At the Honor Flight send off today, I met two individuals from my Council District. I was pleased to have their support. Retired Air Force Major General John Dorris and Retired Colonel and White House Staffer Jim Ling.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Pay to all what is owed to them….respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:7 ESV

Respect and honor. Two words that seem to have lost their significance in our present culture. These two go hand in hand. I view respect as an attitude and honor as an action that is based on the respect held for an individual or class.

When we think of respect for individuals in our culture we think of teachers, doctors, law enforcement officers, first responders, the military, elected officials, parents, pastors.

This morning I attended the “send off” for some veterans participating in an “honor flight” trip to Washington, D.C. I was struck by what I observed. There was a large crowd of family members and citizens, law enforcement officers, first responders, active military personnel, cadets and members of ROTC groups just to name a few.

The ceremonies before hand demonstrated a high level of respect and recognition for those who have served our country. This group included Viet Nam veterans, Korean War veterans and perhaps even a World War II veteran. I could not help but observe the contrast in the youthful faces of those who are just entering their military service and the faces of those who have weathered the test of time and the trials of life.

Those boarding buses for the trip to the airport walked through a gauntlet of flags and raised sabers and people with signs expressing their love and gratitude. It was all designed to demonstrate the highest degree or respect and to show honor to whom honor is due.

Five buses carried these honored guests. The buses were lead in procession by police cars with lights flashing, a couple hundred (so it seemed) motorcyclists and two helicopters, hovering overhead like watchful angels in the sky. Sidewalks were lined with uniformed military personnel at attention saluting and family and friends waving and applauding. It would have been interesting to know the thoughts, feelings and reflections veterans aboard the buses.

Honor to whom honor is due. Honor is due those who have served well and by virtue of their role or achievement have made a significant impact on the lives of others, their community and nation. So in many ways honor is earned.

Honor is due by virtue of status or position. In this way honor is awarded. That is why the Bible says to, “Honor your parents.” That is why is says, “Honor the King.” That is why is says, “Honor God.”

I find myself reflecting on the responsibilities of a position of honor. Borrowing from a Bible verse, I would state it as, “He who is in a position of honor, must prove himself honorable.” As an elected official, the formal designation for my title included, “The Honorable Ken Summers.” One cynical individual who has never met me, saw that title on a name tag I was wearing in a picture on social media. He felt the need to respond that he, “never met a ‘politician’ he felt was worthy of honor.”

I doubt that he really knows very many personally and unfortunately, honorable service is not newsworthy. (At least in politics) But even in his cynicism and judgmental attitude, it reveals a heavy responsibility for those we should respect and honor to conduct themselves in a “manner worthy of their calling.”

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to be those who honor those who have dedicated themselves to noble causes and faithful service. May we all understand that regardless of position or title or role that we can dedicate our lives to those who are “honorable” and make an impact on others and our community. 

I had the opportunity to be in Lakewood today for grandson’s Riley and Caed’s games. Riley has two baseball games and Caed a flag football game. It was great to seem the in action and observe their growth and progress. After church this evening Debbie and I connected with our friends Ted and Murlene Grizzle. This couple have been such great support through my health crisis and it was hard to believe that it had been about two years since we had all been together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4 ESV

As Paul writes to the Philippians he is in prison and is sharing how his persecution has resulted in the gospel message advancing. This persecution was not limited to Paul, but was being experienced by others and Paul wanted believers to know,  ^“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had….” (Philippians 1:29,30 ESV)

When difficulties arise, it is not time for focusing on self, but joining together in mutual encouragement and support. So we see Paul lifting up the attitudes and actions that are to characterize God’s people. Things like, “…encouragement in Christ….comfort from love… participation in the Spirit….affection and sympathy…being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1,2 ESV)

This description is what is to be found in the midst of God’s people, living by God’s ways. Paul then warns against that which would undermine Christian unity and weaken the ability to stand against the assaults of faith. In a word it is, “self.” Selfish ambition and conceit. Paul had already pointed to those who “preached the gospel” with impure motives based in “envy and rivalry.” (Philippians 1:15)

True strength in times of difficulty is when the focus is on “we” and not “me.” Paul says to stay humble and to “count others more significant than yourselves.” He goes on and uses Christ as the example. Christ as the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself, came to earth in human form and lived in obedience to the Father’s will, serving God’s purposes.

Seeing God’s people live this type of life would not only make Paul’s “joy complete” but it would create as sense of joy and peace among God’s people because of following Christ’s example.

Prayer for today….. Lord serving You, involves putting ourselves aside and serving others. In times of trial and testing it is the ability to “come together” and to be united that makes the difference. We have seen that in many ways in families and in our nation. Help us to remember that is what pleases You and bring joy to Your heart as well as to our lives.

After some busy days and weeks, it was nice to have a “free” day. I was able to finally get to the fitness center after several weeks of absence and get a little yard work done. I am pleased to continue to hear positive comments about yesterday’s National Day of Prayer Breakfast. It was a delight to have Dick Foth as our speaker and State Senator Kevin Lundberg lead the pledge and sing the National Anthem.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:12,14

Challenges and trials are an opportunity for personal growth and often unexpected outcomes. My daily (now almost daily) writing is something that I would not have planned and have initiated without the impetus created by Debbie’s daily CaringBridge entries while I was in the hospital those many months of 2013. Now as we approach the fourth year of life after my health crisis, I find myself in the routine of sharing some random thoughts on scripture that flow out of my daily Bible reading and life experiences.

As Paul was in a prison in Rome (not a pleasant experience by far), he was able to use that time to write several letters to churches and individual. A total of seven “letters” (now books of the Bible) are referred to as “Paul’s prison epistles.”

As Paul writes to the Church in Philippi, it interestingly has a theme of “joy.” That in itself seems to be a disconnect given his environment and circumstances. In the early verses he wants the believers to know that already some “good” has taken place out the “bad” circumstances he is in.

The bottom line is that Paul’s prison experience in Rome has served to advance the gospel. For Paul that is the greatest outcome that he could have hoped for. Paul explains,  ^“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will….whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:15,18 ESV)

Paul states that the gospel was advancing because, “…it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” (Philippians 1:13 ESV) So the word was getting out that this guy in prison was there not because of murder or theft or some notorious crime, but because he was so bold as to declare the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The other unexpected was that  “…most of the brothers….are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” That doesn’t make sense, does it? It would seem the opposite would be true. But we see in the Bible and historically that trying to put “a lid” on the gospel is like throwing gas on a fire or like, breaking a thermometer and smashing the mercy. It just spreads!

We see that in the Book of Acts. Stephen was killed, Saul was then persecuting with zeal all believers he could find; but we read, “Now those who were scattered [from Jerusalem] went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4 ESV) We see in our time that when believers were persecuted in China, that an underground church continued and multiplied more than ever.

We can be confident that “God can bring good, even out of the worst situations.” I like what my fellow City Councilmember, Ray Martinez, said this past week, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.”

Prayer for today…. Lord in the midst of the challenges of life that would “imprison” us, allow us to see how You are working and the good that is coming to us and through our circumstances.

Today is the National Day of Prayer. We had a well attended prayer breakfast this morning and it was an honor to chair, this year’s event in Northern Colorado. Dick Foth was our keynote speaker and that always makes for an impact on those present. After a couple of other commitments, I took in a local high school baseball game.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day.”  1 Samuel 30:24,25 ESV

You can count on it. The experiences of life make a difference on how we view others and on our leadership and priorities. We can observe this in the life of David. David’s ascension to the throne was not by birthright. He didn’t spend time in the confines and comfort of a palace waiting for “his day” to come when he would be King.

David was able to be “up close and personal” with King Saul. Yet it was his time in the wilderness, his life as a fugitive among the Philistines and all the experiences of those years that shaped who he would be as a King.

The verses above are one example. David and his men were in pursuit of the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag and had taken hostage wives and children. Some of the men were too exhausted to fight and remained with the supplies. After the victory those who had found and won the battle and brought home the spoils wanted to even punish those who stayed behind. But David stepped in an made the decision that those who stayed behind with the baggage and guarded the supplies, would share in the spoils of war won by the fighting men. This equitable treatment for all who served in the army regardless of position became a statute David implemented when he became King.

We read in other scriptures that when the Lord gave instructions on how to treat foreigners and aliens, He reminded the Israelite’s, remember you were slaves and foreigners in Egypt. What we experience in life, make us more sympathetic to those who find themselves in the same situation.

You can observe this not only in “government” but in business as well. The president of the company who worked his or her way from the “bottom up” will be a different kind of leader and have a different relationship with employees than one who is just hired as the “outside” expert or guru or the one who inherited a position by virtue of being a part of the family of the founder of the business.

As we move through life and experience challenges, obstacles and “character building” tests, we need to not just move on from those but to allow those to shape the type of person we are and the type of leader we become.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank you that we can not only be victorious in the “strife of life” but we can allow what we experience to build our character and our influence on others and person and leader we become.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “…Jonathan, Saul’s son…said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you.” 1 Samuel 23:16-17 ESV

As the story of Saul and David and Jonathan unfolds, we see a stark contrast in the attitudes of Saul and his son Jonathan. Saul moves from hiding among the baggage to be revealed as a reluctant king to quickly holding on to his power and control with a tight fist and paranoid zeal. His insecurity is revealed when he was quickly intimidated by the chants of “Saul has killed his thousands and David his 10,000’s” following David’s triumph over Goliath.

His efforts to kill David moved from the subtle to the overt. Saul even viewed his son and successor as his enemy and as one who “conspired” with David. As Jonathan was attempting to defend David’s loyalty, Saul goes into a rage and yells as Jonathan, 

“You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame…..For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established.” (1 Samuel 20:30,31 ESV)

You see, the prophet Samuel had already pronounced judgment upon Saul because of his disobedience to God. He told Saul, “For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel…Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you.” (1 Samuel 15:26, 28 ESV)

Now Saul was left to secure his rule and kingdom by his own efforts. Saul appears to be concerned for Jonathan and his future, but in reality he is only looking out for his own interests and attempting to accomplish in human effort what the Lord was willing to do for Him, if he followed the Lord with his whole heart.

Jonathan, on the other hand, was able to recognize the Lord’s anointing on David and was willing to accept that and do what he could to be a true friend to David. He and David were bound by an oath of friendship. There was trust in each other and a willingness on Jonathan’s part to accept a unique and special role.

Jonathan willingly viewed his future as serving David as King. He would be loyal to him, even as the one who was a rightful heir to the throne. This attitude of Jonathan’s is often overlooked in he study of scriptures. How often is an individual more concerned about what God wants, than what is rightfully theirs by human standards?

Jonathan’s attitude reminds me of John the Baptist who said of the Messiah, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ESV)

In the success of every leader are those who are willing to accept a support role and be those encourage and facilitate the accomplishments of that leader. While we admire and look up to those who are effective leaders, we need to understand the value of those who support and encourage that leader in fulfilling their role as they accept a position and attitude of “being second, but satisfied.”

Prayer for today…. Lord thank you for the gifts, security and satisfaction that comes from those who are willing to encourage and support the success of those You have called to lead. We can see that in so many arenas of our world and it is so easy to take for granted. Thank you for the example of Jonathan and what it reveals and the challenge it presents to us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself….Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you…” 1 Samuel 12:20-22,24 ESV

Final words, the last words of a leader to a people are important. A month a ago I was in Atlanta when Don Munn, my son-in-law’s father delivered his final message as the Senior Pastor of the church he had served for 32 years. As I sat in the congregation, I was eager to hear what he would share. Don delivered a powerful and encouraging message about the faithfulness of the Lord. It was so fitting and seemed to be just the right message for the congregation as they moved into the future under new leadership.

Samuel the prophet as facing the time for the end of his ministry. Instead of a prophet/Priest being the leader of God’s people, it would be a King. A King the people had demanded and God allowed, even though it wasn’t the Lord’s “Plan A.”

Because of this situation these words are more than “just another sermon.” It was the prophets final charge and call to God’s people. Samuel begins by “clearing the air” on his integrity. His sons like those of Eli the priest had not been faithful to the Lord, but Samuel made it clear that his life had been one of integrity. In response to the questions of Samuel the people confirm, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” (1 Samuel 12:4 ESV)

Samuel rehearses the history of God’s people and some of the last 400 years of the judges of Israel. While they had not been faith, God had been faithful. While they sinned by asking for a king, God would not abandon them. Their new king and the people were to commit to following the Lord. If they did the Lord would be with them and bless them. If they sinned, “their sin would find them out” and they would eventually experience the consequences of their persistent rebellion.

Samuel’s word thousands of years ago, echo down to Christ followers today. “Serve the Lord with all your heart….Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you…”

Samuel’s warning was, “…do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver…” You will find that regardless of how much “in vogue” something is, how appealing it is to “follow the crowd” or the ways of modern culture, when all is said and done they are found to be empty; of no profit and fail to bring any true satisfaction.

Through the ages people have found themselves learning and re-learning the truth of Samuel’s words. The great assurance we have is, “The Lord will not forsake His people.” Just as the Lord brought the Children of Israel into a special relationship with Himself, those who enter into a personal relationship with Christ can be confident of the fulfillment of the words of Paul, “….he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Prayer for today…. Lord keep us from that which is empty, shallow and of no profit. Help us to see that true satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment comes from serving You with all of our heart. Thank you for Your steadfast love is beyond our comprehension and assures us of Your constant work in our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:16,17 ESV

I have been working on the preparations for this week’s National Day of Prayer event in Northern Colorado. The theme is “For Your Great Name’s Sake – Hear Us, Forgive Us, Heal Us!”

For those who in our history that were even marginally committed to a life of faith, have recognized the value of prayer and the need for divine guidance and intervention. It is obviously more pronounced in times of national crisis. Whether it was the revolutionary war, the challenging of carving out our Constitution or the times of war and national crisis that have been a part of our nation’s history.

When we “lose our way” it is the Lord who can help us find our way. That was the condition of God’s people when Isaiah was called to be the Lord’s voice to get the attention of a wayward people. The call was a call to repentance. To stop, to change, to redirect.

In the verses above, I notice that it takes personal resolve. Without a recognition of need, without sense of desperation there is no avenue back to God. The call to action is to “remove” “cease” “learn” “seek” “correct.”

It is important to observe that “personal” righteousness precedes “national” righteousness. The prophet says, “wash yourself; cease to do evil; learn to do good.” As individuals make this type of commitment then the impact is seen on how others are treated and the responsibility to others.

The character of a “nation” is reflected in these actions, “seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” 

This is not possible by virtue of human will power. It requires a recognition of God as the source of life and help. As a result we read a well-know verse,

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

A godly people, brings a righteous government. That is why one of our nation’s founders and Presidents John Adam’s said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to realize that a godly nation is established first in the hearts of people. Allow men and women to be open to Your call and to be willing to heed Your voice. When You reside in individual hearts, we can truly be a collective “nation under God.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites…Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal.”  1 Samuel 11:11,14-15 ESV

We have just ended the first 100 days of a new President. During this time I have found myself asking, “why is the “first 100 days” out of a four-year term of office so important?” My pondering was probably more of an expression of frustration than a lack of understanding. My pastoral and political experience have allowed me to learn the leadership reality that we see in Israel’s first King.

Saul was selected by the Lord and anointed by Samuel to be Israel’s first King. This was a fairly dramatic process. All the tribes were present and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then one of the clans of the tribe Benjamin was chosen. Then one of the families of the clan was chosen. Finally the individual was called forth to be the King. However, instead of jumping to the forefront with fanfare, there was awkward silence, because Saul was hiding.

When he was finally presented there were shouts and the instructions and the anointing and gifts, there was a King in Israel! But not all were excited. We read, “….some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present.” (1 Samuel 10:27 ESV)

But there were those who were quick to “jump on Saul’s side” and be supportive and loyal. Such is the case when any new leader arises, whether in a church, organization or government. Some will immediately be supportive, some will “hold off” some will even oppose, whether vocal or in silence.

What we can observe is this, “It is one thing to be chosen for a position, it is another to gain confidence, respect and loyalty.” Saul like any other newly appointed leader needed a “win” to really establish his kingdom.

The opportunity was presented when there was a conflict with a neighboring people. Saul steps forward, calls fighting men into action and a great victory is won. That military victory was the key event that established Saul as King.

We see Saul cemented in the hearts of people as King expressed in two ways. The “loyalists” wanted revenge on the naysayers,  ^“Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” (1 Samuel 11:12 ESV) But Saul stepped forward and restrained them; another expression of his character, authority and leadership.

Then we see that the “kingdom was renewed” “…they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal.” Wait! Saul had already been anointed!? It is one thing to be “given a leader” – it is another to accept that leader. We the validation of Saul as King went from Samuel saying, “Israel this is your King!” to Israel saying, “Saul, you are our (my) King.”

What is true for a leader of an “organization” is true of our lives. It is one thing to understand that “Jesus is Lord” by virtue of a theological understanding. It is another to know Him as “my Lord” by virtue of a personal relationship and a commitment to allow Him to rule in our hearts and lives.

Prayer for today…. Lord, the most important realm of leadership, is that which governs my life. I don’t just want to recognize Your Lordship, I want to embrace it, and allow You to be the ruler of all. Allow me to be an eager and willing subject.