We Have A Divinely Inspired Potential

Before you and I existed in any physical sense, we first existed as an idea in the mind of God.  Just thinking about that concept suggests to me that we have exciting, important, divinely inspired potential for extraordinary possibilities in our lives.

I'm Getting Used To These "Looks"

A lady just waved at me and I didn’t recognize her but I nodded, waved back and said, “Nice to see you!”

But then I realized she wasn’t waving at me, she was waving at someone standing behind me.  So I fully extended the arm of my waving hand and awkwardly pretended that I was stretching, not waving.

It didn’t work!  She still looked at me like I’m strange, bothersome, and a little bit frightening.

Fortunately, I’ve come to a place in life where I’m not completely unfamiliar with that look.

Jesus Is The Light of the World - Audio Podcast

John 8:12-20
Take a listen and you can hear about my latest fake heart attack!

                  Click here for podcast!

.

Thanking God For Each Person In My Life

Sometimes I stand back and look at the people that God has brought into my life and think, “Boy, what an unusual, interesting, diverse, fun, zany band of characters!”  Then I smile and joyfully thank God for each one!

Connected To The Source

We achieve good things for God’s kingdom when we stay meaningfully, consciously connected to the Source of those good things.  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – Jesus, John 15:5.

God Is Greater Than We Can Comprehend

“Some early Christian writers used to compare understanding God with looking directly into the sun. The human eye is simply not capable of withstanding the full brilliance of the sun. In the same way, the human mind cannot cope with the full glory of God.” Alister McGrath. I like thinking about the fact that God is greater than we can even comprehend. That’s the way it should be.

Don't Talk... Text!

Nadia just texted me from a room that is 12 feet away indicating that she ordered a pizza.  I responded with a text writing, “Okay.”  Now, I’m posting that information here so that you folks can be in the loop regarding this important transaction and provide any feedback that might be critical to a proper understanding of the situation.

Sometime tomorrow, I’m thinking there’s a good possibility that I will communicate with someone using spoken words, but I would not want to guarantee that such a thing could happen because I like to be circumspect regarding any kind of extravagant claims.

What We Think About

“One of the most significant findings in psychology in the last 20 years is that individuals can choose the way they think.” – Psychologist & Author Martin Seligman.  What we think about is not totally determined by the circumstances of our lives.  We can choose what we think about.  “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Phil. 4:8

Turning To God When Things Get Tough

When things are going really well, it seems that God more easily drifts away from our attention and we have feelings of confidence, believing that we have things under control. When trouble comes we’re a little more likely to turn to God and fervently seek His help, wisdom and presence. I wonder how often our attitude in the first condition is what inevitably leads us to the second condition.

Ask For The Blessing Of "Discernment"

Discernment is similar to wisdom.  It is a valuable aptitude that helps us distinguish the sometimes subtle and not-so-obvious difference between bad advice and good advice, between the foolish path and the wise path.  It is always a good idea to ask God to bless us with discernment.

Take The Plank Out Of Your Eye First

“…First take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Jesus, Luke 6:42. This is simple advice but it’s not usually our natural inclination. If more of us considered and practiced this truth it would improve our relationships.

Connected To The Life Giver

When Jesus says that we find life in him, He isn’t just talking about a beating heart and continued brain activity.  He’s talking about experiencing this existence with a kind of awareness and fullness that can only happen when we are connected to the Life Giver.

A Woman Caught In Adultery -- Audio Podcast

Scripture passage:  John 8:1-11

                    Click here for podcast!

.

Flossing By The Food "Pick Up" Area

As I walked past the food “pick up” area at a local eatery this afternoon I saw a woman making an unusual motion with her hands by her mouth.  At first, because of the look on her face, I thought she was crying. 

And I felt sad.

But I soon realized that she was not crying.  In fact, I tried not to stare and let my mouth drop open but when I saw what was really happening, instinctively, I stared and my mouth dropped open.  In fact, it’s still open while I’m typing these words.

She was flossing her teeth!

In the restaurant!

By the food pick up area!

And I felt sad… again. 

But this time for different reasons.

By the way, I know this is not the fault of the restaurant, however, I’m thinking about suggesting this new slogan for the place:   “All the tasty food of a terrific restaurant with all the oral hygiene of a dentist’s office!”

The Presence of God Makes A Difference

There are people who want to believe in God—they wish the truth of Jesus Christ was a reality—but they need someone to help them understand that believing in God is not foolish.  When they see the presence of God making a genuine difference in someone’s life, it helps.

Committed To God's Will

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will.”  Martin Luther King, Jr. in a speech given the day before he was assassinated.

Kourtney And Kim Take Miami... And I'm Baffled

Earlier tonight, I forced myself to watch 15 full minutes of “Kourtney and Kim Take Miami.”  My reasoning went like this:  If I sit and concentrate and make an intentional effort to give the show a chance I will then have some insight into what makes our culture tick.  My attentive and careful analysis will allow me to report to all of you—who are genuinely puzzled by such things—why reality TV of this kind resonates deeply with so many people.

Unfortunately, what I discovered, during my experiment, is that I am baffled, confused, lost, genuinely clueless, and just a tiny bit frightened.  Is it possible for your teeth to start hurting just from watching a TV show?  Mine started killing me 8 minutes into the program.

Anyhow, I’m sorry that I cannot explain what I saw, so it looks like it’s back to using my time in other important ways.  That means I’ll be sitting and carefully watching my Twitter feed.  After all, it should be pretty obvious, by now, that I’m seriously committed to using my time in constructive ways.

Dan and Vic Podcast 1/19/13

I talk with Vic about Lance Armstrong, Manti Te'o, and not developing a cynical heart.

                     Click here for podcast!

.

Extending Respect, Dignity & Love To Those Who Ask Questions

When people ask deep challenging questions remember that the goal is not to give a slam dunk answer.  The goal is to try to offer a helpful answer while also extending respect, dignity and love to the questioner.

Making A Lasting Impression... But What Kind of Impression?

Rachel let out a big burp while we were eating at Taco Bell. I wondered if other people noticed. I was hoping it was not as loud and offensive as I suspected it might be.

But when I saw two Taco Bell employees come around a wall from the food preparation area and point at us, I realized it was, in fact, louder than I hoped.

You might be saying, "Gee Dan, how can you continue to sit there?"

Oh, don't worry we left. And I'm not sure but I think I may have heard the sound of people cheering as the door closed on our way out.

It's so nice to go places and make a lasting impression, you know?

An Unusual Kind of I.V.

My friend, Greg was being prepped for a medical procedure today and as the attending nurse hooked up a fresh IV bag she wisecracked, “This is 100% vodka!”

We all laughed and shook our heads saying, “She is a real card!” I think I might have even slapped my knee.

Several minutes later, when Greg began singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the top of his lungs we realized that she wasn’t kidding. Another clue was that he had rolled up his hospital gown and was using it as a hat.

By the way, I just got word that the procedure went well and, thankfully, he’s okay.

(…But his wife reports that he seems to have developed an unusual fondness for IVs.)

The Beauty of Being Known By Name

There is significance in being known by name.  On the other hand, where there is great evil, names disappear.  Think of concentration camps where people were treated as impersonal, undignified numbers.  It is wonderfully uplifting to think that God knows us by name.

Understanding That People Are Made In The Image of God

Every single human being, from the most needy to the most gifted, is created in the image of God (the “Imago Dei”).  If we genuinely understand and recognize this remarkable truth, it deeply impacts how we treat everyone.

Division and Unbelief - Audio Podcast

                      Click here for audio podcast!

.

Let's Make It A Great Ride!

I like this quote by the infamous “Anonymous”:  “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming – ‘WOW - What a Ride!’”

Getting Tired of Hearing The "Experts"

I was watching a panel of distinguished experts who all wore very nice neckties on an all-news channel and they were talking with confidence and authority about what “could happen” and what “could not happen” regarding some of the current political stories.

As I listened carefully, their discussion became even more earnest and then I noticed that suddenly, their voices began to sound, to me, like the strange honking-type noise that was used when any adults spoke on the old Charlie Brown animated specials.  The “experts” were still speaking normally, but they sounded, to my hearing, like empty, vacuous noise.

“Wah, wah wah, waaah, wah wah waaaaah!”

For a moment I was puzzled about what to do next.  But then it hit me and I flipped through the channels and found a “Road Runner” cartoon.  

I smiled and said, “Ahhh, yes. Indeed!” 

The intellectual brilliance that I encountered there was much more profound.

(And, frankly, there’s great practical value in knowing how to make a giant slingshot that can launch yourself out over a cliff.)

Living With Jesus As Lord of Our Lives

When we accept Jesus, we are agreeing to His influence over our total life.  We’re saying to Christ, “I want the reality of all the things I believe about you, Jesus, to be the truth of how I now live.  I want to live with you as the Lord of my life.”

My Book, Collector's Items & Elvis Sightings

I received a “Certificate of Registration” today from the Library of Congress, United States Copyright Office.  It’s a nice, simple but authoritative-looking document informing me that my book is officially registered and copyrighted with the Library of Congress.

It’s pretty exciting!

Upon reviewing the certificate I quickly looked up my book on Amazon.  You know how a book can be ranked as one of the top ten best sellers?  Well, my book is ranked as one of the 2.1 millionth in sales.  In other words, 2.1 million other books are selling better than mine.

Whew!  What a relief.  I was afraid that I might have slipped in the rankings.  It’s good to know that I’m still in that 2.1 million range.  (Insiders in the publishing industry have told me that Rick Warren is getting very nervous and he’s been crying a lot.)

The great news for the 37 people who own my book is that it is certain to become a very rare collector’s item that could, someday, be worth slightly more than $11.95—perhaps as much as $12.35.  (That’s if you keep it in really pristine condition; and I’m entangled in some type of controversy involving verifiable Elvis sightings.)

Click here to see book!

.

Engaging In The Struggle With Supportive Friends

There are aspects of life that are going to involve struggle—no matter who you are, that’s simply the nature of this journey.  So, it’s nice when we can be in the struggle together with close, loving, like-minded, supportive friends.

Joyfully Remembering Jesus

We will be taking Communion this morning at our church, which means that we will be remembering.  We will be remembering the truth of Jesus.  We will be remembering who He is.  And we will be intentionally remembering the extraordinarily merciful, gracious, loving thing He has done to give us forgiveness and life! It’s no wonder that I have a joyful heart, huh?

This Logic Ruins My Efforts At Complaining

When my kids were little I would sit down for a few moments and watch “Barney” with them.  But it didn’t take long for me to get up, shaking my head and saying, “This is the worst, most inane, most horribly produced show I’ve ever seen!  The production values are terrible.  It is so stupid that it’s actually painful to watch!”

Standing nearby, Nadia would calmly look at me and say, “Dan, it’s not designed for you.  It’s made for kids.  The kids like it.”

That is exactly the kind of logic that ruins all of my most effective complaining.

Follow Up To: "Pray For Revival? Really?"

One of my Facebook friends posted this comment on my note titled, “Pray For Revival? Really?”…

"Let's assume for one minute that all churches held 'spritual revivals' and that all believers' spiritual needs were met and all faith and hope were increased by 1000 percent. Without acts of charity the believers are only halfway there."

Here is my response to the comment:

Thanks for your comment on my post. It gives me an opportunity to attempt to provide some additional clarification of what I’m trying to communicate. 

I agree with you that the acts of charity are important, especially when it comes to transforming the culture in a significant way.  However, I believe that if people genuinely come to Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit the correct behaviors will follow.  In other words, I believe a real conversion to Christ is the “root issue.”  In fact, I’m assuming that if many hearts are truly transformed by an encounter with Christ that kind of large-scale transformation will result in the good, right, generous, loving, gracious, peaceful, honest, kind, responsible, noble, charitable, God-honoring, correct behaviors and attitudes, we all would like to see.  I’m not suggesting that things would then become perfect—we still live in a fallen world—but this type of spiritual awakening should make a difference. 

I would even go as far as saying that if this type of authentic, widespread movement toward Christ happened and it made no difference at all in our culture, that would be strong evidence that Christianity is not true. 

Obviously, I’m not saying that Christianity is not true.  I fully believe that Christianity is true.  I hope that is obvious from my life and from what I’ve written.  But I believe that it really should matter.  I believe, based on the Bible, that it really should make a significant difference in how we live our lives.  That’s why I believe it is the root issue.  I guess what I’m saying is that if a true, large-scale movement of people coming to faith in Christ does not make a difference then something is fundamentally wrong with my understanding of Christianity and what it is.

…Again, to those who are reading this, do not misunderstand what I’m saying and what I believe:  I believe the Christian faith is true!  I believe that Jesus is who He claims to be.  I believe that an authentic spiritual awakening will make a real, positive, difference.  That’s why I’ve written this post in the first place, that’s why I’m praying for revival.  That’s why I’m asking those who agree with me to pray for revival.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Pray For Revival? Really?

Last summer I was at a meeting where I heard a brilliant Christian philosopher speaking about our culture and some of the issues that we're facing these days. After his talk there was a Q&A time.  I stood up, walked to the microphone and suggested that things did not look very positive for our culture, in some ways, from the standpoint of people embracing and living with a commitment to Christian values.   “We appear to be moving quite decisively in a particular direction,” I said, “and it seems unlikely that this would turn around.”

The speaker gave me a little good-natured teasing about what appeared to be a slight lack of faith on my part. But then he reminded the other participants at the institute, along with myself, that spiritual revivals had happened in the past and, in fact, it was possible that such a thing could happen again.  He suggested that the church needed to seriously pray for revival.

I've thought a good bit about the idea of revivals since my experience that day and more recently I've sensed God leading me to consistently, earnestly pray for a spiritual revival in our country and to encourage others to do so, as well.

I find that I’m a bit surprised at myself.  This probably doesn’t sound very good, but, to be completely honest, I was not particularly inclined toward the idea of revivals.  And part of the reason for that probably has to do with the fact that I have certain connotations in my mind associated with the word “revival.”  In fact, I've actually struggled a bit with using the word "revival."  I’m aware of the fact that the word revival sounds old fashioned and perhaps even ridiculous to some people.  It’s not a very hip word to throw around in our culture.  Perhaps “spiritual awakening” would be better.  But despite my reluctance, the word revival keeps coming back to my mind, as I pray about this.

I grew up in a time when the concept of revival sometimes meant a series of meetings at a church in which an evangelist was brought in to preach every night of the week to people who were, for the most part, already converted.

As I pray for revival in our country that's not what I'm talking about.  In fact, I have no interest in a series of meetings every week night at a church.  (As a pastor, I’m already at church plenty of nights during the week.)  When I speak of a revival, I'm talking about true spiritual conversion.  I'm talking about large numbers of people accepting Christ and experiencing a genuine transformation of their hearts and lives through a work of the Holy Spirit. I'm talking about an authentic movement of God's Holy Spirit that has a significant, positive, widespread effect on our culture.  

Some people might say, “A revival?!?  Are you kidding?  Having more phony Christians walking around pointing their fingers of condemnation at everyone else is exactly what we don’t need!”

I agree.

I’m not suggesting that we need more self-righteous people looking down their noses at others.  I am, however, suggesting that we need a true movement of God’s Holy Spirit in which people encounter God and as a result, they begin thinking and acting more like Christ.  Wouldn’t it be a good thing for a culture to have lots of people who are genuinely loving, forgiving, helpful, morally virtuous, joyful, gracious, authentically concerned about the well-being of others, merciful, honest, humble, patient, etc.?

I'm not talking about our culture becoming more religious. I don't see that as the fundamental need. The fundamental need is for people's hearts to change and become more like Christ.  In fact part of what is motivating this desire in me to pray for revival is the issue of getting at fundamental needs, or actually it might be better to put it this way:  dealing with root causes.

As I hear various people in the media—the voices that get the most attention—talking about possible solutions for the troubles in our society. I can't help but notice that their solutions: 1) often do not deal with the root cause of the problems; and 2) disregard God and the role of the spiritual.

I'm not surprised by this. In fact this is what I would expect.  I do not expect secular people in a materialistic culture to discuss the need for God and a powerful work of the Holy Spirit on the Sunday morning news shows.  (By the way, I should say that many times the issues that these folks are raising are valid subjects and are worthy of discussion; they are not irrelevant matters.)

What I'm talking about, however, is largely dependent upon God. It is spiritual in nature in fact, dare I say it? It is supernatural in nature.

I know there are people who will laugh at what I'm writing here and call it silly or perhaps even dangerously stupid.  That's okay.  Anyone who presumes to present the importance of God and call for the intervention of God when it comes to the ills of a culture should be prepared to be called silly or stupid.

However, here is my request:  If you are in a place where you could entertain the possibility that what ails our culture might require a solution that involves a work of God and genuinely transformed hearts, I invite you to join me in prayer for an authentic spiritual awakening; a revival. If you feel led to do so, you might even share this post with others.  (It would be good and helpful if lots of people were praying about this.)

Could such a thing happen?  Could a genuine revival happen in the United States at this time in history? 

Answer:  “With God, all things are possible.” –Jesus.

“…If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Humbly,

Dan Marler

A Better Way To Live

Here’s some excellent advice.  Our lives will honestly be better if we do this:  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32.

We Are Created To Be Interdependent

It’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to be in a position where you need help.  No one was designed in such a way that he/she can make it through life without assistance.  It’s a good thing to be strong, competent and resourceful, however, God has intentionally created us to be interdependent, as well.

The Benefits of Doing Something New

Every now and then I do something that I’ve never done before—which is often uncomfortable.  But I find that in these times I’m forced to really pay attention and be fully present.  These are times of learning and growth.  And I believe that this kind of stretching is part of living the full, interesting and engaged life that God has for me.

I Joined A Biker Gang - Video

                        Click here for video!

.

Is Christianity For Those Who Are Weak?

There is an impression among some people that living for Christ is the refuge of weak people who can’t make it on their own and need a crutch in order to get along adequately in life.  In a certain sense I understand how this impression could exist because the authentic follower of Christ will admit that he/she is dependent upon God for help, strength, understanding, forgiveness—in fact, dependent for all of life.  So a lack of adequate strength, on our own, is a reality that an honest Christian will admit.

However, two things should be considered:

1) Everyone is weak and dependent in some way and in some context in the course of life.  This is an inescapable fact and the person who is unwilling to admit it does not have the courage to face the facts honestly and admit the truth to himself/herself.  In other words, the person who accuses the Christian of needing a crutch has a crutch of some type, as well.  I wonder if the person can face that reality.

2) Authentically living the Christian life actually requires great strength and courage.  In fact, it requires more strength than any person possesses without God’s help.  For example, it requires incredible strength and courage to always speak the truth and to do so humbly and lovingly. 

It requires incredible strength and courage to say “no” to temptations that a part of you would love to indulge.

It requires incredible strength and courage to honestly and sincerely pray for those who wish you harm.

It requires incredible strength and courage to go against the consensus of a mocking culture.

It requires incredible strength and courage to pursue a mission to which God has called us—think of biblical examples like Noah, Moses, Gideon, Daniel, Jonah, Paul, etc.  In more modern times, think of Mother Teresa, Jim Elliot or Martin Luther King, Jr.

(*If you don’t know who Jim Elliot is, look him up on Google.)

It requires incredible strength and courage to give of yourself generously and graciously to others—in fact, to others who can never repay you; or to others who may not even appreciate what you have done for them.

I could go on, but you get the point.  It is unfair and, frankly, dishonest to laugh at Christians and call them weak.  The kind of life that Jesus lived is the kind of life to which Jesus calls His followers and it is a life of courage, honor, truth, trust, generosity, faith, obedience to God and love.  It is many things, but it is not weak.

The Good News About God's Grace

God is always willing to forgive us… again.  This doesn’t mean that God condones our wrong doing, it just means that—fortunately for us—in spite of our wrongdoing, His forgiveness and grace are limitless.  That’s an incredible truth.  I thought we all needed some really terrific news today!

Dan & Vic Podcast for 1/4/13 -- Audio Podcast

I talk about the fact that Vic is MIA; aggressive seniors; and spiritual awakening.

               Click here for audio podcast!

.

Living At The Most Vital, Meaningful, Abundant Level

If we are going to live lives that reach beyond our relatively small level of meaning and significance, we must connect with something more, something grander, something eternal—we could even say something transcendent.  That’s why we understand that living at the most vital, meaningful, abundant level involves knowing God.

Letting His Light Shine

A large Pew Forum survey reports that 78% of adults in the U.S. identify themselves as Christians.  I’m praying that all of us who call ourselves Christians will take our faith in Christ seriously.  I’m praying that we will walk humbly with God and that we will sincerely allow His light to shine through us in ways that are authentic, positive, loving, attractive, helpful, gracious and powerful.   #PrayForRevival

The Potency of Love

I really like the elegant and articulate way that de Chardin’s quote speaks of the significance and potency of love…   “Someday, after mastering wind, waves, tides and gravity, we shall harness the energy of love; and for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.