Monday, April 30, 2012
Conforming To Jesus Rather Than Expecting Jesus To Conform To Us
Most of us have a subtle—or sometimes not-so-subtle—tendency
to recreate Jesus in our own image. In
other words, an image that affirms our beliefs, desires, political bent, and
pet theological positions. The goal of
the authentic follower of Jesus, however, is to conform to Jesus and not
flatter ourselves with notions of Jesus conforming to us.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Developing Wisdom
When we utilize all of our
learning and experiences to live—in practical ways—more effectively, we are
developing wisdom.
We Need God
One of the obstacles
to salvation for some people is the position they hold that says, “I’m okay. I
don’t need God. Everything is pretty good for me, just the way it is.” When we
admit the truth—that we do need God—we’re actually liberated! We’re liberated
from trying to be our own Savior, which we can’t do anyhow. And then the
conditions are right for us to look to the real true Savior.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Ring Bearer: "What Fun Stuff?"
While delivering remarks at a wedding tonight, I said, “In
just a minute, here, we’re going to get to the fun stuff.” I was referring to the wedding vows.
The little Ring Bearer who was standing with the groomsmen
in the front of the congregation suddenly snapped to attention. And with some excitement he said—in a voice
that everyone could hear, “What fun stuff!?!”
The congregation erupted in laughter.
It was the genuine curiosity in his voice that helped make
this moment amusing. I had been droning
on with talk about unity; and thoughts about Genesis chapter 2; and how, in
God’s eyes, the groom and bride are “one flesh.” We can all understand that this
information—though quite fascinating to me—wouldn’t have been very interesting for
a little boy, right?
And then in the midst of all this dry talk he heard the
phrase, “fun stuff.” Who can blame him
for zeroing in on it?
When he stood up straight and looked around asking, “What
fun stuff?” You could tell that he was
honestly curious and he was honestly hoping that something fun was actually
going to happen.
Unfortunately, when we did finally get to the vows I suspect
they still weren’t quite as fun as he was hoping they would be. (After all, wedding vows rarely involve something
really fun like, oh, let’s say… laser tag.)
But I should note that the bride and groom seemed to like
them!
God's Ways Are Higher Than Our Ways
As mankind progresses and science & technology continue
to make astonishing advances, one of the things that the wise person notices is
that there is more and more that we do not know and have not grasped. It makes
me think of this verse: “As the heavens
are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and
my thoughts than your thoughts.” [God] Isaiah 55:9
Friday, April 27, 2012
There's A Time To Wait And A Time To Act
There’s a time to pray and wait and ponder. And then there’s a time to act. Sometimes it’s not so easy to know which time
is the right one. But consider this: if
we want to engage life fully, we have to be willing to take the risk of
action. “If you act, you won’t spend the
rest of your life going, ‘I wonder what would have happened if…’” Kiefer, Schlesinger
& Brown
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Let Me Tell You About Lyle Nielsen
Lyle Nielsen is my sister-in-law Candi’s father.
Lyle is a wonderful Christian man. If you knew him you would have liked
him. Really. I’m not just saying that.
Lyle has a family who are some of the most terrific, loving,
fun, thoughtful, outstanding people I’ve ever known. This is due to many factors, no doubt, but
it’s primarily due to the work of God in their lives.
One of the main reasons that they know God is because of
Lyle’s love of God and his life of faithful, committed service to the Lord Jesus
Christ. Lyle’s life has been a steady,
consistent and beautiful example of the abundant life of which Jesus spoke.
Lyle has been a paraplegic—as the result of an automobile
accident—for the last 32 years of his life.
I find it to be an interesting and inspiring testimony to the character
of this man to know that Lyle did not whine, complain or shake the fist of an
angry victim at God because of this life-altering disability.
Lyle did this instead:
He lived.
He laughed.
He told stories.
He loved his wife.
He sang.
He danced at his grandchildren’s weddings. (He did.
I saw it.)
He spoke words of love, hope and encouragement to his
children.
He served God.
He served others.
He gave loving, Godly, wise advice to fortunate people like
me.
He worshiped God with his heart, soul, mind and strength.
Today Lyle died.
But he didn’t really die in the most ultimate sense of that
word because those who die knowing Jesus have this promise from Jesus: “I am
the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall
he live…” John 11:25
That is an incredibly important promise. Wouldn’t you agree?
Lyle’s family loves him very much. He will be dearly missed. They will grieve his passing.
But because of Jesus, those of us who love Lyle will also
rejoice. Yes, there will be tears on our
cheeks but we rejoice to know that Lyle has not ceased to exist. In fact, he is singing and dancing and
praising Jesus with an all new power, vitality and excitement.
The wheelchair is gone.
The earthly limitations are gone.
The struggles of this life are gone.
And in place of those things is life eternal. Life in its most vibrant, thrilling,
fulfilling, and meaningful sense. Life
in the awesome, unspeakable light and presence of the Lord Jesus.
My sincerest prayers go out to the entire Nielsen family
(and extended family) during this time of grief. You are dear to me and I love you all more
than I could ever express with words.
God surely blessed you all—and others of us, as well—with the life of
Lyle.
Be assured that God’s love and blessings endure forever!
Dan Marler
There Has Never Been A Leader Like Jesus
“All through human history, as far back as recorded
time…kings, princes, tribal chiefs, presidents and dictators have sent their
subjects into battle to die for them. Only once in human history has a king not
sent his subjects to die for him, but instead, died for his subjects.” –
Charles Colson. There has NEVER been a
leader like Jesus.
Christianity Is Personal
Real Christianity is fundamentally and inextricably
personal. It is about the person of God
engaging with you and I. “Christianity
is not a political theory. It is not
even a cultural theory. It is, at its
root, all about changing the heart of each man and woman, boy and girl, so that
we begin to think God’s thoughts and act in accordance with his character.” Ravi Zacharias
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
God Had Things In Mind For Us Before We Were Born
Do you believe that God had good, important, helpful,
Christ-honoring, Kingdom-advancing works in mind for your life before you were
ever even born? That’s what the Bible
seems to be saying here: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians
2:10 That’s exciting to think about,
huh?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
We're Praying for You
Persecuted Christian leader in Ethiopia
to Wess Stafford of Compassion Int’l:
“We’re praying for you.” Wess:
“You’re praying for us?” Ethiopian
leader: “Is it true that there are actually Christians in the U.S. who don’t
pray all the time, every day because things are so easy there?” Wess:
“Yes, that’s true.” Ethiopian
leader: “That’s why we’re praying for you.”
Podcast for April 24, 2012
I talk with Vic about going to a video arcade with Rachel. We also talk about the beauty of Psalm 103.
Click here for audio!
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Click here for audio!
.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Pursuing Our Purpose In Life
Joy comes from seeing the complete fulfillment of the specific
purpose for which I was created. –
Oswald Chambers. There is a reason why
we are here. We know this is true
because God is not random, chaotic, or unintentional. So there is a purpose for our lives. Knowing and pursuing that purpose will result
in joy.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
I'm Hoping To Be Encouraged Today!
There’s a reference in the Bible to the idea of Christians meeting
together (Heb. 10:25). And that passage
in Hebrews specifically mentions the importance of encouragement. Obviously, that’s not the only purpose for
our gatherings, but it is a key aspect of what happens when we gather in
Christ’s name. I’m hoping to be greatly
encouraged today. I hope you are, too!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
E-Flash From Dan -- Some Thoughts About Chuck Colson
Dear E-Flash Friends;
I feel some sadness at the passing of Chuck Colson.
I read many of his books and heard him speak—in person and
through recordings—numerous times; I was always stirred, challenged and
motivated. So, I almost feel as if I
knew him personally. Unfortunately, I
did not have that pleasure.
Many of you know that Chuck went from being a convicted
felon who served time in prison due to his involvement in the Watergate scandal
to being an eloquent, brilliant and powerful spokesman for the Kingdom of God
An interesting thought about Chuck was expressed by author,
Eric Metaxas, who said, “He allowed a humbling period to define him and his
whole posture to the culture.” That is
true and it is an insightful comment about the character of the man and the
reality of Christ in his life.
Every now and then someone comes along who is able to
communicate weighty ideas having to do with subjects like theology,
apologetics, worldview, spiritual maturity, leadership, government and society
from a Christian perspective and in a way that is challenging, yet, understandable
to regular people like me. Chuck was one
of the those rare, exceptional, helpful people.
Although I’m sad, I’m also excited to think that now Chuck
is experiencing the glory of Christ in the way that only happens when we pass
from this earthly life.
Well done good, faithful and humble servant.
Knowing About Ourselves
Difficult tests of our faith can be good. It’s not that
they’re easy or pleasant, of course. But if we really are tested somewhere
along the way and we stand firm, then we know something about our selves. We
know how we would respond to adversity.
We know because now we have had the first-hand experience of responding
under pressure.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Image Bearers of God
All people are image bearers of Almighty God. This helps us understand that just being a
person—that simple fact, all by itself—gives a person a status of worth,
dignity and value. We humans, alone among God’s creatures, are the only ones
created in His own image. So, that should give us all a little shot of self
esteem today…we are image bearers of God!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
We Did Not Build A Bear
Rachel and I went shopping for a stuffed animal but Rachel did not find what she was looking for.
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It's God's Story
It might be possible that we see God as one of the characters in an epic movie called: My Life! …That’s a misunderstanding of reality. God is not a character in our story, we’re a character in God’s story. God is the Creator and Sustainer of everything that exists. He’s the Director. He’s the Storyteller. He is the point of it all.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Podcast for 4/18/12
Vic and I talk about the time I was asked to get rid of a ghost and we talk about how Jesus puts things in perspective.
Click here for audio!
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Click here for audio!
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Coming Alive Spiritually
When a person is “born again”, it means that the person has come alive spiritually. A movement from spiritual death to spiritual life has happened. We don’t expect to immediately see complete change in every area of the person’s life, however we should see some affects from this authentic spiritual rebirth. We will see the very real influence of Jesus.
Monday, April 16, 2012
"Count Your Blessings" Turns Out To Be A Good Idea
Academic research has shown that gratitude and thankfulness are good for us emotionally and even physically. They have an effect on things like energy levels and alertness. It has been shown that gratitude and thankfulness affect a person’s willingness to help others. And so, not surprisingly, it turns out that the old idea of “count your blessings” really is good advice.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Choosing To Trust God
Every person puts their faith and trust in someone or something. It is impossible to live life without making this type of commitment. In fact, to refuse to consider the matter is to automatically move to the default option which is to put your faith and trust in yourself. I choose to put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Friday, April 13, 2012
E-Flash From Dan, April 13, 2012
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Have you ever found yourself wondering this: “Hmm, I’m curious what will be happening at church this Sunday… and I’ve got a question about the old Partridge Family TV show, too?”
I know, it happens all the time, doesn’t it?
Well, you’re in luck. Just click on the link below and you can listen to the podcast which deals with both of those issues!
Audio Podcast Link…
Hope you’ve been having a great week and experiencing the peace and joy of God’s presence. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Love and blessings,
Dan
Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Wisdom
Why is “fear of the Lord” such an important aspect of wisdom? Because true wisdom involves an understanding and appreciation of what is genuinely fundamental to the effective living of life. And it is true that a sober reverence, respect and awe of God qualifies as one of those bottom-line, fundamental realities.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Do The Right Thing In The Right Way
I heard Razi Zacharias say this recently: “One of the most dangerous forms of temptation is the temptation to do the right thing in the wrong way.” So, for example, we might speak the truth—which is the right thing. But we might do so with anger and hostility instead of love—which is the wrong way. Followers of Christ are called to do the right thing AND to do it in the right way.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Freedom To Serve
The quest for freedom is not about a selfish desire to be able to do whatever we want. Real freedom is a result of a work of God in a human heart which liberates us to do one of the things that our Creator designed us to do in the first place: serve others lovingly.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Podcast for 4/10/12
I talk with Vic about standing ovations. Also, we deal with a question about the importance of Bible reading to spiritual growth and development.
Click here for audio!
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Click here for audio!
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A Calling By God
A calling by God is—by definition—the summons of a higher authority. In fact, to recognize a calling from God is to recognize something life-changing and profound; it is to recognize that you do not have authority over your life . . . God does.
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Church Is The Church, Right Now
Sometimes people express a great longing or desire for what the church could be. And there is something good, helpful and motivating about those forward-looking longings, desires and visions. But it’s also helpful for us to not allow the longings for what the church could be, to minimize what the church now is. The church, in all its imperfections, exists as Christ’s bride, now.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Jesus Christ Is Alive And He Is Lord! Happy Easter!
Easter really did happen. Jesus has risen!
Therefore…
Jesus Christ is the name above all names.
He is supreme over all creation!
He is the Healer and Forgiver!
He is the redeemer and Savior!
Jesus Christ is alive and He is Lord!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Is There Good Evidence For The Resurrection?
“Even the once-doubting Sir Lionel Luckhoo, identified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful attorney in the world, was forced to conclude after an exhaustive analysis of the evidence, ‘I say unequivocally that the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.’” – Lee Strobel
Friday, April 6, 2012
No One Has Done For You And I What Jesus Has Done For You And I
No one has ever done for you and I, what Jesus has done for you and I. No one else ever could, it’s not possible. On Good Friday, I think about His sacrifice and His love and though the words don’t seem adequate in light of the magnitude of what He has done, I say, “Thank you, Jesus!”
Thursday, April 5, 2012
What's Coming Easter 2012? -- Audio Podcast
We provide some details on the podcast about what's coming up this weekend! We also talk just a little bit of baseball.
Click here for audio!
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Click here for audio!
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Respect For The Wisdom Of Those Who Have Gone Before Us
It’s very possible for us to underestimate just how deeply influenced—even brainwashed—we are by the culture in which we live. This is why it is helpful for us to know something about history and to have some respect for the accumulated wisdom of those who have gone before us.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Stand With The Bible Or Go With The Culture?
For 2000 years the Bible has been acknowledged and accepted as the trustworthy and authoritative source of teaching about God and morality by Christians all over the world. Now, we find that the Bible is saying things that are politically incorrect in American culture. Question: Should I go with the flow of the culture or should I stand with the unpopular positions of the Bible?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
God Will Never Stop Loving Us
When problems or difficulties come into our lives, or when deep sorrow comes our way, it’s possible to interpret these events as indications that, perhaps, God has stopped loving us. But, that’s not true. The Bible tells us that God won’t ever stop loving us. “…[N]othing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom.8:39
Monday, April 2, 2012
Real Love Is Enduring
Real love is enduring. It does not quickly or easily withdraw from the loved one when encountering unattractive attitudes or actions. This is because the source of real love is God and, thankfully, God does not withdraw His love from us when encountering our unattractive attitudes or actions.
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