I found myself fairly fatigued today. Yesterday was a good work out day between some of the exercises I did, my walking and my wheelchair work. However, I am feeling stronger and more normal in my activities. I can definitely do things easier than just a month ago.

I got caught up on some personal bookkeeping today and am getting ready to sort out the medical bills that we have received and verify the amounts that we owe. Debbie’s sister Sue has commented that she is so glad that I am now able to take care of those issues. Sue and Sam were such a great help in taking care of some of financial issues during my hospitalization. I am just glad that I am able to make some sense out of it all. My sister helped me download a medical expense tracking software that has really helped me keep a handle on everything.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”   1Timothy 1:12-14

These verses above are a summary of the testimony of the man Saul of Tarsus, a Jew zealous for the law of Moses and tormentor of followers of Jesus. He believed he was right in his persecution toward those who followed “the way.” But when Jesus appeared to him (Acts 9) he found out that it was actually Jesus he was persecuting.

Jesus knew that Saul’s zeal was misguided and could be used to help spread the good news about Jesus to the world to both Jews and Gentiles. Saul the persecutor became Paul the Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was always humbled by his pre-conversion life and endured much persecution himself for the cause of Christ. Paul’s impact was unparalleled; but it came at a high price as he found himself in a constant battle to see the cause of Christ advance.

The testimony of life change for Paul becomes the center piece of the Book of Acts. His life is one of a dramatic conversion. In the description of his life in Christ he references “mercy” “grace” “faith” and “love.” These virtues are the hallmark of salvation and the Christian life.

The impact of our life may not be as great as the Apostle’s, but we can all with Paul, have a heart of gratitude for being shown mercy and understand that God’s grace and love has been poured out richly into our lives that we may place our faith in Christ alone. It is no wonder that Paul could write to the Romans and say, “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8) Those were more than encouraging words, that was a reality Paul experienced. And we can experience it too.

Benediction for today…. Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth…AMEN

We had lunch today with Debbie’s sister Sue and her husband Sam at their home in Wellington. This was our first visit to their home in close to a year. Since my illness came shortly after our move to Fort Collins, the impact of all that hit not only our life and theirs as well as they came alongside of us did what they could, when they could to help carry the load on several fronts.

I did get out for a ride in my racing wheelchair. It took me about 44 minutes to travel 1.25 miles. However, I will learn from this route not to do it again at least for a while. There was a long uphill stretch on the second half that was pretty taxing and really slowed me down.

In addition to that I got some good “walker time” in. I used my walker to get from the car to the front door at Sue and Sam’s house and used it to get to the car and back to the garage at our house. This is along with the shorter distances inside the house. I did make one trip up our garage handicap ramp and back down just using the handrails. That was fairly taxing but I made it. So overall that could have been around 100 feet of walking for today. I’m glad I took that morning nap.

 Bible Verse for Today… “In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and lofty throne. The bottom of his robe filled the temple.  Angels were standing above him…They called to each other and said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies!  The whole earth is filled with his glory.”  Isaiah 6:1,3

Yesterday, we saw how that King Uzziah was successful as long as he served the Lord with his whole heart. But when he became successful, his pride led to his downfall. Uzziah’s pride was revealed when he went in to the Temple and offered incense which was only lawful for the priest to do. When confronted by the Priest, he showed no submission to God’s ways and was struck with leprosy and lived isolated from the community and his throne  until he died.

In Uzziah’s life we can observe the following:

1 – The role of a godly influence – “He dedicated his life to serving God in the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God”. 2 Chronicles 26:5

As a young King, the spiritual authority and accountability of a faithful priest helped Uzziah stay focused in his life. Scripture is silent but it appears that when Uzziah became power Zechariah was no longer on the scene. The important lesson is to become spiritually stable and consistent when our mentors, role models and those keeping us focused and accountable are not longer part of our life. This is the true test of devotion to God.

2 – Forgetting where success comes from – “As long as he dedicated his life to serving the Lord, the Lord gave him success.” (2 Chron. 26:6) There is the proverbial warning about “believing your own press releases.” I remember reading some press releases from my time in politics and they made me sound pretty good. It is always tempting to be impressed with yourself, and forget where your strength comes from. For some reason, Uzziah lost the connection between devotion to the Lord and success in life.

I recall that the Lord cautioned the Israelites that when they entered the promised land and achieved victory over armies larger, stronger and better than theirs to not forget the Lord and think that it was through their might the battles were won. They did forget and so did Uzziah.

3 – Serving the Lord, or using the Lord – The sin of Uzziah’s father was that he offered incense to the god of the people he defeat in battle. This was an act of idolatrous nations who viewed gods as powerful forces to be manipulated and used to get what I want. Uzziah in offering incense in the Lord’s temple felt, as King, he had the right; but in doing so was demonstrating that he was the one who wanted to the Lord to do what he wanted and it was not longer, he who was acting as God’s servant, doing God’s work. God had set those boundaries and separation of duties intentionally to remind His people that He was the Lord, and it was He that they served, not the other way around.

4 – A sad epithet – God’s judgment came upon Uzziah in the worst way possible outside of immediate death. Leprosy meant isolation and a slow painful death. The power he had was handed over to his son. When he died, he was not remembered for his obedience to God, or his success in battle or his military might, all that was said of him was, “he had leprosy.”

5 – A new call out of a tragic end – The death of Uzziah was a tragic end to a long rule and what could have been a successful, God-honoring reign. The Prophet Isaiah refers to his death in Isaiah 6:1 (our verse above). When human leaders disappoint, when a tragic death occurs, or a sad ending brings discouragement a fresh vision of the Lord is needed. A vision of who God is and what He desire for our life and those around us.

In this vision Isaiah is made aware of the sinfulness of those around him and his own sin. No pride is reflected in the prophet during this encounter. However, out of this vision we see Isaiah receiving the reason for the revelation from God. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom will I send? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me!”  (Isaiah 6:8)

True success is found in doing God’s will, being totally devoted to Him and keeping Him in the forefront of our lives.

We had a busy afternoon. First of all I had a follow up appointment with my infectious disease doctor. Everything seems to be going good and I will not need to see this team unless I have another infection. It looks like my white blood count is perpetually in the high range. The doctor didn’t seem overly concerned considering some of my medications and health history. He feels that this count while out of the normal range, may become more “normal” for me. I am recovering from this cough that I have found the last ten days, so that is at least a good sign that I can overcome some normal bugs that seem to be going around.

Debbie and I ran a number of normal errands together going to the bank, Sears (to look at riding lawn mowers!), the cleaners, Hobby Lobby. We went in my car and took the regular wheelchair. It is nice to be able to get around with that to some degree with Debbie’s help, but I’m not sure it is any easier on Debbie having to lug the chair in and out of the trunk of the car. Of course the wind today didn’t help any.

It looks like the process is moving forward for me to have my evaluation appointment on Friday at Northern Colorado Rehab to begin my outpatient therapy. I received a call today from their office confirming their communication with my doctor on the referral. However, I did receive an email that I am losing my primary care doctor. I just hope that doesn’t hinder the final paper worked needed for this process. That is something that you can pray about.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

“Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:20,21

“…no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:11,12

If you find someone who believes they understand God and have all the ways of God figured out, run! Think of the knowledge that has increased over time, the minds that have made incredible discoveries in the fields of science, medicine and technology and to put them all together; God considers them foolishness in comparison to who He is.

If we understood the ways or God, we would be God and we are not, so we don’t! When I look at what God does,  even what God allows, I sometimes say, “if I were God, I wouldn’t do it that way!” Which is why it is good that I am not God.

One of the consistent things that we see in scripture from the beginning of time to today, is that God chooses and uses whom He desires to further His work. Even when Christ came to this earth as God in the flesh to reveal God the Father to us, He was born in a stable to a blue collar dad and a teen mother. When He chose those who would change the world, He ended up with a mix matched dozen of fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, brothers and betrayers.

In the life of any organization the question is asked, “What will happened when the leader is gone?” Good question. However, it seems God has always had a succession plan. One that isn’t revealed, but develops and emerges as He calls and works in lives.

Paul shares why God calls the “unlikely” to fulfill His plans: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

When God works in a person’s life that person and those around can see that what takes place is not based on individual personality, gifts or charisma, but it is God working through an individual, then God is glorified.

When Peter and John stood and boldly proclaimed the gospel in front of the religious leaders of their day scripture records, “…they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled.”  (Acts 4:13)  Jesus had promised His disciples that He would be with them to give them power and the words to speak. As this took place not only what was said and how it was said had an impact but the messengers grabbed attention of the hearers and further testified to God’s power and reality.

Bottom line, anyone can be used by God in special ways, in supernatural ways, in natural ways to make His love and good news known to others. Trust Him to help you today, trust Him to use you today to be His light and life to others.

I am ready for the windy weather to cease, so I can get out and use my racing chair to get ready for the Colfax Charity 5K. Thanks to those who have donated for my effort and the cause of Teen Challenge. Your fight against substance abuse and support of those who are experiencing freedom from addiction is greatly appreciated.

This afternoon I had a different medical related appointment. I received a medical massage from Twyla (Hill) Osler. Debbie and Twyla have known each other for many years growing up in the same church in Fort Collins. Twyla experienced her own health challenges when twenty-four years ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given six months to live. Through God’s intervention and some successful surgeries she is doing well and helping others in their rehabilitation process.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ….But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12,20

See how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!…That is where the Lord promised the blessing of eternal life. Psalms 133:1,3 (GW)

Paul writes to the Church at Corinth and uses this extended metaphor to challenge a Church which had its problems with unity. Christ in His work through the Church uses different people, with different gifts, but all for the same purpose.

It was interesting as I visited Twyla today and her comments about muscles and the need to ensure that the muscles that are supposed to be working together are working together and muscles that are to be working with different functions are working properly. (my poor wording about her excellent explanation) But basically, it was interesting that even within the structure of our muscles in order for legs and arms to move there is a need for muscles to function properly and to work together. Dormant and “lazy” muscles prolong disability.

Just that in itself can serve as a good illustration of the need of unity in the work of the Church and for that matter any organization. If nothing else during my time of illness and rehabilitation I have found out more about the function and interconnectedness of the body and what it takes for it to function properly than I would ever expect.

Debbie was explaining to me my immune system issues. She said basically, “Your antibodies instead of fighting infection are fighting each and putting your life at risk.” That is almost one of those “Selah” moments. That’s from the Psalms and it means, pause and ponder. Of course when I heard that I blurted out, “sounds like the Republican party!” It also sounds like many Churches. However, it can apply to a sports team or any organization. If you fail to understand your purpose and begin to fight each other over roles, value and petty issues the effort will be undermined and failed.

I recall hearing about President John Kennedy visiting Cape Canaveral during the early days of NASA. He met a janitor and asked him about his job. The janitor replied, “I am working to put a man on the moon.” When each person understands the goal, the mission and understands that what they do contributes to that purpose amazing things will happen. And when there is a failure of those in the organization to understand their role and begin fighting each other, “amazing things happen as well!” Obviously not good things. As someone once said about the Church, “when it works there is nothing like….when it doesn’t work there is nothing like it!”

 The unity the comes from understanding roles, calling and purpose is something that comes from God, the work of His Holy Spirit. As a result, we can excuse secular organizations and political parties when they fail. However, the Church has a different level of accountability. Should I say, “They should know better?” I guess I just did.

To sponsor Ken with a tax deductible donation to Teen Challenge go to: www.coloradogives.org/ksummers

I made my appointment today for my evaluation at Northern Colorado Rehab for outpatient therapy. I actually have some appointments each day of this next week. So, it will be interesting to see how I fare. I have actually been more fatigued today than I expected. I have been fighting this cough the past week and the loss of rest may be catching up with me.

However, it does feel good in the midst of it all to be feeling stronger and ready for the next step in my rehab process.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive…but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”  John 14:16,17

 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:27

The abiding presence of God in our lives is an assurance that we see in the ministry of Jesus. As Jesus spoke to His disciples He assured them that what He had been to them, the Holy Spirit would be in their lives after He ascended to heaven. As Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection once again He assured His disciples that as they went forward into the world that He would, “be with them always, to the very end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20)

The events we face in life can work to cloud the awareness of God’s presence and work in our life. My friend State Representative Spencer Swalm sent me an article entitled, “How Dante Saved My Life.” The article written by author, editor and blogger Rod Dreher is subtitled, “A midlife crisis is cured by The Divine Comedy.”

Through the article he reviews the lessons he learned from Dante’s trilogies. At one point he discusses Dante’s response to the death of a lover. Dreher observes, “When she died, Dante…allowed his eyes to be turned from faith – the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…to a misdirected love for the transitory and worldly.”

In this challenging moment of grief Dante allowed his focus to be turned from heaven to earth; from the eternal to the temporal. The words of an old hymn remind us that the Lord is with us in all that we face, good or bad. He is the Lord who is with us and will not forsake us.

Moment by moment I’m kept in His love,
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/486#ixzz30EdwDGCy

At all times and in every moment we need to focus our attention on the Lord and respond appropriately to that moment in our life.  Pastor Rick Warren, author of  “The Purpose Driven Life”  puts it this way:

 In Happy Moments

             Praise God

In Difficult Moments

            Seek God

In Quiet Moments

            Worship God

In Painful Moments

            Trust God

In Every Moment

            Thank God