Today, Bill Nation, came to work on some grading issues in front of our house. Bill was actually  one my respiratory therapists when I was in the Rehab Hospital. He has a background in construction and his help was greatly appreciated. I had workout with my trainer today. Even though I wasn’t sure how strong I have been, I was able to walk a stretch without crutches. You can checkout my FaceBok site for the video. https://www.facebook.com/ken.summers53

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ…” Colossians 2:8,9 HCSB

The challenge of staying true to the teaching and example of Christ is one that has existed since the days of the early church. The Colossians were facing some real threats from philosophies of the day. The danger Paul says, is that these philosophies can take the believer in Christ, “captive.”

It may start small, it may be a frontal attack against the truth of Christ. However it comes,  it distorts, distracts and subverts full devotion to Christ. Paul says most of these attacks against the truth come from philosophy, human traditions and even basic forces in nature and the world.

This afternoon I attended a book signing of former Governor Bill Ritter. I have a lot of respect for his work on environmental and energy issues, even though we have some different perspectives. But as I see ideas, positions and prognostications about the future of the climate it is very much a human-centric approach. Mankind is in charge of his own destiny, any problem, any issue has a human (or government) solution.

We see in our day as in Paul’s, divisions and issues over rituals, and days and traditions.“… don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is the Messiah.” (Colossians 2:16,17 HCSB)

Paul recognizes that some of these issues may not be “bad” or “wrong,” but they become a snare when they supersede Christ and obedience to Him and worship of Him. Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees over His actions on the Sabbath. They judged the One who made the Sabbath, about His observances of Sabbath. It shows how they lost their focus and supplanted worship of Christ with worship of tradition.

One of the most dangerous deceptions comes from “spiritual revelations.” Paul cautions, “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm and inflated without cause by his unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18 HCSB)

When dreams, revelations and “spiritual insight” supplants the focus on Christ and His teaching, watch out! One of the greatest enemies to true spiritual gifts, miracles and manifestations are those that contradict Christ’s character and truth and elevates the status of the individual.

If you want to know God, if you want true spiritual insight focus on Jesus. Hebrews declares Him, “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV) As Jesus prayed in the upper room, He said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.“ (John 17:3)

Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration as Peter, James and John looked on. Here is what happened, “…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.… When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” (Matthew 17:5-8 NIV)

Jesus is greater than Moses the lawgiver and judge. He is greater than Elijah and the prophets. He is God’s Son. Look to Him and allow Jesus to be your constant focus and plumb line.

After a lighter schedule yesterday and more difficult day physically; I had a busier day today and was able to “hang in there” fairly well.  I had my morning “prayer connection” downtown and then Bible Study at Morning Star Assisted Living. After being home for about an hour, I had my Rotary Club lunch and then a meeting to review scholarship applications being awarded to high school students by our club. So I was away from home from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. While in the past that would have been a “short” day for me, it is now one of my “long” days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.” Colossians 1:9-12 HCSB

I recall a story about Alexander the Great passing judgment on the cowardly actions of one of his soldiers. The young man begged for his life and in a rare moment of mercy; the leader listen to the soldier’s plea and pardoned his transgression. Before dismissing him, he asked the young man his name. The young man responded, “My name is as yours my Lord, Alexander.”

The Emperor’s countenance suddenly changed and he flew into a rage. He ran to the man who was prostrate on the floor, picked him and said, “Solider! Change your ways, or change your name!”

When we call ourselves, “Christian” does our life, attitudes and actions reflect those of Christ? Paul’s prayer for the Colossians believers is that they would have the knowledge of God’s will, the wisdom and spiritual understanding to, “walk worthy of the Lord.”

What is the Lord’s will for our life? His will is for us to bear fruit; for our lives to reflect the character qualities of Christ. This among other features certainly involves the “fruit of the Spirit.” “…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22 NLT)

The gifts that we have may vary and be those that are suited to us and given sovereignly by God’s grace. But all of us are to manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

We are to continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul declared, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!“ (Romans 11:33 NIV) Regardless of how long we have followed Christ, there is always more to learn and greater insights to be gained. That is why Peter said, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV) We come to know Christ and we continue to know Him and learn of Him.

The Lord wants us to know that there is strength available for every challenge and test and obstacle we may face in life. Along with the strength the Lord provides will be the grace to have patience and to endure. Remember, “trials don’t come to last, they come to pass.”

The Lord want us to know and understand that we are in good company and we have a future. “…with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.” (Col. 1:12 HCSB) JB Philips paraphrase uses these words, “you are privileged to share the lot of those who are living in the light.”

Paul told Timothy that “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV) However we also read the words of Peter how faith, impacts our attitude, “Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” (1 Peter 1:8 NLT)

As we bear the name and identity that connects us to Christ. Let’s be those who seek to live up to that name and represent Him well to the world around. Let’s live a life “worthy” of the Lord.

Not an overly exciting day from what was on my calendar, but I was pleased to receive notice that sample hard copies of my book may be ready in two weeks. That is certainly exciting. After months and weeks of work and waiting, it seems the process is speeding up. I will keep you informed on what is happening.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…a revelation from the Lord had come to the prophet Gad, David’s seer:  “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am offering you three choices. Choose one of them, and I will do it to you.’” So Gad went to David, told him the choices, and asked him, “Do you want three years of famine to come on your land, to flee from your foes three months while they pursue you, or to have a plague in your land three days? Now, think it over and decide what answer I should take back to the One who sent me.” 2 Samuel 24:11-13 HCSB

Three wishes would be better than three options for punishment. If you were David which would you choose?

This situation arose when David commanded General Joab to take census of the army. Doesn’t seem unusual. You would think in the natural a King would want to know the number and strength of his army. However, David’s kingdom was not just a natural kingdom, it was to be guided by supernatural trust and principles. The confidence of David was not to rest in the number of his fighting men, but in God’s ability to “save by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Joab with all of his faults, knew this was not right. But “David’s will prevailed.” But David soon came to his senses and realized his sin.

We can observe many truths just in what has happened to this point in the story. When we go against what we know is right before the Lord we will learn to regret it. David even had the benefit of someone who served as a “check” on his conscious. But he still pushed on.

When David had to face the reality of his decisions this is what he prayed, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away Your servant’s guilt.” (2 Samuel 24:10 HCSB)

But we then see that sin while always qualifying for forgiveness, often has unexpected consequences. So David is given is choice of punishment. Three years of famine, three months of being pursued by enemies (David probably thought, “been there, done that!”) or three days of a plague in the land.

What is interesting is that David did not render a specific choice, but his position was, “I have great anxiety. Please, let us fall into the Lord’s hands because His mercies are great, but don’t let me fall into human hands.” (2 Samuel 24:14 HCSB)

A plague ravaged he land and from one end of Israel to another 70,000 died before the Lord said, “enough!” The prophet Gad told David to build an altar and make as sacrifice. David wasted no time in heeding the word of the prophet. He purchased the threshing floor of Araunah, and even though it was offered free to the King, David responded, “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24 HCSB)

In the words of Paul Harvey, “and now the rest of the story.” This site north of the city at that time would become the place where Solomon’s Temple would be built. Today when you stand on “Temple Mount” – you are not only reminded of the ram the Lord provided Abraham to be sacrificed in the place Isaac, but you are reminded that this is were the sacrifice took place as the innocent were suffering for the guilty acts of another.

Throughout the years until its final fulfillment in Christ, the Temple would be a place where the innocent would be offered for the sins of the guilty. The cross is a picture of total innocence being put to death for the sin of the world. It is also a picture of God providing the “lamb of God” who took upon him the punishment due us for our sin.

David did have it right. It is better to be in God’s hands, than trusting in yourself or others.

Today, I conducted the chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. This afternoon I reviewed some scholarship applications for my local Rotary Club. It has been interesting to see the challenges of some of our youth today, their efforts in school, their community involvement and plans and goals for the future.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The Philistines again waged war against Israel. David went down with his soldiers, and they fought the Philistines, but David became exhausted. Then Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giant, whose bronze spear weighed about eight pounds and who wore new armor, intended to kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him.” 2 Samuel 21:15-17 HCSB

One of the greatest challenges in leadership and in growing older, is realizing that “I can’t do what I used to be able to do.” David from his youth was a “man of war.” As a shepherd boy he fought the “lion and lamb.” He made a name for himself when through the Lord’s help he killed the giant Goliath. He was not only a military leader, but he was a brave, valiant and successful fighter.

David’s last battle, almost was the end of his life. As he faced the arch-enemy of Israel, the Philistines, he grew exhausted and weak. A soldier by the name of Abishai steps in and saves David. He killed the man, who was the descendant of the giants, that almost brought revenge on the “giant killer.” From that time on David was not allowed to go into battle with the armies of Israel.

We read of Abishai a little later. As we see the description of three of the most brave, gallant and successful of David’s fighting men, the Bible says,  ^“Abishai, Joab’s brother and son of Zeruiah, was leader of the Three. He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three. Was he not more honored than the Three? He became their commander even though he did not become one of the Three.” (2 Samuel 23:18-19 HCSB)

It seems that Goliath was not the only giant of the Philistine army. We read, “At Gath….A huge man was there with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot–in all. He, too, was descended from the giant. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan, son of David’s brother Shimei, killed him.” (2 Samuel 21:20-21 HCSB)

They scene sounds familiar. A giant of a man, taunting the armies of Israel. What we see is David’s nephew (the son of his brother Shimei) steps forward and defeats the giant. Shimei would have been present when his younger brother David, as a teen boy stepped forward to address the taunts of Goliath. Now his son shows strength and courage in defeating one of the relatives of the famed fighter of the Philistines.

Some observations.

David’s success was dependent upon a band of loyal fighting men. Trained, prepared, strong and courageous. That is a key to leadership success today, in business and in the church.

This group of trained warriors, looked out for their leader and “had his back.” David was facing a certain death, when one of his mighty warriors and leaders stepped in to save his life.

David was willing to listen and submit to the counsel, concern and protection of those trusted men. David could have resisted the advice to stay away from future battles. He could have shrugged of the near death experience and chalked it up to a fluke occurrence. But David understood that his prime years of being on the battlefield had come to an end and he needed to change his focus and redirect his energies. Being able to change roles and approaches is a key trait of successful leaders with longevity.

We see the courage and development of the next generation. David’s brother Shimei was a member of the army of Saul who stood in fear of Goliath. But his son, as part of David’s army knew that giants were made to be conquered.  The success and example of David and his generation inspired the next.

We can have confidence in the victory of generations to come, when they are given examples of courage, faith and dependence upon the Lord who is with them always. We have observed with each passing generation and for each time period, the Lord has raised up leaders, “for such a time as this” who will rise to the occasion.

This morning I traveled to Denver for the annual Abundant Word Ministries board meeting. Ruth Hickman last year celebrated 35 years of Bible teaching ministry. I first met Ruth as a teen. She is a farm girl from Iowa born in the early years of the depression. However, the impact of her life has taken her to almost every state and overseas. She is another example of continuing to serve the Lord with a “never stop” spirit. Ruth has recently publish a 365 day devotional book that focuses on the “redemptive” chapters of the Bible. Checkout her website at, http://www.abundantword.org/

I like to say Ruth is a “little lady who has made a big impact. She is working on her memoirs of her life lessons and experiences. It is amazing to see how God can use parents and others to impact a life, and in turn use that life, to change the lives of others.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Absalom got himself a chariot, horses, and 50 men to run before him. He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate...Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement… [Absalom would say] “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king does not have anyone to listen to you…If only someone would appoint me judge in the land.…Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for a settlement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.“ 2 Samuel 15:1-6 HCSB

Perhaps it is a case of “too little, too late” on the part of David. Perhaps it was the result of seven years of frustration and bitterness in Absalom’s heart. Perhaps it can viewed as the prophecy of Nathan coming to pass. What we do know is that after Absalom was reunited with David, he began to divide the loyalty of the people.

He used his good looks, charisma and tact of win the hearts of the people. When someone came to see the King, he would intercept them on their journey, ask where they were from and what there issue was and basically say, “The King is too busy and not sympathetic to people like you, but if I were King things would be different.”

He did this for four years! It is hard to believe David didn’t know what was going on. But he never took any action. In the mean time there was a growing discontent that Absalom monitored until he felt the time was right. He gained the confidence of enough people and even those close to David, that he went to Hebron, where David began his reign and declared himself King.

The word came back to David,“The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” (2 Samuel 15:13 HCSB) Absalom’s rebellion was final put down; but the security of David’s reign had come to an end. He would face continual crisis until just before his death when he name Solomon King in the midst of an uprising from his next oldest son.

It seems that there are those who focus on gaining a following, to gain power. They feel position and leadership is viewed as what you get more than what you give. Absalom, made people believe he was interested in them, but it was a ploy to overthrow his father’s reign. Those like Absalom, focus on taking away from others. They tear others down to build themselves up. They create false impressions and are good at feeding into discontent.

It is one thing when it happens by “an enemy” but when it comes from a son or a friend the pain is that much greater. Perhaps that is why  Solomon would observe, “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6 ESV)

These actions can be observed in business, politics and the church. Perhaps it is not without significance that Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples and His own people (the Jews) were the ones who demanded His death.  “If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.” (Zechariah 13:6 NIV)

One who expects to have loyalty, must be loyal. When involved in leadership the important concept is, “disagree in private, be united in public.” That has been my commitment to those that I have served with in positions of leadership from the church house to the state house. It doesn’t mean others will always respond in kind, but we are only responsible for our own actions and attitudes.

We need to be aware of the “spirit of Absalom in our world today.” Absalom sought to make a new for himself, but in the end, it wasn’t the name that he sought.

The latest on the medical front is that I have stopped my prednisone dose. But our dog has started his dose. (maybe he can use some of mine that are left over) The little fella, has been in a lot of pain and is not able to walk very good. We are still waiting for a diagnosis of some kind. I did have a political meeting this afternoon and then headed to the tire shop to purchase the third set of tires within a year. I talked them into giving me a “frequent buyer” discount. I have a “newer” car and left the tires I had just purchased in January on the car we replaced.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…The king has not brought back his own banished one. We will certainly die and be like water poured out on the ground, which can’t be recovered. But God would not take away a life; He would devise plans so that the one banished from Him does not remain banished.” 2 Samuel 14:13-14 HCSB

It has happened all too many times. A parent dealing with a rebellious older teen or young adult, perhaps one who is abusing drugs, utters those words, “get out!” It may not be just out of anger or frustration, but in an attempt to save other children in the family and even the rebellious one himself.

In other situations it is the child that utters the words, “I’m out of here!” They chafe under the rules of the house, they feel they want more control of their life and decisions and so they choose to leave home.

However it happens, it creates hardship and pain for all involved. That is why the words of the “woman of Tekoa” are so striking for families today. Absalom, David’s son had been alienated from his father for five years. Three years in the land of Geshur and two years in Jerusalem. How did it happen?

One of David’s son, Amnon raped Absalom’s sister, Tamar. David knew about, he was “furious” but that is all we know of his actions. When David did not act, Absalom did. At the right opportunity Absalom took matters into his owns hands and had Amnon killed. Absalom ran away to the home of his mother.

We don’t know what was going on in David’s mind. We read that “he longed for Absalom” but he didn’t do anything. He did allow him to return to Jerusalem, but refused to see him. Finally, Absalom forced General Joab to come up with a plan to get to see the King. The story of the plan and final words of this “wise woman” are found in 2 Samuel 14:1-14.

Regardless of how it happens. Regardless of who is at fault and the actions that have taken place and the words that have been spoken; the heart of God is focused on restoration. When we fail to understand that and refuse to take action, soon life will be over and then it will be too late. It will be like “water spilled on the ground.”

The Bible says that all of us at one point lived alienated from relationship with God the Father. “All we like sheep have gone astray.” (Isaiah 53:6) We all in our own ways have been prodigals. Doing our own thing and not God’s. Enjoying “the pleasures of sin for a season.” Living in the pig pen of life and not the comforts and provisions of the Father.

That is why God sent His Son, so He could restore all the alienated and banished sons and daughters of the King. Peter writes and says, “…He [God] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.“ (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) The Lord has done all the work, He is just waiting for His children to come home, “…everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.“ (John 3:16 NIV)

The spiritual restoration that we see in the work of Christ is to take place in the personal and family relationships in our life. It is easy to become comfortable with, “that’s just the way it is!” But the words of the “woman of Tekoa” were, “God devises plans.” He takes action, He is proactive. He initiates. He does not wait until we say, “I was wrong, you were right.” Paul put in these words, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“ (Romans 5:8 NIV)

It is not easy. The challenge is great. But with the Lord’s help, who made a way for us to be reconcile to Him; He can make a way for us to be reconciled to others.