Author Archives: kensummers

Nicknames

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I finally slept better last night and after going to bed early had a better day. My improvement was just in time for my doctor’s appointment! I does feel like I am getting to the end of my coughing spells and the NP I met with said three weeks isn’t that abnormal.

After my appointment and a “longer than it should have taken” wait at the pharmacy for a prescription, I did get in a good work out at the fitness center. I than ran some errands which took longer than anticipated, so by the time I returned home the dog was hungry and I was behind on my noon pills by about three hours.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   Isaiah 9:6

I recall a great-uncle who seemed to have a “nickname” for everyone of his children. Then add a few other family members who was known by some moniker other than their given name and it was very confusing. Especially for a little kid at family reunions. Nicknames can originate for a wide variety of reasons. I had a nickname that I was “christened” with from a fellow student in a junior high shop class that stuck with me through my high school years. Many students had no idea how the name originated they just called me by that name because “everybody else did.”

The  names of the Messiah that we find in Isaiah are not really “nicknames” as much at titles. They were not names that became a common way to refer to Jesus, but they still show who He is and what He is to those who follow Him.

He is the One who is wiser than Solomon and can provide the counsel, comfort and direction that is needed throughout our life. It is right to call Him a “Wonderful Counselor”.

During His earthly ministry the miracles He performed were often more amazing than we can really comprehend. It is true that there is “nothing too difficult for God.” He is the “Mighty God.”

John in his gospel opens with the simple declaration that, “In the beginning was the Word….” Jesus said of His words, “heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away.” The writer of Hebrews declared Him, “the same yesterday, today and forever.” He is the “Everlasting Father.”

He was born into a world of unrest and strife. He faced opposition, doubt and ridicule. His death was torturous and filled with strife and confusion. His resurrection brought comfort and hope to many, but there were those who doubted and they persecute those who believed. Yet in the midst of it all, He is, the “Prince of Peace.” That is because peace is more than the absence of outside conflict it is that which is in our hearts. The angels at His birth declared,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) The prophet said, “…the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) And we realize that one day when Christ reigns supreme peace will come to the world and its systems.

The wonder of Christmas is not the baby in the manger. It is God coming to the earth and His abiding presence in our life today by the Holy Spirit. We can know Him by more than a nickname or a title, we can know in a personal way the reality of this Wonderful  Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace in our lives.

 

 

Metaphors with a Message – Part 3

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My nagging night time cough is moving into about week three. Last night I tried to give Debbie a break and slept in another room. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, but I am not sure if there is anything specific they can do. Hopefully it will end soon. The biggest issue beside the annoyance is that it is impacting my energy level during the day.

I did get out some today to run some errands and take care of some appointments. Other than that it was work at home. I am getting off my normal workout routine but that should return soon. We did have a visit from one of our neighbors and his little girl. We enjoyed the memories he had of Debbie’s mom when she lived in our house.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”  2 Timothy 2:6,7

In these illustrations of the Christian life: the soldier, the athlete and the farmer, we find specific application to the work of the ministry. In being true to the context, Paul’s instructions to Timothy are, “what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2,3

I often us the “FAT” acronym meaning, “faithful” “available and “teachable.” These are good attributes for any disciple, but especially those who give their life efforts to full time service to God’s work.

Paul points  out two aspects of the life of the farmer. The first is the aspect of “hard work.” The work of the farmer is often from sunrise to sunset. Then during critical times of the year the intensity of work and the stress increases. Such as harvest time and when animals are having their babies. The work of plowing a field for centuries has been much harder than our present day with large tractors and farm implements. I was recently reading some papers from my father-in-law’s military enlistment and it recorded as part of his work skills the ability to farm using a team of horses. I don’t think those days allowed too much time to listen to the radio while you worked!

There are times when the Christian life can be hard, it feels like work. The same is true certainly of ministry. In my early years of ministry I recall the pressure to prove myself since my vocation was not viewed as legitimate “work.” I soon developed my definition of an “easy job.” It is the one someone else has!

Work simply requires persistence, keeping the end in view. That is why Paul wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

The next aspect of the life of the farmer is “reward.” When harvest comes, it is the “payday” for the farmer. In the past that was true in that it provided the food for his family as well as a product to sell to sustain a livelihood. In the Christian life there is a reward for faithfully serving the Lord. It doesn’t always come in a monetary sense or we don’t always have to wait until Jesus returns. The reward often comes in the spiritual fruit of the lives we impact. Paul told the Thessalonians, “…you are our glory and joy.”  [reward] (1 Thessalonians 2:20)

We also see the practical aspect of the financial support for those who give their lives to the work of the ministry. In another passage we read, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. Is it about oxen that God is concerned?… If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?…the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:9-11,14)

As we summarize these three illustrations, we can see a commitment to please the commander, avoiding distraction from the world around; the importance of character and “playing by the rules”; the value of persistence in the “work” knowing that there is a reward.

Remember Paul says, “… think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”  I have shared my thoughts, I would challenge  you to give consideration to these and add your own.

 

Metaphors with a Message – Part 2

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My struggle with a solid night of rest seems to continue. However, I went to my therapy appointment at Northern Colorado Rehab and my therapists were pleased with the signs of progress that they observed compared to my last visit. So it seems regardless of how I feel on a day to day basis, I am making improvements overall and that is encouraging.

I stayed for lunch at the hospital and they had one of my favorite items on the menu today; so it was a good day. This afternoon I got some work done in my home office and took a nap before Debbie got home. Debbie’s sister Sue stopped by and brought a Christmas stocking for the dog and some “pizzelle” cookies which are some of my favorite.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules…”                   2 Timothy 2:5

As Paul writes his final letter to Timothy, he admonishes him to be diligent in his duties, to be strong in the Lord’s grace and to train faithful men. He uses three metaphors: a solider,  an athlete and a  farmer. Yesterday I  made some observations about the soldier, today we turn our attention to the athlete.

I’m not sure if they had any “team” sports in Paul’s days unless they were gladiators fighting in the arena. Paul, with the individual athlete in mind, points out that the crown is not earned, unless he competes according to the rules. In our day we have been made aware of athletes who either disqualified or disgraced themselves by not following the “rules.”

This is an area that speaks to the character of the individual. Competition is something that we see throughout human history in some form or another. But when it comes to organized events there are rules in place to guard the integrity of the games and ensure the opportunity for the best performer to be the winner.

Paul wrote the Romans and said, “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” Romans 5:3,4

Peter admonished believers being tested in their faith, [to] “…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful…” 2 Peter 1:5-8

The discipline of training, the discipline of following the rules and the discipline of the competition is great. But in the end when victory comes, it is worth the effort and sacrifice. Paul in writing to the Corinthians addresses this issue when he says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable….” 1 Corinthians 9:24,25

No matter how high the prize, the trophy, in this life; the glory of it will fad in time. But we have the opportunity to be part of a celebration and a “coronation” that will last for eternity.

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God.”  Revelation 3:11,12

The “race” of faithful service and trust is one in which there is more than one winner. In God’s kingdom all can be declared triumphant!

Metaphors with a Message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Victory Over Death: Future and Present

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mind Games

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Today after dropping Debbie off for her appointment in Lakewood, I had the opportunity to visit with my friends  Ron and Sharon Graham. Ron was one of those who came and spent a night or two with me when I was still in the Acute Care Hospital awaiting surgery last year. They have been good friends and an encouragement to me.

We returned to Fort Collins in time for me to get a good nap in before the church service this evening at Timberline. Pastor Dary incorporated my story into his message and had Debbie and me come forward and to pray for people who were facing challenging circumstances in their lives. I was glad that Dawn Morrissey the COO of Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital was in the service this evening.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:4,5

When the challenges of life come on us the struggle is often as much in our mind and spirits as our bodies and emotions. There is a battle waging war in our minds. Our minds will determine our perspective of life and the situation that we are in and lead us in a direction in life. The issue at hand is whether that direction will be one of patience, trust and confidence or anger, resentment and bitterness.

Paul is very clear that the Lord gives us powerful weapons to destroy the spiritual strongholds of doubt and fear that attack  our faith. I was never in debate club in school, but my adult life has found me in positions where I had to fight for a position and counter the arguments of others.

I like Paul’s words when he says we “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion…” An argument is an attempt to defeat and persuade. A “lofty opinion” is an expression to pride and an attempt to condemn and belittle. In our world today we see these as Paul says, “against the knowledge of God.”

We need to  God’s Word to strengthen our knowledge of God. Peter said, “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) A little bit of knowledge can leave you vulnerable to deception. Satan even tempted Jesus by using God’s Word.

Then Paul says, “we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Times of struggle bring the mind games of doubt, confusion and despair. The voices we hear can speak defeat and discouragement. It is important to counter those thoughts with what God’s Word says.

  • When we think we face an impossible situation, we are reminded, “with God all things are possible.”
  • When we doubt God’s love, we are reminded, “nothing shall separate us from the love of God.”
  • When we don’t believe we can, we are reminded, “I can do all things through Christ, who give me strength.”
  • When we fear financial ruin, we are reminded, “my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches….”

The Lord empowers us to win the “mind games” that can pull us down and helps us to join us the Apostle Paul in saying, “thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Lord’s Heritage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

An Open Door for the King

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This has been a more of a challenging week as far as my level of energy. I have been fighting a nagging cough that interrupts my sleep (and Debbie’s too!) It is one of those “I’m not really sick” but “I’m not as ‘perky’ as last week” times. I was able to get over the fitness center to go through my workout routine. That actually went fairly well.

Debbie has an unexpected day off tomorrow, so that will give us some time to go to Denver and see the grandkids and be there for an appointment Debbie has on Saturday morning.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Lift up your heads, O gates!  And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!” Psalm 24:7-10

I have been reading “The Book of God” by Walter Wangerin. It is the story of the Bible in novel form. As I was reading today he was referencing one of my favorite Psalms but placed it in the context of the rituals of Israel at the time. He describes priests and people gathering in the Temple near the break of day. A procession of two lines of priests side by side make their way toward the eastern gate. Some a carrying a rams horns, one is carrying hammer.

When they reach the eastern gate they find a rope holding two big doors shut. The rope is sheathed in hard clay and has been there for a year. The hammer comes down and breaks the seal. Six priests, three learning against each of the big doors push hard to open the doors.

There to the east is the Mount of Olives and as the sunrises a beam of light comes through the eastern gate and over the altar and into the Temple. The trumpets blast a loud, long tone. One voice is lifted, “Lift up your heads, O gates!  And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in….Who is the King of Glory?” the people respond in unison, “The Lord of Hosts He is the King of Glory!”

This is how the Children of Israel would greet the New Year and begin to celebrate the Day of Atonement. It all begins with opening the way for the Lord to come and shine His light into the world and into our lives.

Making room for Jesus is an important part of the Christmas story. It is important for our lives. The doors of the Inn were shut, but a stable was open for Mary and Joesph. Jesus comes where He is welcome and where the door is open. The well known verse of Revelation 3:20 is “Behold, I stand at the door and knock….” When doors are opened for the Lord there is light, there is hope, there is salvation, there is celebration.

When I consider this picture of the eastern gates and the Mount of Olives, I reflect back on our trip to Israel in they year 2000. I looked from the Mount of Olives to the eastern gate, I got as close to the eastern gate as possible on a walk around the walls of Jerusalem, but the idea of the gates being swung open and seeing the Mount of Olives from the inside of the Temple is an exciting picture.

The Bible tell us when Jesus returns His feet will touch the Mount of Olives. The eastern gate is the one permanently closed in anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah. As exciting to image being in the audience thousands of years ago and hearing the antiphonal praise to the Lord, we can look forward the day when there is a new Jerusalem and perhaps in that city where there is eternal light from God’s presence, we will hear one day, ““Lift up your heads, O gates!  And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” And the the voice asks, “Who is the King of  Glory?” And the redeemed of the ages can stand in a great multitude and with a loud voice proclaim, “The Lord, strong and mighty…He is the King of Glory!” and He is the God of our salvation!