When They Find Out What I Do

A woman who works at a restaurant where I hang out occasionally to do some of my reading and writing approached me today and said, “I didn’t know that’s what you do for a living.”

She said this because she happened to be at a funeral service that I conducted a couple of nights ago and she was surprised by the discovery she made.  In fact, she seemed a bit uncomfortable talking to me now that she was seeing me in light of this new information.

I jokingly said, “Don’t worry, I won’t launch into one of my sermons here at the restaurant.”  And as I chuckled at my witty little remark she ran from the building crying and screaming.

It can have an interesting effect on people when they find out that I’m a minister.

Who Can Possibly Be Against Us?

There’s a statement in Romans 8:31 that contains a very encouraging logical conclusion. The passage: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”  Think about it: If there is an All-powerful, Creator God—and I believe that there is.  And if this God loves us and cares about us—and the Bible states that He does.  Then who could ever be against us in a way that would have any real effectiveness? Answer: No one! Cool, huh?

Jesus, The Good Shepherd - Audio Podcast

John 10:1-14
Take a listen, you will be blessed!

                    Click here for audio!

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What Are You Paying Attention To?

What we pay attention to has a significant influence on our perception of life and reality. We are inundated with images, words and sounds. Fortunately, our minds have learned to filter and ignore many of the messages, nevertheless, our attention is ultimately directed to something. So, a good question is: What are you paying attention to? Is it healthy, helpful, uplifting, inspiring, godly, true?

Say "Yes" To Healthy Debate

Genuine debate—in which people honestly listen to each other, interesting ideas are exchanged, and respect is given on both sides—can be a healthy endeavor.  Hey, don’t laugh, it might be sort of rare but it can happen.

Mexican Dinner and Valentine Party -- Video

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Hold On, Take A Breath... Don't React Too Quickly

When we are angry with someone it can be very important to pause and not react too quickly.  Wait for a while.  Take a walk.  Count to 10… (or maybe 110). This practice of not immediately reacting in the midst of anger is particularly true and helpful when it comes to online communications where it seems people are more likely to communicate in ways that are much harsher than they would do face-to-face.

Peace and Comfort In Spite Difficulties

It seems I am reminded every day that life can be difficult, painful and discouraging.  But then I am also encouraged and inspired as I see people put their faith and trust in God and find peace, comfort, wisdom and strength in spite of the difficult circumstances. Remember: God loves you and He has not abandoned you! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Turning Snow Shoveling Into Something Positive!

While I was shoveling snow this morning I reminded myself that I was getting a great workout with that type of vigorous activity. This was my way of thinking in a positive manner about a situation that could be viewed in a negative way.

Then I went inside and ate a bag of M&Ms which is another way of taking a negative situation—too much chocolate lying around the house –and making it into something positive.

Perhaps now you can see why I’m considered to be the eternal optimist!

Maybe We Need To Be Less Busy

It’s possible that our busyness may not be bringing honor to God.  Sometimes our busyness is just the result of our relentless pursuit of a personal, self-serving agenda.  The objective—for Christians—is not to be busier.  The objective is to be doing what God calls us to do.  For some of us that might actually mean we will be less busy.

Responding To God - "Use Me!"

If we say to God, “Here I am, use me.” And then we actually take the risk of responding to the opportunities and promptings that He puts before us today I believe we will be surprised—in a good way—at what He does.

Do Public Figures Ever Feel Embarrassed Anymore?

I’m not for making anyone feel unnecessarily guilty or ashamed.  That is not a good thing.  But when people do things that are wrong there should be a time during which they understand the reality of their transgression and feel remorse for their guilt. Sometimes it feels to me as if public figures are now completely incapable of being embarrassed by their own shameful actions.  That is not a good or healthy thing, either.

Assuming Personal Responsibility For Our Actions

The tendency to identify oneself as a victim or consistently blame others when things don’t go the way we had hoped is not helpful or constructive for a person as an individual.  And it is not good or healthy for a society.  In order for a culture to thrive, it requires people who are willing to assume personal responsibility for their lives and for their actions. 

On The Escalator With Rachel

Rachel does not like escalators.  She’s nervous about stepping onto an escalator and she’s nervous about stepping off of the escalator.  During the actual ride on the escalator she’s not so bad.  (It’s nice and slow.  She likes slow rides.)

But today we were at a store where the escalator did not work and I made the odd discovery that she’s actually more nervous about walking down an escalator… when it’s not moving at all!

It took us a long, long time to walk down the non-functional escalator.  The line of people walking down the escalator behind us got longer and longer.  I kept looking back at the folks—as I held her hand, helping her—saying, “I’m so sorry.  She’s nervous.” 

And they were very nice and said, “It’s okay.  Don’t worry about it.  Take your time.”

When she stopped midway to think it over and gather some more courage for the second half of the trip, though, I’m pretty sure I detected some grumbling from the growing crowd waiting behind us.  But, maybe I’m just being overly sensitive.

Does An Awareness of God Make a Difference?

Is it likely that your life would be different if you lived with a constant awareness of God’s presence?  Would that be a good, positive and helpful difference?  I was thinking about these questions as they apply to my life so I thought I’d put them out for some others to ponder, as well.

Discernment Regarding Mistakes

Some mistakes offer great life lessons and are actually helpful, valuable experiences.  Some mistakes, however, have serious long-term, negative consequences.  These second types of mistakes are, obviously, the ones to avoid.  An aspect of wisdom and good judgment involves having a sense of the difference between these two kinds of mistakes.

Quiet Time With God And A Squirrel

This morning while I was having some quiet time with God, the squirrel in this photo was looking down at me through the skylight in my office.  I thought, “He actually looks like he knows what I’m doing.”

I waved at him and he waved back.

Then I shared a brief portion of the message that I’m preparing for Sunday with him.  He was deeply moved and stayed awake most of the time, but he suggested that I put a little more energy into the delivery.  Then he winked, threw me an acorn and took off.

Being Kind and Gracious Toward Ourselves

I’ve had the experience of thinking very negative and even somewhat cruel thoughts about myself.  (Especially as I get older and think back on some of the many thoughtless and hurtful things I’ve done in my life.)  I was recently reminded that God expects us to be kind and gracious toward people and that will occasionally involve being willing to actually extend some kindness and grace to myself.

We Have To Take A Few Spills, It's Part of Life

Babies who are placed in sterile environments for extended periods of time are actually more vulnerable to germs and allergies.  They are less robust and less resilient.  The point is that it is not healthy for us to be in protected cocoons all the time.  Parents who over-protect their children do them no favors.  We have to get out and mix it up, take a few spills, deal with difficult realities, and get some dirt under our fingernails.  This helps us to develop toughness and resilience.  And it’s part of living life.

Apologizing For Muskrat Love -- Audio Podcast

I apologize for my taste in music.
Brief, fun podcast, under 5 mins.  Take a listen!

                Click here for audio podcast!

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Jesus Claims To Be God -- Audio Podcast

John 8:52-59
Did Jesus ever really claim to be God?  Listen and find out!

                  Click here for audio podcast!

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Speaking And Acting In Love

Everything that Jesus does is rooted in love and is motivated by the love that is part of His nature.  Even His laws and boundaries—yes, even His discipline and correction are done in love.  Therefore, Jesus calls His followers to act, speak and live lives that are motivated by love, too.  I know it can be hard, sometimes, but we can’t follow Jesus and decide to opt out of loving people.

Are You Interested In The Truth About God?

People who are genuinely interested in seeking God are not interested in what is fashionable, hip, or politically correct.  They are interested in what is the truth about Him.

We Know God's Will When It Comes To These Things

There are certain things that God always wants us to do and be.  In other words, we don’t have to wait to hear from God about these matters because He has already clearly spoken.   So we can go ahead and get started on being truthful, gracious, fair, kind, generous, patient, respectful, humble, forgiving, generous and loving—because we know that’s His will.

We Do Not Need To Be Like Everyone Else

It’s tempting to compare ourselves to others. But it’s often not very helpful or constructive. God created each of us in a unique way. We don’t need to be like everyone else.  We need to be what He created us to be.

Cheering Because I'm Leaving

Last night I was leaving the church at about 11 o’clock and as I rounded the corner to walk through the fellowship hall, a group of the Mountain Mover girls—who were there for a “Lock-In”—saw me and let out a cheer.

I thought, “Isn’t it neat that these kids love me this much?”  It’s flattering.  But I have to admit that it’s a big responsibility to be looked up to by these precious youngsters.

However, I soon discovered that there was a game that they were told they would be able to play as soon as Pastor Dan left the building.  In other words, they weren’t cheering because they were thrilled to see me.  They were cheering because I was leaving.

Hmmm….some things never change.

We're Not Completed Yet

The Bible tells us that when God begins a work in us He will complete it. (See Philippians 1:6) This is fantastic news for those of us who are not completed yet.

Asteroid To Narrowly Miss Earth!

Have you heard that a large asteroid is going to come within 17,200 miles of hitting the earth? It’s true! I know it doesn’t sound that significant but when it comes to the realm of space collisions 17,200 miles is actually fairly close to our beloved planet. It’s closer than some of our satellites.

Frankly, when the President called and asked if I would be willing to join Bruce Willis and his team to go out on a space ship and blow up the asteroid I thought he was kidding. But if I’ve learned anything from watching Hollywood disaster movies it’s this: giant asteroids are nothing to laugh about! …Oh, and this, too: stick close to Will Smith and you’ll probably survive.

When Citizens Humbly Turn To God

Even the citizens of a great and powerful country like the United States must be willing to humble themselves and turn to God, which also involves returning to the first principles that led to the country’s greatness.  A refusal to do this reflects the kind of dangerous hubris that led to the fall of Rome and the other great powers of the past.

“Powerful free people die only by their own hand, and free people have no one to blame but themselves.  What the world seems fascinated to watch but powerless to stop is the spectacle of a free people’s suicide.”  From the book “A Free People’s Suicide,” by Os Guinness.

“…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

God Is Listening And Prayer Matters

It’s possible that, for reasons that we don’t know, we may have to pray about a particular matter for years and years. We will be tempted to give up and say, “Ah, forget it.  It’s pointless. God is not listening.”  Keep praying. Be persistent. We don’t understand all the reasons why things happen the way they do.  But God is listening. And prayer matters!

Jesus Makes Powerful Claims

Message from John 8:21-30

            Click here for audio!

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The Sad Truth About Getting What You Want

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?

I Fell Asleep During A Client Meeting... Oops

One afternoon, following lunch, I was sitting with a client in a warm conference room going through telephone bills for their hundreds of corporate locations.  It was tedious work and the client talked non-stop in a low monotone.

In the midst of all this, somehow, unintentionally, I fell asleep!

For those who are not familiar with the business world, you should know that most business experts recommend that you stay awake while talking with an important client.  (That’s a business tip for the young people who may be reading this.  No charge!  Hey, I’m glad to help.)

I was only asleep for 10 seconds, or so, and fortunately the client was so busy with his eternal monologue that he didn’t notice.  He even missed my very small amount of drool on his sleeve. 

But I learned a valuable lesson that day and thus began my deep and abiding love for Mountain Dew.

Figuring Out Our Own Stuff

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?

Turning To God All The Time

Occasionally we turn back to God when things get tough. That’s okay. But we will find a fuller and richer relationship with God can be had when we turn to him all the time, everyday, in the tough times and the good times, as well.

Healthy Relationships: Love, Generosity, Maturity, Grace

There’s a stubbornness and a selfishness that we can adopt that gets in the way of healthy relationships—including our relationship with God.  The best life we can live—the abundant life that God has for us—involves relating with others with love, generosity, maturity and grace.

Responding To God's Nudges

Sometimes God gives us a leading or nudge. When that occurs it will be good, helpful and important for us to be responsive and obedient to God.  When we respond to God it’s always interesting to see what happens.