BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalm 119:1,2 NLT

“Following the rules” is usually equated with harsh discipline and a sad demeanor. Yet, the longest Psalm that extols God’s Word, laws and ways quickly points to the opposite.

People of integrity can be joyful, because they have, “nothing to hide.” When life is consistent, there is a freedom that comes to life that brings peace and contentment. John reminds us, “…this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…” (1 John 5:3 NIV)

We are reminded that joy comes from being an active and diligent seeker after the Lord. Walking in His ways and in His presence results in joy. David declared, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV) We also read, “…Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 144:15 NLT)

In this first stanza of Psalm 119 we find the psalmist expressing how often we miss out on the joy the Lord has for us. “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” (Psalm 119:5 NLT) That is an expression we can all relate to. When we fail to live by God’s standards it is reflected in our life and in our countenance. What is important is the desire of our heart and the trajectory of our life.

Our path with the Lord is not always a straight upward line of progress and faithfulness. But it can be an overall trajectory of progress upward in the course of our life. That is what matters most.

When we follow the Lord’s ways and keep from “compromising with evil” we experience the joy the Lord has for us. Making that our aim is a good starting place.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the joy that comes to our life when we follow Your ways and live with integrity. Help us to remember that You desire the best for our life. As a parent with a child, You see what we can’t see. You know what we don’t know. Our duty is to trust You to obey You and to experience all the You have for us in this life and the one to come.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” Revelation 8:1 HCSB

When normal activity comes to a screeching halt it get our attention. For example, if all the highways were empty, we would feel as sense of panic and question, “what is going on?!” Such is the case when we see the opening of the seventh seal and heaven falls silent.

Remember, heaven is a “noisy place.” There is continual praise that is being offered before the throne of God. There are shouts of Hallelujah. There are angels, the twenty-four elders, the living creatures, those in white robes, all giving boisterous praise and worship to the Lamb and “Him who sits on the throne.” So, why silence? Why a prolonged silence? What causes this sense of shock and awe that allows the normal activity of heaven to cease for half an hour?

Revelation chapter 5, reveals a picture of a scroll in the right of “Him who sits on the throne.” John says, ^“I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or even to look in it.  And I cried and cried because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or even to look in it.” (Revelation 5:2-4 HCSB)

This scroll is written on the front and back, no room to add anything more, it is complete. It contains seven wax seals making it secure. But not just anyone dare to step forward and take the scroll from the hand of God. Apparently John is made aware that the contents of the scroll is related to God’s final salvation for the earth, because he response is one of intense grief.

But one of the elders steps forward and tells John, “Stop crying. Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has been victorious so that He may open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5 HCSB) So, we see the Elders in heaven are aware of the purpose of the scroll and “the One” who in the proper time is able to take the scroll and begin to open it.

As Jesus steps forward and takes the scroll, He begins to break each seal; and with the breaking of each seal a judgment comes upon the earth. The first four seals when broken release four colored horses with riders. With them they bring war, economic devastation, death and and plagues. The fifth seal reveals the martyrs who have given their life and long for the Lord’s justice on the earth. The sixth seal reveals disruption in the sky and earth. There is an earthquake, the sun goes dark, the moon turns to blood and stars fall from the skies.

The rulers of the earth, cry out to the mountains, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of Their wrath has come! And who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15 HCSB)

The seventh and final seal is broken. This allows the scroll to unfold and for the contents hidden for the ages to unfold and to be seen by all. This awareness of what is about to take place causes those in the courts of heaven to stop their worship and stand in awe and silence. The significance of the final judgments that are ready to be revealed will make those that have already taken place to pale in comparison.

I am reminded of the words of the prophet Habakkuk, “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” (Habakkuk 2:20 NIV)

The opening of the seventh seal brings seven trumpets sounded by angels. As the last trumpet is sounded we find a great contrast to the silence observed during the opening of the seventh seal,

 The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15 HCSB) This is the “real” hallelujah chorus that will reverberate through the corridors of heaven and earth, signaling the Lord’s ultimate victory over Satan, sin and all evil. Salvation and justice is coming in its fullness.

Prayer for today… Lord, there is much we don’t know and that our minds cannot comprehend about Your final judgments. Allow us to trust You as we focus on what is clear. You bring victory for those who faithfully follow You. All we can do at times is to be silent and to stand in awe of who You are and what You are bringing to pass.

After missing several weeks, I returned to my Tuesday prayer time with some of our elected officials. I had a fitness center workout and the attended my Rotary meeting. I had a good day and felt a good level of energy and strength. Perhaps some of the drug therapy is working…or just a sign of answered prayer…or both.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLT

This verse of Psalm 118 is one of the most familiar in the Bible. It has been quoted, songs have been written based on it and it has been viewed as a great admonition of encouragement.

When the Lord is with us each day and each moment it is a cause of rejoicing. In this Psalm we find these encouraging declarations, “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear…” (Psalm 118:6 NLT) “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” (Psalm 118:14 NLT) Perhaps it would be good for those verses to be as well known as verse 24. 

I am thankful that we can view each day as a gift from the Lord and a reason to rejoice in the Lord’s goodness, provision and blessing. This morning I was visiting with my friend Pastor Darren Fred. I told him “it is a good day, I am breathing.” Then I commented that it is so easy to take for granted what comes so natural, like breathing, until you experience an event where you can’t breathe. That happened to me when West Nile Virus impacted my nerves and muscles to the point my lungs stopped working. That resulted in seven weeks on life support with help from a respirator to do what normally came so natural.

However, as I view the stanza in which verse 24 is found it is filled with familiar declarations related to the coming of Christ, as Messiah. For example just before declaring, “this is the day the Lord has made” we read, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.” (Psalm 118:22,23 NLT)

Immediately after verse 24, we read, “Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:25,26 NLT) We recall from the gospel’s that this is the shout of those who welcomed Jesus as he rode on a donkey into Jerusalem the week before He died on a cross. 

In this context the “day the Lord has made” is the day of salvation. The day in which Jesus is alive, present and working out the Father’s will. As we trust in the Lord that can be “everyday.” But as I read Revelation, I am reminded of the coming “Day of the Lord.” It will be a time of trouble, persecution, judgment on all the earth. But it will be a “day the Lord has  made” and a cause of rejoicing for the people of God because the Lord’s final salvation is coming to the earth.

Regardless of what that time holds for  God’s people we can have the assurance, “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear…” (Psalm 118:6 NLT) “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” (Psalm 118:14 NLT)

Prayer for today... Lord allow us to welcome You into each day we live, as we look toward “the” day when You return and accomplish Your final work of salvation. Give us strength, remove fear and allow us to rejoice and be glad in You.

I began my week with my monthly IV infusion. This is a three plus hour process that I am involved in designed to build my immune system.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:1,2 NLT

Do you love the Lord? If so why? Have you ever given it thought? Have you ever articulated it in praise or prayer? The psalmist declares his love for the Lord because he knows the Lord hears his prayer and provides His mercy in the time of need. He is in awe that the God of the universe “bends down to listen.” As a result, he is motivated to pray and to keep on praying. He says, “as long as I have breath.”

As Psalm 116 unfolds we get a clearer picture of the situation the psalmist was in, “Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.” (Psalm 116:3 NLT) It is in this circumstance that the psalmist cries out to the Lord.

The psalmist continues and declares, “The Lord protects those of childlike faith…” (Psalm 116:6 NLT) You don’t need “mountain-moving” faith for the Lord to hear, you just need “childlike” faith. But then, the faith of a child may be the strongest and most trusting that can be found.

The Lord delivers. “He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.” (Psalm 116:8 NLT)

The Lord grants us His presence. “…so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!” (Psalm 116:9 NLT) The Lord’s abiding presence is not just a future promise, it is a present reality as we live in relationship and trust in Him.

In response to all of this the psalmist asks, What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? He then makes this commitment, “I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” (Psalm 116:13,14 NLT)

I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Romans, “And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1,2 LB)

The natural response of our love for God is reflected in our worship and our lifestyle. The character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit should be a priority for our life. Why? Because….we love the Lord for all that He does and all the He is.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Lord, help our love for You to grow stronger and stronger as we learn of You and observe Your faithfulness in our lives. Let our response be one of joyful celebration and steadfast commitment.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.” Revelation 12:11 HCSB

Revelation 12 includes this vivid imagery of a battle in heaven in which Satan (the dragon) and his angels are thrown down to the earth. We find these insightful words about Satan’s work, “…the one who deceives the whole world…. the accuser of our brothers has been thrown out: the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:9,10 HCSB) Then we read that Satan’s days and work are limited, “…he knows he has a short time.” (Revelation 12:12 HCSB)

As a result of Satan being “thrown from heaven to earth” we read this profound declaration, “The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Messiah have now come…” (Revelation 12:10 HCSB)

This declaration of victory is followed by a demonstration of victory. They [God’s people] conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.”

The power and authority of the believer comes from the victory of Christ over sin on the cross and over death through the resurrection. It is the “blood of Christ” that provides triumph over all of Satan’s devices. That is not just a statement of “spiritual warfare” but one that points to the fact that Christ’s forgiveness and gift of life reverses Satan’s death and destruction.

God’s people are powerful people, they are dangerous people when they understand the spiritual authority that is ours through the blood of Christ. They are dangerous people when they are faithful to proclaim their testimony of faith. It is the simple, “I once was blind but now I see.” “I was in darkness, but now I am a child of the light.” “I was ‘dead in sin’ but now I am alive in Christ.”

God’s people are dangerous people when they are freed from the “fear of death.” Hebrews declares of Jesus work, “He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”   (Hebrews 2:14,15 NIV)

The greatest threat that can be made to someone is to “take their life.” But when the fear of death is removed, it provides a confidence, a boldness in living that makes you an overcomer.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that through You we are  not overcome, but have the power to be overcomers. Help us to always live for You and to have confidence in the life You have provided and the future You have prepared for those who follow You.

We left Fort Collins early this morning to come to Lakewood for our grand kids games. Caed scored three goals in his soccer game as they won. Eliana’s team didn’t fare so well, but they had fun, I think. Meanwhile Riley was riding a scooter and took a spill and hurt his knee. He is in a brace and on crutches and will not be playing in his football game this afternoon. (I think I see a fine coming for a non-football injury). This evening we are looking forward to connecting with Jim and Patsy Kerr. I served with Jim in the State House and Patsy was our bookkeeper at Teen Challenge when I was there.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.” Revelation 4:8 HCSB

There is a lot that we don’t know about heaven and the presence of God; but one thing is certain; it is not quiet. As John is invited to enter an “open door” into the throne room of God. There he observes what is described as “four living creatures.” Their worship before God’s throne is described as continuing “day and night.” They extol the God who “was and is and is coming.”

Next we see twenty-four elders on thrones wearing crowns. These are often viewed as representing the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. They bow down and cast down their crowns and worship saying, “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 HCSB) We see the words extol God as Creator and sustainer of all things. As Revelation unfolds we see the God of creation disrupting His creation through judgments that come on the earth.

As the Lamb takes the scroll from “Him who is seated on the throne” we see more worship erupt. This time it is,  “…many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.” (Revelation 5:11 HSCB)

As the number grows the volume grows as they declare, “The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:11 HCSB)

The final depiction is now,  ^“…every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them…” (Revelation 5:13 HCSB) This growing multitude lift their voices and shout,  “Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13 HCSB)

When Psalms declares, “His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10 HCSB) I’m not sure he could not have grasp all the John one day would see as he experiences his “revelation” of the risen Christ and glories of heaven. From four creatures, to twenty-four elders, to countless angels to “every creature” the anthem of praise reverberates through the corridors of heaven. It grows stronger and stronger and grows in mighty numbers in heaven and on earth.

This picture gives greater meaning to the final words of Psalm 150, “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150:6 HCSB)

Our praise to the Lord today, prepares us for an eternity in His presence. It affords us the opportunity to join an activity on earth that is continually taking place in heaven. If you need a “boost” to your praise life, why not just begin with repeating these declarations found in heaven around God’s throne.

Prayer for today…. Lord, You are worthy of all praise. You are great and do great things. Thank You for redeeming us, giving us life and the promise of a future in Your glorious presence.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!” Psalm 108:1 NLT

Do you have confidence in God? Is that confidence greater than your confidence in yourself, or others or things “just working out?” Confidence is related to a “firm trust.”

How is confidence strengthened? Our confidence is strengthened when we look at God’s Word and see His character and His actions on behalf of His people. The psalmist declares, “For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” (Psalm 108:4 NLT)  Our confidence is strengthened by His promises. Our confidence is strengthened when we understand the final outcome that the Lord has promised and is working out in behalf of His children. David declared, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 NIV)

The Lord is willing to prove Himself to us. When the Lord confronts His people through Malachi about their faithfulness in the tithe, He says, “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. “ (Malachi 3:10 NIV)

Using a different imagery we see the invitation, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV) Our faith in God to act on our behalf, is honored by the Lord and His response to our need in turn results in greater confidence in Him.

The bottom line is, confidence in God results in abundant, heart-felt praise. The psalmist ties his praise with all of his “heart” directly to His confidence in God. Praise allows us to give thanks. Praise allow us to honor the Lord for who He is and what He is able to do. Praise allow us to express our faith that God is, “working in [us] you, giving [us] you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, there is nothing more important than to place our confidence in You and to allow that to be the motivation and inspiration of our heart-felt praise. Allow our praise to You to be consistent, joyous and filled with faith.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him…But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…” Malachi 3:17; 4:2 HCSB

One of the greatest struggles of faith can be addressing the issue, “is it worth it?” Does faithfulness and obedience to the Lord make a difference. When the lives of the “wicked” and rebellious seem to be ones of ease compared to the faithful, it tests ones resolve and commitment. We see this issue throughout scripture; from God’s people in Malachi to the psalmist in Psalm 73.

God’s people offer this complaint, “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.” (Malachi 3:14,15 HCSB)

What the Lord wants people to understand is, that the way things appear it not the way they really are and the way they will end. There is hope and a future for those who are faithful to the Lord.

Today I was in a meeting with a couple of former legislative colleagues, who had visited my in intensive care. As we talked, we discussed how grateful we are when we “escape death” but at the same time the great future there is for us in eternity in the Lord’s presence.

In Malachi we see two great declarations about those who commit themselves to be faithful followers of Christ. They are described as, “…those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name” –  and “you who fear My name…”(Malachi 3:16; 4:2 HCSB)

The first assurance is that God’s faithful will be a “special possession” and those to whom the Lord will show compassion. This is set in contrast to the destiny of the wicked and rebellious. The Lord says, “So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:18 HCSB)

The second assurance is related to the “Day of the Lord.” A time when the ultimate consummation of God’s plan of redemption for mankind and the world takes place. That day is described as, “burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble.” (Malachi 4:1 HCSB) But in contrast, “for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…”

That declaration reminds me of Revelation 21:4 (HCSB) “Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.” 

The challenge in Malachi’s day and in our day is for “those who fear the Lord” to remain, focused, to remain faithful, knowing the Lord is with us and has prepared a future for His “special possessions.”

Prayer for today… Lord, for those who are weary or struggling in their faith and commitment, allow them to be recipients of Your divine strength and encouragement. For those who have faltered allowed them to recommit to “staying the course.” Thank You for the helping us keep our focus, like Jesus, on the “prize set before us.” (Heb. 12:2)