Yesterday as I was finishing my blog at DIA, they started the boarding call for our flight. This caught us off guard since it was about 20 minutes earlier than we anticipated. So I did a quick submit, shut down my computer and we started toward the gate. It was an interesting experience. We were actually in the third row, but we were the last on and the last off. Another lesson in patience for me.

Our flight went well and Nathan met us at the airport and we ended up a little wound up from the flight and it ended up being a short night. So, I compensated with a morning nap. We have enjoyed our first day with some time at the pool. Grandson Mason (7) is enjoying out swimming me and is laughing at the way I throw. Outside of that we are having a good time. I actually felt stronger walking in the water compared to the last time I went swimming.

When I was in Denver last Friday, I stopped by to say good bye to the grankids, so we snapped a picture that included, “Buddy” their dog.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
and deprive the innocent of his right!  Isaiah 5:20-23

This morning as I was reading Isaiah 5 these verses stood out to me. This chapter contains the pronouncement of the Lord on the sins of Israel and Judah. These verses are not the typical ones of encouragement of faith, trust and God’s love; but they speak about our day as much as the day of Isaiah the prophet.

If I were to summarize the description of what had overtaken the people that were to follow after the Lord it would be: deception, arrogance and foolish living.

First of all the word, “woe” caught my attention. This is probably because I relate that word to the judgments found during the tribulation period in the book of Revelation. It is a word that is related to God’s wrath  and calls for sorrow and is a prelude to impending doom.

The condition of the Children of Israel did not happen over night. What we see described is a gradual downhill slide, where compromise and idolatry were mix with worship of the Lord. It is important to understand that idolatry did not replace the sacrifices made to the Lord, they were alongside and in competition with the allegiance of the hearts of the people to the Lord. Soon idolatry crowded out the Lord’s voice and influence until the Lord removed His people from the promised land.

This decline lead to deception where the thoughts and hearts of the people were twisted to the point that good was viewed as evil and evil as good. That is a dangerous place to be. That is the epitome of spiritual darkness. I recall hearing someone once describe the “unpardonable sin” as this state of mind and heart. He said it becomes “unpardonable” because an individual will not repent because the good before them is viewed as evil, and the evil in their hearts is view as good. It is the “great reversal” that describes complete moral decay.

The prophet then describes a condition of arrogance. “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes.” This is a state of mind that says, “if I don’t know it or understand it, it doesn’t exist or is known.” This condition places human thinking and thoughts above Gods. They don’t accept God’s word that says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.”  (Isaiah 55:8) As a matter of fact their view would place human thinking above God’s. This sounds like many in our world today.

The last one I would describe as, foolish living. Living to drink, drinking to live, and in the process ethical values are thrown out the window. In our day we understand that alcohol distorts moral judgment. The people described in this condemnation may be viewed as the “life of the party” but they are trapped in an addiction and don’t realize it. The book of Proverbs is filled with contrasts between the “one who is wise” and “fools.”

The take away from this otherwise depressing condition is to accept a challenge to be on guard. To realize that compromises don’t result in a sudden fall, but a gradual decline that takes you where you don’t want to go. These warnings and descriptions in the Bible are there to warn and challenge us today, that we don’t fall prey to the same condition. 1 Corinthians 10:6 says, “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”

Remember, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) It takes courage to stand alone and to confront that which is evil. But as we trust in the Lord, find in Him our refuge; that is the best place to be.

It is noteworthy that the chapter after this one (Isaiah 6) contains Issiah’s vision of the Lord in the temple and God’s call to Isaiah “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) For those who are followers of Christ, it is important for  us to be light to those in darkness and life to those in spiritual death. This is not from a position of “better than” but as one who has been delivered from darkness to light. Before Isaiah received God’s call he was made aware first of his sinfulness and was a recipient of cleansing.

Let’s be those who offer to the Lord the true worship of our lives that He deserves and avoid living under God’s woe.

Why is getting ready for a vacation so stressful? I guess our expectations exceed the time we have to get things taken care that make us “feel ready to leave.” I think it felt like Debbie and I packed a day into a morning  before heading to the airport early afternoon. We are thankful for Sue and Sam giving us a ride and making sure we got into the terminal and checked in okay. This is the first trip we have taken since my illness.

We are looking forward to being with Nathan, Stephanie, Mason, Carter and McKenzie. They traveled today from Atlanta to Orlando and have already checked in to our condo unit. Debbie and I will arrive at 11:30 p.m. I’m glad for the two hour difference in our favor. Stephanie took this picture of the kids as they go ready to head out on the road.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”            Deuteronomy 33:27

This statement of encouragement from Moses as the Children of Israel were preparing to enter the promised land holds encouragement for followers of Christ today. In this one statement there are some noteworthy points to grab and to hold on to.

1 – An Endless Resource – “The eternal God.”  The one who provides strength for your journey and is available to meet your need is the God who was and is and will always be! Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:32) God’s promise is, “…never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:3) You can’t escape Him, you won’t exhaust His patience, you will never be outside of His love.

2 – An Encompassing Protection – “God is your refuge.”  One of the repeated images of God in the Old Testament is that of a refuge. The psalmist declared, “God is my refuge and strength an ever-present help in time of trouble…”  (Psa. 46:1) “God is my refuge and fortress…” (Psa. 91:2) “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore…” (Psa. 125:2) The hymn writer of old referred to the Lord as, “A shelter in the time of storm.”  A refuge speaks of protection, comfort and assurance. A refuge is only as good as it is used. As Jesus was preparing to leave His disciples He admonished them, “Trust in God, trust also in me…” (John 14:1)

3 – An Enduring Encouragement – “Underneath are the everlasting arms.” This is a great picture of security and safety. Talk about the “wind beneath my wings.” I recently saw a couple of cartoon captions that caught my attention. One Jesus says to the person next to Him, “When you see one set of footprints in the sand that when I carried you.” The next frame Jesus says, “When you see the groove that is when I drug you kicking and screaming.” I am not sure about the theology behind that but it does show that the Lord doesn’t give up on us and is with us even when we are not eager followers.

“If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”  Psalms 139:8-10

When it comes to needing a refuge and source of strength, don’t settle for anything less, that the best.

I drove to Denver today to join my sister in taking my mom to the doctor. She has been dealing with a cough and horse voice for a couple of weeks but it doesn’t appear to be a virus. He recommended that she see a throat specialist just to verify his assumptions about what is going on.

After my mom’s doctor appointment, I joined her for lunch and then dropped by to see Christian, Bridget and the grandkids before we leave tomorrow for our vacation. It ended up being a long day with me leaving Fort Collins at 10 a.m. and not returning until 6:00 p.m. When I returned home I mowed the lawn so it would be ready for when we are gone. It was cold out and definitely felt like a fall evening. With the weather changing Debbie and I are not the only ones noticing the change. Our dog, which we just got this past May, is getting ready for his first winter. This morning he ended up taking comfort in front of the fireplace, laying on my blanket. I guess when you snooze, you lose.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”   Philippians 4:6-9 (ESV)

Philippians is a letter with a theme of “joy” and “rejoicing.” Yet as we come to the final chapter we find these verses that relate to the “peace of God.” In your life you will find these two virtues going hand in hand. When we have the peace of God we will experience the joy of the Lord. Or we could put it the other way, when you walk in the joy of the Lord, you will have the peace of God.

In the verses above we can see that living in the peace of God is related to how we pray, what we think and what we do. First we see Paul challenging believers not to be overcome by anxiety, but to combat anxious living with prayerful and thankful living. Continual prayers, earnest prayers offered to the Lord will allow the peace of God to guard our hearts and our minds. It will settle our emotions and our thoughts.

Paul then calls believers to be an active part of “guarding their minds” through what they focus their thoughts on. Paul lists eight areas: whatever is true, honorable,  just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise. In the world we live in this can be a challenge. We listen to the news, read reports that cause concerns, we hear more words of gossip and criticism and what is wrong than what is uplifting and right. As a result we have to be disciplined in order for the thoughts of our mind to be under the control of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul says we, “…are bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” This is an area where we need the Lord’s help, because the inertia of the world is downward.

Finally, Paul says “put into practice what you have learned about the Christian life.” In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “…follow me as I follow Christ.” Paul’s focus was on Christ and His work of grace. He endeavored to set the example but the focus was always on Christ and Him crucified. This is another verse where we see the importance of not just being hearers, not just knowing, but being those who do, those who live by the Word of God and allow it guide our life. Paul says as we do that the “God of peace will be with us.”

In our life with the challenges we face, in our world with all that confronts us living in the peace of God is important. But we see that Paul puts some practical guidelines before us. I believe if we follow the “formula” we will have the “result.” Do you have the peace of God? Allow seeking the Lord and a thankful heart replace anxious living. Evaluate the focus of your thoughts and allow God’s word to set a guard over your mind. Put Biblical principles to work in your life as you follow Christ.

This has been an interesting weather day. Fall must be on its way. I’m glad that I got out with the dog during our brief morning time of sun and warmth. I had a good visit with my palliative care nurse today. We are working on the coordination of a care plan with all of my doctors. The goal is to ensure that the issues that confront me are having the follow up that will lead to restoration of full health. My reoccurring infections are certainly at the epicenter of these concerns.

Tomorrow morning I return to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for my outpatient therapy. It will be interesting to see where I stand as they will need to do some reassessments after my recent hospitalization.

This past Friday, I was able to stop at L&R Pallet Company in Denver. Larry and Doris Ruder started this company over thirty-five years ago. Oldest son James and his wife Carie are now overseeing the day to day operations of this successful family business. Debbie and I have known the Ruder family since we were first married. It has been a joy to see the Lord’s blessing on their life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 1:6

The Lord’s work that begins in our life when we begin to follow Him, is an ongoing work until Christ returns. We continue to be a “work in progress” because we all face challenges and ups and downs in life. As Paul writes to believers in the city of Philippi he thanks God for their partnership in the gospel and being fellow partakers of God’s grace. ( 1:5-7) Yet as with any follower of Christ in the first century they encountered opposition. Paul writes this letter to let them know they can experience joy as they serve the Lord. At the end of the letter he says, “…rejoice in the Lord always…” (4:4)

At the bedrock of that ability to rejoice in the Lord is the knowledge that God doesn’t give up on us, He doesn’t stop working in and through our lives as we follow Him. That means we learn to trust Him and to keep our eyes upon Him. It is in this letter that Paul himself expresses his priority in life when he says, “…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (3:13,14)

There is an end point of God’s work in our lives. It is the day when Christ returns for His children. The Apostle John wrote of that day in these words, “But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

In the mean time be open to the work that Lord is doing in your life. In good times and in tough times. Devotional writer Sarah Young in her book, Jesus Calling reminds us, “[The Lord] is always available to you. Once you have trusted in [Him] as your Savior, [He will] never distance [Himself] from you.” (Jesus Calling, pg. 263)

Whether “seasoned saint” or “diligent seeker” the Lord desires to work in you to conform you to His will…His ways…His character. That is what following Him is all about. If we continue to follow Him, He will lead us to His home.

The middle of my day ended up being fairly full. I attended a luncheon event for Governor candidate Bob Beauprez. It was good to connect with some political people here in Fort Collins. I then had an appointment with my Urologist in Greeley. Debbie met me and we made the trip over to his office in Greeley for a consult. The visit was beneficial and I appreciate his thoughtful approach to investigating the cause of my reoccurring infections. There is one test that he recommended as a “rule out” possibility regarding the amount of pressure in my bladder. We have a tentative schedule for that procedure.

I am always pleased and humbled when I learn of the number of people who are following my progress and praying for me. This past Friday when I was visiting my aunts. Paula brought me a prayer pillow from the congregation of Eagle Bend Community Church. Her church makes these pillows with a scripture verse and with strings of yarn that are tied in knots that represent prayers that have been and are being prayed for someone. She was surprised when they were announcing the names of individuals for whom pillows could be picked up after a recent service and heard my name called.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “And she [Delilah] said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.”  Judges 16:20

When it comes to Bible heroes, Samson is an enigma. How can God use someone who does so much wrong to accomplish His will? Samson had more glaring weaknesses in his character, than strength in his body. I once heard him described as the “He-Man” with the “she” weakness.

However we see God’s grace and sovereignty at work as He used Samson to gain victories over Israel’s archenemy the Philistines. But in the end it was as Philistine woman named, “Delilah” that became his downfall. When you read the story of multiple times that she tried to get Samson to reveal his strength, you would think that Samson would have “got it” that she was not to be trusted. He thought he was playing her, but she was playing him and in the end he found you can’t “play with God’s grace.”

God had shown his faithfulness to work through Samson for many years. He finally gives in to the continual pleading of Delilah and reveals the true source of his strength; his hair – the outward sign of an inward devotion to  God. Samson’s fatal error was taking God’s grace for granted. Even though he revealed all, when he awoke he told himself, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.”  But something was different, Samson was the same man, his muscles mass was not diminished, but his strength was gone, because the “Lord had left him.”

It is interesting to find that the same thing is said about King Saul. (1 Samuel 16:14; 28:15,16) The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul to anoint him for leadership. But through disobedience and arrogance Saul disobeyed the Lord and the Lord reject him as King, which lead the prophet Samuel to find a shepherd boy named David to anoint was the next King of Israel.

When the Lord lifted His hand from Saul, an evil spirit began to torment him. When the Lord “turned away” from Saul his life was void of the fellowship and direction that he needed as the leader of God’s people. This led him to seek out a medium, which even Saul had banished from the land, during a time of following after the Lord. Saul found himself lost as a leader, lost as a man.

Samson found himself as the one who is ridiculed by his archenemy. He lost his eyes, he lost his freedom, he found what strength he possesses used to provide power for the grinding stone in the Philistines mill. The man who had killed 1,000 Philistines with the jaw bone of a donkey, now takes the place of a yoke of oxen. All because, “he did not know the Lord had left him.”

I have always view Judges 6:20 as one of the saddest verses of the Bible. God promised His people that they were special only to the degree that His presence was among them. The same is true of those who would follow Christ today. God’s presence is a gift of His grace and something to be highly valued, cherished and cultivated. One can find joy in many ways, but “only Jesus [and His presence] can satisfy your soul.”

Then I am thankful that God’s grace can overcome our deficiencies. When we fail, He is still faithful. His love is everlasting. As a result we see Samson crying out to God one more time for strength to have victory over his enemies. God hears his prayer and grants his request.

The end of Samson’s life, the end of Saul’s life are marked by tragedy, even in the face of God’s grace. You will always find that God’s ways are the best ways. His plan for you is the best plan you can have for yourself. Staying close to Him not only saves you from the world around, it saves you from yourself.

It has been good to get caught up on some rest after a busy weekend. Debbie and I attended the late service at Timberline Church and began our new ministry as part of the prayer team after the weekend worship services. We went through the training and gained appreciation for the thoughtful preparation that is needed to facilitate this important ministry in a large church.

On Friday I traveled to Denver and met up with two of my aunts (my father’s sisters). It was special being with my Aunt Margaret the oldest of my father’s siblings and my Aunt Paula the youngest. My father was the oldest of ten children of Guy and Ione Summers.

Margaret is now in her early 90’s and beginning to slow down. She said she is “still a good driver” but doesn’t trust those “other people” on the road. So her children have talked her into giving up driving. She has been the leader of King’s Daughters a missionary support group at Calvary Temple in Denver for 41 years. She has just turned over leadership to someone else, but still attends the monthly  meetings. I still recall Margaret being helpful in getting signatures for Jane Norton’s petition drive to be on the primary ballot of U.S. Senate in 2010. In appreciation, Jane’s staff made sure Margaret was present for the trip to the Secretary of State’s office to turn in the boxes of ballots from around the state. (picture of Margaret and me)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then I thought, ‘I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand,my roots spread out to the waters, with the dew all night on my branches,my glory fresh with me, and my bow ever new in my hand.’”      Job 29:18-20

“I am sure you are beginning to identify with Job.”  That is a statement that I heard as I was dealing with my month on end hospitalization, including setbacks, new discoveries and complications that seemed to be routine. At one point I told Debbie, “the theme as we head to surgery is no more crisis.”

I have known others who have suffered the hand of grief and physical and financial challenges greater than what we have experienced. Many of those like me felt their life was on track for abundant “test free” living. In spite of my experience and those that I have known, I still don’t think anyone can compete or compare themselves to Job. He lost children, servants, livestock, homes and health. But he also lost something that is difficult to measure. He lost his respect and dignity among the community.

If you read through the stanzas of Job 29 you will gain an appreciation for Job’s life before and after all of his losses. That chapter opens with this lament from Job… “Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me,when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent,when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me…”  Job 29:1-5

Job talks about young men clearing the way before him and the elders rising in his presence. He was one who shared wisdom and helped the downtrodden. He summarized his life of comfort as follows… “I lived like a king among his troops…” (Job 29:25)

In Job 29:18-20, we see Job’s confidence in life. The sea of life was smooth sailing and any destination was available. Now that is something that I can relate to. I am not comparing myself to Job as far as wealth, wisdom, and status. But I was as Job said in another chapter “at ease.” We had just moved to Fort Collins and were beginning a new chapter. It was a fresh start in many ways after the last fifteen years back in Lakewood. We had made many friends and I had just finished my legislative service. Outside of not being as “fleet of foot” on the base paths of the softball field I had few complaints. I was looking forward to directing my undivided attention to the work of Teen Challenge, but open to opportunities that may arise.

Within three weeks of our move to Fort Collins this new venture changed venues from a new home to a hospital room. As a result I spent most of 2013 away from our new home instead of in our new home.

At times I have a hard time articulating some of the “lessons learned” over the last year, but one that has come to the forefront is “don’t take life for granted.” I am confident that is what Job would advise as well. The other important aspect of dealing with the setbacks in life is, you can lose your ability to earn a living, you can lose your dignity, your can lose your independence, but nothing and no one can take your faith and your true friendships away. That is what has sustained me and for that I will be ever grateful.