I enjoyed a nice summer day. I attended my Tuesday morning prayer connection with some of our county leaders. This was the first time in about a month for me to make it to the meeting. After some office work and lunch (and a nap) I made another trip to our neighborhood pool. I can at least tell a difference in my strength this year compared to last year. At this point some of my improvement is so gradual, it can be hard to notice. So I look for all the cues that I can pick up along the way.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For this reason Christ brings a new agreement from God to his people. Those who are called by God can now receive the blessings he has promised, blessings that will last forever. They can have those things because Christ died so that the people who lived under the first agreement could be set free from sin.” Hebrews 9:15

Hebrews presents a “better way” to God than through the law of Moses. It is found in the person and work of Christ. Christ is better than the angels, He is a better high priest, He is a better sacrifice.The sacrifices the law called for were many and varied, had to be repeated often, but Hebrews declares, “…Christ came only once and for all time at just the right time to take away all sin by sacrificing himself.” (Heb. 9:26)

Christ’s sacrifice for our sin offers a better way than pleasing God through our own efforts, which is impossible. The result is a clear conscious. Hebrews declares through Christ’s sacrifice “…we have been made free from a guilty conscience…” (Heb. 10:22) Paul would declare to the Romans, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1) When we receive Christ’s forgiveness, it changes us; it frees us to live for the Lord and not for ourselves,

The Holy Spirit also tells us about this. First he says: “This is the agreement I will make with them at that time, says the Lord. I will put my teachings in their hearts and write them on their minds.”(Jeremiah 31:33) Then he says:  “Their sins and the evil things they do—I will not remember anymore.” (Jeremiah 31:34)  (Heb. 10:15-17)

Christ’s sacrifice gives us confidence before the Lord. “…we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place without fear because of the blood of Jesus’ death. We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us…Let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith…“ (Heb. 10:19,20,22)

Under the law, it was “don’t come close to God, keep your distance from the Holy God.” Now through Christ the way has been made open and with the temple curtain torn when Christ was crucified, God says, “the way has been made open…draw near.”

Christ’s sacrifice offers a hope and a future. “Christ was offered as a sacrifice one time to take away the sins of many people. And he will come a second time…to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”   (Heb. 9:28) Our salvation is two-fold, relationship with the Lord through forgiveness of sin available by the sacrifice of Christ and an eternal home in His presence. With this in mind we are encouraged to “…hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised.” (Heb. 10:23)

Christ’s sacrifice gives us perseverance. “You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.”  (Heb.  10:36) Our faith and hope can tested by our own failures and frailties and the trials we face in this present world. Our call is to continue to follow, to obey knowing that we will receive the promise of the full salvation Christ died to give us. 

 Christ came to bring a “better way” a final sacrifice.  We can receive the blessings of what the “new agreement” has made available. I like the expression of confidence the writer of Hebrews declares when he says, “…we are not those who turn back and are lost. We are people who have faith and are saved.” (Heb. 10:39) As the old song says, “I have decided to follow Jesus, I won’t turn back….”

After being gone last week, I returned to my routine Chiropractor appointment for today. He thought that my right leg is beginning to show some improvement on muscle tone. I was able to get to the neighborhood pool for a good workout this afternoon as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have. For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.  Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16

One thing about reading through Leviticus is that if you follow with the reading of Hebrews, it helps with your understanding and appreciation for what Christ has done for us. In Christ we have the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” and we have a “great high priest” who is able to offer that sacrifice before a Holy God that we might have forgiveness for our sin, access to God’s throne and fellowship with the Lord.

In the law, the high priest was chosen by God from among the people. As such he could relate to the frailties of human existence. The high priest was that connection between the people and God. He offered a sacrifice for his own sin and then offered the sacrifice for the sin of the people.

About Christ Hebrews says, “Christ did not choose himself to have the honor of being a high priest, but God chose him.” (Heb. 5:5) Scripture goes on to say of Christ, “Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he learned obedience by what he suffered.  Jesus suffered when He was tempted, yet He did not sin. He suffered as He was crucified, but “as a lamb for slaughter He did not open His mouth. “And because his obedience was perfect, he was able to give eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:8,9)

Jesus our great high priest, did not go to the Temple on earth, but into heaven to present the blood of the sacrifice of His own life before the Father’s throne for the forgiveness of sin. The imagery and significance of all that Christ accomplished by coming to earth in human form, can difficult to comprehend and fully appreciate. What we can understand is the results of all the Christ did for us.

“….Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.”

We don’t have to fear God’s wrath because of our sin, but we can come to God to be forgiven. We don’t have to fear being rejected, because we approach God with confidence at His throne of grace and mercy. We don’t have to fear a lack of concern or a lack of compassion for our need, because God stands ready to “help us when we need it.”

To all this we can simply respond with thankful hearts and say, “how wonderful, how marvelous is my Savior’s love for me.”

This morning I spoke at the chapel service a Mckenzie Place, a retirement facility close to our home. This was my third month and it has been good to develop a connection with some of the residents. This afternoon, Christian, Bridget, Riley, Caedmon, Elianna and Sue and Sam came to our house for Caedmon’s seventh birthday celebration. After our cookout, and trip to the swimming pool, he enjoyed decorating the ice cream pie that Debbie made. (with help from dad, under the watchful eye of his sister) She honored his request for a “rocky road” ice cream birthday treat.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down.” Psalm 55:22

Worry, anxiety, concern. However you refer to it the result is the same. It distorts our view of life, it takes our thoughts and emotions captive.

Worry can come from a variety of source. In Psalm 55, David shares about the rejection and betrayal of a friend. Jesus spoke of worry that comes from the cares of life: food, clothing, shelter some basic needs. Peter writes to believers who faced persecution and challenges. As he admonishes them about their focus on the Lord and humbling themselves before the Lords he exhorts them, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”            (1 Peter 5:7)

It is interesting to observe the consistent themes throughout scripture. We see key verses that speak to the matter of worry in the Psalms, the gospels and the epistles. If nothing else, we become aware of the fact that the battle with worry is something that has plagued the emotional state of people throughout time.

The way to deal with worry is simple but challenging at the same time. The solution is related to our trust and confidence in the Lord. David said, “the Lord will take care of you.” Peter said, “for [God] cares for you.” Jesus said, “[God] will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matt. 6:30)

The reason we struggle with our faith, is related to our comfort with “walking in the dark.” We know the Lord can provide, but at times we wonder will He provide. We are unsure when the Lord will provide and how the Lord will provide. We like have certainty, we rather “walk by sight than faith.” Perhaps that is why prior to admonishing believers to “cast their worries on the Lord” Peter says, “humble yourselves before the Lord and He will life you up.”

We are also admonished to “give our worries to the Lord.” I’m not sure how that takes place, or what the full meaning of that is; but it does give us a picture of handing our concerns off to the Lord. It is an admission on our part, “I can’t take care of this, I can’t deal with this, will you help me?” We can related to that in a sense as parents get older and feel taxed in their ability to make decisions or to handle their finances and look to family members for help. In the same way, we recognize our limitations and ask the Lord to help us with that which is the source of our worry.

Finally, we must make sure that we have the right focus. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matt. 6:33) We don’t serve or honor the Lord out of the comfort and sense of control over our lives, we do so in all circumstances and conditions.

The right focus also means we do what we can in the present, not giving undue focus on the future. Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.“ (Matt. 6:34) That which causes us worry are mostly things that never materialize. If there is something in the present we can do, then we should do what we can today, seeking the Lord for wisdom and help.

Are there worries that assault your life? You are not alone. It has been an “age old” problem. But the solution is to heed the instructions from God’s Word and experience His peace. “Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10 GW) We can’t receive God’s solution, if we keeping addressing our worries relying on our own wisdom and strength.

Today ended up being a “laid back day.” I was able to submit a job application for position in Wyoming that my friend Charlie Simineo informed me about. I feel like its time for me to take on more responsibility and activity than just my rehab focus. I was also anticipating the arrival of a repairman for our internet service, so you know how that can go.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don’t want burnt offerings. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin.”  Psalm 51:16,17

I have been reading through Leviticus. Along with all types of instructions and guidelines on how God’s holy people are to live and what they are to do, are instructions on various types of sacrifices. The instructions are specific as to who is to offer which sacrifice and how it is to be sacrificed.

The sacrifices provided for forgiveness of sin and enabled God’s people to maintain fellowship with the Lord. But the actions were to create a point of identification between the worshiper and the sacrifice. As it is with repetition the intent can become lost.

So, we see King Saul taking hasty and ill advised action in offering a sacrifice in preparation for battle, when the prophet Samuel delayed his coming. When Samuel arrived he rebuked Saul with the words, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) The message was that God was more concerned about Saul’s heart, than the animal sacrifice he thought could be used to get God’s favor.

This connection was not lost on David many years later. When he prayed for God’s forgiveness he recognized that just killing an animal out of ritual was not enough. The Lord wanted the sacrifice of a “broken spirit.” David realized that being exalted by the Lord came by humbling himself before the Lord.

When we come to the New Testament we read in Hebrews 13:5 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.“ In Leviticus we see some incense was continually to be burned as a sign of worship to the Lord. We also see instructions about bringing grain offerings and offerings of the “first fruits” of crops. I believe that Hebrews 13:5 challenges us to be those who praise the Lord “early and often.” Some of the first words from our mouths each day should be in praise to the Lord. There is a challenge for us all! But this is not to be a daily or occasional activity, but one that is continuous.

Next we see in Romans 12:1 Paul’s charge. “I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship.” The instructions the Lord gave Moses for the people in the law was so they would know how to worship the Lord. Paul says that the sacrifice of our lives being wholly committed to the Lord is how to please the Lord and worship him. Romans 12:2 tells us what the means.  ^“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you…” It means our attitudes and actions are directed by God’s Word and obedience to Him and not what comes from the world or our own thoughts. When that is our focus we will know what pleases the Lord and won’t need a list of “dos and don’ts”

All three of these types of “sacrifices” challenge us in our life. Remember sacrifice is obedience, it is surrender. And that is something that doesn’t come easy or natural. But when we honor the Lord we find it leads to a life of peace and blessing.

Riley and I had a big day today. After Riley enjoyed, a fun time with grandma last night, we left early this morning and connected with Charlie Simineo in Cheyenne for some of the Frontier Days activities. We went to the pancake breakfast where about 10,000 are fed three times during the ten day event. We then went to an historic re-enactment of some of the key historic figures in Wyoming history at the cemetery.

After lunch we headed back to Fort Collins and then to Lakewood. Riley was glad to be back home with his brother and sister, mom and dad and friends. After some visits on my way home, I returned to Fort Collins at 8 p.m. after traveling over 250 miles today. I was glad that I felt strong throughout the day, especially considering the early morning start and forgetting to take my lunch pills.

Riley and I took one last Grand Camp picture with our camp T-shirts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea, even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea.” Psalm 46:1-3

When all that represents strength and security is shaken, those who put their trust in the Lord do not need to be shaken. This familiar Psalm affirms that with God as our source of protection, strength and help in times of trouble we can face any challenge or difficulty that comes our way.

As we move through the verses of this Psalm we see the truths that give us this confidence in the Lord.

God’s presence. There is no better place to be when trouble comes, than where God is. A child who is scared in the night, finds comfort in the presence of parents. As such, we see that our Heavenly Father provides comfort and confidence when life gets “scary.”

The imagery of Psalm 46 pictures the river giving life to God’s Holy city and then states, “God is in the city, so it will not be shaken.” (Psa. 46:5) Where God is there is security. If you have confidence that you belong to the Lord, He is with you. The Lord speaks to His people through Ezekiel and says,  “I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.“ (Ezekiel 37:27)  The Psalmist simply affirms, “The Lord All-Powerful is with us…” (Psa. 46:7)

God’s Past. God has demonstrated Himself as powerful and faithful. “Come and see what the Lord has done, the amazing things he has done on the earth.” (Psa. 46:8) The Lord has a “good track record.” We see in scripture God’s people constantly being reminded about the acts the Lord performed for His people. When we rehearse the power of the Lord in world history and in our history, it should build confidence and trust for every crisis we face.

God’s Peace.  God’s call to us in times of shaking is,  “….Be still and know that I am God….” (Psa. 46:10) When Jesus was with His disciples during the storm on the sea of Galilee, He was asleep, as the waves roared. It is a vivid picture of peace in the midst of a literal storm. Jesus was at peace with who He was and who was with Him. He was under the Father’s care. In the same way, we can experience peace in the midst of the storms of life, when we know that He is God, and He is with us, giving strength, protection and help in times of trouble.

As we keep these things in mind, we can experience peace in times of trouble. I am thankful that the Lord “always helps.” Sometimes that help comes in powerful ways and sometimes in ways that are more subtle. If you trust Him and realize He is with you, you will experience the strength and protection you need in the shakings and quakings of your life.

We ended Grand Camp this morning with some recognitions and “blessing” for each family present. We had over 80 grandparents and grandchildren at our camp over the last four days. We enjoyed getting acquainted with others at the camp and especially those on our “team.” Our team was made up of grandparents from Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Greeley.

I was pleased that I was able to do as well as I do during the camp, especially coming off my bout with bronchitis. This morning at first was a challenge, but I was glad to start feeling better as the morning went on. Riley and I were able to get in one last round of miniature golf before heading home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Call to me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honor me….Those people honor me who bring me offerings to show thanks. And I, God, will save those who do that.”  Psalm 50:15,23

One of the greatest invitations of the Bible is to “call on the Lord.” It is our privilege, it is our opportunity to turn to a sure source of help in times of trouble, in times of need,  in times when we need direction and revelation. The well known verse of Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Many may hesitate our a sense of guilt to call on the Lord in times of trouble if they have not been faithful in their commitment to Him. But God’s grace and invitation is unconditional. It is not “call to me in times of trouble…if….” It is simply “call to me.”

In our verses above we see an interesting cycle that presents itself. We call on the Lord and He saves us…we honor Him through our demonstration of thanks…in turn, God says, “I will save you.”

It is often said in life, we are “in a trial, coming out of a trial, or preparing for a trial.” With the uncertainties of life it is good to be well prepared. That means being quick to call on the Lord and seek His help and magnify Him. Remember, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all…” (Psa. 34:19)

This is the last full day of Grand Camp and this evening is the capstone “blessing” ceremony for our grandchildren. This will be special for Riley and me, because two years ago today I was hospitalized and faced many days of uncertainty about my future. I am glad that I am alive and recovered enough to be here and to share this special opportunity with our oldest grandchild.

I am still anticipating “full recovery.” Perhaps I need to adjust the schedule to my December discharge time instead of my day of hospitalization.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “If you give up when trouble comes, it shows that you are weak.” Proverbs 24:10

I wish all the challenges in life had “storybook endings.” You don’t always get the key hit to win a game in the bottom of the last inning. Unfortunately “living happily ever after” isn’t usually what comes “after.”  Life has its challenges, its twist and turns. The source of those challenges can vary. It can be “just life,” it can be the result of the decisions and choices we make; there are hardships that come from the enemy of our souls.

The only failure in the face of the challenges of life is “giving up.” Solomon understood this thousands of years ago and it is still true today. Confronting difficulties doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. Failing doesn’t mean you are a failure.

Later in Proverbs 24 we read, “Even though good people may be bothered by trouble seven times, they are never defeated…” (Proverbs 24:16) Why is this? Because they never “give up” and because they know the source of their strength.

The theme at Grand Camp today was, “Whatever comes each day, Christ gives me strength in every way.” Our daily scripture was, “I can do all things through [Christ] who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) What I like about that verse is the context reveals Paul’s life of hardship and his life of blessing. As Paul shared about the key to having strength for life, he says, “I have learned the secret of contentment….”

When life is “good” and going like we would hope, we don’t lose our focus, or take it for granted. When life is filled with challenges and things like a prolonged recovery test patience and resolve, we (I) do what we (I) can, what we (I) need to do, through the strength the Lord provides.

At all times and in all circumstances, “The Lord is great; he should be praised…God is our God forever and ever. He will guide us from now on.” (Psalm 48:1,14)

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.