I started my day with some morning exercises. I then had lunch with Pastor Steve at “Doug’s Day Dinner.” This place would have to qualify for the show “Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins” on the food network. They have the biggest and best biscuits known to mankind, with homemade jelly. I should have had one for desert instead of an appetizer.

I returned home and received a visit from my friend from Lakewood, David Warren. David was up visiting family in Fort Collins and stopped by the check up on me. Since his visits are not all that often he is able to see my gradual progress to recovery. I hope to soon return to Lakewood and join one of the breakfast groups that I attended on a regular basis.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god….Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”” Isaiah 44:6,8

This afternoon I was visiting with my friend David Warren about how much has changed over the years. This was related to travel, lifestyles, the way business was conducted. However, what is of interest is how little human nature has changed over the years. The way it is manifested has changed but the heart of the issue remains the same.

For example, idolatry doesn’t appear to be the issue it was in the Old Testament. But on closer examination we see people putting many things in the place of God and we see many attempts for people to exert their own power and their own desires. Idolatry was an attempt to summon spiritual powers of so called “gods” to work in behalf of human causes. That is why we read, (sometimes scratching our head), that God would bring a King victory over an enemy and the King of Israel would  bring that nations god back to Jerusalem and bow down to it! They thought, “I captured this god, it now belongs to me!”

Isaiah declared, “All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit.” (Isaiah 44:12) He goes on to describe the process that should make any thinking person sit up and take notice. The craftsman takes a piece of wood,  “half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!” (Isaiah 44:16,17)

Today we see people reject relationship with Christ and turn to philosophies and belief systems that don’t make any more sense than “bowing before a block of wood” expecting blessing and direction in life.

That is why God’s ways and the message of Jesus is hard for people to accept. “Submit to God” is easy to say but I would really rather be in control and have God submit to me. Humble yourself, deny yourself, take up your cross. No thanks, I think I will worship this rock or piece of wood. That is what makes sense to me!? I find it of interest that the pagan gods of the Canaanites required people to sacrifice their sons for them, but the God of heaven was willing to sacrifice His son for us.

Jesus said to His disciples one day, “you can’t serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24) The reality is you can’t serve God and anything else. In your life God is in control or you are in control. You can’t have it both ways. Yet we find our lives in losing our lives. We find our purpose, in surrendering to God’s will.

What you will find today is what Isaiah declared about God thousands of years ago, There is no [except  God] Rock; I know not any.

We were up early this morning. My coughing last night wasn’t as severe as it has been in the last week, but enough to be annoying. I was awake at 5:30 a.m. and Debbie was already up. I thought I was keeping her awake, but she got up early to get ready for her on-call assignment for work. So I go up and was the first one at Lamar’s donuts at 6:30 a.m. this morning!

Debbie was orienting a new nurse, so her colleague arrived at 7:30 a.m. and they took off for calls about an hour later. I have been holding down the fort here at home. I was outside doing a little yard work, made some reservations for Stephanie to come visit us in November and then watched the Bronco game. Sue and Sam returned from their trip to pick up Little Dog. They had a good trip and Little Dog was glad to see them.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   ^“Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah…his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly.He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord…after the death of his father they were his counselors, to his undoing.” 2 Chronicles 22:2-4

As I was reading about some of the Kings of Judah  recorded in 2 Chronicles, I was reminded of the adage that says, “those closest to you, determine your level of success.” We certainly see that in the reign of the Kings of Judah. Some were very young when they began to reign, others were older, but they all had advisers  and the priests around them that influenced their lives and decisions.

When adviser provided godly counsel kings were successful and enjoyed the blessing of the Lord. When advisers turned their heart to idols,  they were defeated by their enemies and subjected to God’s judgment.

What is of note in Ahaziah’s reign, the shortest of any King of Judah, is that his mother was his counselor in doing evil. And then we read specifically that, “his counselors were his undoing.” Ahaziah was related in marriage to the house of Ahab, the wicked King of Israel. Apparently some of his counselors were those who also served Ahab.

In contrast to Ahaziah initially is King Joash. Joash was only seven years old when he was made King. We read, “…Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” (2 Chonricles 24:2) As he became older he focused on the restoration of the Temple that had fallen into disrepair through idolatry and disrespect.

But then we see a change,  “Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols.”   (2 Chronicles 24:17,18) Joash’s rebellion was so great that even though warned by prophets and the Priest Zechariah the son of Johioiada, he did not repent. He even had Zechariah killed regardless of the fact that Zechariah’s father was responsible for saving his life when his father was killed.

The history is clear. Godly counselors, godly king, evil counselors, evil king. But the same is true in your life. Those around you can take you higher than you are able to go on your own, or they will take you lower than you would go on your own. What is of interest in our two examples today is the role of family acting as evil counselors. Sometimes those closest to us are those that we need to be careful of. Make sure you family and friends are those who are lifting you up, encouraging godly behavior and bringing out the best.

Then remember, don’t neglect the wisdom of age and experience. Rehoboam is an example of a king that spurned the counsel of Solomon’s advisers and listened instead only to those who “grew up with him”; as a result he lost most of the kingdom when they rebelled against his leadership. (2 Chronicles 12)

Who is around you? Evaluate those who influence you, seek wise and godly counselors, be willing to take a stand. It is your life, live it well to God’s glory.

Today has finally been the day that I have looked forward to! I actually feel some energy and some sense of normalcy. That past two weeks have been challenging and the energy has just not consistently been present to feel like I was moving in the right direction.

I was able to get some computer work done and get out and mow the grass and take the dogs on a walk (with my power wheelchair) Yesterday afternoon ended up rougher than I anticipated. I thought I was feeling better in the evening and then “crashed” somewhat. I headed to bed a 7:30 p.m. with my clothes on thinking I would rest for 30 minutes. At 9:30 I was waken by “little dog” barking (we are dog sitting for Sue and Sam). If it wouldn’t have been for that, Debbie would have had to wake me to give me my night meds and get me out of my regular clothes.

We are looking forward to this weekend and being back in church and assuming our prayer team duties.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Giving is an important aspect of the Christian life. We see it throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament freewill offerings were sacrifices given as an expression of thankfulness to God, it was a recognition that all that we have comes from the Lord. In the New Testament we see 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine laying out some important principals about our generosity.

In the context it is specifically talking about the Churches of Asia responding to the need of the Church in Jerusalem during a time of famine. The Church has always been at the forefront of “disaster relief.” I a thankful for that. It is an historical fact not a recent response to augment government efforts and programs.

I notice some important truths in these chapters related the practical aspect “giving” and some  powerful “spiritual dynamics.” If we miss it, our giving is just an expression of personal philanthropy and can result in pride. Instead it is an obligation on all that has spiritual ramifications.

Giving is an act of grace. Paul said, “But as you excel in everything…see that you excel in this act of grace also.”                             2  Corinthians 8:7 It is based on this concept that Paul then shares about the example of Christ. “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ….” Christ as God owned everything. “Yet He became poor that through His poverty we might become rich.” The favor we have received from the Lord, we are to show in practical ways to others.

Obedient giving results in thanks to God. The proper response is not how great an individual is, but how faithful and wonderful God is! “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15  “…Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us.” 2 Corinthians 9:11

Giving results in spiritual blessing. Paul said, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way...” (2 Corinthians 9:11) I’m not sure of the exhaustive list of “made rich in every way” and “generous in every way” but I assume that means more than just money. That means everyone can experience the grace of giving and blessing that results from that expression. This also requires spiritual insight from the Lord. “…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…”               Ephesians 1:18

This important area of our life requires a Biblical not just a practical humanistic perspective. When we understand that, it frees us and it enables us to bring joy to the Lord who is all about giving, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Whatever you give, whenever you give, give with joy and rest in God’s favor.

As I share this I can’t help but be reminded of those who have given so generously to Debbie and me in our time of need. As my medical issues have become more drawn out than I ever expected the initial response to my illness from so many is what has sustained us during these challenging days and my ongoing recovery. THANK YOU for your grace bestowed upon us, we thank God for you and pray for blessing in return in every way!

I was up earlier this morning than usual, after somewhat of a restless night. But that is becoming the norm of the last two weeks. I failed to take a morning rest time and seemed to pay for it later.

My neurologist performed a nerve conduction test on my arms and neck this afternoon . That was fairly draining, but I could tell even before the appointment that my energy and strength was lacking. So I did take my wheelchair along with me on this trip. The doctor did feel that the test showed that there was still nerve regeneration taking place opposed to any sign of permanent nerve damage. So that calls for more patience and consistency in my exercise program.

I arrived back at the house over three hours later and was fairly fatigued, so my planned activity for this evening will go on without me. How I remember those days when I pushed on through regardless! Maybe they will return, but then again maybe they shouldn’t. As I get stronger, I might as well get smarter.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer selfis wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.”  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We are seeing in our world today a growing persecution of Christians. This is happening in countries dominated by Islam. The risks are great, the sacrifices are real, the persecution is genuine. Paul the Apostle could relate to suffering for the cause of Christ perhaps like no one else.

In the verses above he refers to “light and momentary affliction.” I’m not sure about you, but I don’t consider being stoned and tossed outside the city and left for dead as “light.” Here are a few of Paul’s afflictions, “Five times I received [39] lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

How did Paul make it? First of all the Lord had to have intervened on his behalf for him to endure much of what he face. But Paul was able to view what was happening to him as suffering for the sake of Christ and the Church. He accepted that call with courage. When the Lord first appeared to Paul and called him from killing Christians to being a Christian He said, “…I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:16)

Paul was able to maintain a perspective of the eternal. Many believe when he was stoned and left for dead is when he received a vision of heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2-6) That insight allowed Paul to know that this world is only temporary. That is why he could talk about an “eternal weight of glory that outweighs [all suffering].”

Paul learned that physical suffering is balanced by the Lord with spiritual strength. What he learned was this, “…when I am weak, then I am strong.”  Paul was able to say that because of this word from the Lord “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Based on the Lord’s encouragement this is Paul’s resolve, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities….” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

The bottom line is that the perspective of the eternal enabled Paul to keep on, keeping on; to keep from “losing heart.” Even in the face of physical challenges and weakness he was able to look at the “eternal.” Perhaps your suffering is not for your faith, but it is a physical condition or an issue in life that is testing your faith.

We don’t always have our own vision of heaven to help us keep our eyes on the Lord. But we have God’s Word. We know of God’s love and trustworthiness. And whether suffering, or death results in any “divine perspective” in this life that helps answer the nagging questions, “why?” we do know that keeping our eyes on the Lord keeps us from losing heart and grants us the strength we need for each new day.

It was nice to feel like I am getting back to normal today. I have had more energy and am feeling much better than the past ten days.

I enjoyed lunch today with my friend Dary Northrup. Dary is the Lead Pastor at Timberline Church where we attend. Dary’s history at the church is an incredible history of excellent leadership, the Lord’s blessing and a growing congregation making an impact on one of the leading cities in Colorado.

This afternoon I was back to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for my outpatient therapy. It was a good workout and it was nice to see the progress that I am making. I walked 220 feet with a walker twice. That is in addition to using my regular walker to get in and out of the building. I have been thinking about how just a year ago I was recovering from a major surgery getting ready for transition to the rehab hospital and from this point looking forward to next year and anticipating the possibility of full recovery. I believe the tests over the next few weeks will give some good insight into what is ahead and any adjustments in my care plan that need to take place.

Bible Verse for Today…. “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God….He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:3,4

This is the third “rehab verse” that has stuck out to me. The first one was actually given to me by my friend and retired Rehabilitation Doctor Ken Parsons. It is Hebrews 12:12,13  “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”

A few months ago I found this one in Psalms 116:8,9 “For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”

When I came across this verse in Isaiah in my morning Bible reading it stuck out to me as another “rehab verse.” Just this afternoon my occupational therapist was testing the strength of my hands. They seem to be good at this point! My nerve conduction test of last week provided some reason why my right leg and knee is so weak. This is due to nerves that are still regenerating in a manner that send the proper signal to the muscles to grow and strengthen. I am thankful for stronger hands and healing nerves and muscles.

What I find of interest with this verse in Isaiah is the connection between the physical condition and the emotions. When recovery is prolonged anxiety can quickly set in. How long will this take? What will full recovery look? Am I making progress? Why is it so slow? Will I ever be back to “normal”?

The message loud and clear to the anxious of heart is, “be strong, fear not!” Don’t look to the state you are in, but look at what the Lord is doing and what He is able to do. That call is not to focus on your limitations, but to “behold your God!” Look to the Lord! I once read, “you can look around and be distressed, you can look in and be depressed, or you can look up and be blessed!”

When we look to the Lord we find strength for our bodies and courage for our heart and confidence in the Lord our God who is mighty to save. Remember “salvation” carries the idea of wholeness, not just forgiveness. Our Lord is able to make new in spirit, mind and body.