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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early this morning, I traveled to Lakewood to see grandson Caedmon play his final flag football game and Riley a baseball game. I then returned to Berthoud for a special community celebration that was taking place. After returning home and getting some rest, I will head back to Denver for an event with a Congressional candidate.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This is My Servant; I strengthen Him, this is My Chosen One; I delight in Him. I have put My Spirit on Him; He will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or shout or make His voice heard in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice. He will not grow weak or be discouraged until He has established justice on earth…” Isaiah 42:1-4 HCSB

For the Jew references such as the verses above are applied to Israel; but we know that they are in reference to the work of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Hundreds of years before He appeared on the shores of the Jordan to be baptized by John, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the character and work of the Lord’s “chosen servant.”

Matthew 12:15-21 contains the reference to Jesus fulfilling these words of Isaiah. Interestingly, the comment comes right after Jesus performs miracles of healing and then tells the crowd not to tell others about Him. That is a far cry from what which we would see with anyone else in any other time.

Jesus’ words were part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy because, “He will not cry out or make His voice heard in the streets.” John the Baptist was a “voice crying out.” In contrast, Jesus went about His work in a different fashion. The crowds followed Him, but not because of self-promotion or a desire to gain a following.

As I read these verses, the word “justice” comes to my attention. Perhaps that is due to the fact that recently I participated in a webinar with two other  Christian leaders from law and policy on the topic of “What is Justice?” Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, is the Director of G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice; an organization that promotes Biblical justice in various arenas of our culture and world.  (check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QirrcEQqSQo   and www.globaljusticeonline.org )

Isaiah declares of the Messiah, “He will bring justice to the nations.” When we look at issues around the word regarding human rights, then need to protect the dignity of people and the appalling actions of governments, the realities can be staggering. However, when we it comes to “global” justice we see it being fulfilled in the work of Christ. When He comes and rules the nations, the nations will governed by justice: That which is right, that which is in accordance with the “law of Christ” will govern the actions and affairs of peoples. The dignity and rights of all people will be upheld.

The next reference to justice is found in the words, “He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice.” I consider this an application to individual situations. We can obverse justice for nations and justice for individuals. Jesus sees in others what others or even individuals themselves do not see. In Christ there is hope for the wounded. There is life when it seems usefulness has been extinguished. In justice the Messiah restores and fans into flame, life, dignity and value.

Finally we read, “He will not grow weak or be discouraged until He has established justice on earth…” How important is justice to Christ? He is committed to staying at the task and not becoming discouraged or giving up. If that is the case, when we commit to promoting Christ-centered, Biblical justice we find ourselves in partnership with the work of Christ the Messiah. It is not just a “hot-button” issue or a current “fad.” It is at the heart of God and it is critical to the final work of Christ our King.

Prayer for today… “Lord thank You for Your work in my life and in our world. As I consider how important justice is to You, I realize my need to see my world through Your eyes. Help me to be used of you to fulfill your task of “establishing justice on earth.”

Today after some errands related to our basement finish, I headed to Denver to visit my mom and run a couple of errands. That weekend traffic coming home was intense so I ran late to a meeting with a candidate for the US Senate back in Loveland. My highlight for today, was connecting with my friend Rick Enstrom. Rick and I were both candidates in 2012, sharing some overlapping neighborhoods. Rick graciously provided some “silent auction” items for our upcoming Larimer County Lincoln Day Dinner. Always good to connect with my gracious, generous and faithful friend. (Check out http://www.enstrom.com/ )

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 HCSB

Isaiah contains some great verses that have provided encouragement to many over the years. This verse above is certainly of of those. This is a verse that would be found in an old fashion “promise box.”

We don’t know for sure the context in which it was originally given, but it certainly would seem to fit the time when Assyria was laying siege to Jerusalem and their arrogant King was ranting against God, King Hezekiah and the armies of Judah.

This chapter begins with a vivid contrast between the Lord God and the idols of man. This is how the Lord God is described, “I, Yahweh, am the first, and with the last—I am He.”  The islands see and are afraid, the whole earth trembles.” (Isaiah 41:4,5 HCSB) This is the description of idols, “The craftsman encourages the metalworker; the one who flattens with the hammer supports the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good.” He fastens it with nails so that it will not fall over.” (Isaiah 41:7 HCSB)

The Lord God has chosen His people, the pagan nations have chosen their god. As a result, the Lord speaks and says, “Don’t be afraid….” The God who made all the earth and its inhabitants is able to give strength and provide the help that is needed. The worker secures the idol, the Lord God secures His people. Today, people look to themselves or others or finances for security, but true security is found in the Lord.

Isaiah continues and gives this reassurance from the Lord, “Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish.” (Isaiah 41:11 HCSB) That is exactly what happened to the armies of Assyria and their King.

We see the Lord repeating the reassurance of His intervention in “holding on” to His people, dispelling fear and providing the help that is needed. We see that the Lord encourages and continues to encourage, He helps and continues to help, the provides bold confidence and continues to give reassurance.

In your life, what are the voices or circumstances that bring fear and instability? My recent visit to the Neurologist was that for me. So, I choose to hold on the God’s word that says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” I need  God’s strength, help and stability that gives reassurance and drives away fear of the future, how about you?

Prayer for today… Lord, I am reminded that when I look at circumstances I can become distressed, when I look at myself, I can become depressed, but when I look at You I am blessed. Today, I need your strength, stability and help. Thank you that Your presence drives away fear and provides hope.

My big appointment for the day was with my Neurologist. I have been waiting for about 10 months for a nerve conduction test to see if there is any progress in my right leg and arms. After two hours of electric shock and being stuck by pins, it seems that my arms are about the same as two years ago, but there is some improvement in my right leg that has been so weak. That is the good news. The test of faith now comes when he says, “you probably won’t see any more improvement.” Thanks for your continued prayers. I did give a copy of my book to Dr. Bandi, my Neurologist. He has been involved with my care since my initial hospitalization. Also, Dr. Steve Sunderman my admitting doctor almost three years ago was in his office and just getting ready to leave on a trip. He said he would take my book along to read.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning?….God is enthroned above the circle of the earth; its inhabitants are like grasshoppers.…Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God….He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding.” Isaiah 40:21,22,28 HCSB

Every once in a while I will get an email with “ICYMI” in the subject. It stands for “In case you missed it.” Perhaps if Isaiah was prophesying today he would use that phrase. Instead he uses a couple of questions to get the attention of God’s people. “Do you not know? Have you not heard?” Not once, but twice these questions are asked. We realize that the prophet was not announcing news, but using questions to challenge the memory and commitment of God’s people.

This chapter is considered a message of comfort for God’s people who have felt the heavy hand of God’s correction and judgment. The prophet reminds God’s people of who He is. He is the God above all. He is the creator of the ends of the earth.  “He stretches out the heavens like thin cloth and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He reduces princes to nothing and makes judges of the earth irrational.” (Isaiah 40:22,23 HCSB)

The prophet with phrase after phrase and sentence after sentence declares the glory and greatness of God. “Who will you compare Me to, or who is My equal?” asks the Holy One.  Look up and see: who created these?” (Isaiah 40:25,26 HCSB) The Lord God can’t be compared to human gods; He can’t be compared to the stars or the heavens or anything on earth, because He created it all. He is beyond equal and there is no adequate comparison of the greatest of God!

God is not only great in power as Creator of all, His understanding has no limit; His strength is never exhausted. The good news is what He does for His children.

“He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31 HCSB)

God’s power and strength is available for those who trust in Him. Human strength has its limits, but God’s strength renews and empowers. It is able to take us where our own efforts can not go.

So, “in case you missed it” – we serve a great God! One who is ab above all; creator of the universe and who gives strength and power to those who trust in Him. If you didn’t know that before, you know it now!

Prayer for today…. Lord help me to remember who You are and how great You are. When I do it gives me comfort and confidence to life. It is in Your strength and through trust in You I have what I need. When I am weary and tired, be my strength. When I am confused, be my understanding. When I am overwhelmed, allow me to focus on the One who never is.

Today the only appointment I had was with my fitness trainer this afternoon. That allowed me to get some work done outside, run some errand, get the pool and get some rest as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they didn’t listen.  So He brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria. They captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.  When he was in distress, he sought the favor of Yahweh his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. He prayed to Him, so He heard his petition and granted his request, and brought him back to Jerusalem, to his kingdom. So Manasseh came to know that Yahweh is God.”   2 Chronicles 33:10-13 HCSB

There are no two kings who stand in greater contrast than Hezekiah and his son Manasseh. Hezekiah was one of the most righteous of Judah’s kings. Manasseh, the most evil. He also reigned longer than any other king of Judah, 55 years. It is believed that he reign as a co-regent with his father for ten years. This makes his turn to idolatry, even more disturbing.

Over half a century, the deeds of this one ruler set Judah on an irreversible course of judgment leading to captivity. Even though his grandson, Josiah lead a time of revival, the years of Manasseh could not be undone. We don’t know what drives the heart of a son as a ruler to live in such a contrast as his father; from looking at the pattern of kings of Judah and those who were good and those who were evil, a couple of observations come to mind.

1 – The influence of God’s prophets and priests. We see on several occasions that the key person was not the king, but the “power behind the throne.” If that power was good people turned to the Lord, if it was evil there was rampant idolatry and evil. We read of kings like Joash who was saved by his aunt during a purge of the royal family and hid in the Temple. There he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest. Joash served the Lord until Jehoiada died.

We can observe similar patterns of influence on the the kings of Judah. If they listened to the prophets and priests they were successful and righteous. If not they were evil and idolatrous.

2 – The presence of the righteous with the wicked. You can observe that righteousness has a constraining influence on wickedness and wickedness has a constraining influence on righteousness. What matters is who has the greatest influence on the leader and his heart. It probably took more time than it appears in reading the accounts, but it seems the reversal from good to evil comes much more quickly than turning from evil to good.

I would imagine that there were those, especially among the idolaters of the day who quickly looked for opportunities of influence of the a king. We read this description of Manasseh,  ^“He passed his sons through the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did a great deal of evil in the Lord’s sight, provoking Him.” (2 Chronicles 33:6 HCSB) All that his father worked to “tear down” he “rebuilt” and then some.

We see in Manasseh a response that stands in contrast to King Asa. That is the in spite of all his evil, the Lord was able to get his attention. It took drastic measures to humble him. Perhaps it was in reflection of his father’s cry to the Lord when given a “death sentence” – we don’t know. What we know is he sought the Lord in humility and the Lord brought him from captivity and restored his position and he came to know that “the Lord is God” and none other.

Manasseh made corrections and attempted to get the people to worship only the Lord. It proved “too little, too late” but perhaps is was what helped pave the way for his grandson, Josiah, to become a righteous child king.

Prayer to today…. “Lord make me mindful of the influence I can have on others for good or evil and the influence others can have on me. Keep me true to you and to always remember that You alone are God. Help me to remember that the life of righteousness and true in You is the best life.”

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