“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20. The truth of God in our lives is supposed to be so real, so important, and so comprehensive that it influences literally everything we do and everything we are.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Withholding Our Love Hurts Us
When we choose to withhold our love from someone as a way of punishing him or her, the person we actually hurt the most is our self.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Influence In The Right Way
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams . We will influence the people in our lives today. Let’s make our influence good, helpful, encouraging and positive.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
We're Called To Demonstrate Our Love In Practical Ways
There’s a sense in which God doesn’t need our help in any practical way. He’ll be fine no matter what we do. So, it can be easy to profess our love for Him. That’s why God calls us to demonstrate love by helping our brothers and sisters who do need our assistance in practical ways. “…For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” 1John4:20
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Significance of Community
When you hear someone say, “my faith is a private matter that is just between me and God,” you are hearing someone who is having trouble understanding the tremendous significance of the kind of loving community that God intends for His people.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Jesus' Call To Love Each Other Can Be Trusted
An important way to have true knowledge of Jesus is to believe that we can trust Him when He tells us to love each other. Sometimes we are concerned that loving others in the way Jesus calls us to love could mess things up for us. But Jesus can be trusted. “…As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Everything Else Comes And Goes...But God Remains
God supersedes all other authorities. God is the all-powerful, eternal, creator and Lord, the ruler of ALL THINGS. Governments come and go. Mighty empires have existed in the past, that no longer exist today. They’re gone. But God is still here…and He always will be!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Distinguishing Love From Desire
We sometimes have trouble distinguishing “love” from “desire”. Desire involves the will to possess something or someone. Desire is me-centered. Real love, on the other hand, means that we want what is best for someone—we actively want what will benefit the one we love. Love is other-centered. The distinction between these two is important.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
God Must Have A Reason For You And I To Be Here
The conditions of our universe are “just right” for the existence of man. In fact, it appears that the universe has been specially designed to accommodate the existence of human beings. This concept is known as the Anthropic Principle. It makes me think that God must have a reason for wanting you and I to be here.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Our Value Comes From God Not From How We Compare To Others
Most of us have a nagging tendency to compare ourselves to others. The result is that we are inclined to determine our “meaning” and “value” by how we measure up in comparison with others. But the truth is that God made us and He loves us. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others, the fact that we matter to God is the true source of our meaning and value.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Moving Toward Maturity
We know that we are growing when we are willing to see and acknowledge unflattering or difficult truths about our selves. And we know that we are really moving toward maturity when we begin to make positive, constructive changes regarding those unflattering realities.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
True Love Requires Strength and Courage
Love puts us in a vulnerable place. When we truly love others, we open ourselves up in ways that make it possible that we will be hurt. This is why true love is not a sappy, faint-hearted, endeavor. Actually, true love requires great strength and courage.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
E-Flash From Dan, July 19, 2011
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Just two quick reminders…
First, on Wednesday night (July 20th) our Living Link missionary, Charlotte McPherson, will be speaking here at the church at 7pm. Hope you can be here. We love Charlotte
The second reminder is that on Thursday night we are having our 2nd Annual Church Pool Party.
Cost for the party? Free!
You say, “Huh? What? Did you just say f-f-f-f-f-f-free???”
Yes, I did! F-F-F-F-FREE of charge! Come and enjoy the pool at 94th and Nashville in Oak Lawn , Thursday, July 21, 7:30-9:30pm. If it’s anything like last year’s party, a lot of folks will be there, we’ll have snacks to munch on, water will be involved, and we will have a blast. Not necessarily in that order.
I only hope the weather warms up a little, huh?
Okay, I’m pretty sure that’s all, for now.
Are you experiencing God’s presence and His blessing this week? That’s been my prayer for you!
Love and blessings, Dan
Creating Culture
When Christians are critical of the culture in which we live it’s helpful to remember that one of the most effective ways to change what we see in the culture is to be involved in creating culture. Christians should not withdraw from culture but should be involved in relevant, meaningful ways in fields such as television, film, journalism, literature, business, government, education, music, etc.
Monday, July 18, 2011
It's Important For People To See Christians Expressing Love
In order for Christianity to be compelling and attractive to unbelievers, they must see Christians really living with love and compassion toward others. This is a paraphrase of Francis Schaeffer: There is nothing uglier than theological orthodoxy without understanding or compassion.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Representing Jesus In Everything We Do And Say
If you are a Christian, do you view yourself as a representative of Jesus in everything that you do and say? This understanding is an important aspect of what it means to be an authentic follower of Jesus. We are representatives of our King. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Col.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Real Love Is Chosen Not Forced
If God FORCED us to love him, it would not be a genuine form of love, would it? So, God gives us a choice, that’s the only way that love can be meaningful. But, of course, real “choice” means that we can choose not to love Him. That’s the risk of authentic love. I’m glad we have chosen to love Him.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Giving Godly Advice
A lot teaching & counsel happens in very informal settings. We often teach & counsel each other in the regular, every day course of life—not in a formal way, sure—but it’s still teaching & counsel. When you are about to give someone a word of advice, do you think: “Is what I’m about to say ‘Godly’ advice?” “Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom HE gives.” Col.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
E-Flash From Dan, Summer 2011
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Jesus had this compelling way of putting an interesting and surprising twist on a story. In one of Jesus’ parables, a religious leader who keeps the law with great discipline and devotion does not wind up being the hero.
You say, “Huh…?”
And in the same story (from Luke chapter 18) the no-good tax collector—rotten scoundrel that he is—does not wind up being the bad guy.
You say, “Hold on! What is the point of this tale?”
Well, the story offers us some helpful and important insights into pride, humility and forgiveness. And if you want to find out more—I hope you do because it’s cool—then plan on being here this Sunday! (By the way, there are extra credit points with God when you go to church in July before going to the beach. You knew about that, right?)
I’m excited to be back from my break. I had a wonderful opportunity to study and read and do some writing. And I also had time to swim, pet a manatee, do some snorkeling, and make underwater videos!
(I tried to combine some of the activities that I mentioned in the paragraph above, but I found out that manatees really aren’t interested in hearing me read to them. ….And the pages of the book get really wet when you try.)
But I’m ready to be back and I’m privileged to be able to teach from this great passage in Luke chapter 18, as well as lead us in Communion, this Sunday, July 17th (let’s remember to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s table). I’m looking forward to seeing you all and worshipping with the church I love!
Hope to see you this Sunday!!!
Love and blessings,
Dan
P.S. As always, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY thanks to Chris Donnelly for preaching while I was gone. …Did I mention A LOT of thanks to Chris? Okay, I just want to be sure. What a blessing it is to have such a wonderfully gifted, passionate and willing teacher in our church. Praise God!
The Curriculum for Growth Involves...People
Part of our curriculum for growing is going to involve other people. Growing means we have to learn to love other people. We have to learn to speak honestly and wisely and, yet, gently, humbly and graciously to other people. Growing will mean that we have to learn to develop truly significant, deep, meaningful, lasting relationships with other people. Are you willing to engage deeply with others?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Whole-Hearted Commitment
A half-hearted commitment to Christ results in a diminished experience. Half-hearted commitment won’t produce the “abundant life” to which Jesus refers. The Christian faith is only experienced with fullness and true vitality when it is lived with an “I’m-all-in” commitment.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Types of Questions We Ask
Mature love asks different questions than immature love. Immature love constantly asks these types of questions: “What’s in this for me?” Or, “how does it benefit me to love you?” Mature love is inclined to ask: “How can I encourage and serve you?” Or, “how can I help you to flourish?” Or, “what is in your best interest?”
Monday, July 11, 2011
Who Is Truly Sufficient?
This might seem like a strange point of view, however, it is spiritually healthy to understand how insufficient we are because that realization makes us more open to dependence upon the one who is truly sufficient for the needs of our lives.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Now Is The Time To Express Our Love
Sometimes we don’t really pay attention to those that we love until they are not there anymore. Say, “I love you” now. Write the card now. Make the phone call now. “Now” is the only moment that we have for sure, so “now” is the time to express our love.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Marriage: What God Has Joined Together
I’m officiating at my niece, Carly’s, wedding this evening. One of the things that Jesus had to say about marriage—and remember, marriage is God’s idea—was this: “Therefore, what God has joined together let man not separate.” Mark 10:9. It’s a huge relational commitment. That’s why it works best with the help of an Almighty God.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Real Love Is Patient And Gives People Time
Jesus’ kindness, patience and graciousness is demonstrated when his own disciples are skeptical of the early resurrection reports—even after he told them that this is exactly how things would happen. Sometimes people need time to process life’s twists and turns, and figure things out. Real love, patiently, allows people to have that time.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Sacrifice and Commitment and Love
“One of the most common Hebrew terms for love in the Old Testament is ‘ahab’….The term ‘ahab’ expresses itself best through actions of sacrifice and commitment.” ~Breidenbaugh. Hmm, imagine if everyone thought of love in terms of sacrificing on behalf of others and maintaining a commitment to others, despite our vacillating feelings…that seems like it would be a pretty good thing, huh?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Putting Your Hand To The Plow
When you say, “Yes, Lord” you’ve put your “hand to the plow”. (This is Jesus’ imagery.) Putting your hand to the plow means you’re ready to get to work—actually, it means you have begun the work. You are saying, “I’m with you Lord, I’m ready to do your will.” Jesus expects those who put their hand to the plow, to continue—with His help—to do the work of the Kingdom.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Hope You Have A Safe And Happy 4th of July!
Those of us who live in the U.S.A. America
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Have We Remembered To Be Thankful For Our Country?
I have a new friend who is looking to make a permanent move to the United States from her native country in Europe . She has been living here in the U.S.
Why?
Well, her answer basically includes the same reasons that have inspired millions of people to move to this country: prosperity, economic hope, freedom and opportunity. (Also, she can get a much faster Internet signal here.)
I think those of us who have lived in the U.S.
When I take time to reflect on the matter, I’m genuinely thankful for our country, aren’t you?
I realize that some folks will read the previous couple of sentences and think, “Oh yeah? Hold it just a minute! What about all the problems we’ve had in this country in the past and all the problems we’re having right now, buddy?!? This hasn’t been the perfect place you’re making it out to be!”
Yes, it’s true. There are problems with our country. (So far, there haven’t been any perfect countries. Yep, I “googled” it, for verification.) I see problems. Like everyone else, I see issues that bother me. I am troubled by the direction our culture continues to move when it comes to moral issues that directly affect some of the bedrock institutions of society.
I realize that some people in our country haven’t experienced the justice and equality that we promise. That is a blemish on our record.
I am greatly bothered by the corruption of many of our leaders. (I suspect we only know a fraction of it.) In fact, there is an abandonment of true leadership character and true leadership practices among some of our political leaders that leaves many of us profoundly sad. (The pursuit of power, still lures men and women to the degradation of their character and the forsaking of integrity.)
So, I am aware that there are very real problems like those that I noted above and many others. But, you know what? I still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. In spite of our imperfections, the United States
Our country has provided liberty to millions. It has created more prosperity for more people than any other nation in history. The U.S.A.
I thank God that—with no credit to myself—I happen to live at such an amazing time and place in history. I’m thankful to those who risked their lives to establish this outstanding experiment in democracy. I’m thankful to those who have fought and died—and continue to do so—to establish and protect our freedoms.
Some people may think it’s wrong or arrogant or theologically incorrect to say “God bless America America America
So, I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July. Be careful. Wear sunscreen. Don’t get too much bug spray on your cheeseburger. Honor Christ in your words and deeds.
With humility, gratitude, and a bit of patriotic pride, I say: God bless America
Understanding Commitment to Christ
If you suspect that Jesus expects us to put our commitment to Him first, to make Him the single most important aspect of our entire lives—that absolutely NOTHING should ever come before Him—then you’re understanding commitment to Christ properly.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Benefit of the Doubt
When we truly love others, we trust them. Not in the sense of being naïve, or blind to difficult realities, but in the sense of giving the benefit of the doubt, in the sense of wanting to believe the best about others, and in the sense of giving another chance.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Tammy and Paula -- A Night of Comedy
My sister-in-law, Paula, and I were sitting at a table that literally touched the stage at Visani’s comedy club last night. We were there to see comedian, Tammy Pescatelli (Last Comic Standing, Tonight Show, and other shows). She was terrific. Very funny.
Everyone knows, it can be dangerous to be seated right by the stage during a comedy show. But it turned out to be a good experience for us. About a half dozen times during her hour and a half long show, Tammy interacted with Paula. Their best moment occurred when Paula said to Tammy, “Tell the joke again.” Because we [the audience] didn’t quite get a comment she made.
Tammy said, “No, I’m not telling it again! Who the h*** are you? Martin Scorcese?”
Well, maybe you had to be there. But in the moment it was funny. No, really. It was.
After the show was over, Tammy—who is such a nice person—graciously posed for a couple of pictures with us and then while we stood there staring uncomfortably at her for just a little too long, the police showed up.
So, I’m trying to figure out who to contact with my one phone call. But in the meantime, I love how jail is now equipped with Wi-Fi. Cool!
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A Good Thought On The Subject of Fundamentalism
“Fundamentalism doesn’t necessarily lead you to terrorism. It depends on what your FUNDAMENTAL is. Have you ever seen an Amish terrorist?” – Timothy Keller quoting his wife, Kathy. The point is that it is not necessarily bad or inherently negative to be a “fundamentalist”, in fact, everyone has “fundamentals” in which they believe. What is your fundamental truth?
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