was the Lord’s protection that not even the smell of smoke remained on the clothes of these three faithful followers.

A few weeks ago, local Pastor Dan Nygaard, was sharing a devotional on this passage to our Tuesday prayer gathering. He caught my attention by saying the story is not recorded about the miraculous deliverance. That the true story is really about the resolve of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as they faced what should have been certain death.

We see this in the response of the King when he says, “…They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own.” The early church apostles faced this dilemma. They were threatened and told not to preach in the name of Jesus. This is how they responded, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

Over the centuries followers of Christ have had to face that decision. We have seen it recently this year with the martyr of twenty-one Egyptian Christians. We speak of faith that enables us to persevere and to overcome personal trials and challenges. But the greatest test of faith and commitment of faith, is to face threats, punishment and even death because we remain faithful to the Lord. If that time comes, when that time comes may our faith be as strong as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the twenty-one Coptic Christians and thousands of others in between those events and say, “we won’t bow, we won’t deny, we wont’ recant our faith in Jesus Christ!”

I still feel like I am getting back into the swing of things. When the weather warms up, I’m sure it will help greatly. I am speaking at a church service at a local assisted living community, on Sunday, so I spent some time in preparation for that event. I also spent some time in our basement trying to rearrange our storage for some work that we will have done in coming weeks. I was surprise how much I could accomplish with a little ingenuity.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….   “God said, “Mortal man, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.  He said, “Mortal man, eat this scroll that I give you; fill your stomach with it.” I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey. Then God said, “Mortal man, go to the people of Israel and say to them whatever I tell you to say…”   Ezekiel 3:1-4 Rev. 10:10

The call of Ezekiel is different than Jeremiah. Ezekiel was a Priest when God called him to serve in the role of a prophet. We see Ezekiel’s words to those in exile were not just a call to return to the Lord, but prophesying about what the future would hold.

The call of Ezekiel was similar to that of Jeremiah, in that God was preparing him for that fact that he would be rejected and ridiculed. In many ways God’s used Ezekiel as a “human object lesson” to communicate God’s message. But in the imagery above we see God providing Ezekiel with a scroll written on both sides and is told to eat it. He is then instructed to speak forth God’s message. What is interesting is that the words of the Lord to Ezekiel speak of “fullness and sweetness”; but as he shares them with a rebellious people it will be like vinegar in their ears.

The instructions to Ezekiel are repeated to John hundreds of years later as the New Testament Apostle receives a vision of coming judgment.

“I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will turn sour in your stomach, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” I took the little scroll from his hand and ate it, and it tasted sweet as honey in my mouth….Then I was told, “Once again you must proclaim God’s message about many nations, races, languages, and kings.”  Revelation 10:9-11

In both of these passages in the Bible we see a clear picture of “speaking what the Lord places in you.” The graphic description certainly catches ones attention. When someone speaks “in the name of the Lord” it is a serious responsibility. For believers today, it shows that importance of having, “God’s Word in us.” We are than called to share it with discernment, in obedience and with meekness. (1 Peter 3:15)

The problem of the Old Testament can be seen in our day. That is because human nature and spiritual realities have remained the same through the ages. This is what the Lord spoke to Jeremiah about those who spoke from their own minds and imaginations.

Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.   Jeremiah 14:14

We see the warning from Peter in the New Testament, “False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines…”                2 Peter 2:1

Paul gave this warning to Timothy, “The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

False “prophets” spoke to gain favor with people. True “prophets” spoke out of obedience to the Lord regardless of what people thought or how they received the message. The wisdom of Solomon says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”  Proverbs 27:6

When you are connected to a church and with friends who will faithfully share, challenge and comfort you with God’s Word, you are in good company.

I’m back in Fort Collins. I arrived home at 8:30 p.m. last night to rainy weather. Today was a nice fall day with temps under 50. Too bad we are approaching the Memorial Day weekend. But I’m sure before too long we will be complaining about heat. Such is life.

I did get out to mow the lawn which continues to grow without an abundance of sunshine. My plans for a summer garden keep getting put on hold, but the strawberries are doing well.

I attended a “Professionals Working with Seniors” meeting in Loveland this morning. It was interesting to see a group of about 100 individuals representing a cross section of services for seniors together for networking and communication.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Your prophets had nothing to tell you but lies; Their preaching deceived you by never exposing your sin. They made you think you did not need to repent.” Lamentations 2:14

God’s people have gone into exile. The land is devastated and lays in ruin. In the natural it is a conquest by a world power, the Babylonians. But spiritually, it is God’s judgment after hundreds of years of idolatry and disobedience. The short book of Lamentations is the “post mortem” on all the years and events that have led up to this sad day.

During the years Judah had Kings that were good, some good and bad and some very bad, as far as leading the people according to God’s ways. But the group that is singled out as the most culpable, are the prophets. We are familiar with the names of a select group of the most well known Godly and true prophets, but there were many prophets during these years. But the majority of them failed in their duties to be “God’s mouthpiece.” We don’t know much about these men. We do see a few of them that interacted with Elijah or Jeremiah or Isaiah or some of the others.

While the test of a true prophet is to speak God’s truth, these prophets are condemned as only telling lies. And in doing so they deceived the people by never exposing their sin. As a result, the people did not see their need to repent and became confused about whether events good or bad were coming from idols they worshiped or from the true God. There was no clear voice, there was no consistent voice to the people.

We see the, “what now, what’s next” response in chapter three. It is one thing to understand part of the answer to the question “why?” but what is important is to know, “what know?” Here are the words and call of Jeremiah:

“Let us examine our ways and turn back to the Lord. Let us open our hearts to God in heaven and pray, “We have sinned and rebelled…”  Lamentations 3:40-42

When false voices fade into the backdrop, the true voice of God’s Word still stands. True prophets don’t say, “I told you so…” they show the road to recovery.

The confidence of restoration is seen in these familiar verses,  “…hope returns when I remember this one thing: The Lord‘s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope. The Lord is good to everyone who trusts in him, So it is best for us to wait in patience…”   Lamentations 3:21-26

What we find is a similar situation predicted in the days before Christ returns, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.“  (2 Timothy 4:3)

Just like prophets of old who declared, “peace and safety” and “…peace, peace, when there was not peace”  there will be those who want to hear that, “all is good, when it is not good.”

It is important to remember that the gospel is “good news” because it is that antidote to the “bad news” that our sins separate us from the Lord. We need to face the reality and consequences of life lived according to our own way, in order to embrace the new way of life, freely offered and made possible through Jesus Christ.

Don’t be afraid of hearing “difficult or challenging words.” Some one once pointed out, “before the truth sets you free, it makes you uncomfortable.”

The weather has been nicer today in Atlanta…better than the colder temps back home. I have made it safely to the airport and am awaiting my return flight to Denver.

This morning we returned to school to meet Mason for lunch. I’ve noticed that in a cafeteria with a couple of hundred elementary children, ear protection is advised!

This has been a good trip and I have plans to return next month. Mason will be involved in a tournament during that time. After last night’s game I took a picture with Mason in his uniform. Mckenzie wanted to be included as well.

Considering some of my days before this trip, I’m pleased that I have felt as good as I have.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.  3 John 11

John in his letters repeated puts out the call and challenge to “love one another.” The reason for this becomes clear in his third and final letter. There were some who were not “living in love” or in truth. False teaching and rejection of others, even John himself, were evident in those in positions of leadership and influence.

John contrasts two men. The first Gaius he commends in these words, “…you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.”  3 John 5,6

Gaius was showing God’s love and acceptance to others, even strangers   in need of hospitality. As a result, reports of his kindness were being shared with others.

Diotrephes, stood in sharp contrast, “…Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us….spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”  3 John 9,10

Diotrephes, in contrast demonstrates an arrogance and judgmental attitude. He rejects and slanders the Apostle, doesn’t accept other believers and punishes those who do. He believed he had an exclusive “truth” that directed his life and behaviors.

When John writes and says, “I delight when my children walk in the truth..” I’m sure Diotrephes was on his mind. Here is not just an individual but a leader who is working at odds against what Christ called us to. John even addresses a growing false teaching about Jesus that was evident in his day.

It seems Diotrephes, perhaps like many today, believed he had a greater understanding of “truth” than even the Apostle John. But his “truth” lead to arrogance and rejection of other.

Perhaps that is why John in his gospel mentions Jesus came in “grace and truth.” Perhaps that is why John focuses on “love and truth” in his letters.

We still see these contrasting attitudes today. Our challenge is to live a life of “love, grace and truth.” Some believe that “truth” leads to rejection and slander of others. Living in love does not require a compromise of truth. Jesus showed the way. He came full of “grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Mckenzie and I ran errands with Stephanie today. We went by her office to see some of the expansion that is underway. The rain came right on schedule at noon. We enjoyed a nice lunch out before returning home. (Took a picture with my Georgia girl.)

After a full lunch and rain and a dark bedroom, it wasn’t difficult to take a nap. This evening Mason had his first game of the tournament for the end of the spring season. He did well and his team won 11-1 in five innings. I will return home to Fort Collins tomorrow evening where Debbie tells we still have rain and cool weather.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”… Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.”  Jeremiah 42:3,5,6

Jerusalem is taken captive by the Babylonians, the appointed Governor has been murdered, the land is in chaos and people are planning on going to Egypt as a place of refuge from war and provision of food and shelter.

The people come to Jeremiah with an earnest plea for him to seek The Lord. They pledge to obey…regardless of the message. It takes ten days for Jeremiah to return with a message. The Lord says, “stay in  the land…if you go to Egypt what you believe you are avoiding in Jerusalem will find you there.”  (Jeremiah 42:13-22) The message from The Lord is detailed and clear and reveals the thoughts and fears of the people.

The response of the people to Jeremiah is, “…you are lying!…” (Jeremiah 43:1-3) They accuse Jeremiah being influenced by human opinion and not The Lord. As a result they go to Egypt, where Jeremiah prophecies the overthrow of the nation by the Babylonians.

The pattern of human behavior in the Old Testament is interesting to observer. It challenges us today in our lives of trust and obedience and submission. It is easy to follow The Lord when it makes sense to us…when it is what we think should happen. But what is our response when the Lord’s direction seems to be one of hardship, difficulty and just doesn’t make sense or meet our expectations.

That is when true trust and faith is revealed. It is easy to follow in the light, it is another thing to follow in the dark.

Can The Lord’s will be in a direction and in a place that is against my plans and logic? Do I pray for an answer with an answer predetermined in my mind?

A verse from my reading today in 1 John applies here:

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14,15)

That is true, even when the answer surprises us and calls us to a deeper level of trust and obedience.

We attended church this morning and walked out after the service into a light rain. It let up after a while and it seems Mason’s baseball practice is on as scheduled.

Today has been a more relaxing day and after an exciting game of video basketball and lunch it was nice to take a nap. We did get a group picture after Mason’s game yesterday…so here it is.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…We should love one another.  Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and your know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” 1 John 3:11-15

John who in his gospel descries himself as, “the disciple who Jesus loved” writes about the importance of love in his first letter. This includes love for God and love for others. He says our love and life in Christ is demonstrated by our obedience to Christ and living as He did.  (1 John 2:3-6) He says it is also reflected in our love for “our brothers”.  Hate is the opposite of love and spiritual life.

This admonition from chapter 2 is elaborated on in chapter 3. In doing so he makes reference to the first brothers Cain and Abel. Cain’s hatred for his brother was driven by jealousy because of Abel’s acceptance to God; or perhaps out of conviction because Abel’s obedience revealed Cain’s heart. The later is reflected in John’s reference to being “hated by the world.”

Love is reflected in a spiritual life of righteousness and a proper response to correction. Scripture admonishes us to “spur one another on to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24) Hatred is revealed in rebellion against God and hatred toward those, whose lives of dedication and obedience challenge us in our actions and attitudes.

The evidence then of our life with Christ is our security in our relationship with Christ that does not reduce our life in Christ as a “spiritual competition” with others.

Here is what John says is the key to loving each other from a position of security in Christ’s love for us.

“Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”  (1 John 3:21,22)

Our actions and attitudes reveal our spiritual condition. Do they reveal us as living in spiritual death or life?

Today has been a typical Saturday sports day. Carter played his final soccer game of the spring season. They won their game and he got a trophy at the end of the game.

Mason’s baseball game was this afternoon. They won as well and Mason played well, getting couple of hits and scoring two runs and making a throw from the edge of the infield grass that resulted in an out at home.

After this activity another trip to the swimming pool was a refreshing end to the afternoon. It provided me some good exercise as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise The Lord.”  Psalm 150:1

The one word that is found more frequently in Psalms than any other book of the Bible is the word “praise.” It is found 21o times.

Praise is the natural response to The Lord for who He is and what He does. In Psalms we see the love, mercy and faithfulness of the Lord. We see the Lord is a refuge, protector and deliverer. The list goes on and on.

The last five Psalms begin with the call to “Praise the Lord.”  Praise to the Lord is to be universal. “Praise the Lord all peoples…” “let everything that has breathe praise The Lord.” Creation itself is called to praise The Lord. Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem, said if the children were quite, “the very rocks would cry out” in praise and recognition of Him.

Psalm 150 the last Psalm, begins by declaring where the Lord is to be to praised. “In his temple and in the heavens…”  Praise to The Lord is not restricted to “His House.” Any place and in every place can be a place to praise the Lord.

Then we see a simple declaration of what the Lord is to be praised for. “…His mighty acts…His excellent greatness.” The actions and character of the Lord is a good place to start and a place to remain. A review of the Psalms will reveal the greatness of the Lord in His actions and in who He is. Praise is simply repeating these back to the Lord.

The majority of Psalm 150 is spent declaring, how the Lord is to be praised. What follows is a list of instruments from “harps to horns.” Praise can be quiet but it can be loud with rejoicing and dancing and the full expression of how the Lord has made us.

We often focus on prayer more than praising the Lord. But we see in scripture that “The Lord inhabits the praise of His people.” Where the Lord is there you will find His provision and all that you need.

Take time and review at least the last short five Psalms. Allow them to inform and challenge you in a life of praise.