Today ended up with more drama than we anticipated. After coming home from my fitness appointment, I turned on the sprinkler system. After I while I thought that I heard water running but could not find where it was and just thought it must be outside. Wrong! We ended up with water in our basement due to a break in our water meter. Thanks to my brother-in-law Sam and the response of the City of Fort Collins, we got water cleaned up and a temporary fix to make sure that we have water for the weekend. In addition to my work out at the fitness center, I had the exercise of navigating up and down the stairs to the basement.

Other than that is was a good day. We took care of signing some closing documents on the sale of our house in Lakewood and so that is a significant event in our lives. So it looks like we have “burned the bridge” back to Lakewood and are settled and enjoying Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31,32

If you take time to look for a dictionary definition of “abide” and see the synonyms this is what you will find:  “obey, observe, follow, keep to, hold to, conform to, adhere to, stick to, stand by, act in accordance with, uphold, heed, accept, go along with, acknowledge, respect, defer to.”

All of those apply and give meaning to Jesus’ words and invitation to “abide.” In addition to the verse above, John chapter 15 contains several references to abiding in Jesus as the vine. We read, “abide in my word” “abide in me” “abide in my love.” Review the synonyms above as they relate to each of these. Of course we realize that they are all summarized by “abiding in Jesus.” He is the Word of God revealed to the world. He is the expression of God’s love for humanity.

What we can observe in these verses is….

Abiding in Jesus is a true test of discipleship. To live life outside of the “vine” becomes a lifeless and unfruitful experience. Our connection with Jesus our living in His Word, obeying it and acknowledging it as the only source for our faith is critical to our spiritual well being.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to bearing fruit. Healthy fruit on branches is directly related to the health and connection to the trunk of the tree (i.e. vine). “Whoever abides in me…bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:6) I recall many years ago visiting Phoenix with some friends for a church conference. We were taken by the orange trees beside the highway. When we stopped and picked one were surprised that what was so appealing to the eye could be so bitter to the taste. (apparently orange trees and car exhaust is a lethal combination) In contrast, the fruit we bear through abiding in Jesus is that which blesses others.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to answered prayer.  “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7) Just as the Father answered Jesus’ prayers because of their connection, our connection to Jesus is the key to an effective prayer life. We realize prayer is fellowship and communion as well as bring needs. When we abide in Jesus and His Word we are more aware of His will. Abiding in Jesus is the key to confident praying.

Abiding in Jesus is the key to freedom. Following Jesus and His Word, allows us to know the truth and to discern truth from error. In this verse “being set free” involved once again the Jews understanding of the tradition of the elders opposed to the plan and purpose of the Father. When we know the truth we are not bound by the “law” as an avenue to righteousness. We are not bound by tradition. And we realize the truth that, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” (John 8:36)

There is no better place, no safer place, no place of greater joy and fulfillment than abiding in Jesus.

Today has been a good day for me. Great weather and some good activity. I had my outpatient therapy session at Northern Colorado Rehab. My therapists there want me to wait for a month for my next appointment to see how my fitness center activity is progressing. One of the issues my physical therapist was covering with me was the nerve regeneration process in my right leg especially. Nerves grow at a rate of 1mm per day. That means if a nerve in my leg needs to completely regenerate if could take over a year for that to take place.

The good news is that I’m not at “ground zero” in the process. The evaluation next month will provide some feedback about the response of nerves helping to build muscles that are now the weakest. My plan is to have at least four days a week of exercise at my fitness center.

After I returned home, I mowed the grass and picked up some leaves. I noticed that my grass is greener now than almost anytime this summer. I have been thankful for the good weather this fall.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked….this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”                 John 5:8,16,17

These verses are found in the passage of John’s Gospel related to the healing of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda. On more than one occasion Jesus healed someone who was lame and instructed them “to take up their bed and walk.” But this one gave the religious leaders an heightened reason for criticism. This was the Sabbath!  They believed that anyone from God would certainly view the Sabbath the same way that they did. However, like many politicians today, the Scribes and Pharisee were good at making laws that were good for others to follow but they found a way to exempt themselves from obeying.

On another occasion when Jesus healed a women in the synagogue on the Sabbath, the religious leaders rebuked the woman saying, “come on other days to be healed and not on the Sabbath.” “But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him?…” Luke 13:15

Jesus articulated the concept simply as this, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 The Sabbath was intended to serve the needs of God’s people. Yet the religious leaders allowed their own laws and their own ideas to get in the way of God’s. As a result the true purpose of God’s laws were distorted by human tradition.

Jesus then “poured salt in the wound” by saying, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Yet another time when Jesus made Himself equal to God.

What does this have to do with us today? To begin, what happens when God surprises us? Can God do something that doesn’t fit tightly into my “ideas and traditions?” Are we so comfortable with our spiritual lives that God can’t surprise us? In my life I have seen God use people that I thought He couldn’t use in ways that I didn’t think was possible. Are there areas where we have allowed rules or traditions to blind us to the principle that is at the foundation of that rule or tradition. Are we open to allow the Lord to reveal areas of hypocrisy in our life?

The longer we follow the Lord, the more comfortable we are with “having God figured out” is just the time He may chose to surprise us. Are you ready?

After a good night of rest, I felt refreshed and strong. I believe getting into a consistent exercise regimen is going to show significant benefits. After some work at home and some home exercise, I went to the fitness club to try out the swimming pool. It was good to be back into the water and swim some laps and do some water exercise on an off day from my weight and cardo program.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!.. For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”              Ezekiel 18:31,32

I always find people’s idea of God and His ways interesting. Especially those whose view of God is one who is ready to dish out divine retribution on a whim. They say, “If God doesn’t want me to do this, He will stop me!” They view  God as one who delights in “sending people to hell.” Really!?

We see God’s pronouncement of judgment in the Old Testament balanced with His desire for people to turn to change their ways and turn to Him. Ezekiel has lived as a human object lesson before the Children of Israel. His prophetic words show through several images how God’s people have turned away from God’s plan and have chosen a path of their own choosing and to suit their own desires.

The statement needs no interpretation or theological explanation, the Lord says, “I have no pleasure in the death of anyone…” In the New Testament Peter declared, “The Lord is…patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9  The Apostle Paul said, “[The Lord]…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4

The proper response, “turn and live.” That is a good description of the call to repentance. It requires humility and confession. Confession simply means, “to agree with [God]”  That is often a difficult step, but the consequences of ignoring the Lord’s invitation are grave. Proverbs sounds a sober warning, “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” Proverbs 29:1

The father of the prodigal son, when he say him afar off, ran to him. In the same way when someone takes a step to the Lord, they will find a Heavenly Father waiting and “running” to them to receive and embrace them. No judgment, no questions asked, just grace and forgiveness.

I was able to attend the weekly prayer time for our community leaders. It is great to be able to connect with some other pastors and leaders in our community who believe in the power of prayer.

Today, I had another session with my fitness trainer. I believe the program and techniques that I am learning will help me as I move forward in my recovery. Once again it is interesting to discover which muscles are weaker than some of the others. For example it is not just one side or the other but tends to fall in a crisscross pattern which my trainer says is something that he has found to be common. I believe we have my program set for over the next few weeks, so it will be interesting to evaluate it 3-4 weeks out and see where I am.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6,7

Christians for generations have taken comfort in the simple declaration of 1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” I am thankful that we can have assurance of God’s care for our lives. Jesus reassured his disciples with these words,  “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father….Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29,31)

God sees our pain and He is near to those of a broken spirit and those buffeted by all kinds of troubles. However, Peter in writing to these persecuted Christians is encouraging them to stand strong in the midst of the test of their faith. It is interesting that Peter equates trials and persecution as a test of faith. I am reminded of Jesus’ words to Peter, “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:31,32)

Once again we find Peter speaking from the experience of his own life and even his denial of Christ to encourage these believers. He endeavors to give perspective and guidance as he writes, “you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6,7)  “…do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you.” (1 Peter 4:12)

It is important for Christians to understand that persecution whether small or severe is a test of our faith; and our humility before the Lord is a key to making it through. Peter learned this when he told Jesus, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” (Matthew 26:33)  Peter admonishes believers  “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5) I’m surprised we don’t read, “believe me I know!”

Peter then says, “humble yourselves…casting all your anxieties on the Him…” Humility is the place of grace. When God’s grace is upon us we have favor with others, we have strength for each new day. If we exalt ourselves we will be humbled, but if we humble ourselves trusting the Lord at all times and in all ways, He will exalt us in due time.

I think Debbie and I both slept in a little longer than normal. Let me put it this way, we would not have been up and ready for an 8:30 a.m. church service. Considering a fairly big day yesterday and getting to sleep a little later than normal that was probably good. This is true especially for Debbie who is up way to early in the wee hours of the morning getting a head start on her day.

It was another beautiful day. The wind was blowing this morning which meant most of the leaves on the trees in the front yard were on the ground. I started the task of getting them cleaned up when I received some unexpected help from my neighbor and his son across the cul-de-sac. That save me about two or three hours of my time.

I did make my way to a fitness workout mid-afternoon. This was the first one on my own. It went pretty good, but I needed a few rest stops on my way out to make sure I had the strength to get to my car. I think I am beginning to see the difference with using my walker more. I believe I am moving a little faster and stronger than in the past few weeks.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”  1 John 2:15-17

I remember early in my ministry these verses reminded me of the story of the “Prince and the Pauper.” The story, at least, from the prince’s vantage point is what caught my attention. The child of the king, looking out from the confines of the castle, wonders what that life is like in the village, among the “commoners.” He ends up switching places with a look-a-like pauper boy. He experiences life outside of the castle walls for a time, but it soon begins to wear on him. The intensity of story mounts when his father the king dies and the prince almost forfeits his royal position.

An old hymn is entitled, “A Child of the King.” The song is about the position of spiritual privilege that is ours as a result of being in relationship with Christ, the King of Kings.  However, like the “Prince” we can allow the focus of our affections to be drawn away from the priorities of Christ’s kingdom to those of this world.

In the past some “super spiritual saints” have been described as, “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” However, I have found that someone can be  “so earthly minded that they are no heavenly good.” We see scripture addresses our relationship with the “world” in several passages. We do have a responsibility in this world. We are to be salt and light in the world. We are to connect with people in the world as Christ’s ambassadors. But we must guard our hearts and our affections and keep them firmly planted in our love for Christ.

John makes it clear that this present world order is not from the Father. It is a temporal order that is passing away, along with any appeal to the desires of our human nature. What we observe in “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life” is that these are the seminal temptations in life. We see that they correspond with the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. We see them referenced individually or together throughout scripture. We must be on guard against them and understand our vulnerability to these in all their various expressions.

John challenges believers to have an eternal perspective. “This world, along with its desires are passing away. But he who does the will of God abides forever.” When the brevity of life is compared to eternity, this life is a mere blip on the screen. Just as the Children of Israel in captivity were told to seek the prosperity of the land where they were being taken; we need to allow the Lord to use us to make this world better and grant us favor for influence in this world. At the same time we realize that one day we will be moving on to our permanent and promised home.

Today we finally made a trip with Sue and Sam (Debbie’s sister and her husband), to Estes Park. This end-of-summer, now fall drive was planned the end of August. At that time I was in the hospital. The good news looking back is that it has been two months and so far I have not come down with another infection, which means this is the longest stretch since coming home from the hospital last December that I have gone without a reoccurring UTI.

It was beautiful weather and scenery, but we failed to stop and get any pictures. We drove through Glen Haven to survey some of the worst damage from the flood over one year ago. Once again it is amazing to consider the destructive force of water. We are glad for the extensive recovery that has taken place, even as work of rebuilding roads and homes continues.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”    1 John 5:14,15

This can be of those verse that inspires faith but can at the same time solicit some inward reservation. Prayer is the way we cultivate our relationship with God and prayer is the avenue by which we see the hand of God intervene in the affairs of God’s people. One thing we know is that 100% of the prayers that are not prayed, go unanswered.

The simple connection is confidence before God is related to the fact that God hears us when we pray according to His will. John stretches the recesses of our faith by saying, “if we know that He hears us….we know that we have…that we have asked of him.”

The great and sometimes nagging question becomes, “what is God’s will?” I don’t believe we can be 100% of God’s will in every circumstance that confronts us, but we can pray in accordance to God’s will. Let me try to explain my perspective.

God’s will is for everyone to come to faith in Him.  “[Christ] wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”       1 Timothy 2:4

God’s will for everyone to have confidence of their eternal destiny.  “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13

God’s will is for us to be totally committed to Him. “God’s will is for you to be holy…” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

God will is for us to know the work of the Holy Spirit in our life.  “…though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”               Luke 11:13

God’s will is for us to pray for the sick. “They [Jesus’ followers] will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”  Mark 16:18  “…prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him up” James 5:15

God’s will is for us to know His will. “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;and whatever we ask we receive from him…”                 1 John 3:19-22

At times our human desires can get in the way of understanding and praying God’s will. Even Jesus in the garden prayed, “…not my will, but thine be done.” Sometimes as John puts it “our hearts can condemn us” because we find our prayers are filled with our needs and our desires. We spend too much time treating the Lord as a cosmic Santa Claus instead of coming to Him to “learn of Him” to cultivate our relationship with Him and simply “abide in Him.”  Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”              John 15:7

The foundational concept is “when we pray in agreement with God’s Word, we pray in agreement with God’s will.” As we learn God’s Word, as we “pray God’s Word” – as we learn of those who sought the Lord in the Bible it encourages our faith and empowers our confidence before the Lord. I have found that as I seek the Lord, He will always gives me what I need, even He doesn’t give me what I want.

Yesterday, though just busy in activity, must have been more tiring than I realized. After being up early this morning,  I found myself fairly tired. I laid down for a 30 minute nap and it turned into almost an hour and a half!

I did get out after that and ran some errands, including turning in our ballots. It is always interesting how much longer it takes to “run some quick errands.” I returned home just in time to make it on time for my appointment with my fitness trainer. It was a good workout and I can tell we are working some muscles that have not been worked or developed like they need to be.

After returning home and quick lunch, I went out and began to tackle the leaves in our yard. I remember when we were first in our home in Lakewood and I never had to rake leaves because we didn’t have any trees in those early years. Maybe those days were so bad after all!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:21-24

Lamentations doesn’t have very many encouraging and inspiring verses. The ones above are some of those, but are found tucked into the lengthy third chapter of this book that is a book of mourning. God’s people have ignored for generations God’s law and God’s prophets. They have done their own thing and gone their own way, believing that God had already rejected them or believing that God would not really drive them away from “their land.”

God’s people had become a “helpless” and “hopeless” people. The description of their condition is graphic and depressing. Consider the following:

 “…he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light…He has made my flesh and my skin waste away…he has broken my bones…he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation…He has walled me about so that I cannot escape…though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer…He drove into my kidneys the arrows of his quiver…I have become the laughingstock of all peoples…the object of their taunts all day long.” (Lamentations 3:19)

If this is not enough, the following verse perhaps is a fitting summary of a deplorable condition,  “my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:20)

Then all of a sudden after a lengthy description of being forsaken by God, ridiculed by man, in pain, in anguish, strength and hope is gone, in the recesses of the heart is one last grasp in an attempt to hold on to the God who is there, even when we don’t feel, think or believe He is there. There is the reminder that, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end…”

Jeremiah finds hope when, all hope is gone. Hope in circumstances, human resources, “time healing wounds” is hope in vain. There is only one place of everlasting hope and that is found in the steadfast love of the Lord and His mercies. When we find that source of hope, we have renewed strength, we have a fresh wind of endurance that helps us to keep on keeping on.

I notice that the prophet declares, “The Lord is my portion says my soul…” He doesn’t say mind because that doesn’t make sense; he doesn’t say heart because circumstances don’t allow you to feel that way; he doesn’t say body because the physical condition is all but done in. Our soul is what superintends all other aspects of our being. The old hymn is entitled, “It is Well with my Soul.” When it is well with our soul, it is well with our world. When your hope is in the Lord’s love and mercy, hope is never lost.