BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Command and teach these things.… Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:11,15-16 HCSB

Paul’s letters to Timothy serve as the “leadership manual” for ministry. Paul was a “spiritual father” to Timothy. His desire was for Timothy to be effective in his ministry and to see the church grow through his example.

Paul gives very specific criteria for leaders in the church; for both “overseers” and “deacons.” In these qualifications it reveals that an individual must be more called and verified, than just “selected” to serve. There was the expectation that their lives in the church, in their family and in the community revealed they were worthy of trust, respect and confidence.

Paul instructs, he warns, he admonishes his co-worker. As he does we see some direct admonitions. Paul tells Timothy to “command and teach these things.” Timothy was not just to “know” he was to “tell.” Paul did not qualify by saying, “command and teach these things if they are popular or will be readily accepted.” One great preacher of the past stated that his job was to, “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” Timothy has responsibility to encourage and correct in order for the church to be what Christ intended.

Paul told Timothy, “If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 4:6 HCSB)

Paul also let Timothy know of his personal responsibility. Timothy was to lead by “showing the way.” Consider the multitude of Paul’s admonitions to Timothy, “..train yourself in godliness…” (1 Timothy 4:7 HCSB) “…be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.“ (1 Timothy 4:12 HCSB) “Practice these things; be committed to them….Pay close attention to your life and your teaching…” (1 Timothy 4:15,16 HCSB)

When you consider the responsibilities that Timothy had to communicate instructions to others and the challenges directed at him, the weight of the focus is on the leader. Leaders are not and don’t need to be perfect, but they do have to understand the weight of their responsibility. As Paul points out it, is not perfection, it is “progress.” Paul says the bottom line is, “you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 HCSB)

Prayer for today…. “Lord, I recognize that I need Your help to live the life I need to and to be the example that You call me to be to my family and to others. Help me to keep focused, to stay vigilant, to pursue growth and to follow You.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4 HCSB

Since chapter divisions were added for easier reading and referencing, it is always good to see what precedes the beginning of new chapter. The first chapter of 1 Timothy ends with Paul commenting about two opponents of the truth whose faith had become “shipwrecked.” He then reminds Timothy of the priority of prayer.

All kinds of prayer for everyone, including those who would be the most unlikely focus of prayer, “kings and all those in authority.” So, when Paul says “everyone” he really means “everyone”! What is the expected outcome of prayer? Prayer impacts individuals and it impacts our society. Paul says, effective, fervent prayer (I believe from inference) will keep people from becoming “shipwrecked” in their faith and it will lead to an environment of tranquility and peace.

The bottom line is that changed individuals, bring about a better society. As we witness the turmoil in our world and current tragedies, we realize that the “heart is desperately wicked.” True change comes from new hearts, new hearts come from encounters with the true God.

Will we see the total outcome of our prayers? Not this side of heaven. But fervent prayers of all kinds for everyone is pleasing to  God; and we are called to do that which pleases God. Why do those prayers please God? Because His desire is for all to be saved and to come to the “knowledge of the truth.”

Thomas, the disciple of Jesus once asked, “…How can we know the way?”  Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  (John 14:5-6 HCSB) Paul declared, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself—a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 HCSB)

Clarity is the path out of confusion. When a fire hits, look for the closest exit. When you are lost, listen for the voice you recognize that is directing you to help. There are all kinds of applications in life when clarity and focus is our friend. How much more important when it comes to finding our way to peace with God.

A “quite and tranquil” life is available for the one who is willing to seek the Lord and to follow His voice and to walk in His ways. This side of heaven, we will not experience total peace in “the” world but you can experience it in “your” world.

Prayer for Today… “Lord help me grasp that fervent prayer for all, is what pleases You. My duty is to obey and leave the results to You. Thank You that You desire all to come to You. Help me facilitate that through prayer, my words and the life I live.”

We are enjoying our last day in Glenwood Springs, hanging out at that hot springs pool. This evening we return to the “Italian Underground” one of our favorite restaurants.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion.”  1 Timothy 1:5,6 HCSB

As Paul writes to Timothy, he is clear concerning the goal of his instruction and teaching. He says it is, “love that come from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Paul realized the spiritual battle is always one for the “heart.” Throughout his letter he expresses concern for those who will have the purity of their heart, conscience and faith damaged.

He first identifies those who have turned to “fruitless discussion.” It seems in the present context, the controversy focused on the “law” of Moses. We know from the Book of Acts there were issues among the early church about Gentile believers and their adherence to the Law of Moses.

There is a principle that needs attention regardless of the issue, that being, “fruitless discussion” does not advance the gospel or faith. It is a distraction and brings more confusion than clarity on what the true focus of the Christ follower should be.

Later Paul refers the importance of faith and a good conscience and says, “Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19 HCSB)

It is from this context that Paul gives instructions to Timothy regarding his leadership and church order. As he does that he cautions, “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.” (1 Timothy 4:1,2 HCSB)

As Paul gives instructions regarding the care and responsibilities of widows, especially those who are young, he is very specific about the role of the church and focus and responsibilities of younger women. As he cautions he once again observes,  “For some have already turned away to follow Satan.” (1 Timothy 5:15 HCSB)

Paul tells Timothy to warn those who “are rich” not to place their trust in their wealth and to allow that to become their focus. He observes,  “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10 HCSB)

In his closing instructions to Timothy, Paul warns against those who would profess a “special knowledge” that undermines the truth, He says, “By professing it [special knowledge], some people have deviated from the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:21 HCSB)

What we can observe from all of this is that faith can be fragile and a good conscious can be damaged. In order for Timothy to fulfill His call and ministry Paul realized that he needed to stay above the fray.  So we read these kind of instructions and warnings to Timothy,

“But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness……Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity….Pay close attention to your life and your teaching.…good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden…guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the “knowledge” that falsely bears that name.” (1 Timothy 4:7,12,15; 5:25; 6:20 HCSB)

With each revelation of the challenges to a pure conscious and sincere faith, Paul gives these and other types of encouragements and instructions to Timothy. He realized that if others were going “to make it” in the morass of controversies and spiritual mine fields, it was imperative for Timothy to know how to take care of himself.

That is often an overlooked aspect for the faithful believer as well as the spiritual leader. “Self-care” and knowing where to focus your attention and what to avoid, is critically important.

Prayer for Today… “Lord, I pray for pure faith and a good conscious to characterize Your people and especially spiritual leaders. We realize the attacks that come to “shipwreck” faith. Allow our focus to be on that which is directed by You and pleasing in Your sight. Thank you that You show the way to keep us in ‘paths of righteousness.'”

This morning my brother Don, from California joined us for breakfast in Glenwood Springs. He was traveling to Denver to spend some time with my mom and his daughter and we are pleased it worked out for us to connect. He was my best man in our wedding 40 years ago, so it was fitting for us to be together on this date.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22 HCSB  “Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.”  Proverbs 31:10 HCSB

Since these words are from the wisest man who lived, I believe they can be taken to heart. Of course, Solomon had 700 wives, which may be too much of a good thing! Perhaps that is why he qualified it to his son Lemuel, with the word, “capable.”

I am glad that forty years ago the Lord in His favor helped me find a wife that is “good” and “capable.” Debbie over these years she has followed me in our calling from the Lord in serving as the pastor of three different churches in 24 years. She has been a mother who raised two children who are strong in their faith and have solid families.

When were were first in ministry, I recall the words of a fellow minister who said, he felt his wife’s ability to have a career was the best plan for their financial future. That was from a “life insurance” perspective. So many ministry spouses have found themselves dealing with the death of their husband and no career to “fall back” on.

In addition to her role as “pastor’s wife” for many years, Debbie’s career as a nurse not only has given expression to her compassion for others, but has provided opportunities for ministry and impact that we could not have anticipated. Her motivation to become as nurse was influenced by a health crisis experienced by her father when she was young. Over these years I am sure she could not have anticipated needing those skills to be a life-saver for her husband in these past few years.

Over these years the Lord has certainly demonstrated His grace (favor) to me through Debbie. I have been given what I don’t deserve and for that I am grateful. We have been spending a few days in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where we began our first days as newlyweds. We are enjoying reflecting on the passing years and anticipating what the future holds. With that said, we may visit our friend Robert Stull ( a custom jeweler) just to see if we can find anything that is suitable for a “good” and “capable” wife.

Prayer to today…  “Lord thank You for a “suitable helper” that has been by my side these forty years. In many ways and in ways words can not express you have demonstrated your favor and we have arrived at this juncture counting our blessings from You.”

This morning Debbie and I left early for Glenwood Springs. It has been several years since we have been here, but this time we are reflecting on our trip here as newlyweds forty years ago!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “….Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, and have compassion on him in the presence of this man.”  Nehemiah 1:11 HCSB

Much has been written about Nehemiah’s leadership and success in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. He was in a trusted and strategic position as “cupbearer” before King Artaxerxes. This provided a great opportunity. However, the one consistent key to Nehemiah’s success and leadership was the fact he was a man of prayer.

The longest recorded prayer of Nehemiah is found in chapter one. It is 216 words and is Nehemiah’s confession and intercession on behalf of God’s people when he heard of the distress and discouragement among the Jews in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah is known for what I remember being called, “arrow prayers.” These are prayers that are quick, short and to the point. When the King asks Nehemiah the reason for his sad countenance, before he responded we read, “So I prayed to the God of heaven and answered the king…” (Nehemiah 2:4,5 HCSB)

While no prayer is recorded, I am sure the Nehemiah was praying as he came to Jerusalem and surveyed the condition of the walls and enormity of the task before him. As we move into the account of rebuilding the walls, we find most of Nehemiah’s prayers as he encountered opposition and challenges to his effort and leadership.

When challenged by Sanballat and Tobiah, he prayed, “Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from Your sight, because they have provoked the builders.” (Nehemiah 4:4,5 HCSB) As they prepared for enemy attacks, it is noted that they prayed before they prepared.

As Nehemiah confronts the internal issues among the people he prayed, “Remember me favorably, my God, for all that I have done for this people.” (Nehemiah 5:19 HCSB)

Nehemiah prayed about his accusers, “My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.“ (Nehemiah 6:14 HCSB)

In Chapter 9, we read of Nehemiah leading the people in a “national confession of sin” and commitment to follow the Lord. This corporate prayer included these words, “Our kings, leaders, priests, and ancestors did not obey Your law or listen to Your commands and warnings You gave them. When they were in their kingdom, with Your abundant goodness that You gave them, and in the spacious and fertile land You set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways.” (Nehemiah 9:34-35 HCSB)

As we come to the final chapter, it is significant that we see four short prayers of Nehemiah as he brings correction to issues troubling the people.

“Remember me for this, my God, and don’t erase the deeds of faithful love I have done for the house of my God and for its services.” (Nehemiah 13:14 HCSB)

“…Remember me for this also, my God, and look on me with compassion in keeping with Your abundant, faithful love.” (Nehemiah 13:22 HCSB)

“Remember them, my God, for defiling the priesthood as well as the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.” (Nehemiah 13:29 HCSB)

Then the final words of this book, “….Remember me, my God, with favor.“ (Nehemiah 13:30 HCSB)

Prayers and petitions are a critical aspect of successful leadership. They all don’t have to be long; they can be short and to the point. Nehemiah’s final prayer is six words. As he consistenly prays for God to “remember” it is not a self-serving, glory-seeking desire. It is a desire for the favor of the Lord, for the protection of the Lord for the justice of the Lord in order for the work of the Lord to come to fruition.

Prayer for Today… “Lord, help me to remember that seeking You and Your wisdom and your favor, is the most important aspect of effective and successful leadership. Thank You for Your favor that is available to guide my steps and overshadow my efforts in my work for You.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to King Artaxerxes of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. It was only later that I asked the king for a leave of absence so I could return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of God’s house.”  Nehemiah 13:6,7 HCSB

One of the more challenging times of my pastoral ministry was when I took a short sabbatical. During that time, some well meaning individuals thought the church needed a new direction and focus. I returned to the church on Monday, September 11, 2001. On this challenging day the World Trade Center had been attacked and everyone was wondering, “what is going on?” That was the same question I had when I returned to my church.

After rebuilding the walls and facing all the challenges and threats that came his way, Nehemiah had to return to Babylon. We don’t know how long he was gone, but when he was able to return to Jerusalem he had to be asking himself and others the question, “what is going on?!”

Tobiah one of the co-conspirators of the opposition to the rebuilding of the walls was living inside one of the storerooms in the Temple! The Priest in charge of the storerooms was relative to Tobiah. Reminds me of “church-like” intertwining of relationships.

Not only that one of the grandsons of the High Priest was the brother-in-law to Sanballat, the partner to Tobiah in accusing Nehemiah and trying to stop the rebuilding of the walls. So both of the men who lead the opposition to the rebuilding had family ties to the High Priest and were using that to their advantage, and living among God’s people in the Assembly where only Jews were allowed.

Nehemiah also found the people desecrating the Sabbath. We read, “I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them: “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? Didn’t your ancestors do the same, so that our God brought all this disaster on us and on this city? And now you are rekindling His anger against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” (Nehemiah 13:17,18 HCSB)

Then Nehemiah found out that some of the Jews were intermarrying with women from foreign nations. He reminded them, “Didn’t King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this?…He was loved by his God and God made him king over all Israel, yet foreign women drew him into sin.“ (Nehemiah 13:26 HCSB) The children of these marriages could not speak Hebrew, so it threatened the heritage of future generations.

In each of these situations Nehemiah took decisive action to correct the wrongs. In doing so, he reminded the people of the importance of the Law of Moses and learning from the failures and disobedience of past generations. After addressing each of these challenges we see Nehemiah’s prayer to the Lord, asking for His favor and strength.

As a leader Nehemiah realized that he could not allow this “new pattern” that was developing among God’s people to continue. He was bold and decisive, even when confronting the “family ties” of the High Priest. He was committed to God’s ways and to not allow the patterns from the past to persist in the present.

Those types of actions for a leader are not easy and at times it is easier to leave, “well enough alone.” But Nehemiah realized that the task of rebuilding the wall was just the physical restoration of Jerusalem; the stability of the future depended upon the rebuilding of a commitment to the ways of the Lord in the hearts of God’s people.

Prayer for Today… “Lord, thank you for principled leaders who are willing to “take a stand.” To do what is right, even if it is not popular or creates disruption to what has been accepted as the norm. Strengthen your God-called leaders to be wise, bold and strong in their commitment to your ways.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy!” 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20 HCSB

Paul realized that the most important aspect of his life was not just “self-preservation” or success; but that which he was able to sow into the lives of others that allowed them to “shine.” It was not just a matter of whether “he made it” to heaven, but how many he brought with him. When Christ returned the “trophies” of his life were not individual accomplishments, but that which was reflected in others. John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4 NIV)

This afternoon, I attended the funeral service for Theresa Cook, the wife of Jon Cook, a long-time friend and Business Administrator at Timberline Church. Just a few weeks after my hospitalization in 2013, Theresa was diagnosed with cancer. She fought a valiant and brave battle to the end passing away last weekend.

While distance didn’t allow for many opportunities to connect, I will always remember Theresa’s bright smile, warm personality, professionalism and dedication to the Lord. I still give Jon a hard time about leaving the staff of Lakewood First Assembly, just before I came as the Senior Pastor.

At the service Allison, their oldest daughter, with a great deal of courage, out of devotion to mom, shared one of the most moving eulogies I have ever heard from a child. She open her heart and shared her insights and feelings during the journey with mom over the course of this illness. She also shared the reflections of her sister Kimberly, that were equally compelling, with raw emotions and transparency about the emotions and struggles of watching a mom, engage in an unexpected battle with cancer.

Both of these daughters shared the “real” life struggles of terminal illness, yet a profound faith in God anchored in the eternal. Through my own emotions, I was awe struck by the evidence of parents who modeled genuine faith, unconditional love and seeing the faith firmly established in the next generation.

I believe Paul’s words about the believers in Thessalonica, are fitting for parents who have “won” one of the greatest challenges that can be faced. The same is true of all “spiritual” parents and natural parents. There is a desire to see children excel in their personal development, in their professional pursuits, in their spiritual life beyond their parents.

It is always gratifying to feel that you have been a part of someone’s success. The reward of the investment we make in others, is seeing their growth and “success” in whatever the sphere may be. We should all make it our aim to help someone growth stronger, achieve more, develop beyond ourselves. We should also, value the investment and encouragement that others sow into our lives and honor that through the fruit of our lives.

Prayer for today… “Lord, allow me to invest in others in a way that will matter for eternity. At the same time let me be aware of the investment others have made in me. Allow the fruit of my life and the fruit of others that I influence bring glory and honor to you.”

This has been a “tired” kind of day for me. But I still enjoyed getting out to the monthly professional for seniors meeting and running a few errands, and getting some work done in my office. The predominate plant in our garden is a good crop of strawberries. They are left over from Debbie’s mom and have been the main stay of our early summer. There are plenty for the picking, if you want to come to Fort Collins!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will become discouraged in the work, and it will never be finished.” Nehemiah 6:8,9 HCSB

The opponents of the Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls remind me or Satan’s tactics against the believer and also bring back memories of political campaigns. Two words are consistently found describing the desired outcome and strategy of Nehemiah’s opposition, they consistently want to “discourage” and “intimidate.”

Their efforts to that end were varied and relentless. For example Sanballat and Tobiah, sent the same letter four times trying to get Nehemiah to stop his work and to come “talk to them.” They finally revealed the rumor they were spreading about Nehemiah desiring to be crowned King and creating a rebellion.

It is interesting how often rumors are the source of discouragement and intimidation. Ask any leader or pastor. The reports circle back around to the leader of what “the people are saying” or “what is being reported.” The natural response is to “set the record straight” or to retaliate in some way. I recall the perspective of one seasoned leader who said, “Your true friends don’t need an explanation and your enemies won’t believe one.”

Sanballat and Tobiah tried to intimidate the workers by mocking their efforts and making fun of the work they were doing. They were some of the original “terrorists” by creating an atmosphere filled with threats of violence.

“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious. He mocked the Jews before his colleagues and the powerful men of Samaria, and said, “What are these pathetic Jews doing?….even if a fox climbed up what they are building, he would break down their stone wall!” (Nehemiah 4:1,3 HCSB)

And our enemies said, “They won’t know or see anything until we’re among them and can kill them and stop the work.” When the Jews who lived nearby arrived, they said to us time and again, “Everywhere you turn, they attack us.” (Nehemiah 4:11,12 HCSB)

The opponents even tried to use “spiritual manipulation, through using others, even a prophet. Nehemiah realized,  “…that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.” (Nehemiah 6:12 HCSB)

Tobiah, used his family connections to some of the nobles of Judah, to intimidate Nehemiah. The nobles sent letters to Nehemiah on Tobiah’s behalf, giving him an endorsement! (Nehemiah 6:17-19 HCSB) This was after the wall had been completed.

What was Nehemiah’s response? He prayed. He asked for God’s favor and for the Lord to judge those who were against him. Nehemiah stayed focus and kept to the task. Nehemiah looked to the Lord and refused to give in to the intimidation that consistently came his way.

We see as a result the “tables were turned.” Those who were trying to discourage, became discouraged when the project was completed. “The wall was completed in 52 days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul. When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.” (Nehemiah 6:15,16 HCSB)

Sanballat and Tobiah had to recognize that God was with Nehemiah and God’s people and what was accomplished was because of His divine provision and protection.

When we respond in like fashion, seeking the Lord and trusting in Him and guarding our hearts; we will see the Lord come to our defense and be the One who advances our cause and defends our character.

Prayer for today….  “Lord help me to keep my focus on You and to trust you to be my protection and defense. When difficulties come, when attack of my spiritual enemy or those around who would come against in doing your will, help me to seek You, to stay true to You and to know that You are with me.”