We enjoyed the company of Abe and Debbie Koop this weekend. They joined us last night and spent the night. This morning we enjoyed a breakfast at the Silver Grille in Old Town Fort Collins. Our day has been overcast with rain and even some hail in the later afternoon. I even heard some first of the season tornado warnings for parts of southern Colorado. It has been good to hear some early feedback from those who have read my book. I am looking forward to receiving supply of copies for my distribution over the next two weeks.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The following were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still banned from the presence of Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who helped him in battle. They were archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow. They were Saul’s relatives from Benjamin….the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…” 1 Chronicles 12:1-2,32 HCSB

David’s trip to the throne was one that involved years running from Saul, who was trying to kill him out of jealousy. It involved being recognize as King initially only in Hebron over the tribe of Judah. That lasted two years before all of Israel recognized and united behind David as King.

In the midst of all this were those that came to David to support him during these years. We read in the early days of fleeing from Saul, “When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.  All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” (1 Samuel 22:1,2 HIV)

It is always good to know that when times are tough you can count on your family to come to your side and experience the difficulties of life with you. That was certainly my experience during my health crisis. It was the case for David when he found himself hiding in a cave in Adullam. In addition to family there seems to be a mixed bag of those “with issues.” “…those who were in distress or in debt or discontented…”  There were those who continued to join David, among this group were those of Saul’s relatives from the tribe of Benjamin.

This “rag tag” and diverse group formed the foundation for David’s coming kingdom. There were men who were brave and valiant warriors. “…archers who could use either the right or left hand, both to sling stones and shoot arrows from a bow.” Over the course of time more people joined David and they were all mighty fighting men. David had a group of “special forces.” They were not thousands in number, but they were skilled, brave and mighty in battle.

Many who began with David in exile, are those who remained with him throughout the days of his rule and were listed among his “mighty men.” Skillful, brave men who were loyal to David were a key to his accomplishments and the success of his rule.

As Saul dies and David goes to Hebron, there are those from various tribes that come to David’s side. Among those were the men of Issachar, “…who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…” This draws attention to another key to successful endeavors. Having wisdom and sensitivity to “the times” is vital to effective leadership. We live in changing and challenging times and the need to make adjustments and to know what to do and how to do it can make all the difference.

What we observe in David’s history as a leader has application for leaders, ministries, and organizations today.

1 – Sometimes the most “unlikely” become those that God uses to accomplish great things. Paul writes to the Church in Corinth and observes, “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)
2 – Skill and loyalty are important for success. Skills may be developed, it may be possessed in greater measure by natural gifts and abilities. But having “equipped” “skillful” people makes or breaks a leader or organization.

3 – Insight and Strategy in partnership with talented and trained people is a powerful combination. This shows the diversity of gifts that are needed and the contribution of a variety of individuals that help form and shape a dynamic organization.

4 – The Lord draws people to leaders and organizations to enable them to accomplish their mission. We see that over the years David’s followers grew. During the years in exile, there were those who joined with him. When he was in Hebron there were those from various tribes, those that were ruled over by Saul’s son, who still came to David’s side. They did so because they recognized the Lord’s anointing on David.

We can observe throughout times is, in His ways and in His timing the Lord uses leaders and people to accomplish great things in accordance to His plan and purposes.

After a busy morning of some office work, I had an enjoyable lunch with Jose Valdes in Windsor. He is a community leader and college professor and will be joining us in supporting the efforts of the Larimer Energy Action Project. This evening we are looking forward to a visit from Abe and Debbie Koop, Wycliffe Missionaries and long-time friends.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even when Saul was king, you led us out to battle and brought us back. The Lord your God also said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over My people Israel.’” 1 Chronicles 11:1-2 HCSB

As the history Israel is recounted for those returning to the land it begins with the end of the reign of King Saul and the establishments of David’s reign. The summary of Saul’s life is brief, no comments about victories in battles or great building efforts or expansion of his reign; it simply explains, “Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, but he did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” (1 Chronicles 10:13,14 HCSB)

Above all else the Lord is looking for faithfulness. It is at the heart of God’s character as much as His love. The Bible says of Moses, the great leader, “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house…” (Hebrews 3:5 NIV) Paul says of Jesus, “….He remains faithful;He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV)

As David was crowned King, his rule was recognized as being ordained by the Lord. David would “shepherd” and “rule” God’s people. Those two duties are important and distinct. You can be a good “shepherd” but a poor “ruler” You can “rule” well, but if you aren’t a “shepherd” of the people you will need to rule with an iron fist and the hearts of the people will not be with you.

The role of the shepherd is to guide, care for and protect. That is something the comes across and is communicated more in “how” you perform your duties than what you do. People will recognize the genuineness of a leaders concern for others. They will be quick to recognize whether a leader is only concerned for himself or if he is concerned for those over which he has been given a trust.

A ruler establishes a structure under which the people live. God desires it to be one of fairness, justice and equity. The ruler governs through laws and edicts and acts as a judge. One of the condemnations of Judah’s Kings was that they were not just, they were open to bribes, they did not look out after the poor and the widow.

David knew what it was like to be a shepherd, but he needed to learn how to rule. He learned a lot about what not to do from King Saul. He realized that at the heart of being a righteous ruler, was being a righteous person. I believe the priorities and the order is of great importance. God can take a faithful person with the right heart and give them the skills of a good ruler. It is much more difficult to take a ruler, who is self-focused and to transform the heart.

For God’s people both functions were important for a righteous King. He had to be ruler with a shepherd’s heart. We see that personified in a son of  David, the Messiah, Jesus Christ our King and the shepherd of our souls. Peter wrote, “For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.“ (1 Peter 2:25 NIV)

Today is the National Day of Prayer. We had a Northern Colorado breakfast event that had about 350 in attendance. It was good to see the work over the months of the planning committee become a reality in a successful event. (Here is a picture of me with County Sheriff Justin Smith and two of our County Commissioners, Steve Johnson and Tom Donnelly.) This was an early morning, so I took a mid-morning nap and then this afternoon had a fitness center workout and came home to mow our growing grass. I have mowed twice and still have not turned on our sprinkler system.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight will be in the fear of the Lord…” Isaiah 11:1-3 HCSB

As a former elected official, I always find it interesting when people in my political party, constantly hearken back to the “day of Ronald Reagan.” If you were in Judah of old you would long for the days of a ruler like King David. David’s kingdom was united, victorious and secure. But as we see in David and rulers throughout time is the best of human leaders still have their challenges, controversies and flaws.

As Isaiah is prophesying in a time when the leaders of the day were a far cry from King David, the prophet sees to a distant time of a coming King. As we have the benefit of the text of modern scripture we realize it was the Messiah who was to come and is still to come in His ultimate glory.

The imagery is significant, “a shoot will from from the stump of Jesse…” The picture is of a tree that has been cut down and whose fruitfulness has come to an end and there is only small remnant to remind of what was. But out of the stump soon life begins to appear. The shoot turns into a branch and the branch begins to bear fruit. Such is the hope that had been in the hearts of God’s people the Jews for centuries. It is a hope that is in the hearts of followers of Christ who look to the day Jesus reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The verses of Isaiah 11 describe the character of the coming King and the nature of the world that will be. The coming King will be righteous, faithful and true. Wickedness will not remain in this Holy place. What Isaiah was describing was such a contrast to the present rulers, it would truly be a dream come true.

The righteous King rules over a righteous world. One in which the curse on creation is removed. “The wolf will live with the lamb,and the leopard will lie down with the goat. The calf, the young lion, and the fatling will be together,
and a child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6 HCSB) This is only a partial description of the world characterized by the peace that comes from God and the peace that permeates creation.

This new King will reign over a kingdom where peace is that standard among people. “None will harm or destroy another on My entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.” (Isaiah 11:9 HCSB)

With hope and faith we can look forward to and pray for that day and that kingdom to come. It will happen because of the intervention of God Himself and His Word, “…. [the] knowledge of the Lord will fill the land as the sea is filled with water.” When we allow the “knowledge of the Lord” to dominate in our lives and in our world, it is good preparation for that kingdom that is coming.

We had an inspection on our basement work today that allows us to move on to the next step, which we hope will expedite the completion of our project. After a conference call with my fellow energy organization representatives, I headed to the capitol in Denver. Traffic delay my arrival and I discovered the bill we were hoping to resurrect was given a final death. Like a losing team, we are looking toward “next year.” I ended my day, after a quick visit with my mom, at a fundraiser for Congressman Mike Coffman. It was hosted by my friends Brian and Patricia Watson. It was good to see some people that I have not seen since our move to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Abraham’s sons: Isaac and Ishmael. These are their family records:…Abraham fathered Isaac. Isaac’s sons: Esau and Israel.” 1 Chronicles 1:28,34 HCSB

There is something about knowing your history that seems to give meaning to your present. Today online tools provide an opportunity for people to explore their family “roots” and to discover their origins and perhaps some connections to people of history.

In the Old Testament, the Chronicles served as the connection of God’s people to their past. The genealogies in all of their detail serve to provide that connection of God’s people to their family, tribe and even to Abraham and Adam, the first man. Chronicles was the history of God’s people for a new generation that was returning from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem. They were coming to a present that had more challenges than could be imagined; but they were part of a history that had been glorious.

Connections to our past can provide some insight and significance to our present. Some today may trace their family heritage to immigrants from another country, some to those who were slaves of the past, others to leaders or pioneers or entrepreneurs or risk-takers or those who made a difference in the lives of others. Some discover a past that needs to be redeemed. All of these could be found in the lineage and genealogies of God’s people.

For God’s people they were reminded that they were part of something bigger than themselves and their immediate family or tribe. They had a history that was part of God’s design and plan for the world. They were “the people of God.” They had significance and a purpose. But that purpose had been lost and needed to be rediscovered.

Chronicles provided a new generation that insights into the generation of old. Their lives and stories are “chronicled.” Achievements are seen for what they are and failures are seen for what they are. This past is to serve as a warning and a challenge to the present generation. The past generation had opportunities, times of greatness, but lost their way. The new generation had the opportunity to have a new beginning and to redeem the purpose that God had ordained for His people. They were to build upon the good and redeem the bad.

Hebrews 11 ends with this observation of the past generation and the present, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39,40 NIV)

As we look at our lives, our families and our histories, it is important to honor the sacrifices and the example of those of the past. It is also important to resolve to chart a new course when the past did not reflect God’s best. I think of a few illustrations.

Often I have had people say something like, “my Godly mother (or grandmother) would not approve of the life I’m living.” When I heard that I want to ask, “what are you going to do about that?”

I think of those who are committed to pass “the faith” on to the next generation. They understand that “faith is fragile.” There are forces that war against God’s ways and the pull on the heart is like gravity on the body. It trends downward. Faith passed generation to generation happens by plan and intention, not by accident or genetics.

Then I think of my wife’s parents, who came from what we would call “dysfunctional” family systems. But as newly marrieds, young in their faith, they made a resolve that they would be a “change generation.” They would establish a godly life and heritage for their lives and future generations, that was either missing or in name only from their own history.

Families have many interesting dimensions of national heritage, patterns and dynamics. But the most important “family” is the family of faith that we join through relationship with Jesus Christ. That connects us to a significant past and a glorious future.

This morning I was up early, but seemed to have a hard time getting going. I did make it my Tuesday morning leaders prayer time. We did have some plumbers come to finish some rough in work for our basement refinish. We may just be done by the end of June. It keep pushing out my timeline. I did attend my Rotary meeting in Loveland and was able to get some errands accomplished before the end of the day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In that day I will restore the fallen booth of David: I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old…I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel. They will rebuild and occupy ruined cities, plant vineyards and drink their wine, make gardens and eat their produce. I will plant them on their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them. Yahweh your God has spoken.” Amos 9:11,14-15 HCSB

Job observed about the Lord, “For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.“ (Job 5:18 NIV) Amos is the shepherd/farmer/prophet of the Old Testament. He is called by God to speak the Lord’s words of judgment against both Judah and Israel and other nations as well. The prophecy begins with a stern view of the Lord, “The Lord roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.” (Amos 1:2 HCSB)

From that beginning, what follows is chapter by chapter and verse by verse of the Lord’s judgment and the reason for His judgment as the shortcomings and failures of God’s people are laid bare. So severe were the words of Amos that the priest of Bethel sent word to King Jeroboam saying, “The land cannot endure all his words…” (Amos 7:10 HCSB)

The King confronts Amos and tells him to leave,  “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. Earn your living and give your prophecies there, but don’t ever prophesy at Bethel again, for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” So Amos answered Amaziah, “I was not a prophet or the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman, and I took care of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’” (Amos 7:12-15 HCSB) Just when the king and people thought they had enough, the Lord had more to say.

The Lord was preparing to wound His people. But He also was going to bring healing. When the Lord disciplines, He does so for our good. It is not about Him, it is about us and our relationship with Him. The Lord does correct, in order to restore. He does allow destruction, so there can be rebuilding.

When the final words of Amos come to an end, it is like a sigh of relief or a cool breeze  a hot summer day. So Amos ends with power words that reveal God’s final plan. Words like, “rebuild” “restore” “repair” “plant.”

We see this powerful imagery of that which is torn down being rebuilt. That which has experience decay and ruin being brought back to life. We see fortunes and prosperity and fruitfulness and security and permanency. I believe it is a reminder of the Lord’s ultimate redemptive work when He makes a “new heaven and a new earth.” The new emerges out of the destruction of the old.

How important for us, to accept the destruction of that which needs to die, in order for the new life and that which is far better to emerge from the Lord’s plan and purpose being fulfilled. Sometimes, as difficult as it is, when we feel like all the we have built lies in ruins, it may just be the time when the Lord will speak His word and begin the process of “making everything new.” Just as Amos begins with the Lord who “roars” His prophecy ends with words of assurance that, “Yahweh [the Lord ] your God has spoken!” What the Lord speaks comes to pass. God’s final word is a promise of hope and restoration.

Today was a fairly busy day. I was up early and wrote a blog article related to my energy work. I then conducted a funeral midday and then attended another one in the early afternoon. This evening I’m off to a special movie related to “global warming.” Always something to keep me busy.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz:  “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—from the depths of Sheol to the heights of heaven.” But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.” Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God?  Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:10-14 HCSB

There are many times when people in the Bible asked God to give a sign to prove that what He spoke would happen. This situation is unique in that God turns the tables and invites the request for a sign.

King Ahaz was an evil and idolatrous king of Judah. He sacrificed one of his sons to pagan god and when threatened by Israel and Aram, sought help from the King of Assyria. He gave the King of Assyria gold from the Temple and then brought a pagan altar from Damascus and set it up besides the Lord’s altar in front of the Temple.

When Israel and Aram was mounting forces against Ahaz and Judah we are told, “….the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind.” (Isaiah 7:2 HCSB) The Lord sends Isaiah and his son (interesting since Ahaz had his son killed) to give a message from the Lord, “Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or cowardly because of these two smoldering stubs of firebrands…This is what the Lord God says: It will not happen; it will not occur….(within 65 years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people)…If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:7-9 HCSB)

The Lord then tells Ahaz to choose a sign as proof that the prophet’s words will happen. For some reason Ahaz decided to sound noble and pious in saying, “he will not test the Lord;” but in reality he was disobeying the Lord and turning to human power for his help.

As a result, the Lord said He would choose a sign. The sign of Immanuel (God with us). In this sign we see not just a fulfillment from the Lord for Judah of old, but a sign for God’s deliverance from all people from sin and evil in the person of Jesus Christ, “The Immanuel.”

When God is with us, we can have confidence that we are safe, secure and victorious. To summarize the prophets words, “Calm down and be quiet…If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.”

So often the issues of our life flood our hearts and minds with worry and panic. Do you need a “sign” to give assurance in those moments to have confidence in God’s deliverance and help. It is in the person of Jesus Christ, “God with us.” When God is with us, we can be calm and firm in our faith. When God is with us, that is all we need.

We are ready for the sun to break through overcast skies. In Colorado we are use to over 300 days of sun each year. This morning, I conducted the chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living, as Debbie headed off to a day of on call responsibilities. Later this afternoon I did get to the fitness center. I finally made a week of four workouts. I just need to keep up that routine.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “What are all your sacrifices to Me?” asks the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. When you come to appear before Me, who requires this from you—this trampling of My courts? Stop bringing useless offerings…When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers,
I will not listen.”  Isaiah 1:11-13,15 HCSB

Isaiah prophesies during a time of escalating sin and rebellion in Judah. His ministry does last until the days of righteous King Hezekiah, when a time of revival and a true return to the Lord and His ways takes place. But as his prophecy begins, we see a description of God’s “children in rebellion.” “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.” (Isaiah 1:2 HCSB)

The results of their rebellion against the Lord is impacting all aspects of their life. They had lost their way. In modern vernacular, “they had fallen and couldn’t get back up.” Perhaps more accurately they refused to get back up. Their rebellion was seen in poor crops, a curse on the land and a curse on the people. Even their attempted sacrificial rituals were nauseating to the Lord.

Paul writes to Timothy about those in the last days who will, “have a form of godliness, but deny its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5) That is where God’s people were at in Isaiah’s day. They were good on ritual, but poor on righteousness. They felt they were doing their duty going “through the motions” but they really didn’t want to change or truly obey the Lord.

As a result, the Lord said, “stop bringing useless sacrifices.” They were only fooling themselves, not God. The Lord was not even impressed with their prayers and lifting up of their hands. The problem with God’s people was their hearts and their actions. Richard Halverson, Chaplain of the US Senate once spoke of “practical atheism.” He explained as “believing there is God, but living as though He doesn’t exist.” That’s what God’s people were doing.

In the midst of the devastation the people were experiencing due to their sin and rebellion, we see the Lord calling them back to Himself and offering hope for the future. But it required a willingness for them to change their ways.

“Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.”  (Isaiah 1:16,17 HCSB) God’s people had become unaware of their need to change their actions, for there to be a change in their condition. David prayed and declared, “The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.” (Psalm 51:17 HCSB)

Then the Lord calls them to consider there ways and to seize the opportunity for a life different than what they were experiencing. “Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 HCSB)

The Lord presents the possibility of true change and a new life. In working with those struggling with addictions, one of the greatest motivations to recovery is understanding and accepting the fact that, my life as I am experiencing now, can be different. I don’t have to be forever caught in this bondage of addiction. That is what the Lord was communicating to His people. Regardless of what is happening, there is hope. That is a message of good news!

The Lord clearly shows the two options before His people, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:19,20 HCSB)

“If you are willing and obedient.” I am thankful that if we are “willing” the Lord will give us the strength to “be obedient.” David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (Psalm 51:12 NLT)

Once again, we see the promise of blessing from following the Lord and the warning of hardship by rejecting His ways. The profession of our lips, must match the dedication of our lives. When those two align, we place ourselves in a position of favor and blessing from the Lord.