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.

This morning, I returned to my regular Chiropractor appointment and then hung out at Timberline Church, volunteering as the “Pastor on Call” for a couple of hours. Even though I slept well and long last night, I still struggled with some fatigue today. We had another good rain mid-afternoon today, which helps with the garden, but makes it a challenge to keep up on the growing grass.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, holding the walking stick of God in my hands.”…..when Moses’ arms became tired, the men put a large rock under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands—Aaron on one side and Hur on the other. They kept his hands steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated the Amalekites in this battle.…Then Moses built an altar and named it The Lord Is My Banner.”  Exodus 17:9,12,13 (NCV)

The Children of Israel are not far from Egypt. They have faced the challenges of nomadic life and the Lord has miraculously provided for them food and water. They then face an assault from another nomadic people known as the Amalekites. These people are descendents of Esau and were know for their ruthlessness. Deuteronomy records, “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind [typically women and children]: they had no fear of God.” (Deu. 25:17-18)

As the Children of Israel are thrown into an unexpected battle Moses goes to a mountain overlooking the conflict with the “rod of God” in his hands and lifts it up to the Lord. As long as he does, the Children of Israel are victorious, when he gets tired and drops his arms they begin to lose.

Two things have emerged over time from this account. One is the name for God, “The Lord is my Banner.” This would be like a flag nations throughout history have carried into battle. It provides, inspiration and a reminder of what they are fighting for and it is placed on conquered territory when the battle is won.

When we are faced with the conflicts of spiritual life, it is good for us to remember who we are fighting for and who is for us in the fight. When we trust in the Lord’s strength over our own, we have assurance of victory.

The other theme we see related to this account is the picture of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses arms as he hold the “rod of God.” It has come to represent a picture of “supporting the pastor” or spiritual leader in order for the battle to be won.

This analogy misses the mark. Paul wrote to the Ephesians about gifts the Lord gave the church and says, “…he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.” (Eph. 4:11,12)

I believe Moses with his arms raised is the Old Testament picture of this New Testament teaching. Moses never shot an arrow or swung a sword. That battle was being fought by the Children of Israel. Moses lifted the “name of the Lord” and the physical sign of the Lord’s power and presence of the people as they fought in the valley below.

In our modern day picture of a football game, many people view believers sitting in the stands watching the conflict on the field. Those engaged in the conflict are usually viewed as the “pastor” or those in spiritual leadership or  the uniquely gifted. Our modern day analogy would be better viewed as, the players representing committed “Christ-followers” and the spiritual leaders, the coaches who understand that they are working an authority above them.

Strong churches, like strong teams, are successful when all the “pieces come together” and each function is properly executed. Paul alludes to this when he says, “The whole body depends on Christ, and all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to make the whole body grow and be strong with love.” (Eph. 4:16)

God’s plan is always the “winning” plan. He is the One we are fighting for and who give us the victory over the enemies in the valleys of life that confront us.