I got up earlier than usual, this morning about 5:30 a.m. I got a head start on my day, that enabled me to get in a morning fitness center workout. I then went to help at the Larimer County Republican office with the preparation for our upcoming caucuses. This afternoon I met with a Fort Collins Physical Therapist about a bill I am working on at the Capitol.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Therefore, holy brothers and companions in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession; He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was in all God’s household. For Jesus is considered worthy of more glory than Moses…” Hebrews 3:1-3 HCSB

Hebrews is written to Jewish people to show and declared that, “Jesus is better.” Jesus is better than the angels. Because of Christ’s sacrificial death we read, “So He [Jesus] became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs.” (Heb. 1:4 HCSB)

Then we Jesus is greater than Moses and the prophets and priests. In the early chapters of Hebrews we see how the Jews are reminded of their past as slaves in Egypt and the deliverance that came through Moses. How Moses leading them to a promised land. A land of rest and freedom from 400 years of slavery and hard work.

In like fashion Jesus has comes to deliver all people from the slavery to sin. As such, Jesus is leading those who follow Him to a place of eternal rest and provision. The writer of Hebrews refers to it in these words, “…while the promise to enter His rest remains, let us fear that none of you should miss it… Since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience…Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.” (Heb. 4:1,5,11 HCSB)

God’s promise of rest and provision in the promise land, was forfeited because of unbelief and rebellion. The call is for those, who Jesus is bringing to the fulfillment of that rest in the Father’s glory, to remain faithful and obedient and not fall prey to the same actions of those in the wilderness.

Moses was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and proved himself as a faithful to the Lord. In like fashion Jesus proved Himself as a faithful son of God and son of man. Twice we see the significance of Jesus being “like us.”

“He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.” (Heb. 2:17,18 HCSB)

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.“ (Heb. 4:15,16 HCSB)

Consider Jesus. He was faithful to the Lord. He provided the sacrifice for our sin. He was tested and suffered and is able to help us in the “test.” He was tested and yet without sin, so we can find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.

Consider Jesus. He has set us free from the slavery of sin and is leading us to a place of rest in His presence; just as Moses delivered the Hebrews from slavery to Pharaoh to lead them to the promised land.

As we consider Jesus and remember Moses, we are called to embrace all the has been provided for us in the present and the promise for the future, while we remember and avoid the pitfalls of those from the past.

After a full day yesterday, today was more laid back. After a conference call and some errands, I did have workout with my trainer at the fitness center. We are coming to the end of the week and the Broncos playing in Super Bowl 50. We are looking forward to seeing the game on Sunday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his had…” Psalm 37:23,24 HCSB

Many years ago, this verse became one of my favorite in the Psalms. I like the wording of New Living Translation, “The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.“ (Psa. 37:23,24 NLT)

The promise is not for “clear sailing and a trouble-free life.” What the Lord does say is, if we honor Him and trust in Him, He will guide our path and even then we may still fall, but our fall won’t be fatal.

In the early verses of Psalm 37, we see three important admonitions. “Trust in the Lord and do what is good…” (v. 3) “Take delight in the Lord…” (v. 4) “Commit your way to the Lord…” (v. 5) Our confidence in the Lord directing our steps comes from trusting God, delighting ourselves in the Lord and committing to Him our plans. The well-known verse of Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” When can have confidence that the Lord is directing our lives, and our decisions when we journey with Jesus.

No one likes to fall. As one who is “unsteady” on his feet, I have learned about being cautious with my walking. But falls become inevitable. When I left the hospital to come home after my initial months of illness, we practiced “fall recovery.” That is because in spite of all the prevention, we realized that a fall would come at some point.

The issue is when we “fall” in life, when we face roadblocks, we don’t have to be overwhelmed, those falls don’t need to be fatal. The confidence of this when we walk with the Lord, is that He is right there with us. Remember when Peter walked on water? He was fine until the waves and wind distracted him and he began to sink in the raging sea. But Jesus reached down and lifted Him up.

That is a good picture for us to remember. The Psalmist asserts with confidence, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25 HCSB)

This verse became a significant part of my life twenty years ago, when I was leading our church through a relocation process. It was challenging and stretching my abilities and confidence. As I focused on the words of this verse, I realized my task was to seek the Lord, do my best to follow Him; to keep my heart right and to not fear a misstep or moment of “falling.”

In the end we saw some incredible provisions from the Lord at just the right time and we found Him faithful each step of the way. I continue to hold on to that assurance in my “journey with Jesus.” When He is with us we are never alone and never without the help when we need to get up from a fall.

I had a meeting in Denver this morning and got an early start. The roads were in great condition and the weather cooperated after the biggest snow fall of the season. Great to live in Colorado! I arrived early in Denver and so stopped by the Capitol to see some people. It was great to connect with Rep. Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff, from Pueblo. She is one of the Republican rising stars that has a great political future ahead of her. It was also good to see Lois Court, one of my Democrat friends. I told her I wanted a picture with the future Congresswoman from Denver.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Keep My statutes and do them; I am Yahweh who sets you apart.” Leviticus 20:8 HCSB

It is easy to get “bogged down” reading through the Bible when you come to Leviticus. This book probably causes more dread than any other and often sabotages, New Year resolution to “read through the Bible in a year.”

This is the record of God’s law as He establishes His covenant with His chosen people. It has details in how individuals and the nation of Israel are to worship the Lord and obey Him. We see the details of sacrifices, what types of which sins and how the Priests are too prepare them, when they are to be offered. We see the furnishings of the Tabernacle, we see laws about what to eat and not eat, how to conduct themselves in their personal relationships. We see see laws about sickness and disease. We see laws regarding property and how to honor the Lord from that which He provides, and how to provide for those in poverty.

The verse above is the shortest summary of the “why” of the laws of God. God is holy and He has chosen His people to be holy. That means to be “set apart.” To be set apart from other people and nations. For that to happen He gives the details on how their lives are to be lived to be in relationship with this Holy God.

It is not left “up to chance.” There is no guessing game, there is no “finding my own way.” It is clear, specific and detailed. Every area of life. And if there is any confusion, there is provision for inquiring of the Lord through His anointed Priests.

It is emphasized that these are not Moses rules, they are the Lord’s rules; they are to be followed because God is God and God is their Lord. Notice the emphasis in these verses of chapter 22….

“You are to keep My commands and do them; I am Yahweh….I must be treated as holy among the Israelites. I am Yahweh who sets you apart, the One who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am Yahweh.” (Lev. 22:31-33 HCSB)

It is clear that to dishonor the Lord’s law, is to dishonor the Lord. That is why King David repented with the words, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…” (Psa. 51:4 ESV)

We also see that without God’s law, people make up their own gods or they follow the practices of others. The influence of history and culture is a strong pull that can dilute God’s role in your life.

“I am Yahweh your God. Do not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, or follow the practices of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. You must not follow their customs. You are to practice My ordinances and you are to keep My statutes by following them; I am Yahweh your God…” (Lev. 18:1-4 HCSB)

When we lose our focus, we gravitate to the past or become influenced by those around us in the present. That is exactly what happened in the history of God’s people. Most of what God said, “don’t do,” they did, in the course of time.

Finally, the Lord emphasizes that His instructions are for their own good. Not to make their life hard, but for it to be blessed. ^“Keep My statutes and ordinances; a person will live if he does them. I am Yahweh.” (Lev. 18:5 HCSB) God’s law was life and peace to those who live by it. The Lord’s desire was for His people to know His presence and blessing in their life; to have their needs met, to be healthy and guided continually by the Lord.

We did get the predicted covering of snow last night. We must have at least ten inches. Our neighbor came to our rescue and used his snow blower to clear our driveway and sidewalk. That we good for  Debbie since she did have to go on some call, while I hunkered down at home. I am scheduled to be in Denver tomorrow morning is the weather and roads permit.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.” Selah Psalm 32:7 HCSB

The other day I caught just the end of an ad from FEMA, that was encouraging families to have an emergency plan. Key questions are important to answer, such as: if a disaster happens, where do we go, how do we stay in touch, do we have the provisions that are needed, such as food and water?

The well known words of psalm 32 verse seven, remind us that the Lord is a shelter in times of trouble. The verse just before reads, “…let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.” (Psa. 32:6 HCSB) In this imagery the Lord is the “hiding place” that protects from harm and brings deliverance from the storm or that which threatens.

We make the Lord a hiding place when we consistently seek Him. We are reminded to, “faithfully pray…when [He] may be found.” We realize the Lord is always with us and He is not hiding or lost. The problem is with us. I recently heard a Bible Teacher state, “the issue is not lost relationship, but strained fellowship.” This Psalm opens with the verse, “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” (Psalm 32:1 HCSB) That joy exists when our relationship with the Lord is strong and we are living by His ways.

Trouble is a part of life. The unexpected comes as well as that which in the natural can be predicted (like a tornado or hurricane.) When the apostle Paul shared his list of trials, it included that which comes from natural and spiritual sources. What we can be sure of, is the Lord is not the source of our problems.

When the Lord is our hiding place, we rejoice in the deliverance He brings. Rejoicing is greatest, when the danger is the greatest. When we realize what we have been saved from, it results in joy and celebration as much as relief.

When we stay in fellowship with the Lord and are open to His correction, it is for our protection and good. Verse 8 and 9 give this warning, “I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding…” (Psa. 32:8,9 HCSB)

When the Lord is our hiding place, whether we are spared from harm, or we find ourselves recovering the battering of life in God’s care, we can reflect the final admonition of Psalm 32: “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” (Psa. 32:11 HCSB)

We had the light snow last night the we predicted and now the afternoon snow is consistently falling. During my “snow day” I was able to finish a Hillsdale College course on the constitution. I also made it out to the fitness center for a workout with my trainer and then came home to shovel snow off the driveway. By the time I finished with the driveway, I noticed the sidewalk our neighbor shoveled was already getting covered over with another layer of snow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When I was secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” Lord, when You showed Your favor, You made me stand like a strong mountain; when You hid Your face, I was terrified. Lord, I called to You, I sought favor from my Lord…” Psalm 30:6-8

When I read verses like the ones above, they get my attention. I can readily recall possessing the sense of security in my physical health and overall well-being and then finding myself in desperation in the midst of a life threatening bout with West Nile Virus, calling out to the Lord for His favor and healing. What I found was  God’s favor makes us strong for times of joy and gladness and stability; but God’s favor is also revealed in the challenges of life.

Often when life is “good” we fail to recognize it as from the favor of the Lord. When life is bad or takes an unexpected turn we feel that we are outside of the “favor” of the Lord; we feel the Lord has “hidden His face” and we can panic and lose our perspective.

When our secure life is found in shambles, it shakes us and “terrifies” us. The future is uncertain and the all kinds of questions can echo in our minds.

I almost chuckle at the rationale of the psalmist as he tells the Lord, “What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your truth? Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.” (Psa. 30:9-10 HCSB) It seems the psalmist is telling God how it is to His benefit to rescue Him.

My friend David Holden, who was such a help during illness, is the son of a well-known Colorado minister from years back. David’s father was active in ministry when he was suddenly laid up with a stroke. I recall visiting him in the hospital and in typical “Holden humor” he said, “I’ve been laying here reminding the Lord, what a great testimony it would be and how much praise He will receive if I get healed!”

When the Lord does intervene, we are to recognize His favor and give Him the praise He deserves. In this Psalm we see a description of security, a time of crisis and the recovery on the other end.

“You turned my lament into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, so that I can sing to You and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.” (Psa. 30:11-12 HCSB)

The Lord is the One who can turn the circumstances of life around. When I am in a church service and can sing, I am reminded of those days when my vocal cords and throat muscles were so weak, I couldn’t talk very well, let alone sing. For me the Lord has not only given me reason the sing in worship to Him, He has granted me the ability to sing.

When life is good and you feel insulated from the turmoil of life, realize that is from the favor of the Lord. When that security and confidence is shattered unexpectedly, realize that the Lord is still with you, His favor is available and He will turn sorrow into gladness once again.

After attending church last night, I conducted the chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living facility. I appreciate the help of Don Massey, who is going to be helping me cover one Sunday each month. I realized that in February we will be out of town for two Sundays, for my niece’s wedding, so I will need to make sure my Sundays are covered. This is actually something that I have been enjoying. I tell my pastor friends, “I am a church planter.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38,39 HCSB

The Book of Acts is about the spread of the gospel after the ascension of Jesus. The title of the book could be stated, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.” In chapter one, Jesus tells the disciples, “…you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) That verse serves as an outline for the book.

The Holy Spirit descends on those in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost, and supernaturally empowers them to glorify God and then declare the message of Christ to all those gathered. As events takes place we see the gospel preached beginning in Jerusalem. Then persecution scatters believers who spread out to other regions and declared the gospel wherever they went. Included by name are believers like, Stephen and Philip.  We see direct references to the work of the Holy Spirit through their lives in powerful speaking, miracles and casting out demons.

The work of the Holy Spirit continues to our day. Peter declared, “the promise is for…as many as the Lord our God will call.” The Holy  Spirit is the witness to our hearts that we are the, “children of God.” The Holy Spirit, reminds us of the Lord’s presence and work in our lives. Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans…” (John 14:16-18 NIV)

The Holy Spirit gives power to declare the gospel, even in the face of opposition. “Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man—by what means he was healed…by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene…by Him this man is standing here before you healthy.” (Acts 4:8-10 HCSB)

After the apostles are released they again find themselves in a time of corporate prayer. We read, “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.” (Acts 4:31 HCSB)

The first internal crisis in the church is the deception of Ananias and Sapphira. Their sin is viewed as an attempt to “lie to the Holy Spirit.” Scripture records Peter’s words,  “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field?” (Acts 5:3 HCSB) The work of the church is a spiritual work, the requires the help of the Holy Spirit.

We see that the work of the Holy Spirit was seen as important for all aspects of ministry. When men were chosen to serve the needs of widows, the apostles gave these instructions, “Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:3 HCSB)

When Ananias of Damascus went to pray for Saul of Tarsus, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17 HCSB) We then see the record of gentile believers at Cornelius’ house receiving the Holy Spirit as it came to those on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 10). We see the Holy Spirit empowering the Ephesian elders. (Acts 19).

The work of the Holy Spirit continues to today, to convict of sin, to confirm relationship with Christ and to empower for the work of the gospel. That is good news in a world that recognizes power and ability from all kinds of sources. When the Holy Spirit “acts” you can count on an “adventure.” The Holy Spirit is still working through Christ followers today.

My day seemed to be filled with good and bad. It was a day of nice weather, before a coming storm, so that was good. However, I found myself in front of my computer all day working on a project, and didn’t get outside, so that was bad. But, I was able to put in a full day of work without being overly fatigued, so that was good.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.…” Acts 6:8 HCSB  “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing.” Acts 8:5,6 HCSB

As the church is growing and the apostle’s load and responsibility is increasing, we see they have the church choose seven men, full of faith and the Holy Spirit to handle the daily administration of the needs of widows and orphans and those in need.

But right after the list of those chosen we seen one of the men chosen, Stephen, going around and performing signs and wonders and refuting with great wisdom those who opposed the gospel. Perhaps they didn’t have a written job description and he was confused about being chosen to serve as an “administrator” and not an apostle or evangelist.

Stephen powerful and confrontational preaching causes trouble and he becomes the first martyr. When he is killed a persecution lead by Saul of Tarsus breaks out against the church. We then read of another of the “seven”, Philip. Philip in like fashion proclaims Christ as Messiah and is used in signs and wonders and casting out demons.

There is no indication that the apostles were threatened because the Holy Spirit was using these others men. They didn’t demand they return to the “food line” and take care of business. These men were full of the Holy Spirit to do whatever the Lord called them to do.

They were ordinary people, doing extraordinary deeds through the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. But after all, that is what the apostles were. They were fishermen, tax collectors, political zealots, and a mix of other backgrounds that we aren’t told. But they were called by Jesus, they followed Him and the fishermen, became “fishers of men.”

When Peter and the apostles proclaimed Christ to the religious leaders we find this commentary,  “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13 HCSB) Did they just recognize them as being just “with” Jesus or did their authority and power remind them “of” Jesus. I believe it was the later. When we are with Jesus and He is working in us, it makes all the difference. The common become uncommon, the ordinary, extra-ordinary and the ignoble, noble.

Paul would point out to the Corinthians, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.“ (1 Cor. 1:26 NIV)

Paul goes on and explains, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Cor. 1:27-29 NIV)

The Lord delights in surprising individuals and the world, by those He chooses and uses. No one is unqualified, no one is over qualified. Spiritual work is accomplished through the Holy Spirit. We can all be among those “ordinary people” the Lord uses to change the world.

We had our warmest day of the month today. Just before a predicted change in the weather. I had some meeting scheduled for today. My main one was connect with my Larimer Energy Action Project team members to work on our strategic plan for the this year. The coming months will have some challenging proposals and local elections along with all that is happening on the national scene. Later this afternoon, I went to have my tires rotated and come home with new tires. I guess I’m ready for snow!

BIBLE VERSE TODAY… “They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, bypassing Mysia, they came down to Troas.” Acts 16:6-8 HCSB

We read in the Book of Acts the expansion of the gospel. The believers when scattered from Jerusalem, went everywhere and preached the gospel. It seemed every place, every town, was open and available to hear the message of the gospel.

So it is interesting that as Paul and Timothy strike out to take the gospel deeper into the Roman empire that they find difficulty in the place they are to be. They seem for a time to be nomads, playing a game of “blindfold” trying to find the place the Lord had for them. They are prevented from preaching the gospel in Asia, they go into Bithynia and are not allow to preach there; they bypass Mysia and come to Troas. At this point they know more about closed doors than open doors.

We don’t know how or by what means they were prevented from preaching in the other towns, but in Troas they receive direction from a vision. “During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” (Acts 16:9 HCSB)

Finally, some direction. So, they board a ship to cross the Agean Sea and finally come to Philippi through the port city of Neapolis. There they preach the gospel. But just as some people are turning to Christ, they find themselves in prison. At midnight Paul and Silas are praying and singing when an earthquake opens the prison doors. As the guard prepares to kill himself in fear of his superiors for letting the prisoners escape, Paul stops him; shares the gospel and the entire house of the guard come to faith in Christ.

We find an interesting account of not just the preaching of the gospel;  and another deliverance from prison; but a record of God’s directing the steps of his servants. It was undoubtedly frustrating and discouraging to Paul and his companions to be “shut out” and prevented from “their” plans. It would seem wherever they went would be fine with the Lord. But for some reason it didn’t work out.

They soon found the direction they needed through a vision. Then when it seems they are experiencing a response, they find themselves in prison after casting a demon from a slave girl and enraging her owners. It would seem that was time for discouragement. Yet, we find them in the middle of the night praying and singing….in prison! Then God shows up and deliverance from captivity comes for Paul and Silas and deliverance from sin for the prison guard and his family.

In our lives, we need to be flexible and open to the Lord’s direction in our work for the Lord. When Paul was in the midst of the “closed” doors, he didn’t know how the story would end. When he was in prison, he had no guarantee that he would be delivered. What we see is a steadfast and persistent focus on doing the Lord’s work and entrusting their lives to Him. They didn’t give up, or become bitter, or give up. We don’t know how long this journey from Derbe and Lystra to Philippi took. Travel in those days was by foot and ship, so it wasn’t just a few days or weeks.

It is always good to read the miracles of deliverance and the end result of “the story.” We often fail to understand the process it takes to get there. We, like Paul, may find where to go, by finding where not to go. Also, in our lives, when the going gets difficult and frustrations arise, we need to continue on, until the miracle comes our way.