I have been attending the Allies Retreat with Timberline Church men today. This morning, I shared some of the lessons I have learned and observations from my illness and recovery. There were several men in attendance and I received some positive feedback. Our guest speaker Joe Jackson was very kind in his words and what my story meant to him.

After our morning sessions, I ran into my doctor from Northern Colorado Acute Hospital. He was here with another church for their men’s retreat. This afternoon he was baptized in water at the pool here at the YMCA camp. I then had the opportunity to play some miniature golf with a group of men. The rain cut short our game, but I was getting pretty fatigued and need to get some rest.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But the people of Jerusalem said, “The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us.”…..So the Lord answers….I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”             Isaiah 49:14,16

God’s people suffered captivity for 70 years due to their rebellion and idolatry. This was a difficult time, but one in which we see God using His people. People like Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah and many others. While God’s people as a whole had forsaken the Lord and were suffering the consequences, there were those whose hearts remained faithful to the Lord and God used them to influence a godless nation and to work to save His people and restore them to their land.

During times of difficulty it is easy to view ourselves and our lives as “forgotten by God.” The questions and anguish can plague our minds, “God where are you?” “Why is this happening?” “When will this end?”

That is where God’s people were. But at the moment when they felt the most forsaken, it was at that time God was preparing to act and to begin the process of restoring them to their homeland and coming to their rescue. God’s prophet reminds the people that they are not only on God’s mind, they are on “God’s hand.”

Have you ever used your hand as a “note pad”? Some one is giving you a name or number and you take out your pen and write on the palm of your hand? Probably many of us have. And in doing that there is a sense of confidence that, “I won’t forget or lose the number, see! I have it right here!”

Some translations use the word, “engraved.” “I have you engraved on the palm of my hand.” Talk about an imagery of permanency. That’s like a tattoo.  Such is the degree to which God is aware of us, even in our trial and times of anguish. Before this the Lord is very vivid when he says, through the prophet, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.“ (Isa. 49:15)

What should be our response? It is important to recognize that in the midst of our trial, test or suffering the Lord is aware of what we are going through. Pray something like this, “Lord, I know that you are aware of my suffering and even when I feel like you have forgotten about me, you have not. Would you bring your encouragement and assistance to me today by your sovereign work or through some person or circumstance to reveal yourself and  your care to me?”

I believe that kind of prayer or something like it, is one that the Lord will honor. When I share my story, I tell people that if we have a very narrow definition of God’s care and intervention we will be disappointed, discouraged and miss seeing God in our situation. For, me it was the Lord giving wisdom to the doctors. It was a visit from a friend, card or a phone call. It was the faithfulness and support of my wife and children. These are the types of expressions that the Lord used to encourage me and to let me know that I was not forgotten but I “was written on the palm of His hand.”

In your life, you may feel forgotten or abandon, but you are never outside of God’s care, as you place your life in His hands and trust in Him.

I was actually up earlier this morning than usual. That provided me the opportunity to get some work done outside and to take care of organizational work for our community swim team.

I was able to mow the law again, before connecting with Pastor Steve for lunch and then doing some final prep for the retreat I will be attending this weekend.

I mentioned my new recumbent bike, that I am looking forward to using. I found that I don’t go as fast as I use to on a bike. I guess that’s what happens when you only have one leg with the strength that is needed.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.  That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world,  as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear.”            Titus 2:11-13

The forgiveness of sin and a relationship with a Holy God is possible because of the grace the Lord provides for all people who place their trust in Him.  Paul in his letter to Titus amplifies on this concept when he says, “But when the kindness [grace] and love of God our Savior was revealed, he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit…” (Titus 3:4,5)

God’s grace frees us from the law and the idea that we must do anything on our own effort to have forgiveness and relationship with Christ. In Paul’s day, some thought this meant grace meant, “yes” to anything I wanted to do and any way I wanted to live. Paul wrote to the Romans and addressed the issue of “grace as permission to sin.” “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1)

Paul teaches that understanding God’s grace is a motivation for right living. The NIV translation puts it emphatically in these words, “…[grace] teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” (Titus 2:12)

When we have the hope of Heaven, God’s grace teaches us to plan and prepare now for that time. It teaches us how to begin living now as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. So the challenge is “what kind of students will we be.” Just like in academic discipline sometimes we do better on some test than on others. But the goal is to learn and keep our focus and motivation on the prize regardless of accomplishments or set backs.

I’m thankful that God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit is faithful to help us and to move us closer to living a life that pleases the Lord. Remember the challenge and promise of Paul’s words, “…be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you…”   (Romans 12:2 LB)

This weekend I will be attending the Allies Retreat with about 50 plus other men from Timberline Church. I will be sharing some of my “Life Lessons, from a Life Threatening Illness” during the seminars on Saturday. Today was focused on my preparation for this weekend. It is always interesting for me to review some old CaringBridge posts and to see what was happening to me and to get the perspective of events through the eyes of my wife and children.

I did get to the fitness center today for a short workout. This was my first workout in a few weeks. Today ended with the delivery of my new recumbent bike.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I praise you, God; don’t remain silent! Wicked people and liars have attacked me. They tell lies about me, and they say evil things about me, attacking me for no reason. They oppose me, even though I love them and have prayed for them. They pay me back evil for good and hatred for love.“ Psalm 109:1-5

As I read these verses this morning, they caught my attention. Perhaps it is my political background, perhaps my history as a pastor. The world we live in “is not fair.” Kindness is not always returned with kindness, people don’t live by the “golden rule.” It was evident in the Old Testament, New Testament and today.

We see the actions of the “wicked” in their verbal attacks. They speak lies, say evil things and offer a barrage of unjustified attacks. But what we see as especially painful and perplexing is the unfair treatment from those the Psalmist has “prayed for” and demonstrated love and kindness to. What is interesting in many ways, these verses can reflect the response of many to God.

We see throughout scripture that we are called to take the “high road.” The Psalmist shows us the path by turning the to the Lord; praising the Lord and beseeching the Lord to take action and come to his defense. The Lord challenges us to love, and keep loving, to pray and keep praying, to keep doing good.

Jesus said, “I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6, 27,28)

When Jesus was teaching His disciples about kingdom priorities, He contrasted the “ways of the world with the ways of the kingdom.”

“You know that the rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it shall be among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest…” (Matt.20:25,26)

Jesus calls us to the “not so with you” approach to life. That doesn’t mean we are to be naive or gullible or set ourselves up for mistreatment. But it does mean we are to seek to follow the example of Jesus,  “…. he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.“ (1 Peter 2:23)

We don’t live in a “fair world” – but we serve a God of justice, who is able to come to our defense and to give us the strength and wisdom we need to be people of integrity. It doesn’t come as we focus on those who are against us, or on ourselves. It comes as we praise the Lord and keep our eyes on Him.

The weather was great today, and I took advantage of it and got some work done outside. But after two, plus hours, I was getting fairly fatigued. But food and rest can make a difference!

This afternoon, I went to Lakewood to attend a retirement reception for our friend, Chris Coleman. Debbie and I have known Chris for over twenty years. I served as the pastor to her and her family for many years. In recent years Chris and Debbie reconnected through their nursing profession. (Picture of me with Chris, daughter Caroline and granddaughter, Eliana)

I was able to go by and see Bridget and the grandchildren and have dinner with them before returning to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.”  2 Timothy 2:9 GNB

This verse is even more powerful with the Bible as we have it today. There have been countless stories of lives being changed by the power of God’s Word; from the Ethiopian eunuch, in the Book of Acts to today.

I recall a young man in India who was in a hotel room ready to commit suicide. As he prepared to take his life he noticed the Bible and something spoke to him and said open and read. He opened the Bible and it fell on Ecclesiastes  7:16,17 “…why kill yourself? …Why die before you have to? “

He called out to the Lord and today is a missionary to Northern India where he has planted hundreds of house churches, and is reaching thousands with the gospel message.

This is why individuals and organization over the years have made a commitment to get  the Bible to people who have never heard the gospel. In the past, individuals risk their lives to smuggle Bibles into the former Soviet Union, the Gideon’s for decades have committed themselves to Bible distribution. Wycliffe Bible Translators, have labored to ensure that the Bible is available to every people group. We have seen efforts such as the “Jesus Film” that has been used to share God’s Word with thousands in unreached nations. The list could go on. What these efforts and the results reveal is the truth of Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

God’s Word is able to go where missionaries can not go. Doors may be shut to those who share the good news, but when the “good news” is available to be read or listen to, the Holy Spirit is able to work in the hearts of people.

The power of God’s Word, is not in being a “mysterious” or “magical” book. The power of God’s Word is seen in revealing God, His love, mercy and His plan of Salvation through Christ. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39)

God’s Word provides guidance and insight into life and our own hearts. God’s Word can connect with people, when we can’t. The power of God’s Word speaks to our lives. While we read it, it read us. As Hebrews says, “it judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

As Paul writes to Timothy he asserts the value and function of God’s Word when he says,  ^“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living,  so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.”                                   (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

In your life, value the importance of God’s Word. As a follower of Christ, understand the value of sharing God’s Word with others. Where it is present, God’s message can’t be shut out.

A big day for me in many respects. It was good to get back to my Tuesday prayer time at “Everyday Joes.”  Later this morning, I had (for know) my final physical therapy session at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital as an outpatient. So this was my “graduation day.” I didn’t get a certificate, but did get a T-Shirt! (picture of me and PT Michael Jackson)

When I left NCRH on December 10, 2013, I told them the next time they would see me I hoped to be walking in as an outpatient. It took a few months but I did return for outpatient therapy in March 2014. Today I was able to walk in with crutches.

This afternoon, I took a recumbent bike on a trial ride. It was more challenging than I anticipated, but it was good to be outside once again. I am looking forward to what the future holds on this aspect of my exercise and recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Haman son of Hammedatha—the descendant of Agag and the enemy of the Jewish people—had cast lots (“purim,” they were called) to determine the day for destroying the Jews; he had planned to wipe them out. But Esther went to the king, and the king issued written orders with the result that Haman suffered the fate he had planned for the Jews—he and his sons were hanged from the gallows.  That is why the holidays are called Purim…. It was resolved that every Jewish family of every future generation in every province and every city should remember and observe the days of Purim for all time to come.” Esther 9:24-28

March 5, 2015 was the day to celebrate “Purim.” The fact that this event in on the annual Jewish calendar today, is a reminder of the events thousands of years ago that established this annual remembrance. Genocide is the eradication of a race or a group of people. The Jews have been the target of attempted genocide from the days of Esther to the Holocaust during World War II, to threats of current world leaders.

The verses above summarize the story of the Book of Esther and why this day was marked for remembrance. The story of Esther is a story of intrigue, plots, status seeking, principled leadership, and much more. While the story features Esther, the Jewish girl who became Queen. We see that her adopted father (cousin) Mordecai becomes the central figure in the story.

Mordecai encouraged Esther to enter the “contest to become Queen.” He showed his loyalty by revealing an attempt on the King’s life. He was the one who challenged Esther to rise to the occasion on behalf of her people. When the plot of Haman was revealed, Mordecai achieves a position of rank and influence in the kingdom.

The Book of Esther ends with this commendation of Mordecai, “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank only to King Xerxes himself. He was honored and well-liked by his fellow Jews. He worked for the good of his people and for the security of all their descendants.” (Esther 10:3)

As you read the Book of Esther you will see how:

• …. God is able to strategically place people in a position of influence at the right time
• ….No person accomplishes God’s purpose on their own. We see Mordecai being the source of information and influence in Esther’s life. We see Esther calling on people to join her in fasting and prayer before approaching the King.
• ….The resentment of Haman and his evil plot turn on him and be his ruin.
• ….The resentment toward one man becomes a generalized hatred for an entire people.
• ….The Lord works to save His people from their enemies
• ….The Lord honors those who honor Him

The Book of Esther is not just a fascinating and multifaceted story; it is an important historic account in the life of God’s people that is still recognized today. It is a reminder that God is able to watch over and save His people. It is a reminder for us today that, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.“ (2 Peter 2:9)

I stayed in Denver last night with Christian and Bridget. I spent the day with some errands around town and then a trip to the Capitol to testify on a bill related to Physical Therapy co-pays. We got the bill out of the Senate Committee by one vote. We are confident that it will move its way through the process to the Governor’s desk. I am thankful we were able to get our bill moved up to the top of the agenda so I could return home to Fort Collins by late afternoon.

It has been good to meet some Physical Therapists from around the State and share my story with them and to learn from them as well. The picture today is me at the Capitol with the leaders of the Physical Therapist’s Association that were present in support of the bill.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.  This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed. 1 Timothy 4:7-9

I believe exercise is something that has been part of my life since I was a child. Whether it was formal exercise or practicing skills needed in basketball and baseball. I still remember my oldest cousin, Phil Gamble, who started his career as a fitness trainer, giving my brother and me a workout regimen to prepare us for baseball, when we were in our early teens.

Exercise and physical health has been a staple of our society and mindset for generations. Whether the “President’s Award for Physical Fitness” from the past or the current, “Let’s Move” initiative. We understand the discipline and dedication that is needed and the benefits that physical fitness provides.

We don’t however, always translate that into our spiritual life. We often hear of spiritual disciplines such as, Bible reading, prayer, worship, service and nod our heads about there importance, but struggle with putting them into action. Perhaps the excuses are the same as physical exercise, “I know I should, but I don’t have time.” However, I never heard anyone who was challenged to exercise physically, be cautioned about “being legalistic.” But I do remember a friend giving me caution when I was getting into running to “not become addicted.” I didn’t understand what he was talking about, but I did learn as time went on. If there are some things that we feel compelled to be part of our day, spiritual exercise should be as valuable as a good run, or bike ride.

Perhaps we need to move away from the concept of spiritual “discipline.”  While it does take  time and dedication, just like physical exercise, we still refer to physical exercise as a “program” or “routine.” But not discipline.

Paul in his writings does a good job contrasting the natural or temporal world with the spiritual and eternal world. This passage is one of those. He reminds us that physical training has limitations in terms of its benefit. Spiritual training has a temporal and eternal benefit. It is the “exercise program” that helps us in this world and prepares us for the next.

I believe “health” pleases and honors the Lord. That’s why we pray for healing and see the Lord answer our prayers. I believe physical training is a way we can honor the Lord. But we don’t have to live in an either or world. We can be those who practice good physical health and good spiritual health as well.

My goal in writing these daily blogs, is to challenge you with what challenges and speaks to me. I trust this is part of your spiritual routine and is contributing to a stronger faith and spiritual well being in your life.

We have had rain all day today. I’m glad I got the work done outside yesterday that I did. However, I didn’t get the lawn mowed. We had another full day at church today. We attended a class for leaders during the last service and they actually fed us. So by the time I got home I was ready for a nap.

Later today we came to Lakewood to celebrate Eliana’s fourth birthday. This is Christian and Bridget’s youngest child. Our grandkids are quickly growing up. I will spend the night with them and then get ready for a full day tomorrow. I will be at the Capitol for a bill hearing in the afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE TODAY… The Lord says, “I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten. Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. The new Jerusalem I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy.…Wolves and lambs will eat together; lions will eat straw, as cattle do, and snakes will no longer be dangerous. On Zion, my sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil.” Isaiah 65:17-19,25

As the prophecies of Isaiah come to an end, we see the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness and His work to restore and redeem His people. The entire passage of the Lord’s promise to His people carries a mixture of that which would take place in the near future and that which was futuristic.

I recall in my study of prophecy the principle of “double reference.” It is explained as viewing a range of mountains. Here in Colorado we have “foothills” and the Rocky Mountains. When viewed from the east they look like they are on top of each other when in reality there is considerable distance between the two ranges. In the same way when prophets saw and spoke of the Lord’s promise, it seemed all events would come to pass in the same time frame, but in reality they were addressing that which would come about in the near future and that which would be fulfilled in  God’s plan of redemption at some point in the distant future.

In this case we see the Lord restoring His people to Jerusalem after seventy years of captivity. We see the temple rebuilt and the walls re-established. We see the people return and the Lord fulfilling His promise as spoke through the prophets.

But at the same time we see Isaiah speaking words seven hundred years before Christ that are yet to come to pass. The promise of  “new heaven and a new earth” is yet to be fulfilled. A day is coming when the “curse” will be removed. That is seen in the “lion and lamb lying down together.”

John the Apostle, saw what Isaiah spoke of. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband.” (Revelation 21:1,2)

God’s word is sure to come to pass. We live today in the working out of God’s redemptive plan for this world and all people. God is not just the “God of the Bible.” He is the God who is at work in our world today, just as He has been throughout time.

While we see the Lord’s prophetic promise of the present and the future in scripture, we can also observe that often the response of people to the Lord related to the present and future as well. Isaiah 65 opens with these words, “The Lord said, “I was ready to answer my people’s prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, ‘Here I am; I will help you.’ I have always been ready to welcome my people, who stubbornly do what is wrong and go their own way.”         (Isaiah 65:1,2)

We need to understand that the Lord is more ready to answer, than we are to ask. He is stands ready to “be found” and reveal Himself, if we will but only seek and draw near to Him. This day, understand the mercy and faithfulness of the Lord to hear, respond and to work out His plan of redemption in our lives and for our world. He will make “everything new” in your life as you trust in Him.

Today was a good day to be outside and get some work done in the garden and around the house. I did make a trip to hunt for seeds and a few other garden supplies. That can always prove to be an interesting challenge. I did discover that I can use a grocery cart for a make-shift walker – at least for a while.

I also tried out a recumbent bicycle at a specialty shop here in Fort Collins. I will go back next week to take it for a test run and see if I can add it to my summer exercise program.

This evening we had an enjoyable time getting acquainted with Greg Kelley, CEO of “World Mission” from Michigan. Their unique focus is a solar powered, audio scripture portion distributed to countries in the 10/40 window, and unreached peoples groups, where there are multitudes of oral learners. (check out – http://thetreasure.org/) Greg is a friend of Paul and Collen Irwin who we have known for years. Also, a friend of Greg’s and one of his board members is the Lead Pastor of Shoreline Church in Monterrey, California, which is my brother’s home church.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Human life is like forced army service, like a life of hard manual labor, like a slave longing for cool shade; like a worker waiting to be paid. Month after month I have nothing to live for; night after night brings me grief….” Job 7:1-3

You know you are having a good day when  you can relate to these words of Job. Job as he deals with his misery and less than comforting “comforters.” Every simile Job could think of related to the difficulties of life, he lists as a description of his misery.

What is interesting is Job doesn’t say, “my life” he simply states, “human life..” When our pain and suffering is intense, we move from relating to suffering as “my life or lot” and move to a broader generalization that life itself is not worth living for anyone. “I’m suffering and have a reason to be in distress and so does everyone else.”

Job has already expressed the desperation of his suffering when he said, “Why won’t God give me what I ask?
Why won’t he answer my prayer? If only he would go ahead and kill me! If I knew he would, I would leap for joy, no matter how great my pain.” (Job 6:8-10)  We can be thankful that the Lord doesn’t answer or respond to some of our prayers that are prayed out of the pain or anger of the moment.

What is interesting is, in his misery Job’s comforters make a statement that does come true, “But turn now and plead with Almighty God; if you are so honest and pure, then God will come and help you and restore your household as your reward. All the wealth you lost will be nothing compared with what God will give you then.” (Job 8:5-7)

What is important for us to remember is, that intense pain and suffering, solicits intense, but not always truthful or logical responses. That is important to understand for ourselves and for others going through trials.

The solutions and the “quick end” of suffering while it is often sought, is not the best solution. Every day of suffering is one day too long. But in the end we see God’s faithfulness and the time of hardship and suffering will fade into the timeline of our story.  We do need to rest in the fact that, “our times are in His (God’s) hands.” (Psa. 31:15) We  need to have our eyes open to the provision of the Lord even in the midst of our trial or difficult situation.

The Lord understands our mind and emotions and we see that He is faithful to sustain and redeem. We don’t need to fear times of feeling separated from God or thoughts or emotions that emerge from the time of suffering. God is there when we don’t “feel” like it and He does not hold our thoughts and emotions against  us. That is why perseverance is the character quality that is so important in times of trials.

James the Apostle wrote about Job and said, “…we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.“ (James 511)