An important final word in 2021

There are some blogs that I don’t particularly want to write, but I will anyway.  This is one of those blogs.  The fact of the matter is 2021 is a year that I will never forget.  And it’s not memorable for a positive event, either.  Several months ago now, someone chose to use their words to viciously attack me.  These words cut me so deeply.  The verbal assault wounded me so intensely.  I actually feel as if this episode has the potential to haunt me for the rest of my life (now you see why I wasn’t too happy about writing about this today).

So the question is this: how does one recover from arguably the greatest verbal belittling in 40 years of life?  My answer is one you’d likely expect: forgiveness.  Stay with me here because I’m not just giving you the Sunday school, Christian answer.  I know what unforgiveness will do to my heart.  It will destroy me from the inside out; it will turn me into a shell of myself.  I honestly believe the only way to be free from a devastating experience – like the episode I’ve brought up – is to choose to forgive. 

Before I proceed, let me present two cautions.  Number one: forgiveness doesn’t mean you are a doormat for someone.  I want to be a forgiving person, but I still need to have wisdom and discernment.  I think of domestic abuse, for example.  If a person is in such a situation, they need to get out and not look back.  Incidentally, forgiveness can be extended, but that doesn’t necessarily always mean it will lead to reconciliation.  Sometimes reconciliation is not a possibility.

Secondly, it may surprise you to note that the Bible never once gives us the admonition to “forgive and forget”.  Repeatedly we are told to forgive but forget is never attached.  I think there’s a good reason for that; I will never forget the painful episode I’ve been referring to.  Something will trigger it, and it is back at the forefront of my mind and emotions.  But when it does, I make the decision once again to forgive.

Ephesians 4:32 is such a powerful verse; it reads: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  That’s an important key when I contemplate this subject: “as God in Christ forgave you.”  Since I’ve been forgiven by God for my wrongs, how can I refuse forgiveness to others?  While I was putting all of this together, Jesus’ words on the cross washed over me in a fresh way.  As He was hanging in agony, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). 

In conclusion, I know this was heavy today.  At one point, I thought about trying to put in something humorous to lighten it up.  It was very hard to write.  My purpose in presenting what I have is this: if you have been harboring unforgiveness towards someone who hurt you deeply, realize the only liberation is found in forgiveness.  Life is too short to spend it holding a grudge.

Kevin 

"What is Christmas without Christ?"

Back in 2010, the group Kutlass recorded a marvelous song called “This is Christmas”.  The song begins with these words: “Do you find it hard to sleep tonight, resting by the Christmas lights?  Could there be something you forgot?  Beyond the bows and mistletoe, the tree with presents wrapped below…have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?  What is Christmas?  If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger; what is Christmas without Christ?”

I stopped and envisioned a holiday where I celebrated Christmas, but without Christ.  What would that day look like?  I think I would still go through the motions.  I would give gifts to family and friends.  But I can imagine being stressed out and exhausted by the festivities.  Because, at the end of the day, what would the point be?  The heart of the holiday would be ripped out, if I engaged in a Christ-less Christmas.  Christ is the star of Christmas.  He is the gift.

The 2006 film “Superman Returns” starring Brandon Routh is generally regarded as a blunder.  While I concede that this film is far from flawless, one of the reasons I enjoy it is because of the obvious references to Superman being a type, and a picture of Jesus Himself.  I could cite several examples of this, but for today, I want to describe one scene of Superman with Lois.  But first, let me set the context.

This film sees the Man of Steel leaving Earth for 5 years (if you’re thinking that’s an implausible thing for Superman to do, I agree with you, but it is what it is).  The inhabitants of Earth begin to try to convince themselves that they don’t need him anymore.  When Superman finally does return, he is shocked to find Lois cynical and bitter toward him.  In fact, Lois had actually written a newspaper article with this stinging title: “Why the world doesn’t need Superman”. 

“I moved on,” Lois says to Superman, when she gets her chance to express her frustration to him.  “The world doesn’t need a savior, and neither do I.”  Superman, although clearly wounded by her words, asks Lois to fly with her.  And they do.  Eventually, as the float together in the quietness of outer space, he asks her what she hears.  She answers that she doesn’t hear anything.  “I hear everything.”  He replies.  “You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, yet every day I hear people crying out for one.”

Why do I celebrate Christ at Christmas?  Because I know my own heart, and the battles I have with sin.  But I celebrate the words the angel spoke in Matthew 1:21; Joseph was instructed to give the baby the name Jesus “for He will save His people from their sins.”  I celebrate that Jesus’ work on the cross cleanses me from sin (1 John 1:7).  As the old hymn says, “Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.” 

The world does need a savior.  It’s true for Lois, and that universe, but it’s also true for us today.  On Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ.  Without Him, December 25th would be hollow and empty.  If someone reads this who realizes you’ve never cried out to the Savior in faith, trust, and surrender, what better time to do so than this Christmas season? 

Kevin

Mourning the loss of “D.T.” – A Denver Broncos icon

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas “D.T.” passed away from a medical issue.  He was 33.  As a football fan, I saw with my own eyes how talented and special he was.  Two examples come to my mind.  First of all, the catch and run he made against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs in the 2011 wildcard game.  Tim Tebow throws a pass to DT on the first play in overtime, and Thomas takes it all the way to the end zone to seal the Broncos victory.  What a moment!

Secondly, it was in Super Bowl 48 when the Broncos – with a record setting offense – were completely destroyed by the Seattle Seahawks 43-8.  But, in that game, it was Demaryius Thomas who set a Super Bowl record for most receptions by a player; he had a whopping 13 catches!  The record has since been broken, but Demaryius was one of the few bright spots for Denver that day.

As the tributes have been pouring in, it is evident that Demaryius Thomas was just as special off the football field as he was on it.  For example, Peyton Manning said, “DT was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player, that tells you how good a person he was.  He treated my kids like they were his own.  He was there for every teammate’s charity event…Absolutely devastated.” 

I was so touched by Tim Tebow’s words of tribute: “So many are going to remember him for his athletic ability,” he said, “But I’ll be remembering him for his kindness, his smile that would light up a room, and the love he had for those in his life” (quotes from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32834405/former-denver-broncos-wr-demaryius-thomas-33-found-dead-home-police-say).

My thoughts and prayers go to DT’s family and friends.  I know what it’s like to lose a loved one unexpectedly, so I can resonate with the pain, grief, and anguish they are going through right now.

In conclusion, this sad news was a reminder for me to cherish every day; it is a gift.  There is a fine line between life and death.  Further, it reminds me to share the hope in my heart.  1 Peter 3:15 says, “Be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”  I have hope today because it is found in Jesus.  I celebrate Him this Christmas season.  

Kevin 

The main star of Christmas

One of the first Christmas songs I heard this year was “Christmas Time is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.  And Christmas time certainly is here in full swing!  Recently, at my workplace, I was honored to be asked to hang the star on top of the Christmas tree, after it was finished being decorated.  I probably should have taken the time to post a picture of it here, but both the tree and the star, is lovely.

To have that experience of hanging the star on top of the tree was very special for me.  It reminded me that in the midst of all of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas festivities, I need to focus on the One who is the main star of Christmas: Jesus Christ.  This time of year we rightly contemplate Jesus being born into this world.  But we tend to forget that this same Jesus grew up. He lived a life of perfect virtue and integrity.  He was Superman. Eventually He died a sacrificial death for us; three days later, He proved His divine power by rising from the dead.  It’s all about Him, not just on Christmas or Easter, but every day.

“Why all this Jesus stuff?”  Someone wants to know my answer to that question.  My answer is two-fold.  Number one: because the older I get, the more I see how empty and futile life is without Him.  I celebrated my 40th birthday back in June, so I’ve been very reflective, believe me.  I’ve discovered how foolish it is to look to something or someone else for life and identity.  Things like money, pleasure, notoriety, and power are enticing, but they pale in comparison to a relationship with Jesus.  To quote Jonathan Evans, you and I can easily climb the ladder of success only to get to the top and realize the whole time it was leaning against the wrong wall.

Secondly, the answer to the why Jesus question is because you and I have a sin problem and only Jesus provides salvation.  The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).  Conceivably, God could have chosen to leave humanity to fend for itself when He saw how entangled we are with sin.  But He didn’t.  He chose to express His love in the most emotionally gripping way: death on a cross.  Because, the Bible tells us, “without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.”

In conclusion, I have listened to Rebecca St. James’ 2005 album “If I had one chance to tell you something” hundreds of times.  I listened to it again recently.  I could probably write a blog on each track, but I found myself resonating with these words from a track titled “Love being loved by You”:

“Who am I that You would notice me?  Who am I that You would think of me?  I stand in awe of Your amazing love.  Who am I that you would rescue me?  Who am I that you would die?” 

Kevin

My greatest gift this Thanksgiving

I wish I could relay some riveting story to explain my absence of blogs.  But the fact is there is no story to tell; just life, in all of its multi-faceted glory, has pushed writing to the back burner of late.  I’m not necessarily happy about this, but it is what it is.  However, all of this notwithstanding, I can’t miss the opportunity to articulate my greatest blessing with you. While I have a myriad of items for which I am thankful, number one on my list is my friendship and fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Many years ago, I wrote a composition for college reflecting on God’s faithfulness to me.  I didn’t take the time to find it in my records to refresh my memory on all the details.  But I know in that work, I thanked the Lord for His mercy to me.  I spoke of how He graciously forgave me of all my sin – I even recall that I described my sin as ‘repugnant’.  My description was true then and it’s certainly true as I write these words today.

To be transparent, I know what it’s like to fall into the mire of sin, even after walking with the Lord for many years.  I also know what it’s like to turn to the Lord in heartfelt repentance.  I know what it's like to ask – for perhaps the millionth time – for His cleansing and forgiveness.  He graciously picks me up, cleans me up, and assures me of His love for me and His forgiveness toward me.  I love the opening verses of Psalm 32: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute [or charge to one’s account] iniquity.”

There’s an old hymn that goes this way: “What can wash away my sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  What can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”  I’m so thankful that Jesus, the God of the universe in human flesh, shed His blood on a cross.  He did this to pay the penalty for my sin, and the sin of the whole world.   Jesus is the divine rescue plan from the horrors of sin. Through simple faith and trust in Him, we can have salvation, forgiveness, and everlasting life. 

In conclusion, I don’t like to think about who I would be if God had not revolutionized my life.  I can envision the absolute train wreck my life would be.  But because of God, I have hope.  According to my research it was way back in the 1940’s when Seth and Bessie Sykes wrote a song that I constantly sing to the Lord.  The chorus goes like this: “Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul.  Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.  Thank You, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.” 

Kevin

Concluding thoughts on Daniel (part 2)

It was back in June that I began submitting blogs on Daniel and his three cohorts.  I have to confess to you that it feels like it’s been much longer than that.  I think it’s because I’ve had these blog installments in my head; I have been eager to share them, only to have life slow the process down.  But today is the conclusion of this blog series.

There’s one last phrase I want to look at from Daniel 1.  In Daniel 1:17 there’s an important statement made: “Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”  This is a teaser to a large portion of the book of Daniel as a whole – prophetic dreams and visions.  So I would be remiss if I didn’t submit one last blog on how God used Daniel in relation to a dream or vision.  Initially, I was going to look at Daniel 2 as an example.  In that chapter King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that Daniel interprets.  This dream has such relevance that theologians and end times scholars meticulously study it even to this day. 

But I actually want to look at Daniel 4 instead.  Why?  Well, let me ask you this question: have you ever seen a movie or TV show where you think you have the plot and characters figured out only to be presented with a big scene where you realized you were wrong?  This happened to me recently.  About halfway in, the writers threw a curveball that left me confused, and on the edge of my seat to discover what was going to happen.  Daniel 4 presents us with a similar curveball.

In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that terrifies him.  Eventually, he goes to his trusted advisor – Daniel.  He lays out the dream, and he is confident that Daniel will explain it to him.  Interestingly, Daniel 4:19 states that for a time Daniel was “astonished” and “troubled”.  But he composes himself and presents a detailed interpretation; the king’s dream was a warning of what was going to happen.  God was going to take it all from him, his majestic kingdom, and even his sanity.  “You see, the Most High God rules,” Daniel continued, as I paraphrase verse 25.  “He gives kingdoms to whomever He chooses, until you acknowledge that, O king, you’re going to lose everything you have.”

A year passes, the king has forgotten all about the dream and Daniel’s interpretation.  He struts about like a proud peacock bragging about his majesty (verse 30).  Just as he finishes speaking, a voice from Heaven speaks, and confirms the words Daniel had previously stated. Nebuchadnezzar loses his reason.  He begins to think he is an animal; “he was driven from men and ate grass like an oxen; his body wet with the dew of Heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws” (verse 33).  There’s an image for you, just in time for Halloween!  Once again, all of this had been accurately predicted by Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream a year earlier.

But the chapter doesn’t end there.  Finally (many believe it was seven years), Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity returns to him, and he gets the point.  In his own words: “I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever.  For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:34).  Nebuchadnezzar is a changed man!  My belief is that this pagan king became a believer through this.  It’s a debate that ultimately only God knows for sure, but I don’t think an unbeliever says, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all of whose works are truth and his ways justice” (Daniel 4:37).

In conclusion, it was back in October of 2014 when the TV show “The Flash” premiered (I’m not going on a tangent; stay with me).  It features the adventures of Barry Allen alias The Flash.  I enjoyed both that first season, and every year since (they recently completed the seventh season).  In the pilot episode, Oliver Queen A.K.A. Green Arrow counsels Barry with these words: “You can inspire people in a way that I never could.”  Barry’s example has certainly inspired me these years.  But I’m also inspired by the example of another man – Daniel.  Daniel’s loyalty to God, his dedication to speaking the truth no matter how difficult, his prayer life, his integrity, and his virtue inspires me to walk the path of unselfishness and holiness.      

Kevin   

Concluding thoughts on Daniel (part 1)

As you may have noticed from the blog title, after today, I have one more blog on Daniel and his companions.  I have mixed feeling at the realization that we are near the conclusion of these series of blogs.  On the one hand, I’m pleased to finally be done with it.  But on the other hand, it is sad because it’s been motivating to see the life and example of these four boys.

We left off with Daniel and company boldly refusing to eat the improper food the king had provided for them.  They may have been in a pagan country, but they were not going to defile themselves.  Ultimately, after demonstrating that their health wouldn’t suffer, they were able to stick with their menu choice.  Then the text goes on to say this in Daniel 1, verse 18: “Now at the end of the days, when the king had said they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.”

It’s important to remember the overall context.  Daniel 1:5 tells us, “the king appointed for them…three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.”  They had to be taught the customs, language, and literature of Babylon.  Some may wonder why they didn’t reject these three years of education outright.  Nebuchadnezzar had conquered Daniel and friend’s homeland; they were exiles in a foreign land.  Daniel 1:3-4 makes it clear that they were brought in to the palace for one reason: serve the king.  If they had defied this program, frankly they wouldn’t have lived very long. 

To put it another way: these boys knew it wasn’t an accident or bad luck that they were in Babylon; it was divine providence.  God had placed them right where He wanted them to be.  I’ve been reading Levi Lusko’s book “Through the eyes of a lion”.  I haven’t finished it yet, but what I’ve read (about half the book) I have thoroughly enjoyed.  At one point, Levi writes: 

“If you are reading these words, you have been given a unique powerful, custom-built platform. A voice. As long as there is breath in your lungs, you have a microphone in your hands. There are things God intends for you to accomplish that no one else has been chosen for. Words he wants you to speak.  Actions that speak louder than words.”

That excerpt inspires me.  It’s true for you and me, and it was also true for Daniel. So Daniel and his three cohorts submitted to the three years.  Let’s look at verse 18 again: “Now at the end of the days [the years of training], when the king had said they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.” 

What happened next?  Verse 19 states that there was no one else found that was like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  In fact, verse 20 says that Nebuchadnezzar found them “ten times better” than everyone else he could have consulted.  Daniel 1:21 – the last verse of the chapter – says, “Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.”  According to my research, the first year of Cyrus’ reign was nearly six decades later!  I’m sure Daniel envisioned a different future for himself, but he submitted to God’s plan for his life.  I want to follow Daniel’s example and surrender to God’s will and plan for me.

Kevin

"Daniel in the dining room"

Previously, we saw that the world of Daniel and his three friends were turned upside-down; they were taken from their homeland after it was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar. They were subsequently put into an indoctrination process in the country of Babylon, even going so far as to give the boys new names. 

Daniel 1:5 tells us that Nebuchadnezzar assigned a particular diet to consume as well as wine for the boys to drink.  This arrangement didn’t sit right with Daniel.  Verse 8 is a key part of this whole chapter; it reads: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor drink the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” 

Many years ago, I was in a church service where a guest preacher referred to this part of the text as “Daniel in the dining room.”  I borrowed that phrase for the blog title today.  First off, why did Daniel refuse the king’s food?  While the text doesn’t explicitly state the answer, it is interesting that twice in Daniel 1:8, the word “defile” is given.  Repetition is important in the Bible.  The narrator is trying to emphasize for them to partake in this was a big deal.  For the record, my view is this food and wine had previously been offered to Babylon gods, and so for them to indulge would basically be them endorsing the false gods. 

Daniel drew a line in the sand, and he spoke up.  He speaks to Aspenenaz, the chief of the eunuchs; he requests to not eat the food.  I can imagine Ashpenaz’s jaw practically dropping to the floor like in those old classic cartoons.  I hear him stammering, “You don’t want to eat the food because you don’t want to defile yourself?”  Finally, he composes himself and he responds, “I get that you have a conviction, but if the king sees you and your friends looking frail and weak, he’ll kill me” (that’s my paraphrase of Daniel 1:10). 

Note with me that Daniel could have spoken with anger and rudeness.  But he knew he was representing God, even if he was in a pagan land.  “Please test your servants for ten days,” he says (verse 12).  He makes a request, not a demand, that they only eat vegetables and water.  “Then let our appearance be examined before you…and as you see fit, so deal with your servants” (verse 13).  He spoke with courtesy and respect; what an example for us today in our increasingly unkind world!

I toyed with the idea of ending the blog here to create some dramatic tension, but these thoughts on Daniel have had enough delays already – incidentally, just so you know, I’m thinking there will be one or two more Daniel blogs after this.  But the fact of the matter is we read Daniel 1 with familiarity, yet no one knew what was going to happen at the time.  There had to be some nervous energy.  Finally the big day arrived.  Daniel 1:15 tells us that at the end of those ten days, Daniel and his cohorts looked better than the other youths who ate the king’s food.  So they let them continue on with their vegetables and water diet.

In conclusion, God’s supernatural power is on display in the book of Daniel.  We focus on how God kept the boys safe in the fiery furnace in Daniel 3, and rightly so.  As I said in a previous blog, that’s one of the great scenes of the Bible.  Furthermore, it is right and appropriate for us to focus on God’s supernatural protection of Daniel, in chapter 6, when he spent the night in a den of lions and there wasn’t a scratch on him.  What an incredible account!  But let’s not miss what God did right here in Daniel 1.  One resource puts it well:

“Miraculously, God kept these young men alive, even though they refused to conform to the indoctrination, diet, and religion of Babylon.  Daniel and his companions asked to be fed vegetables rather than the king’s unlawful food, and they were granted their wish on the condition that their health did not suffer.  God made them thrive physically beyond their peers because of their God-honoring obedience (Daniel 1:8-16)” (from https://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-Belteshazzar.html) 

Kevin 

A solemn anniversary

It didn’t feel right for me to return to Daniel 1 (one day we’ll complete that chapter).  But today I felt it would be negligent of me if didn’t stop and mention the 20-year anniversary of 9/11.  That was such a painful, horrific day.  I vividly remember where I was when I heard the news, and I recall the emotions I felt in the hours and days that followed.

So many families were changed forever two decades ago.  While I didn’t directly lose anyone that day, I have been through instances of unexpected loss.  So I’m able to speak about the grief, pain, and hurt that comes from such a traumatic episode.  Frankly, losing a loved one changes your world forever.

Let me also acknowledge that there may be someone who is in the throes of loss right now.  Maybe not from 9/11, but it’s still sudden and visceral.  Maybe it’s a result of this covid world, or a medical crisis, or perhaps a car wreck.  Whatever the specifics, just know that I pray for you; I pray that you find comfort and solace in the arms of the Lord.

In conclusion, one of the lasting memories for me on 9/11 was when President Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office that evening.  His words gave me incredible peace and calm.  I’ll never forget how, at one point, he quoted from Psalm 23; “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” 

Kevin

Follow-up remarks

Earlier this month, I reported how I had endured another loss; a friend both of the Bauer family and of my father.  This loss was a painful reminder of mortality.  In that blog, I mentioned how I had heard a sermon from Jonathan Evans where he relayed that the Dallas Cowboys had faced a painful loss; Jerry Brown Jr. had tragically passed away at age 25 from a car accident in 2012.  Jonathan stated that, as chaplain of the Cowboys, he decided to change what he was originally going to share with the team, and he decided to share the gospel instead.  It dawned on me that someone may wonder what “the gospel” even means.  Thus, I began to map out a blog with these questions: 1) What is the gospel?  2) How does one obtain it?  3) What difference does it make?  So that’s where we are going today.

#1: What is the gospel?

The gospel literally means “good news”.  God created us to be in an intimate relationship with Him, but that was wrecked by sin.  We humans are sinners, both by inbred nature, and by personal choice.  Greg Laurie once described sin as missing the mark.  One archer may come closer to the bulls-eye, but we all can’t hit it perfectly.  But Jesus, God in human flesh, lived the perfect life we could never live.  He died a bloody death on a cross as payment for all of humanity’s sin; and then He rose again, unequivocally proving His divinity as God.  Because of Jesus and His death and resurrection, humanity can be restored to a relationship with God.

#2: How does one obtain it?

The truth of the gospel is powerful and profound.  One does not obtain the gospel message through trying harder to be good or practicing works of merit.  No, it’s through simple faith and trust in Jesus.  The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).  We can have our sins forgiven, washed away, and remembered against us no more.  That really is good news!

#3: What difference does it make?

Someone may be wondering what all of this means for a person today.  Sure, it’s great to have sins forgiven and assurance of Heaven one day, but what about everyday life today?  There are multiple answers that could be given here, but my answer is it makes all the difference in the world, even on a daily basis.

Life can be painful.  We can be thrown curveballs we never thought possible.  For example, as I was preparing this blog today, I was thrown a curveball regarding the health of a loved one.  Health is so fragile.  And I’m learning that it’s worse to see someone you love sick than to actually be sick yourself.  A few hours later, I found myself sitting in an emergency care clinic, waiting on the diagnosis.  That venue is just dreadful because your mind can race with hypothetical situations, the dread of the uncertainty, and wondering what is going to happen next.  In the midst of all this, I had to remind myself, more than once, to practice what my pastor had just presented at church.  He had said, in the midst of the stress, fear, and uncertainty of life, Jesus Christ has this offer:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  

I’m not making myself the hero here, but I can attest to you that there is rest for a weary soul, through Jesus.  This particular health challenge isn’t over, but my point here is simply this: there is nowhere else to go in the midst of the crushing blows of life but to Jesus.  Where else can you go?  Stress eating?  A bottle of alcohol?  Illegitimate sexual encounters?  Pornography?  Drugs?  All of these leave you empty, longing for more.  Nothing else makes sense but running to the God of the universe whose name is Jesus.    

Kevin 

Daniel in Babylon: "Remember who you are"

We’ve seen in the opening verses of Daniel that the Lord allowed Jerusalem to be conquered by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  Daniel and his three friends – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah – were specifically mentioned as those chosen to be indoctrinated in the ways of Babylon.  Daniel 1:7 says the boys were given new names.  Daniel was called Belteshazzar; Hananiah was called Shadrach; Mishael was referred to as Meshach; Ahariah was named Abed-Nego.  Why is this important?  Why are we given the detail of a name change?

When I read this verse, my mind goes to a storyline from the TV show “Alias” starring Jennifer Garner as CIA agent Sydney Bristow.  It ran from 2001 to 2006.  I’ve seen every episode; I certainly don’t endorse all that was presented, but I still enjoyed this TV show. The conclusion of season 2 of “Alias” presented arguably the greatest cliffhanger I have ever witnessed.  Sydney has an epic fight; she wins, but she is so exhausted from the struggle that she is rendered unconscious.  When she awakens, things have changed.  The love of her life, Michael Vaughn, had married someone else.  It's Vaughn who drops the bombshell: since that fight, everyone thought she was dead; and also: two years have passed!  

In season 3, we finally learn the truth of what had happened: a dangerous organization known as The Covenant had apparently faked her death.  And then they subsequently attempted to brainwash her that she was actually an assassin named Julia Thorne.  Etched in my memory banks is the ominous declaration The Covenant operative delivers to Sydney: “The sooner you accept that you are no longer who you were, the easier this will be.  Sydney Bristow is gone.” 

While it was much more dramatic in “Alias”, this was essentially what was happening to Daniel and his friends.  Nebuchadnezzar was trying to get them to forget who they were, and the lives they were living.  You see, there is something in a name.  Names matter because they carry identity.  Just as Sydney Bristow’s name carries with it identification to the CIA, so Daniel and his companion’s names carries identification to God. 

By the way, just so I don’t leave you hanging, Sydney Bristow didn’t succumb to The Covenant’s insidious plot.  One memorable scene of this saga is when Sydney, while seeking answers for what happened to her during those two years, actually kills the man who had previously tried to brainwash her.  It was entirely out of self-defense, and when she realized he knew something, she tried to interrogate him.  But, in his last moments, all he sputtered out was, “You were my favorite; you never broke.”  For months, he had tried to condition her, but Sydney always held on to the truth.

Daniel and his friends held on to the truth as well.  We see this right here in Daniel chapter 1.  Where the boys won’t partake of the king’s delicatessens; a stand that makes Ashpenaz, the one they directly answered to, fear for his own life (verse 10).  But I actually want leave that part of the text until next time.  Many other examples can also be cited. 

For instance, in Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar sets up a golden statue and demands that everyone bow down and worship it.  But the boys courageously tell the king that they will not do so.  The furious king orders them to be thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment; in one of the great scenes of the entire Bible, God miraculously spares their lives from that fiery death.  In a public decree, Nebuchadnezzar ends up acknowledging God’s mighty power; “Because,” he concluded, “there is no other God who can deliver like this” (Daniel 3:29).  By Daniel 6, Daniel’s faith in the Lord is so recognized that another king, King Darius, refers to Daniel as the “servant of the living God…whom you serve continually” (verse 20). 

To conclude, I recently heard a sermon by Jonathan Evans, son of Tony Evans.  His words led me to modify what I was originally going to end with today.  He announced that one of his favorite movies is “The Lion King”; a film he called “powerful.”  You know the story: Simba – the main star – was told a damaging lie by Scar, the villain, regarding the death of Mufasa, Simba’s father.  It was so damaging that Simba left his homeland, and he lived without purpose and responsibility for decades.  “He started thinking this is the way of life,” Jonathan continued.  “But then his father came back to remind him… ‘You need to remember who you are.’  And then it reverberates, ‘remember, remember, remember,’ that’s when I got goose bumps.”

In the 1994 version of the movie, Mufasa’s words are potent: “You have forgotten who you are, and so forgotten me…you are more than what you have become.”  And then that line: “Remember who you are.”  Simba does remember who he is; as Jonathan Evans puts it, he remembers he is “a child of the king.”  This inspires Simba to face the pain of his past, and to confront (and ultimately defeat) Scar.  I took this as an encouraging challenge; I am to live in step with my name or identity – a child of God, or better stated: a child of the King.

Kevin

"These days on Earth are short; they are numbered"

I’ve chosen to deviate from Daniel again because I come to you reeling from another loss.  A friend – both of my dad’s and the rest of the Bauer family – passed away last week.  This came as a quite a shock because this individual was younger than my dad.  This loss seemed to reopen the wound of losing my father all over again.  I say this for several reasons, but primarily because the day of his homecoming to Heaven was close to the day Dad passed away 6 years ago.  Needless to say, I have been thrown for a loop emotionally and physically as a result of this news.

Years ago, I heard Rebecca St. James make a statement; I never knew just how right she was until I began walking through my own valley of the shadow of death.  She said, “These days on Earth are short; they are numbered.  Let’s seize the day – let’s be radical for God.”  

One of the gifts I received for my 40th birthday was a collection of sermons by Jonathan Evans – the son of Tony Evans.  I’ve been blessed by the life and ministry of Jonathan.  Here’s a man who dreamed of playing in the NFL, but God had other dreams for him.  He wisely submitted to God’s plan, and the Lord has used him for His glory. 

In one of the sermons, he states how one of the hardest times in his role as chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys was when Jerry Brown Jr. had passed away in a car accident.  What are you supposed to tell a shocked, heartbroken team?  So many players showed up at chapel who had never even been there before, because as Jonathan put it: “When mortality kicks in, there’s nowhere else to go.”  That statement made me think of the words of Peter in John 6.  Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life” (verse 68).  Jonathan went on to share how he changed what he was going to originally going to deliver in that chapel service to a gospel presentation; several gave their lives to Jesus.

To conclude, I know the subject matter of death is uncomfortable.  We don’t like to think about it.  All I’m trying to say is if there are important spiritual decisions to be made, they shouldn’t be put off.  Why not?  Why can’t we just coast?  Because only God knows what tomorrow holds.

Kevin

Daniel 1 revisited

Let me begin today with a humorous scene from a cartoon.  While I do enjoy the newer Garfield program titled “The Garfield Show”, there is a special place in my heart for the Garfield series starring Lorenzo Music known as “Garfield and Friends”.  It ran from the late 80’s into the 90’s.  Memorable moments from that show still come to my mind even to this day.  For example, as I was organizing my thoughts for today’s blog, I was reminded of this scene:

Jon Arbuckle, Garfield’s owner, decided to go skydiving.  When it came time to jump, Jon wanted to chicken out, but the burly, unsympathetic instructor simply bellowed, “That’s what they all say!”  He proceeds to pick Jon up, and throw him out of the plane – with Garfield on Jon’s back.  I don’t need to find the scene online or something to remember what happened after that; it vividly plays in my mind.  As they plummet downward, Jon says, “Don’t worry, Garfield, I’ll just pull the ripcord.”  He does, but the parachute doesn’t open.  “Don’t worry, Garfield,” Jon responds.  “I’ll pull the backup ripcord.”  “Nothing happened again,” Garfield announces in terror.  “Don’t worry, Garfield.  I’ll pull the backup, standby, reserve shoot, ripcord.”  Once again, no open parachute.  So Garfield asks, “Can I start worrying now?”

I’ll get back to that scene later on (it would be cruel for me to describe the scene without the conclusion), but first a question: would you agree that there are times when the bottom drops out of your life, and it seems as if you are totally out of control?  No, maybe you weren’t thrown out of a plane where your chute won’t open, but the unpredictability of life can make you feel disoriented.  I can relate.  As it is July, I’m thinking about how, 6 years ago, my dad unexpectedly passed away.  That event changed the look of my life in so many ways.  But there are more recent examples I could give.  I’m not going to take the time for it now, but I could list two recent instances in my life where I was left feeling dazed.

If anyone knows about life going in an unexpected place, it’s Daniel and his three friends.  Back in early June, I began talking about Daniel 1, I want to finally return to this text today.  The opening verses of Daniel tell us that Nebuchadnezzar actually subdued Jerusalem.  He dragged Daniel and company out of their comfortable surroundings and began to teach them the Babylonian culture.  Daniel 1:4 says that he desired for these boys to “serve in the king’s palace”.  Fascinatingly, that’s what they did.  Verse 19 states it plainly: “therefore, they served before the king.”  Understand that they never lost their faith in the Lord; God used them mightily in Babylon (this is a point I want to highlight in a future blog).  Nevertheless, they still didn’t scoff at the notion of serving a pagan king.

The big question is this: why did they choose to serve in the palace of a godless king?  Because they learned an important lesson in life: they learned that the events in life are not accidental, random, or haphazard.  Life may feel out of control, but in reality, the God of the universe is in absolute control.  As the song says, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”  I love this word from a got questions.org article:

“As with Daniel, the faithful Christian must understand that God is sovereign and omnipotent and His will permeates and supersedes every aspect of life.  It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone.  The psalmist tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30).  If God’s ways are “perfect,” then we can trust that whatever He does – and whatever He allows – is also perfect.  This may not seem possible, but our minds are not God’s mind.” 

(Source:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-lions-den.html)

In conclusion, Jon and Garfield were in terrible danger.  The parachute wouldn’t open.  Jon even remarked, “My whole life is flashing before my eyes, and I’m not even in it.”  Garfield managed to save the day; he found yet another ripcord, and the chute finally opened.  But actually, Jon and Garfield were safe all along – they were safe in the writer’s hands, that is.  Similarly, I am safe in God’s hands, the writer of my life.  I know the illustration breaks down (cartoon characters don’t die, one day obviously I will), so if it’s not a helpful analogy to you disregard it.  But, even still, I was encouraged with the thought that whatever enters into my life it was first sifted through God’s sovereign hands, as was also the case for Daniel and his three cohorts. 

Kevin

Musical musings on a milestone day

As I said last time, there is power in music.  Today, on this milestone day, I want to share a song that has been on my heart and mind lately.  Matt Papa and Matt Boswell wrote a powerful song that not only sticks in my head; it has riveted itself to my very soul.  I first heard it performed by the group Shane and Shane.  I don’t often quote an entire song, but I can’t bring myself to cite only pieces of this.  So here we go; this is a song titled “His mercy is more”:

“What love could remember no wrongs we have done?  Omniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum; thrown into a sea without bottom or shore.  Our sins they are many, His mercy is more.  [Chorus] Praise the Lord!  His mercy is more; stronger than darkness, new every ‘morn, my sins they are many His mercy is more.

“What patience would wait as we constantly roam?  What Father, so tender, is calling us home?  He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor.  Our sins they are many, His mercy is more. Praise the Lord!  His mercy is more; stronger than darkness, new every ‘morn, my sins they are many His mercy is more.”

“What riches of kindness He lavished on us!  His blood was the payment; His life was the cost.  We stood ‘neath a debt we could never afford.  Our sins they are many, His mercy is more.  Praise the Lord!  His mercy is more; stronger than darkness, new every ‘morn, my sins they are many His mercy is more.”

On my 40th birthday, these words are my heart cry.  I praise and worship the Lord for His mercy, grace, and kindness to me.  Without Him, I am nothing.  Without His grace, I would be a complete train wreck.  Without His peace, I would have no song in my heart.  Without His transforming power in my life, I would be a man without hope.  It’s all about Him!

Kevin   

The final countdown

While I’m anxious to return to contemplating Daniel and his friends in Daniel 1, I want to post something else today. I do so because it is the final countdown. I am entering the final week of my thirties; soon I turn the big four-oh. 

In 2014, the CW TV show “The Flash” debuted (it may seem strange that I’m bringing this up now, but stay with me). I’ve seen every episode and have very much enjoyed it over these years. In the 3rd season of the show, Barry Allen – the main star, played brilliantly by Grant Gustin – sang a beautiful song to the love of his life, Iris West. After the song, Barry proposed, and she said “yes”! 

I want to focus on one line in particular that Barry sang to Iris. Melodiously, he stated, “This world can race by far too fast; hard to see when it’s all flying past.” I resonate with that. Here I am a few days away from 40 years old. Wow, times flies. Interestingly, in the months leading up to this event, I have endured various health challenges that I never envisioned I would face. These are episodes that the God of the universe, in His sovereign wisdom, allowed into my life. 

No matter what craziness I have faced in my life, through it all, God has been faithful. A helpful article from got questions.org states, “Many places in Scripture extol the faithfulness of God. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. So, what is faithfulness? 

The Hebrew word translated “faithfulness” means “steadfastness, firmness, fidelity.” The opposite of being faithful is to be ever-changing or wishy-washy. Psalm 119:89-90 says, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations.”” 

Later on in the same article, the author writes, “We can trust that God will be true to Himself. He will never cease acting like God. He will never cease being sovereign, being holy, or being good (1 Timothy 6:15; 1 Peter 1:16). We learn through our own history that God has never failed us, either. One command God gave the Israelites was: “Remember” (Deuteronomy 8:2; Isaiah 46:9). When they remembered all God had done for them, they could more easily trust Him for the future. We need to intentionally remember all the ways God has provided for us and delivered us in the past.” An “amen” here wouldn’t be out of place! (Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/faithfulness-of-God.html)

In conclusion, I recently saw this sentiment on the back of a cell phone of all places: “When words fail, music speaks.” In light of how powerful music is, I want to end with a song of praise to God.  Here is a small sampling of an excellent song from Thrive Worship titled “A Thousand More”; “Who could measure what You’re worth? Who could fathom what You’ve done? I could write a thousand songs and never capture Heaven’s love. And O praise the Lord, the Holy One. And O praise the King of perfect love. A thousand times my soul will sing ‘hallelujah’, yet I will sing a thousand more. 

Who could heal the hardest heart? Who can hear the softest prayer? I could run a thousand miles, and still I know You’d find me there. And O praise the Lord, the Holy One. And O praise the King of perfect love. A thousand times my soul will sing ‘hallelujah’, yet I will sing a thousand more.” 

Kevin

The power of a life of integrity

Check out this quote by the late Dr. Russ Frase in his work “Fight for Integrity”: “The blessing of our integrity will outlive us and guide others in the right path long after we are dancing on the streets of gold.  The impact and influence are eternal.”  I thought of my dad, Jerry Bauer.  My dad has been in Heaven since 2015, but his integrity, righteousness, and selfless character guide me, even to this day.  Twice in Psalm 112, we read this description of the man of God: “His righteousness endures forever” (verses 3 and 9); and verse 6 reads, “The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.” 

Don’t misunderstand me on this one: I’m not suggesting that my dad was some sinless super saint while he was on planet Earth.  That’s not what I’m saying at all.  Dad wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes.  No one can make such a claim of sinless perfection.  We all stumble, fall down, and fall short.  I know I sure do.  But Jerry Bauer, my father, was transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and the truth of the gospel.  And, as I started with from the quote from Dr. Frase, Dad’s integrity motivates me.  I want to live a life of integrity, selflessness, humility, and virtue as he did.

Incidentally, Dad would be so uncomfortable with all the praise I’m giving him.  I can practically hear him saying, “Shine that limelight away from me.  Put it on God.”  But the Bible says to honor your father and your mother.  So for today, I’m honoring my father, Jerry Bauer.  He is a man who deserves to be honored, for many more reasons than I’m able to give today.  I often think of the words Dad said in his sign-off of his radio broadcast.  As I see the continued unexpected twists and turns in my own life, I hold on to these words.  He said, “God bless.  Keep your hand in His hand, and keep on keeping on.”

Kevin

Representing God...in Babylon? (part 1)

In a few short days and weeks, I will hit a milestone birthday: I will turn 40 years old.  As this big event has been approaching, I have found myself inspired by a character from the Bible, like never before.  I want to look at this individual with you; today will basically just be the introduction.  Check out these words:

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and surrounded it with his army.  This happened during the third year that Jehoiakin was king of Judah.  The Lord allowed Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Jehoiakim king of Judah.  Nebuchadnezzar took all the dishes and other things from God’s Temple and carried them to Babylon.  He put those things in the temple of his gods.  Then King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz, the man in charge of his officials, to bring some of the boys into the palace to train them…he told Ashpenaz to teach these young men the language and writings of the Chaldeans.  King Nebuchadnezzar…wanted them to be trained for three years.  After that they would be servants of the king of Babylon.  Among those young men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from the tribe of Judah” (Daniel 1:1-6; ERV).

Daniel and his friend’s lives were changed when Nebuchadnezzar came in and defeated the king of Judah.  They were taken from their familiar surroundings and suddenly found themselves in a pagan nation.  But did you notice that the text says: “The Lord allowed Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Jehoiokim king of Judah” (verse 2)?  Nothing happened to Daniel and his three friends by accident or luck; surprisingly, it was all a part of God’s plan. 

How about you?  Has God allowed something into your life that you never would have expected?  Of course we can all point to 2020 and the covid-19 saga, but we all want to move forward from that.  Furthermore, I continue to learn that there always seems to be another crisis on the horizon.  Perhaps a new crisis has entered your life and it has disrupted your entire way of life.  Maybe you lost your health and physical strength.  If you were to ask me, I can emphatically state that God seems to consistently allow new challenges in my life.  It keeps me off balance, but it is one exciting ride!    

For the next few blogs, I want to delve deeper into Daniel chapter 1.  But for today, let me submit this important truth: God will allow events into our lives that leave us perplexed.  For Daniel and company, it was being yanked out of their country and thrown into Babylon, a country that wasn’t just foreign to them; the inhabitants worshipped pagan gods.  Talk about a culture shock!  What’s more, verse 5 tells us that they were expected to enter into a three-year training program in Babylonian literature and then ultimately serve the king. 

Despite all this, Daniel knew something that I confess I have to be continually reminded of myself: God’s will and plan for my life is infinitely better than anything I could ever dream up on my own.  But, as we will see, Daniel doesn’t just survive in this new life, he thrives!  The fact is while Daniel was in Babylon, he was not of Babylon.  He never lost his faith and trust in God.  As I said earlier, Daniel’s example inspires me.  As my 40th birthday approaches, I want to trust in God, no matter what unexpected life circumstance occurs, just as Daniel did. 

Kevin