This weekend I will be attending the Allies Retreat with about 50 plus other men from Timberline Church. I will be sharing some of my “Life Lessons, from a Life Threatening Illness” during the seminars on Saturday. Today was focused on my preparation for this weekend. It is always interesting for me to review some old CaringBridge posts and to see what was happening to me and to get the perspective of events through the eyes of my wife and children.

I did get to the fitness center today for a short workout. This was my first workout in a few weeks. Today ended with the delivery of my new recumbent bike.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I praise you, God; don’t remain silent! Wicked people and liars have attacked me. They tell lies about me, and they say evil things about me, attacking me for no reason. They oppose me, even though I love them and have prayed for them. They pay me back evil for good and hatred for love.“ Psalm 109:1-5

As I read these verses this morning, they caught my attention. Perhaps it is my political background, perhaps my history as a pastor. The world we live in “is not fair.” Kindness is not always returned with kindness, people don’t live by the “golden rule.” It was evident in the Old Testament, New Testament and today.

We see the actions of the “wicked” in their verbal attacks. They speak lies, say evil things and offer a barrage of unjustified attacks. But what we see as especially painful and perplexing is the unfair treatment from those the Psalmist has “prayed for” and demonstrated love and kindness to. What is interesting in many ways, these verses can reflect the response of many to God.

We see throughout scripture that we are called to take the “high road.” The Psalmist shows us the path by turning the to the Lord; praising the Lord and beseeching the Lord to take action and come to his defense. The Lord challenges us to love, and keep loving, to pray and keep praying, to keep doing good.

Jesus said, “I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6, 27,28)

When Jesus was teaching His disciples about kingdom priorities, He contrasted the “ways of the world with the ways of the kingdom.”

“You know that the rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it shall be among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest…” (Matt.20:25,26)

Jesus calls us to the “not so with you” approach to life. That doesn’t mean we are to be naive or gullible or set ourselves up for mistreatment. But it does mean we are to seek to follow the example of Jesus,  “…. he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.“ (1 Peter 2:23)

We don’t live in a “fair world” – but we serve a God of justice, who is able to come to our defense and to give us the strength and wisdom we need to be people of integrity. It doesn’t come as we focus on those who are against us, or on ourselves. It comes as we praise the Lord and keep our eyes on Him.

The weather was great today, and I took advantage of it and got some work done outside. But after two, plus hours, I was getting fairly fatigued. But food and rest can make a difference!

This afternoon, I went to Lakewood to attend a retirement reception for our friend, Chris Coleman. Debbie and I have known Chris for over twenty years. I served as the pastor to her and her family for many years. In recent years Chris and Debbie reconnected through their nursing profession. (Picture of me with Chris, daughter Caroline and granddaughter, Eliana)

I was able to go by and see Bridget and the grandchildren and have dinner with them before returning to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.”  2 Timothy 2:9 GNB

This verse is even more powerful with the Bible as we have it today. There have been countless stories of lives being changed by the power of God’s Word; from the Ethiopian eunuch, in the Book of Acts to today.

I recall a young man in India who was in a hotel room ready to commit suicide. As he prepared to take his life he noticed the Bible and something spoke to him and said open and read. He opened the Bible and it fell on Ecclesiastes  7:16,17 “…why kill yourself? …Why die before you have to? “

He called out to the Lord and today is a missionary to Northern India where he has planted hundreds of house churches, and is reaching thousands with the gospel message.

This is why individuals and organization over the years have made a commitment to get  the Bible to people who have never heard the gospel. In the past, individuals risk their lives to smuggle Bibles into the former Soviet Union, the Gideon’s for decades have committed themselves to Bible distribution. Wycliffe Bible Translators, have labored to ensure that the Bible is available to every people group. We have seen efforts such as the “Jesus Film” that has been used to share God’s Word with thousands in unreached nations. The list could go on. What these efforts and the results reveal is the truth of Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

God’s Word is able to go where missionaries can not go. Doors may be shut to those who share the good news, but when the “good news” is available to be read or listen to, the Holy Spirit is able to work in the hearts of people.

The power of God’s Word, is not in being a “mysterious” or “magical” book. The power of God’s Word is seen in revealing God, His love, mercy and His plan of Salvation through Christ. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39)

God’s Word provides guidance and insight into life and our own hearts. God’s Word can connect with people, when we can’t. The power of God’s Word speaks to our lives. While we read it, it read us. As Hebrews says, “it judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

As Paul writes to Timothy he asserts the value and function of God’s Word when he says,  ^“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living,  so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.”                                   (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

In your life, value the importance of God’s Word. As a follower of Christ, understand the value of sharing God’s Word with others. Where it is present, God’s message can’t be shut out.

A big day for me in many respects. It was good to get back to my Tuesday prayer time at “Everyday Joes.”  Later this morning, I had (for know) my final physical therapy session at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital as an outpatient. So this was my “graduation day.” I didn’t get a certificate, but did get a T-Shirt! (picture of me and PT Michael Jackson)

When I left NCRH on December 10, 2013, I told them the next time they would see me I hoped to be walking in as an outpatient. It took a few months but I did return for outpatient therapy in March 2014. Today I was able to walk in with crutches.

This afternoon, I took a recumbent bike on a trial ride. It was more challenging than I anticipated, but it was good to be outside once again. I am looking forward to what the future holds on this aspect of my exercise and recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Haman son of Hammedatha—the descendant of Agag and the enemy of the Jewish people—had cast lots (“purim,” they were called) to determine the day for destroying the Jews; he had planned to wipe them out. But Esther went to the king, and the king issued written orders with the result that Haman suffered the fate he had planned for the Jews—he and his sons were hanged from the gallows.  That is why the holidays are called Purim…. It was resolved that every Jewish family of every future generation in every province and every city should remember and observe the days of Purim for all time to come.” Esther 9:24-28

March 5, 2015 was the day to celebrate “Purim.” The fact that this event in on the annual Jewish calendar today, is a reminder of the events thousands of years ago that established this annual remembrance. Genocide is the eradication of a race or a group of people. The Jews have been the target of attempted genocide from the days of Esther to the Holocaust during World War II, to threats of current world leaders.

The verses above summarize the story of the Book of Esther and why this day was marked for remembrance. The story of Esther is a story of intrigue, plots, status seeking, principled leadership, and much more. While the story features Esther, the Jewish girl who became Queen. We see that her adopted father (cousin) Mordecai becomes the central figure in the story.

Mordecai encouraged Esther to enter the “contest to become Queen.” He showed his loyalty by revealing an attempt on the King’s life. He was the one who challenged Esther to rise to the occasion on behalf of her people. When the plot of Haman was revealed, Mordecai achieves a position of rank and influence in the kingdom.

The Book of Esther ends with this commendation of Mordecai, “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank only to King Xerxes himself. He was honored and well-liked by his fellow Jews. He worked for the good of his people and for the security of all their descendants.” (Esther 10:3)

As you read the Book of Esther you will see how:

• …. God is able to strategically place people in a position of influence at the right time
• ….No person accomplishes God’s purpose on their own. We see Mordecai being the source of information and influence in Esther’s life. We see Esther calling on people to join her in fasting and prayer before approaching the King.
• ….The resentment of Haman and his evil plot turn on him and be his ruin.
• ….The resentment toward one man becomes a generalized hatred for an entire people.
• ….The Lord works to save His people from their enemies
• ….The Lord honors those who honor Him

The Book of Esther is not just a fascinating and multifaceted story; it is an important historic account in the life of God’s people that is still recognized today. It is a reminder that God is able to watch over and save His people. It is a reminder for us today that, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.“ (2 Peter 2:9)

I stayed in Denver last night with Christian and Bridget. I spent the day with some errands around town and then a trip to the Capitol to testify on a bill related to Physical Therapy co-pays. We got the bill out of the Senate Committee by one vote. We are confident that it will move its way through the process to the Governor’s desk. I am thankful we were able to get our bill moved up to the top of the agenda so I could return home to Fort Collins by late afternoon.

It has been good to meet some Physical Therapists from around the State and share my story with them and to learn from them as well. The picture today is me at the Capitol with the leaders of the Physical Therapist’s Association that were present in support of the bill.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.  This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed. 1 Timothy 4:7-9

I believe exercise is something that has been part of my life since I was a child. Whether it was formal exercise or practicing skills needed in basketball and baseball. I still remember my oldest cousin, Phil Gamble, who started his career as a fitness trainer, giving my brother and me a workout regimen to prepare us for baseball, when we were in our early teens.

Exercise and physical health has been a staple of our society and mindset for generations. Whether the “President’s Award for Physical Fitness” from the past or the current, “Let’s Move” initiative. We understand the discipline and dedication that is needed and the benefits that physical fitness provides.

We don’t however, always translate that into our spiritual life. We often hear of spiritual disciplines such as, Bible reading, prayer, worship, service and nod our heads about there importance, but struggle with putting them into action. Perhaps the excuses are the same as physical exercise, “I know I should, but I don’t have time.” However, I never heard anyone who was challenged to exercise physically, be cautioned about “being legalistic.” But I do remember a friend giving me caution when I was getting into running to “not become addicted.” I didn’t understand what he was talking about, but I did learn as time went on. If there are some things that we feel compelled to be part of our day, spiritual exercise should be as valuable as a good run, or bike ride.

Perhaps we need to move away from the concept of spiritual “discipline.”  While it does take  time and dedication, just like physical exercise, we still refer to physical exercise as a “program” or “routine.” But not discipline.

Paul in his writings does a good job contrasting the natural or temporal world with the spiritual and eternal world. This passage is one of those. He reminds us that physical training has limitations in terms of its benefit. Spiritual training has a temporal and eternal benefit. It is the “exercise program” that helps us in this world and prepares us for the next.

I believe “health” pleases and honors the Lord. That’s why we pray for healing and see the Lord answer our prayers. I believe physical training is a way we can honor the Lord. But we don’t have to live in an either or world. We can be those who practice good physical health and good spiritual health as well.

My goal in writing these daily blogs, is to challenge you with what challenges and speaks to me. I trust this is part of your spiritual routine and is contributing to a stronger faith and spiritual well being in your life.

We have had rain all day today. I’m glad I got the work done outside yesterday that I did. However, I didn’t get the lawn mowed. We had another full day at church today. We attended a class for leaders during the last service and they actually fed us. So by the time I got home I was ready for a nap.

Later today we came to Lakewood to celebrate Eliana’s fourth birthday. This is Christian and Bridget’s youngest child. Our grandkids are quickly growing up. I will spend the night with them and then get ready for a full day tomorrow. I will be at the Capitol for a bill hearing in the afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE TODAY… The Lord says, “I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten. Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. The new Jerusalem I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy.…Wolves and lambs will eat together; lions will eat straw, as cattle do, and snakes will no longer be dangerous. On Zion, my sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil.” Isaiah 65:17-19,25

As the prophecies of Isaiah come to an end, we see the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness and His work to restore and redeem His people. The entire passage of the Lord’s promise to His people carries a mixture of that which would take place in the near future and that which was futuristic.

I recall in my study of prophecy the principle of “double reference.” It is explained as viewing a range of mountains. Here in Colorado we have “foothills” and the Rocky Mountains. When viewed from the east they look like they are on top of each other when in reality there is considerable distance between the two ranges. In the same way when prophets saw and spoke of the Lord’s promise, it seemed all events would come to pass in the same time frame, but in reality they were addressing that which would come about in the near future and that which would be fulfilled in  God’s plan of redemption at some point in the distant future.

In this case we see the Lord restoring His people to Jerusalem after seventy years of captivity. We see the temple rebuilt and the walls re-established. We see the people return and the Lord fulfilling His promise as spoke through the prophets.

But at the same time we see Isaiah speaking words seven hundred years before Christ that are yet to come to pass. The promise of  “new heaven and a new earth” is yet to be fulfilled. A day is coming when the “curse” will be removed. That is seen in the “lion and lamb lying down together.”

John the Apostle, saw what Isaiah spoke of. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband.” (Revelation 21:1,2)

God’s word is sure to come to pass. We live today in the working out of God’s redemptive plan for this world and all people. God is not just the “God of the Bible.” He is the God who is at work in our world today, just as He has been throughout time.

While we see the Lord’s prophetic promise of the present and the future in scripture, we can also observe that often the response of people to the Lord related to the present and future as well. Isaiah 65 opens with these words, “The Lord said, “I was ready to answer my people’s prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, ‘Here I am; I will help you.’ I have always been ready to welcome my people, who stubbornly do what is wrong and go their own way.”         (Isaiah 65:1,2)

We need to understand that the Lord is more ready to answer, than we are to ask. He is stands ready to “be found” and reveal Himself, if we will but only seek and draw near to Him. This day, understand the mercy and faithfulness of the Lord to hear, respond and to work out His plan of redemption in our lives and for our world. He will make “everything new” in your life as you trust in Him.

Today was a good day to be outside and get some work done in the garden and around the house. I did make a trip to hunt for seeds and a few other garden supplies. That can always prove to be an interesting challenge. I did discover that I can use a grocery cart for a make-shift walker – at least for a while.

I also tried out a recumbent bicycle at a specialty shop here in Fort Collins. I will go back next week to take it for a test run and see if I can add it to my summer exercise program.

This evening we had an enjoyable time getting acquainted with Greg Kelley, CEO of “World Mission” from Michigan. Their unique focus is a solar powered, audio scripture portion distributed to countries in the 10/40 window, and unreached peoples groups, where there are multitudes of oral learners. (check out – http://thetreasure.org/) Greg is a friend of Paul and Collen Irwin who we have known for years. Also, a friend of Greg’s and one of his board members is the Lead Pastor of Shoreline Church in Monterrey, California, which is my brother’s home church.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Human life is like forced army service, like a life of hard manual labor, like a slave longing for cool shade; like a worker waiting to be paid. Month after month I have nothing to live for; night after night brings me grief….” Job 7:1-3

You know you are having a good day when  you can relate to these words of Job. Job as he deals with his misery and less than comforting “comforters.” Every simile Job could think of related to the difficulties of life, he lists as a description of his misery.

What is interesting is Job doesn’t say, “my life” he simply states, “human life..” When our pain and suffering is intense, we move from relating to suffering as “my life or lot” and move to a broader generalization that life itself is not worth living for anyone. “I’m suffering and have a reason to be in distress and so does everyone else.”

Job has already expressed the desperation of his suffering when he said, “Why won’t God give me what I ask?
Why won’t he answer my prayer? If only he would go ahead and kill me! If I knew he would, I would leap for joy, no matter how great my pain.” (Job 6:8-10)  We can be thankful that the Lord doesn’t answer or respond to some of our prayers that are prayed out of the pain or anger of the moment.

What is interesting is, in his misery Job’s comforters make a statement that does come true, “But turn now and plead with Almighty God; if you are so honest and pure, then God will come and help you and restore your household as your reward. All the wealth you lost will be nothing compared with what God will give you then.” (Job 8:5-7)

What is important for us to remember is, that intense pain and suffering, solicits intense, but not always truthful or logical responses. That is important to understand for ourselves and for others going through trials.

The solutions and the “quick end” of suffering while it is often sought, is not the best solution. Every day of suffering is one day too long. But in the end we see God’s faithfulness and the time of hardship and suffering will fade into the timeline of our story.  We do need to rest in the fact that, “our times are in His (God’s) hands.” (Psa. 31:15) We  need to have our eyes open to the provision of the Lord even in the midst of our trial or difficult situation.

The Lord understands our mind and emotions and we see that He is faithful to sustain and redeem. We don’t need to fear times of feeling separated from God or thoughts or emotions that emerge from the time of suffering. God is there when we don’t “feel” like it and He does not hold our thoughts and emotions against  us. That is why perseverance is the character quality that is so important in times of trials.

James the Apostle wrote about Job and said, “…we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.“ (James 511)

I need to get back on my “regular” routine, which includes more exercise than I have been getting. As I sat at breakfast with some seniors from Timberline Church today, I confessed that I need to exercise more and eat less. For me eating a normal meal schedule is more than what I have been used to for most of my life.

But today, it was spent in the company of some great people. After breakfast and an interlude for some office work, I met Gwen and Phyllis Kovac for lunch. I want the opportunity to celebrate Phyllis’______ birthday! Gwen and Phyllis were stellar supporters when I was in the hospital.

After a mid-afternoon errand, I was ready for a nap. Maybe I’ll hit the fitness center this evening.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…They think that religion is a way to become rich. Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have.…For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil.”                                1 Timothy 6:5-6,10 (GNB)

As I read these words of the Apostle Paul, I realized that the problem with seeking after wealth and contentment in life is an “age old problem.” For generations people have been looking for an opportunity to “get rich quick” to get ahead in life and to have more as a source of contentment and security.

But Paul put is plainly when he says, “What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing!” (1 Timothy 6:7) If Paul lived today, he might use the adage, “you have never seen a hearse drawing a U-Haul.”

In Paul’s day and even in ours, there are those who think serving God is a way to become rich. Then Paul puts a different perspective on “rich.” He basically says, “rich is being satisfied, content with what you have.” That is challenging in the “just-a-little-more”  and “you-can-never-have-enough” world we live in. But when I consider those I have observed in some third-world countries, I see that they possess a sense of contentment that far outweighs anything we see in our country. Would they like to have more?…sure. Do they look at Americans as rich and indulgent?…why not? But they work hard and are faithful to their family and God…..and that Paul says, qualifies for being “rich.”

Paul observes that being rich has its challenges and seeking riches, can lead people to unethical and sinful behavior. Have you ever watched an episode of “American Greed.” This TV program documents the activities of individuals who put themselves above the law, ethical behavior and everyone else for the sake of financial gain. As the saying goes, “money is a great servant and a hard master.”

How do you keep money your servant. This is Paul’s advice to Timothy to pass on the those who are wealthy, “Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.”  (1 Timothy 6:17,18)

Paul offers Timothy and everyone this advice as the way to be, “rich and satisfied”…..

“Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith…”         (1 Timothy 6:11,12)

That’s not “investment” advice…but maybe it is; investing for eternity which is guidance for everyone.

We had a nice day today and it was actually nice not having anything on my schedule. I did have a massage appointment that I almost forgot, but other than that it was a good day to get caught up on some office work and do some follow up from the last few days. I have not been as consistent with my fitness center exercise, but I am getting a lot of “functional” exercise with my schedule lately. I have been using more and more my “Canadian” crutches to get around. I do return for an evaluation next week to Northern  Colorado Rehab. Hospital.

(Since I mention my dog below here is picture of the innocent looking pet, with my 4-H bear from the Capitol.)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Listen now, my people, and come to me; come to me, and you will have life!”         Isaiah 55:3

We have noticed our little dog has problem. When we let him outside and call him to “come” he just ignores or worse looks at us and then intentionally ignores us. As Debbie was reading through his training journal, she saw that it mentioned that he had a problem with responding to the command of “come.” He is more inclined to come to us on his terms and time schedule.

As I considered my dog, I was reminded of some of the words of Isaiah and how much we respond the same way to God. That may sound somewhat demeaning, but look at what the Psalmist said in Psalm 32:9 “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.“ That sounds pretty much the same.

We can stand in awe of the simple invitation the Lord extends to people in desperate need of life and help. This well known chapter of Isaiah begins with the invitation,

The Lord says, “Come, everyone who is thirsty– here is water! Come, you that have no money—buy grain and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk—it will cost you nothing!   Why spend money on what does not satisfy?  Why spend your wages and still be hungry? Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all.” (Isaiah 55:1,2)

But for many reasons and some puzzling reasons, it seems that people over the ages have struggled and stumbled over that simple invitation. How does God “feel” about this? We get a glimpse from Jesus words as he views the city of Jerusalem, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”     (Matt. 25:37)

Even this “City of David” that was to be the place of  God’s presence, that had so mistreated those who represented the Lord, He still invited them to come to Him, to return to Him. Some are not willing because they fail to see their need. Some may be unwilling because they feel unworthy. Some are unwilling because they want to “maintain” control of their life. Some are unwilling because of misunderstanding or fear.

But none of that matters to God. He has no “prequalifications” for coming to him. You may have to be prequalified to borrow money or get a line of credit. But there is no prequalification to have your debt to the Lord removed!

We can come to the Lord “just as we are” at all times. We can come to receive forgiveness, strength, encouragement, comfort, wisdom, direction, healing….whatever you need. When you hear God’s voice, regardless of the source He uses, be quick to respond. You can’t go wrong.