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.

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.

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.

Today was an interesting day. After some work in the garden (again!) I attended a congressional town hall meeting. It reinforced my lack of interest in ever running for congress. I then went to Loveland for an art/sculpture show. A former constituent by the name of Galen Sharp was showing some of his work. He is a gifted artist and his work is available to view at www.galensharp.com

I told him he was somewhat of an enigma. A political conservative artist! He made an insightful observation. He said, “most artists are more concerned about their art, than their country. I am more concerned about my country than my art!”  It was good to meet his wife Barbara and his daughter and son-in-law.

As I was trying to figure out how I would navigate in my wheelchair to Galen’s tent, a shuttle cart showed up and was being driven by Debbie Proctor. Debbie is a former high school classmate and was so helpful during my illness last year.  I got a ride but missed the opportunity to solicit her help with our roses this year!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”                                          James 4: 6-8

Reading through James chapter 4 the five words that begin verse six almost come as a sigh of relief. James has stern warnings that “friendship with the world is enmity (sin) against God. That can be a struggle and must be addressed in the life of the follower of Christ.

How can we be victorious in this fight?

1 – God gives grace to meet us at our point of need.

“God gives more grace.”  His grace is sufficient and His grace will come in proportion to our need. It is never in short supply

2 – Submit our lives completely to the Lord.

God’s grace (His favor/blessing) is with those who humble themselves before God. It is not a matter of how strong we are, but how much we submit our lives to the Lord. James offers the simple advice to “submit yourself therefore to God.” The place of grace is found in seeking the Lord as a refuge.

3 – Resist the Devil

When our lives are first submitted to the Lord it provides the covering and strength for victory in spiritual battle. We submit, we resist and the devil flees. Remember this is a spiritual battle, but we have assurance of victory.

4 – Draw near to God

I mentioned my friend Raimund Ruf coming by for a visit. It took Raimund some time and some people praying for him in order for him to come to a place of submitting his life to Christ. I recall him making the comment to me that he found that if he felt like the Lord was distant from him, it was because he moved and not the Lord. We need to take that step where we “draw near to the Lord.” When we do we will find His presence in an abundant measure in our life. There is an assurance in this statement. “If we will – He will.” It’s not…He might, it is a promise.

5 – Make up your mind

James throws down the gauntlet and says, “now is the time for action.” Cleanse your hands, purify your hearts, stop being double-minded. In the opening chapter of his letter James stated that a “double-minded person is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) James is urging action. Be all in for Jesus. In this challenge, James is describing repentance. Changing the way we act and think.  I am reminded of a high school basketball coach who would bark out prophetic utterances. When I would hesitate on a drive to the basket he would yell (to my embarrassment) “Summers! You have to make up your mind!” Often in our spiritual life we can see the goal Christ has for us but we hesitate to move quickly to that place of humility. It is like the Holy Spirit is yelling from the sidelines, “You have to make up your mind!” Move away from the world and drive with all your strength to the place of refuge, strength and grace.

The other utterance that I recall from my basketball coach is, “he who hesitates is lost!”  I will apply that to a future lesson, but then again perhaps it applies today.

I recall my junior high shop teacher asking me how many nails I was going to put in the roof of my doghouse project. I am beginning to feel that way about my work in my garden space. I’m not sure how much effort is prudent to get things in shape for this time of the year in a small garden spot. But it gives me a sense of accomplishment and is a good way to begin my day.

I spent a painful two hours on line and on the phone making reservations for our September trip to Orlando, Florida. In the end we were finally able to get credit for air miles and we will at least get there and leave on the days we need to. I’ve never had this problem before and found out that after my hiatus in the hospital that Frontier now charges for a seat, carry on luggage, drinks and talking to someone to assist with your reservations. I think I will go ahead and fly Southwest in the future.

My friend Raimund Ruf was in Fort Collins supervising a roofing job and came by to check out the roof on our house. It looks like the storm damage from last June stayed far enough north to miss us. It was still good to see Raimund and visit for a while and to take my first selfee. In our guestbook he wrote, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a blessing.” That’s a good reminder.

  BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”  Galatians 5:13-15

When I read these verses I am reminded of a past sermons series at Timberline Church entitled, “Others.” In our own nature we are self-centered. It can be observed in some of the earliest stages of toddlerhood and it continues to be at the core of our being throughout life. We tend to think of ourselves first. How will this benefit me? Is this something to my liking? Why don’t you do it my way? Our adult self control will often keep these expressions as thoughts beneath the surface, but they are still there.

The gospel is the “others-centered” plan of God. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for others.” On the cross Jesus in His pain and unjust suffering prayed, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Paul the Apostle asserts that we have freedom in Christ from the dictates of the law, but this should not allow us to focus on ourselves but on others. We read, “through love serve one another” “love your neighbor as yourself” “watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

I remember when I was in the State Legislature, my first Minority Leader told us in-coming freshmen Representatives to remember that serving in the legislature is a “team sport.”  He said you will need to support and rely on each other. That is certainly true of the followers of Christ.

We are instructed to “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) To “pray for one another” (James 5:13) To “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1  Thessalonians 5:11) To “encourage one another as long as it is called today…” (Hebrews 3:13)

I think you get the idea. Perhaps the greatest admonition is Jesus words, “by this shall all me know that you are my disciples if you have love, one for another.”  (John `3:35) Anyone left to their own devices will reveal self-centeredness. It takes God’s Spirit to help us to live the “others-centered” life.

I got out early this morning to work in the garden. It is coming along. It should at least be ready for next year. I am glad to have won the “war of the weeds.”

I also had my massage appointment today. Twyla my massage therapist likes word pictures to describe how our body works. For example she refers to muscles as bungee cords with hooks; or neuropathy as a UPS truck sitting on your garden hose, blocking the flow of water. A few weeks ago as she found a place that hurt more than others, we came up with the mental picture of masks associated with the theater. The one with the frown is the patient, the one with the smile is the therapist!

I am thankful for all the treatments that I am receiving to help nerves regenerated and muscles to receive the messages that they need to become stronger. Please pray for strength in my right knee and leg. The development of these muscles is key to my improvement in walking. Also the strength of my scapulas seem to be the key to the range of motion in my arms.

My exercises and work in our neighborhood pool helps me to do what I can, but I’m always thankful for the Lord’s intervention. I believe the prayers of God’s faithful people will continue to be answered.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

“…the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27

We are familiar with the concept that Christ died for us. But being “crucified with Christ” is a different perspective. It has to do with understanding that when we make a commitment of our life to Christ, when we ask for our sins to be forgiven and commit to follow after Christ, a change takes place. In writing to the Corinthians Paul said, “…the old is gone and the new is come…”               (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We live this life Paul says, “through faith in the Son of God.” This verse actually describes the meaning of baptism. Water baptism is a picture of death and resurrection. Death to sin and an “old self” and resurrection to a new life in Christ. The mystery of the gospel and the Christian life is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” – “Christ living through you”.  That is good news because that means following Christ is not about our effort, but a simple reliance on the strength and grace that Christ gives, from the inside out.

Live that new life today. I think of the little children’s song that says, “come into my heart Lord Jesus, come in today, come in to stay.” As adults we try to figure it out. Children just accept it. That’s another lesson for us to learn.