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

 My physical therapist came today and wrote up the paperwork for my discharge from at-home therapy! He feels that I have made the progress and accomplished the goals that we set out a little over three months ago and that I’m ready for the next level of therapy in my recovery.

That means out-patient therapy back to Northern Colorado Rehab. Hopefully this will over the next couple of weeks. I have a neurologist appointment on Monday and a echo-cardiogram on Thursday. After those appointments next week, I will contact my primary care doctor about the referral.

This next step also includes me looking into driving school and eventually getting set up to be a little more self-sufficient and independent in being able to drive myself to appointments. Wow! I recall coming home from the hospital and the desire to drive was not even on my mind at the time.

I did feel a little more fatigued today after my mile wheelchair jaunt yesterday. I will need to get my exercise routine down similar to my running programs and alternate between easier and more difficult workouts. As this point it is almost comical what that may mean to me as far as my level of strength and endurance.

BIBLE VERSES FOR TODAY…

“I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Luke 7:9

“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  Luke 7:50

“Daughter,your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”           Luke 8:48

“Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”  Luke 8:50

For those who are familiar with the ministry of Jesus, I’m tempted to put in some blanks after the scripture reference and have you put in the names of the individuals associated with the statement.

As I read these chapters during my morning Bible time, I found it interesting of the number of miracles that Jesus performed and the commendation of faith in these varying circumstances.

The first is a Roman Centurion who came to Jesus in behalf of his daughter. His faith was evidenced when he showed his understanding of Jesus authority. “Just speak the word and my daughter will be healed.” In the natural he understood his authority of over men, in recognizing Jesus for who He was, he recognized Jesus spiritual authority. Great faith from the least expected source, a Roman, not an Israelite.

The second verse is from an account of Jesus at a dinner when a “sinful woman” comes in and begins to wash and anoint his feet. While others are repulsed by the woman’s character, Jesus sees her plea and the sincerity of her heart. Her actions are an action of faith for forgiveness and a new life.

The third verse is the account of the woman with the “issue of blood.” Doctors had given up, she was out of  money. But she knew if she could just get to Jesus she would be healed. She pressed through the crowd and was able to just to reach out and touch the “him of his garment.” I remember my son telling me in his research how some scholars believe that she touched the tassels on Jesus prayer shawl. When the woman touched Jesus, Jesus knew someone had touched him with a touch of faith.

The final verse is related to the story of Jarius, the Ruler of Synagogue coming to Jesus in behalf of his 12 year old girl. Before Jesus is able to get through the crowd and get to the house, the news comes that the girl is dead. Even with this news, Jesus turns to Jarius and says, “Don’t be afraid, only believe…” Jesus arrived at the home and raised the girl from the dead. Faith can overcome fear as wait for a miracle.

Faith is a mystery. Everyone exercises faith, even those who don’t believe in God. Even those who make science their god, put their faith in the research and conclusions of others. If you can understand it, it’s not faith. If you have the power to change it, it’s not faith. If you can guarantee the outcome, it’s not faith.

Faith requires an object. These individuals put their faith in Jesus. They did not just believe something they believed in someone to come to their rescue.

Faith is demonstrated through actions. Each of these came to Jesus. Today we “come to Jesus” through prayer. Just talking to Him and laying our lives and our needs before Him.

Faith is taking Jesus at His word. Believing that He heals, forgives, removes fear and has compassion on us as the objects of His love.

What you need today from the Lord is actualized through faith. Place your trust in Him today.

 Today I received a visit from Bill Schroeder from Jefferson County. Bill is a former State Senator and has been involved in politics in Jefferson County and Colorado for a number of years. While serving in the State House, I was Bill’s State Representative. After serving in the State Senate Bill has worked as the Government and Community Affairs Director for Intermountain Rural Electric Association. He is now retired but still serves as the President of the South Jefferson County Republican Breakfast Club. This is where I first met Bill personally when I ran for the State House in 2006. (Picture above Bill and me)

I have valued Bill’s support and perspective over the years and always took note of his wisdom and experience. He hand delivered a nice card with a generous gift from my friends at the club. I miss the meetings that are held the first and third Thursday of each month at Foothills Golf Course in Lakewood.

I got out this afternoon and rode my racing wheelchair for about 45 minutes. I think I am learning more how to navigate uneven surfaces with slight slopes that require me to use one arm for most of the power. I need to get better if I am going to traverse three miles in less than three hours!

I also received an email from my friend Bob Long that contained the following “Wisdom from a Friend.” I thought some of these were pretty good and wanted to share them with you. Bob and I attended high school together and were college roommates as well. We lived in the house in Greeley that my mom just sold. Bob is retired high school teacher and principal. He and his high school sweetheart and now wife, of 36 years or so, Sandy live in Sydney, Nebraska.

WISDOM FROM A FRIEND                           

I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day! ‘makes my day.

I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned…. That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned… That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned…. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned…. That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned…. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned…. That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

 “With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you.  Trust the Lord always, because the Lord, the Lord alone, is an everlasting rock.”  Isa. 26:3,4

Remember: Steadfast trust = perfect peace

I was just finishing my afternoon coffee and opening my “love letters” from medical providers that have been hanging out there for several months. Fortunately all 20 of the medical bills were under $200 each.

Gina Brummett our Executive Director at Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains joined me today for a meeting with Mark Orphan, Missions Pastor at Timberline Church. We had the opportunity to update him on some exciting things happening at New Hope House in Utah that serves at-risk teen girls. This program is expanding through the acquisition of a new property that will enable us to serve more girls and almost double our capacity. I recall several years ago   a director at one of the juvenile detention centers in my House District told me that the greatest growth in the inmate population was among girls. This program intervenes and provides troubled girls and their families the needed help. You can find out more at www.tcrm.us

Of course your sponsorship of my efforts on May 17th in the Colfax Charity 5K will help out this program as well. www.coloradogives.org/ksummers

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him. These are the names of the children born to him there: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet.                  (2 Samuel 5:13-16)

Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,…. the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz…” (Luke 3:23,31)

The two accounts of Jesus genealogy in Matthew and Luke present some interesting debate and discourse. One begins with Abraham and ends with Mary, the other begins with Jesus and moves backward to Adam. I always believed as some commentators that one belongs to Mary and the other Joseph. However, it is interesting how the accounts match the audience of the gospel.

Matthew was writing to Jews and presenting Jesus as King. As a result, the connection to Abraham and the names of Judah’s Kings in the genealogy would be of importance for Jesus rightful claim to the throne of David.

Luke was writing to Gentiles and presenting Jesus as the “Son of Man.” Luke was an historian and given to detail as well, so it is not surprising the he would begin with a focus on Jesus and move backwards though time all the way to Adam to show that Jesus was the Savior for all mankind.

It is interesting that the son of David referenced in Luke’s genealogy is “Nathan.” We don’t know for sure who his mother was, we just know that he is listed among the children born to David in Jerusalem.

Yet this historic link to David is what makes Christ’s claim to David’s throne valid and verifies that claim through Joseph’s lineage. We are familiar with the name Nathan as the prophet during David’s reign but know nothing about his son. Yet this son played a critical link to the Messiah.

Of course the same can be said of the “faceless” names as we move through the list. As one reads the names some will look familiar and then you ask the question, “Is that the same person that I’m thinking about or just someone with the same name?

The point is this…We never know the part we are playing in God’s plan. I don’t believe any of those individuals through the generations as they prayed for the coming of Messiah, said to themselves and their children, “the Messiah is coming through our family!” They didn’t know.

So, just because we can’t see the role we are playing in God’s plan, doesn’t mean we are not a significant part of God’s plan. Actually every follower of Christ is. Some are known and celebrated, but all are chosen to be used by God.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”  (1 Peter 2:9)