Final thoughts for 2024

“What brought you joy today?”  That was the surprising question that a customer asked me at work recently; this came from a female customer that I had never waited on before.  I often joke that I’ve worked at Chick-fil-A since the dawn of time, but in all those years, no one has ever asked me the question “what brought you joy today?”  In essence, I answered that it was a joy to have the opportunity wake up again today; to have a beating heart, and to have the health to be at Chick-fil-A serving.  Incidentally, just to complete the story, I asked this lady the same question she asked me, and essentially, she replied that it was a joy for her to be in Colorado, visiting her boyfriend.  This whole exchange reminded me that there is great power in being others-focused.

It is easy to be reflective at this time of the year.  One looks back at the previous days, and we also look forward to the coming year.  I certainly have been reflective of the past, and anticipating the coming days.  2023 was a year that was absolutely shattering to me in so many ways.  I was shattered emotionally, and my health deteriorated; actually I wasn’t far from dying.  So, based on all that, 2024 has been such a gift to me.  I was already contemplating how much I relish the gift of life, and this was largely why I answered the “what brought you joy” question in the way I did.  I love Psalm 3:5, where David writes, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.”  Every day is a gift.  It has been a tremendous blessing this year to heal, not just physically, but also emotionally.

This is not to suggest that 2024 was a year filled with smooth sailing and sunny skies.  There have been several difficult moments; significant episodes that I could go on and on detailing.  Perhaps I will divulge more specifics later on, but for now, know that there were hard days this year.  Through it all, I found myself grateful not just for my physical life, but also for my friendship and fellowship with the God of the universe.  Everything that I am, everything that I do flows from knowing Him.  In fact, I want to take a moment to publicly give the Lord all the glory, honor, and praise for anything helpful or beneficial in my writings.  Psalm 115:1 in the NLT, says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your Name goes all the glory.”

Let me also quickly acknowledge that I am still very much what you might classify a work in progress.  I’m so grateful that you take the time to read this blog, but don’t think of me as the paragon of virtue.  Yes, I certainly desire to honor God in all I do, but I fall short seemingly every day.  Paul put it in this way in Philippians 3:

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on…I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (verses 12-14).  Amen and amen! 

Let me end with this.  I also love the words from earlier in Philippians; in chapter 1, verse 6, we read these words: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  That seems a fitting note to end this year’s blogs on!

God bless,

Kevin

December reflections

In the series finale of “Arrow” the mayor of Star City, Quentin Lance, was about to unveil a memorial statue honoring Oliver Queen – alias the Green Arrow – for his noble sacrifice.  Lance began by saying these words:

“Thank you for coming.  For a long time, I hated Oliver Queen.  I blamed him for the death of my youngest daughter, I blamed him for the violence in my city.  I interrogated him.  I hunted him, persecuted him.  I’ve never been more wrong in my life.  Oliver Queen wasn’t just a hero; he was a good man; an honorable person.  The fact that he didn’t start out that way makes him, in my book, even more honorable.  He stands as a reminder to all of us that anyone can change.  So will this [statue].” 

I begin this way for two reasons.  First, to remember Oliver Queen and the entire so-called “Arrowverse” – a universe of interconnected TV series – that officially ended earlier this month.  I was late to the show “Arrow”, but thanks to Netflix, I got caught up.  Oliver started off as a selfish playboy, to a lone wolf vigilante who wanted to save his city all alone, to inspiring others to fight alongside him; a group known as “Team Arrow”.  As a matter of fact, in the end, important figures like The Flash, Supergirl, and Superman willingly followed Oliver.  Ultimately, Oliver Queen selflessly gave his life to save others, and then in true superhero story fashion, actually came back from the dead – demonstrating for us a type, a shadow, a picture of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, I am bringing all this up because I have in mind that someone is need of change.  You don’t recognize the person looking back at you in the mirror anymore.  You’ve made bad decisions.  Lance was right in his speech: Oliver Queen does show us that anyone can change, but I submit to you that often such a change is impossible, unless they have an encounter with the God of the universe named Jesus the Christ.  When Jesus walked this Earth over 2,000 years ago, He revolutionized lives, and He is still revolutionizing lives to this day. 

One man Jesus changed was the Apostle Paul.  Here was a man who violently persecuted anyone associated with the name of Jesus; but one day on the road to Damascus, Jesus spoke to him (you can read all about this in Acts 9) and his life was forever changed.  Paul went on to boldly share the love and grace he had found in Jesus.  He once wrote, “that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

As I said, earlier this month it was the end of an era; the show “Superman and Lois” had an absolutely incredible series finale.  The conclusion of the show also marked the end of the “Arrowverse” saga; an era that began with Oliver Queen in “Arrow” back in 2012.  Being careful to not give spoilers, I can tell you that in the last scene in “Superman and Lois” Clark states, “Do everything you can to find love; to give it, to hold on to it.  Because life it goes by so fast.”  I resonated with his words.  Number one: it indeed has gone by fast; the years have quickly flown by.  Number two: his remarks on love made me think of Christmas, and the extravagant, unconditional love of God. 

The most famous verse in the Bible is actually an appropriate Christmas verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  In another place, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  That offer from Jesus is for you today.  Let this be the best Christmas ever, because you put your faith, hope, and trust in Jesus, the Christ of Christmas.

Can I conclude today by sharing my own testimony?  Jesus revolutionized my life too; I met him as a young boy.  A pastor once put it this way: He saved me not only from who I was, but who I would have become.  To live life with the God of the universe makes for a life that is anything but boring.  It can be bumpy and turbulent at times, but there’s no better way to live.  This testimony comes from the depths of my heart and soul.  The beloved Christian singer, Carman, in a song called “1955” once sang these words; they are my heart cry as well: “I believe in a God that sets the captive free.  I believe in the blood that flows from Calvary…I’m so glad that the Lord saved me.  I’m so glad that the Lord saved me.  If it had not been for Jesus, where would I be?  I’m so glad that the Lord saved me.” 

God bless,

Kevin

Chapters

Back in August, Colt McCoy announced his retirement, after being in the NFL since 2010.  I missed this news when it happened, but recently came across an article by Nick Shook, an NFL.com writer who reported the news.  He shared how Colt McCoy was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.  Because of injuries, Colt was thrown into action as the starter earlier than anticipated.  “He would go on to start 21 games for Cleveland,” Nick Shook writes, “posting a 6-15 record while playing for two different coaches (Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur).  By his third (and final) season with the Browns, McCoy was nothing more than a backup behind Brandon Weeden before Cleveland traded him to San Francisco in 2013.” 

The author of this article goes on to write that McCoy would subsequently give his talents as a backup for several more teams.  “Throughout the back end of his career, he was considered by many to be a reliable option in case of emergency under center, a quarterback capable of keeping a team afloat for a temporary period.”  He also reported that McCoy is going to be transitioning to broadcasting for “its expanded Big Ten football coverage this season.”  The article can be found right here.

With everything going on right now, why would I bring this up now?  It’s the final days leading up to Christmas; December birthdays occupy my mind, like my brother’s 40th, and one of my coworker’s birthday is tomorrow.  Not to mention the impressive conclusion of “Superman and Lois” that aired back on 12/2, and with it, the end of the “Arrowverse” era.  So again, with all of this, why blog about the retirement this NFL player?  Because of the impact Colt McCoy had on me seeing him, from afar, go through the adversity of a devastating playoff loss and injury, and to see his bold stand after the loss.  Let me back up.

In 2011, I brought up Colt McCoy and his Texas Longhorns in a blog.  I had shared that in 2009, Colt had gotten hurt and was unable to play in the BCS National Championship Game against Alabama.  What I didn’t know until looking into these details for today is Texas had gone undefeated that year, and were looking to complete their perfect season.  It didn’t happen.  Instead McCoy had to watch his team lose the game 37-21, in a contest he couldn’t play in, due to injury.  In the sideline interview after the game, you can see the disappointment in his voice and body language.  But I was so impacted when he threw in these words in the interview:

“I always give God the glory.  I never question why things happen the way they do.  God is in control of my life, and I know that if nothing else, I’m standing on the Rock.”

Colt McCoy pointing to the Lord those years ago helped me recently.  You see, I’ve been preparing this blog for several days now.  As I was ruminating in the details, I went to work, and while there, I misplaced something of importance; I had to work, I couldn’t stop and look for it.  Understand when I work customer service at Chick-fil-A, I need my mind to be focused.  Because, my intention is to shine for God in my eyes, smile, words, and attitude.  However, in that moment, I was having trouble focusing.  As I was praying, and giving the situation to God, Colt McCoy’s quote came to mind:

“If nothing else,” he had said, “I’m standing on the Rock.”  Even if I had lost this item forever, I would still be a child of God; I would simply deal with the fallout as it came.  Very soon after all this transpired, I found the item I had lost.  But the point is, Colt McCoy’s example of looking to God in the face of disappointment helped me.  May it be said of me that my example inspired others in their walk with God too.

God bless,

Kevin

Relishing the fragile gift of life

I’ll never forget when, in an epic crossover event, Kara Danvers (A.K.A. Supergirl; portrayed by Melissa Benoist) introduced Oliver Queen/Green Arrow (Steven Amell) and Barry Allen/The Flash (Grant Gustin) to her “super” cousin; this was their first look at Clark Kent, played by Tyler Hoechlin.  “I’m so excited you guys get to meet my cousin,” Kara said.  “This is that cousin?” Barry asked.  But they learned quickly that this man didn’t want the spotlight or the glory.  He simply replied, “Please.  Call me Clark.” 

Tyler’s Superman actually first appeared in season 2 of “Supergirl”.  Let me state this definitely for the record: while Melissa Benoist was great for 6 years as Supergirl, the actual show “Supergirl” itself had several problematic storylines that I don’t endorse or condone.  That said, for all its missteps, if it hadn’t existed, “Superman and Lois” (a spin-off of “Supergirl”) wouldn’t have either.  Incidentally, while I’m on the subject, I have now seen 7 of the 10 episodes from the 4th and final season of “Superman and Lois”.  It’s been fun and emotionally gripping, but that’s a whole other blog for another day.   

That particular crossover I began with – an event known as “Elseworlds” – went on to showcase just how talented Tyler Hoechlin is as an actor.  In part 3 of that saga, we see Tyler not only as the Superman we know and love, but also as an evil Superman.  It would be easy to get bogged down in the details of the plot; suffice to say, this story wasn’t the typical evil Superman story – which has been way overdone.  Anyway, once again, this showcased Tyler’s talent to play both the hero and the villain effectively.  Now, I’ve written all I have so far to get to this point; where I can describe the following scene.

After they defeated the corrupt Superman, Barry and Oliver had a drink in a bar to celebrate (even though Barry, as a speedster, can’t feel the effects of alcohol).  As per usual, Barry wanted to hug Oliver.  But Oliver, not the touchy-feely type, declines the hug and instead offers a toast.  “To appreciating what you have, however long you might have it.”

Oliver’s words in this toast come to my mind often, as I consider the trips through the valley of the shadow of death in my own life.  My health challenges in 2023 were a reminder to cherish every day for the gift it is.  Oliver hit the nail on the head: we don’t really know how long we will enjoy life.  The fact is, we are not promised tomorrow. 

I recently shared with you that my younger brother is about to turn 40; this is a gift to be celebrated.  At the same time, we are also coming up on the 9th Christmas without our father, Jerry Bauer.  No one would have predicted that he was about to pass away; he barely had caffeine, he ate right, he exercised; but he would soon enter his rewards in Heaven.  I often say you never know what a day will bring.  Therefore, let’s relish life, in all its fragility.

God bless,

Kevin

A "thrill of hope" this Christmas season

In the 1800’s a familiar song was written that start with these words: “O holy night!  The stars are brightly shining.  It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.  Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.  A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.  For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”  This, of course, is “O holy night” and it is one of my favorite Christmas songs, but I’m concerned that it has become so familiar that these lyrics lose their power and wonder. 

For all of its distractions, Christmas is about celebrating that holy night all those years ago, when a miraculous baby, the Lord Jesus, entered our world.  In fact, when it happened, a messenger from Heaven announced the news to a group of lowly shepherds.  “I bring you good news that will cause great joy to all people,” the angel said.  “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth,” says the beloved song.  In other words, the world had been immersed in bondage and sin; waiting and waiting for this Savior, this Messiah, to come.  And when He finally did come, as “O holy night” puts it: there was a “thrill of hope, [and] the weary world rejoice[d].” 

I think everyone wants to experience a “thrill of hope” but they don’t necessarily know where to look for it.  In Hosea 2:15, God speaks of “a door of hope”.  A whole blog should be written on this verse in context, and the beauty of what the Lord is saying; but for now, consider the imagery: God is saying there is “a door of hope”.  It’s not found in getting everything on our wish list this season, or having life line up just the way we wanted it.  Hope is found in person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  If I didn’t believe this with my whole being, not only would I never write something like this, but my entire life would look completely different.

When Jesus came, people misunderstood who He was, and what He came to do.  Jesus, if you’ll permit me to use superhero terminology, was – and is – the God-man.  No one else in human history was qualified to do what He did.  That is, to live for us, and then die on a cross, and rise again from the dead. Only He was perfect, sinless, and God in human flesh.  We are sinners, all; He is the Savior.  In Matthew 1, Joseph was told to give this special baby the name of Jesus because “he will save his people from their sin” (verse 21).  The name Jesus literally means “The Lord saves.” 

So what does one do with this?  Acts 3:19 puts it well: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  My urgent prayer is through these words on a blog post, someone would turn to God in faith and trust for the very first time.  Or, maybe you’ve done this once upon a time, but you’ve drifted and you need to return to God.  I think any honest Christ-follower will admit that this can happen; I’ve certainly been there.  Don’t delay, turn back to God today.  The Bible says, “His mercies are new every morning.”  Come home.  This Christmas season can be an amazing “thrill of hope” because of Him.

God bless,

Kevin

The vapor of life

I wanted to publicly declare how grateful I am to be going through this Christmas season.  As I alluded to last time, I had health challenges in 2023 that actually put me in the emergency room for a few days.  It was an intense reminder to cherish each day for the gift that it is.  The fact of the matter is we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

Yesterday, I was reading from James 4; I came across verses 13 and 14 which states: “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell and make a profit”; [verse 14] whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”  In my Bible, I once wrote this note: “this [James 4:14] was brought home in a very personal way when Dad passed away.”  This was the most intense example of this verse of all.  Furthermore, the older I get, the more I see just how spot-on the Bible is when it declares that life is a vapor that quickly vanishes away.  Not only am I in my 40’s, but somehow my younger brother is about to turn 40 himself!  The years have flown by quickly.

Rebecca St. James once declared, “I want to encourage everybody listening to really be radical for God.  And know that these days on Earth are short, they are numbered; let’s seize the day, let’s be radical for God.”  She was referencing Psalm 90:12, where the Psalmist prays to God, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  There was a time when I didn’t understand this verse, but now, because of the life events I’ve referenced, I get it.  Life can be stressful; this time of year with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be stressful.  I freely acknowledge that.  But, it’s still absolutely true that whenever we awaken to see another sunrise, it is an incredible gift.

I don’t want to waste my life.  Since it is so brief and fleeting, I want to invest it in things that matter.  I had heard this quote, but had to dig to find where it originated; it was Thomas Merton who once said, “People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.” 

Can I say that writing this hasn’t been easy?  God showed me areas in my life that I’ve been climbing a ladder, and it was actually leaning against the wrong wall, as Merton said.  It’s humbling to admit, but it’s the truth.  Before I submitted this, I had to get on my knees and ask Him for forgiveness.  In 1998, the Christian singer Carman (who has been enjoying Heaven since his passing in 2021) put it this way in his song: “All in life”: “If I don’t glorify Your name, the things I do, I do in vain…Kingdoms come and kingdoms go, but through the Word of God I know when all in life is done and passed only what’s done for Christ will last.”

God bless,

Kevin

"Give thanks with a grateful heart"

It is Thanksgiving week.  I’m grateful for so many blessings in my life.  First and foremost, I want to declare that at the top of my gratitude list is for the person and work of Jesus Christ, the God-man.  The One who died on the cross for me to pay for my sin debt; then He proved His deity (as if it needed proving at that point) by rising from the dead.  I love Don Moen’s classic song “Give thanks”; he sings, “Give thanks with a grateful heart; give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.  And now, let the weak say, “I am the strong” let the poor say, “I am rich” because of what the Lord has done for us.”

As I was putting all this together, I had the thought that someone reading this blog for the first time is inclined to think something like, "This fellow must be one of those guys who is blind to the pain and heartache of life.  Thanks to some “Jedi mind trick” (I'm quoting The Flash, from the DC animated story “Crisis on Two Earths”, when someone was trying to manipulate his mind)."  Let me state, for the record, that could not be further from the truth.  I have felt deep pain, heartache, and agony.  There are many examples I could point to.  I could mention my health challenges, last year’s even putting me in the hospital.  Or, I could mention emotional hurts I have experienced, where it felt like someone was stabbing me in the heart with their words.  But let me highlight something else:

Back in 2015, my father, Jerry, passed away unexpectedly.  I still miss him every day.  Even almost a decade later, I can be taken right back to that deep pain and hurt.  For instance, I’ve been watching the 4th and final season of “Superman and Lois”.  This show features Clark Kent and Lois Lane married, with their two sons, Jonathan and Jordan.  Season 4 starts off with an emotional bang, as they are doing their own take on the iconic death and return of Superman comic.  I haven’t seen much of this season yet (I will have to write a separate blog about this in the future), but when Lois and the boys grieve the death of their super husband/dad, I was crying my eyes out right along with them.  Because I was gripped, all these years later, over not being able to see my own father again – at least on this side of Heaven – because Dad was a real Superman, in many ways.

Let me be quick to mention that this is why I began today with the gratitude for my relationship with the Lord Jesus.  If it weren’t for Him, I would never have been able to deal with my dad’s passing, or any of the other episodes I’ve brought up.  Because of Him, I’m able to entrust whatever is in the coming days to His hands.  Because of Him, I’m able to forgive when given the deepest emotional hurts imaginable.  While I don’t always do a very good job of displaying Him, anything that is praiseworthy from me ultimately comes from the Lord.  Give Him all the glory.

Furthermore, I admit I can easily get fixated on what I don’t have rather than what I already do have.  One of the traditions I’ve practiced over the years that helps me overcome this negative tendency is writing an acrostic with the word ‘thanksgiving’ and a blessing that correlates with each letter of that word.  I’m not going to list every letter today, but for example, T is time.  I’ve learned again and again that every day I draw breath is a gift.  H is healings; because God has healed me more than once.  This exercise reminds me of all of the gifts I have, from the generous hand of God.  It makes me want to sing out, to quote the Don Moen lyric again, “Give thanks with a grateful heart; give thanks to the Holy One.”

Let me conclude by citing Psalm 103:1-5; I could write a whole blog just going through this wonderful passage, phrase by phrase.  Instead let me just quote it today; it reads, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

God bless,

Kevin

"Where would I be without You?"

Hello, friend!  It feels like I haven’t written anything for months.  Life has presented various challenges of late – potential blog content, I suppose.  Anyway, lately I have been listening to various songs from Rebecca St. James again; this is in part due to seeing the excellent film about Rebecca and her family titled, “Unsung hero”.  In 1997, she released a Christmas album titled simply “Christmas”; and while I can hardly believe how rapidly 2024 has flown by, Christmas isn’t far off, so it’s appropriate to bring this up today.

When I recently heard the beautiful song on that Christmas album titled “A Cradle Prayer”, I confess I got a little emotional.  The idea behind this song, as Rebecca herself stated, is to “imagine yourself, sitting by baby Jesus’ cradle on the night He was born, and singing to Him everything you were feeling inside!”  Here’s a sampling: “Jesus, I love You.  My Lord, my life, where would I be without You?  [Now you see, where I got today’s title.]  Here in the quiet, the still, the night, I am in awe of You.  Trials may come, and friends they may go, what really matters is You, my Lord.  Beautiful Savior, my God, my friend, I am in awe of You.”  It would be negligent of me if I didn’t throw in this refrain from the song too: “Why would You, Creator and King, come as a baby, for all, for me?”

Scott Bayles, in his tremendous book “Holy Heroes: The Gospel according to DC and Marvel” devotes a chapter to Black Widow A.K.A. Natasha Romanoff.  You might recall a scene in the 2012 film “Marvel’s The Avengers” where Natasha is trying to get information out of Loki, in an attempt to get him to lower his guard, she confesses to Loki that she has “red in my ledger; I’d like to wipe it out.”  And Loki goes on to state that might not even be possible.  With that in mind, Scott writes,

“Few readers of this chapter have committed crimes as violent as Natasha’s or as vengeful as Saul/Paul’s.  Yet, like them, our past is swarming with sins.  Sin is the Bible word for everything that isn’t good and right in relationship with God, other people, creation, and self.  We may not be spies, assassins, or persecutors of the church, but we are all sinners.  The Bible assures us of this: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard?”  (Romans 3:23; NLT) … Like Natasha we each have red in our ledgers, and left to ourselves, not one of us is able to wipe it out.  We need to look elsewhere for our salvation.”

This is where we point to Jesus.  Because only He is the sinless, God in human flesh; He alone is the only one qualified to take the penalty of our sin – death itself – upon Himself.  And that’s exactly what He did on the cross.  Scott Bayles continues, “All our faults, failures, and foibles went to Jesus on the cross – the selfishness of the glutton, the bitterness of the angry, the shame of the adulterer.  Jesus took it all, as if he had lied or cheated or cursed his Maker.  After six hours upon the cross, Jesus whispered, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) … When Jesus uttered those words, he wiped out all the red in my ledger and yours.  He paid a debt that we could never pay.” 

You know, when I write these blogs, I internalize these concepts.  These aren’t just theoretical notions that don’t touch my heart.  I let God minister to me first.  “Where would I be without You?”  Asked Rebecca in “A Cradle Prayer”.  I can tell you where I would be: an absolute train wreck, going down dark paths of selfishness and destruction.  But, when I contemplate what Jesus did for me, all I can do is worship, praise, and thank Him.  And - as the Lord reminded me when He dropped this verse in my spirit - I am to live for Him now.  2 Corinthians 5:15 says Jesus died “that those who live should no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”   

This brings me to a poignant moment in the life of Natasha Romanoff, and I will conclude today on this note.  You see, the excellent book from Scott Bayles that I’ve quoted – “Holy Heroes” – was written in 2016.  So at the time, no one knew that in 2019, Natasha would choose to die a noble death in the movie “Avengers: Endgame”.  She did this to save, in Natasha’s own words, “billions of people.”  Both Hawkeye and Natasha knows the sacrifice that needs to be made.  Natasha begins to act.  Just the thought of this breaks Hawkeye’s heart.  “No, please no,” he implores her.  “It’s okay,” Natasha says.  And with that, she proceeds to fall to her death. 

As Hawkeye cries, we who are watching this gut-wrenching moment is crying right along with him – just as I am crying now as I write this.  It’s a bittersweet, noble end to Natasha’s story.  But take a step back.  We also see a picture here of the death that Jesus died on the cross.  For you, for me, and for the whole world.

God bless,

Kevin

Remembering "The Flash" and the "Arrowverse"

10 years ago this month, “The Flash” starring Grant Gustin premiered.  It was October 7, 2014.  The entire first season was off the charts, but I want to talk about the pilot today.  One of the memorable moments in this pilot episode is when Barry runs to Oliver Queen for help after a setback.  This was a compelling moment because “The Flash” was the first of several spin offs from the TV show “Arrow” resulting in the so-called “Arrowverse”.  In the course of their conversation, Barry says, “I’m just not sure I’m like you, Oliver.  I don’t know if I can be some vigilante.”  “You can be better,” Oliver replies.  “Because you can inspire people in a way that I never could.  Watching over your city like a guardian angel, making a difference, saving people in a flash.”

At the time, I had not gotten into “Arrow”, but eventually – thanks to the ability to see it on Netflix – I did.  Because of this, today I know that when Oliver spoke of Barry being able to inspire better than he ever could, he was being modest.  The truth of the matter is, Oliver Queen’s example of selflessness, loyalty, and heroism is inspirational.  Not only did he inspire Barry, but many others as well; in fact, several years later, in season 8 the final season of “Arrow”, Oliver sacrificed his life to save the world.

There’s another interesting note on the pilot episode of “The Flash”: this was the first time we saw a newspaper headline hinting of an upcoming event called Crisis.  The headline read, “Flash missing vanishes in Crisis”.  The date on the newspaper was actually April 25, 2024.  While this newspaper headline was a recurring storyline, ultimately, this development was averted. The Flash didn’t vanish in Crisis, at least not Grant’s Flash.  After a “time flux” changed Crisis from occurring in 2024 to 2019.  We learn in Part 3 of the epic crossover event “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Grant’s Flash was ready and willing to die, but The Flash from another Earth (played by John Wesley Shipp) heroically stepped up and gave his life to save Grant’s Flash, and save countless other lives.

Someone wants to ask, “So what?  So it’s been 10 years.  What is your point?”  I have three points.  I’ll call them takeaways.  Takeaway 1: Doc Brown, from “Back to the Future” said it best in Part 3 of the trilogy: “Your future hasn’t been written yet, no one’s has, so make it a good one.”  The concept of time travel in “The Flash” is similar: the future is not written in stone; it can be changed.  Of course, travelling through time is not real, but it teaches me that if I could communicate with my future self, undoubtedly, he (or I) would say that choices have consequences, so always choose to do the right thing, the God-honoring thing.

Takeaway 2: Superman once asked, “What better role for any to aspire to than hero?” (from “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse”).  While I’m not suggesting that “The Flash” is perfect by any means (there are obvious times the show dipped in quality; I’m looking at season 7 in particular), whatever craziness he was facing, Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Barry Allen/The Flash oozes nobility and heroism.  Incidentally, the show “Arrow” also had its ups and downs; furthermore, I contend that Stephen Amell is the best incarnation of Oliver Queen.  While I could write a whole blog on the unsavory and truly repugnant aspects of the so-called “Arrowverse”, I still submit that this era of superhero stories was absolutely a golden age, with Amell’s Oliver Queen the leading figure.

Takeaway 3: Jesus Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).  Oliver selflessly gave his life – technically he did so twice in Crisis.  And The John Wesley Shipp Flash gave his life so others could live.  I could go on and on with examples, but the point is these selfless sacrifices are shadows or pictures of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for you and me.  He did this out of pure love.  Now, through His subsequent resurrection and ascension to Heaven, through simple faith and trust in Him, we can have the gift of eternal life.  This is the message that I will tell until my dying breath.

God bless,

Kevin

"Upon further review..."

Last month, I referenced that a pastor rightly stated where you put your faith is only as important as the object.  I then used the example of quarterback Bo Nix, and the Denver Broncos.  They had started 0-2.  I explained that everyone in Bronco-land had put their trust in Nix to lead Denver out of the mediocrity they have been in since winning Super Bowl 50, but it wasn't going to happen this year.  The fact is, I should have used a different example; because, since writing those words, the Broncos crawled out of the hole of their slow start and made their way to a 3-2 record.  Yesterday, the Broncos notched an impressive 34-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.  Bo Nix threw three touchdown passes (it should have been four, a receiver was wide open in the end zone, and his receiver dropped it), and with no interceptions.

Now, I’m not suggesting that the Broncos are going to the Super Bowl, or that Bo Nix is the next John Elway.  The jury is still out on the 2024 Broncos and on Nix.  I’m simply saying I used an example that I shouldn’t have in that blog last month.  The sermon I was referencing that day was from a pastor of a church I was visiting back in 2019; after he proclaimed that faith is only as good as the object you believe in, he used a better example than I did: having faith that the Colorado Rockies were going to win the World Series in 2019; you couldn’t with any confidence trust in this happening.  Of course, the Rockies are the perpetually terrible baseball franchise; they just finished the 2024 season with a record of 61-101, wrapping up another unimpressive year.

My decision to use an example of stating that an NFL season’s was effectively over after just two weeks was premature, but it does give a good illustration of how sometimes I can make bad decisions.  I’m far from perfect and sinless; in fact, the Bible says someone who claims he is perfect and sinless is actually deceived and the truth is not in him (1 John 1:8).  But God continues to shape me, and change me, into who He wants me to be.  As a boy, I felt God telling me to put my faith, trust, and hope in Jesus Christ to save me.  I did so, and I am so grateful that I did.  The old hymn “In the garden” by C. Austin Miles, says it well, “He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I’m his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”  Today, I feel like the Psalmist who wrote these words in Psalm 40:

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, and the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps, He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God, many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.  Blessed is that man [or woman as well] who makes the Lord his [her] trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.  Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (verses 2-5; NKJV).

God bless,

Kevin

A hidden gem of a movie from 2017

I have seen the 2017 film “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” numerous times.  I’ll never forget the first time I saw this film on Netflix (although it’s not available on this platform anymore).  At that point, the only other project that I had seen with Brett Dalton – the lead actor on this film – was on “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” where Dalton played Grant Ward.  In season 1 of that show, it was revealed that Grant was a wolf in sheep’s clothing; he was the Judas Iscariot figure who ruthlessly betrayed his entire team.  Grant continued to oppose the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D until he was killed in season 3.

Therefore, as silly as it sounds to me now (he is an actor after all; of course he can portray the good guy, or the irredeemable villain), because Dalton was so convincing in his role of Grant Ward, I honestly didn’t know what direction “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” was going to take.  Would it be nothing more than a mockery of Christians and the Christian faith?  Spoiler alert: the answer to that question is no; it doesn’t mock Christianity at all.

In the film, Brett Dalton plays actor Gavin Stone, who can never get out of the shadow of a role he played as a child.  He gets in trouble with the law, and is assigned to do 200 hours of community service which he has to work off at a church.  He learns of the church’s annual play on the life of Jesus Christ; Gavin wants to audition for the role of Jesus, but is told that everyone in the play needs to be a Christian.  He lies and claims that he is a Christian, and soon he gets the role.

For the sake of those who haven’t seen this film, I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot.  However, since I’ve described the tension I felt when I watched this film for the first time, let me submit to you, for the record, "The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" is an excellent film.  In fact, as I said, I’ve seen it numerous times, and it never gets old, no matter how many times I view it.  To put it succinctly, because of the influence of his Christian cast mates, Gavin learns about grace, second chances, humility, and of course, Jesus Christ Himself.  Check out this film, if you haven’t yet.

To conclude, the church’s play in “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” beautifully depicts a poignant exchange between Jesus and a woman caught in the act of adultery – this account can be read about in John 8:1-11.  This woman is thrown at Jesus’ feet, a group of people are ready to stone her to death – as the law of that day dictated.  And the Lord says, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”  One by one, they all drop the stones to the ground, knowing they are all guilty.  I love the compassion in Gavin’s eyes, as he portrays Jesus in that moment, “Where are your accusers?  Is there anyone left to condemn you?”  She answers no one.  “Neither do I.  Go and sin no more.”  To see the look of relief on her face, as she reacts to the forgiveness from Jesus, is one of my favorite scenes in the film. 

God bless,

Kevin

"His mercy is more"

There’s a tremendous passage in the gospel of Luke chapter 7.  Jesus is invited to have a meal with a Pharisee named Simon.  As they were eating, a woman – unnamed by the gospel writer – enters; we are told that she “had lived a sinful life in that town” (verse 37).  This woman proceeds to do one of the most poignantly beautiful acts done for Jesus in all the Bible, as I see it.  She washes the feet of Jesus, with her tears, and with the perfume she had with her (verses 37 and 38).  When Simon the Pharisee saw this, he reasons, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner” (verse 39).  Like so many, he had misunderstood what Jesus had come to do.

Jesus responds with a quick parable.  He tells of two men who owed money to a landowner; neither had the money to repay their debt, so he cancelled both debts (verses 41 and 42), “Now,” Jesus concludes, “which of them do you suppose had the bigger debt cancelled?”  Of course, the answer is the one who had the larger amount of debt, and that’s what Simon the Pharisee answers, and Jesus says that he answered correctly.  Jesus basically goes on to say, “You invited me into your house; you didn’t wash my feet and you didn’t anoint my head with oil, but this woman did.”  “Therefore,” He says in verse 47, “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven…But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”  I imagine Jesus looking in this woman’s eyes with compassion, grace, and kindness like she had never seen before, as He says – in verse 48 – these liberating words to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Rather than reacting to this amazing moment with celebration, people at the table are confused at Jesus’ statement, and they wonder, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”  I say again, Jesus was often misunderstood.  However, perhaps someone reading this is also confused.  You are wondering why Jesus extended forgiveness to her.  Because Jesus, as God in human flesh, had the authority to grant her full pardon for her sins.  Further, Jesus knew His mission was to eventually sacrifice His life on a cross, and subsequently rise from the dead, to fully pay the price of humanity’s sin – including the sins of this dear woman in Luke 7.

The section in Luke ends with Jesus essentially ignoring the murmurs around the table, and instead He says to the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace” (verse 50).  Talk about a mic drop moment!  I once heard from a pastor in a powerful sermon declare that faith is only as good as its object.  For example, after a dazzling pre-season, everyone in Bronco-land was putting their faith in rookie quarterback Bo Nix to lead the Denver Broncos out of the mediocrity they’ve been in.  Two weeks into the regular season with an 0-2 record, and an offensive output just as abysmal as ever, Bronco fans are strapping in for another long year.  But when you do as this woman in Luke 7 did, when you seek out Jesus, and you put your faith in Him, He will provide the forgiveness, hope, peace, and satisfaction you need.

In conclusion, sometimes I ponder what my life would be if I had never met Jesus.  It’s a humbling exercise, because it’s not a pretty picture to contemplate who I would be, what I would do, if the Lord had not revolutionized my life.  I would not be writing a blog proclaiming the incredible mercy, grace, and kindness of God, that’s for sure.  Then I come back to the reality, that Jesus saved me, and it makes me want to sing.  The beautiful song “His mercy is more” written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa comes to mind.  Check out this stanza of the song: “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.”

God bless,

Kevin

A very special September 12th

Once upon a time, I bought a shirt for my father as a gift that says, “Dad not all heroes wear capes”.  I held on to that shirt all these years, for sentimental reasons, and I still look at it from time to time.  I’m bringing it up now because today is my dad’s birthday; he would have been 70 years of age.  Of all the things I could say about my dad right now, I stand by the caption on that shirt: my dad was a hero who didn’t wear a cape.  This is not inappropriate hero worship here; my dad was not perfect because no father is.  But Dad lived his life with gentleness, integrity, valor, and character.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy.  It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”  That captures my dad so well.  He was honorable, compassionate, a difference maker, who lived well to the very end of his life.  I want those terms to define my life as well, as I run “with perseverance the race marked out for [me]” (Hebrews 12:1).  The very next verse speaks of fixing our eyes on Jesus.  I’m learning – even to this very hour – I can’t fix my eyes on my pastor, parents, or my past, but on my Savior.  However, that said, I’m encouraged and fortified by contemplating my dad’s example too. 

Today was special, but it was also bittersweet.  I miss my dad.  I still think of his faithfulness, his strength, his self-discipline, and of course, his amazing sense of humor that no one could ever duplicate.  Dad’s unexpected passing changed my life, because part of my life now is to take care of my mother.  James 1:27 speaks of looking after widows in their distress; I want to follow this Bible verse as this is an important concept, but also because – as I was recently telling some people at an event at church – my father absolutely adored my mother, and I know he would be pleased to know that I am looking after her.

In closing, I’m so grateful for the assurance that the grave is not the end for the believer in Christ.  There is an existence after death.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5 “absent from the body…present with the Lord.”  I miss my dad, but to think of him in the wondrous bliss of Heaven comforts my heart.  I mean, consider this: my dad, on those streets made of gold, finds himself alongside men like Billy Graham, Luis Palau, Jim Elliot, Truett Cathy, Charles Stanley, Adrian Rogers, beloved Christian singer Carman (and on and on I could go).  There is hope in this; not a wishful thinking kind of hope like we use it in English (“I hope it doesn’t rain”), but rather a determined certainty of coming good.  

God bless,

Kevin

"Scars are tattoos with better stories"

I was originally going to call today’s blog Hello September, until I went in another direction.  I intended to call it that because it is now officially a year ago that I returned home from the emergency room.  As I began mentally putting this blog together, I saw someone with a shirt that had these words: “Scars are tattoos with better stories.”  Amen to that!  What is a scar after all?  It’s a wound that has been healed.  To be transparent with you, even though I like the sentiment of that shirt, I wonder if what I endured a year ago, psychologically speaking, is a scar yet.  I wonder about this for a few reasons. 

First off, because sometimes I have what I call memory flashes of my time in that hospital and the aftermath.  Inwardly, I still wince whenever I see a character from a movie or TV show in a hospital; I know firsthand how traumatic it is for the patient and their loved ones to be in that stressful environment.  Or for another example, every time I drive on a certain road, my mind goes to my brother driving me home on that very same road last year, feeling so grateful to be alive, and to be out of that ER.  The emotional healing continues.

Another element of this whole idea of a wound healing to become a scar arose just last week.  On Friday (8/30), it was a normal work day, when out of the blue, I began to feel symptoms like I’ve never felt before in my life.  I began feeling dizzy and off-balance with every step (I’ve never been drunk, but I imagine that’s what it must feel like).  I promptly left work.  What ensued was vomiting 6 or 7 times, and being so fatigued that I basically slept from 3 in the afternoon to 12 Midnight.  The next day I was feeling better, as if nothing had been wrong.  I still have no explanation as to what happened; my best guess is a severe allergic reaction, or perhaps a 24-hour bug.  Ultimately, however, it doesn’t even really matter to me what it was.

I share all of that vulnerably with you to say this: I have my struggles.  I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.  This year, for instance, anxiety can easily take over and convince me that I will soon be back in the ER again.  Whether it is the aftermath of trying to process what happened on Friday, or any other sickness I’ve had since last September; or even just to have some random pain in my stomach that amounts to nothing, it’s easy to spiral down a path of uncertainty, lack of trust in God, and fear.  I’m just being real with you.  But the Bible instructs me to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

Therefore, I have cited various Bible verses to combat the anxiety and fear.  I have quoted Psalm 31:15 where the Psalmist affirms to the Lord, “My times are in your hands.”  Or Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”  Or even the beginning words from the ever-popular Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd.”  I can testify to the absolute truth of Psalm 91:1-2: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””

In conclusion, in 2018, the group “I Am They” released a song titled “Scars”.  I love this song; and I hear its truth, as it were, with new ears: “Waking up to a new sunrise, looking back from the other side; I can see now with open eyes.  Darkest waters and deepest pain, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  ‘Cause my brokenness brought me to You, and these wounds are a story You’ll use.  So I’m thankful for the scars ‘cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart; and I know they’ll always tell of who You are.  So forever I am thankful for the scars.  Now I’m standing in Your confidence, with the strength of Your faithfulness, and I’m not who I was before.  No, I don’t have to fear anymore.”

God bless,

Kevin  

"To live is Christ and to die is gain"

My original plan for this blog today was to walk through some verses from Philippians 1, but God took me in a different direction; it became apparent that instead I was to focus on a singular verse – Philippians 1:21 (“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”).  I’ve been forthright about my health struggles in 2023.  I’m certainly quite grateful to the Lord for the gift of life, but just to have it documented, what if I didn’t survive?  My answer is Philippians 1:21; “to live is Christ” – a sentiment I want to delve deeper into in a moment – and to die is actually gain.  

I was impacted by an article that I came across from got questions.org titled “What does it mean “to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21)?”  This page begins with these words: “Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  Most people focus on the second part of the verse, “to die is gain,” and contemplate the joys of heaven.  But we should not overlook what comes before.  The importance of the phrase “to live is Christ” cannot be overstated.  In all honesty, this phrase should be central to every Christian’s life.” 

While I’m not able to share the whole article today – the link can be found right here if you are interested in reading it in its entirely; however, I did want to include that the author goes on write: ““To live is Christ” means that we are willing to give up anything that prevents us from having Christ.  Paul’s testimony in this regard: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (Philippians 3:7-9).  We cling to the promise of our Lord in Mark 10:29-30 that our sacrifices for Jesus’ sake will be repaid a hundredfold.

“To live is Christ” means that Christ is our focus, our goal, and our chief desire.  Christ is the center point of our mind, heart, body and soul.  Everything we do, we do for Christ’s glory.  As we run the “race marked out for us,” we lay aside the entangling sin and worldly distractions, “fixing our eyes of Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  He is our life.”

Someone recently asked me about my view on if there is afterlife or not.  I answered that I believed that there is an afterlife.  When he asked me to elaborate more on this, in essence, I answered, ‘my dad passed away several years ago now; he went to Heaven because he had a real, right relationship with God.  And because I also have a real, right relationship with God, whenever I die, I will see my dad again in Heaven.’  This person seemed satisfied with my answer. 

The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).  Call on His name, if you haven’t, and be saved from God’s wrath against sin.  To have a relationship with God is glorious; to live for Him is so much better than to live for self (“to live is Christ”), and one day, when this life ends, the infinite bliss of the paradise of Heaven awaits (“to die is gain”).  Perhaps I will say more about Rebecca St. James’ 2003 song “Yes, I believe in God” another day, as a lot more should be said.  But for now, let me share that I was particularly struck – hearing this song again 20 years later – with this line from her work, “So through the fire I’ll be refined.  And if that fire were to take life, I’ll be with Him forever.  I will be with Him forever.”    

God bless,

Kevin