God's way is always the best way

Can I begin today by being vulnerable with you?  The last few months have been difficult.  I could go on and on detailing the trials and tribulations I have encountered, but the bottom line is, this time has left me emotionally spent.  To top it all off, recently, after another disappointing episode, I found myself reeling and exhausted. 

While I may have been shopping at a grocery store, inwardly I was fighting a spiritual battle.  It was kind of like those old cartoons where there’s a good angel on one shoulder, and a bad angel on the other.  The bad angel was whispering, “Do you really feel that this living for God stuff is worth it?  Wouldn’t you be better off doing your own thing?”  In that low moment, I chose to reaffirm my trust in God, no matter the cost.  This decision seemed to end my spiritual boxing match, and I subsequently wanted to get on my knees, and raise a song of praise to the Lord.

I have often said over the years that God’s way is the best way.  And the reason I begin with this story is to show that I don’t say those words just because it sounds good; no, when I proclaim that God’s way is always the best way, I am speaking to myself first and foremost.  This is a deeply held conviction in my heart of hearts.  That’s not to say that I always choose to go God’s way.  To be honest, there are instances where I foolishly decide to go my own sinful, selfish way.  But God is gracious to pick me up, clean me up, and put me back in the race.  And I think to myself how much better it would have been to go God’s way in the first place.

Back in March of 2015, I wrote a blog that I entitled “Yield to God’s way.”  I stated that I was going to present an important truth.  And I prefaced it by saying, if it turned out to be the last blog I ever wrote, I would be thrilled if it was found to be liberating (this was a particularly fascinating remark, as at the time, I had no way of knowing that my dad was going to unexpectedly pass away a few months later).  What did I end up saying?  It’s actually today’s blog title: God’s way is always the best way. 

Of course, the fact that God’s way is best doesn’t mean that we will always understand just what it is He is doing.  Why He allowed something to happen.  Or why He decided not to heal someone.  This is because “we know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), while God knows and sees it all.  That can trip some people up.  Later on in the same blog, I gave an illustration that I want to conclude with today.  I wrote:

‘Many years ago, I tried my hand at writing fiction.  I wrote several Batman stories.  Suppose that, in the midst of my stories, Batman and Robin were able to converse with each other.  Good versus evil stories need to have struggle.  That's a simple fact.  Pretend that there have been a string of disappointments and setbacks for the Dynamic Duo.  After a particularly bleak chapter, Batman and Robin are frustrated.  With that in mind, let’s eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Can you believe this writer?"  Robin asks.  "Can you believe what he has been doing to us?  The direction this guy is taking us in is pathetic.”  “Yes,” Batman replies.  “It’s quite clear that he has no idea what he is doing; he doesn’t know what is best for us, or for Gotham City.”  “I almost feel like I should write this story myself,” Robin counters.  “I would do a much better job than he ever will."  At this point, Alfred speaks up.  He says, “Sirs, please.  You must not speak this way.  The writer cares for you both a great deal.  Trust him.  He knows what he is doing.  In the end, I have little doubt that he will make all things right.”  And, indeed, in every Batman story I wrote, justice, righteousness, and good prevailed.’

Kevin

Honoring Dr. King

Every January, we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Rightly so.  What a legacy!  I have a plaque that has this quote from him: “The time is always right to do what is right.”  But I think what is often overlooked is Dr. King was a Baptist minister who had a love for the Bible, and he was clearly impacted by its message. 

For example, many quote from Dr. King’s famous 1963 speech “I have a dream”; and his vision was for a day when his children “will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”  Powerful words, to be sure.  Interestingly, soon after those words, he stated:

“I have dream today that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”  This is a direct citation from the book of Isaiah chapter 40, verses 4 and 5.  And Dr. King continued, “This is our hope.  This is the faith I go back to the South with.  With this faith, we will be able to hew out the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

(https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety

It was fun looking online at some of the wise words from this man.  I could write a whole blog on just his quotes.  For instance, he once remarked, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  I love this one: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” 

Here’s one to chew on for a while: “We must develop the capacity to forgive.  He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”  Or, given the fact that he only lived to the age of 39, here’s a rather eerie one: “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.”  One last quote: “I have a decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear” (all quotes from https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/martin-luther-king-jr-quotes)

Kevin

"A thousand hallelujahs, and a thousand more"

Happy New Year, reader!  I’m blessed to be able to share my heart with you for another year.  For this inaugural blog of 2023, I want to begin with an illustration that you’d expect from me – from the world of superheroes.

There’s a memorable story in the animated series “Justice League Unlimited”.  In part 2 of an exciting time-travel story titled “The Once and Future thing” an unforeseen meeting occurred.  Batman, thanks to some time travel craziness, actually meets himself as an old man!  In this incarnation, Bruce grew too old to wear the cape and cowl; instead he mentored Terry McGinnis – the Batman of the future.  In the episode, Terry manages to take the wackiness in stride, and he makes the introduction: “Batman, Bruce Wayne; Bruce Wayne, Batman.  Or have you met?”

This came to my mind when I recently had the opportunity to chat with someone that I used to know, but I have not seen in nearly 20 years!  Quite frankly, seeing this person was a shock; absorbing this encounter, in a sense, made me see myself back almost two decades ago now.  And that set my mind down a road that I could go on and on and on about. 

First off, somebody is going to be confused, so let me state definitively that my Batman illustration breaks down.  For instance, I do not think of myself as an aged Bruce Wayne.  That said however, I do have to acknowledge that I’m not a young buck anymore, either.  But with age has come clarity; I am more comfortable in my skin today.

Once again, I can’t possibly address everything I’d like to cover (honestly, I feel like I could write a lengthy academic paper right now).  For instance, if I had the space, energy, and time, I would reflect on how life feels like it is moving too fast.  I would go on to speak about how the people who said life is short, were absolutely right.  But even still, each passing day is an amazing gift to cherish.  Because, through losing important people to me, I’ve learned a hard truth: tomorrow is not a given.  Life is a gift that is extremely fragile.

Further, this whole experience makes me consider my own legacy.  The fact is, 20 years ago, I wanted to point to the great God of the universe; today, I still want to point to Him.  Somebody wants me to ask and answer this question: why?  Why not boast and broadcast myself instead?  Because to point to myself would be futile; I’m just a flawed, imperfect man.  It’s far better to boast in the Lord.  It’s better to boast in His goodness, grace, mercy and love.  Psalm 115:1 has been my heart cry for many, many years now.  It says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your Name, goes all the glory” (NLT). 

Writing this content today has been interesting.  Once again, I could have covered so many more subjects than I did.  Perhaps in the coming days I will bring some of them up.  But for today, rather than compose an essay, let me just begin to wrap this up.  I love the song “A Thousand Hallelujahs” by Brooke Ligertwood (also known by her maiden name Brooke Fraser.)  “With a thousand hallelujahs, we magnify Your name; You alone deserve the glory, the honor, and the praise.  Lord Jesus, this song is forever Yours.”  I quoted these lyrics for this final line: “A thousand hallelujahs, and a thousand more.”  This resonates with me; over the years I’ve probably lifted up a thousand hallelujahs to God, but what I’m so thrilled about is I intend to lift up a thousand more!  Because He is worthy of it all!

Kevin      

Reflections

It’s a staggering thought that, in January, I will have been blogging for 11 years!  Even though it’s a few days early, I wanted to speak on this milestone today.  I shake my head in amazement at how different I am now as compared to 2011.  Of course losing my dad in 2015 changed me forever, but there are other less dramatic examples. 

For instance, I had the thought that Dad would be surprised at how seldom I stay up past Midnight.  I used to always be a night owl who stayed up into the wee hours of the night.  Today, I won’t even attempt to stay up to Midnight to usher in the new year.  One reason for this is because I usually get up early for work.  The very day I’m writing these words, for example, I was in at 6 AM. 

I’ve also been thinking about difficult events that I’ve endured in recent months and years; events that would shock the Kevin from 2011.  For instance, today is the one-year anniversary of the worst fire in Colorado history – the Marshall fire.  A part of me doesn’t even want to bring this up; after all, in many aspects, I got off easy, as there was no damage to my house or workplace.  However, this haunting day was close enough to my world that it is one I’ll never forget.  I’ve seen firsthand how this blaze turned the lives of so many upside-down, and sadly this is still the case a year later. 

Furthermore, over the years my heart has been plunged into mourning when important figures in my life passed on.  Men like Billy Graham (my spiritual father, as it were, his voice is the one God used to save me; he passed away in 2018).  Or the Christian singer known as Carman (another light in the world; he passed away in 2021).  Of course, I mentioned my dad; I still miss him to this very day.   And because I’m a superhero fan, I’ll never forget 2022 as both Kevin Conroy and Jason David Frank passed away.  I ought to write about the healing gift of grief, but that’s for another day. 

So, yes life is different since 2011.  But there is one thing that has not changed: my love, passion, and relationship with the God of the universe!  I want to point, in word and deed, to God.  Why do I not practice revenge, bitterness, or retaliation when hurt by others?  Because God’s Word prescribes forgiveness.  Why choose, in a ‘just do it’ world, to put off sex until marriage?  Because God’s Word prescribes abstinence until marriage – and fidelity in marriage.  Why look after my widowed mother?  Well, aside from my love for her, God says to look after widows in their time of trouble (James 1:27).

In conclusion, I recently completed the ‘hills to die on’ blog series.  If there was an epilogue I could add on to that, I would submit, something for which I would give my life, would be this: it’s not about me; it’s all about God.  2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them, and rose again.”  I can assure you, without the Lord, I am nothing.

Kevin         

The disastrous 2022 Denver Broncos

Back in March, I briefly spoke about a trade that the Denver Broncos made with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson.  Expectations for the 2022 season were sky high.  But instead of progressing closer to the playoffs and chasing another Super Bowl, the Bronco fans were given one of the worst seasons in Denver Bronco history.  Things have been horrendously bad.  Week after week, the Broncos found a new way to lose.  A few times on Monday mornings, I would go in to work and remark, “Another Monday; another embarrassing Bronco loss.”

On Christmas Day, Denver played the defending Super Bowl champion L.A. Rams.  It’s been a disappointing season for the Rams too (both teams came in at a record of 4-10), but L.A. – behind backup quarterback Baker Mayfield – dismantled the Broncos.  The Rams led 31-6 at halftime.  When the game finally ended it was a 51-14 shellacking. 

After the Broncos showing on Christmas, I knew it was time to begin writing about Denver's train wreck that is the 2022 season.  Then I learned that yesterday, 12/26, Nathaniel Hackett was fired as head coach.  Hackett was a first time head coach, and it showed.  In week 1, down late in the game, rather than try to convert a 4th down, Hackett thought it would be a good idea to just attempt a 64-yard field goal (!) instead.  It didn’t work.  Denver lost the game, and this was just the start of the woes.  But to sum it up, unfortunately for the likeable Hackett, he will go down as perhaps the worst coach in Broncos history.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also bring up the Broncos offense.  For a franchise that is used to putting up lots of points behind John Elway and Peyton Manning, this year’s offensive output has been terrible.  Sports Illustrated.com has an article that presents it well.  Back on December 9, Thomas Hall wrote, “How bad is the Denver Broncos offense?  In a word, abysmal.  It is easily the worst offense in the history of franchise.  The offense is scoring 13.8 points a game, which places it dead last in the six decades that Broncos have been in existence.”

(From https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/broncos-offense-worst-team-history)

In conclusion, it’s been difficult to write today’s blog, because it’s been a horrendous year for the Denver Broncos.  They have been a laughingstock.  I once heard a sports commentator sum up an ugly playoff loss by remarking, “This one has been a root canal without Novocaine.”  Apt words for the 2022 Broncos.  Week after week, it was seemingly a new low point.  However, I remain optimistic for the future.  While glaring issues remain, it seemed to me all along that Hackett was the leading culprit.  If nothing else, there is no where else to go now, but upward.  

Kevin    

"Where would I be without You?"

I wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  What a joy and privilege it is to celebrate this blessed holiday!  Christmas, in many ways, is misunderstood.  Because we are bombarded with messages about Santa Claus, getting Christmas gifts for everyone on our lists, and “dreaming of a white Christmas”.  None of the things are necessarily wrong.  But the heart of Christmas is Jesus Christ and His miraculous entrance to Earth.  As my mother so eloquently put it recently: Jesus “invaded our world with light and hope.”

Several years ago now, I had the tremendous honor of being asked to be on the radio with my dad – and my mom who was co-hosting with him that day.  I remember it so vividly.  After I gave my remarks, I chose to play a Christmas song by Rebecca St. James called “A Cradle Prayer” (from her 1997 album “Christmas”).  As I introduced the song, I relayed how Rebecca herself had stated that she pictured herself at the cradle of baby Jesus; what would she sing to Him?  Let me share part of the lyrics here:

“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.  Lord, I am in awe of You.  Jesus, I love you.  My Lord, my life; where would I be without You?  Here in the quiet, the still, the night, I am in awe of You.  Why would You, Creator and King, come as a baby, for all, for me?”

Where would I be without the Lord Jesus?  It’s a life that I don’t want to contemplate for very long.  It would be an existence devoid of hope, joy, and purpose.  But thankfully my eyes were illuminated to the grace and truth found in Jesus.  I recently heard minister and evangelist J. John share that there are three things that one gets when they receive Jesus Christ as Savior.  I hurriedly wrote them down.  He said, #1: Forgiveness from the past.  #2: New life today.  #3: Hope for the future.  Amen and amen!

In conclusion, I know some would completely disagree with my thoughts on Christmas today.  They would just consider me a religious lunatic.  I’ve seen how allegiance to Jesus Christ provokes hatred in some people.  But it’s nothing new.  In John 1, we read, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (verse 11).  Jesus was misunderstood and hated by some, those centuries ago too.  Yet the next verse 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.”  That’s my prayer for you.  If you’ve never commenced a relationship with Jesus – the One who lived, died for you, and is gloriously alive now – that you would do it today. 

Kevin

Fourth (and final) hill to die on (Part 2)

In 1997, there was a film starring Jim Carrey as fast-talking lawyer, Fletcher Reede, in the movie “Liar Liar”.  At the outset, Fletcher’s five-year old son, Max, captured his dad’s character; he shared his parent’s occupations for his class.  “My dad,” he began.  “He’s a liar.”  The teacher tried to correct what she thought was a Freudian slip.  “You mean, he’s a lawyer.”  Max shrugged.  He actually wasn’t wrong in the first place.

When Fletcher didn’t show up, as he had promised, for Max’s birthday party, Max made a wish when he blew out the candles on his cake; he wished that his dad to be unable to tell a lie, for a day.  And it came true!  Fletcher is forced to tell the truth, no matter what.  It’s played out with zany, hilarious results like only Jim Carrey could pull off.  Even going so far as Fletcher not being able to write out a false statement with a pen.  Ultimately, however, Fletcher learns an important lesson: the truth is vitally important.  At one point, he even says, “This truth stuff is pretty cool.” 

Twice in the Bible we read these words, “God cannot lie” (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).  It’s not that God chooses honesty; rather, it’s not in His nature to lie.  Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?  Or hath He not spoken and shall He not make it good?”  The time came for God to step out of Heaven, and become one of us.  Jesus “Immanuel” meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).  It’s this miraculous event that we celebrate every December!  Jesus Himself said in John 14, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  Jesus is, as some theologians call Him, the truth incarnate – in human flesh.

You’ll recall that earlier this month, I composed a blog on hope.  I left it on a cliffhanger of sorts by stating that I was going to answer why I stated that Jesus is the hope.  So, what is my answer to that?  Jesus is the hope because He Himself is truth; He embodies truth.  Thus we can completely trust what He said.  I wish I could go on and on with some of the amazing things Jesus said.  But look at these words He said in Luke 18:

“All things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man [speaking of Himself] will be accomplished.  For He will be betrayed to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again” (verses 31-33).  And it all happened exactly how it said it would. 

To know that Jesus is truth incarnate fills me with hope and confidence.  I know with certainty that when Jesus makes a prediction, it will happen.  For instance, on more than one occasion, Jesus stated that He would come back again (see Luke 18:8, Luke 12:40, and John 14:3 for a few examples), and even though there are those who laugh at this idea, I would give my life for this truth.  Jesus is coming back again.    

2 Peter 3 speaks of how there will be mockers in the last days; they will say, (my paraphrase) ‘Yeah, sure, Jesus is coming back.  We’ve heard that before.  It’s been centuries, and people just live and die, and He hasn’t returned.’  This is the context of a well-known verse; 2 Peter 3:8:

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  [Verse 9] The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  The Lord is tarrying because He is graciously waiting for men and women to see their need of Him.  But make no mistake: Jesus is coming back again.  And it will happen when we least expect it; check out verse 10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.”

Kevin