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Choose Life

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My days are getting to sound fairly routine; working in the yard, getting in a swimming workout. I did watch a few plays of the Broncos preseason game. It looks like their backups are doing a good job. It has been nice to be on our patio the past couple of days. The place we would have spent most of our time in the summer has been a rare treat of late.

Compared to a year ago, when I was stuck in bed, immobile and on life support, I am thankful for my “routine.” What I accomplish actually gives me a sense of visual gratification, even though it takes longer than normal.

It was during these past few days when my condition a year ago had my family worried and wondering what the future would hold. Christian even asked me at one point if I felt like “giving up.” I’m glad that I said “no” and was able to “choose life.”

 Bible Verse for Today… “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you…But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it…I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days…”                          Deuteronomy 30:11,14,19-20

Moses is addressing the generation of the Children of Israel that will go in and occupy the promise land. The generation that were slaves in Egypt, saw the miracle of the plagues and crossed the Red Sea are dead. Their own words sealed their fate. They complained to Moses that God wasn’t able to do what He promised and that they would die in the wilderness. So God said, “Have it your way. You will die in the wilderness and your children will inherit the land.”

As this new generation prepared to move into the inheritance promised by God, the covenant is renewed, the law God gave Moses is reaffirmed. The blessings and curses for the life they will now choose are laid out before them. The commandment was too hard for them to fully obey in their own strength. But if they trusted the Lord, relied on His strength, they would be successful in their obedience.

The call from Moses is to simply, “choose life!” That life is embraced by loving God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him. The ramification of the decision was for them and their children. While parents disobedience doesn’t have the final say about God’s grace and work in children’s lives, parents have a God-given responsibility to understand that the choices they make impact them and their children.

As we read the biblical account we realize that the Children of Israel could not keep themselves away from idols and remain fully committed to the Lord. They were no more successful than the alcoholic or drug addict resisting the temptation brought on by their addiction and environment. The downward pull on the sinful heart was too great for the majority and eventually even Kings to resist.

That is why a Savior came to our rescue. He came through this people, chosen by God, who saw the miraculous, were tested and failed, experienced God’s mercy when they called on Him and ultimately experienced God’s removal from this land that was promised until their hearts became weary of the idolatry and emptiness of their ways.

This Savior did what no other was able to do. Live in complete obedience to the Lord’s will and His ways. As a result, He became the sacrifice for all of our sins. Because of Christ’s death on the cross for our sin, the call still reverberates through the ages, “choose life!”

When we choose life through choosing Christ, God’s Holy Spirit comes to live in us. That is what gives us the strength to follow, to love and to obey the Lord. It is not will power; it is the will to surrender. Not surrender to my natural desires, but surrender to the supernatural strength that comes only from Christ in the center of life. When you do that you find the fulfillment of Moses’ promise, “He is your life and the length of your days.”

God’s Promise Fulfilled

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This has been a beautiful day here in Fort Collins. Warm temperatures, nice in the shade with a cool breeze. Reminds me why I like Colorado. Our day was pretty much the routine Saturday chores around the house. We really enjoy our Fort Collins home. We are still learning about proper care for roses, but they have bloomed again in spite of us.

I must be improving in ways that I don’t realize. Last night we sat on our patio enjoying the great temperature and peaceful atmosphere. As I looked at the yard I began to feel that I needed to take advantage of the nice weather and early evening daylight to do some more yard work. I then realized, it has been a long time since I’ve had the “when I relax, I feel guilty” sensation. Perhaps that is one tendency from my past that doesn’t need to be resurrected. Debbie would say so anyway.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.  Joshua 21:43.45

It started with God’s call to Abraham to go to a land that the Lord would give him and that he would become a great nation with children as numerous as the stars in the heavens.  “And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:8)

God began fulfilling the promise through Isaac and then Jacob. As Jacob began his journey to Egypt the Lord appeared to him,    “… God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.” (Genesis 46:2,3)

Four Hundred years in Egypt and then God calls Moses from the backside of the desert. God judges Egypt and God’s people leave Egypt with the wealth of the land in their hand. Rebellion and  unbelief results in a forty year trek around the wilderness until a generation who refused to believe in God’s promises was gone.

The conquest of nations begins with Moses and then continues with Joshua and the crossing of the Jordan and the great victory at Jericho, as the first of many the Lord would provide. Now Joshua is old and the portions of the promise land is given to the tribes of Israel. God has fulfilled His promise. It has taken hundreds of years, perhaps more ups than downs. Great miracles. The cloud of God’s presence, the provision of manna from the Lord until they began to occupy the promise land.

God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had been fulfilled. Now He was making another promise to the “generation of occupiers.”

“The Lord your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord your God promised you. Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left…One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised you. Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God.”  (Joshua 23:5,6,10)

God is faithful to fulfill His promises. He works on His time schedule. He is not thwarted by the failures of people. He looks for the faithful who will obey and do His work.

God’s promises are received through obedience. In our walk with God there is a “cause and effect” that we can observe. For example, “if we confess our sins, He forgives.”  “If we draw close to Him, He draws close to us.” God’s promises are actualized when we respond in faith and obedience. When Joshua divided the land, from God’s perspective it was a “done deal.” However, the fulfillment of that promise required the Children of Israel to move into their possession, not looking at obstacles but to the Lord. God is faithful to do His part, the question is “will we do ours?”

Just as the Lord was faithful to fulfill His promise the the patriarchs, He is faithful to fulfill His promise to bring all His Children to a promise land, we call heaven.

“… if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”        (John 14:3)  “I saw a new heaven and a new earth….I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:1,3)

This is one promise we will not have to work or conquer to possess. Christ as done it all for us. We gain entrance to this promise in the same way that the Children of Israel were to enter their promise land: faith, trust, obedience and love for God.

 

 

What is Sin?

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I have enjoyed my activity the past two days, really this week. As a matter of fact I found myself feeling more normal as far as my level of energy. That is what I was thinking earlier in the day, as I worked in the yard and took care of some business in the office, but my mid-afternoon nap was helpful in managing my fatigue. At least it wasn’t a “crash” sort of feeling.

I had another meeting involving some HOA Board business. I believe I am finding that I’m more of a “crisis” leader. Recently our board president resigned and we had some residents concerned about the West Nile Virus issue, so it motivated me to step up and take more action than I have in the past. I have enjoyed making my contribution to address some of these current issues.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”  James 4:17

“Sin” is a word that is difficult to talk about. It is a difficult thing to admit and it is difficult to feel that it applies to me in a significant way. In other words we minimize it, rationalize it or justify it.

The Bible says a lot about sin. The Bible tells us “all have sinned…” (Romans 3:23) Hebrews 11:25 says that Moses choose affliction with the Children of Israel over the “pleasures of sin for a season” in Pharaoh’s household.

When it comes to understanding what sin is, often people will talk about violating the Ten Commandments. “Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.”  1 John 3:4

James says, “…desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:5)

But the simple, straightforward understanding of sin is found in James words, “not doing what you know is right.” Everyone has experienced remorse, regret or a prick of the conscious. The context of this statement is interesting. James is talking about not being proud of life and taking for granted what the future will hold.

“…you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” (James 4:15,16)  I find that description, “you boast in your arrogance” amusing. It’s one thing to be arrogant, it is another to be proud of your arrogance. Perhaps that is why James says, “the Lord resists the proud…” (James 4:6)

The good news is that we have a “savior” for our “sin.” The answer is not in “trying harder,” it is in “trusting more.” I like the words of Titus 3:5 “…He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”

The assurance we have is found in 1 John 1:9  “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

“Confess” simply means to “agree with.” This is our “yes” to the Lord when we look at our life and allow His  Spirit to search our hearts. It is as simple as, “Yes, Lord, I agree that I have sinned, forgive me and cleanse me.”  When we do that our “faithful and just” God forgives and cleanses.

Confessing our sin brings  us into relationship with Christ. Confessing our sin  as Christ-followers enables us to maintain our fellowship with Christ. In liturgical churches, the worship service includes a time of “confession of sin.” That is probably a good thing. After all the old saying is, “confession is good for the soul.” And when it is well with your soul, it is well with your world.

 

Peter: Fishman to Fisher of Men

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After a busy day yesterday, today was pretty uneventful. We had some morning cloud cover so I worked for quite a while outside. My new challenge after conquering weeds in the garden space, was dealing with the rabbit droppings in my grass. The little varmints are killing portions of my grass and I wasn’t sure why until I looked close enough to see the problem. I guess my grass is more attractive than my neighbors for some reason.

This afternoon, I was able to head to the pool during the sun break in our mostly cloudy day. I do feel like my rehab in the water is going better and that I am getting stronger. I return to therapy next week and part of he evaluation will be to measure the effect of the muscle stimulator that I have been using on my right leg for the past eight weeks.

The Fort Collins Coloradoan did a follow up on my West Nile story along with the current decision of the Board of Health to spray for mosquitoes in our area.  http://www.coloradoan.com/

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Matthew 4:18,19

I have been reading through the Gospel of Matthew and have taken note of the number of times Peter is mentioned. Peter the tempestuous fisherman who seemed to be the “unofficial” spokesman for the disciples or at least the one willing to speak up. I’m sure the other disciples had things to say, but they either didn’t have chance or Peter’s “sound bites” were too good to pass up being recorded in scripture. The again, if Mark wrote the first gospel and received his information from Peter that would make sense as well.

Some of Jesus’ early miracles took place at Peter’s house. (Matthew 8:14-17) Peter walked on the water with Jesus. (Matthew 14:28,29) Peter confesses Christ as the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:16) Peter takes Jesus aside to rebuke Him after He foretold of his death and resurrection. (Matthew 16:22) Peter speaks up on the Mount of Transfiguration and suggests that three tents be erected to memorialize what is happening. (Matthew 17:4) Peter on Jesus’ instructions goes to the lake and pulls out a fish to pay the temple tax. (Matthew 17:24-27)  Peter asks Jesus how long he needs to forgive an offending brother. (Matthew 18:1)  Peter declares that the disciples have left everything and followed Jesus. (Matthew 19:21) Peter tells the Lord at the last supper that he would not “fall away” even if all others did. (Matthew 26:33) Peter denies know Jesus three times during His trial. (Matthew 26:69-75)

The other gospels tell of Peter being one of the first to the  tomb when Jesus was raised from the dead. (John 20:3,4) During the final passover, Peter at first refused to let Jesus wash his feet and then asked for a bath. (John 13:6-9) Jesus personally restores Peter after He is risen. (John 21:15-19) After the Lord predicts the type of death Peter will eventually experience, Peter looks at John and asks, “Lord what about him?” (John 21:20-22)

In the Book of Acts Peter stands up and “chairs” the meeting where a new disciple is chosen to replace Judas. (Acts 1:15,16) Peter preaches on the Day of Pentecost. Five thousand are saved. (Acts 2:14-21) Peter preaches the gospel to the gentiles, who receive the Holy Spirit as they did at Pentecost. (Acts 10:44,45)

Peter writes to letters to Jewish Christians suffering for their faith. He encourages them in the Christian life as they face hardships and reassures them of the coming of the Lord.  (1 Peter and 2 Peter)

This list if not an exhaustive list of all the references to Peter in the New Testament. But just in reading some of these “highlights” you can see that Peter “go it right” at times and at other times, “missed it by a mile.” But what we see is that in being as bold as he was Peter experienced things the other disciples did not. The times of failure and yet remaining as part of the “inner” three with James and John prepared him to make an impact on the world and the early church.

One last observation. John’s gospel records that when Jesus first called Peter, his name was Simon.  (John 1:42) Jesus said you will be known as “Cephas” (Peter) The name means stone. Jesus sees in us what others do not. Jesus changes in us what others do see. Peter experienced the miraculous. He was a fisherman that became a fisher of men. He was tempestuous personality that became “rock solid” for Jesus.

 

Finish The Race

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Today has gone fast. Some yard work, a repairman visit on our wash machine (again!), and a visit from reporters from the  Fort Collins Coloradoan. They wanted to do a follow up story on my West Nile experience and the Board of Health decision to spray in high concentration areas for mosquitoes thereby overriding the city guidelines. I also have an HOA Board meeting tonight, but was able to get in a good workout at the pool.

This morning we found some chalk-art on our sidewalk. When I was outside two of our neighborhood girls walked by looking at me and looking at the sidewalk. I told them I like their work and wanted to take a picture. You can see the hearts behind the entrance to “chalkland” and then a maze to get to the exit. Pretty creative. This is Sarah (L) our next door neighbor and her friend Sierra.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”  Acts 20:24

This verse was the one used one year ago in my CaringBridge blog. Today is a significant day, when I  look back to this day last year. On August 13, 2013 Christian wrote the CaringBridge blog. It was entitled, “A Hard Mile.” I was not doing well and there was a lot of uncertainty about my condition. I slept most of the day and by Christian’s observation I was fairly discouraged.

When the Apostle Paul uttered the words above, he was facing a great deal of uncertainty. He was on a journey. A journey to Jerusalem. He admitted that he did not know what he was facing. But if needed, he was willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ. I can’t think of a better expression of being “all in” for Jesus than this one.

Paul was determined, not carefree. This was focused dedication to a cause, the cause of Christ. This was not just some caviler resignation to some unknown plan and direction in life. This was a devotion that made him willing to lay aside the natural tendency for self-preservation. His focus was on finishing the “course and the ministry I received from the Lord.” Paul’s confidence in the Lord was that he would be protected as long as that was his focus.

Paul was a faithful finisher.  The journey to Jerusalem led to hardship, suffering and Paul’s imprisonment. He testified before Kings and leaders, groups and individuals. God used him to save those he was with on a ship in a storm tossed sea. While in prison he wrote several letters. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. As Paul wrote to Timothy, he did so with  confidence in the obedience of his life to the call of Christ. He said, “I have finished the race. I have kept the faith….”

For me August 13, 2013 was a “hard mile.” But one hard mile does not determine the race. What determines the race is a commitment to finish the race. If you are experiencing a “hard mile”  in life, keep pushing, keep trusting. I’m glad that I did and have made it to a day of full activity, one year later.

Christian wrote in his post last year with all honesty given my condition. “Perhaps dad still has a lot of time before that day [finishing my race] perhaps not….none of us know what tomorrow will bring…”  (He then presents this challenge)

“Take a moment to quietly reflect. Ask yourself, ‘Have I been faithful?’ ‘Is each moment of my life point towards Jesus and giving Him glory?’ ‘Do I live my days in my own strength and wisdom, or in His?’ ‘Do I love others like Jesus does?'”

When I read this it challenges me and I trust it does you as well.

 

 

 

 

Upheld and Raised Up

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This morning I met with a group of men for prayer. These men meet every Tuesday morning and pray for some of our local government officials. After the meeting I attended the Larimer County Commissioner’s meeting. I gave some “testimony”  during the public comment time regarding spraying for West Nile Virus. I supported the County Board of Health’s decision to be more proactive in spraying and try to prevent an outbreak. Last year the majority of cases of West Nile Virus were reported in August, September and October.

After some work in the office on HOA business, lunch, a nap, a trip to the pool, an early evening meeting, home to have dinner and mow the lawn…I’m tired again. But compared to a year ago, I couldn’t be more content! As a reminder here is the list of prayer requests from August 12, 2013….

*pneumonia in left lower lobe of lung to resolve
*healing of wound by his tracheostomy and coccyx
*strengthening of his immune system so that he’ll be able to have surgery as soon as possible
*strengthening of his body so he can endure sitting up in bed
*improved sleep at night
*more endurance to be able to be off the ventilator to be able to talk for longer periods (currently it is 10 minutes every 24 hours)
*healing of pain he is experiencing with the pneumonia & being totally dependent & immobile

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down…The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”  Psalm 145:10,11

Of the 150 Palms the  home stretch to the end of the book contains some great anthems of praise to the Lord. Psalm 145 is one of those. These verses are expressions of praise to the Lord and declarations of the Lord and His greatness. These statements are based on the psalmist’s experience. This is not theology, this is testimony.

The psalmist declares the Lord, “upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down” because he knew what is was to fall and to be bowed down and to find the Lord right there when needed. The same is true about the Lord’s presence that is available when those of sincere hearts call on him.

The wording the Psalmist uses is to instill faith, confidence and trust in such a God. He is not just saying, “the did this for me.” He is saying “this is what the Lord will do for all who are falling, bowed down and who call on Him in truth.”  

Let the words of verses of this Psalm encourage you. Let the work of God in the lives of others encourage you. As an old hymn says, “what He’s done for others He’ll do for you.” The Lord upholds, He raises up, He is near.

 

God-Centered Living

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I awoke today with more energy and feeling more refreshed than in previous days. I ordered a new cordless electric grass trimmer. It arrived last week and so I had the opportunity to try it out.

After some office work and lunch, I went to get a haircut. The stylist asked my how it looked after she finished. I said, “it looks more gray than I remember.”

It looks like West Nile Virus Mosquitoes are increasing in number in our immediate area. Last week we did have a door hanger from the City of Fort Collins about precautions to take. I have been in contact with the Larimer County Health Department to keep current on the status in our area and what our HOA should do as far as spraying.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.  Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”   Psalm 143:8

When I read this verse I think of the the idea of “God-centered living.” The reason for that, is the little word “for.” The word the Psalmist uses is not “then.” God’s steadfast love and direction is tied to “trust” and “Lifting up [our] soul to the Lord. That is worship, seeking the presence of the Lord.

It is like the Psalmist is saying, “here is my commitment to the Lord, here is what I need each day.”   Lord each morning, I need the reassurance of your steadfast love. In my life I need to know the “they way I should go.” I believe the reason for that, at least in my life, is that with all the challenges and obstacles of life If I know I am walking in God’s love and direction, I can deal with what may come my way.

The petition, “make me know the way I should go…” reminds me of a devotional I was reading this morning. The author pointed out that many people miss God’s direction because they are sitting still and stagnant waiting for some “word or revelation” from God. He pointed out that Paul was continually pursuing God’s purposes. He would at times direct him where to go, by keeping him from going where he was planning on going.” (see: Acts 16:6-10) The old adage is “it’s hard to steer a parked car.”

The simple message is, trust in the Lord and continually seeking His presence, results in the assurance of God’s love and God’s direction for our life. The message is simple. The application can present the challenge. That is what the God-centered life is about.

 

A Doer Who Acts

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I did not work in my garden today! I told Pastor John Engle at church today that the issue is, it takes me a week to do what I was able to do in a day before my illness. Debbie and I discovered that this was the first weekend in about four weeks that we did not go to Denver either on an errand, attending a conference or a visit to Lakewood.

Yesterday must have been a bigger day for me than I realized. I have been fairly fatigued. When this happens, usually through a combination of activity and lack of hydration, I told Debbie it feels like I was awake for 24 hours and am getting caught up on rest.

I read Debbie’s CaringBridge post for August 10, 2103 and realized that one year ago today is when they diagnosed me as being in a Myasthenia Gravis crisis. That prolonged my ICU stay and transfer to the Rehab Hospital, but it was a critical discovery to being able to treat my condition and save my life.

Last Sunday when we were at Southern Gables Church in Lakewood we saw our good friend Shirley Seitz and her daughter and son Nicolais (He goes by Nico). As a grandpa I couldn’t resist the little tike and tried to push him in my wheelchair. It went very slow and when I tried to get back into my chair, I ended up falling backwards to the ground. Small sacrifice for at least trying to bring pleasure to a little guy. Shirley sent me this picture I am posting from last week.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…..the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”  James 1:22,25 (ESV)

I like reading the Bible. I like listening to messages from the Bible that encourage, challenge and convict. In my youth I committed numerous passages of scripture to memory. But if I do an inventory on the amount of Biblical truth that I apply to my life  on a consistent basis, I am sure the scales don’t balance out.

In his admonition to be “doers of the word” James sounds a warning against self deception. That means we take comfort in what we know, what we have been exposed to and we believe and feel that equates to spiritual growth and maturity. Yet is the fruit of the Holy Spirit that is seen in our lives, it is the scripture put into practice what makes the difference.

When my son was young, I would begin to correct him on something and he would in his frustration quickly respond, “I know, I know!”  Then in my frustration I would say, “no you don’t know or you would behave differently!” (I was thinking that if the words didn’t always come out at the time.)

The issue at risk is not spiritual merit, it is the joy of the Christian life. It is the path of blessing, being a “doer who acts” opposed to a “hearer who forgets.”

The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew 5,6,7. It the longest teaching or compilation of the teachings of Jesus recorded in scripture. At the end Jesus wraps everything up by saying, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock….”  (Matthew 7:24) Jesus went on to contrast the one who is a hearer only. “…everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”  (Matthew 7:26)

Jesus said the difference in a person’s life is revealed when the storms of life beat against your house. It makes the difference between survival (life and blessing) or disaster.

I am thankful to “survive” the storm that was raging in my physical body one year ago. The challenges still remain both from an aspect of a physical recovery and the spiritual discipline of being a “doer who acts.” But I am committed to both.