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. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:6,7 ESV

As I consider these words of praise to the Lord, I see the words that are offered from a thankful and full heart. This is not just the God who does things for us. This is not the “slot machine” God. This is a God of relationship. This a God we can connect with at the deepest level of who we are.

This is a God who responds to our cry for mercy. These words reveal a God who listens and helps us in our need. This is a God who provides the strength we need for each day and is a shield around us to protect and provide.

God responds to simple faith and trust. “…in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped…” Does it always make “sense” to trust in this unseen God? There are those who would decry faith as being “illogical.” But when we go with what we know in our “hearts” our inmost being to be true, we are safe and secure and have the help that is needed.

The response is a heart that “exults” in the Lord and offers a song of praise and thanks to Him for all that He is and all that He does.

Read these verses and consider what they communicate. Make it personal by saying, “I bless you Lord! You have heard my pleas for mercy. You give me strength and protection. In you my heart trusts and I am helped. My heart exults in You and I will sing my praise to the glory of Your name.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You are a God of relationship. You allow us to know You and let us know that we are known by You. Give us strength to trust You more and to be those whose hearts are continually turned toward You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:36-38 ESV

The stop at Mount Sinai,  in the journey from Egypt to the promise land was one of great significance. Much happened during these days. The people saw the glory of God cover the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for 40 days supernaturally sustained by the Lord as he received the law of God. The people revealed their weakness in the sin with the golden calf.

Now all the offerings have been received for the Tabernacle and it has been constructed. All the furnishings for the Tabernacle and vestments for the priests have been made. God’ s people now have the foundation of worship and now they are truly ready to move forward in God’s plan and purpose for their life.

At times it can seem arduous and time consuming, but laying the proper foundation for our life’s journey gives stability and structure that is needed to face all the challenges that life will bring.

The Tabernacle was physical structure where the invisible God would make Himself known to His people. God’s presence was manifested among the people by a cloud during the day and a fire at night. These two manifestations allowed God’s people to know that God was with them at all times. He is the 24/7 God! He is not just the god of the day or the god of the night, or the god of the rain, or the god of__________. He is the ever-present God, The ever-present help in times of trouble.

In the cloud and the fire, I see protection and direction. I’m not sure if the cloud provided shade during the hot summer day for all of God’s people, but perhaps it did. The desert nights can be cold, dark and intimidating. The fire of God provided warmth and a divine “night light” to show that God was their protector.

As we read of the journeys of the Children of Israel we tend to forget about the picture of the constant cloud in their midst. Moses lead the people, but they followed the cloud. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. When the cloud moved they moved. When they grumbled, the cloud was their. When they celebrated victories the cloud was their. When they doubted and tried to take matters into their own hands, the cloud was there.

Our lives are never outside of God’s love, care and watchful eye. We can trust Him to be our protector, provider and guide. His presence in our lives makes all the difference. Without the visible reminder, it is easy to forget these powerful truths. But we have God’s Spirit in our hearts that gives us that assurance if we stay in tune with Him.

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to know that You are the God who is with us in all of our journeys. You will protect, provide and guide as we keep our eyes on You and trust in Your unfailing love.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord‘s contribution…. everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord‘s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.” Exodus 35:5,21-22 ESV

My casual and quick read of the process of gathering the items for the building of the Tabernacle, found me pausing and reflecting on what was happening. There are some key observations and lessons that we see reinforced in the New Testament about stewardship and partnership.

The Sunday School song of generations past came to my mind. “When we all pull together….how happy we’ll be…for your work is my work and our work is God’s work….” What we do and the attitude in which we do it can make all the difference. It is not everyone doing the same thing. The beauty is seen in everyone having a part, valuing the contribution of others and together understanding that in it all, they are doing “God’s work.”

The first thing we can observe is that this was a voluntary effort of money, items and work. This was not the tithe or the “temple tax” that became an obligation in years to come. Moses’ command is “whoever is of a generous heart…”  God’s kingdom values generosity and an “open hand” opposed to hording and accumulation and a “tight fist.”

I notice Moses says, “whose heart moves you….” This was not an appeal to the mind. It wasn’t, “whoever believes this makes sense and can rationalize their contribution.” As a result those who gave were those whose “hearts were stirred and were of a willing heart.” Everyone may not have participated. But God will use those who are willing to meet a need.

We see Paul’s instructions in the New Testament, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)

Then I see that the gifts varied. Some brought gold and precious stones, others brought “…fine twined linen; goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, oil for the light…” (Exodus 35:6-8 ESV) The values varied, but all gifts were valued and needed.

There was broad participation, “So they came, both men and women.” (Exodus 35:22 ESV) In a time when women were not viewed as valuable as men, we see that both men and women responded and their respective contributions were equally important.

This project of “working together” required each to do what they could. The call included, “Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded…” (Exodus 35:10 ESV) The materials were needed and the skilled workers were needed to take the materials and turn them into the place of worship and sacrifice to the Lord in the wilderness.

Finally, there is great detail provided how the craftsmen were gifted by the Lord and they followed the Lord’s instructions accurately and completely. After all, it was the “Lord’s House, the Lord’s work.”

The keys we see in this passage are important for undertakings today. God’s Spirit is what moves the hearts of people. Each person can have a part. Each contribution or level of participation is important. Doing God’s work, God’s way is what brings His presence and His glory.

Prayer for today…. Lord the lessons can be so simple, yet so complex. When self is removed and we work together to accomplish Your purposes, needs are met and miracles take place. Help us to pay attention to and learn the lessons that we see in the Bible and apply them to our lives. Help us to obey Your voice and all pull together in the work You have for us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…he [Aaron] received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it.” Exodus 32:4-5 ESV

What is the deal with cows and idolatry among God’s people? This making of the “golden calf” seems to garner, like many events in scripture, some disagreement and conjecture. Apparently, In Egypt, a bull, Apis, was sacred to the god Ptah and emblematic of him. It was to represent strength. One article I read said that the calf was to be more of a physical symbol connected to the Lord because of the long absence of Moses.

In these cases, I consider the plain record of the scripture. The people said, “…make us gods who shall go before us.”  Then we read, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it.” (Exodus 32:4,5 ESV)

Then we see the people’s response, “…they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” (Exodus 32:6 ESV)

The ensuing revelry got so out of hand that when the Lord sent Moses down from the mountain the Levites gathered in loyalty to God and Moses and were instructed to go through the camp to kill those caught up in the frenzy of their misconduct. Later we see a plague that killed thousands.

Paul addresses this historic event when he writes to the Corinthians, “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.’ We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.” (1 Corinthians 10:7,8 ESV)

The irony of the events is that the first commandment was being broken, while Moses was on the mountain receiving the law of God.

We read of the days of Jeroboam of Israel, when he made two golden calves, in an attempt to secure his kingdom. He set them up in the southern and northern part of the nation with the express purpose of keeping God’s people from returning to Jerusalem to worship. These idols were the longest lasting form of idolatry in the nation before finally being destroyed by King Josiah of Judah.

In this account we do see Aaron giving in to the pressure of the people. What people demand, especially in times of fear, is not what they need. Aaron is described as “fashioning the calves” from the gold the people carried out of Egypt. He then tries to excuse his failure by saying, “I threw the gold into the fire and out jumped this calf.” Momentary actions, have severe and lasting consequences. The people enjoyed their “sin for a season” but the result was the death of thousands.

Paul describes the shallowness of human actions in these words, “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.” (Romans 1:22,23 NIV)

We are called to serve the all-powerful God that is not seen, but ever-present in our lives. There is no God, like our god. He was made known through the person of Jesus Christ and we can be those who are truly wise by staying true to Him, resisting voices of doubt and standing firm in our faith.

May the words of Paul be ever on our lips, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord give us the strength and focus to stay true to You in our lives. Regardless of the clamor of voices today that desire to make a “god in our own image.” Thank You that You are higher, greater and beyond our comprehension. Anything else is only a false god made to fit our own desires. Thank You that following Your ways leads us to a higher life of true peace, contentment and satisfaction. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The plans of the heart belong to man...All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”  Proverbs 16:1-3 ESV

Life is to be lived with purpose and direction. Plans, goals, aspirations are all part of our years on earth. What we see in Solomon’s wisdom, is the importance of how our plans connect with God’s will for our life and the Lord’s willingness to be involved in the direction and plans we make.

It is interesting that Solomon makes reference to the “plans of the heart…” instead of just the “plans of the mind.” The plans we have for ourselves reflect our thoughts and our emotions. That is where we get the concept of passion that drives what we do and what we plan for.

What is clear in Solomon’s wisdom is that regardless of man’s plans, the Lord knows our hearts and desires to partner with us as we trust in the Lord and surrender our future to Him.

That is why we see the reference to the fact that it is the “Lord who weighs the spirit.” I am reminded of the Apostle John’s words, “….we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20 NIV) 

The best advice is to seek the Lord with all of our hearts, to commit to the Lord our plans and our work. When we do that we can confidence that our “plans will be established.”

Prayer for today… Lord thank You that You are not a spectator or bystander in our journey in life. You desire to “direct our paths.” How we need to know that what we desire is Your desire for our life and the You will go with us and before us in all that we do. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” Exodus 18:19-21 ESV

As I once again read of Jethro’s advice to Moses, I began to observe the depth of wisdom and the important concepts of leadership and organization. Principles that are taught in other places in scripture and are taught today

Moses’ Role – “You shall represent the people before God…..”  Jethro did not diminish Moses’ role and importance, but really defined it. In other words, there was role that Moses needed to fill that no one else could or should. Often leaders today are told, “focus on what you alone can do, allow others to do the rest.” We see in Jesus life that, “He taught the masses, but He gave Himself to the few.”

Teach and Prepare Others – “…warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way…and what they must do.” Moses was to teach the people God’s laws and ways, so that the Word of God could guide their decisions, attitudes and conduct. Also, it reveals the key role of the leader to teach others. Paul told Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV) This takes time and patience, but in the end it is worth it.

Criteria for Leaders – “…look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe…” The qualifications were brief and to the point. They were men that were known, “from all the people.” They had the right relationship with God, “fear God.”  They were men of character and integrity, “trustworthy and hate a bribe.” We see when Paul writes to Timothy and Titus, he lays out qualifications for elders, bishops and deacons. You need the right leaders to accomplish the task at hand and the overall mission.

Structural Management  – “…place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”  The people would be served by leaders who were over leaders. Not everyone had the same scope of responsibility. This reveals a “reporting structure” so the needs of the people were met in the most effective manner.

Support and Role Definition – “Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves.” Not all the leaders possessed the same level of authority or responsibility. They were to know their limits and what cases they could decide and which ones needed to be passed on to other leaders or to Moses. It is important for a leader to know when their competence or ability has reached a limit. When that happens it is okay to get help or pass the issue to another.

Many times we find more reflected in passages of the Bible than what we see at first reading, or in my case multiple readings. I find myself once again, thankful for the practical applications of the Bible to our lives.

Prayer for today… Lord, once again, we give thanks to You for granting to us the wisdom that is needed to direct our lives and to advance the mission of the Church and organizations that we are called to serve and to lead. Continue to guide our lives, grant wisdom and insight to us for all that we need.

I spent the day in Denver today. This morning I was at the Capitol with UCount team members as a tribute was read in the Senate Chambers recognizing the 10th anniversary of the UCount campaign to fight human trafficking and to support the rescue of victims caught in the web of his terrible crime. Thanks to Senator John Kefalas for his support and offering the tribute.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” Exodus 18:13-14 ESV

This passage is viewed as a classic passage that sets in order a style of “organizational management.” But there is really much more to it than just organization. We see this advice given by Moses’ father-in-law, who was known as the “Priest of Midian.” The Bible refers to Moses as, “the most humble man on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)

This account may be evidence of that fact. Moses could have taken the attitude of “God speaks directly to me.” “I am the one the Lord used to announce the plagues on Egypt. It was with my rod. I am the leader of God’s people and I know what I am doing.” But we see none of those human responses of pride, arrogance or defensiveness.

It is note-worthy that these instructions were not given directly by God to Moses. They came from human observation and wisdom. I like the Proverb that says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” (Proverbs 9:9 NIV)

These instructions came when Jethro came to visit his daughters, grandchildren and Moses. He heard of all that had transpired and observe what was taking place and asked an important question, “why are you doing, what you are doing?” Often it takes someone from the “outside” to see what we don’t see. Perhaps that is why the role of consultants can be helpful to organizations. There may be talented and smart people in the organization, but sometimes they fail to see what someone from the “outside” can see.

What I also observe is the concern for Moses as the leader and the people he was leading. “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17,18 ESV) Moses approach to “sitting as sole judge over the people”  was going to wear him out and frustrate the people. In the long run, God’s people and God’s leader would not be well served.

Jethro was willing to speak up. “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you!” (Exodus 18:19 ESV) He could have felt that is “wasn’t his place” to say anything. But out of concern for Moses and the people, he was willing to speak up. One of the worst things a leader can hear from someone is, “I didn’t think that was a good idea, but I was afraid to say anything!” 

This one visit by an “outsider” by a man who loved Moses and wanted to sustain what God was doing among His people not only impacted Moses and God’s people, but created an approach to “delegation and organizational management” that can seen down through the ages. Often the Lord speaks, more often than not, God’s wisdom comes from “unlikely” places and individuals.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the ways You choose to help Your people in practical ways. Often Your voice and will is reflected through the wisdom You give to others who are willing to, “speak into our life.” Help us to be open to what others say. Help us to be willing to share and be Your voice to others.