Go Into All The World And Make Disciples

Matthew 28:16-20.  Check out the podcast.

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We Are Image-Bearers of God

According to the Bible, we humans are created in God’s image. That’s an extraordinary truth to ponder, huh? We are image-bearers of God, Himself! That means that part of the purpose of our existence is to show what God is like. The more we become like Christ, the more accurately we fulfill that purpose.

Here's Some Good News: God Delights In You

While reading Psalm 18 vs. 19, recently, I was reminded that God “delights” in us.  Noticing this truth gave me feelings of joy.  It’s not just that God created us and, therefore, He has to take some interest in us.  It’s not just the fact that He loves us—which is a fantastic truth.  But God’s word says He “delights” in us.  In other words, God takes pleasure in His love and desire for us. 

Think about it.  The most important and most significant Being in all existence delights in you!  I hope this truth brings you feelings of joy, today.

The Crazy Dancing Was Worthwhile

I was dancing in a very goofy way to some odd music that was playing on a TV commercial.  Frankly, I would be embarrassed if anyone actually saw me doing this dance because it reveals how strange I can be.  But it was cracking Rachel up.  She found it to be hilarious.  And that made it all worthwhile to me.

God Doesn't Need Me To Cover For Him

Sometimes, as a pastor of a church, I feel an impulse to want to explain away difficult passages of scripture or try to express them in a manner that will smooth off the harder edges. But I have to remember that God doesn’t need me to “cover” for Him. God is who He is and “who He is” is right.

What's Coming 10/27/13 with Dan Marler and Lisa Roule -- Audio Podcast

Dan Marler and Lisa Roule talk about people's opinion, discussing faith outside of church, Trunk or Treat and other fun topics.
...Oh yeah, and Lisa's new Ferrari.

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Free Pie Night And The Exercise of Discipline

A group of friends went out for Free Pie Night at Bakers Square after the Bible study at church this evening.  They know I’m not supposed to be eating pie late at night and yet they tempted me, anyhow.

“Mmm, this pie is delicious!!!” they said as they scooped large forkfuls into their mouths.

One person commented, “I have extra ice cream.”

“You know, Dan,” he continued, “It’s hard to describe how delicious it is because words are inadequate to depict all this yummy goodness!”

Yes, I admit that I was tempted.  After all, I’m human.  But I simply continued to sip my water and secretly do abdominal exercises in my chair.

“Discipline is its own reward,” I reminded myself as I smiled with life-affirming, inner satisfaction.

P.S.  It is late and there is a very slight chance I’m not remembering this exactly the way it happened.  But the account described above is pretty close.  Well, let me just assure you that this part is for sure:  I only had water.

P.P.S.  Did I mention that I really dislike water?

Why Does God Allow Suffering and Pain? -- Audio Podcast

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We Need Power Beyond Our Own Power

“You have to try harder!” …That’s a challenge that works for some things in life.  But when it comes to living the way God calls us to live, our own willpower and our best efforts will never be enough.  It’s helpful for us to realize that we need strength beyond what we possess.  This is why we want to walk in the power of the Spirit.

Knowing When To Fight And When To Let It Go

There will be some times when the more mature person will say to himself/herself, “I know I’m right, but it’s just not worth fighting about this matter.  I can hold on and win this battle but it will probably end up being more costly on the relationship in the long run.  So, I will humbly let it go.”  Obviously, there will also be times when the stakes are too high and we can’t “let it go.”  Knowing the difference between the two involves the kind of discernment that is a part of true wisdom.

A Good Story Involves A Eucatastrophe

According to J.R.R. Tolkien a good story involves a catastrophe that ends up being a positive thing.  Tolkien called that a “eucatastrophe.”  The best example of this that has ever occurred is when the only sinless, perfect man was viciously and unjustly executed.  But this travesty of justice ends up resulting in resurrection and victory.  And the forgiveness, redemption and salvation of the world is made possible.  What an incredible and wonderful story!

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 35

There are things we cannot do for ourselves.  We need God!

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A Good Relational Goal Is Mutual Giving And Receiving By Both Parties

When one person in a relationship is always giving and the other person is always receiving, the relationship becomes one-sided and unhealthy.  If this imbalance continues the relationship will break down and end, or the person who is giving will become increasingly resentful and angry (watch for an explosion, at some point).  Obviously, the goal is mutual giving and receiving on the part of both parties.

Studying The Movements of the Praying Mantis

Ancient kung fu masters studied the movements of the praying mantis and incorporated those precise, stealthy, lightning-quick movements into their style of hand to hand combat.

Earlier today I studied those movements, as well, with the help of this fellow you see in the photo… (and an old Shaolin monk who stops by the church on Wednesdays).  If you’re thinking (and you probably are), “Gee, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but for some reason Dan sure seems to look a little bit more like Bruce Lee, these days.”  Now, you know why.

God's Work In Us Is Always Intentional And Purposeful

God knows everything about us.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  When God allows us to experience struggles and difficulties He does so with a complete knowledge of which character traits in us need to be developed.  God’s work in us is not always easy, in fact, it can be extremely challenging and painful.  But His work in us is never random.  He is always intentional and purposeful and He is always right.

My Computer And My Phone May Be Cooking Up A Plot

My computer just sent another message to my phone.  It’s been doing this for several days now.  I’m pretty sure the two of them are cooking up some kind of plot and they’re going to try to pin it all on me.

The Incredible Realization That God Loves Us

When people who consider themselves to be weak, unattractive and undesirable discover that they are being pursued by someone extraordinary who loves them, it is a profound and powerful realization.  This is what it is like to awaken to the truth of God’s love for us.

The Incredible Realization That God Loves Us

When people who consider themselves to be weak, unattractive and undesirable discover that they are being pursued by someone extraordinary who loves them, it is a profound and powerful realization.  This is what it is like to awaken to the truth of God’s love for us.

The Importance of Manners In A Free Society

Manners and civility are important to the proper functioning of a free society because it is the nature of some free people to push the boundaries—in fact, to push way past the boundaries.  Manners and civility are an aspect of the individual restraints that keep freedom from becoming ugly, unhealthy and, ultimately, destructive.  Keep in mind that sometimes freedom destroys itself.  “Manners are of more importance than laws.” – Edmund Burke.

Coming Alive In God's Kingdom

To be alive in God’s kingdom is to live in the reign and rule of God.  A subject of God’s kingdom recognizes that God is king.  A subject of God’s kingdom acknowledges that what God says to do is what His subjects do.  Jesus spoke a lot about the “Kingdom of God,” and He taught that coming alive in God’s kingdom is a significant aspect of what it means to live effectively; to live righteously; and to live abundantly. 

E-Flash From Dan - 10/3/13 - Art Serenas

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Early this morning I stood, weeping, in a hospital room at the bedside of my friend and brother in Christ, Art Serenas, along with his family.

There were many tears and great sorrow, as you can imagine.  We are all still trying to process this difficult reality.  But there were also moments of joy and laughter as we remembered stories about Art.

Art was a man of integrity and godly wisdom.  He had a gift for music and his passion for worshiping God through music is practically legendary in our church.  I already miss hearing the beautiful 12-string guitar chord progressions of our worship team’s iron man.

There was a wonderful understanding among those of us gathered in the room today that the soul which gave life to Art’s body was gone from that physical vessel but Art’s life, in the truest sense, has not ended.  In fact, he is more truly alive, now, than he was yesterday.  His soul, though absent from the body, is experiencing the glory of God and will never die.

So, even though there are tears in our eyes, we can genuinely rejoice because of the truth of life eternal that is found in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I will see Art again—I’m convinced that the guitar music in heaven is way cooler than the harp music, by the way—and from an eternal perspective, it won’t be long.

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  The last words I said to Art after visiting with him yesterday were, “I love you, brother.”  I’m remembering that today and reminding you:  Don’t forget to tell your friends and family that you love them!

P.P.S.  It’s important to me that you know I spoke with Art’s family and received their approval before sending out this message.

Who's In Control?

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 naturally leads us to the second condition.

God Loves Us In Spite of Our Weakness

God never discovers anything new about us.  Every single detail about who we are is known to God and, frankly, it was all completely known by Him before we were born.  This is why we can never do anything that would cause Him to change His mind about us.  He loved us before we were born, knowing full well what we would do and who we would be.  And, according to the Bible, nothing will ever stop His love for us. (See Rom.8:38&39)

This doesn’t mean that everything we do is good, proper, healthy, admirable or right, it just means that God continues to extend His extraordinary love to us in spite of our weakness.  Understanding this deeply moving truth should motivate us to love Him in return.

Getting On Board With God's Plans

There have been many times in my life in which I’ve tried to “make things happen.”  Those efforts have been unimpressive.  I believe God has a reason and purpose for my existence, because He’s God and He does not create things without a purpose.  So, I want to discern the will and the movement of God.  I want to follow God.  God makes significant things happen and I would like to fulfill my role in His plans.