Today was an interesting day. After some work in the garden (again!) I attended a congressional town hall meeting. It reinforced my lack of interest in ever running for congress. I then went to Loveland for an art/sculpture show. A former constituent by the name of Galen Sharp was showing some of his work. He is a gifted artist and his work is available to view at www.galensharp.com

I told him he was somewhat of an enigma. A political conservative artist! He made an insightful observation. He said, “most artists are more concerned about their art, than their country. I am more concerned about my country than my art!”  It was good to meet his wife Barbara and his daughter and son-in-law.

As I was trying to figure out how I would navigate in my wheelchair to Galen’s tent, a shuttle cart showed up and was being driven by Debbie Proctor. Debbie is a former high school classmate and was so helpful during my illness last year.  I got a ride but missed the opportunity to solicit her help with our roses this year!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”                                          James 4: 6-8

Reading through James chapter 4 the five words that begin verse six almost come as a sigh of relief. James has stern warnings that “friendship with the world is enmity (sin) against God. That can be a struggle and must be addressed in the life of the follower of Christ.

How can we be victorious in this fight?

1 – God gives grace to meet us at our point of need.

“God gives more grace.”  His grace is sufficient and His grace will come in proportion to our need. It is never in short supply

2 – Submit our lives completely to the Lord.

God’s grace (His favor/blessing) is with those who humble themselves before God. It is not a matter of how strong we are, but how much we submit our lives to the Lord. James offers the simple advice to “submit yourself therefore to God.” The place of grace is found in seeking the Lord as a refuge.

3 – Resist the Devil

When our lives are first submitted to the Lord it provides the covering and strength for victory in spiritual battle. We submit, we resist and the devil flees. Remember this is a spiritual battle, but we have assurance of victory.

4 – Draw near to God

I mentioned my friend Raimund Ruf coming by for a visit. It took Raimund some time and some people praying for him in order for him to come to a place of submitting his life to Christ. I recall him making the comment to me that he found that if he felt like the Lord was distant from him, it was because he moved and not the Lord. We need to take that step where we “draw near to the Lord.” When we do we will find His presence in an abundant measure in our life. There is an assurance in this statement. “If we will – He will.” It’s not…He might, it is a promise.

5 – Make up your mind

James throws down the gauntlet and says, “now is the time for action.” Cleanse your hands, purify your hearts, stop being double-minded. In the opening chapter of his letter James stated that a “double-minded person is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) James is urging action. Be all in for Jesus. In this challenge, James is describing repentance. Changing the way we act and think.  I am reminded of a high school basketball coach who would bark out prophetic utterances. When I would hesitate on a drive to the basket he would yell (to my embarrassment) “Summers! You have to make up your mind!” Often in our spiritual life we can see the goal Christ has for us but we hesitate to move quickly to that place of humility. It is like the Holy Spirit is yelling from the sidelines, “You have to make up your mind!” Move away from the world and drive with all your strength to the place of refuge, strength and grace.

The other utterance that I recall from my basketball coach is, “he who hesitates is lost!”  I will apply that to a future lesson, but then again perhaps it applies today.

I recall my junior high shop teacher asking me how many nails I was going to put in the roof of my doghouse project. I am beginning to feel that way about my work in my garden space. I’m not sure how much effort is prudent to get things in shape for this time of the year in a small garden spot. But it gives me a sense of accomplishment and is a good way to begin my day.

I spent a painful two hours on line and on the phone making reservations for our September trip to Orlando, Florida. In the end we were finally able to get credit for air miles and we will at least get there and leave on the days we need to. I’ve never had this problem before and found out that after my hiatus in the hospital that Frontier now charges for a seat, carry on luggage, drinks and talking to someone to assist with your reservations. I think I will go ahead and fly Southwest in the future.

My friend Raimund Ruf was in Fort Collins supervising a roofing job and came by to check out the roof on our house. It looks like the storm damage from last June stayed far enough north to miss us. It was still good to see Raimund and visit for a while and to take my first selfee. In our guestbook he wrote, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a blessing.” That’s a good reminder.

  BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”  Galatians 5:13-15

When I read these verses I am reminded of a past sermons series at Timberline Church entitled, “Others.” In our own nature we are self-centered. It can be observed in some of the earliest stages of toddlerhood and it continues to be at the core of our being throughout life. We tend to think of ourselves first. How will this benefit me? Is this something to my liking? Why don’t you do it my way? Our adult self control will often keep these expressions as thoughts beneath the surface, but they are still there.

The gospel is the “others-centered” plan of God. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for others.” On the cross Jesus in His pain and unjust suffering prayed, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Paul the Apostle asserts that we have freedom in Christ from the dictates of the law, but this should not allow us to focus on ourselves but on others. We read, “through love serve one another” “love your neighbor as yourself” “watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

I remember when I was in the State Legislature, my first Minority Leader told us in-coming freshmen Representatives to remember that serving in the legislature is a “team sport.”  He said you will need to support and rely on each other. That is certainly true of the followers of Christ.

We are instructed to “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) To “pray for one another” (James 5:13) To “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1  Thessalonians 5:11) To “encourage one another as long as it is called today…” (Hebrews 3:13)

I think you get the idea. Perhaps the greatest admonition is Jesus words, “by this shall all me know that you are my disciples if you have love, one for another.”  (John `3:35) Anyone left to their own devices will reveal self-centeredness. It takes God’s Spirit to help us to live the “others-centered” life.

I got out early this morning to work in the garden. It is coming along. It should at least be ready for next year. I am glad to have won the “war of the weeds.”

I also had my massage appointment today. Twyla my massage therapist likes word pictures to describe how our body works. For example she refers to muscles as bungee cords with hooks; or neuropathy as a UPS truck sitting on your garden hose, blocking the flow of water. A few weeks ago as she found a place that hurt more than others, we came up with the mental picture of masks associated with the theater. The one with the frown is the patient, the one with the smile is the therapist!

I am thankful for all the treatments that I am receiving to help nerves regenerated and muscles to receive the messages that they need to become stronger. Please pray for strength in my right knee and leg. The development of these muscles is key to my improvement in walking. Also the strength of my scapulas seem to be the key to the range of motion in my arms.

My exercises and work in our neighborhood pool helps me to do what I can, but I’m always thankful for the Lord’s intervention. I believe the prayers of God’s faithful people will continue to be answered.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

“…the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27

We are familiar with the concept that Christ died for us. But being “crucified with Christ” is a different perspective. It has to do with understanding that when we make a commitment of our life to Christ, when we ask for our sins to be forgiven and commit to follow after Christ, a change takes place. In writing to the Corinthians Paul said, “…the old is gone and the new is come…”               (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We live this life Paul says, “through faith in the Son of God.” This verse actually describes the meaning of baptism. Water baptism is a picture of death and resurrection. Death to sin and an “old self” and resurrection to a new life in Christ. The mystery of the gospel and the Christian life is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” – “Christ living through you”.  That is good news because that means following Christ is not about our effort, but a simple reliance on the strength and grace that Christ gives, from the inside out.

Live that new life today. I think of the little children’s song that says, “come into my heart Lord Jesus, come in today, come in to stay.” As adults we try to figure it out. Children just accept it. That’s another lesson for us to learn.

I got going early this morning and attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast. It was good to meet some new people and to hear a guest from Australia talk about how their country faced the challenges of illegal immigration.

This weekend when we were in Lakewood we stayed with Mary Doherty at her lovely home out in the Trailmark area of south Jefferson County. Some of the homes in this area represented the southern most point of Senate District 22, the seat I ran for in 2012. In spite of her busy schedule and international travel as a geologist, last year Mary made several trips to Fort Collins to work on our yard and house and tend to things that needed attention. Our connection goes back to when Mary and her family attended  Dakota Ridge Assembly and when her now adult son was just a preschoolers. (picture Mary and me on her deck)

Mary along with a former high school classmate Debbie Proctor, our former renter Bill Hutchinson and friend Kathleen Talkington were those who helped behind the scenes last summer and were such a blessing to Debbie and allowed her to be with me at  the hospital knowing the “home front” was being taken care of.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “And let steadfastness [patience] have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:4 (ESV)

As I was reading again this verse from James and the one before about the trying of our faith, it caught my attention in a new way. First of all I noted that the English Standard Version (ESV) uses the word steadfastness instead of patience. For some reason the impact of that was even greater.

We read consistently of the “steadfast love of the Lord.” So I identify steadfastness with God’s character. Also, for me “patience” tends to be a “biding of my time.” The picture that comes to mind is just waiting, relaxing, perhaps a twiddling of the thumbs kind of patience. Steadfastness communicates more of a grit your jaw, stand your ground, stubborn determination. Certainly that is what James is communicating to these first century believers and to us today.

The trying of our faith produces not passive consignment to God’s will, but a strong determination and confidence that means we are going to “hang in there.” Steadfastness is a character quality that grows and is developed. As it works its way through our life, it helps us to be mature and complete in our faith.

As people ask me about my recovery, I let them know that I am anticipating a full recovery. However, in the midst of the rebuilding of muscles it takes time and that requires patience, or being steadfast in hope, steadfast in faith, steadfast in the discipline of exercise and anything else that will enable me to make progress and reach my ultimate goal.

For some reason, I believe this applies to all of us at some point in our life. Whether it is a professional goal, a goal for our family or our spiritual life. As James say, “let steadfastness have its full effect…” It doesn’t happen with one test or trial, but over time you grow stronger and are prepared for the next challenge. And James says we can even do that with joy! (James 1:2,3)

As we move through these early days of August, I think back on one year ago and realize that it was during this time that I was fighting for my life. My body was in crisis and my condition had rapidly deteriorated. I am thankful for the prayers of so many and to be reflecting on those days and not living out those days!

This morning Debbie and I attended the Southern Gables Church “Day by Day” Sunday School Class. This class has led the way in support through prayers, cards, donations and following my progress. One of my rehab goals was to visit this class as soon as possible. I am thankful that I was able to do so even stronger than I would have anticipated. It was special to be able to thank people in person, and share a report of  my journey. I know they were encouraged to see the visual representation of their answered prayers. I have many friends in the church and it is always great to visit there and to connect with as many as possible. (see picture)

Later in the day we connected with our friends Glenn and Mary Janssen. We enjoyed visiting with them over lunch and sharing an update on my recovery and some of our recent activities. We then paid a visit to my mother and allowed her to get acquainted with our dog.

9 News Denver recently did an update on my recovery. You can find the video new report by going to 9news.com   and searching for “Ken Summers West Nile.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ….And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:2,9

Jesus summarized the Law of Moses as, “loving God with your entire being and loving your neighbor as yourself.”                     (Mark 12:28-31) This is the “law of Christ.” In Galatians 5:14 Paul says, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Paul asserts that bearing one another’s burdens is the practical demonstration of obeying (fulfilling) the “law of Christ.”  This goes beyond feelings of affection. Paul is talking about the way we live our lives and how we conduct our lives in front of others. For love to be genuine it has to be back by actions. 1 John 3:18 (CEV)  says, “Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.”

I am thankful for being one on the “receiving end” of many people committed to fulfilling the law of Christ. Family members and friends over the last year have earnestly prayed and served our practical needs. We are so grateful for this expression of love for God and love shown for us. The number of people is great and the way individuals  have come alongside and bore the burden of my illness is as great. People have sent cards, visited, helped out at the house, donated to our “medical relief fund” (which has been a tremendous blessing this year) brought in food and in many other ways have been more than willing to do what they could to ease our burden.

The second verse above is found later in the context of Galatians 5. It is an important one and one that I have needed to keep me going from time to time. “Don’t grow weary in doing good…” Certainly balance is important and at times people do get weary and need rest. But this verse shows us that it is important to keep serving, to keep helping, to keep praying for others. As we do the Lord provides us the strength we need and the “harvest” we need as we sow into other people’s lives.

I believe the Lord has allowed that to happen for us. In other words, the years of serving and coming alongside of others to help “carrying their burdens”  has resulted in an abundant harvest of help in our time of need. Our continued gratitude to all those who individually and collectively have help “carry our burden” this past year and continue to do so.

Today after taking care of some Saturday chores and a quick run down to the swimming pool (for me), Debbie and I headed to Lakewood. This afternoon was a surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for our friends Randy and Cheryl Thurston. I served as Randy and Cheryl’s pastor when I was at Dakota Ridge Assembly.

Randy was the first person that I knew to every have a bout with West Nile Virus. Cheryl Thurston and I have a special connection in that we share an aunt and uncle. Cheryl is a niece to my aunt Paula Baer’s husband Jim. We have tried to stay connected over the years and we are pleased that after some time in California (San Diego) that they have moved back to the Denver area.

Tomorrow we visit Southern Gales Church in Lakewood. We have many friends and supporters who have prayed diligently and encouraged us along the way. We are looking forward to extending our thanks to them and for them to see the answer to their prayers.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY... “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”      Psalm 138:8

As I was preparing for the tribute for Northern Colorado Rehab and Acute Hospital this past Wednesday, I was reflecting on how it was one year ago on the same date that I was rushed to ICU in a crisis. My lungs were shutting down and my brain was beginning to swell.

I am thankful that I have come a long way since that time. Much of it seemed like crawling is for me now. Pretty strenuous, awkward and difficult. But through it all the Lord has been faithful through His direct intervention in answer to prayer and through friends and relatives who came to my side.

During times like these it is easy to revert to the “fall back” verse of Romans 8:28 “…we know all things work together for good…” While I believe the Lord is able to work through all situations that He allows to come into our life, I like the confident declaration of the psalmist when he says, “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me…”  

The psalmists confidence is founded in the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever. God is on our side. He is for us. He will not forsake the work of His hands. God did not walk away from creating the heavens and earth before they were finished and “good.” And we can be confident that He will not walk away from the work He is doing in and through our life, until it is finished and good!

As I prepare for the remaining months of this year. My theme, my focus is, “the Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.” I appreciate the encouragement and prayers for many of my friends who are believing with me for this to happen.