We are coming to the end of another day at Grand Camp. Riley and I slept in later today than yesterday and we even took a nap this afternoon. It was timely because we received a fairly heavy rain for about 30 minutes. We had an interesting scavenger hunt and have been involved with a couple of craft projects which challenges grandpa. It has been fun to meet several grandparents here from other states; so this camp has a wide impact in terms of geographic representation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. ^“if the anointed priest sins…then let him offer to the Lord for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without blemish as a sin offering. …Now if the whole congregation of Israel sins…then the assembly shall offer a young bull for the sin, and bring it before the tabernacle of meeting.…When a ruler has sinned…he shall bring as his offering a kid of the goats, a male without blemish. …‘If anyone of the common people sins…then he shall bring as his offering a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he has committed.” Leviticus 4:3-28

The Book of Leviticus is the Book of the Laws of Moses given by the Lord for the God’s people. First and foremost are the regulations regarding the way to sacrifice an animal in worship to the Lord, the offerings for fellowship with the Lord and the sacrifices for sin against the Lord. Leviticus 4 actually deals primarily with “unintentional” sins. When the transgression is discovered a sacrifice for the sin must be offered.

What is obvious from the requirements is that the sacrifice required for the sin of each individual or group is different. The requirement for the “anointed priest” and the “whole congregation” is a “young bull.”

This is the most costly sacrifice. A young bull represents the potential of the animal to the congregation or priest. It would have been the animal with the highest value. This is a reminder of the adage, “the higher the calling the fewer the choices”; or in this situation the greater the consequence.

The sacrifice of the King or “ruler of the people” is a “kid male goat.” The sacrifice a “common person” is a “kid female goat.”

In each situation, we see that there is a cost for sin and reconciliation. The righteousness of a Holy God demands justice and a sacrifice. That sacrifice represents something of value to the individual or congregation; something that they surrender in their place. The repeated result of the act of sacrifice is, “So the priest shall make atonement for his sin that he has committed, and it shall be forgiven him.” (Lev. 4:31,35)

As I considered this, I was reminded of the personal testimony of Melanie, the young campus minister, I met last week. When she expressed a desire to serve the Lord, like those who had influence her life, she was asked, “is there anything that you are not willing to give up to serve the Lord?” At the time her dependence on drugs had a significant hold on her life, so she had to answer honestly, “yes.”

But she came to the point where she realized that fellowship with the Lord and fulfilling His purpose for her life was worth surrendering all, to Him. She had to conclude that, “if He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

This side of the cross, we have the realization that Christ is our sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. Through faith in Him, we have sins forgiven and fellowship with the Lord. As a result, the concept of our “salvation costing us” something can be lost.

That is why the words of Paul to the Romans can be so powerful. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.“ (Romans 12:1,2)

God’s will is for us to “hold nothing back” and to experience His best, as we are connected in right relationship with Him. The New Century Version uses the phrase, “…he will belong to the Lord” as a substitute for the word “atonement.” When we understand “we belong to the Lord” it provides identity, value and relationship.

We are coming to the end of our first day of Grand Camp. We enjoyed a variety of activities this morning and then have spent the afternoon swimming and playing miniature golf. So far I have navigated without a nap. That probably wont’ last the next three days but so far so good. Riley is being a good sport and is very supportive and cooperative.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:23-27

Today at Grand Camp we were challenged about the value of the “blessing” of parents and grandparents. “Blessing” is on of those spiritual words that has different meanings depending upon the context. We “bless” our food. We refer to others as beings “blessing.” The Lord told Abraham that he would, “be blessed and be a blessing.” Paul in writing to the Romans challenges them to:  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)

The contrast of this last verse gives some insight into the importance of blessing when it comes to families. It is one thing to refrain from “cursing” your enemies, it is another when parents are guilty of “cursing” their children in word or in attitude. Put downs, accusations, cutting remarks leave an impact. Our speaker today told how the words of a seminary prof, that put him down, undermined his confidence and sense of value as he moved forward in ministry.

The well known priestly blessing from Numbers 6 is followed by the Lord’s explanation of its importance. So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them. In bless our children and others, we are “putting the Lord’s name on them.” We are calling out the character of God and the best of what the Lord has for them.

In the spiritual sense a “blessing” is “the infusion of something with holiness, spiritual redemption, divine will, or one’s hope or approval.”

This powerful concept is of importance for parents, teachers and those who have the opportunity to speak into life of others. We may struggle with the idea of “blessing our enemies” but let’s make sure we don’t struggle with those over whom we have God-given authority and influence.

Today, I mowed the lawn and got ready to be gone for a few days as Riley and I travel to Estes Park YMCA for a “Grand-Camp.” For the next four days we will be joining with other grandparents and their grandchildren for learning, worship and having fun together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God and keep praising him, my Savior and my God.”  Psalm 42:5,6 (NCV)

The title of today’s devotional is the theme for today at “Grandcamp.” It proved to be a fitting title for today’s verse. The mood in other versions is described with the words, “downcast” and “disquieted.” They are probably more accurate to describe the intense feelings of discouragement and despondency.

A “cast” sheep is one that is on its back with no or little hope for survival, unless the shepherd comes to its rescue.   I am reminded of my rancher friend who commented, “sheep have no other defense mechanism, but to roll over and die.” Perhaps David the shepherd was identifying with that condition.

But twice in Psalm 42 we find a two-fold antidote to the “blues.” Hope in the Lord and keep praising the Lord. Hope focuses our attention on the future. Hope is what allows us to say, “my tomorrow will be different than today.”  Hope tells us, “what is, is not what will always be.”

I like the admonition of “keep praising the Lord.” When we are in a tough valley in life, it is easy to stop doing what comes easier when life is different. We need to remember that when we praise the Lord we take our attention away from ourselves and our situation to the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord. We are reminded that He is our “savior and our Lord.” He not only rescues us from our sins, He delivers us from the situations that confront us. We are also reminded that He is “the One who provides.”  He is all-sufficient, ever-faithful, the One who meets all of our needs.

Perhaps you need that reminder today. I think that I do. “You can cope, when in God you place your hope.” Right now Riley is patiently “coping” as I finish this blog before we head off for dinner.

I’m pleased that I was able to get outside and do some work in the yard today. I tilled some of my garden and trimmed roses. Later I went to the pool, but the clouds moved in and shortened my workout. My greatest success this summer is getting some wild flowers to grow from seed. We turned an old  grill into a flower pot.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…we and the people there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  But he said, “Why are you crying and making me so sad? I am not only ready to be tied up in Jerusalem, I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus!” Acts 21:12,13

For Paul it was, “just another day at the office.” Agabus the prophet has just prophesied that evil people will bind Paul when he travels to Jerusalem. His friends and fellow believers beg him not to go, but Paul is determined to follow what he believes is God’s will for his life regardless of what may happen.

As I read the chapters leading up to his event, I took note of the consistent opposition to the gospel that Paul faced. In Philippi, Paul is harassed by a demon possessed slave girl and then thrown in jail when he cast the demon from her. At Thessalonica, some evil people opposed to gospel and those who received it and caused a riot which result in a heavy financial fine.

Paul travels to Berea and those who opposed him from Thessalonica follow him there and cause trouble. In Athens Paul finds himself among the philosophers of the day who pride themselves in open mindedness, but reject and ridicule one who would preach Jesus rose from the dead. At Corinth, Paul’s message found resistance. We read, “Paul spent all his time telling people the Good News, showing them that Jesus is the Christ. But they would not accept Paul’s teaching and said some evil things.” (Acts 18:5,6) So, we see Paul faced rejection of his message and personal assaults as well. The Lord appears to Paul and encourages him to “stay the course” in Corinth. He remains 18 months and we see a church established that is the recipient of two of Paul’s letters.

When Paul is in Ephesus, he speaks boldly the gospel for three months. We read, “But some of them became stubborn. They refused to believe and said evil things about the Way of Jesus before all the people.” (Acts 19:9) Then we read the account of the riot in Ephesus when Paul speaks out against idols and is perceived a threat to the local goddess and her idol makers.

But in the midst of all the opposition and persecution the record of Acts is how, “…the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20) God’s Word spread and the Church grew. From Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world. That is God’s plan and purpose. Even in the midst of opposition we see miracles, the Lord’s provision, and lives changed.

That call and commitment of Acts is what the Church is called to for all time. Whether the message is accepted or rejected. As I was considering this, I found two Facebook posts that related to my thoughts. Pastor Todd Hudnall from Colorado Springs shared this quote from George Orwell, “The farther society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”

Pastor and Author Richard Exley shared this response to a recent article, “In spite of what Steve McSwain argues in his article in the Huffington Post, we must not stop saying Jesus is the only way to God. We must take that message into the streets and highways. We must take it into the market place, and into our schools, and into the halls of government. We must take it to the very ends of the earth and we must shout it from the housetops. “Jesus is the only way to God and the only means of salvation….” (http://richardexleyministries.org/)

That is what Paul did. That is what we are to do as well. Even if there is opposition and persecution, we can be confidence of the Lord’s faithfulness, strength and provision. And the Lord will continue to allow His message to grow and for the Church to be strengthened.

It has been interesting how my days can fluctuate one from the other. Both in terms of activity and in my energy to navigate through my day. I think I must be the only person who can get up early drink two or three cups of coffee and then take a nap! Such as the start of my day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People’s own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the Lord.” Proverbs 19:3 (NCV)

I love the practicality of the Bible, especially the wisdom of Solomon found in Proverbs. It seems Proverbs 19 contains several thoughtful “nuggets” for consideration. What I find of interest is how human nature has changed very little, if at all over the millennia. The verse above is a perfect illustration.

I can think back on people that came to me for counsel or that I visited with as a pastor and the fruit of their lives was reflective of a lifestyle and choices made from what “they thought” was right. It reminds me of Proverbs 14:12 that I quote frequently, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

Inevitably, individuals will make choices out of their wisdom and then blame God, sometimes out loud, for the poor condition of their life or their present struggles. What is often sad, is their ability to recognize the consequences of their own actions.

When I served in the legislature, I had a print out of Proverbs 18:17 on the bulletin board behind my desk, so lobbyists and others coming to present their view on a piece of legislation could read it. It simply says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” In making laws and in making decisions about life, it is good to get as much information and perspectives as possible. 

I believe I have been guilty and have seen others guilty of failing to heed the warning of Proverbs 19:2 “Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake.” This is especially true when leaders have a vision or an idea and don’t take the time to share with those they lead the information that allows them to embrace the change.

These are my random, but hopefully connected observations for today. What I want you to remember is that God’s Word addresses us at the core of our life and being. You can trust God’s Word and learn from God’s Word. When we put the Lord first and seek His wisdom and guidance it will be a source of protection for our lives. Solomon observed,

“…the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.  Eccl. 7:12 (ESV)”

I was up early this morning for some appointments. I had the stitches removed from my last mole surgery and then my Chiropractor appointment. I was glad that I was able to ride my bike to the fitness center and get in a workout. It has been a while since that has happened and I’m ready to get back into some consistency.

Yesterday on the way home, I met with Melanie, who is going to be involved in campus ministry at the University of Colorado through Resurrection Church in Boulder. Melanie is a CU graduate and has a tremendous personal testimony. She is an outgoing young lady, who radiates her commitment to Christ and the change the Lord has brought to her life. I encourage you to keep Melanie and others in prayer who are are reaching our university campuses with Christ’s love and hope.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Lord, battle with those who battle with me. Fight against those who fight against me. Pick up the shield and armor. Rise up and help me.” Psalm 35:1,2

Facing enemies was real for David. Facing enemies was real for early believers. While we see believers lives at risk in various parts of the world today, however, physical harm is not the greatest concern for Christ-followers in our country. However, we realize that there are “enemies” of the faith. We do see, what one author referred to as, a spirit of “anit-christism in our culture today.

My Bible reading this morning found me reading Psalm 35 as well as Acts 12 which begins, “During that same time King Herod began to mistreat some who belonged to the church. He ordered James, the brother of John, to be killed by the sword.” (Acts 12:1,2) Herod then had Peter arrested and an angel came and miraculously delivered Peter from prison. The early church realized that there were those in power that were fighting against them.

Did they call to mind Psalm 35 and pray this prayer of David from long ago? We don’t know, but we find out that what had happened was not outside of the Lord’s concern and involvement. The Lord rescued Peter and then we read of Herod,

“On a chosen day Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not a human!” Because Herod did not give the glory to God, an angel of the Lord immediately caused him to become sick, and he was eaten by worms and died.” (Acts 21:21-23)

We see the Lord was “fighting for” His people and while Herod killed James and tried to kill Peter; he was ultimately stricken the by Lord, and died. We read the result: “God’s message continued to spread and reach people.” (Acts 12:24)

The Psalmist’s cry to the Lord is, “rise up and help.” I believe that is a good prayer today. We don’t know how or when the Lord may “rise up and help” but we can rest assured of His response. What we see in the Book of Acts is the commitment of the early church to sharing the gospel. The Lord will always be faithful to “rise up and help” us accomplish that task. He may not “strike down” enemies, but He will strengthen us and help us through the work of the Holy Spirit in our resolve to be faithful to Him.

Some in our world today may give their lives for Christ. Some may be miraculously delivered. The Lord may divinely intervene to rescue and fight for His people. There may be times of favor and their may be times of persecution and hardship. But in all circumstance and at all times, we can continue to see God’s message spread and reach people.

This morning I traveled to Denver for some appointments. One of my first stops was by Addenbrooke Park in Lakewood to connect with my old senior softball team. It was good to see some of my former teammates and know they are playing well.

I had my annual eye doctor’s appointment. Dr. Steve Loomis has been my eye doctor, friend and political supporter for a number of years. It was good to see him and to find that my eyes don’t display some of the symptoms that are normally exhibited by those with active Myasthenia Gravis. (see today’s picture)

I was able to get by to see Christian and Bridge and the grand kids for a few moments. Next week, Riley and I attend a “grandcamp” in Estes Park. I then connected with my mother for lunch with some of her Wednesday Bible Study friends. Before leaving town, I enjoyed another visit with Vila Mae Byrum and a special time of prayer as her health continues to fail. But what was special was to find that Vila’s health my be failing but she is not failing! She is strong in faith and ready for the future the Lord has for her. What a great legacy she is leaving for her family and all those who know her.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “They spent their time learning the apostles’ teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together…The believers met together in the Temple every day. They ate together in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts. They praised God and were liked by all the people. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers.”  Acts 2:42,46-47

After the Day of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, we see the nucleus of the “church” beginning to emerge. We can observe some important commitments and characteristics of the lives of the early disciples as they forged a new future as “followers of Christ” without Christ being present.

They basically shared their lives together. They spent time with each other, as they had spent their lives together with Christ. They learned from the apostles, they shared their lives with each other, they ate together and celebrated the “Lord’s Supper” and they devoted themselves to prayer.

They met together for worship and instruction and they enjoyed each others company over food in their homes. From the earliest times in the Bible we see shared hospitality marking the lives of God’s people. Whether it was Abraham having Sarah prepare a meal for visiting strangers, the instructions in the law about the feasts and festivals, to Jesus sharing meals with the disciples and the multitudes. There is a dimension of sharing a meal that goes beyond the required in-take of calories to sustain life. Sharing the meal with others sustains the life of community, of together.

I believe it is important to observe that “life done right” – in a way that is honoring the Lord results in three things. The scripture records that the people “praised the Lord.” There was a sense of the Lord presence and blessing on their gatherings that made individuals give recognition to the Lord.

They had the favor of people. “They were liked by the people.” The life they shared, the community they were establishing was difficult to criticize and put down. Jesus told His disciples, “by this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:35) The verb tense of the Greek language, suggests this is describing an “atmosphere of love.”

People wanted to be a part of what they saw happening. “…Everyday the Lord added to the group of believers those who were being saved.” As the gospel was shared and the lives of the disciples were lived out for people to see, people wanted to be a part of what they saw taking place. It is not just “sharing” the gospel and it is not just “living out our life faith” that draws people to Christ. It is both.

Shared life does not happen “on the run” with the time we have left over in our weekly schedule. It requires time, and priorities. It requires a “shared life” and a unity that backs up the words of truth that we share.

I’m thankful that I woke those morning feeling more rested than I have in the last few days. I enjoyed getting out and taking care of some routine commitments and getting the lawn mowed before we have another afternoon rain.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then put in the Ark the Agreement which I will make with you. “Then make a lid of pure gold for the Ark; this is the mercy seat…. I will meet with you there, above the lid between the two winged creatures on the Ark of the Agreement. There I will give you all my commands for the Israelites.” Exodus 25:16-17,22 (NCV)

When the “Ark of the Covenant” is brought up as a topic of conversation in modern movies the mystery focuses on “what’s in the ark”? To me this can make the Ark into a lost chest of pirates gold waiting to be discovered. The Bible is clear about what is in the Ark. It contained the stone tablets of God’s commands. No gold or precious stones or secret powers, that can be manipulated by man.

What is important about the Ark of the Covenant is the lid. It has two angels with outstretched and raised wings and between the wings of the angels is what is called the “mercy seat.” It is hear that the blood of the sacrifice was poured for the atonement of sin.

The bottom line is when we look “inside” the Ark at the law of God, we are reminded of our sin and God’s judgement. When we observe the “mercy seat” we are reminded of God’s forgiveness.

We when we see the “mercy seat” we are also reminded of fellowship with God. The place of mercy, is the place where we meet the Lord. The Lord told Moses, I will meet with you there, above the lid between the two winged creatures on the Ark of the Agreement. This would be the place of the Lord’s ongoing instructions and commands for God’s people as they faced their day to day challenges.

The Psalmist described mercy when he declared, “…He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.“ (Psalm 103:10) We also read in scripture, “mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13) The cross is the standard for God’s mercy that overcomes the judgment we deserve due to our sin.

This significance of the “mercy seat” and the work of Christ on the cross is stated well in the following…

The Mercy Seat on the Ark was a symbolic foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice for all sin—the blood of Christ shed on the cross for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee and one familiar with the Old Testament, knew this concept quite well when he wrote about Christ being our covering for sin in Romans 3:24-25: “…and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Just as there was only one place for atonement of sins in the Old Testament—the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant—so there is also only one place for atonement in the New Testament and current times—the cross of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we no longer look to the Ark but to the Lord Jesus Himself as the propitiation and atonement for our sins. (http://www.gotquestions.org/ark-of-the-covenant.html#ixzz3fu7djSyU)

I’m thankful for the  cross as our “mercy seat.” An old hymn about the cross contains the words, “mercy there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me…” Because of the cross we all have access to the “mercy seat” of the Lord. A place of forgiveness, a place of appointment with God, a place to receive direction for our lives.