My day went fairly fast with meetings, calls and connections. It was good to connect with my friend George Brauchler District Attorney in Arapahoe County. He was in Fort Collins on a “listening tour” as he considers his political future.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” Leviticus 1:4 ESV

Scripture declares, “the wages of sin is death….” (Romans 6:23 NIV) and “the soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20 NIV) There is one exception to this spiritual law. That exception is another taking the place of the one deserving of death.

I recall episodes of some CSI type of programs. A parent will plead guilty to a crime they did not commit because it is believed in doing so, they will keep a child from judgment. Perhaps it is the other way around. At any rate the concept of someone being willing to take someone else’s punishment seems to be evidence in various actions of people.

As the law was given to Moses, it was an animal sacrifice that was offered in the place of the sinful individual. But the process involved the laying on of hands on the head of the offering. This was a symbolic act of imparting the sins of the guilty onto the innocent that would be sacrificed. The Lord told Moses that this offering would be accepted by God and would be an “atonement” for the person.

Leviticus reveals the instructions for unintentional sins,  ^“He shall bring the bull to the entrance of the tent of meeting before the Lord and lay his hand on the head of the bull and kill the bull before the Lord.” (Leviticus 4:4 ESV)

It reveals the instructions for forgiveness of corporate sins,  ^“And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before the Lord, and the bull shall be killed before the Lord.” (Leviticus 4:15 ESV)

When a leader sins unintentionally, “…he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without blemish, and shall lay his hand on the head of the goat and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord…” (Leviticus 4:23,24 ESV)

If a “common” person sins unintentionally, “And he shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and kill the sin offering in the place of burnt offering.” (Leviticus 4:29 ESV)

In each situation there is this “laying on of hands” on the sacrifice. This creates an identification with the sacrifice and is the symbolic act of transferring sin from the person to the sacrifice.

All of this is a picture of what Christ would fulfill for us. Hebrews declares of Christ’s role as High Priest, “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12 NIV)

Speaking of the work of Christ hundreds of years before hand, the prophet declared, “…the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV) John declared of Jesus, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 NIV)

It was in that difficult to understand moment, that God the Father, allowed to be laid on Jesus, the sin of the world and it caused him to cry out, “My God, My God why have you forsake me?” 

To understand the power of the New Testament, we need to see the God of the Old Testament. We are those who are guilty, He is innocent. But in His compassion for us, He was willing to take the judgment of our sin on Himself, so that we might be free to live a new life.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You took our place. That our sin was “laid on You as You hung on the cross.” We rejoice that our sins have been paid and we are released to live a new life in You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…the Jews from Asia, seeing him [Paul] in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.” Acts 21:27-29 ESV

The last eight chapters of the Book of Acts deal with Paul’s final trip to Jerusalem, his arrest and the trial and all that took place which allowed him to end up in Rome. The teachings of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles and other believers was “turning the world upside down” or better yet “right side up.”

Religious traditions of both Jews and Greeks were being view as under attack. Paul was determined, even against the desire and advice of other, to go to Jerusalem. When he does, he reports to James (the Head of the Church) all that had taken place in his travels.

The news of Saul of Tarsus, turned to Paul the Apostle, had spread throughout the region. The one who had hunted down Christians was the object of being hunted by the religious hierarchy. James knew Paul was in danger and attempted to show to critics that he was not against the law. There were four men getting ready to purify themselves at the end of a vow they had taken. James told Paul,

“We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.”  (Acts 21:23,24 ESV)

The plans backfire when closed minded men, looking for a reason to accuse Paul, stir up the crowd and instead of recognizing his actions in obedience to the law, accuse him falsely of taking a gentile into the Temple. This leads to Paul’s arrest and two plus years of Paul defending himself and gospel before religious and political leaders and courts.

In it all the Lord was with Paul to encourage, strengthen and help him. These false accusations gave him audiences that he would not otherwise have had. But it was all as a prisoner, not a free man. He was denied the rights of a Roman citizen, he was chained, plotted against but through it all we see the Lord’s faithfulness.

I am thankful the Lord is able to overcome the prejudice, plots and false accusations of foes. Paul was willing to follow James’ advice to try to dissuade the critics. But critics don’t observe facts. We see crowds incited not based on their own evidence but on the frenzy worked up by a few zealots. A false report is viewed as being fact and true.

Remember: false accusations, trumped up charges and opinions at the hands of opponents is part of life. The Lord can help us and work through us in spite of the opposition.

Remember also, to “check out the facts” before you jump to conclusions. It may be about a friend, a leader, a situation that has taken place. Don’t give in to a “mob” mentality. For you it is a momentary lapse of judgment. For the accused it may result in change in direction with lasting ramifications.

The “spiritual” and the “natural” events of this account are important for us to observe and to learn from. When events take place that God is allowing and using it is one thing. When actions come from the hearts of sinful people it is another. Always make sure you are on the “right side.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, we live in challenging days and times. But what we see in our world and what we can encounter in our own lives, it not new and is not a surprise to You. Help us to keep our faith and focus on the God who is above the fray.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.” Acts 15:1-2 ESV

It all began with Peter, but had to be settled some time later as Paul’s ministry to Gentiles began to expand. The question was, Can Gentiles be saved without at least being circumcised and better yet following the law?

After the Gentile “Pentecost” at the house of Cornelius Peter returns to give a report to the Church. It came as a result of him being criticized for “eating with Gentiles.” Peter carefully recounts all that had taken place and at the end lays out his greatest defense by asking a rhetorical question: “If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17 ESV)

The Church responded as you would hope for those who are open to God’s Spirit and work, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” (Acts 11:18 ESV)

But when more and more Gentiles were coming to faith in Christ it was a cause of dissension and trouble in the Church. The leaders did what should be done. They held a “meeting” to address the issue and to come to a resolution.

Some of those who came to faith in Christ were Pharisees, like Paul, but they unlike Paul they held to their spiritual superiority attitude, “some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.’” (Acts 15:5 ESV)

Peter shares his experience. Paul and Barnabas recount miracles and the impact of the gospel among the Gentiles. Peter makes a compelling argument, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:10,11 ESV)

James, the brother of Jesus, is in the “seat of judgment” listening and offers the final verdict.  ^“Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19,20 ESV)

The Church responds positively and the issue as far as the leaders and mature believers are concerned is resolved. However, as Paul’s letters reveal. some would not accept the wisdom of the process, and continue to make circumcision as a requirement for salvation an issue.

My observations and “take-a-ways.”

1 – When facing a challenging environment, don’t go alone. (Peter took  six other me with him to Cornelius’ house)

2 – Be open to God pushing us outside of our comfort zones and stretching our beliefs and traditions

3- Confronting problems and controversy is challenging but always best

4 – The Lord provides the confirmation of the wisdom manifested through Godly people.

5 – There will always be those who will stay stuck in their own traditions and views

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You give wisdom and direction to move the gospel forward. You care about practical matters, because they have a spiritual impact. Help us to be more open to Your leading and Spirit then our own opinions, traditions and ideas.

This morning we hosted a “nominating petition signing party” at our home. It was good to have many friends and neighbors stop by and show their support. This afternoon, I had some help in covering about 125 houses as we began our door to door walking campaign. Thanks to all those who have been supportive and encouraging in this effort.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5,6 ESV

Psalm 37 contains some very familiar and encouraging verses. When they are placed in sequence, they form a sense direction and assurance of God’s presence throughout our journey in life.

It is important that we, as Solomon admonished, “trust in the Lord in all [our] heart.” The verse above is David’s “version.” “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him….”  We also read the familiar verse, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV)

The goal of our life is not to coerce the Lord to be with us, but for us to be sure we are following Him and allowing Him to go before us in all that we do.

The importance of this is seen in these verses, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23,24 ESV)

Life will certainly have its ups and downs. There will be challenges, mistakes and failures. But when the Lord is directing our life we can have the confidence that, “our failures are not fatal.” When I read these verses, I think of the Lord lifting Peter from the waves of the sea when he sank in the sea of Galilee, as he was walking on the water.

The testimony of those who follow the Lord and allow Him to be their source of trust and help is reflected in these verses, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25 ESV) 

At the end of life, when we reflect on the journey of life, we will be able to observe and testify to the goodness of the Lord. Even when trials come and disappointments and delays are part of “our” plan we can see the Lord working in our behalf and for our good.

Understanding how the Lord desires to work through the course of our life, in the journey of life, the psalmist offers this simple advice, “Stop doing evil and do good, so you will live forever.”  (Psalm 37:27 NCV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the words of encouragement, assurance and direction we find in this one psalm. Allow our hearts to be filled with hope and peace as we commit this day and all our days to You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows  no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34,35 ESV

It is one thing when someone says, something. It is another to understand the meaning and ramifications of what is said. Jesus was very clear in the mandate to the disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:9 ESV)

On the Day of Pentecost Peter spoke the words of the Prophet Joel, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21 ESV)

But everyone?! Even gentiles? Perhaps the message to the Jews meant, “every Jew who calls on the name of the Lord.” But the everyone, means…..everyone. It means all people, all nations, all time. The way to God was through the cross, not the Law of Moses. It took a vision and some divine revelation to Peter for him to understand that God is the One who calls and declares all people worthy of good news.

There is a quip that I read or heard, “all men are created equal, some are just more “equal” than others.” That is certainly how the Jews would have felt. They were a unique and special people. But as the Lord told Abraham, “And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed–all because you have obeyed me.” (Genesis 22:18 NLT)

So through divine means the Holy Spirit begins to upset the proverbial “apple cart.” Angels appear to Cornelius; Peter receives the same dream (three times). As Peter preaches about Jesus to those at Cornelius’ house, there is an overwhelming demonstration of the Lord’s presence.

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.” (Acts 10:44-46 ESV)

This became significant because these Gentiles who placed their faith in Jesus, received the Holy Spirit in the same manner, as it fell on those in the upper room on Pentecost. No respecter of persons. No partiality.

the Word of the Lord spread with the persecution that arose through the death of Stephen; now the gospel is preparing to spread like “wild fire” through many who come to faith and receive the boldness to declare the goodness of the Lord and salvation through Jesus.

I am reminded of the words of an old hymn that declare, “what He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.” That is what we see in Acts 10 and that is what we see in our world today.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank you that ALL can come to know You and experience the life that You have for them. Thank You for Your amazing plan, for Your amazing grace and for Your Word that is available for all people of all nation. 

I was glad to have a day that was free of appointments. The last few weeks have been pretty intense with being in full “campaign mode” for my city council race. I needed the time to get caught up on some office work and it was pretty focused day. But a cleaner desk, provided the visual gratification of my efforts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 ESV

As we look at Peter and John it is important to pause and reflect on the most intimidating situations that you can imagine. For a student it may be “called to the principal’s office.” For an employee it is facing a superior when you know the business is laying off workers, or you know that you are facing accountability over some action.

What provides the courage to “stand up for yourself?” What allows an individual to face fierce opposition with boldness and confidence? As I read Psalm 35 this morning, I chuckled because it could be the “politicians plea.” “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!” (Psalm 35:1 ESV) (You can tell I’m getting ready for another election 🙂 )

While Peter’s failure in denying Jesus stands out in the gospel’s, it is important to remember the context. Night time is always a time to fear and caution. Peter had just cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in the garden. While the other disciples scattered, he at least tried to observe what was happening to Jesus. As he waited near a fire, perhaps he feared as much being a “wanted” man, as well as his association with a man who has just been arrested.

Mark’s gospel, which is believed to be the oldest and the one for which Peter provided the details, still includes the account of Peter’s denial. If I were Peter, providing details for Mark, I think I would conveniently forget the most incriminating parts about myself!

But in the Book of Acts we see a different Peter and different disciples. They have a new confidence and boldness and are willing to speak out, even among the most respected and educated religious authorities of their day. As Peter responds to the question about the healing of the lame man at the Temple, Luke specifically mentions, “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” (Acts 4:8 ESV) This was more than human courage and the brashness of personality. This was a fulfillment of Jesus’ assurance, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:11,12 NIV)

This is born out in the religious leaders “taking note that these men had been with Jesus.” In the end when commanded to stop their teaching and miracles, they didn’t back down. Their response was, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19,20 ESV)

In our lives we can be confident that the Holy Spirit is able to help us have boldness and to speak the words that are needed as we take a stand for Christ. When that happens may others, (like the religious leaders listening to Peter and John), take note of the impact of Jesus on our life.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the difference You make in our lives. When we serve You, we need to remember that we are not alone. We don’t function in our own authority or abilities, but in that which is empowered by Your Spirit. 

This morning I went to Greeley for a radio interview on KFKA. I always enjoy these opportunities whenever they arise. I shared about my candidacy for City Council with morning host Gail Fallen.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” Acts 3:5-8 ESV

The first miracle of Jesus in Mark is casting a demon out of a man with “an unclean spirit.” In Matthew, there is just a mention of Jesus, “teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”  In Luke the first person mentioned by name that was healed was Simon’s mother-in-law. In John the first miracle was “turning water in to wine” at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.

In Acts the first recorded miracle of healing is the lame man at the Temple gate. Much had happen in a short period of time. The disciples went from watching Jesus crucified to dealing with the news of the resurrection and then huddle together on the Day of Pentecost. They went from bewildered, to confused, to believing, to empowered.

This miracle is different from the personal encounters Jesus had with people. It seems they all demonstrated some degree to faith to be healed. In this situation, the man was just looking for a “hand out” and instead received a literal “hand up.”

Perhaps Peter was demonstrating a true “gift of faith” in Jesus ability to heal this man. The man looked to Peter for what he thought he needed, but Peter in turn provided him what he really did need. This is an important issue in many lives and on many fronts.

I was visiting today with Mike Walker, who directs Serve 6.8, a community outreach to those experiencing homelessness or poverty. In our conversation, we discussed how it is easy for those who have experienced “chronic” homelessness to view themselves as being the dependent upon others and always needing to be “care for.”

At times the healing of the body, also involves a “healing of the mind” or at least “mind-set.” Individuals need to know that in Christ they have value and purpose and a destiny. Even in the midst of need, they can have hope. Peter had the man change his gaze upward to them. In his anticipation, he did not receive what he anticipated, but what he needed.

finally in our lives, it is important to understand that the message of Christ and the power He gives to us, enables us to offer to others, more than they expected or believe that they need. We can view others from a lens of God’s care, dignity and hope.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You often give us what we need, even when we don’t realize what we need. We may be looking to the wrong source or seeking the wrong things to fulfill a need that only You can meet. Help us as well, to understand that through You we have the most important thing to offer to others, God’s love, dignity and life. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” Acts 1:1,2 ESV 

The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts are “two volumes” that go together. They are unique in that both are written to a Greek by the name of Theophilus. Not much is known about this individual, other than what we read in scripture.

The opening of Luke’s gospel gives the reason for his writing. “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us…it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4 ESV)

Luke more than any other gospel writer clearly lays out why he was writing, to whom, and for what intent. As we read the gospels and especially the gospel of Luke, it is so that we, “…may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” The story of Jesus is more than myth or legend. It is grounded in historic fact, verified by those who were eye witnesses.

As Luke writes the Book of Acts, he wants Theophilus to know that the “story” did not end with the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. It continued in the lives of the Apostles. Jesus gives His disciples the “great commission” before His ascension, which leads into the “sequel.” At the end of Luke the natural questions in the mind of the reader would be, What will happen with the disciples? Luke shares that in the Book of Acts.

Luke bridges the gap between his gospel and the Book of Acts by sharing more details about the ascension. He begins in Acts, where he left off in the gospel. He points to Jesus’ command, “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4,5 ESV

Luke records John the Baptist’s words in his gospel, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16 ESV)

Now after three years, the prophecy of John the Baptist was going to be fulfilled. The empowering of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, resulted in the Apostles boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Christ. They witnessed miracles of deliverance, divine courage and boldness. The lame man at the Temple was healed, people sought to be in the shadow of Peter in hopes to be healed. They face challenges trusting in the wisdom of revelation of the Holy Spirit and the result was the “word of the Lord growing.”

Jesus told His disciples, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:12 NLT) Now these “greater works” were coming to pass. The Word of the Lord was being fulfilled in the lives of the disciples and it is being fulfilled in the lives of Christ-followers today.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the “full story” of the impact of Your life. We see what You promise is fulfilled. Allow us to have faith in Your word and power to work in and through our lives today.