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