Monday, February 28, 2011
Love Begins With God
Love always begins with God. God is the author, originator and initiator of true love and there is no love apart from Him. Any real love that exists, anywhere in the world, has God as its source. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1John4:7&8
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Surrendered To God = Optimal Experience
When you are NOT surrendered to God and doing His will—whatever you are doing—you are experiencing something LESS than full and abundant life. When you ARE surrendered to God and doing His will—whatever that might be—you are having the optimal experience of being alive.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The Effort That Love Requires
We have a tendency in our culture to place great emphasis on “feelings” when it comes to love. So we think that love comes naturally, the way feelings do. But real love doesn’t necessarily “come naturally”. Often it requires effort. Sometimes we must learn to love a person. Question: Are we willing to put forth the effort that love requires?
Friday, February 25, 2011
God Is Greater Than Our Problems
It is the nature of my vocation that I am exposed to a lot of trouble, strife, hurt, sadness, brokenness, anxiety, etc. The problems in this world are great. But, you know what? I believe that God is greater.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Whole Lot Of Texting Going On
A busy restaurant during lunch hour would normally be a noisy place. But I looked up from my spiral notebook—I had been contentedly working on Sunday’s message—when I noticed that it had grown strangely quiet.
I saw that the woman at a table directly in front of me was holding her phone in her hands and her thumbs were busily dancing across the small keypad. She was, obviously, texting. Not an unusual sight, these days.
Looking to my left and my right, I could see that others were texting, too. In fact, no one was talking. Even at tables with more than one person, no conversation was occurring. Everyone in the restaurant was texting!
“Wow, this is crazy!” I thought. “It seems like everyone in this place is texting at the same time.”
The silence was eerie. In fact, the whole scene was a bit strange. I know that texting is common these days but, sheesh, everyone in the whole restaurant is texting? All at the same time? Weird!
I looked at the baby carrier on a seat not far from my table and with a chuckle I thought, “Well, me and that little one must be the only ones not texting right now.” Just then my phone pinged and as I read my text message a chill went up my spine. It was from the baby at the next table. “Have u seen my bottle?”, it read.
That’s when I noticed that the baby was holding a small phone and confidently fingering digits, as well!
What's going on?!?
In a moment of panic I jumped to my feet, “I’ve got to get out of here!” I thought. But I stopped. Eyeing the room full of texters all around, I realized that running would be futile. What’s the point? Where will I run?
So, I sat back down, pulled out my phone, and began sending a text message to no one in particular.
Loving Others Is A GOOD Obligation
“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another….” Rom.13:8 [NLT] The Bible speaks of love as an “obligation”. But, hold on. An “obligation” does not have to be negative. It’s possible for something to be necessary for us to do and yet also be good and positive and wonderfully fulfilling. Loving others is actually a pretty good obligation, if you think about it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Those Who Have Been Forgiven Much, Should Be Willing To Forgive Others
Jesus indicates that those who have been forgiven much should have a very eager & generous willingness to extend forgiveness to others. Hmm, now that I think of it, I’ve been the recipient of an extraordinary amount of goodness, grace and forgiveness from God—more than I deserve. How about you? With that in mind, it seems reasonable to say that we should be very forgiving people.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
How We Receive Correction Is Important
The people who love us will offer correction to us, because they care. But then, it’s very important for us to RECEIVE their correction without becoming angry and defensive. We teach people that we want to grow and that we are serious about being helped along the way, by the manner in which we receive their words of challenge and correction.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Many of Our Worries And Fears Involve Temporary Things
Sometimes we are worried and fearful about matters that, three or four months from now, no one will even remember anymore. “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone; but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Cor. 4:18
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Our Influence Produces "Fruit"
Our lives have influence. They do. Our influence might be positive or it might be negative, but it exists. (In fact, we may have more influence than we realize.) That which is produced as a result of the influence of our lives is, in biblical terms, the fruit of our lives. What kind of fruit is your life producing?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Romance AND Common Sense
Romantic love is a wonderful thing. But I’ve noticed that romantic love seems to result in some people losing touch with common sense. And it seems to result in people sometimes not seeing things that are obvious to everyone else. I suppose this is the reason for old sayings like “Love is blind.” Hey, romance is great; enjoy it. But it’s okay to keep your head on straight at the same time, too.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Good Question: What Kind of Life Should We Live?
What kind of life should we be living? What kind of life really makes sense? Have you thought about these kinds of matters? Long ago, here’s what a wise fellow named Plato said, “There is no question which a man of any sense could take more seriously than…what kind of life one should live.” To contemplate our lives soberly & honestly is good, helpful and important.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
It Is The Nature of Love To Give
“For God so loved the world that he GAVE…” It is the nature of true love to give. If you find that in your loving relationships your primary desire and inclination is to RECEIVE, you will probably notice that those relationships do not work very well. When we discover the joy of giving, our loving relationships are enhanced.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Do You Have Any Recent Stories of God?
People who are growing in their relationship with God have recent stories of God’s activity in their lives. In other words, when people are growing, all their personal stories about God are not from many years ago. So…do you have any fairly current stories of God’s work in your life?
Monday, February 14, 2011
God Already Loves Us
We don’t get God to love us through any form of EFFORT. God already loves us completely, totally, perfectly. He cannot love us just a little bit more, His love is COMPLETE. It is in the very nature of God to love, so, He loves us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Saturday, February 12, 2011
I Was Close To Being A Techno-Hipster ...Just For A Moment
Two sweet little elderly ladies walked past my table at Panera Bread today. One of them stopped right next to me, pointed, and said, “Look, he’s reading.”
I was holding my Kindle, which is an electronic reader.
The other woman turned with wide-eyed amazement and said, “Oh my goodness, look at that, would you?”
Very proudly, I showed the Kindle to them and described some of the features of it. They “oohed” and “aahed” as if I had just invented the wheel. In fact, while I was describing the Kindle to them, I felt like I was somehow responsible for the creation of the device. I even used the word “cyberspace” at one point which is really sad because I don’t actually know what it means, but I’m sorry, I got caught up in the moment and they were very impressed.
A minute later they walked past me again and I was sending a “tweet” with my cell phone. I mentioned that I was tweeting about my conversation with them and you would have thought that I was a time traveler from the future! In fact, one of the ladies touched my shoulder—I think—just to see if I was real, or not. (It’s also possible that she was just wiping some ketchup off her hand.)
It was cool! For just a brief moment—with the over-80 demographic—I was very close to being a techno-hipster! (I was even thinking about growing a goatee.)
Then 2 minutes later, an 11 year old kid walked past me, with an I-Pad or something. I don’t know what it was, but it was much fancier and more state-of-the-art than my Kindle and my phone.
He looked sadly at my devices, as if they were fossilized artifacts from an ancient civilization and his eyes caught mine. He shook his head with a smirk on his face that said, “You poor old guy. Look at you! You’ve got no goatee and you’re stuck way, waaaaaaaaay back in late 2009!”
Then, with a little chuckle, he climbed onto his hovercraft and flew silently out of the restaurant.
…Or maybe he just walked out. I can’t remember for sure.
Recognizing TOUGH Love
“Tough love” involves the notion that sometimes we have to allow negative consequences to impact those we love…for their own good.
One of the things that makes “tough love” difficult is that the person who is on the receiving end of tough love may not recognize it as love. The person may even become angry with us. It is challenging and frustrating to stand firm and do what is right when the person we care about does not understand that our tough love is actually an act of compassion.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hilarious Fun With A Sledgehammer
The TV show that consistently reduces my daughter, Rachel, to endless peals of laughter is Rachel watches this show frequently and truly enjoys it immensely. It is, probably, her favorite TV show.
So, what I’m writing, here, shouldn’t be too surprising…
Two or three inches of solid ice had formed on the step leading from our house into the back yard. In order to remedy this dangerous situation, I grabbed a sledgehammer from our garage and began to carry it to the back yard. On the way, I slipped and the sledgehammer fell right onto my foot. I was literally jumping around, holding my foot and howling in pain.
You know what’s coming, right?
Yep! Rachel saw the sledgehammer fall onto my foot, she saw me screaming and jumping, and I thought she might actually pass out from laughing so hard.I was really in pain. No, really! I was! My foot genuinely hurt. And, yet, this little episode was a source of pure hilarity for Rachel.
When I told Nadia about the incident, later, she laughed uproariously, as well. In fact, within a few minutes, I had the distinct impression that she wanted me to tell her about it again. You know, just for the fun of it. I didn’t.
Why is MY PAIN such a source of great joy and amusement for so many people?
A moment ago, the phone rang and it was my neighbor calling to say that he heard about the sledgehammer incident at a neighborhood meeting and he was thanking me for bringing some much-needed laughter and sunshine to the entire southern region of Oak Lawn on these cold winter days.
What?!? When did he…? How did he…?
That call surprised me, of course, but in a way it was no big deal. What really shocked me was the call from Mayor Daley expressing his appreciation, on behalf of the city of Chicago
Why, I ask you? Why?!?
…[Sigh] Well, I’m just glad I can be of assistance…I guess.
Alright then, I’m going to go put a rake out in my backyard.
Doing God's Will Honors God
Sometimes our will and God’s will aren’t the same on a matter. When that happens but we move ahead in obedience to God’s will, instead of ours, anyhow…that honors God.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
When People Are Willing To Apologize, Love Has A Better Chance
Here’s an observation after many years of counseling with folks: If people in a relationship are not willing to admit mistakes and apologize to each other it will be difficult for the relationship to make it. On the other hand, if both parties are willing to own up and admit fault and genuinely apologize to each other then love has a pretty good chance of thriving.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
No One Trumps God!
Here’s a wonderful thought: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom.8:31. Who trumps God? [….Long silence…] Exactly! No one! That Romans passage goes on to remind us that “God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all…” God is for you! And remember…no one trumps God.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Water Conduction, Thermal Load, and My Recent Caloric Burn
I stepped into the warm shower for a few lingering moments and then began adjusting the water temperature cooler and cooler. Soon, it was no longer warm or even lukewarm it was now moderately cold water. The temperature now set on “cold”, I stood and allowed the frigid water to drench me for close to 5 minutes as I waited for the effects.
“What in the world is going on?” you ask.
I recently read that Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, eats 12,000 calories a day. Well, of course, that got my attention.
Now, bear in mind that even Olympic athletes don’t work out enough to burn 12,000 calories a day. So, some people speculate that Phelps can consume that many calories because he spends 3 or 4 hours a day swimming in cool water. Of course, 3 or 4 hours of swimming is an incredible amount of exercise but, again, even that much exercise, believe it or not, won’t burn 12,000 calories. The caloric burn factor seems to be that water conduction efficiently cools his body temperature causing the body to work harder to maintain its natural temperature.
It’s not really that unreasonable, is it? In fact, it makes sense. The exposure to cold water is what helps Phelps’ body burn all the additional calories.
That simple discovery explains my cold shower.
Some of you may be thinking, “Dan, you really are nuts, aren’t you?” My response to that question is, go ahead, be like Nadia and laugh at me.
But while you’re laughing at me, just remember this: I figure that I should do these kinds of crazy experiments, to see what happens, so that you don’t have to. Consider it a way for me to serve others.
You say, “Alright. What happened?”
Well, you may not believe this but I stepped out of the cold shower and my skin felt taut. A cold shower couldn’t be described as comfortable, that’s for sure, but it could be described as invigorating. I toweled off and stepped onto the scale and guess what? I was astonished!!! I think I may have lost a half a pound! (Although, I was wearing heavy socks.)
I know. I know. I was amazed, too!
In fact, I got so excited that I immediately ran upstairs and ate half a pizza and a large chocolate sundae.
In the interest of journalistic integrity, I should probably report that we have a net gain, at the time of this writing, of 2 pounds. Although, on the positive side, my skin has taken on a bluish tint that has a certain off-beat attractiveness.
Hmm, alright, I will grant that there are, apparently, a few kinks in the system that still have to be worked out.
Time Spent Doing God's Will
How we use our time, to a significant extent, determines the nature of our lives. Time that is well-spent is time spent doing what God has called us to do. This is what will produce ultimate satisfaction. What has He called us to do? He has called us to love Him & love each other. He has called us to be obedient to Him and do His will. He has called us to spread the fragrance of Jesus everywhere we go.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Have I Created A Brand New Phrase?
There was a phrase in my message on Sunday that may or may not be real, I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone use it before. In both services, when I said the phrase, people laughed. It felt like a surprised amusement type of laughter. So, I’m hoping I created a new phrase. The phrase is: “Intellectual vegetation”.
The context from the talk involved describing aspects of gracious conversation and I said, “To be gracious in our conversation does not mean that we simply agree with anything that anybody ever says. That’s not graciousness.” I stressed, “That’s intellectual vegetation.”
Is “intellectual vegetation” a real phrase? I don’t know. After the 11 o’clock service someone told me that the phrase is an oxymoron. But then he admitted he wasn’t sure what “oxymoron” meant and he wandered off shaking his head and mumbling softly.
Anyhow, like I said, people laughed in both services, so, until further notice, I’m going to assume that I have created a new phrase and I’m going to give everyone full permission to use it anytime. However, anytime you use the phrase you have to send me a nickel. Until I get an official ruling from the International Association for the Utilization and Advancement of New Phrases (in 4 to 6 weeks), that only seems like a fair royalty fee.
*Keep in mind that royalty fee payments will be operating under the “honor system”.
(Hmm, by the way, I may have just inadvertently created a new association, too, a moment ago. I’ll have to investigate that further on Google.)
In the meantime, keep your wits about you and stay mentally engaged. Don’t slip into intellectual vegetation.
(Thought it might be helpful if I used it in a sentence for you one more time.)
... You are correct.
Our Beliefs Matter
Beliefs matter. What we believe affects what we do. What we believe winds up having real consequences in our lives. Our most critical and foundational beliefs have to do with what we believe about God. Everything begins with God. He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is good, Holy, just, true, loving, gracious and merciful. Respect & honor God.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Being Angry At "Evil"
Anger can actually be an aspect of love when we are angry at evil. In other words, there are some evil things that happen in this world that ought to make us angry—especially when evil affects those we love. Theologian Christopher Wright says, “Love and anger go together when love comes up against wickedness.”
Friday, February 4, 2011
Surprised By God's Goodness
Have you ever been surprised by God’s goodness and love and grace? King David—reflecting on God’s extraordinary goodness—said to Him, “Who am I?” In a way, David was saying, “Why are you so good to ME, Lord?” The longer we walk with God and the better we know Him, the more likely we are to have experienced a few moments of “surprise” at just how good He is.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
E-Flash From Dan, February 3, 2011
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Are you dug out from the snow, yet? I had to dig through a 4 foot snow drift to get into the church this morning. I think our snow removal guys may have collapsed before they were able to get to it. It’s been quite a week, huh?
Here’s a picture of our church courtyard, looking beautiful in the sunshine and snow…
Well, at any rate, the church is accessible—and you don’t even need a snow mobile—and this Sunday I’m planning to be here. I hope you are, too. We will be concluding our series from the book of Colossians, “To Defeat A Lie, We Lift Him High”. I’m looking forward to talking about “Living Wisely Among Unbelievers” (Col. 4:5&6). I am excited about this topic because I love thinking about, and talking about, the important interaction of believers and unbelievers.
(I know there is some type of sporting event happening later in the day—I think it might be a NASCAR race, or something—but we’ll be done with the services in plenty of time.)
And then, coming up on Sunday, Feb. 13th, we will begin a new 11-week series which will take us into Easter. This new series is titled…
“Do You Know What Christians Believe?”
Several recent surveys that have been done in our country suggest that many people who identify themselves as Christians, do not have a good understanding of some of the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. Even rudimentary Bible facts are unknown to many believers. For example the following survey question, “name at least two or three of Jesus’ twelve disciples” is frequently answered with this response: “Grumpy, Doc, Sneezy, Dopey, Matthew…”
Sadly, only one of the names in that response is correct.
So in our new series, we’ll be dealing with questions of fundamental Christian beliefs. Questions like these:
What do Christians believe about “truth”?
What is the nature of man?
Why do we pray?
What is the church?
Does God really send people to hell?
…And others, as well.
I believe this series will be good, helpful, interesting and inspiring to new believers… and long-time followers of Christ, too!
We’re moving toward Easter—which is later in the calendar, this year, April 24th—and I’m hoping that as we move in the direction of this important time, we will all think and pray about the possibility of inviting someone to church. The Holy Spirit is at work in our services. I know many of us sense this reality! Easter, and these weeks leading up to Easter, are a great time to invite people to church. Let’s pray that the people we know and love would come to a true, life-transforming relationship with the King of Kings!
Love and blessings,
Dan
"Correction" Can Help Us Grow
Sometimes “correction” from others can be embarrassing to us. It can sting. But if we will understand that EVERYONE needs the help of correction sometimes it doesn’t sting quite so much. And if we realize that loving correction helps us grow, we can even see it as a good thing. “People who accept correction are on the pathway to life…” Proverbs 10:17.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Video: A Mostly Good January Day
This is a good video for those of us who live in Chicago, since we've had a "historic snowfall"!
Click here for video!
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Click here for video!
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I'll Give You Rest -- Is That A 'Snow Day'?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Jesus, Matthew 11:28. Today’s paraphrase for Chicagoans: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…and I will cause I great snow to fall so that you have a ‘snow day’ that will give many of you a day off of school and work.” …Hmm, okay, I know, that doesn’t accurately reflect the meaning of the text.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Challenge of Telling The Truth To Ourselves
There are occasionally certain things about our selves that we do not want to see or admit. Have you noticed this reality or are you unwilling to see it or admit it? : ) I am reminded that telling the truth can be incredibly difficult when I realize, once again, that it can actually be hard to tell the truth to MYSELF.
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