Today is the National Day of Prayer. I was honored with the opportunity to give the benediction at the Larimer County National Day of Prayer event. John Andrews from the Centennial Institute and Colorado Christian University was the keynote speaker. John challenged us to be a people of prayer in a land of prayer. It was encouraging to see other civic, community, educational and business leaders in attendance. I was pleased that my friend and former legislative colleague Jim Welker from Loveland was able to join us at our table with others from the prayer ministry at  Timberline Church.

While it is still cool and overcast, the rain has ceased long enough for me to get out and mow my lawn. Even without a lot of sunshine and warmth and rain has created a growth spurt of vegetation in our area. This evening we are looking forward to traveling to Lakewood for a “vision” service with my son, Christian. Mile High Vineyard, where he is on staff is looking at a new “hub” in south Jefferson County.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Remember your promise to me, your servant; it has given me hope. Even in my suffering I was comforted because your promise gave me life.…You are all I want, O Lord; I promise to obey your laws.” Psalm 119:49,50,57

I have been reading through Job and Psalms. These verses from Psalm 119, would be ones you would almost expect to find in the Book of Job. Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm that extols God’s laws and precepts. But in these verse we find a different focus or slant than the rest of the Psalm.

Instead of the Psalmist stating a commitment to honor an obey God’s law, these verses implore the Lord to remember His promises to “His servant.” The promises of God convey who God is for His people and what He desires to do and will do for them.

The promises of God are especially meaningful in times of suffering and distress. It is God’s promise such as, His abiding love and presence; God’s promise that He hears our cry and is “touched with feelings of our infirmities”; that can give comfort and hope. I recall what seemed like endless days in a hospital bed there was the calming assurance that the Lord was with me and because of that I would recover. Just recently my physical therapist expressed that my left leg may not see improvement from the current level of strength. But that does not deter hope when we have faith that God has the final word of the outcome of our situation.

I like the praise of the Psalmist when he says, “You are all I want, O Lord…” When life is tested and all that brings confidence and trust in the future is stripped away and you discover that the Lord is all you have – you find that the Lord is all you need.

In your situation today, take heart, be encouraged in God’s promise to you. As you do, you will find the comfort and strength that is needed to move toward a brighter future.

I have been monitoring throughout the day the final day of the Colorado legislative session. This is always an interesting day at the Capitol. It is probably one of those days that I don’t miss, although the formality of the end of the session and the final gavel that brings the session to a close is a special moment.

Our weather has continued to be overcast and rainy, though not as bad as the past few days. I did get out to the fitness center and got in a good workout today. I am continuing to work on  some possibilities to be involved in some governmental relations work for various entities.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “It is God who takes water from the earth and turns it into drops of rain. He lets the rain pour from the clouds in showers for all human beings.”  Job 36:27,28

“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers…”  Isaiah 40:22

My observations today might fall into the category of “Bible trivia” rather than something insightful or inspirational. I do find it interesting when the Bible reveals what science has discovered long before it was “figured out” by man. This was especially true when I read the verse above from the Book of Job. After doing some quick research it seems that Job lived at least 300 years before the concept of the “water cycle” was “discovered.” Yet we see a perfect description of water being “taken from the earth” (which happens through evaporation) and returning to the earth in the form of rain.

We see that it was centuries later when the debate about the shape of the earth was still an issue of debate. Is the earth flat? If you sail to the far extremities of the earth will you “fall off?” God’s prophet Isaiah said, the Lord “sits…above the circle of the earth…” I even like the perspective of “people like grasshoppers.” While I’m sure people had the perspective of the “earth below” from a mountain top, I’m not sure if they were so high that people looked like insects.

When discoveries are made regardless of how great and earth shattering, it is no surprise to God. He does know everything! And when those who place their trust in Him seek His wisdom and knowledge, I believe the Lord can help in not only directing our life, but in the issues that we deal with in life.

I recall an account of an engineer years ago who was working on a malfunctioning aircraft. He felt that the Lord directed him to an electrical panel where the problem was found that had confounded the team for hours is not days.

I’m thankful that God is not just a “Sunday God.” When we realize that the Lord is concerned about what concerns us, it will allow us to seek Him perhaps in ways that we never considered. Perhaps you will be encouraged to seek the Lord’s wisdom and understanding when it comes to the issues of life. Whether relationships, challenges in your work, or the creativity needed to dream, God’s dreams. I believe the those who believe in  God as the creator should be the most creative and insightful individuals.

As you open your heart, you might just discover what God already knows.

We continue to have some gloomy weather. But the rain is good and needed. After attending my morning prayer connection with other leaders and elected officials, I had a massage. By that time, I needed a nap. It has actually been a lethargic type of day. I may be still getting caught up from the weekend and a full day on Monday.

Last week I received a call from Christian and found that my friend Steve Decker had stopped by their house. Steve in his spare time designed and built a stone wall for us in our backyard. It is still standing! It is really quite a feat considering the angles that he worked with. I’m glad that Christian and Bridget are in the home, because Steve designed it for entertaining; or at least kids having fun on all the slopes. He had dug the contour of the wall and hauled stones down from the mountains. On the final day in 1995 when he finished the wall he wrote a tux shirt and tie to commemorate the occasion.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Wisdom is not to be found among mortals; No one knows its true value.…The value of wisdom is more than coral or crystal or rubies. The finest topaz and the purest gold cannot compare with the value of wisdom.…God alone knows the way, knows the place where wisdom is found, because he sees the ends of the earth, sees everything under the sky...“To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord. To understand, you must turn from evil.”  Job 28:13-28

When it comes to human suffering, you think of the Book of Job. When you think of wisdom and precepts for living you think of Proverbs and the words of King Solomon. So, it is interesting to find a lengthy discourse on the “value and source of wisdom” in the Book of Job.

Since Job lived hundreds of years before Solomon, we see the age old importance and the divine value and priority on wisdom. Wisdom is to be valued. Wisdom is to be sought. Wisdom has a source. As in Proverbs, so it is in this chapter of Job that we see these three topics related to wisdom.

Wisdom is undervalued. We see the words, “no one know [wisdom’s] true value.”  The first part of the chapter is a lengthy description of the efforts it takes to look for and mine precious stones and metals. People will work hard and risk their lives; yet wisdom is of greater value than the most precious stone. Wisdom is not found, it is not discovered, it is acquired.

Wisdom is to be sought. The question in Job 28 is, “…where can wisdom be found?” Just as a person will spend time effort and energy to find gold and precious stones, so is the call to seek for wisdom. It is interesting that Proverbs says, “Wisdom shouts in the streets…” (Prov. 1:20) Solomon says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom…” (Prov. 4:7) This indicates to me that wisdom should be a priority and is more readily available than we believe. The challenge is to know it source.

Wisdom is found in the Lord. Wisdom is of great value, it is to be sought and acquired, but true wisdom is only found in the Lord.  “God alone knows…the place where wisdom is found…” So to have wisdom, we must know the Lord, we must seek Him and walk in His ways. “To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord.” Solomon said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10)

All wisdom and insight comes from the Lord, even when people don’t recognize it. God is the source of wisdom and understanding. Paul said, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Cor. 1:25)

Since God alone knows the way to wisdom. The wise are those who follow and stay close to the Lord. The wisdom the Lord gives provides not only insight into life, but direction into how to live as well.

I got up earlier this morning and felt that I was getting caught up on some of my rest. Most of my day was spent with a trip to the Capitol in Denver. The bill I have been working on was on life support and we had a chance for it to be reconsidered and given another chance for survival. I am thankful that our efforts were successful, but now it goes back to the floor of the Senate for reconsideration. It will be interesting to see what happens, but we are trusting that it will make it through the process as long days are ahead. The Colorado legislative session must end by midnight on Wednesday.

The weather today has been cloudy with rain. It is great for the lawn, but I am looking forward to planting a garden some time this week. So hopefully it will dry out for that to happen.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… The Lord saved me from death; and stopped my tears…so I walk in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living...I kept on believing, even when I said, “I am completely crushed,” even when I was afraid and said, “No one can be trusted.”  Psalm 116:8-11

Can faith endure the test of trials? So often the difficulties of life will cause our faith in God to waiver. Many have talked about a crisis, a loss, some trial as the reason they “lost faith.” But our faith is for times of trials and difficulties.

These words of Psalm 116 caught my attention because of the declaration of persistent faith. The Psalmist talks about being “completely crushed” “afraid” and having “no one to trust.” This situation many have come from the suffering of others. Others that he should have been able to trust and then he came to the conclusion, “no one can be trusted.”

But in this Psalm we see reasons to trust in the Lord even when we are alone and have suffered more than we believe we can bear. The Psalmist did not say “he believed because the Lord saved him from death…” What we see is because of persistent faith he experienced the Lord’s intervention and deliverance.

Our verses above are toward the end of a list of reasons why the Psalmist says that, “I love the Lord.”  If someone were to ask you why you loved God, what would you say?

Look at the litany of God’s character and faithfulness found in Psalm 116.

Today was the final day for the Allies Men’s Retreat. The speaker was former NFL player Joe Jackson who was part of the famed “Purple People Eaters” defense of the Minnesota Vikings. During our time, Joe challenged men to their destiny and fulfilling their God-given purpose in life and reminding them that God is able to restore us from “a fall.”

Joe attended my seminar session on Saturday and was very supportive of and challenged by my experience and the lessons I shared.

I actually found this weekend more of a challenge physically for me than I anticipated. The odd thing that I found out was that my walker was not sliding as it should have been and it actually took more effort for me to navigate. After a full day yesterday, I was fairly fatigued and felt weaker today than I anticipated. I appreciated the help and support of the my friends at the retreat. I received more prayer in the past 72 hours than any time I can remember in recent years. It is always appreciated and was a good reminder of those who have been praying for me across the country and world. When I returned home, it helped to get caught up with a two hour nap.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord said to me, “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.” I answered, “Sovereign Lord, I don’t know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say.  Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you….”  Jeremiah 1:4-8

Jeremiah the prophet was God’s voice and instrument during one of the most challenging times of Judah’s history. He began his ministry during a time of revival by King Josiah, and continued as the nation fell into decline and eventually into captivity.

As I began reading this book, I took note of the “call of Jeremiah.” We often recall God’s call to Moses, Joshua and other leaders God used in a special way. We find some interesting comparisons in God’s call to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was chosen sovereignly and uniquely by the Lord. God said, “before you were born I selected you…” We often hear the saying, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” That certainly applies to Jeremiah. God had an intended purpose for Him from the time he was born. He was destined to fulfill God’s purposes for his generation.

Jeremiah was aware of his inadequacies. He responded to the Lord’s call with, “I’m too young.” Perhaps there were others ways that made Jeremiah feel inadequate, but he certainly felt that this is not the time in my life, for this assignment. It is interesting the number of people like, Moses, Gideon, King Solomon and many of of the other prophets felt wholly unqualified for the task they were being called to.

God provides Jeremiah with the encouragement and “training” that he needed. God tells him to “speak His word…don’t be afraid…I will be with you…protect you.” The Lord then asked Jeremiah, “what do you see?” Jeremiah then tells the Lord what he sees and the Lord tells him what he sees, means. (Jeremiah 1:9-16) It seems in this way the Lord is providing Jeremiah his “training in prophecy.”

What can we learn from Jeremiah’s call? We can learn from Jeremiah that the Lord has a plan and purpose for our life. Some He does call to a special and unique role, but all have a part to play in God’s economy. Our inadequacies are not an obstacle to the Lord. He knows us, so when we complain about who we are or what we can’t do, it isn’t a surprise to the Lord! But the Lord is always faithful to provide the encouragement that we need. The greatest encouragement is “I will be with you…”

Jeremiah needed to know and learned that he was just “the messenger.” In our lives when we speak God’s Word, instead of our own ideas or opinions, we are on solid ground. God’s messengers often, “suffer” for the message they speak from the Lord.  We can certainly see the sufferings that Jeremiah experienced. He is called the “weeping prophet.” He certainly wept over the rebellion and suffering of God’s people; but had reason to weep over his own experiences. When the Lord promises to “protect” that doesn’t mean he will insulate us from trials or sufferings.

Whether the call seems “great or small, public or behind-the-scenes”  we can have the awareness of God using us as His “voice” in our world. We can do so with confidence of His presence and empowering that is needed in our lives.

I have been attending the Allies Retreat with Timberline Church men today. This morning, I shared some of the lessons I have learned and observations from my illness and recovery. There were several men in attendance and I received some positive feedback. Our guest speaker Joe Jackson was very kind in his words and what my story meant to him.

After our morning sessions, I ran into my doctor from Northern Colorado Acute Hospital. He was here with another church for their men’s retreat. This afternoon he was baptized in water at the pool here at the YMCA camp. I then had the opportunity to play some miniature golf with a group of men. The rain cut short our game, but I was getting pretty fatigued and need to get some rest.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But the people of Jerusalem said, “The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us.”…..So the Lord answers….I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”             Isaiah 49:14,16

God’s people suffered captivity for 70 years due to their rebellion and idolatry. This was a difficult time, but one in which we see God using His people. People like Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah and many others. While God’s people as a whole had forsaken the Lord and were suffering the consequences, there were those whose hearts remained faithful to the Lord and God used them to influence a godless nation and to work to save His people and restore them to their land.

During times of difficulty it is easy to view ourselves and our lives as “forgotten by God.” The questions and anguish can plague our minds, “God where are you?” “Why is this happening?” “When will this end?”

That is where God’s people were. But at the moment when they felt the most forsaken, it was at that time God was preparing to act and to begin the process of restoring them to their homeland and coming to their rescue. God’s prophet reminds the people that they are not only on God’s mind, they are on “God’s hand.”

Have you ever used your hand as a “note pad”? Some one is giving you a name or number and you take out your pen and write on the palm of your hand? Probably many of us have. And in doing that there is a sense of confidence that, “I won’t forget or lose the number, see! I have it right here!”

Some translations use the word, “engraved.” “I have you engraved on the palm of my hand.” Talk about an imagery of permanency. That’s like a tattoo.  Such is the degree to which God is aware of us, even in our trial and times of anguish. Before this the Lord is very vivid when he says, through the prophet, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.“ (Isa. 49:15)

What should be our response? It is important to recognize that in the midst of our trial, test or suffering the Lord is aware of what we are going through. Pray something like this, “Lord, I know that you are aware of my suffering and even when I feel like you have forgotten about me, you have not. Would you bring your encouragement and assistance to me today by your sovereign work or through some person or circumstance to reveal yourself and  your care to me?”

I believe that kind of prayer or something like it, is one that the Lord will honor. When I share my story, I tell people that if we have a very narrow definition of God’s care and intervention we will be disappointed, discouraged and miss seeing God in our situation. For, me it was the Lord giving wisdom to the doctors. It was a visit from a friend, card or a phone call. It was the faithfulness and support of my wife and children. These are the types of expressions that the Lord used to encourage me and to let me know that I was not forgotten but I “was written on the palm of His hand.”

In your life, you may feel forgotten or abandon, but you are never outside of God’s care, as you place your life in His hands and trust in Him.

I was actually up earlier this morning than usual. That provided me the opportunity to get some work done outside and to take care of organizational work for our community swim team.

I was able to mow the law again, before connecting with Pastor Steve for lunch and then doing some final prep for the retreat I will be attending this weekend.

I mentioned my new recumbent bike, that I am looking forward to using. I found that I don’t go as fast as I use to on a bike. I guess that’s what happens when you only have one leg with the strength that is needed.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.  That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world,  as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear.”            Titus 2:11-13

The forgiveness of sin and a relationship with a Holy God is possible because of the grace the Lord provides for all people who place their trust in Him.  Paul in his letter to Titus amplifies on this concept when he says, “But when the kindness [grace] and love of God our Savior was revealed, he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit…” (Titus 3:4,5)

God’s grace frees us from the law and the idea that we must do anything on our own effort to have forgiveness and relationship with Christ. In Paul’s day, some thought this meant grace meant, “yes” to anything I wanted to do and any way I wanted to live. Paul wrote to the Romans and addressed the issue of “grace as permission to sin.” “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1)

Paul teaches that understanding God’s grace is a motivation for right living. The NIV translation puts it emphatically in these words, “…[grace] teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” (Titus 2:12)

When we have the hope of Heaven, God’s grace teaches us to plan and prepare now for that time. It teaches us how to begin living now as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. So the challenge is “what kind of students will we be.” Just like in academic discipline sometimes we do better on some test than on others. But the goal is to learn and keep our focus and motivation on the prize regardless of accomplishments or set backs.

I’m thankful that God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit is faithful to help us and to move us closer to living a life that pleases the Lord. Remember the challenge and promise of Paul’s words, “…be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you…”   (Romans 12:2 LB)