Saturday, yesterday afternoon and today we focused on getting our “mailing list” completed. This included those who donated to my “medical relief fund” and those who sent cards to me while in the hospital, along with our standard Christmas list. We have 400 names on our list, so we have a true “holiday” newsletter because it may not get out by Christmas. The ongoing support of those who have encouraged us in this journey to full recovery has been greatly appreciated.

Yesterday after the first service at Timberline Church, I was excited to meet a cousin of mine who has recently moved to our neighborhood. (see picture) Kathy Neal and her husband Tim moved to Fort Collins from Virginia. Kathy and I share the same great-grand parents (our grandfathers are brothers). I had heard of their move when Debbie’s sister told us about meeting the Neal’s daughter at their church. Kathy’s mother lives in Nebraska and has supported and followed my service in the Colorado House. Tim and Kathy visited Timberline for the first time on Sunday morning and it “just happened” to be the Sunday my story was being featured.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:4-7

The challenge and the priorities of the Christian life can be explained in a multitude of ways. Paul in these verses uses three metaphors that can speak volumes. In these there may be more than just what I observe on the surface that is why I believe Paul presents the challenge to “…think over what I say…” It would be interesting to gain perspective from a solider, athlete and farmer today. Short of that here is my take on the life of the soldier.

Soldier’s are individual’s committed to a cause and work as a team to get their mission accomplished. They train and prepare and are aware of the need for the order and chain of command that is part of their life. Each person has a role and each role is vital to the success of their mission. Keeping focus is of vital importance. Their is a reason that down to today the contrast is made between “military service” and “civilian life.”

One of the greatest challenges for believers and one of the greatest temptations in life is to lose focus of our calling. In the parable of the soils, Jesus said the seed that fell among thorns was choked out by the “cares of the world.” The Bible is clear that no one can serve two masters. Obedience to our “commander” is of supreme importance. Winning the commendation of well done for your service is the goal.

I find Paul’s words of interest when he says, “…his aim is to please him who enlisted him…” The NIV version does use the words, “commanding officer.” I believe there can be some take-a-ways from both of these. For a soldier, faithfulness in the execution of duties gains the attention of a high ranking officer. It becomes an aspect of stewardship of ones duties.

But when I consider the work of a military “recruiter” in our present day, I realize that their desire is for those they recruit to be successful in their training and the execution of their duties. I am sure that when a recruit does well, it brings a sense of pride to that recruiter when he becomes aware of that individuals success.

While God’s love is not dependent upon our efforts, we still need to make sure that our “…aim is to please…” the Lord through our life and service.

Debbie and I were at the three services of Timberline Church today to be part of sharing our story. After a three minute video reviewed the journey of my illness with West Nile, I had the opportunity to pray for people facing the “unexpected” and “challenging times” in their life. We received a lot of positive feedback and it seemed that the Lord used our story to encourage others.

In addition to that I met two individuals whose life work has been involved with West Nile Virus. One has a history of research involving the effect of West Nile Virus on animal. The other is involved with the Center of Disease Control and is working on a vaccine for West Nile Virus for humans.

Pastor Dary’s message today was about Joesph dealing with the unexpected in his life. The message is entitled, “Not My Dream” and can be found on the Timberline Church website at http://timberlinechurch.org/listen-watch/weekend

The video of my story can be found at the 25:24 time marker near the end of the message. Pastor Dary joined Debbie and me for picture after the service.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When the perishable puts on t he imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:54-58

The victor in a battle is the one standing when the dust settles after the final conflict. As Paul writes to the Corinthian Christians two thousand years ago, he addresses the confidence we can have because of the life of Christ and His work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.

The bottom line is that death does not have the final say for those who put their trust in Christ. Christ came to deliver us from the fear of death (Heb. 2:15) And through his own resurrection from the dead he assures us of our own victory over death through a new life in Him.

When is death “swallowed up in victory”? When that which can perish and that which is mortal is changed to that which is imperishable and immortal. For the believer that happens when we draw our last breathe here on earth or when Christ returns to take us to Himself.

Notice the “sting of death is sin” and the “power of sin is the law.” The grace of God through Christ removes the power of sin in the law. This has to do with my ability to live a life that is without sin and acceptable to God. It can’t be done. When we understand that we with Paul say, “what a wretched man I am.” He goes on and asked “he can deliver me from this death?” The answer, “Jesus Christ!” (Romans 7:24,25)

But in a “sin-filled” world death creates pain because of the separation. Our emotions are God-given and on this side of heaven we must deal with the loss and adjustment. The “sting” that comes from death. For the person who places their faith in Christ the “sting” is removed, while those of that friend or loved one experience the “sting.” We do grieve, but as Paul says, “not as those without hope.” As we comfort one another with words that remind us of God’s promise of eternity, we can also comfort one another in the road of life that remains after that loss.

We Paul says, “thanks be to God, He give us the victory….” I believe we can apply that to more than just our personal triumph over death, but the victory over the sting of death when we suffer loss. That victory is not the result of winning a battle but more like winning a war with many battle that are fought on many fronts. But in each situation that is faced we can be confident in Christ walking with us through, “the valley of the shadow of death.” Once again, I believe we can apply that assurance of the Lord’s care not just for those who pass from this life, but for those who walk into that valley with a loved one but emerge on the other side alone.

As much as I like the crescendo of 1 Corinthians 15:57, verse 58 is the call to action. “Therefore…..” We are to remain firm, steadfast in our faith and in our service, because we know what we believe and what we do in our walk with the Lord is not in vain. As we remain firm, we find the Lord, not just faithful in the end, but faithful in the journey till the end.

I was glad to have a good night of rest and to feel more refreshed and more energy than I have experienced this week. I’m glad for that as I prepare for this weekend. We came to Lakewood today and stopped at our favorite Chinese food restaurant for lunch and then on to Christian and Bridget’s home. Tonight we will take care of Riley, Caedmon and Eliana as their parents go to a Christmas party.

As I get older I begin to reflect on my memories of parents and others and figure out how old they were at a given moment in history. I then compare it to my life today. I recall when my father was helping us load a moving van when we were moving from Colby to Kansas. As he as struggling with carrying a mattress down the stairs, it donned on me that he was not as strong as he use to be. I now realize he was 70 years old at the time!

So today Stephanie was telling us about Carter taking a Christmas story book to his kindergarten class. It was one of those books grandparents can record their voice as they read. I had recorded a “Charlie Brown Christmas” for Carter a couple of years ago. So he brings the book to his class and announces, “this book is read by my grandpa, he is really old and can’t walk!” One of these days Carter will realize how young I really was when he was only five.

Speaking of books, here is a picture of Riley and Caedmon with their books during reading time this afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 124:2-4

I was thinking about these verses regarding “children are a heritage from the Lord” as we have been visiting our son (Christian and wife Bridget) and grandchildren in Lakewood. Perhaps grandparents, feel it is more accurate to say, “grandchildren are a heritage from the Lord.” And then I think about parents who face the challenge of raising children at various points in their life and they may question whether or not “children are a heritage from the Lord!” They may be a test of patience, a challenge of endurance (i.e. “this too shall pass.”) from the Lord.

Children as a “heritage” or “reward” carries with it a sense of responsibility. It is not just a gift to be used or taken for granted it is something that in turn becomes the legacy of our lives. Perhaps these verses are important ones for new parents and during times parents bring their children for dedication. Shaping the lives and future of our children is a high calling and difficult task that just can’t be done on “the fly.” That is why I appreciate the work of my friend Kirk Weaver who is dedicated to equipping parents (and grandparents) to be proactive in the spiritual formation of the lives of their children. This is through the ministry of Family Time Training (www.famtime.com)

As I review the verses about children, I noticed the proximity to the verses about working day and night and not having rest. King  Solomon talked about the futility of work and misplaced priorities that can come with being absorbed in the activity of just “making a living.”

When our priorities are right in giving our attention to our “heritage from the Lord” then the Lord will grant us anxiety-free sleep as we take care of “first things first.”

We are proud of our children and their spouses and the job they are doing with their own “heritage” from the Lord. As we are in this holiday season, may you have a sense of “reward” in your time with children. (and grandchildren)

One year ago today, I came home from Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. This event was remarkable for several reasons. One of those was the fact that out of the six months we lived in Fort Collins in 2013, I spent five of them in the hospital.

A year ago the hospital gave us a grand send off as staff from various departments lined the hallway to say goodbye. It was a special moment for the staff that had invested in my care as much as for me and my family and friends. I came home in a van with a power wheelchair to lunch at home and today I drove myself to a lunch meeting with Pastor Steve Harris (He was with me a year ago) and used my walker to get in and out of the restaurant. (see picture)

As I looked back on some of the CaringBridge posts, I noted that I was taken off life support on September 17, 2013 just a week before my surgery. I started writing my own daily posts on November 17, 2013 and with a few exceptions when I was back in the hospital have kept up the reports and now daily devotional thoughts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

We see some interesting names in the Bible, most are for places. Here is the naming of a stone, and in time the name of the stone became identified as a place. “Ebenezer” means “stone of help.”

This stone marked a day of victory for Israel over the Philistines (their archenemies) The Ark of God’s presence had been captured by the Philistines and the Philistine God “Dagon” seemed to be more powerful than Jehovah. But without human intervention the Lord brought destruction upon the Philistines and the Ark was returned to the land of Israel.

This brought about a time of repentance and turning back to God. Samuel interceded before the Lord for the people as they faced the threat of the Philistines. The Lord “thundered with a mighty sound” and brought confusion and defeat to the Philistines. This brought joy and new courage to God’s people. Battles were common in the Old Testament, why mark the significance of this one?

It was because it signaled a turning point. A time of change from defeat to victory. A time of looking to human strength to relying on God. A time where hearts were turned away from the Lord to a time when they cry to Samuel was, “don’t stop interceding for us!” They realized that their life was dependent upon seeking the Lord and the Lord fighting for them.

Ebenezer was not a marker for any battle, it was a marker for the battle won by the Lord that came at a critical point in the history of God’s people. It was to remind them where their “center, their true north” was found.

Markers today are not just on historic battle fields, they are found on calendars. Birthdays, anniversaries, a new year, a new job, all can be times of remembrance. These times allow us to pause, stop and ponder. To reflect on the past, to evaluate the present and to plan for and anticipate the future.  There are no greater “markers in time” than those connected to God’s intervention in our life. A “spiritual birthday”, a call to ministry or service, a significant answer to prayer.

A significant date for me will always be the date I came home from the hospital. It not only serves as a natural maker in time and my recovery process, but a time to thank the Lord for the many ways that He has provided. A time to “erect an Ebenezer” up to this point the Lord has helped me…and  I am confident of His continued help. There are challenges to be me, there are goals to be achieved, but I always want my confidence and faith to be in the Lord who is with us and does not fail. Perhaps you need an Ebenezer in your life. A time when you are aware of the Lord’s help in a specific way.

I made trip to the Capitol today to be a part of the Colorado Gives Day Rally. Unfortunately I was off on my schedule (I’m making that a habit) and was running later than anticipated. But it was great to see the west steps of the Capitol packed with nonprofits from Colorado preparing for a big day of online giving tomorrow. This Capitol rally for Colorado Gives Day is something that I gave the impetus to five years ago when I was serving in the State House. The event is held each year on the eve of Colorado Gives Day and has turned into a well attended and strongly supported effort by Colorado business, political and foundation community.

You can give online at www.coloradogives.org Funds are available that give matching grants based on how much each individual nonprofit raises. Some of my favorites causes are:  “Serve 6.8” (Timberline Church’s community outreach) Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains (Daniel Petruska from TC 180 Ministries is shown in the picture with me and Governor Hickenlooper) Sox Place (an outreach to homeless teens living on Denver’s streets) and Family Time Ministries (equipping parents to be proactive spiritual influences in the lives of their children) I should mention, Denver Street School (alternative Christian education for at-risk youth)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…    “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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 4:7,9

In our lives we can experience peace. But beyond peace that means an “absence of conflict” or “a sense of well being” is the peace that comes from God. It is a peace that can be experienced in the midst of the storm, it is a sense of peace from God’s presence that doesn’t fit into the context or circumstances or our lives.

When I look over my life the greatest sense of the “peace of God the surpasses all understanding” was in the early years of our marriage. I had just resigned my teaching position to go into full-time ministry and Debbie was five months pregnant with our first child. In the middle of this transition during the month of July, when what was offered was going to happen in the fall, our Lead Pastor resigned. That meant all plans were on hold. I didn’t have a “paying” ministry job but had my teaching income through August and after that everything was in the “to be determined” category.

However in the midst of that time, I (I’m not sure about Debbie) had a tremendous sense of peace that we were in  God’s care and will and that He would take care of us. Not that we weren’t active and exploring options. In the final analysis a new Lead Pastor was selected; he invited us to stay and we became the first full-time salaried staff pastor in the history. This was the church that we would later serve as the Lead Pastor for almost 15 years.

When we look at the context of Philippians 4, it is important to see the “peace of God” tied to two important practices. Our prayer life and our thought life.

The promise of the peace of God, that is a “guard” over our hearts, is tied to this action,  “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

I like how that the warning against “anxiety” and “thanksgiving” serve as bookends to “praying about everything.” To me that signals a sense of confidence in God’s care and love for our lives that allows us to know God’s peace. Jesus as He prepared for the cross promised His disciples this dynamic peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  (John 14:27)

We can’t experience the peace of God if our thoughts are battling against us to bring us down. Paul then moves to the call to “put into practice.” The peace of God is tied to the “doing” part of our faith more than the “knowing.”

Oddly enough Debbie and I find ourselves in a similar situation as we were some 37 years ago, as we look at our future. There is much on the “to be determined” outlook of life. And while we don’t have the pressures of a young married couple starting out life expecting their first child, we are still looking to the Lord to direct our “next steps” and to provide for us as we move into the coming year.