Today was a good day. We returned from our Good Friday service and I was just hanging out relaxing and started toward bed and realized that I had not written my blog for today. So here I am racing to get it done before midnight.

We had a good day with Christian and Bridget and kids today. It was a summer-like day and we took advantage of it. We got the sprinkler system operational for the grass and Riley and Caedmon flagged the sprinkler heads for the aeration to take place in a couple of weeks. It provided them a first time to get wet running through the sprinklers.

Christian and Bridget and kids ended up on a mile and a half jaunt with me in my racing wheelchair. Eliana was on my lap and the boys were on their blade scooters and Christian and Bridget ran and pushed me.

The warm weather was inviting and we are eager to see days like today become more of the norm. In addition to a few other errands, Christian ended up building an extension on the step that goes to our patio so it would be easier for me to navigate with a walker. Once again, I found that going down is easier than coming up, so can’t do that by myself yet. Perhaps that will be the next marker of progress in m recovery. I did make my first trip to our basement. Going down on my backside wasn’t too much of a problem. Standing up at the bottom of the stairs and getting back up the stairs proved more a challenge.  But I make it and it was a good workout in the process.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads  and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders,said,  “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. Matthew 28:39-41 (NKV)

One of the most amazing aspects of Jesus trial, punishment and crucifixion was His ability to hold His tongue and not speak or react. Besides the immeasurable physical torture and abuse that He endured, He was taunted and mocked and ridiculed from soldiers, to the religious people to just those who were hanging out (passing by).

Our natural tendency when challenged is to fight back, is to defend ourselves. For me the hot button is when people criticize me for not being who I am or for not believing what I do. I want to “set the record straight” and let them know how wrong they are. But that is not how Jesus responded.

Jesus during His ministry consistently threw curves to people. That included His disciples, rulers, religious leaders. He spoke in parables, they couldn’t catch Him with their trick questions, he ate when He was suppose to fast, He went to the wrong homes, hung out with the wrong people, performed miracles on the Sabbath, ridiculed the tradition of the religious elders.

Jesus in His ministry never did what people expected of the Messiah and this is amplified in His death. “Come down from the cross…save yourself..” We can understand someone who saves themselves, who defends themselves, who proves themselves to us, because that is what we do ALL the time. Our natural response is to save our self, whether through fight or flight. That we understand. So, it is easy to say Jesus do it my way, I can understand that, I can’t understand what you are doing and why!

What we don’t understand is someone willing to die  a sacrificial death. We don’t expect someone to be that “others-centered.” We expect someone to eventually give in to the demands of people, but Jesus yielded to the will of God the Father.

What is more amazing is the power that Jesus had at His disposal; Legions of angels waiting for His Word, ready to come to His rescue, but that was the human way out. Jesus began His ministry in the wilderness with Satan tempting Him, “if you are the Son of God.” Now at the end of His ministry at His point of even greater human weakness He hears the same words, “if you are the Son of God…save yourself.”  But He knew if He saved Himself, He would not be able to save us.

 Paul wrote to the Romans,  “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly…. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:6,8 (NJV)

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross made the forgiveness of sin and relationship with God possible for all who believe throughout all time. He is not waiting for us to experience any degree of self improvement. We are to come to Him just as we are.

It is one thing to stop and consider that Christ died for us; it is another to realize that He died because of us. That is not just something to understand and to give cognitive consent to; that is something to embrace with our hearts and receive God’s gift freely extend through Christ’s death. Open your heart and seek to understand God’s ways and don’t get stuck demanding, “Jesus do my way.”

Christian and Bridget and grandkids came up this afternoon to spend some Easter week time with us. It is always exciting to have them come and be with us. I was able to show them my new racing wheelchair and Caedmon helped trail me in my power wheelchair as I used the walker outside to get some exercise. It is great to be able to walk 30-50 feet at a time.

My family doctor has submitted the referral for outpatient services to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital, so I should be setting up and appointment for my initial visit for some time in the next week or so.

With weather feeling more like consistent spring, it is time to get the sprinkler system fired up and a spring lawn mowing. With Christian and the boys up that is a perfect time for that work.

They also brought us the finished photos from our Christmas family pictures. Thanks again to Glenn and Mary Janssen for a great job. Check out their services at www.janssenphotography.com

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

“Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come,” Isa. 45:22-24 (NKV)

As we come to the end of Easter week, we become more aware of God’s plan of redemption for all mankind. Through Christ, God desires to bring all people of all nations into relationship with Him. This verse above from Isaiah contains…

1 – A Simple Invitation – “Look to Me and be saved, All you ends of the earth!”

As I read the Old Testament prophets I find it interesting that the prophets of God did not speak only to God’s people. They prophesied to all nations and people. God has always shown Himself as the God of all the earth. This is what we see revealed in the New Testament.

2 – A Straight Forward Declaration – “For I am God and there is no others.”

Through Isaiah God confronts Israel and Judah about the false idols they have clung to and placed their hope in. When people fill the God hole in their hearts with gods or philosophies of their own making there is disappointment and confusion. God is and has always been and will always be.

3 – A Steadfast Confidence – “…Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength”

The prophets declaration of God’s sure word that “every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath..” is reflected in Philippians 2:10,11 where Paul talks about Christ humbling Himself to come to earth as our servant of salvation.  As a result of Christ’s death on the cross and His ascension to heaven after His resurrection, Paul declares, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 When Christ returns in His glory every knee will bow and tongue will recognize Him for who He is; the risen, victorious Lord and Savior. This will include those who have trust in Him and His righteousness and strength as well as those who have resisted Him. But we have a choice to bow before Him at His coming, as a defeated foe would bow before a conquering King or submit to Him now as a faithful servant does His master, in confidence of the Master’s love and care.

Happy tax day! I actually will be getting a refund which based on the mail we received today will come in handy. I did get out on my racing wheelchair today, after having to air up the tires. In the process it dawned on me why some of my days can go so fast. It takes so long sometimes to get the easiest tasks accomplished. So my airing up the tires added an additional half hour to the work out time I had set aside. I completed my “mile” in about 27 minutes which was better than my original outing.

Thank you to those who have donated to my Colfax Charity 5K effort. So far I have received 55% of my $1,000 goal. Your support of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains is appreciated.

Last Friday night I had the opportunity to connect with Bob Balink from El Paso County. Bob was very gracious and supportive and it is interesting that we both spotted each other at the dinner and wanted to connect. As a county official Bob is not as known as many who hold higher elective office. However, he served eight years as the Clerk and Recorder and the past four as Treasurer for El Paso County. He has also served in leadership positions within the State Republican party. Bob was helpful to me as a Legislator in supporting some of my bills and as a valuable resource on legislation impacting counties. (Picture above Bob Balink and myself)

One of the positive notes from my doctor’s visit yesterday was the plan to start backing off some of the prednisone that I have been on. I hope this will help as far as my ability to fight off infections as well as some of the puffiness that comes with that steroid.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

“In the past God hid this mystery, but now he has revealed it to his people. God wanted his people throughout the world to know the glorious riches of this mystery—which is Christ living in you, giving you the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26,27(GW)

This is Easter week when we are made aware of the life of Christ his death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. The Bible is the revelation of God’s plan for people separated from Him by sin to be reunited with Him. We call the Bible a “redemptive revelation.”The story of the Bible moves from the creation of a man and woman (Adam and Eve) to God selecting one man, Abraham; then from Abraham’s son’s God selected Jacob and from Jacob (Israel) He established a nation, from which would come one man, a Savior, Jesus Christ who would reconcile the world back to God.

Pastor Dick Foth recently summarized the message of good news, this “mystery” as Paul called it, in these phrases: “He left His place, to come to my place; to take my place; that I may go to His place.”  (John 3:16; John 14:1-6)

 Both parts of the Bible are important in understanding God’s ways and God’s plans. It is often said that the Old Testament, is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament, is the Old Testament revealed.

It is helpful to understand the different types of “books” in the Bible. The Bible is like a “mini-library”bound together. You have God’s law, history, poetry, books of the prophets,books of personal stories (Jonah, Ruth, Esther) the gospels (that tell of the life and ministry of Jesus written to four different audiences) Acts (the growth of the church after Jesus resurrection); the letters of the Apostles to churches or individuals. Finally, the Book of Revelation that tells, “the rest of the story and provides the capstone of God’s desire and plan for all mankind,“to be with Him.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Consider the following about the Bible…

…these 66 books were written by 40 different authors.  These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others.  And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

…these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years.  Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

… the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; are a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

… these 66 books were written on three different continents: Africa , Asia , and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.

What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline – the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme– God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message – salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

As the all time best seller the Bible is available in a translation style that will connect with everyone. If you haven’t read the Bible why not pick one up, go online, download an app and read the final chapters of the gospel of John or one of the gospels.

www.coloradogives.org/ksummers

www.tcrm.us

Today brought spring like weather. The snow is melting and the sun is out. The leaves are starting to bud on the trees. It is a great Colorado day.

This morning Kellie, Nurse Practioner from Halcyon Palliative Care came by for an initial visit. She was accompanied by Bob who is the Clinical Social Worker on the team.

I also had an appointment with my neurologist. I surprised him by standing up and shaking his hand when he entered the room. He took a lot of time reviewing my last infection episode and evaluating my current level of strength and nerve response. He was impressed and encouraging about my progress. He was very positive about my septic shock episode not triggering a Myasthenia Gravis crisis. He even mentioned the he believe the Myasthenia Gravis may be dissipating as a result of the thymectomy, which was what had been anticipated. I told him that he just removed my excuse for fatigue. He did remind me that I have other reasons that can be an issue and we are still doing a blood draw to see what the Myasthenia Gravis panel reveals.

So I am making good progress, albeit ever so slow, but the good news is that the weather is warming up so I can be outside with some of my therapy and it makes easier to travel to outpatient therapy which will be the next step for me.

I appreciate the warm welcome and friendship shown to me and Debbie by Congressman Mike and Cynthia Coffman. They expressed their support and and prayers for me and were most glad to see us. I know they value the work of Teen Challenge as well. This couple is involved in two critical elections this year. Mike’s will be one of the nation’s most watched congressional campaigns,Cynthia is running for Colorado Attorney General and made an outstanding showing at the State Assembly. (Picture above me with the Coffman’s)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold…I have put My Spirit upon Him…
A bruised reed He will not break. And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.  He will not fail nor be discouraged,” (Isaiah42:1,3,4)

As I read these verses, I recall a message that I shared entitled “Hope for Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks.” It was one of my “Teen Challenge” messages, because so adults and teens that come into a Teen Challenge program are on their “last leg” and are viewed without value.

I would just point out that the “reed” and the “flax” are first of all objects of usefulness. One could be used to provide music, the other light. However, their function is in jeopardy. One seems to be relegated to the junk pile before it is even given a change. The bruised reed would be like the spoiled produce you find walking through a field. It would be something that you would pass by and say, “That one is spoiled -nothing good there.”

The smoking flax has at one time provided light to a room, but all signs point to the end of any contribution that it can make.

The natural response to a bruise reed is to pull it up, to go ahead and break it off. It reminds me of childhood trips to the farm a throwing damaged or rotten produce as far as you could just for fun. After all, not good for anything else. That would be until my Uncle would ask “what are you doing?” and upon closer inspection might find something of value in what we thought was ruined.

Jesus in His grace and mercy is a God who restores, finds values and brings back to life. So the imagery is that the Messiah will not cast off the bruised reed, but straighten it and see if there is some useful function for it. He will gentle breathe across smoking embers of the flax and see if there isn’t enough warmth to reignite the fire and see a flame shine bright once again.

What a vivid picture of that we can relate to. Whether you feel like you have never been given a chance or whether you feel like your “fire has gone out.” The Lord sees value where others see lost potential or expended talents.”

The issue is there are a lot of circumstances in life that can “bruise us” and that can dampen our “flame.”When others say you can’t…God says, “You can!” When others say he is damaged beyond usefulness…God says, “I will make something new!” When others say she is damaged beyond repair…God says, “I will mend and restore!”

When life’s failures dampen your sense of usefulness… God wants to give new life and vision for the future.  When you feel exhausted and ready to give up…God wants to reignite a flame for life and trust in Him.

I like to watch  “American Restoration.” It is a TV show that features the projects at Rick’s Restoration shop in Las Vegas. Old rusty metal,machines that don’t work, the damaged and the broken are made new at Rick’s shop. What pleasure the final product brings to Rick as much as the owner of the object.

How much more, our Heavenly Father’s pleasure and the pleasure in heaven and the joy in a life that experiences newness, vitality and renewal from the Creator Himself. Remember, there is hope for the bruised reeds and smoldering wicks.

Today was a full morning at Timberline Church promoting support for Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains through the Colfax Charity 5K. It was good to have John Kraner one of our current 180 Ministries staff members and Kyle one of our former graduates to come and assist for the morning.

These two men have great personal stories of God’s redemption and deliverance from addiction. I recall Kyle as a student and remember his sincere devotion to the Lord. I know the Lord had to work on him and share some of those ways (even like the cooking assignment) that the Lord used to help him deal with issues like anger and how to trust  God to help him with challenging situations. His next venture is a missions assignment with YWAM in France. (Picture above me, John and Kyle at Texas Roadhouse)

Part of the highlight of the weekend was meeting Rich and Becky Dixon. Rich experienced a tragic event when he fell off a ladder at his home and ended up paralyzed from the rib cage down. His memoir of his  how he came to experience hope for the future is in his book, “Relentless Grace.” I like the subtitle, “God’s invitation to give hope another chance.” Rich has had the opportunity to share his story in churches, prisons, conferences and Teen Challenge centers. Rich’s athletic past continues as a paraplegic cyclist. That has opened doors for him across the country at various competitive and fundraising events. I’m sure I will be sharing about Rich’s book as I have the opportunity to read it.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The eternal God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn’t grow tired or become weary. His understanding is beyond reach.  He gives strength to those who grow tired and increases the strength of those who are weak.
Even young people grow tired and become weary, and young men will stumble and fall. Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired.”             Isaiah 40:28-31(GW)

I read these familiar verses this morning. I have used verse 30 in the past but decided to use the greater context today. This chapter of Isaiah actually begins with a note of good news.

“Comfort my people! Comfort them!” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and announce to it that its time of hard labor is over and its wrongs have been paid for…”  (Isa. 40:1)

After prophetic pronouncements of judgment and then calls to return to the Lord, now it is time to receive words of comfort and reassurance. Just like the sun beginning to dawn on a new day,or the storm clouds finally dissipating, so comes the long waited “enough” of God’s message of judgment. God reassures His people after the taunts of captivity and the oppression of an ungodly King that they would once again be shown favor and they would rise as a people strong once again. But they needed to understand some important concepts…

1 – Renewed Strength Requires a Supernatural Source
In the past Israel had trust in foreign gods and relied on the strength of their King and his army. But these are undependable and limited in strength. In contrast, the Eternal God has endless strength and inexhaustible understanding. That is what you need to bounce back, to have hope.

 2 – Renewed Strength Requires Receiving What We Need, When We Need It

The Eternal God gives strength and increases strength. God gives strength to those who are tired and can’t take another step and actually don’t want to! I recall Isaiah himself after victory over the prophets of Baal, and being tired and exhausted; he is threatened by Jezebel and tells God he is ready to die.God tells him to get up and eat and then lie down and sleep. The prescription was to repeat until feeling stronger.

God increases the strength of the weak when they are “running the race” but aren’t sure if they will make it to the finish line. To me this is like a “second wind.” It is the boast of energy needed, the word of encouragement that you can take one more step, make it to the next corner, live another day.

3– Renewed Strength Requires Waiting in Hope

The Lord promises those who place their hope in Him an artisan well of strength to see them through their challenges. The Brown Palace Hotel is the oldest in Denver and is served by an artisan well. When the water level gets to a certain level it is automatically replenished by a water supply of fresh water that has been flowing for over 100 years.

We can count on the strength the Lord gives, more than people count on the artisan well at the Brown Palace. It has been so consistent over the years people “take it for granted” that it will be there. In the same was our confidence in the Lord can and should supersede anything that we can relate to in the natural.

In my physical condition, I relate to walking (trying anyway) and getting tired or especially being weak. These verses are an encouragement to me in my physical recovery. But I realize that I must wage a battle with my mind and emotions and in my spirit. These verses as well promise the strength of the Eternal God, The Creator God, who has strength I can’t fathom and understands what I can’t, so I choose to trust in Him! I hope you will as well.

Last night was a great opportunity to connect with some friends at the Centennial Dinner. This is the dinner the night before the Republican State Assembly. State Chairman Ryan Call covered the cost of our meals and gave us VIP seating and recognized our presence during the banquet. We were humbled and honored by the gracious comments and the reception of those we have known for several years.

When we entered the hotel lobby for the event it wasn’t long before we connected with two of the individuals I was hoping to see: Congressman Corey Gardner (running for the US Senate) and Former Congressman Bob Beauprez (running for Governor) [see picture above] These are two men that I am confident that have a heart to serve the citizen so of Colorado and lead with integrity.

Today was a busy day. It started off good with pastries from Lamar’s Donuts and then a haircut appointment, lunch at Sonic (first stop since being hospitalized last July) and then a trip to Jiffy Lube to get an oil change for the van.

My plan was to go to the church parking lot and drive the van around, but our time didn’t permit. By the time we go home in the early afternoon it was time to get ready for our Saturday evening church service. I am hosting a table in the “mall” at Timberline Church for Teen Challenge this weekend so we needed to be there earlier than normal. As a result, I didn’t get in the planned outside exercise, so will need to make up for it with my regular routines.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

David was in great distress because the people in their bitterness said he should be stoned. (They were thinking of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.) 1 Samuel 30:6 (GW)

This account of scripture takes place when David is running from Saul and actually hiding out in a Philistine city called Ziklag. David and his band of men were ready to go to war along with the Philistines, but the Philistine generals didn’t trust David so the King made him go home.

After facing this rejection, David returns to Ziklag and finds that raiders have attached the city, burned it and taken their wives and children captive. In the midst of it all David’s men in their grief talked about stoning David, blaming him for what had happened as their leader.

What you do when you just have one of those days when nothing is going your way?! To understand the value of David’s response it is important to consider what his response could have been. He could have ran. He could have fought. Certainly he would not have been by himself; somebody or enough men should have been loyal that he could have at least taken out the most vocal critics. He could have just defended himself and pleaded his case and tried to “talk these men down.”

But scripture says, “David found strength (or strengthened himself) in the Lord His God.”

David realized that his actions were critical for his own well being and the well being of his men.

Instead of puffing up his chest, David got down on his knees. He did not exert the honor due him, but he humbled himself before God.

The next step he took was to seek direction from God.

Then David asked the Lord, “Should I pursue these troops? Will I catch up with them?” “Pursue them,” the Lord told him. “You will certainly catch up with them and rescue the captives.” 1 Samuel 30:8

Pastor Bill Johnson in the devotional book, “Spiritual Java” observes, “Some people face storms [trials] because they took a left when God took a right…Others face storms because they are in the middle of God’s will…but He wants to train [them] to use tools He’s given you to calm it. (pg. 30)

It is certain that the storms and trials of life are a motivator to seek the Lord. And I am glad the Lord hears and answers our prayers of desperation. However, it is cultivating a consistent life of prayer and worship that allows us to stay steady and to respond to the issues of life in way that honors God and reflects trust in Him.

Bill Johnson continues later and says, “The time to pray is beforehand, as Jesus did, crying out to God in private when nothing is going wrong. That’s how to store up power and create an inner atmosphere of peace and faith that you take with you into the troubling situation.”  (Java, pg. 31)

This relates to another area of discipline in our Christian life. We need the consistency of prayer and worship to cultivate our relationship with God day by day.  This is a response motivated by love, not the impending or present crisis.  The bottom line is that the commitment of today becomes the calming effect and the default for the crisis that comes tomorrow.

Johnson, B. et al (2010) Spiritual Java. Destiny Image Publishers. Shippensburg, PA