This morning I made the trip to Old Town to connect with some of our County officials for prayer. After some work in my home office, I visited Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital to deliver a certificate for their sponsorship of the Rotary Duck Race a few weeks ago. While there I visited with a new patient who is recovering from West Nile Virus. (Picture with Beth Bullard, CEO)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King! Psalm 98:4-6 NLT 

In reading through the Psalms the declarations of praise to the Lord are plentiful. We see encouragement to “shout” to “sing” to praise the Lord with musical instruments. The final Psalm, reveals the emphasis on praise and worship when we read, “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6 NLT)

Our praise is to be a delight. When we read the psalms, singing with joy is consistently found. Our worship is not a drudgery, but is a privilege and delight for those who know the Lord.

We are to praise the Lord for what He has done. “…he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power..” (Psalm 98:1 NLT)  The psalmist declares, “…may I never forget the good things he does for me.” (Psalm 103:2 NLT)

We are to praise the Lord for who He is. “Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:4,5 NLT)   “the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:17 NLT) The reoccurring declaration of Psalm 136 is “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 NKJV)

We are to praise the Lord routinely and consistently. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV) “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1 NIV) 

We are to praise spontaneously. “…break out in praise and sing for joy!”  (Psalm 98:4 NLT) “…Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they’re sitting, Shout the high praises of God…” (Psalm 149:5 MSG)

As God’s creation, we are made to praise Him. I have found myself focusing too often on what the Lord does for me, His promises for my life; but fall short on taking the time to just worship Him. Our gift to the Lord is our obedience and our praise. Heaven is filled with praise and worship to the Lord. Now is the time to get ready for what we will be doing for eternity. It won’t get old then and it shouldn’t get old now.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for what You have done and for who You are. Your love and mercy is overflowing in our life. Your presence is consistent, Your help never fails. Help us to remember to make our praise to You part of everyday. 

On this “Labor Day” Debbie labored as she worked on call with her hospice patients. After a fitness center work out, I got a lot of work done outside thanks to the assistance of our house guests Norm and Heather Edwards.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.” Haggai 2:23 HCSB

The short Book of Haggai closes with this promise from the Lord to Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was God’s chosen leader to rebuild the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. However we see that the opening verses of this prophecy contains words of correction to get Zerubbabel’s attention and to compel him to action.

“…the word of the Lord came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah… “The Lord of Hosts says this: These people say: The time has not come for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt.”… The Word of the Lord came through Haggai the prophet: “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?…“Think carefully about your ways…” (Haggai 1:1-4 HCSB)

As the Lord speaks to His people, He addresses the leaders. God’s leaders are the ones who are accountable to the Lord for accomplishing God’s purposes. When the people fail to act, it is because the leaders have failed to act. That is at least what we see in this situation.

But the right response, brings the Lord’s blessing. We read, “Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the entire remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of the prophet Haggai…” (Haggai 1:12 HCSB)

It was Zerubbabel who lead the people in obeying the voice of the Lord and completing the work of rebuilding the Temple. As a result we see the Lord speaking through the prophet Zechariah these words of encouragement:  “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts. ‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!’” (Zechariah 4:6,7 HCSB)

The project is completed and in the end the words of correction to God’s leader, change to words of commendation and blessing.

My “take away” as I consider this is related to the challenge of leadership in the work of the Lord. God works through “chosen” leaders. We see the Lord’s instruction and challenge to the people of God coming to the leader. In the Book of Revelation, the Risen Christ addresses, the “angels of the churches” which are viewed as the “pastors” or leaders of the churches. Leaders carry a sacred trust but they are not perfect in the execution of that trust. When the “church” needs direction, it will come to the Leaders. The Lord in His faithfulness will bring correction, prompting and providing instruction as it is needed. What is important is an open heart and a willing response.

Zerubbabel was God’s chosen leader when the Lord used the prophet Haggai to get his attention and the attention of the people. The word of the Lord spurred them to obedience and action. The Lord worked with them by His Spirit and power and in the end we see the Lord affirming his “chosen” status with words of commendation and exaltation.

Prayer for today…  Lord thank you that correction does not equate with rejection, failure or diminished status in Your eyes. Your Word reminds us, that you correct those you love and have chosen. Allow us all to open to Your voice and responsive to Your instructions, not doubting our calling from You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…the entire remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of the prophet Haggai…So the people feared the Lord. Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, delivered the Lord’s message to the people, “I am with you”—this is the Lord’s declaration.” Haggai 1:12,13 HCSB

Throughout scripture we see the simple concept. When the Lord is “with” His people or working with any chosen individual, great things are accomplished. When disobedience and rebellion separates us from the Lord, life is hard.

That was what the prophet Haggai pointed out to God’s people who had neglected to move ahead in rebuilding the Temple. They focused on their own needs, but neglected the Lord’s house. As a result, the Lord says,

“Think carefully about your ways: You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to become drunk. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it.” (Haggai 1:6 HCSB)

The first lesson we observe is that an open and responsive heart brings the Lord’s encouragement. The people respond to the Lord’s message with repentance and resolve. As a result, the Lord speaks four simple words of encouragement in recognition of their heart change, “I am with you.” To put the situation in context, the people had stopped the work on the Temple as a result of the King’s command due to the accusations of their enemies. But now in the Lord’s time, it was their time to resume the work fearing the Lord, over any opposition that would come their way.

As the people began the work and became overwhelmed they were to remember, “God is with us.” If they faced ridicule and false accusations they were to remember, “God is with us.” If they faced threats from the “government” they were to remember, “God is with us.”

The we see a second occurrence of the Lord’s encouragement to finish the work. As the people were observing the results of their efforts, they realized the Temple they were building was going to be nothing like the one that had been destroyed. But the Lord spoke them in their midst of their discouragement and said,

“Be strong, all you people of the land”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “Work! For I am with you”—the declaration of the Lord of Hosts.” (Haggai 2:4 HCSB)

The Lord goes on and says that His glory will be among them and in the new Temple. The outward structure may look difference, but God’s glory and presence would remain firm and consistent.

I believe these two affirmations of the Lord’s presence are important for our lives today. The Lord reminds His people that “He is with” them as they commit to the work and as they need strength to finish the work. I am reminded of the words of Paul, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

The Lord who is “with us” will remain “with us” and continue to provide in our lives what we need. That is a good personal reminder for me. The song by Love and the Outcome that is entitled, “God is With Us” became a theme song during my health crisis. Now that I am still in the “recovery mode” I need to remember that the Lord is still with me, working on my behalf.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for Your promise to be “with us.” Allow that reassurance to be a source of strength, courage and persistence for our lives as You continue Your work in each of us.

This morning traveled to Denver to see grandson Riley play a football game. It was a two hour long event. I’m not sure about the players, but I was tired by the time it was over. Our guests Norm and Heather Edwards arrived. They will be with us this week as they work with Timberline Church on missions plans.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord of Hosts...“The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,” says the Lord of Hosts. “I will provide peace in this place”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts.“ Haggai 2:7-9 HCSB

Solomon’s temple was the fulfillment of the vision and plan in the heart of King David. The Temple itself was glorious, but at the dedication we see, “…the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.“ 1 Kings 8:11 NIV)

The structure was just a magnificent building, but when it was filled with presence and glory of the Lord, then it was the “temple of God.” Now hundreds of years later after generations of disobedience and rebellion against the Lord and the temple is in ruins.

Toward the end of the Jews seventy years of captivity in Babylon, the Lord moves on the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia to build a temple in Jerusalem. Opposition to the rebuilding of temple, put the plans on hold. In the mean time the people focused on building their own homes as they returned to Jerusalem.

Haggai is a complementary prophesy to the Book of Ezra. It is the Lord speaking through Haggai that the building of the temple is restarted and completed. However, in comparison to Solomon’s Temple, the new temple was view as inferior. The Lord spoke to the past generation,  “Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Doesn’t it seem like nothing to you?” (Haggai 2:3 HCSB)

It is easy to look at the outward appearance and to make a decision about the Lord’s blessing and faithfulness. But what the Lord was getting ready to point out was that is was not the magnificence of the appearance of the building, but the glory of the Lord that made the difference.

So we see the Lord promising His glory to fill this new temple and the “final glory of this house will be greater than the first.” With the Lord’s glory and presence, there is peace. It is not the building that matters, it is the presence of the Lord. That is why the Lord was content for His Ark and the symbol of His presence among His people, to be in  a tent. Whether a tent, a glorious temple, or a “not so glorious” temple; the structure doesn’t matter, what matters is the presence of the Lord.

When we consider the New Testament concept of believers and the Church being the “temple of the Lord” it is important to understand that it is not what we “look like.” It is not our appearance to others that matters. It is not about the circumstances our life, and how they appear. What matters is the glory of the Lord in our life, resting on our life. We can be “good” do the “right” things, go to church, serve our community. What matters is the presence of the Lord that brings peace to our lives and blessing in all that we do.

Prayer for today… Lord, Your presence makes the difference for our life. Help us to cultivate You presence through an open heart, through our obedience, through our worship, through the sacrifice of our life to You.

This morning I was part of a practice run for an upcoming  “FaceBook Live” presentation on West Nile Virus. I will be interviewed, along with Dr. Tony Pierson (my hospitalist) and a representative from Larimer County Health Department. The presentation will be next Thursday, I will share details in a few days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.  Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Jude 21-23 HCSB

Jude’s short letter is a warning for those who would use God’s grace as a license to sin and an admonition for believers to “contend for the faith” and to “build up” their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What stands out in the final verses of this letter is the focus on mercy. First of all those who maintain their love for God, can expect mercy that grants eternal life. This is set in contrast to those Jude describes as, “..denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord….these dreamers likewise defile their flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme glorious ones….These are the ones who are like dangerous reefs at your love feasts. They feast with you, nurturing only themselves without fear.“ (Jude 4,8,12 HCSB)

It is as if Jude is saying, “regardless of the lifestyle, attitudes and actions of others, keep on loving Jesus.” This is not to create as sense of spiritual pride, but confidence in the Lord’s mercy.

Jude continues and shows that those who have received mercy are to show mercy to others. James (Jude’s brother) warned in his letter, “…judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.“ (James 2:13 NIV)

Even though Jude is clear that judgment awaits those who in their arrogance deny the Lord and reject His pleas, those who love the Lord, they are to show mercy. First of all mercy is to be shown “those who doubt.” Our job is not to “condemn” those are rejecting the Lord or do not have a full understanding of the gospel. We are to remember that as the Lord was patient and merciful to us, so we are to be with others.

Jude also says our job is not to “condone.” “…have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Once again, even those living in rebellion and facing God’s judgment are not to be objects of disrespect. We are called to be agents of reconciliation. As Paul said, “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19 NIV) But at the same time we are to make a clear distinction between God’s love for the person as we understand His disapproval of their actions.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you that we can “expect” mercy when we love You and that we can “have” mercy toward others. Help us to not only be “grace” extenders, but encourage others with Your “mercy.” For those who feel that they “can’t be forgiven” Your mercy gives life and hope, because “you don’t treat us as our sins deserve.”

It was good to be home and to focus on the days ahead. This afternoon, I attended the first planning meeting for the National Day of Prayer event for 2017.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 HCSB

This well-known psalm begins like a conversation with the Lord. The psalmist makes his declaration in the early verses with these words, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2 HCSB)

The verses that follow reveal God’s promise to those who place their full trust in the Lord and find in Him that place of refuge that is needed from the storms of life. We see assurances from the Lord “safe-guarding” our life from all kinds of assaults.

But as the psalm concludes it carries a personal tone, as if the Lord Himself is addressing His faithful ones. Loving God results in deliverance, knowing the power of His name results in protection. Relationship with the Lord provides confidence in the Lord hearing our voice. “When he calls out to Me, I will answer him…”

I am reminded of other verses that reinforce these promises. “…call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalm 50:15 NIV) “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV) “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:13 NLT)

We need to be willing to ask and to keep on asking. Often an unanswered prayer serves to discourage bold requests in prayer. Of one thing we can be certain, 100% of the prayers not prayed go unanswered.

The Lord not only responds to those who “honor” Him, but He in return says that He will “honor” those who make Him their refuge and source of trust. I am reminded of the promise, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11 NIV)

The reality is that troubles to do come to those who are faithful to the Lord. Some times it seems the faithful are defeated, at times their lives are not always “long.” But we can be certain that as we find our refuge in the Lord and we trust in Him, He will show us “His salvation.”

Prayer for today… Lord, there is no better place to be than under the shadow of Your wings. To stay close to You and make You our source of trust and our eternal refuge. Thank You for Your care and Your promise of blessings as we abide in You.