I was off on the schedule for my story being featured at Timberline Church. It will be next Saturday and Sunday. That timing will be special because this Wednesday marks the anniversary of my return home from the hospital. And oddly enough next Saturday will mark the anniversary of my return to the hospital with my first of several infections that I have encountered in this past year.

This time of the year is a good time for me to reflect on the incredible support that I have received since my initial hospitalization. Debbie pulled out the sacks of card and notes that I have received. I also was looking at the list of names of individuals who opened their hearts and “pocketbooks” and donated to a medical relief fund which has been such a blessing during this time. One of those was a lady that I don’t know personally, but because of an endorsement from Fort Collins State Senator John Kafalas sent a donation.  There were even a few kids who gave out of their allowance!

This in addition to the personal cards, notes and letters from those I have known over my life that wrote to not only encourage me but to express the value of my impact on their life. It is all very humbling for sure. It is also one of the ways that Lord uses to reveal His love and to keep us going. I still recall the note from one of my sister-in-law’s students in California who said, “get better, we are all counting on you!” Wow!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?”  Galatians 3:3 NLT  “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

As I reflect on trusting God in tough times, I believe it is important to understand that “good times” “trouble free times” can be as much as challenge to our spiritual life. The Apostle Paul said,   “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)

Paul faced his troubles, trials and tribulations, but when he wrote to the Philippians and said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…” (Phil 4:13) he included “good times” as well. The verse before this he says, “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” We seldom think of Christ’s strength that is needed in “plenty and abundance.”

As Paul writes to the Galatians he warns them about depending on their ability to fulfill the law as a mean of attaining righteousness, rather than depending continually on the grace of Christ and power of the Holy Spirit.

When we look at the Old Testament I think of Samson who in spite of his lifestyle, God used him to win many victories for God’s people. But the point came where he divulged the secret of his strength and woke up and “knew not the Lord had left him.”

I think of King Solomon who was the wisest and wealthiest King of Israel, but having started his rule in humility seeking wisdom to govern rightly, he eventually took foreign wives. This was not only against God’s direct command, but it showed he was relying on the wisdom of the day that said that way you secure your rule is to make allegiance through marriage with surrounding nations.

Growing up in Denver I was well acquainted with Charles Blair and Calvary Temple. Pastor Blair was a great leader and innovator and built the one of the first mega-churches in America in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  The title of the book that chronicles his life and the financial downfall of the church speaks volumes, “The Man Who Could  Do No Wrong.”

When “life is good” our prayer life can wane; our need of God’s daily provision is taken for granted; we begin to assume on the grace of God and depend on our intellect and abilities to make decisions and get us through each day. Pastor Day from Timberline commented about God’s protective grace over the world and said, “if God’s grace was lifted you would not have the ability to make it through the day.” (my paraphrase).

I am thankful for God’s grace, provision and strength in my life during this time of illness and recovery. But one thing that I have learned is how consistent I need to be in staying close to Him and trusting Him each day. With Paul I want to say with confidence, “the life I live, I live by faith (each and every day) in the One who loved me and gave His life for me.”

The sun has finally broke through the clouds to make the day more bright. Today has ended up being a more restful and “catch up” day than I anticipated. I’m not sure if it was a restless night or just the need for more rest than what I have required this week. So it looks like my workout day will be at home as I prepare for the weekend services a Timberline. I will have the opportunity to pray at the end of the service for those who are dealing with the unexpected, setbacks or crisis in their lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?….in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us…. [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:35,37,39

As we look at familiar verses and promises in God’s Word, we re reminded that the reality of those promises is only experienced when the unexpected comes, when the crisis happens. When tribulations, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger…..come they can make us “feel” separated from God’s love. These times and circumstances test the meddle of our faith and trust and focus.

As I near my first anniversary date for my return home from the hospital, I am reflecting on some aspects of life and the “unexpected.”

1 – The Unexpected is part of life.

We understand that, we just don’t expect it to happen to us! No one expects to get a cancer  diagnosis, have a health crisis, be in an accident, have a family crisis, have something happen to their children. We plan for the unexpected to a degree when we buy life insurance, when businesses establish succession plans – we just don’t believe they will ever be needed. And for a vast number of people they aren’t. But it doesn’t mean people don’t experience the unexpected lay-off or other financial crisis. An acquaintance of mine is still working in his late 70’s because of a financial loss occurred through a much publicized company scandal. Through no fault of his own, his plans for a less active retirement were changed.

2 – The Unexpected is a challenge.

Decisions must be made, priorities reassessed, schedules are changed, additional expenses can come when income is diminished. These are just some of the logistics of dealing with crisis. Then there is the challenge of just “dealing with the crisis.” The toll on emotions, family members and others in our circle of relationships can be significant.

When I reflect on my illness and hospitalization, it is difficult for me to comprehend the toll and challenge faced by my family. There was not only the concern for what was happening to me, but the challenge of rearranging schedules and jumping in to handle even day to day matters of the house and paying bills. From my perspective is seemed there was a much happening around me as their was happening to me.

When facing the challenge of the unexpected help is needed. Crisis is a time to open your life, not “circle the wagons” and shut yourself off and “go it alone.” That was one area where Debbie acted decisively and with wisdom.

Psychiatrist Victor Frankl said, “When we are not longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

3 – The Unexpected is a test.

For the record, I hate tests! But when a crisis comes it presents a test; a test that must be faced and it is a test that must be passed. This of course is more of a “pop quiz” because you don’t know when it is coming.

The unexpected is a test of our trust in the Lord. Our trust in God’s love, God’s provision, God direction and God’s ability to help us to deal with the challenge before us. Author Mary Engelbreit said, “If you don’t like it change it; if you can’t change it; change the way you think about it.” The Lord can help us with that – and sometimes that is the greatest miracle.

Proverbs 3:5,6 applies to these situations more than we recognize, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

The unexpected can test our ways and our will. Crisis calls for change and change is difficult. Sometimes it is helpful to evaluate our thoughts and feelings by replacing “can’t” with “won’t.”

• I can’t let others help me….I won’t let others help me
• I can’t let go of_______ (????)  I won’t let go of _______(????)
• I can’t deal with this!  I won’t deal with this!
• I can’t forgive.  I won’t forgive

I believe you get the point. When we say we believe with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”       (Phil. 4:13) we will find that the unexpected tests how extensive our  belief in “all things” really is. Often the miracle the Lord brings to our crisis is how He changes us in our situation and provides us the strength and peace beyond our ability.

Today was noteworthy. I returned my regular wheelchair back to the Disability Resource Center. I appreciate our friends Craig and Cyndy Luzinski getting this chair and some items in preparation for my return home about one year ago. I am feeling more comfortable and stronger using my walker, so I have taken this step of faith that routine wheelchair days are behind me.

My fitness center workout with my trainer wasn’t as taxing as it was on Tuesday, so today has been a good day. I am still considering and pursuing some work possibilities for the future and look forward to what is in store for me in the coming year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place!…” Genesis 28:15-17

This morning during our devotional reading referenced this passage in a manner that struck me in a new way. So often our familiarity with a Bible story can rob us of the appreciation of the beginning of the journey.

Jacob is being sent to Haran away from his family and the brother who he has enraged by his deception. He is traveling alone and in the dessert and facing along journey that has an uncertain outcome. He finds himself at night near a city but still out in the wilderness. He uses a stone as a pillow and endeavors to get some rest. It is here at night, alone and in the desert that the Lord appears to Jacob. Jacob’s response?  “….the Lord is in this place.”

In a place and at a time when it would be easy to feel “God-forsaken” Jacob receives a revelation of the Lord that would change His life. Bible commentator of old, Matthew Henry said, “God’s time to visit his people with his comforts, is, when they are most destitute of other comforts, and other comforters.”

That is why when the trials of life come, from whatever source and for whatever reason or no reason, we need to move beyond the question of “why” to ask ourselves, “what now?” “how will I be different?” “what can I learn?” In each situation I am confident that we will find, as did Jacob, that “God is in this place.”

I like that words of Corrie ten Boom when she said, “there is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still..” When you find yourself between a “rock and a desert place” don’t surprised that God is there to provide His presence and His promise.

This morning I met with Richard Flores from Timberline for an interview regarding my story that will be shared as part of this weekend services. Pray with me that people who have faced challenging circumstances in their life will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.

I did make it to the fitness center for a workout. I rode a an exercise bike and then swam some laps and exercised in the pool. I am trying to coordinate better with my trainer on what I do on various days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.”          Psalm 23:1,2

This past Monday night at our “Allies” men’s gathering the teaching video was related to spiritual warfare. In discussing the enemies strategy to “pick off the weak and straggling” the speaker admonished, “run to the shepherd.” Psalm 23 is the most familiar Psalm of the Bible. In its six short verses it carries powerful truths that are always worth considering.

When I consider my illness and on-going recovery, the words, “He makes me lie down…” come to mind. I’m not sure if a hospital room qualifies as a “green pasture” but it is a place of  care, restoration and recovery. I found that when you are on your back and you can’t move the only place to look is up…and within.

I notice after “He makes me lie down in green pastures” we find the provision of “He leads me in paths of righteousness….” In our life we need strength for the journey, we need recovery from setbacks, we need to be prepared for what lies ahead on the path where the shepherd leads.

In a word we can say that the shepherd “provides.” He provides all that we need, even if we don’t understand our need of it. Take a moment and consider what the shepherd provides…

• a secure and comfortable resting place
• a place of refreshing
• renewal for life’s depleting experiences
• guidance in the right direction
• safety and security even in a hostile environment
• bountiful provision
• the assurance of a future destiny

I like to say that Psalm 23 begins with the conclusion. It fixes our eyes on the Lord and who He is to us by simply stating, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” What aspect of the shepherd’s care to you need today? It is available as you run to the Shepherd.

Today I made another trip to Englewood to spend the day with my mom. I’m glad that I had the energy that I did to make through the day with the drive to and from Denver and the errands that I helped my mom with. I attended Wednesday Bible Study with her at Mosaic Church where she attends. There were several people there that I have known for years and who have been praying for me and following my progress with interest. It is always good to see people who are rejoicing over your progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence…So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is 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. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:14, 16-18

I recall years ago someone making this comment, “he is so heavenly minded, he is no earthly good.”  I am not sure what all that means but have the idea that it has more to do with the ability to communicate spiritual truths with people in  an engaging way. I’m sure like in any “extreme” the opposite of that statement could be true. Someone could be so focused on this life and this world, they fail to have a Biblical understanding of life and our destiny.

When we look at these verses they speak to us of….

1 – An Eternal Reality – It is important to understand that there is more to life than “this life, this world.” At times I will catch an episode of the TV program “Bones.” Dr. Brennan plays the part of the “consummate scientist.” In other words, all that matters is what can be observed, analyzed and handed down by anthropologists while speaking authoritatively about the “God myth.”

Famed basketball coach John Wooden said, “It is what you learn after you know it all that counts.” There is an eternal destiny that everyone must face. Abraham Lincoln said, “you cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by avoiding it today.” That certainly has application to our spiritual future and eternal destiny.

2 – An Eternal Encouragement  – “Therefore we do not lose heart…” There is so much that can come our way in this life that it can “knock the wind out of our sails.” The situations and trials of life can take our “heart” out of life and our view of the future. Christian leader of decades past Elmer Towns said, “All great leaders have one common spiritual gift – faith.” When we keep our eyes upon Jesus and rely on His strength he places the courage in us to face each new day. There is strength for life.

3 – An Eternal Perspective – Our focus in life determines our future and impacts our present. Paul says, “So we fix our eyes….”  The success in any sport is related to focus. “Watch the ball” “Keep your eyes on the basket” “Keep your eyes on the runner’s chest to make the tackle.”

When we have an eternal perspective is allows us to look beyond what is, to what will be. To look beyond the fading and the failing and to look to what will last. One leader observed, “all glory comes from daring to begin.” For some today is a day to begin a new focus, a new resolve and to adopt a new perspective. For others it may be a reminder to “re-focus” to be strengthened in your faith – in the midst of the struggle or journey.

I seemed to sleep well last night and woke up feeling refreshed. I actually made it pretty much on time to my Tuesday morning prayer time at Everyday Joes in Old Town. It is interesting how long it takes to get ready and going out the door. I was always one to push the limits and now I have a brand new set of limits.

It went to my fitness center workout just on time today. I wanted to be well rested to meet with my trainer and then I thought I would do some swimming after the workout. By the time the workout was over, I decided to come home and take a nap! What was interesting was how taxing the workout was, not using weights, but just focusing on muscle groups that are weak and under-developed.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:9,10

These familiar phrases of the “Lord’s Prayer” are ones the are often viewed together without giving thought to the dynamic between the two. This morning a friend at our Tuesday prayer meeting stimulated my thought process in discussing the connection of these two petitions and how they impact our life.

If I were to attempt to put it in a phrase it would be, “God’ kingdom only comes, when God’s will is done.” The idea of “God’s Kingdom” can be a challenging one. As one theologian put it is the “already, not yet kingdom.” Christ came to establish his kingdom in the hearts of His people, but we realize that His kingdom rule over the earth will come to fulfillment at the “Second Coming.”

In order for Christ’s Kingdom to come, God’s will must be done. As we enter the advent season, that means we are aware of that in Christ coming to earth as that baby in Bethlehem’s manger; he had to experience life in this “world” and then be involved in three years of ministry before He was crucified and raised to life.

One day Jesus turned and asked His disciples, “whom do men say that I am, and who do you say that I am?” Peter spoke and declared, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” But when Jesus began to tell His disciples about how He would be arrested and crucified, Peter rebuked Him. (Luke 16) Peter was able to recognize God’s kingdom coming through Christ, but could not accept what God’s will was to bring it all to pass.

In the same way, when we look at the world around us, there can arise questions about all that is happening and why. I want to say in my “child-like faith” response, “God’s will is taking place, so His Kingdom can come.” While that is a pat answer, it is not intended to dismiss the need to look at personal situations and world events in a prayerful and discerning manner. But it is important to understand that we won’t understand all we would like to understand as God’s kingdom comes in its fullness. Understand?

One aspect of that prayer that is important is the “as it is in heaven” part. I don’t think there are human forces that “muck up” God’s will in heaven. So perhaps it is good for us to add to the prayer, “and Lord don’t let me get in the way.”

We can place out trust and confidence in God working out His plan and purpose for our life and the world. Sometimes we don’t always understand everything His will allows, but we can trust Him and His love for us. After all, He is Emmanuel, “God with us.”