Sometimes really strict people will say there are serious things happening and the spiritual realities of our world are such that we shouldn’t be wasting time with frivolity and laughter. What these folks don’t realize is that it’s precisely because there are serious matters in this life that God has given us the gift of laughter to stay sane.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Q & A -- Do We Need To Work On Ourselves In Order To Provide Leadership To Others?
Question:
I heard a Christian speaker say that we need to “work on ourselves” before we can lead others. But that doesn’t sound right to me. Isn’t working on ourselves an inherently selfish thing to do? Jesus said that leaders are supposed to be humble.
Answer:
I suppose working on ourselves can become a form of selfishness, because we have the ability to take just about any pursuit to the point where it becomes unhealthy.
(I made a trip to the gym unhealthy, one time. It involved a deep fryer and several packages of Twinkies.)
However, the idea of working on ourselves could be understood to mean that we are actively pursuing spiritual growth and maturity, i.e., becoming more like Christ. Hebrews chapter 12, vs. 1, tells us: “…Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” This is speaking of spiritual discipline using the metaphor of a long race. It’s a form of working on ourselves. In this case, working on ourselves would, obviously, be good and it would be important to spiritual leadership.
Sometimes Christian teachers will attempt to give insight and help involving aspects of life in Christ that they have not personally experienced. I heard a Christian teacher refer to this as the preaching of “rumors and innuendo”. (That’s a pretty effective way of putting it.) Working on ourselves becomes critical because there is a sense in which we cannot lead people very capably into areas where we have not gone ourselves.
So, although it may sound selfish, working on ourselves is actually an aspect of becoming the kind of person who can genuinely lead and assist others.
Let's Not Isolate Ourselves... Reach Out For Help
Sometimes when we are feeling discouraged and depressed, we have a tendency to withdraw and isolate ourselves. That’s exactly what we should not do. It’s in those times, especially, that we need to reach out for the support, help, love, connection and encouragement of others.
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Blessing of God's Presence With Us
It’s very helpful, encouraging & comforting to know that God is always with us. Fear is stifled—it does not manifest in us—when we have a keen awareness of God’s presence. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Psalm 23:4
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Being Ready
Jesus said that we should “be ready” for his return. The very notion of “being ready” presumes that there is such a thing as “not being ready”. So, if He comes and you’re not ready… then it’s too late. I don’t write this in order to frighten or threaten anyone, I write it to inform. “Be ready”. In other words, be trusting in Christ, be living for Christ. When He returns…be found in Him.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
An SNL Appearance? Not Really
Because I like to think that I have a pretty decent sense of humor, I have imagined what it would be like to have a small, brief appearance on Saturday Night Live. Oh, I know, that’s such a frivolous idea for a pastor of a church to spend any time thinking about.
Frankly, I’m embarrassed to admit such a thing. I really should be pondering deep theological matters and issues of eternal consequence—but I’m sorry, that’s where my mind sometimes wanders when I’m daydreaming.
So, with some chagrin, I share this make believe appearance on SNL that I have imagined.
It’s 10 minutes to show time and since SNL is done live, there is a furious bustle of activity in Studio 8H, along with that exciting feeling of raw energy that comes with a mixture of nerves and adrenalin. Everyone is feeling the combination of intensity and jitters that always accompany any pressure-filled, significant performance.
The celebrity host for the evening walks past me getting in place for the show’s cold opening. I smile and say, “It’s almost go time!” Then I hold out my hand for the high five. Unfortunately, at no time during that brief moment did he even notice me.
Do I feel self-conscious and a little out of place? Of course I do! I realize that it’s just a crazy lark that I’m even participating in such an event…
Hey look, there’s Betty White! I wave, but she doesn’t see me.
Oh well, I know how these things go and I realize that everyone is feeling nervous.
Just then the segment producer approaches, holding a clipboard and says, “Excuse me, who are you?”
“Oh,” I chuckle and say, “I’m Dan Marler. Remember? I’m the guy who has the little line in tonight’s next to the last sketch.” I hold out my hand for the high five.
At that point the security guards are called and I’m briskly escorted from the building.
[ Long pause, along with a deep sigh. ] Gee whiz, you know something has gone terribly awry when a guy can’t even catch a fun break in his own daydreams!
Friday, November 25, 2011
I Was Skeptical About Black Friday... But Not Anymore!
I was going to go to some local stores just to see and experience the mania of this legendary shopping day called “Black Friday”. Frankly, I was skeptical. I didn’t think it was as crazy as all the media reports portray it. But when I went outside there was actually a line halfway around the block just to get into my car! Wow, this Black Friday thing really is wild!
Wisdom About Anger - Audio Podcast
Here's an audio podcast that deals with the subject of handling anger. It's based on Ecclesiastes chapter 7, vs. 9.
Click here for audio!
.
Click here for audio!
.
Pondering The Greatness of Knowing Christ
The Apostle Paul said that everything in the whole world was “rubbish” compared to knowing Christ. In other words, nothing else has any importance or value in comparison with the greatness of knowing Christ. Hmm, think about it, Paul wanted to know Jesus more than he wanted anything else in life. Could we honestly say that we feel that way, too? I’m pondering that truth today.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
E-Flash From Dan -- Thanksgiving Adventures
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Hope you’ve been having a great Thanksgiving Day! Mine has been terrific. Nadia whipped up a delicious feast that any early American Pilgrim would have envied.
And then, following our dinner, I sat back in a comfortable chair and did what most of you probably did. I read for a while from a book on theology. Yep, I know, that’s the typical thing most people do after a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal. Here’s a brief sample passage from the book I’m reading:
“Yet eschatology itself is a crucial category for theology and ethics, to take only the question of how ‘realized’ is the kingdom of God in our era and how we therefore should act in light of that eschatological understanding.”
Yeah, I know. It’s dynamic and exhilarating, isn’t it?
Well, as you can imagine, after reading a number of thrilling passages like that for half an hour or more, you could feel the excitement all through our house reach a fever pitch. I quickly took advantage of the momentum from all that reading frenzy to make a stealthy move into the kitchen and dive back into the turkey and other leftovers for the next round of eating.
I’m telling you all of that to let you know that I’m now laying on the couch with a mild sugar coma and a small turkey bone hanging out of the corner of my mouth.
And, furthermore, it seemed like a good time to remind you all that this Sunday, Nov. 27th, the elders will be having a prayer time in between the two morning services. (I bet you’ve never read an introduction for a “prayer time” announcement like that before, huh?) If you have a prayer need or if you would simply like to join with us during our time of prayer, we will be meeting in the sanctuary at approximately 10:15am, and you are welcome to come.
Also, we will be looking at Ecclesiastes chapter 7, vs. 13, this Sunday. It is an interesting passage that talks about accepting the way God does things. I believe you will be blessed if you are here. In fact, it would be a great Sunday to invite a friend. I am praying that God will be moving powerfully. I ask that you pray for the service, too.
Thanks, and in all serious, I hope that you have had a wonderful and blessed day and that there is genuine gratitude in your heart for God’s goodness in your life.
Love and blessings,
Dan
I Am Grateful... Happy Thanksgiving!
Family, friends, good health, a wonderful church, God’s unfailing love and grace, these are just a few of the many things that I’m thankful for. It’s good and right when people who are abundantly blessed feel and express genuine gratitude for those blessings. Are you grateful? I am. If you’re reading this message, that means you’re one of my friends--an electronic friend, at least. That means I’m thankful for you, too! Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Dan.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
We're Never Separated From God's Love
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39. Isn’t it nice to know that nothing will ever separate us from God’s love?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Looking At Ourselves Honestly
There is a tendency to want to find people to blame for the troubles of our world—and, no doubt, there are plenty of people who are deserving of blame. But are we also willing to consider how we may, perhaps, have contributed to some of the problems, too? This kind of reflection is what mature, responsible, honest people do.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
What The Heck Is Celebrity Rehab?
A while back I posted a vlog indicating that I had been interviewed for an episode of the TV show “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew”. Since then, a few people have asked me, “What the heck is Celebrity Rehab?”
Alright, I’d say that’s a fair question. So, here’s an answer…
Celebrity Rehab is a reality TV show that airs on the VH1 cable network. It is hosted by Dr. Drew [Dr. Drew Pinsky]. You’ve heard of Dr. Drew, right? He’s probably one of the most visible physicians on television these days. I think he has about 16 shows in which he is currently involved. (That’s an exaggeration, but just a slight exaggeration.)
Celebrity Rehab chronicles the struggles of celebrities who are battling addictions. According to the show’s website, it is “the first reality TV show to depict the process of overcoming addiction.” (If you don’t count some early episodes of the Flintstones.)
I was interviewed for the show by Bob Forrest. Bob and the Celebrity Rehab crew were at the church recording about 25 to 30 minutes of conversation with me. Bob is Dr. Drew’s right hand man and he is described on the show’s website as the Head Counselor and Program Manager at the Pasadena Recovery Center
You might be saying, “Okay Dan, so come clean. What type of addiction are you struggling with anyhow?”
My main addiction right now is ice tea with lots of Splenda. But hold on a minute, my interview for the show was not about me. The interview was done in relation to a man who attends our church named Joey Kovar who appeared on Season 3 of Celebrity Rehab. Joey’s initial fame comes from appearing on the MTV show called The Real World. Celebrity Rehab is doing a series of episodes entitled: “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Revisited” in which they reunite with former patients to see how they are doing. It’s basically Celebrity Rehab’s version of “where are they now?”
Joey Kovar has had an authentic conversion experience in which he has accepted Christ and this has played a significant role in his life and in his experience of attempting to remain clean and sober. So, the folks from Celebrity Rehab asked to speak with me as Joey’s pastor (with his permission, of course).
The VH1 website states that “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Season 3 Revisited” is currently scheduled to air on Sunday, December 4th, (at 8pm Central).
Obviously, I don’t know if any portion of my interview will make it to air. I have no control over the show and I won’t know until it airs that evening. But, it was fun and pretty exciting for a non-celebrity like me to be involved in the taping. Will any of it air? We’ll see…
Well, I think that covers just about everything I know about the matter and even a few things I didn’t know about it until about 15 minutes ago.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Talking To God
According to the Bible, God hears our prayers. When we talk to God or even if we simply think thoughts to God, He is listening to us. That’s, actually, a remarkable truth to consider. The Almighty Creator of the universe is able and willing to interact in that kind of personal, individual way with you and me. Hmm, it’s pretty cool to be able to talk to God, huh?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Humility and Maturity of John The Baptist
At a certain point, John The Baptist’s once-large crowds began to dwindle and Jesus’ crowds were growing. John was not bothered by this. He said about Jesus, matter-of-factly, “He must increase and I must decrease.” Whenever I read this, I am moved and impressed by John’s humility, understanding, and maturity.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Keep Going! Don't Give Up!
It’s important for us to be able to bounce back and keep going after failures, disappointments, and other types of negative experiences. How we handle difficulties is an indication of how well equipped we are to handle life. Don’t give up and remember God is still with us!
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Victim Mentality Can Obscure The Reality of Consequences
Our culture tends to encourage a victim mentality. Now, it is certainly true that sometimes people are victimized. However, when an entire society embraces a pervasive victim mentality, that can be a dangerous attitude in a number of ways. In particular, a victim mentality can obscure the reality that our actions really do have consequences.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Don't Eat All The Baked Goods In The Same Day
We had the chili cook off and bake sale at church. I’ve been eating cookies non-stop since noon today and I’ve actually gained 135 pounds over the past 6 hrs. That doesn’t seem possible, does it? Most of it is in my ankles. I think it might be a record of some kind. I’m going to look it up. Hmm, I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe you shouldn’t eat all the baked goods in the same day.
Maybe I'll Write A Song And Call It Amazing Grace
I’m sitting here getting ready for the services and it occurred to me, once again, that I’ve pulled a whole lot of nonsense in my life—and I don’t really deserve to be forgiven for this stuff—but a gracious, loving God forgives me, anyhow, because of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Incredible! In fact, I ought to write a song and call it “Amazing Grace”. But I’ll do that later. Time for W.T. run through…
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Keep A Close Watch On How You Live
Someone gave me this verse one time and said, “Pay attention to this, Dan. It's an important verse for those who serve in leadership positions…”: “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” 1 Tim. 4:16 That person was right.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tell A Vet "Thanks!"
We live in a tremendous country that offers us lives of remarkable freedom. These privileges were paid for by men and women who have literally fought and suffered and, in many cases, died to protect our liberties. What they’ve done is a big deal. I am grateful for their service. Tell a vet, “Thanks, I appreciate what you’ve done!” Happy Veterans Day!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
E-Flash From Dan, Nov. 10, 2011
Dear E-Flash Friends;
King Solomon says, “Finishing is better than starting.”
“Hmm, what is Ol’ Sol talking about,” you ask? Well, I hope you’re planning on being here, at church, this Sunday, Nov. 13th, to find out. You will be blessed if you come.
And don’t forget that after the 11 o’clock service we’re having the Annual Chili Cook-Off and the Bake Sale. The Cook Off and Bake Sale are fund-raisers for the International Youth Convention, which our youth are attending in the summer of 2012. And they are tremendous opportunities to eat some tasty food! If you think about it, just the very idea of freshly baked goods, all by itself… uh huh… are you picturing something chocolate? Yep, that alone is reason enough to be here!
Who’s with me?!? (Just so you know, I’m visualizing lots of cheering, right now.)
Alright, time for a brief change of subjects: When I meet with folks, one of the issues that comes up over and over again has to do with helping people who are experiencing troubles and problems. The very brief attached video addresses a fundamental issue regarding with this matter.
Click on the link to view the video… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBEYzmXqaxQ
Hope you’re having a great week. I’m excited about seeing you all on Sunday!
Blessings,
Dan
P.S. King Solomon and I are not close personal friends, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t mind when I refer to him as “Ol’ Sol”.
The Value of Gathering With Others
Some actions and activities seem to have an extra dimension of meaning and potency when we gather together and do them with others. This is part of the reason that it’s good and helpful and important for the church to meet together. “Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:25(a)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Hey, It's A Good Day!
It’s been pouring rain once again today and there’s a Lake Michigan sized body of water in my back yard where there’s supposed to be a regular lawn for Jasper to enjoy. But you know what? The sun is actually beginning to poke out around some clouds. And it made me think of this verse: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps.118:24. God is good! Hope you have a great day. …Now get back to work!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Aha, Moment!
Once in a while, I will have one of those “aha” moments where I come to an understanding of something that I hadn’t noticed before. And I’m tempted to think: “God, why did this take so long? Why didn’t you show me this earlier in my life?” And it’s as if I can sense God saying, “I’ve been showing you this for years. It’s just that now you’re finally ready to get it.”
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Beauty of Forgiveness And Grace
Recently someone told me that when she first came to some church services a key attraction for her was the idea that there was forgiveness and grace available. She knew that she needed the forgiveness that Christ offered and it was important for her to hear and know that forgiveness was truly possible. I’ve been going to church for a long time and I still find that forgiveness attractive, too!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Why Is God Important When Receiving Criticism?
I posted a thought earlier today in which I stated that God is important to the process of receiving criticism in a healthy way.
Why is this true?
In order to understand how God can help us in this area of our lives, it is helpful to start with this realization: Criticism feels threatening to us.
There is a part of our brain that perceives almost any kind of criticism to be a threat. Even if the person who is offering the criticism does not mean to be threatening, it feels that way to us. And so there’s a natural defensiveness that rises up in us when we first hear a criticism.
In a fundamental way, what we’re talking about is, fear. Most of the time, when we receive criticism there is some measure of fear that is stirred in us. That’s why sometimes we can see someone be criticized in a very minor and gentle way and yet their reaction to the criticism seems extreme.
We look and think, “Why is this person reacting in such a volatile way to such a minor criticism? What’s going on here? Why such a strong response?”
The answer is that the person is afraid. The strong reaction is coming from fear.
This is where God is so important. God drives out fear. How does He do this? With His love. God’s love for us is perfect, unfailing, and unending. And the Bible tells us that, “…love [real love, God’s love] has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.” 1John 4:18. The last part of that verse is expressed this way in the NIV translation, “Perfect love drives out fear.:”
When you don’t really believe that God loves you, you will experience more fear in life. If you don’t believe that God loves you, you will have a hard time receiving any kind of constructive criticism because of the fear that it will generate in you.
On the other hand, the more convinced you are that God loves you, the less fear you will experience. If you are really convinced that God loves you, you will be more able to hear criticisms without anger and melt downs and furious denials because when you realize that God loves you, you realize that “it’s alright”. You will be able to say to yourself, “The fact that I’m receiving some criticism is alright. The fact that I have areas in which I need to grow is alright.”
The person who truly knows God’s love calmly understands that criticism is alright because we know that our inherent worth and value as a human being is not based on the fact that we’re imperfect and still have room to grow. Our inherent worth and value as a human being comes from this unshakable truth: God loves me.
I’m going to repeat that last sentence because it’s very important to think about it: Our inherent worth and value as a human being comes from this unshakable truth: God loves me.
Do you believe that God loves you? Do you? Really? Please note: I’m not asking if you know words about God’s love—I realize that you know those words—I’m asking if you have a true conviction in your heart that God loves you?
If you do then you can receive criticism graciously.
And if you can receive criticism graciously, congratulations! That means you’re in a good place to grow.
Criticism and Praise
Today, at church, we’ll be talking about some of the distinctions between wise criticism and foolish praise. And then we’ll be talking about being able to receive criticism graciously. Any person who wants to grow needs to be able to hear honest feedback. Later today, I’ll post a note to explain why God is so important to the process of receiving criticism in a healthy way.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
What Are We Becoming?
We are all constantly in the process of becoming something. What we are becoming might be positive or it might be negative, but the process is occurring. The goal of the follower of Jesus is that we are becoming more like Christ. Are the presence and the influence of Jesus becoming increasingly apparent in us? This is a question that worthy of our time and consideration.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Jesus Makes Us Right Before God
One of the most fundamental desires that we have is the desire to make ourselves good and right and acceptable to God and it can be downright bothersome for us to accept the fact that we cannot do this. It is the completed work of Christ on the cross that makes us good and right and acceptable to God. This is good news!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
God Calls Us To That Which Requires Him
This is an interesting quote I came across a number of years ago. It is worth pondering: “God will never call you to something you can do. Period. If you can do what God has called you to without the new power God alone provides…then you missed what God has called you to. God calls us only to that which requires Him.” – Dwight Edwards.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Can Real Truth Can Be Known?
Jesus claimed to be the truth. So, the follower of Christ accepts that real, objective truth exists and that truth can be known. Of course, some humility is warranted. This does not mean that we know and understand all truths…but it does mean that we can genuinely know the source of all truth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)