This morning I traveled to Denver with my “energy team” members for a meeting. We took time to tour the capitol before returning back to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you ask: “How have You loved?”…where is your fear of Me? says Yahweh of Hosts to you priests, who despise My name.” Yet you ask: “How have we despised Your name?” Malachi 1:2,6 HCSB

Malachi is the last book of the Bible. There is not indication in the text about the author or the time frame of the prophetic words. Much of the book is like a “conversation with God.” Perhaps an “argument with God.” There are a series of questions that Lord puts back to His people; questions they ask when confronted with their behavior. Have you ever been confronted about something and your response is, “what do you mean?!” or “How am I doing that?” Questions in this context reveals a defensive posture, not one of repentance or openness.

The first question puts “God on trial.” The Lord says, “I have loved you” and the people ask, “How?!” The Lord responds by reminding how He choose Jacob and treated him and his offspring with favor.

Next the Lord confronts the priests about their lack of honor and respect. The ask, “How have we despised you?” The Lord responds in pointing out that the sacrifices the offer would not even be acceptable to  human governor, let alone the God of the universe. They offered less than the best, they were going through the motions, but not fulfilling their obligation.

The Lord’s complaint against His people is, “you cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning, because He no longer respects your offerings or receives them gladly from your hands.” The people respond, “For what reason?” (Malachi 2:13,14 HCSB) The Lord points out their unfaithfulness in marriage and practice of divorce and injustice.

The next complaint, “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?”  The Lord responds, When you say, “Everyone who does what is evil is good in the Lord’s sight, and He is pleased with them,” or “Where is the God of justice?” (Malachi 2:17 HCSB)

The next exchange is combined, “Since the days of your fathers, you have turned from My statutes; you have not kept them. Return to Me,and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Hosts. But you ask: “How can we return?” “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!” You ask: “How do we rob You?” “By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions….” (Malachi 3:7,8 HCSB)

God’s people had become so insensitive to their situation they didn’t realize that the way back to God was to stop their actions which reveal disobedience and rebellion and to begin to do what the Lord had instructed. It is like the resurrected Christ speaking to the Church of Ephesus, “Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5 HCSB)

The final exchange is this, “Your words against Me are harsh,” says the Lord. Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?” You have said: “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.” (Malachi 3:13,14 HCSB)

Toward the end of the book we see the proper response results in God’s promise of blessing, privilege and peace,  ^“At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name.  “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. 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 3:16-18 HCSB)

In all these exchanges we see that the Lord knows our ways, He knows our doubts and questions and even points of resistance. He reveals where His people have missed the mark and shows that path toward correction. In the end a proper response results in those who are responsive and obedient being a “special possession” and objects of “compassion.”

Prayer for today…. Lord forgive us when we become defensive to Your correction. Enable us to be quick to respond and make corrections, that we may walk in Your light and live in Your blessing.

I am glad to have more energy today than yesterday. I commented to a fellow Rotarian, I’m way to young to have “good days and bad days.” This afternoon I am at Timberline Church for a couple of hours as the “Pastor on call.” This evening I have the opportunity to share my West Nile Story at a Fort Collins Rotary Club.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” Psalm 107:13 NLT

We can observe in scripture and in our own lives, the Lord is available, gracious and responsive to our needs. This verse above occurs four times in this psalm. It arrested my attention because I can recall many times in my life when my simple prayer was, “help, Lord!”

That simple prayer reveals  a cry of desperation. This is not a “meal-time” prayer. This is a prayer for one who is “going down for the third time.” Far too often, we wait far to long before we turn to the Lord for help. But even then, the Lord does not forsake; He hears and He responds.

The condition that brings this cry is desperate. God’s people were in distress our trouble for a variety of reasons. The first occurrence describes this condition, “Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and  homeless.  Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died.” (Psalm 107:4,5 NLT)

Next we see desperation because, “They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell, and no one was there to help them.” (Psalm 107:11,12 NLT)

Next we see trouble because of the consequences of sin. “Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins. They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door.” (Psalm 107:17,18 NLT)

Then we see trouble on the seas as they were “plying their trade.” “Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.” (Psalm 107:26,27 NLT)

In each situation God rescues from desperate circumstances. It wasn’t two out of four times, or three out of four times, each time they cried, the Lord rescued. Whether the trouble was due to circumstances beyond their control or due to their own rebellion and failures. Regardless of the source of the trouble; whether you are a “victim” of circumstances or created the circumstances for your trouble, if you cry to the Lord for help, He will rescue.

Consider the Lord’s response in each circumstance: “He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live….He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains…He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death…He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.” (Psalm 107:7,14,20,29 NLT)

The first and last verses of this psalm are filled with powerful meaning. The first gives this admonition, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!…” (Psalm 107:1,2 NLT) The Lord is good, even when we are not good and our circumstances are not good. He is faithful in His love. The question of the psalmist is an important one to asked yourself. “Has the Lord redeemed you?” Then say something! Say something to God in praise and to others in witness.

In the final verse we read, “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43 NLT) As you review your life and take to heart the Lord’s intervention and deliverance, you will be able to see in your history the “faithful love of the Lord.”

Prayer for today… Lord thank You that you hear our cry in the desperation of our circumstances. Regardless of what they are and the reason they have occurred. We stand in awe of Your faithful love. Help us to reflect on our own history so we can see how you saved us in our distress.

I think I found myself recovering from a busy weekend. Today was filled with a dentist appointment, fitness center work out massage. Normally that would be a day off for me or for you! Talk about adjusting to a new paradigm of life! I have thought recently, if my situation was one of being dependent upon the need for crutches to ambulate, but having the strength and energy I was use to, it would seem like I was experiencing just a “minor” adjustment in life. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the progress I have made and am making, but wanted share a little personal insight.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So he gave them what they asked for…” Psalm 106:13-15 NLT

We live in a “microwave” culture and instant gratification society. We expect things to happen quickly and often grow impatient with the process. Perhaps that applies to spending and saving discipline, perhaps it applies to a pastor’s expectations for “church growth.” It can apply to a long waited promotion or raise, it can apply to changes we would like to see in ourselves or others. It can apply to a achieving a personal goal. But what happens when we grow impatient with God?! What happens when God isn’t talking, isn’t acting and we find ourselves waiting and growing weary?

The history of God’s people in the Old Testament becomes all to often a mirror for our lives today. The mistakes and sins they committed, are often replicated down to our present day. The questions they asked and the frustrations they experience are reflected in our lives today.

Psalm 105 and 106 are palms that retrace the history of God’s people. The Lord did great miracles to bring them out of captivity and to set them on course to the promised land. But the trek from “here” to “there” wasn’t a straight, trouble-free journey. They had to learn to trust God, obey God and wait on God. From their history we can observe…

When we become impatient with God it results in a “short memory.” After all the might miracles in Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea and turning bitter water sweet, it seemed God’s people felt like God has exhausted His powers. Did they believe the miracles had dried up like the desert sand? Had they become so familiar with the miraculous, they failed to see God in the mundane?

We can fail prey to the same “take-it-for-granted” mindset. We are thankful for the intervention of God’s divine power in supernatural ways, but can we be mindful of His presence in the daily affairs of our life. Our pastor recently presented the thought that when we get to heaven, we may become aware of God’s intervention in ways that we never knew that was happening in this life.

When we become impatient with God, we take matters into our own hands. If we don’t have God’s counsel, we rely on our own understanding instead of trusting and waiting on the Lord. We see things from our limited perspective and take actions that make us our own “god.”

For example, “The people made a calf at Mount Sinai they bowed before an image made of gold. They traded their glorious God for a statue of a grass-eating bull. They forgot God, their savior…” (Psalm 106:19-21 NLT) 

An animal that eats grass, produces mile and provides meat, now become a god that people bow down to and worship and seek guidance from. That is a far reach from the God who created the universe that commands the sun, parts waters and displays His awesome power and glorious might. But any time we choose anything but God, we are settling for so much less, it might as well be an animal that we control and use for our purposes.

When we become impatient with God, He will allow us to have our own way. Contrary to the desires of many  God doesn’t keep us from our own stupidity and actions. We can make decisions out of God’s will for our life. When we do it has consequences. In the wilderness the craving of meat by God’s people resulted in a miraculous supply of quail. But they ate to their own destruction as God’s judgment came on the people. One of the most dangerous places to be is to live life outside of desiring the Lord’s presence, guidance and provision.

Prayer for today… Lord, help us to have the patience that we need to wait for You to “speak,” to wait for you to act. May we always place You at the forefront of our lives and trust You, even when there is no evidence of Your actions. Remind us that You are “always at work” (John 5:17), even when we don’t see it or understand how it is taking place.

Today, I conducted the chapel service a Mackenzie. Our friends Val and Di McDaniel came from Aurora to join us. Jerry and Virginia Pippen helped with the music. What a delightful time we had not only during the service, but during the meal later. We ended our morning with Jerry playing the grand piano in the lobby.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.”  Psalm 105:17-19 NLT

Psalm 105 is a review of God’s provision for His people throughout their history. From the time of Abraham to the fulfillment of bringing them to the promised land. We can observe that God’s plan and God’s timing go hand in hand.

The Lord knew that He would bring Abraham’s seed through Jacob to inherit the land of Canaan, but how and when that would take place took hundreds of years and a chain of events. Part of that was a famine in Canaan that forced Jacob’s children to Egypt. But before that took place God prepared to send Joseph ahead to provide for Jacob and his children and their families.

What is interesting is how the Lord through visions, prepared Joseph for a role that he didn’t know how it would happen and when. The words of Psalm 105 reveal that before the Lord fulfills the dream, he prepared the “dreamer.”

The preparation that Joseph went through involved hardship and events that on the surface seemed to signal his dreams were just that; dreams, not a prophetic future. The events that seemed to bring an end to the dreams, were the path for the dreams to be fulfilled. At the time when it seemed that the Lord had forsaken Joseph, God was working on developing and revealing Joseph’s character so that he could be a leader God could trust.

Paul wrote the Corinthians,  “…it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV) That faithfulness is proven in good times and in bad. The test that Joseph went through proved to himself as well as the Lord that he had the character that was needed to take on not only the life saving leadership for his family, but for a nation.

Joseph as a youth had a dream about his family bowing before him, but because of his character development through hardship, rejection and unjust treatment, an entire nation bowed before him. God is able to expand our dreams and our influence even beyond what we dream.

Perhaps that is the greatest of God Paul was referring to when he wrote, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV) Do we settle for less, because we only envision what we can dream, instead of  seeing what God can do for us beyond our imagination? I believe we can see that happening with Joseph. 

Remember…

• Don’t give up on dreams.
• Understand that trials and difficulties can be “character developing” events that Lord can use.
• God in His plan can take us beyond our dreams and expectations

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for working in our lives according to Your time and ways. Help us to understanding You are more interested in our character than our achievements. Help us to know that when You are directing our lives, our dreams become expanded as we trust in You and yield to Your work in our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” Zechariah 14:8,9 HCSB

In the natural world and in the spiritual world “water” is associated with life. In the quest to discover “life” in outer space, one of the first signs is if there is the chemical components or signs of water. It is interesting how water…flowing rivers and “living” water is tied to the Lord’s plan of redemption for mankind and the earth.

Zechariah’s prophesy ends with a glimpse of not only Israel’s future redemption, but the ultimate redemption of the world. We see words that related to the sacrifice of Christ in chapter 13. Words like, “Strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered…” (Zechariah 13:7 HCSB) We see this fulfilled when Jesus was arrested in the garden.

Yet in chapter 14 we see the prophet looking to a time yet to come. “A day of the Lord” when great signs in the earth will take place. The regular order will be upset, a great earthquake and the imagery of water flowing out of Jerusalem, to the east and the west.

Ezekiel saw a vision of a future time when water would flow from God’s Temple. It becomes a raging river, making bitter water, sweet and bringing life. Ezekiel says, “…so everything will live where the river goes.” (Ezekiel 47:9 ESV)

The “river” of God is the life source for everything. Even in creation we read of the river that started in Eden. “A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.” (Genesis 2:10 ESV) I find it interesting and not without coincidence that the picture of a river flowing from the focal point of creation and God’s presence is seen in the creation of the earth and in the new Jerusalem and the new earth.

This what John saw, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1,2 ESV)

Jesus promises to be that source of life, refreshment and restoration for all who believe in Him. He told the woman at the well, “…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 ESV) 

During the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus declared to all, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37,38 ESV)

Throughout the Bible we see these references to rivers and life giving water. In Jesus words the great prospect is that we can not only experience the life flow of the Lord’s presence, but we can become a source of refreshing and life to others.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your gracious provision of life. Allow us to always stay close to You and to receive from You all that You have for us and to vw channels of Your life flow to others.

The last two nights our friends John and Yvonne Childers have been our guests. In their 70’s they are still “truck’n” for the Lord. For them literally as they travel in their pickup with a camper. We enjoyed breakfast before seeing them off on their journey to Nebraska.

I am basing my thoughts today on a devotional I found while cleaning some files. It was from my time at College Drive Assembly in Colby, KS. I believe it was submitted to the local paper that ran some devotional thoughts from local pastors. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 NIV

“A name you can trust.” That slogan is often used in reference to a business which is promoting its “brand” as being proven over time to be reliable and faithful in the quality of its products or services. In this reference, “name” relates to character, integrity, reliability, consistency that has been developed over a period of time and has been proven.

The Bible contains many names of God. Abraham called God, “The Lord will provide.” God revealed Himself to His people as the, “God who heals.” Gideon who lived in a time of oppression from the Midianites, a hostile nation, knew God as, “The Lord is peace.”

In human relationships, it is easier to entrust our life to those we know and have proven themselves to be faithful friends; those who will come through in difficult times. I certainly found that out during my health crisis. Our lives out of necessity became an “open book” to many. But our confidence in reliable friends made that possible.

The same is true in our relationship with the Lord. David declared from his own experience, “Those who know your name will trust in you.” As you discover who God is and His faithfulness to provide what you need from Him, trust in God will be a consistent part of your life.

David reminds us that those who seek the Lord will be found of Him. The Lord never forsakes those who seek Him. To Lord reminded those who had turned from Him, “…you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord….” (Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV)

Why not discover for yourself who God is and what He can do for you. Do you need provision, healing, peace? Whatever your need, as you seek the Lord in prayer, you will find Him faithful to reveal Himself and to give you confidence that His name….is a name you can trust.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that we can trust in You and the power of Your name. Allow our confidence in You to grow and for us to be quick to seek You for all that we need. 

This morning I enjoyed connecting with my friend, community leader and college instructor Dr. Jose Valdes in  Windsor. This afternoon I participated in my first “FaceBook Live” presentation. This “webinar” format focused on West Nile Virus. It included myself, Dr. Tony Pearson from McKee Medical Center (my hospitalist) and a representative from the Larimer Health Department. You can check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/BannerHealth/

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 NLT

Three times in Matthew’s gospel, the eternal judgment of those who rebel against the Lord is described as being “thrown into outer darkness.” Perhaps there is no greater “punishment” than being alone and in the dark. The highest level of incarceration for violent and dangerous offenders in our prison system is “solitary confinement.”

While there is much we don’t know about “heaven” and “hell” the nature of the two is clearly seen in the Bible. In Revelation we see the punishment of the Devil and his angels being described as thrown into “a life of fire.” We also see the reference to a “lake of fire” as the “second death.” But we also see the condition that causes “weeping and nashing of teeth” related to isolation and darkness.

When I think of total darkness, I relate that to experiences of being on a tour of a cave and for a moment the lights are all turned off. It is the kind of darkness where you literally can’t “see your hand in front of your face.” When you add to that complete isolation, it is easy to relate to the torment of the situation.

Just as “hell” being viewed as being “down” and “heaven” is viewed as being “up” so is the contrast between God’s environment and that of Satan. The realm of Satan is darkness, the realm of God is light. Satan separates, divides and brings isolation. God brings connection, unity and togetherness. All that Satan offers is related to “this life” what the Lord offers extends for all eternity.

Consider the eternal destiny of those who place their faith in Christ. Paul says, “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV) When Paul wrote about the possibility of his death he referred to “being present with the Lord.” (Philippians 1:21) Jesus comforted His disciples with the words, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am…” (John 14:3 NIV)

When God made Adam, His first observation was, “it is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) As a result, God created “marriage” with the creation of Eve, that brought about a family, which brought about nations to live in community. Satan works to destroy what God has created and intended for people. As a result he brings down nations, families and marriages. God unites, Satan divides. God is about being together, Satan is about being alone. God is about light, Satan is about darkness. God is about life, Satan is about death.

The culmination of God’s plan and purpose is seen in Revelation 21. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God…” (Revelation 21:3 ESV)

To be in “heaven” is to be with God in His place with His people. To be in “hell” is to be isolated, in darkness and in suffering and pain: physical, emotional and spiritual. God’s desire is for all to be with Him. That is why we see beginning in the Old Testament the cry to “choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19) That is why we see in the New Testament invitations like:“come all you who are weary….and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, today, I choose to submit to the “with Him” God. The One who offers and gives meaning to life in his world and the promise of grand place in Your presence for all eternity. When we have You, we are never alone or in the dark.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will be careful to live a blameless life…I will lead a life of integrity…My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.”  Psalm 101:2,8 NLT

This psalm of David arrested my attention. He opens with a focus on the Lord and his commitment to praise the Lord. The Lord is the greatest model for rule through “love” for God and “justice” for the people. Those two traits serve any leader well, especially a ruler of a nation.

I shared Psalm 101 recently with some elected officials. The group included a County Commissioner, the County Sheriff and the County Treasurer. I challenged them to view it, as I did when I read it, as a commitment of a leader before the people. What if the media were asking David or a current President or elected official a series of these types of questions. Here are David’s responses according to Psalm 101….

What can we expect as far as your personal conduct in office? “I will be careful to live a blameless life [and wait for the Lord to help me] I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” (Psalm 101:2,3 NLT)

How will you view those who don’t live up to your standards of integrity? “I hate all who deal  crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” (Psalm 101:3-5 NLT)

What kind of people will be in your administration? “I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.” (Psalm 101:6,7 NLT)

What will be the focus of your efforts? “My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.” (Psalm 101:8 NLT)

Prayer for today…. Lord, Give us leaders of integrity and commitment to values that will promote your blessings for all. Also, allow that resolve to be in each of our lives as we serve you and honor You as Lord and King of our life.