Today, I continued my Chiropractor appointments. This is my last week of three appointments and then I will taper to two times a week and then once a week. I do need to get back into more of an exercise routine. This will be a good way to push some of my muscle development. I do enjoy getting to the swimming pool even for short workouts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Matthew 6:26
“…how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!…” Matthew 12:12

I recall doing a memorial service the mother of one my legislative colleagues. She was unique person indeed. She experienced difficulties in her young life and made the comment, “I know what it is like to not be wanted.”

The gospel message and the entire story of the Bible is about our value to God. The Bible says that God loves us so much that, “He gave His one and only Son.” He did so that we might have life in Him and enjoy and eternity in His presence. In God’s eyes we are of value. So much so, that the fulfillment of His plan of redemption is that we might be with Him.

“Now God’s presence is with people, and he will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)

When you understand your value in God’s eyes…

1 – It instills confidence – When we understand our value in God’s eyes it provides confidence in our living and our asking. It removes fear. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.“ (Heb. 4:16) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

2 – It builds your sense of trust – When we understand our value, we see that “God is for us…” Jesus said, “if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts…how much more your Father in Heaven…” (Matthew 7:11) Jesus promised never to “leave us or forsake us.” Paul said of our connection to Christ, “…if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.“ (2 Timothy 2:13) God’s love is unconditional and we can rest in His love.

3 – It frees you to value others – When Jesus was in the Upper Room with His disciples before His arrest, John’s Gospel says,  “Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.“ (John 13:1)

Facing His greatest time of need, Jesus takes time to wash the feet of the disciples. But notice it says, “He knew where He had come from and where He was going.” That’s a description of personal security and understanding of value. And out of that understanding Jesus serves others.

When He finished His task, He told His disciples, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15) Jesus told His disciples, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) When we don’t feel valued, it is difficult for us to value others, when we understand our value, it is natural for us to value others in meaningful relationships.

Right after Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about the “things of life” – reassuring them of the Father’s provision, He says, “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.“ (Luke 12:32) Don’t ever underestimate your value in God’s eyes. Live life as valued by God. Live with confidence and trust in your relationship with the Lord and as one who values others.

Today I was up before 6 a.m.; rather unusual for a Sunday morning.  I got up early to ride my bike to Timberline Church to help send off the cyclists, on their next leg, who are biking from Cheyenne to New Mexico to raise funds to support “anti-human trafficking” causes.  Rich’s Ride was inspired by Rich Dixon a paraplegic, who began riding a bike as part of his physical and emotional recovery from his injury. 

It was also good to see my friend, Pastor Scott Bottoms, from Colorado Springs, who is part of the tour group. Scott is the Chair of the Board of Directors for “Sarah’s Home” a safe house and recovery program for girls rescued from human trafficking.

This morning I conducted the chapel service at “Mackenzie Place” assisted living center in Fort Collins. It was good to team with my friend Steve Harris who lead the singing. After the service Debbie and I enjoyed the Father’s Day Brunch in the dining room and an enjoyable visit with a very bright and healthy 93 year old resident.

After that, I was ready for a long nap!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”  Proverbs 23:24

Happy Father’s Day! We usually speak of the “joys of motherhood” and “challenges of fatherhood.” The roles of the respective parents are unique in some ways but the challenges are the same and the “team effort” is needed in successful parenting.  We often see reference to a “father’s correction” and a “mother’s instruction.” Sometimes those two roles become associated with each parent, but they are not exclusive to the respective parents. Father’s too, are to instruct. Mother’s too, are to correct. And it works out best when they have a good “game plan” to be consistent and “on the same page.”

The importance of family and child raising is being seen more and more in our society. Increases in  crime and poverty can be tied to fractured families and failed parenting.  As a result, we see the impact of absent and irresponsible fathers and the same is true of mothers who neglect their God-given responsibilities. More and more I run into single-parent fathers because of a mother who has abdicated, neglected or unable to fulfill her duties.

How can the complicated and challenging task of Fatherhood (and motherhood) be summarized? I believe this observation of Jesus life is instructive: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

Parents have the responsibility for the physical, spiritual, mental and social development of their children. This requires consistency and understanding the unique characteristic of each stage of life as a child grows. I recall my friend Dick Foth putting forth this parenting strategy: age birth-five (set limits) age 6-12 (lead by example and instruction) age 13-18 (negotiate)

Obviously these are general guidelines, but I have seen parents get in trouble when they “negotiate” with a toddler and try to “set hard limits”  for an older teen. I also remember the adage, “win the early battles in child raising and work yourself out of a job.” The idea is that, parents provides the structure and discipline so a child learns to live as an adult within limits and is self-disciplined.

Another way to view the stages of parenting is: “parents teach, they guide and they counsel.” Again these are not exclusive to or isolate to various ages. For example, I have observed the parents of my grandchildren challenging them and helping them to think through a problem, instead of just “telling” them. That is part of teaching. But as parents grow older they still, “parent through advice and counsel.” A friend of mine called recently to ask me a question. He said, “this is something that I would normally talk to my father about, but since my father has passed away, I’m calling you.”

The other observation that I would make is that just as marriage moves through various stages of growth and change, so does parenting. The sense of connection, communication and closeness of a relationship with children can does change over the years.

Finally, remember that parents are God’s plan for transferring “faith” from one generation to the next. John the Apostle said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.“ (3 John 4) While John was talking about his “spiritual” children, how much more this is true for our “natural” children. I notice Solomon says, “the father of a righteous child has great joy…”

As a father, I have “great joy” because my children are not only committed to their faith, but are committed to developing the faith and character of their children. It is rewarding when you see your children not only being effective parents, but even excelling in their God-given roles. So, on this Father’s Day, I rejoice in my son Christian (and wife Bridget) and daughter Stephanie (and husband) Nathan. Keep up the good work, the challenging work, the rewarding work of parenting. The “rejoicing” does come!

Today was a hot day. It looks like we have moved out of our monsoon season of this spring. It was good to get to the pool after some yard work and errands. One of those errands was taking some of my equipment back to “GoodHealthwill” to re-donate it for others to use. I also removed the extension from our back step that Christian had built for me last year. These were a couple more signs of progression in my recovery.

Yesterday, my friend Zane Strange and I made a visit to Larimer County Drug Court and to District Judge Daniel Kaup’s office. Judge Kaup and I served together on a State Drug Task Force for a number of years. Zane, who was instrumental in the design and coordination of building our handicap ramp, as part of “Serve 6.8” had a different connection. Over eleven years ago, he was in an orange jumpsuit standing before Judge Kaup facing several felony drug charges.

Judge Kaup was instrumental in getting Zane headed in the right direction and this was an opportunity for Zane to thank the Judge and share his story of victory over addiction and how they Lord was using him in some significant ways in coordinating community disaster relief and reaching out to homeless people and those in desperate need for a new direction in their life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth…seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:1,2,10)

“…To him who overcomes, to him I will give….a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.”  (Revelation 2:17)

New life in Christ presents us with the grand prospect of a new identity and new character. We see it referenced in such ways when we speak of being “born again” and being “a new creation.” We are to accept this new identity through a new focus or our hearts and minds. Paul says to, “seek things that are above…set your mind on things above…”  He goes on to say basically, “live your life in accordance with the new self which is… being renewed after the image of its creator.”

Often times in scripture we see this new identity reflected in a new name. In the Old Testament, Abram, becomes Abraham; Jacob becomes Israel. In the New Testament Simon becomes Peter; Saul becomes Paul. To the Church at Pergamum the resurrected Christ promises those who “overcome” a new name.

I have had this on my mind since I visited Judge Daniel Kaup’s office yesterday. He presides over the drug court in Larimer County and they are preparing for a graduation. In his office was a poster put together by some of those who have completed the program, one quote caught my attention, it said, “I am not what I have done, I am what I have overcome.” This individual was expressing that they were putting the past and an old identity behind them and choosing to identify with their victories and not their failures; what they have overcome in the present and not what had overcome them in the past.

That is an apt mindset and attitude for those who been made “alive in Christ.” In Christ shame is removed and He redeems lost years and opportunities and provides a new start and a new identity.

As we were in Church this evening the words of this song of Chris Tomlin’s caught my attention:

I was lost
I was in chains
The world had a hold of me

My heart was a stone
I was covered in shame
When He came for me

I couldn’t run, couldn’t run from His presence
I couldn’t run, couldn’t run from His arms

Jesus, He loves me, He loves me, He is for me
Jesus, how can it be, He loves me, He is for me

These words would have a powerful connection for those overcoming a bondage to drugs and alcohol, but they are a fitting description of every life before coming to Christ. Remember, “Jesus loves you and is for you” and gives you a new identity in Him.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“People receive houses and money from their parents, but a good wife is a gift from the Lord.”  Proverbs 19:14 (ERV)

Today, Debbie and I celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. So it somewhat made sense that as I was traveling north on College Avenue to an appointment that I went by the hotel where I stayed before the wedding. Also, since I was reading Proverbs 19 on the 19th day of the month, it was perhaps providential that I found a verse that says, “….a good wife is from the Lord.”

As I looked at various translations for the wording of this verse, I found it interesting how many different adjectives  are found. Interesting, but not surprising when it comes to put into a word a description of a “good” wife.

I found the following words, describing the wife the Lord gives a man: “wise” (NCV) “congenial” (The Message) “prudent” (NIV) “insightful” (CEB) “understanding” (LB) I think that I found all of the unique adjectives used in the verse in the various translations on my online Bible. All of those put together form some depth in what the “Easy to Read” version simply describes as “good.”

My attention was drawn to the word “prudent.”  It is one that occurs in multiple translations. The word means, “acting with or showing care and thought for the future.” For all of our it is important to understand how our decisions, actions, attitudes in the present impact the future. So, often an idle word can be spoken in the “heat of the moment” or a decision made in haste without taking time to consider the future.

I am thankful for a wife that fits all of these adjectives. Wise, good, congenial (I think Debbie’s smile and pleasant demeanor is an irritation or point of jealousy to some,) prudent, insightful and understanding. My Neurologist on more than once occasion to different people gives Debbie credit for “saving my life” during my health crisis. When I went into septic shock on February 22, 2014, the paramedics asked Debbie, “How aggressive are we suppose to be?” I tell her that she missed a golden opportunity, but I’m glad that she didn’t hesitate to tell them that they were to do all they could to save my life.

As a wife Debbie has been a constant support and has endured inconvenience and challenges that many; even myself, don’t always understand or appreciate. Much can take place in 39 years. Adjustments in marriage, children, moves, challenges with work and ministry, politics and life. I am blessed and thankful to have Debbie as the constant by my side.

I am glad to be back in her home town, the place where she grew up and where we married. We are enjoying this new season, even with unexpected challenges….together.

After my Chiropractor appointment, I came home and monitored some of the news regarding the shooting in South Carolina. After lunch and some tree trimming, I did make it to our community pool for a swim and water workout. I believe I am seeing some signs of continued improvement, even if it is slow. It has been a couple of weeks since I have used my arm crutches exclusively. So retiring my walker, is a step forward.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry.” (Psalm 10:17)

It was just weeks after the Columbine tragedy and I was questioning my friend Bruce Porter about his plans to launch a ministry to individuals, groups and communities impacted by “Columbine-type” tragedies. He told me, “We haven’t seen the last of these types of events.”

At the time I felt like surely Columbine was just an anomaly and reoccurring events like this would be akin to lightning striking in the same place. That was in 1999, and now sixteen years later, I look naïve and Bruce looks like a prophet, sadly so.

Since Columbine we have seen violence in high schools, elementary schools, middle schools, college campuses, military bases, shopping centers, a movie theater and even churches. Today, the country is reeling from the thought of nine lives lost during a Bible study and prayer meeting at a church in South Carolina. The question on many minds is, “Is there no place of safety and refuge in this world?”

These events are becoming all too common, but the impact and devastation remains. These situations test our faith and provide fodder for the skeptic. But the questions that come to mind are not just the musing of a post-modern mind. Thousands of years ago, David lamented, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)

What we know about our life of faith is, that they way things appear, is not the way they are. CS Lewis said, “God whispers in our pleasure, but shouts in our pain.” What does the Lord say? I am reminded of the words of then Vice President Al Gore at the Columbine Memorial service, “There is little which human words can say which will ease the pain of your loss, but there is a voice which can speak to our trouble souls, “peace be still.”

 After David questions the Lord’s awareness and presence in times of trouble, he asserts the following truths…

1 – God Hears – When we think of someone who hears, it is a reminder of presence and awareness. When pain comes, expressing our hurt, questions and loss is important. Having someone who is just “there” makes the difference. Jesus came into a fallen world to identify with our condition. “He was a man of sorrow acquainted with grief.” And because of what He suffered He is able to “comfort us in all of our sorrow.”

2 – God Encourages – The word “encourage” means to “stand erect…to place courage in” A word of encouragement, a word of hope can make the difference. It allows those knocked down and bowed down by life, to stand erect once again. That was my friend Bruce Porter’s desire as he launched his new ministry in 1999. The Lord uses others who have suffered loss as well as those that He sovereignly sends into our lives. When Paul was in a storm tossed sea that was threatening the life of all on board the Lord sent an angel, who Paul said, “…stood beside me and said, don’t be afraid…”

3 – God Listens – When someone hears we know we have their attention, when they listen we know they understand, relate and are willing to take action. In this same Psalm, David says, “…you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” (Psalm 10:18)

Through the life and sacrifice of Christ, death was defeated and a steadfast hope is offered to every person. That hope the Lord provides reassures us, He knows our sorrows and will provide strength and comfort and lead us to a new future one day at a time. Our assurance is that of Psalmist so many years ago, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

It was hot day today, without rain. I did get back into my routine visits to my Chiropractor. After returning home from my tire repair I mowed the lawn. It was surprising how much it grew in one week. I then put together a pen for our dog, so he could be outside without being chained. I actually haven’t taken a nap since returning home from Atlanta, even with my late arrival on Tuesday morning. So, I’m taking that as a sign of progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…a [person’s] life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”            (Luke 12:15)

Every life has a foundation. Every life has a source of security that is looked to in times of trouble and one that gives confidence about the future.

What does God’s Word have to say about the importance of knowing and choosing a foundation that will be solid and enduring? Paul told the Corinthians, “…we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

The foundation of some people is only in possessions and financial security. Jesus said, “…life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” In the parable of the rich man with an abundance of crops, Jesus reveals his motives, the rich man says, “…I will store my grain and goods, and I will say to myself, ‘you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” This man articulates what many view as the “American dream” and a life of prosperity; plenty of money, doing what you want, when you want. But in the parable the Lord says, “…you fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you…” (Luke 12:16-21)

Just as the man was preparing for many years of ease, the brevity and uncertainty of life had the final say. I have certainly gained a greater appreciation of how quick life can change and how in a moment or one health crisis, your financial security can go out the window.

The foundation of some lives is only in family. Family is important, it is God’s idea, so to question it value as a life foundation seems contradictory. But we see that while families are a source of great support and security, they can also represent struggle, pain and disappointment. What you have depended on can be gone sooner than you realize for a number of reasons.

The caution of financial security and family as a foundation for life is in the word, “only.” Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)

The foundation of life that is most important is faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus said when we put Him first other important aspects of life will be supported by that foundation. We have the assurance that, “God is for us.” (Rom. 8:31) That He will work in all circumstances for “our good.” (Rom. 8:28) We have the assurance that He will, “supply our needs.” (Phil. 4:19) We have comfort in knowing, “when my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psa. 27:10)

When David felt forsaken and alone; when his position and wealth seemed to fail; he found comfort in this, “…I am always with you (God) you hold me by the right hand. You guide me by your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory….My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:23-26)

Financial security, health, family, position and anything else that comes our way, that is often sought as a source of security by it self, when built on a foundation of Christ finds its proper perspective. Whether you have what some people seek and place their confidence in or not, when Christ is the center of your life you discover, your life is not futile, your failures are not fatal and your death is not final.

After a two hour delay in getting out of Atlanta, I returned home a little after 3 a.m. this morning. I’m glad I was able to sleep most of the way back to Denver. The drive home to Fort Collins, actually went pretty good. I was awake and not much traffic.

When I checked my car this morning, I had a flat tire.  So, I accomplished a first. Changing a tire with minimal strength and mobility. I’m glad I still have my power wheelchair. Also, it is easier for me to get on the ground and get back up.  Something I could not do a year ago.

After Mason’s baseball tournament on Sunday, we stopped by a tractor company that shared his name. It is pretty cool when you are seven and and recognize your name on a business.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People may make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true. You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord will judge your reasons. Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do.”  Proverbs 16:1-3,9 (NCV)

When we place our faith in Christ, we become those who “follow Christ.” At times it is easy to forget that and to believe that the “Lord follows us.” (or at least our actions and attitudes communicate that.) Our life is best lived when we place our faith and trust in the Lord, daily and at all times and in all circumstances.

Solomon says it well when he says, “depend on the Lord in whatever you do…” The Good News Translation uses these words, “Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” In our life as we seek the Lord about our plans and then ask Him to bless our plans we have our priorities right.

We may make plans “in our minds” but it is only the Lord who can “make them come true.”  We may make “our” plans but the Lord decides what will happen. We may believe our motives are pure and right, but the Lord is the final judge.

In two more weeks we will mark our second anniversary of our move to Fort Collins. We had thought through the process and our timing and our plan seemed to make sense. But West Nile Virus and almost five months in the hospital and ongoing recovery, was not in our plan. Was it a mistake? No. The Lord works by His grace a transforming work in our lives whether through our plans or by His plans….because of our plans or in spite of our plans.

As I returned home from Atlanta, a two hour late night wait at the airport was not in “my plans.” But in the process, I met Pam, who was traveling to Denver from Florida to be with her adult son who was hospitalized due to a tragic accident. Pam is from Colorado and she shared many reflections on her life and work and current disability. She also shared how, after the death of her fiance, she had “lost her faith.” But in this trip the Lord was revealing His love and care for her in some very special ways. I had the opportunity to pray with her and encourage her.

It was also a pleasant surprise to see the Tom Scheffel family; good friends from Denver, who were flying through Atlanta, trying to get home to Denver from Washington D.C. They were as surprised to see me, as I was them. We enjoyed connecting for the first time in about a year.

The challenge for our life is to deal with the setbacks and “delays” on our travels through life. When we realize that the Lord is with us, He will give us the patience and the wisdom to know how to respond. So, as you plan remember the Lord has the final say, so heed this advice from the scriptures:“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.…”   (Psalm 37:5,6)

This is my final day for this visit to Atlanta. We went to the Cherokee County water park today. After a break and some rest, we will head to Atlanta to celebrate Stephanie’s birthday (which is Friday). The family will then drop me off at the airport for my late flight back to Denver.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)

I have come to the end of reading through the Bible, for at least this time around. As I have mentioned in the past, my devotional blogs come, for the most part, where I am reading in the Bible.

As I finished the last chapter and verse of the book, I scanned back through the chapters. In doing so I was reminded of some of the overview, details, features, warnings and blessings in this book. The message of the book, while filled with prophecy about coming events, has a message for Christ-followers of all times.

While many of the specific images, and details are continually debated as to what they are and how they will be fulfilled, there are clear messages for us to embrace. As a famous preacher of the past once said, “it is not the parts of the Bible I don’t understand that give me the greatest difficulty, it is the parts that I do understand.”

We can apply that to the Book of Revelation. Here is a brief summary of some of the messages we need to pay attention to in Revelation. These are as much to encourage our faith as much as they are to challenge us.

1 – The supremacy of Jesus Christ. This book is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” You should look for what is revealed about Christ. He is the “head of the Church.” He knows our works, strengths and weaknesses and has a word of encouragement, challenge and promise to guide our lives. He alone is “The One” worthy to unleash God’s judgment on the earth.

2 – The supremacy of worship. As we get a glimpse of “God’s throne” one characteristic stands out, worship! Many people speak of what heaven is like….streets of gold, no death or pain, being reunited with loved ones. But the greatest feature of heaven is God’s presence, our ability to live in His glory and to worship Him. Outside of the Psalms, no other book of the Bible contains more benedictions and anthems worship and praise. Just reading these makes for a good spiritual exercise.

3 – The supremacy of God’s power. This is seen in not just the incredible events in nature, but in God’s timing and purpose attached to each event. In the end we see “an angel” – not Jesus or God the Father chains and place in prison Satan.

4 – The call to patience and endurance. Faith, trust, hope, patience and endurance are all virtues that are emphasized in Revelation. At times we may wonder if God is acting or why He is doing what He is or allowing what He does. But He is in control and can be trusted. As you read, ask yourself, “what is the response that is being called for to these events.?”

5 – The call to live today with eternity in mind. The call is to “come out of Babylon.”  There is a world order and system that is contrary to the Lord’s and it calls for understanding and caution and a focus on the truth found in Jesus Christ.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”   (Rev. 19:11-13)

This list is short, but provides a start. The challenge is for you to consider these themes and then add the principles that you discover that we need to give heed to in our lives today.

Let us be those who live lives of faith and confidence as we serve a great God who is for us and allows us to live in His grace until the day we behold the glory of His presence for all eternity.