His Faith Is What Explained Reality

The truth of God as revealed in Jesus Christ is what made sense and gave meaning to life and the existence of our world for C.S. Lewis.  We could say that Christianity is what “explained reality” for him.  This is what he wrote:  “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

Accepting God's Ways

When we accept God’s ways, one of the things we are doing is acknowledging that there are certain things that we can’t change.  It’s not that there’s a sense of hopelessness or futility, to the contrary life with God is the ultimate life of hope.  But accepting God’s ways means we recognize that our ability to bring about our will in this world has limitations.

Get Over Here... Quick!

I’m sitting in my office with a huge smile on my face and great joy in my heart.  I’m happy and excited because the youth of our church are in the sanctuary right now rehearsing for this morning’s services.  They are leading the worship today and sharing about their experiences at the IYC.  If you’re anywhere near Oak Lawn, IL you better drop everything and get over here.  God is going to be praised and it’s going to be a terrific morning!   …Oh, and I’ll be bringing a message today, too, but don’t let that stop you.

First Church of God

4600 W. 111th Street

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

708-636-2620

Service times:  9am and 11am

God's Ways Are Best

God’s ways are best.  We don’t always understand His ways.  And we may get frustrated, or impatient, or bothered by what’s happening.  But I trust that He truly loves me, that He knows more than I do, and that His ways are right.

Even If You Fail... Keep Trying Anyhow

It hurts to try something and then have it fail, miserably, doesn’t it?  I’ve had that happen… oh, let’s see… about 5,682 times now.  However, trying to do something and failing is still better than never trying to do anything.

E-Flash From Dan, July 26, 2012

Dear E-Flash Friends;

We’re driving down Interstate 75 in the state of Georgia, as I write these words.

Rachel has a “Dr. Who Sonic Screwdriver” toy which makes a noise that sounds like a ray gun.  I have no idea what a “Sonic Screwdriver” is but I’m told that if you watch “Dr. Who” you will know what it means.  (By the way, during her next nap we’ll be removing the batteries.)

Taylor is studying.  Yes, you read that correctly.  He’s studying right now as we’re driving in order to enter classes in the fall with some advance preparation.  (It’s true, John M!)

And Nadia is driving… which is a good thing because if I was driving and writing this E-Flash at the same time our traveling safety would be slightly compromised.  Although I’m actually pretty good at driving and monitoring the GPS for any nearby Taco Bell locations.

While gazing ahead at the endless stretch of road the highway can seem like it goes on forever, but it doesn’t.  God willing, we will be arriving back home in Oak Lawn tomorrow (Friday).  Whoo hoo!  I am truly looking forward to being home and gathering with the church I love this Sunday. 

We’re going to have some terrific services this Sunday.  Our youth will be leading the worship time and sharing some of their IYC experiences, as well.  It will be inspirational!

And I will be bringing a message from John chapter 2, vv. 13-22, titled, “Jesus Clears The Temple.”  This is an interesting and challenging passage of scripture that reveals some important truths to us about the nature of God—and what stirs the emotions of Jesus.  I am so excited to be able to be home and share with you.  Please make plans to attend and take the risk of inviting a friend.  You will both be blessed!

We have one more day of driving so if you think about it, we would appreciate your prayers for safe travel.

See you soon!

Love and blessings,

Dan

Everything Is Possible With God

It’s very encouraging to know that all kinds of things that are impossible for us humans are entirely possible for God.  We are weak and fallible and restricted in many ways, this is simply part of being human.  But God is all-powerful and perfect and infinite.  (That’s why it’s nice to know Him.) “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matt.19:26

People of Integrity

Sometimes we do the right thing and yet we reap negative consequences.  It stinks when that happens.  But it happens because the right thing isn’t always the easy thing or the popular thing.  Let’s encourage each other to do the right thing anyhow.  This is part of what it means to be people of integrity.

Are These Qualities Evident In Us?

In Galatians chapter 5, the Bible talks about “the fruit” of the Holy Spirit. This “fruit” is evidence that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in a person’s life.  The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Are these qualities evident in us?

E-Flash From Dan, July 21, 2012

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Every now and then someone will explain to me why it is not possible—in the situation in which he is involved—to live the way God calls us to live.  And as I hear the person’s explanation I will often find myself nodding my head and thinking, “You’re right.  It is not possible to live the way God calls us to live in the situation you are describing to me.”

But I would have to add four words to that thought: “…with our own power.”

There are lots of things that God expects us to do that we cannot do… with our own power.  This is why followers of Jesus believe in the necessity of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit has limitless, mountain-moving power.  It is the power of Almighty God.  And here’s the extraordinary part:  According to the Bible, that power is available to us.

That is why Jesus could say things like this, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26.

This Sunday, the state coordinator for the Church of God in Illinois, Eric Livingston, will be bringing a message about the power of the Holy Spirit.  He will be talking about the Holy Spirit in our lives, individually, and the necessity of the Spirit’s power in the church, corporately.

I hope you’re planning to be present.  Eric is an excellent speaker and he is a terrific person who loves God and has a passion for churches.  You will be blessed.  In fact, I encourage you to invite a friend.  He or she will be blessed, as well.

I’m thinking about you and praying for you.  I’ve heard terrific reports about last Sunday’s services.  I am praying and trusting that the Holy Spirit will move, teach, inspire and challenge the hearts of our church this Sunday, as well.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Am I Showing People What God Is Like?

“…God has placed humankind upon Earth to represent the Creator. Thus, our purpose is to show to all creation what God is like, especially as we mirror the divine character.” –Stanley Grenz.  Here’s a good question for us: Are my actions and attitudes doing a pretty good job of showing people what God is like?

Extending God's Perfect, Unfailing Love

Here’s an interesting thought to ponder: Our love for others is not supposed to be the best that we’re capable of offering. We’re called to offer something much better than that. We are called to extend to others the perfect, unfailing love that God gives to us.  Jesus said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34. 

We Have Some Measure of Self Control

Wise people keep in mind that even though feelings and emotions are powerful aspects of our life, with God’s help, we do have some measure of self control.  Therefore, we are not powerless in regard to how we respond to the feelings and emotions we experience.

Having Fun On The Jet Skis!

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Podcast For 7/14/12 - On Location, Englewood, FL

Audio Podcast with Vic and I on location in Englewood, FL.  We talk about leaving the results up to God.

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It's Always Best For Us To Forgive

Those of us who have experienced God’s wonderful forgiveness are called to let that potent reality flow forth from our lives toward those who have wronged us.  “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col.3:13.  Even when it’s hard, it’s always best for us to forgive.

That's A Very Good Question! - Now Available On Kindle

My new book, That's A Very Good Question! is now available on the Kindle format!

             Click here for "That's A Very Good Question!"

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Getting What You Wanted

Hmm, it’s strange.  Every time I finally get that thing that I so desperately wanted, it seems to lose much of its allure.  That’s one of those annoying realities of life, huh?

Fixing Everyone Else's Problems

Have you noticed that it’s much easier to figure out the solutions to everyone else’s problems, shortcomings and issues but more difficult to know what to do with your own problems, shortcomings and issues?

Swimming With The Gators

File this under “Incredibly Bad Ideas.”

I’m watching a local news report about a 17 year old student named Caleb who had his arm bitten off by an alligator earlier today.  Caleb was swimming in a river that is known to be populated by many gators.  (I’ve been told that virtually every lake, pond, and river in Florida contains gators.  Frankly, I even double-check the bath tub before I get in it.)

During the report, one of Caleb’s friends—a friend who was swimming in the river with him at the time of the attack—stated that he planned to continue swimming in the river.  I’m not kidding!  Speaking about swimming in the river, the friend said, with a wry grin, “Maybe not right away, but I’m sure I’ll get back in the water here again.”

While Caleb’s friend was talking, several gators could be seen in the background holding kitchen utensils while they smiled and nodded their heads.

God Knows You Intimately And He Cares About You

Does God even know or care about what happens to you and I today?  Well, consider this: “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:7.  …According to Jesus, the answer is: Yes He does know and He does care.  He is watching over you!  That’s good to know, huh?

Taylor And Dan, Karaoke Night -- Video

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Genuinely Caring About Others

God works in the heart of true followers of Jesus in such a way that we genuinely care about other people.  Oh sure, there will still be times when we are inclined toward selfish thoughts and actions.  But one of the changes of heart that God is affecting in us is concern for others. “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Phil.2:4

Something Jesus Said

Jesus said this one time, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. That comment was politically incorrect back when He said it and it’s still politically incorrect today. (But I suspect you’re not too intimidated by political correctness when you’re God, huh?) This comment by Jesus is either true or it’s false. I believe that it’s true.

An Atheist Defends Religion?

Here’s an interesting quote:  “…I want to believe in God because, on balance, religion provides a combination of psychological, emotional, moral, communal, existential, and even physical-health benefits that no other institution can replicate.” Atheist, Bruce Sheiman, from his book “An Atheist Defends Religion”.

Gather Together To Encourage Each Other

Part of the reason that Christians gather together [ go to church ] is to remind each other of things that we already know and already believe.  You say, “Why would we do that?”  Because it’s one of the ways that we encourage each other in the faith.  “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1Thess.5:11.  Thanks for the wonderful encouragement you give me!

So... Who Is My Neighbor?

Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan when someone asked him: who is my neighbor? Part of the point of the story is that God calls us to love generously, and this includes loving people who we wouldn’t be very likely to hang out with or people who are different than us.