Religious Leaders Can Still Come Off Looking Bad... If We're Not Focused On Him

There were times that Jesus healed people and the “religious leaders” got angry and bothered.  Several times, they objected that Jesus shouldn’t have healed the person because it was the Sabbath.  The religious leaders were nit picky and legalistic.  They come off looking small, uncaring, arrogant and clueless.  As a person who is a “religious leader” I believe it’s helpful to be very cognizant of the truth that the characteristics and attitudes of religious leaders in Jesus’ day can all too easily be held by religious leaders, today, as well.

“Lord, help us to be humble and loving…and to keep our eyes fixed on you.”

After Careful Thinking, I Still Survive Myself

Sometimes--even after careful thought--I determine that a course of action makes terrific sense and then it still turns out I am wrong. That's a disconcerting reality to have to face. I thank God that He has helped me survive myself so many times!

Gratitude, Happiness and Thanksgiving

Dear E-Flash Friends;

What makes people happy? 

 

In recent years there has actually been a good bit of research—serious academic research—in the area of happiness.  When people are happy, what is that?

 

What has been discovered is that when people are happy one of the significant factors is gratitude.  Happy people tend to be people who experience genuine thankfulness.  You might say, to quote a Christian concept that I learned as a kid, they are people who “count their blessings.”

 

In fact, psychologists who try to help people based on this research sometimes recommend that the people keep a thankfulness journal where they are encouraged to take a few moments at the end of the day to write down things they are thankful for.

 

Today, we celebrate a holiday in which the focus is Thankfulness.  (And for some of us there is considerable focus, as well, on pumpkin pie.  But let’s put that aside for the moment.)

 

Are you aware of the blessings in your life?  Do you think about your blessings?  Do you have a real appreciation for the good things that God has given you? 

 

Real thankfulness will probably bring a little more happiness to our lives.  That sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

 

I'm hoping that you all have a Happy (genuinely thankful) Thanksgiving! 

Remember that God loves you and that will never change.

 

May you experience God’s rich blessings!

Love,

Dan

In The Right Place For God To Work Through Us

When we are arrogant and selfish we have a tendency to get in our own way.  We get in the way with our antics and our self-centered approach to life.  Our lives become clumsy because we are focused primarily of ourselves and yet we are living in a world where there are many others.  When we are authentically humble, though, our lives expand.  And when we are humble, we are in the right place for God to work through us.

Telling Your Story -- Audio Podcast

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The Wonderful Gift of Another New Day

When we wake up to another new day we are being given a gift from God.  Even if it’s a day in which we have to deal with difficulties, life is still important and valuable and each new day is worthy of joyful thanks.  “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

When The Name-Calling Starts Then We Know A Person's Argument Is Weak

When you are watching people debate a matter—or if you are involved in a debate of some kind—take notice when one person begins to attack the character of the other, or when one person begins calling the other person derogatory names.   When a person’s arguments are weak—when the truth is working against a person—that’s when we will typically see the person resort to name-calling.

What's Coming Up 11/24/13 with Dan and Vic? -- Audio Podcast

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The Joke's On Me Because You Reap What You Sow

When I was young I had an unwarranted impression of myself and an impression of others that allowed me to think it was alright to mock certain people based on looks, station in life, character traits, physical characteristics and other factors.  I was foolish, unkind and wrong.

In some ways I was kidding around and simply trying to be funny.  At the time, I would have said, “Relax, it’s just a little good-natured joking around.”  But it was at the expense of others and it was not right.  It was definitely a violation of this guideline:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Fast forward to the present and one of the strange, difficult lessons of my life has been the recognition that a number of things I once mocked in others are things that are now—to my chagrin—true of me.

It appears that I might be experiencing a variation of this principle: You reap what you sow.

A Guy On A Pay Phone?

I saw a guy at a pay phone today.

A PAY PHONE!?!?!

At first I thought, “Boy that’s odd.  That must be the only guy in the northern hemisphere who does not have a cell phone.”

And then I realized what happened and had a good laugh because it was so simple and plain to see.  It turns out that the rowing machine I was on at my cardiac rehab session is actually a time machine.  

Can you believe how dense I was?  It’s all so obvious now, in retrospect. Frankly, I’m a little embarrassed.

Actually I went back in time to 1977.  That’s why the guy was on the payphone!

Silly me.

By the way, I hate to brag but my platform shoes and bell bottom pants are really rocking!  

…Okay, gotta run.  It’s time to go listen to some really groovy “Pablo Cruise.”

Humility and Power

In a non-intuitive little twist we find that humility actually demonstrates God’s power in ways that a brazen display of force cannot do. “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.  So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:6

The Stormy Chili Cook-Off of 2013

I had just dug into a tasty helping of chili at our Annual Chili Cook-Off when someone approached me with a concerned look on her face.

“Dan, my husband called to say that a tornado has touched down in Wilmington.  That’s not far from here.” 

I had heard the weather was going to get rough but I had been busy and hadn’t really thought too much about it.  Looking out the large windows I saw heavy rain, blowing sideways.  It was dark… at 12:30 in the afternoon.

I thought, “Hmm, I better let people know what’s happening.”

“Can I have your attention, please?!?  Everyone!!!  Please!” I called out several times.  The fellowship hall grew quiet.  “Folks, we want to let you know that a tornado has touched down in Wilmington, Illinois which is not too far from here.  We have some people who are monitoring the weather.  We’ll provide updates as the situation changes.”

There was a moment of quiet, a few nodding heads and then everyone went back to talking and eating chili.  It’s very hard to stop our folks from enjoying good food.

It wasn’t too long before we were getting reports of tornados touching down in even closer locations: Frankfort, Tinley Park, Alsip and even at the corner of 111^th Street & Cicero Avenue—which is about 2 blocks from the church.

(One person even told me there was a very small tornado ripping through my office.  But that just turned out to be Bob Miller and some of the other ushers, wrestling.)

.

In the meantime, most of the folks hung around, the votes were counted and Shital Thakkar won first place in the Chili Cook-Off.  His “Internet throw-down strategy” seemed like it might be a bit of a risky maneuver to me, but it paid off.  Mark Bogard took second place. 

I didn’t get a final count but I believe there were only one or two fist fights, so, it was a quiet year from that standpoint.

(And I hate to disappoint, but I did not do any of my ninja moves.  Sorry, perhaps next year.  Or… you never know… I’m not making any promises… but… Yia Yia Palooza is coming soon…!)

As I was heading home, after the event was over—across the somewhat flooded church parking lot—the sun began to peek through the clouds.  I looked at the temperature on the sign at the bank:  It was 62 degrees with just a slight breeze and sunny.

I shook my head and laughed knowing that I would only need to wait for 20 minutes, or so, until the next “season” arrived here in Chicago.  Who knows?  Maybe it would bring a lovely winter snow.  It’s always fun to make a snowman after you’ve had a few hearty bowls of chili!

Old Sad Folk Music... While You Shop!

As I was browsing around the local pharmacy tonight I noticed that the song playing on the in-store system was very slow, dull and sad.  I can’t remember words but one line in the song kept repeating.  The line was something like:  “Why oh why is my heart so sad?”

Over and over again.  Sort of like the old Chinese water torture tactic.

“What kind of music is this?” I thought to myself.  I was not familiar with the song but I would describe the musical genre as old, sad folk music with a twist of funeral dirge.

I chuckled, thinking, “These poor people who work here have to listen to this stuff?”

A clerk at the cosmetics counter noticed my chuckling along with my wise-guy grin and she said, “What’s so funny?”

Referring to the music I said, “What kind of song is this?”

She laughed, shaking her head and saying, “I don’t know.  It’s terrible, isn’t it?”

I said, “I hope you don’t have to listen to this kind of sad music all day.”  

She laughed again.

“Is this music on some type of loop so that you have to listen to that song a bunch of times throughout your shift?” I asked her.

She said, “I work at another store and ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ plays a bunch of times during my shift.”

I said, “First of all, there should be a law against playing the song ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ more than once a day and second, there should be some type of rule against torturing your employees.”

We both laughed again.  Fortunately, I was able to pay for my stuff and leave.  But the crummy music?  It kept playing…

Opposition To Faith In Christ

Sometimes we Christians act shocked and defeated when we face opposition to our faith in Christ.  Opposition should not surprise us.  We’ve known for a long time that “the message of the cross is foolishness” to those who do not walk with Christ. (1Cor. 1:18).  We know that Jesus faced opposition and He still faces opposition.  Opposition is not a strange new development.  Nevertheless, we need to stand firm with Paul (who faced a bit of opposition) and say, “For I AM NOT ASHAMED of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”  (Rom. 1:16).

E-Flash From Dan, November 15, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

There’s been a lot of action around the church last night and today because the women are getting prepared for their retreat.  It begins this evening.  It seems like every year I forget how much effort they put into this event and then I’m impressed all over again by the dedication, servanthood and sheer energy of those who provide leadership and help to make sure the retreat is edifying, encouraging and uplifting to those who come.  Those who will be participating this year will be blessed!

(Occasionally, if I time things just right, they take pity on me and I can get in on a little bit of the food.  This has only come with a great deal of practice.)

That’s happening on Friday night and Saturday.  On Sunday I will be talking about being unashamed of Jesus and the gospel message. 

You might be thinking, “What could anyone possibly say about that subject?”

I’m glad you asked.  You won’t want to miss this Sunday to find out the answer to that question.  But just for a little sneak peek, the Apostle Paul contributed to the subject in this way, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16

I hope you can make it.  It will be worth it!

We are also having our Chili Cook-Off immediately following the 11 o’clock service.  This is a youth fundraiser.  Come and taste a whole bunch of great chili prepared by a number of folks from the congregation and then vote for the best tasting chili. 

This is a big deal!  The winner of the Chili Cook-Off gets incredible awards and prizes (…okay, fairly nice awards and prizes) but more importantly, the winner gets the prestige of being the 2013 Chili Cook-Off Winner.  (Man, does that ever look impressive on a resume!)

It’s happening this Sunday, November 17^th.

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, click on the link below to read the Pastor’s Report from the 2013 Annual Business meeting.

Link…    http://danmarler.blogspot.com/2013/11/pastors-report-2013.html

Experiencing All of Life, Including The Difficult Feelings

We have a very understandable impulse to want to numb ourselves when we experience feelings such as sadness, pain, guilt, vulnerability and fear.  The problem with numbing these types of feelings is that when we do so, it leads to numbing positive feelings such as confidence, happiness, courage and joy, as well.  Part of learning, growing and truly living involves working—with God’s help—through the experience of all these feelings.

Pastor's Report 2013

Pastor’s Report 2013

 October of 2013 marked the 20^th year that I have had the pleasure of serving as pastor here at the church of God in Oak Lawn.  It’s been wonderful, interesting, fun, scary, challenging, inspiring, good, bad, exciting, heart-breaking, joyful, thrilling and soul-stirring  …sometimes all in the same day.  (That’s a slight exaggeration.  But only slight.)

It has definitely been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve God and serve this church.  I’m hoping for many more years to continue serving!

Of course, some things have changed in those 20 years.  My hair is whiter.  And there’s less of it.  Some physical changes have happened in the building and on the property.  People have come and gone. 

We’ve undergone significant technological changes.  Our church did not have a Facebook page when I began serving as pastor.  Actually, come to think of it, the creators of Facebook were probably about 8 or 9 years old when I began serving. 

No cell phones accidentally went off during the services when I first began serving.  (People were still communicating with two cans and a string, back then.)

Certain changes will continue to happen because change is inevitable.

However, there are certain things that have not fundamentally changed in the past 20 years and they will not change for the next 20 years… or, for that matter, if the Lord were to tarry, for the next 10,000 years.

God does not change.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

There is a basic gospel message that does not change.  The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on a cross and rose again!   He did this because He loves us and this sacrifice provides forgiveness of sins and salvation to all who believe.  That’s the unchanging truth of the gospel.

The Great Commission, which is given to us by Jesus, does not change:  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”  Matthew 28:19&20

Soon 2013 will close and 2014 will begin.  I remind us that our church remains firmly committed to the assignment the Lord has given us.  We want to reach out to those who are not currently walking with God.  We want to help them come to know the Lord and to grow in their relationship with Him. 

We remain committed to being a church that, with God’s help, strives to help hurting people.  We say it this way:  “Helping hurting people find and walk with God.”

Our objective is to remain committed to responsibly passing along the faith as it has been passed along for the past 2,000 years.  The Bible tells us Jesus will return.  He is coming again—you can trust that this is true.  Our desire is that this church would be about His work and be found faithful when He returns!

I am so thankful for you all.  I am grateful for your commitment to being a faithful expression of His church here in Oak Lawn.

May God be honored and may His Kingdom increase.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Generosity, God's Provision and Suffering

I recently had the following interaction, online, with a friend.  I hope you'll take a moment to read...

My Original Post:

Real generosity generally requires people to believe that there will always be provision. In other words, in order to be willing to give freely of what we have, it is important for us to believe that our basic needs will be provided.

We have this question: “If I give away some portion of what I have, will I hurt myself or will there be enough?”

So there is a trust factor involved in generosity. Generous people look to the Provider in a way that reveals authentic trust.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9

My Friend Susan’s Comment Regarding The Original Post:

I know this to be true. Yet, I struggle with things like the people in the Philippines right now, who have no food or water, and the folks trying to help are unable to reach them. Unless food and water aren’t included in "all your needs", I can't help but understand the worry these people have. I'm not disputing the verse, as it has reminded me so often not to worry about things I can't control and to put my trust in God. I just put my hope in God, that He orchestrates some miracles so that people can receive their basic needs. Any other's struggle with this kind of stuff?

My Reply To Susan’s Comment:

I think all of us can relate with the struggle you have described, Susan.  It is hard for us to make sense of events like the recent devastation to so many from the storm in the Philippines.  We’re bothered by the heartache and agony that happen in this broken world. I like what you said about putting your hope in God and trusting that He will orchestrate miracles so people can receive their basic needs.  I agree.

I honestly do not claim to have answers to issues like the ones you have raised; issues that have stymied people for thousands of years.  But it does give me some small sense of consolation to know that God does not view human pain and struggle from some cold detached vantage point on high.  Rather, He has entered into the turmoil of this world and endured misery and suffering Himself, first-hand.  He does not take a position like this, “Oh, you guys are dealing with pain, huh?  Hmm, that’s too bad.  I don’t know what that feels like.”

I understand this does not answer the questions you’ve raised or clear up the confusion.  Like I said, I struggle, too.  And I appreciate that even though you are a believer you are willing to honestly express your struggles.  I always appreciate honesty.  Honesty can sting sometimes, but it’s still right.

My post that prompted your comment had to do with generosity.  When we think about what has happened in the Philippines, the concept of generosity is definitely relevant.  The generous help of others, in terms of many forms of aid, will certainly be necessary for the many people who are suffering due to this storm.

Most everyone who reads this post will probably have an opportunity to give in some way to the relief efforts that have been mobilized to help those who are hurting.  Let’s choose to be generous.

Thanks again, for your thoughtful, honest comment, Susan!

Love and blessings,

Dan

Thank You To Our Veterans And Happy Veterans Day!

Freedom never comes without a cost.  In order for a group of people to be free there will always be some people who have to give of their time and energy and in some cases even give of their lives.  Freedom will require that a price is paid.

In our country the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces are some of the key people who have given of their time and energy to help purchase and protect our freedom.  I am thankful for our veterans.  I am grateful for the sacrifices they have made.  They deserve our respect and admiration.

God bless all those who have served and happy Veterans Day!

Our Trips To Mike's Barber Shop

Every three weeks or so, throughout my childhood, my dad would load my brother and I in the car on Saturday mornings and we would go to Mike’s barber shop for haircuts.

“Mike the barber” was a gregarious man and he would hold forth on all kinds of subjects with great volume and humor to the interest and amusement of the men in the shop.  He was a character.

On several occasions, when Mike was cutting my brother Cam’s hair, he would tell all the men in the shop, “I gave this kid his first haircut.  He had the biggest head I’ve ever seen!  It was so big he couldn’t even hold it up.  I had to hold his head up with one hand while he was sitting in the chair, here, and cut his hair with my free hand!”

Then Mike and all the men would laugh uproariously.  (I know, it’s not that hilarious but Mike had a great way with the delivery of his stories.)

You’re probably thinking, “Gee, that’s terrible.  Your poor brother must have hated that.”

He did.

You’re also probably thinking, “I bet you felt bad for your brother, huh, Dan?”

I did.  However, as the younger brother, I have to admit that I was also extremely relieved that Mike was focusing his attention on Cam and not telling any stories about me.

Unfortunately, younger brothers aren’t much help in these kinds of situations.

…Oh, and the haircuts really weren’t all that flattering either.

I'm In Trouble

When we walked into Taco Bell tonight, Rachel’s eye was immediately drawn toward a sign advertising a new dessert on their menu.  The dessert is called Cinnabon Delights.  The Cinnabon Delights are sort of like a donut hole covered with sugar and cinnamon and filled with cream. 

Rachel ordered the treats (they come 4 in a bag) and I thought, “Uh uh.  No way.  I’m not eating one.  I don’t need it.  No sir!  Not tonight!”

At one point, as we were eating, Rachel took one of the Cinnabon Delights out of the bag and ate it.  She said, “Mmm, this is good.”  And she held the bag toward me. “Here, have one.”

I looked at the size of the “delight” and calculated that it couldn’t be much more than a hundred calories.  As you know, when a person begins estimating the calories of a dessert, the battle is very close to being lost.

“Well, I suppose I can try one of them to determine what they taste like,” I thought.

I popped the Cinnabon delight into my mouth.

Oh man!

Let me say that again:  Ohhhhh man!

What I can tell you is this:  There is now one more reason that Taco Bell is a place I should never go, ever again.  The Cinnabon Delights?  Are really good!

I said to the manager of the Taco Bell, “Steve, these are dangerously good.”

(Yes, I’m on a first-name basis with him, but stop shaking your head at me.)

Steve smiled and, rubbing his hands together like the evil villain in a movie, said, “Yes, they are, aren’t they?”

I’m in trouble.

Thoughts About The Billy Graham Special

I watched a Billy Graham special last night.  It was well done but, essentially, it featured a 95 year old man giving a basic presentation of the Christian gospel.

As the show unfolded I prayed that somehow this simple—not very flashy—program would be empowered by the Holy Spirit and that many people who were watching would be moved.  I prayed that eyes would be opened to the truth of Jesus and that hearts would turn toward Him.

Could that happen?  Could lots of people actually come to Christ from something this simple?

Yes.  There is surprising power in the truth of the message of Jesus, and who He is, and what He has done.  There were people watching that program last night who were ready.  They were hungry to hear that message.  And, once again, God used his long-time faithful servant.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16

God Sorts It All Out

When I think about hurtful things that people have done to me I am comforted in knowing that God metes out justice.  When I think about the hurtful things that I have done to others I am comforted in knowing that God extends mercy.  When I think about sorting all of these things out in a fair and righteous way I’m glad that God is all-knowing, righteous, gracious, perfect and Holy.

Speaking In Truth And Love -- Audio Podcast

We are called to speak the truth and we are called to do so, lovingly!

                           Click here for podcast!

Let's Not Miss What God Has For Us Today!

Today is a gift to you and me.  Today has something important to offer.  Let’s not be so hung up on what has happened in the past or so caught up on what’s going to happen in the future that we miss what God has for us today.

An Awesome God Who Is Worthy of Worship

There is a theological concept which suggests that since God is omniscient (knows everything) He, therefore, knows every possible alternative that would have happened if different decisions were made or if different events occurred.  In other words “God possesses hypothetical knowledge of conditional future contingents.” (William Lane Craig)

Did you catch that?  It’s pretty fancy:  “Hypothetical knowledge of conditional future contingents.”

Theologian/philosopher William Lane Craig points out, “Such hypothetical knowledge is knowledge of what philosophers call ‘counterfactual conditionals’…”

So, when we entertain ourselves with questions like, “I wonder what would have happened if I would have gone into the military instead of going to college after high school?” we are, of course, pondering a matter that we could never possibly know with any certainty.  Think of the countless ramifications on our own lives and the lives of multitudes of other people that such a change would cause.  It’s a staggering idea.

However, God’s knowledge of counterfactual conditionals means that He actually knows in every detail exactly how that change would affect every aspect of the future.  It is knowledge of what did not actually happen but what would have happened IF…

I’m not bringing this up to bore everyone.  (Even though I find it interesting.)  I’m bringing it up because it helps me think about God’s incredible omniscience in a way that makes me stand, once again, in awe of Him.  This kind of knowledge of all things and all possible things is hard to wrap our heads around. 

To say that it is astonishing is a vast understatement.

To say that this God deserves our worship is true.

We Need People

Relationships are difficult, painful, stressful, messy, irritating and almost not worth the hassle.

Relationships are wonderful, fun, life-giving, instructive, meaningful, joyful and an important part of the reason for our existence.

You say, “Wait a minute.  Which one of those two statements is correct?”  They both are true.  Relationships are the source of some of our greatest pain in life and they are also the source of our greatest joy.  The nature of real life is that despite the troubles that they bring, we need people.  

Go figure.