Today my physical therapist came for a visit. It was a good workout with using the walker to do some laps around the family room. I walked about 30 feet or so before a rest which was the distance I was doing at the rehab hospital before returning home.

Christian and Bridget and the grandkids came up this afternoon. It is great to have them here for a visit. I didn’t realize that hey had not seen me walk with my walker. All of the equipment keeps them amused. Christian gave Ellie a ride on the four-wheel walker. Cade tried his hand at navigating in my power wheelchair and Ellie and Cade used my standing frame as a jungle gym.

We moved my car out of the driveway so the grandkids could use the ramp for their scooters. This provided me the opportunity that I have been waiting for to get into the driver seat of my car. Since I was there I decided to try to take a drive. Christian and Caedmon and Riley were brave enough to get in with me. I did pretty good just driving a couple of miles around our neighborhood. Now I just need to figure out how to get a wheelchair into the trunk or backseat, or have some help on the leaving and arriving end of a trip.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

“I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  1 Kings 3:7-9

These verses are King Solomon’s response to the Lord who appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon’s response showed his humility and the priority of being a wise ruler.  Solomon would later record in Proverbs the observation:

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding..” Prov.3:13

The Lord honored Solomon’s priority for wisdom and in response told him that He would grant him what he did not ask for. As a result Solomon gain wisdom and wealth and status as a ruler during His reign.

However, asking for wisdom and being wise in actions are not the same. Solomon during his reign demonstrated and was commended for his wisdom. The account of the two women claiming the same child and Solomon’s recommendation to “cut the child in half” in order to reveal the true mother is still referenced today when difficult issues are being solved. I remember in the legislature a reference to this story on several occasions, although I’m not sure if everyone really understood the background or the original story.

While Solomon is known for asking for wisdom, he made some foolish decisions. He endeavored to maintain peace with surrounding nations by taking wives from those nations. This practice common in the day shows seeking security through worldly wisdom and not Godly wisdom.Solomon said it well when he said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov. 9:10.

As we keep Christ at the center of our lives, we can know that His wisdom is available to us to help us in our personal lives, our jobs and relationships. I am glad that God still honors the request for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James1:5

 Today I had some additional testing on my left shoulder.It was an interesting procedure that was done back at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. The doctor concluded that there was evidence of some past never damage, perhaps caused by the West Nile Virus. The current condition is that it is in the process of regeneration. This will call for some focused and consistent therapy on my shoulders to make sure that muscles regain their former strength and structure.

We began the two per day antibiotic dose today. Even though these will continue for two more weeks, the every 12 hour routine does make a difference.

I was pleased to see my friend Scott Johnson is working on a book dealing with “Overcoming the Obstacles in Life.” https://www.facebook.com/overcomingobstacles  I look forward to what Scott has in his book. I am encouraged when this issue is addressed and it seems that more and more there is a need for individuals to be strengthened in the challenges they face in life. As has been said, “Life is fragile handle with prayer.”

I have recently read Psalm 119 the longest Psalm in the Bible. The outline of the Psalm is based on the Hebrew alphabet.

Perhaps one of the most well known verses is Psalm119:105…“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

This verse shows the value of God’s Word for guidance in our life. I have always viewed the “lamp for my feet” as what is needed for the next step I take and the “light for my path.” As the light that provides general direction for my journey. This reminds me of Isaiah 30:21   “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

 Another verse out of the 176 that arrested my attention on this reading was Psalms 119:165

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”  This verse also calls to mind one of the better known verses that says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalms119:11

What you will find is God’s Word is our all-sufficient rule for faith and doctrine. What that means is it guides us as to what to believe and how to live. Throughout Psalm 119 we find expressions of prayer, praise, a desire to understand, to seek God’s Word, and the blessings for those who love for God’s Word.

God’s Word in our life is a critical life line. Here are some ways to properly “handle” God’s Word. Read, listen, mediate, memorize and study God’s Word. There are insights that come with each of these disciplines.

For example, recall when I challenged our congregation to memorize certain passages in the Book of Revelation. The passage that I was working on included Revelation9:15 “And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill third of mankind.” As I memorized this verse, the plan and timing of God for end time events was made amazingly clear. God is not anxious or concerned about what is happening in the world. He is in control and has angels ready for precise events to take place.

Just as I shared about balance in the Christian life yesterday, here is a good way to make sure that you have good balance of activity in your interaction with God’s Word. I will close by calling your attention to Psalms 119:15,16

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” 

Prayer Requests

• Continued progress in my rehabilitation
• Shoulder strength and muscle development
• Wisdom on transition and timing for out patient rehab

Today was my planned no exercise day, getting caught upon taxes and few other projects. Sue and Sam joined us for lunch. After they arrived I was transferring myself from the recliner to my wheelchair using my walker. I found out that my walking backwards is as challenging at getting up a step.

For some reason I thought I could just back up several steps to my wheelchair. This didn’t work out so well, so I ended up on the floor. However, falls will occur and this gave me an opportunity to use “Steve’s steps.” These are the steps that Steve Grimes made for me for exercise and as a fall recovery system. (see picture above) They worked out pretty good. As a result, my no exercise day turned into more effort than I had planned.

Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with my infectious disease doctor. I will be eager to see what he thinks of my progress and the status of my current antibiotic treatments. On Tuesday I will return to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for some nerve testing on my left shoulder.

There is some significant history leading up to this event…

…Jonathan, David’s closest friend and son of King Saul ask of David, “As long as I live show me kindness because of the Lord. And even when I die, never stop being kind to my family.” (1 Sam. 20:14,15)

 …When David was running from Saul, yet refused to harm him,  Saul recognized that one day David would be King. He asked David, “Swear an oath to the Lord that you willnot wipe out my descendants or destroy my name in my father’s family.” (1Sam. 24:21)

…Mephibosheth a son of Jonathan’s was five years old when Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle. When news of the defeat in battle was heard in the palace his nurse picked him up to flee but dropped him and he became crippled.

…When David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites they taunted David with the words, “even the blind and lame could turn you away.”  As a result when David took the city there became a saying, “The blind and the lame will not get into the palace.” (2 Sam.5:6,8)

A number of years have passed and David secures his kingdom by subduing rebellion from the house of Saul and then a string of victories over enemy nations. At this point David either has time to recall or feels that timing is right to fulfill his promise to “the household of Saul for Jonathan’s sake.” He finds through a servant of Saul’s that Jonathan has a crippled son named Mephibosheth.

When Mephibosheth comes before David he does so with fear. Undoubtedly he has heard that David has spent years and many battles securing his kingdom. The only thing left would be to kill of any remaining members of the previous monarchy. What a surprise when Mephibosheth hears David’s reassuring words and that not only his life was being spared, but he was being given back the land of his grandfather Saul and that he would be provided for at the king’s table living as one of the king’s sons.

In this story and history leading up to it, we find David being faithful to his word to Jonathan, as well as to Saul. Twice in eight verses we are reminded that Mephibosheth is crippled. The chapter ends with a focus on Mephibosheth’s elevated status with the words, “However, Mephibosheth, who was disabled, lived in Jerusalem. He always ate at the king’s table.”  (2 Sam. 9:13)

I don’t intend to over allegorize the story but as a “man after God’s own heart” I find much of the heart of God in this story. The name LoDebar carries the meaning of “a pasture-less place.” A place of desolation that would be far different than the ample supply found at the king’s palace.

We find in this story, an account of a royal status restored. Not in the official sense, but in the privileges that were extended to this “outcast” of a royal family living in a desolate place. Mephibosheth had no standing in David’s eyes due to his connection to the house of Saul and because he was crippled. Remember, “…the lame will not get into the palace.”

What made the difference? Mercy, grace and keeping of a promise. That is exactly what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. He has granted us a position as His children when we have no rights. He has provided for us when we had no claim to His blessings. He has extended mercy and grace strictly based on His actions alone. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 Heaven will be filled with Mephibosheths. Broken people, undeserving people who slide up to the table of the King and allow their imperfections to be covered by the grace and mercy of the One who invites us to come to Him –  just as we are.

There is an old gospel song that communicates this spiritual truth…

I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice, an alien by birth,
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.

I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King.

I am thankful that my last blood work tests showed my protein levels within a normal range. (I am posting my most recent chart but my current protein level is .5) This is good news because these levels are related to muscle strength and fatigue. It seemed to be a nicer day than anticipated. Debbie got home early enough for us to go out for a short walk. I am getting myself organized for my daily workout schedule.

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This morning I read through the Book of Philippians. This book always brings back memories of my teen years as a “Bible quizzer.”

Philippians has as its theme “joy.” The Christian life should be a life of joy. When we look at the promises of God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in our life those who follow Christ have every reason to live with a sense of joy. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Phil4:5)

This book also contains some of the most familiar and oft quoted verses. When I began to review them, I believe they can form a foundation of joy.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6

Paul said this assurance is why he prayed for the Philippians with joy. We can rest assured that what God begins He finishes. He won’t give up on us even when we give up on Him. His work continues in us and through us until the day He returns.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

This verse framed Paul’s perspective of His commitment to Christ in the midst of the trials he faced and even the threats against his life. When you can say, “if I die I gain, if I live it is for Christ” there is a peace, confidence and joy that can permeate your life.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, tothe glory of God the Father.”  Phil. 2:9-11

Philippians 2 begins with this passage that talks about Christ coming to earth as a servant of our salvation. Instead of clinging to His position in heaven, he humbled himself and that resulted in His name being high above all. That is why speaking the name “Jesus” is the simplest form of praise and one of the most powerful.

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil. 2:12,13

God’s Word translation puts this verse into these words, “God…produces in you the desires and actions that please him.”

As we yield to God’s Word and work of His Spirit we have this confidence that God works in our heart and works through our actions in a way that will please Him. When we please Him joy abounds in our l

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Phil.3:13,14

This verse is related to Phil. 1:6. Real joy is not found resting on any accomplishment or attainment. It is not getting discouraged by what others say or do; it is keeping your eyes on the prize and giving it our best effort as we live to please Christ.

Chapter 4 contains four well known verses:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”        Phil. 4:6,7

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”     Phil. 4:13

“ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

It is no wonder that Paul admonishes the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord!” Our faith in God replaces anxiety with peace, provides us the strength for all that confronts us and gives us the assurance that our needs will be met by the Lord our provider. Meditate on these assurances, embrace these assurances and rejoice in the Lord!