In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” I’ve been thinking about this verse in relation to my schoolwork at Colorado Christian University. I have just finished my final class at CCU! It’s the end of a six year journey. I give all the honor, glory, and praise to God. Without Him I could not have reached the finish line.
Let me give an example as to why I say this. I can’t tell you the number of times that I would look at the guidelines for what I was expected to do for an assignment, and be faced with the reality of a blank computer screen! I would be completely lost as to what to write, but then without warning, God would send an idea to me. I’m not saying this was the pattern for every assignment, certainly some of the assignments were easier for me than others, but still this happened more than once.
Someone might argue that what I’m talking about wasn’t actually from God, but it was due to my own ingenuity and creativity. Even if I thought completing all my homework assignments were due to my own cleverness and skill (which you know I’m not saying), I would still propose that ultimately God deserves all the credit. Why? Because God was the one who created my brain in the first place. God was the one who protected me as I travelled to and from CCU during my in-seat classes. God was the one who kept my heart beating. God was the one who gave me breath to sustain me to face all those class projects.
Let me give you some Scripture verses. Isaiah 42:5 reads, "This is what God the Lord says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk in it." Job 12:9-10: "Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (NKJV)? What a great verse! "Don't you realize," Job asks, "that it is God Himself who holds the life and the breath of every living thing?" Psalm 4:8: "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me."
The main point I’m trying to make here is this: Jesus was right when He said, "Without Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Once again, I want to publicly give God all the honor, glory, and praise for helping me to finish all that work at CCU.
Kevin
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Reflections on the Broncos-Colts game
I’ve often told you that I am fan of the entire National Football League, not just the local team, the Denver Broncos. This was evidenced again last night when I watched the Sunday Night Football between the Broncos and the Colts.
Honestly, I was a bit torn. First and foremost, I certainly wanted to see the Broncos win, but at the same time, I am a Colts fan as well. I am disappointed for Denver, but also very happy to see that the Colts are having the success that they are this year (they are 5-2 now, and they have defeated several very good teams). I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Broncos and Colts play each other again in the playoffs.
One of the highlights for me was seeing the tribute that the Colts fans gave Peyton Manning before the game. This was a nice gesture because Manning was the leader of the Colts for so many years. In my opinion, the Colts would not have had enjoyed as much success as they did all those years if someone other than Manning was their quarterback. I know Colts fan appreciate what Peyton did for them, and that was evidenced last night.
As for the actual game, the Colts won the game 39-33. Furthermore, I feel the Broncos didn't deserve to win. Manning tried to will his team to a come from behind victory, but Denver made too many mistakes. Three turnovers (very costly ones I might add) are difficult enough to overcome, but couple that with the numerous senseless penalties that Denver committed, and you have a recipe for a loss.
Kevin
Honestly, I was a bit torn. First and foremost, I certainly wanted to see the Broncos win, but at the same time, I am a Colts fan as well. I am disappointed for Denver, but also very happy to see that the Colts are having the success that they are this year (they are 5-2 now, and they have defeated several very good teams). I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Broncos and Colts play each other again in the playoffs.
One of the highlights for me was seeing the tribute that the Colts fans gave Peyton Manning before the game. This was a nice gesture because Manning was the leader of the Colts for so many years. In my opinion, the Colts would not have had enjoyed as much success as they did all those years if someone other than Manning was their quarterback. I know Colts fan appreciate what Peyton did for them, and that was evidenced last night.
As for the actual game, the Colts won the game 39-33. Furthermore, I feel the Broncos didn't deserve to win. Manning tried to will his team to a come from behind victory, but Denver made too many mistakes. Three turnovers (very costly ones I might add) are difficult enough to overcome, but couple that with the numerous senseless penalties that Denver committed, and you have a recipe for a loss.
Kevin
Friday, October 18, 2013
Musings on marriage
October 18th is a very special day for two of my friends. I’m not going to directly mention any names because I don’t want to embarrass anyone (you know who you are!), but it is their wedding day! I’m so happy that this day has finally arrived. I hope that they not only enjoy their wedding today, but also that they enjoy married life together.
It’s interesting to contemplate that the very concept of marriage is God’s idea. Way back in the Garden of Eden, before sin was even introduced into the world, God saw that the very first man, Adam, was lonely (Genesis 2:18). God, in response to this, makes the very first woman, Eve, and He brings her to Adam (Genesis 2:22).
At this point, I try to imagine Adam’s response upon seeing Eve for the first time. I can picture him absolutely mesmerized by Eve and her beauty. I imagine him not being able to take his eyes off of her; finally he gently takes her hands in his. What a scene it must have been!
I’ve heard it said that God Himself performed the very first wedding ceremony. I agree. This makes sense particularly when we read these words soon after Adam meets Eve: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). That last phrase of becoming “one flesh” doesn’t just mean becoming one sexually. It means becoming one emotionally, spiritually, and yes, physically. It means a joining of two separate lives that are now merged together into one.
It saddens me to hear how some spouses talk about each other after several years of marriage. For example, I hate it when a husband calls his wife “my old lady.” I don’t feel the love and respect in that designation. I want to encourage all of you married couples to view your spouse as a gift from the hand of Almighty God (James 1:17). Honor, treasure, and value your spouse; he/she is a gift to you.
Kevin
It’s interesting to contemplate that the very concept of marriage is God’s idea. Way back in the Garden of Eden, before sin was even introduced into the world, God saw that the very first man, Adam, was lonely (Genesis 2:18). God, in response to this, makes the very first woman, Eve, and He brings her to Adam (Genesis 2:22).
At this point, I try to imagine Adam’s response upon seeing Eve for the first time. I can picture him absolutely mesmerized by Eve and her beauty. I imagine him not being able to take his eyes off of her; finally he gently takes her hands in his. What a scene it must have been!
I’ve heard it said that God Himself performed the very first wedding ceremony. I agree. This makes sense particularly when we read these words soon after Adam meets Eve: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). That last phrase of becoming “one flesh” doesn’t just mean becoming one sexually. It means becoming one emotionally, spiritually, and yes, physically. It means a joining of two separate lives that are now merged together into one.
It saddens me to hear how some spouses talk about each other after several years of marriage. For example, I hate it when a husband calls his wife “my old lady.” I don’t feel the love and respect in that designation. I want to encourage all of you married couples to view your spouse as a gift from the hand of Almighty God (James 1:17). Honor, treasure, and value your spouse; he/she is a gift to you.
Kevin
Monday, October 14, 2013
"Honor those you should honor"
Romans 13:7, in the Common English Bible (CEB), reads, “So pay everyone what you owe them. Pay the taxes you owe, pay the duties you are charged, give respect to those you should respect, and honor those you should honor.” In the spirit of this verse, today I want to speak of my pastor, Bill Oudemolen. I do this because October is pastor appreciation month, but more so, because I believe that Bill is worthy of respect and honor.
I want to mention three honorable things about Bill today. Number one: Bill is a man who week after week points people to God, not himself. I would submit that perhaps the number one trait in Bill’s life is his humility. Too many today parade themselves and boast of how great they are. Not Bill; he is humble. I’m reminded of what John the Baptist said in John 3. He said, “He [Jesus] must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30; NKJV).
Number two: Bill is a man who submits to God’s plan for his life. It is God’s plan for Bill to be a pastor, and he willingly submits to that plan. Is this easy? Not necessarily. As laypeople we tend to think that the life of a pastor is all fun and games, but this is not always the case. Nevertheless, I’m encouraged and fortified in my own life to see him live in the role God has called him to, even though it’s not always easy.
Number three: Bill has an obvious love for the truth of the Word of God, and proclaims it with passion. Furthermore, he practices what he preaches. God, in his kindness, has blessed me with a friendship with Bill (and his wonderful wife, Jan) when he is not behind the pulpit. I’ve seen firsthand that Bill practices what he preaches. Don’t get me wrong: he is not perfect and sinless (no one is), but he is striving to live as the Bible instructs, just as he encourages others to do.
I could go on and on. I could speak, for instance, of how he deeply loves, values, and treasures his wife, Jan. I could speak of his generosity, or how servant-hearted he is. But you get the point: my pastor is worthy of the respect, honor, and appreciation that I give him.
Kevin
I want to mention three honorable things about Bill today. Number one: Bill is a man who week after week points people to God, not himself. I would submit that perhaps the number one trait in Bill’s life is his humility. Too many today parade themselves and boast of how great they are. Not Bill; he is humble. I’m reminded of what John the Baptist said in John 3. He said, “He [Jesus] must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30; NKJV).
Number two: Bill is a man who submits to God’s plan for his life. It is God’s plan for Bill to be a pastor, and he willingly submits to that plan. Is this easy? Not necessarily. As laypeople we tend to think that the life of a pastor is all fun and games, but this is not always the case. Nevertheless, I’m encouraged and fortified in my own life to see him live in the role God has called him to, even though it’s not always easy.
Number three: Bill has an obvious love for the truth of the Word of God, and proclaims it with passion. Furthermore, he practices what he preaches. God, in his kindness, has blessed me with a friendship with Bill (and his wonderful wife, Jan) when he is not behind the pulpit. I’ve seen firsthand that Bill practices what he preaches. Don’t get me wrong: he is not perfect and sinless (no one is), but he is striving to live as the Bible instructs, just as he encourages others to do.
I could go on and on. I could speak, for instance, of how he deeply loves, values, and treasures his wife, Jan. I could speak of his generosity, or how servant-hearted he is. But you get the point: my pastor is worthy of the respect, honor, and appreciation that I give him.
Kevin
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Chivalry is not dead
One of the creeds that I live by is this short phrase: ladies first. I make it my habit to open the door for ladies, let them walk ahead of me, and offer to help them if they are carrying a heavy object. Chivalry isn’t quite dead yet!
By the way, I have to say this: when I open the door for women or carry something heavy for them, I’m not in any way implying that they are incapable of doing these activities on their own. Women are more than capable. I once heard the story of how a youth pastor was chivalrous with his wife, only to be berated for it by an onlooker. This youth pastor explained to this person that when he opens the door for his wife, he is not doing so because he believes she is unable to open a simple door; he does so to honor her. I agree. I also am attempting to honor women, not demean them.
A part of the reason I’m bringing this up today is because, not too long ago, I saw a segment on chivalry on “The Steve Harvey Show.” He was attempting to train a group of young men to be gentlemen. At one point, he mentioned something that I had never previously considered. He said always open the car door for a woman and let her enter the vehicle first, only then you should enter your side of the car.
I knew that much, but Steve explained that doing this is a way of protecting a woman. He continued by asking, what if you are in the car, with your seatbelt on, and someone runs up and attacks your wife or girlfriend? What are you going to do, unbuckle your seatbelt, get out, and then go help her? It would be much better to let her get in the car first. That way, she is protected and safe in the car if anything dangerous happens. Great thought, Mr. Harvey, thanks.
I’m trying to imagine an extreme reaction I might get from a female reader. They might be thinking something like, “If someone came up to me, I don’t need my husband/boyfriend to help me. I’ll just spin and transform into Wonder Woman, like Lynda Carter did, and take care of it myself.” (Some of you may not have caught the reference: Lynda Carter is the actress who played Wonder Woman in the 70’s.) Of course you could handle the situation. Once again, I’m not advocating that women can’t take care of themselves; I know that they can. But understand my heart on this: as a man, I want to protect the women in my life, and I’m not going to apologize for that.
Kevin
By the way, I have to say this: when I open the door for women or carry something heavy for them, I’m not in any way implying that they are incapable of doing these activities on their own. Women are more than capable. I once heard the story of how a youth pastor was chivalrous with his wife, only to be berated for it by an onlooker. This youth pastor explained to this person that when he opens the door for his wife, he is not doing so because he believes she is unable to open a simple door; he does so to honor her. I agree. I also am attempting to honor women, not demean them.
A part of the reason I’m bringing this up today is because, not too long ago, I saw a segment on chivalry on “The Steve Harvey Show.” He was attempting to train a group of young men to be gentlemen. At one point, he mentioned something that I had never previously considered. He said always open the car door for a woman and let her enter the vehicle first, only then you should enter your side of the car.
I knew that much, but Steve explained that doing this is a way of protecting a woman. He continued by asking, what if you are in the car, with your seatbelt on, and someone runs up and attacks your wife or girlfriend? What are you going to do, unbuckle your seatbelt, get out, and then go help her? It would be much better to let her get in the car first. That way, she is protected and safe in the car if anything dangerous happens. Great thought, Mr. Harvey, thanks.
I’m trying to imagine an extreme reaction I might get from a female reader. They might be thinking something like, “If someone came up to me, I don’t need my husband/boyfriend to help me. I’ll just spin and transform into Wonder Woman, like Lynda Carter did, and take care of it myself.” (Some of you may not have caught the reference: Lynda Carter is the actress who played Wonder Woman in the 70’s.) Of course you could handle the situation. Once again, I’m not advocating that women can’t take care of themselves; I know that they can. But understand my heart on this: as a man, I want to protect the women in my life, and I’m not going to apologize for that.
Kevin
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