Six Surefire Ways To Know Whether Someone Is Lying To You

It’s not always easy to determine if someone is telling the truth, or not. These carefully tested clues can help.

You can be reasonably certain a person is lying to you if…

1)    During a 5 minute conversation he says the phrase, “I’m not going to lie to you...” more than 7 times.

2)    She tries to assure you several times saying, “Don’t worry, what you’ve told me is going to stay between you and me.” But she can never complete the phrase because she is laughing too hard.

3)    He says, “During my 40 years in politics…”

4)    For some unexplainable reason his pants actually catch fire while he’s talking.

5)    She says, “If you don’t believe me just ask so-and-so.” But when you say, “Maybe I will double-check that with so-and-so. Do you have her number?” She excuses herself to go to the restroom and then sneaks out the window.

6)    When you say, “Wow, that’s hard to believe.” He gets a surprised expression on his face and points behind you saying, “Oh my goodness. Look!!!” You turn to look but don’t see anything. When you turn back around again, he is gone.

Dan Marler

Oak Lawn, IL

The Young Guy Couldn't Hear My Thoughts

Recently, I saw a young man on television who seemed to be a bit embarrassed by the simple, quaint connections to God that were part of his life. On the TV program the young man was with some very hip, very cool people—heavy hitters in the entertainment industry—and I think, perhaps, his association with God may have made him feel un-hip and un-cool in his current rarefied setting.

It’s interesting that beings who are completely dependent on God for their very existence could consider Him to be slightly embarrassing, isn’t it?

As I watched the program I found myself trying to encourage the young man, in my mind.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” I was directing these thoughts to the young man. “There is nothing these people have, nothing they think, nothing they can do and nothing they can offer you that is more important than God or more important than knowing Him.”

You might be thinking, “Dan, he couldn’t hear your thoughts.”

I know. But come on, do you really have to rub it in?

"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing  worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..." Philippians 3:8

When The Church Gathers Together Gladly, Joyfully and Willingly

When the church gathers together it is not with a heavy sigh and a strong determination we are going to do things that, frankly, we don’t really want to do. However, just watch us, we are going to prove to God we love Him by fulfilling this burdensome obligation.

When the church gathers, we do so as God’s people. And we come together gladly, joyfully, willingly to praise and honor Him. He deserves it! Also, we come together to lift each other up and encourage one another.

When the church is functioning properly it does not involve gathering together because we have to. It involves gathering together because—in recognition of who He is and what He has done—we want to.

Glory To God Rather Than Stroking The Ego

Whenever a person steps onto a platform in church, in front of a congregation, there is a temptation to allow ego and pride to get in the way of giving glory to God.

These kinds of thoughts can prevail: “I wonder what they think of me?” Or, “I hope they notice and appreciate my skill and talent.” Rather than thoughts along these lines: “To God be the glory.”

It is helpful for anyone who stands in front of others communicating about God to be a private worshiper of God. Focusing on God rather than self must be a regular part of a person’s life, not just something we try to do in the moments we walk onto the platform.

P.S. You’ve just read another one of the many posts in which I am primarily challenging myself because of my own tendencies before attempting to instruct others.

Facebook Is Down

Rachel frantically yelled, “Dad, something is wrong with Facebook.”

I attempted to log on and sure enough Facebook appeared to be down. So, I thought, “I’ll check Twitter.”

One of the top trending hashtags on Twitter was #FacebookDown.

Rachel called out from the other room, “What am I supposed to do without Facebook?”

I thought to myself, “That’s an excellent question. Without Facebook it might just be that life as we know it will devolve into a meaningless attempt to carry on without posting our thoughts or pictures. It will be a sad and joyless existence something like the pitiful lives of people in ancient times like the 80s and 90s.

A tear rolled down my cheek. Who could have ever guessed it would come to this?

Then I heard a shout, basically a shout for joy, come from the other room.

“Is Facebook back up?” I asked.

“Yes,” came Rachel’s reply.

A terrible crisis has been averted. We carry on with a whole new appreciation for life.

You Have Not Been Picked

On The Voice (TV show) they will sometimes do a profile of a contestant and we get a glimpse into the person’s life. And of course, we discover that the person’s greatest dream is to make it as a team member of one of the coaches and be a regular contestant on the show.

(During the profile, we may also discover during a tearful moment that the person’s grandfather, on his deathbed, hoped he/she would win The Voice.)

Then, occasionally, one of these profiled persons performs his/her audition and none of the coaches turn around. In other words, the person is not picked to be on the show.

Then the coaches must face the performer and express a few thoughts for this person whose dreams have been dashed. They must tell the person he/she is really special, talented and beloved by each and every coach even though none of them actually picked the person.

I often have to turn the channel when that happens because for me, no kidding, it is one of the most uncomfortable moments on television.

Getting The Basics Right Rather Than Chasing The Latest Trendy Approach

It’s very possible that most of the people who read this do not realize how much advice is now available from “experts” to people who serve as professionals in church ministry. There is a constant and seemingly endless flow of books, articles, conferences and research which purports to help those in ministry do their work more effectively.

Ironically, some of the helpful advice is contradictory. (Which makes it decidedly less helpful.)

If the advice of the experts is contradictory then what are we supposed to do?

(That’s a rhetorical question. I’m not expecting an answer. It’s pretty typical for me to ask myself questions which go unanswered all throughout the day.)

I’m not opposed to getting advice from experts and learning from others—in fact, this type of information has been helpful to me over the years—but as I get older I find I’m less interested in discovering the latest trendy approach to ministry and more interested in trying to be obedient to God regarding the basic fundamentals of being a church. 

God Is Not Out To Get You

I had an informal discussion with a couple of people recently and in response to their concerns about spiritual matters I felt compelled to say something I have said many times. Even though I have said this many times, however, it seems necessary to repeat this truth again and again because there is a persistent misunderstanding with which many people seem to wrestle. The truth is: God is not out to get people.

Some people have gotten the impression that because God is a being of perfect justice this truth about His nature, in some way, indicates He actually wants to deliver punishment. The idea comes across like this: “God is watching our every move just hoping we mess up. He can’t wait for us to make a mistake and fall into sin. He loves it when this happens because then He can happily swoop in to deliver the severe justice no-good hooligans like us so richly deserve!”

[ Did you notice I used the word “hooligans” instead of “punks?” I’m expanding my vocabulary. ]

It is true He is a God of justice, however, He is also a patient God who is loving, merciful and gracious. We have assurance from His word that His desire is no one would perish.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

God is not out to get us. He loves us. He wants us to enter into life with Him.

This is the most often quoted Bible verse because the truth it proclaims is so important and so vital: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

So, I’ve said it before but I will say it again: He is not out to get you.

E-Flash From Dan, September 17, 2015

Dear E-Flash Friends;

I’m sitting here working on my message for this weekend and I’m getting excited. This happens from time to time. Occasionally, I’ll get so pumped up that I have to leap to my feet, walk a few laps around the church, and fire off an E-Flash… like I’m doing right now.

You won’t want to miss the Fall Kick-Off service this Sunday, September 20^th. We will be launching a new series titled: “Experiencing Freedom!” The Bible tells us there is freedom in Christ. We will be talking about that encouraging and liberating reality.

The guys will be leading the music. If you’ve been here when the guys lead the music you know it is inspirational, exciting, passionate and fun!

We’ve even made a video invitation to the Fall Kick Off. That’s when you know we’re serious! Click on the link to watch the brief video.

Link...   Click here for video!

There’s still time to invite someone. I hope you will take a risk and make an invitation. You could even send a link of the invitation video. Who knows what might happen?

I do know that God is going to do some great things this weekend.

You say, “How do you know He’s going to do great things?”

Because He’s God and everything He does is great! That’s why we gather together to honor Him.

I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Being Aware of The Results We Cannot Produce

In Christian leadership there is a very understandable desire to want to produce results. Good leaders have an orientation toward results. Good leaders take their leadership responsibility seriously and this means they have a concern about results.

However, it is helpful for Christian leaders to remember that we are unable to produce many of the most important “results” of faith in Christ.

For example, for a person to respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in his/her life and turn toward God is not a result we can produce.

For a person to experience forgiveness of sins is not a result we can produce.

For a person to come alive in Christ is not a result we can produce.

For a person to be filled with the Holy Spirit is not a result we can produce.

For a person to respond to God’s direction in his/her life is not a result we can produce.

It’s not that Christian leaders have no role. We do have a part to play. We can teach, encourage, provide support, provide counsel, provide correction, cast vision and lead by example. But it is helpful for Christian leaders to do those things God has called us to do and to be careful not to try to manufacture the results only God can produce.

Unpopular Opinions

In our culture certain ideas or viewpoints are popular and other ideas or viewpoints are unpopular. There is nothing new about this reality it is part of what occurs in any society. What concerns me, however, is that we currently seem to be developing a climate in our culture in which the unpopular ideas are not allowed to be expressed. If you hold certain beliefs it is understood that you need to be quiet. There are indications we are moving in a direction in which people should not be allowed to even think certain unpopular ideas.

When centers of influence within the culture want to control what we think and say then we are moving toward totalitarianism. This is dangerous, unhealthy and oppressive. It’s also a serious pain in the neck!

Is this really what we want?

I encounter many viewpoints with which I disagree. In fact, I can even find myself getting agitated by some of the viewpoints I encounter on Facebook or other online forums. Occasionally I read posts and find myself thinking: “Are you kidding? Is this actually your point of view on this topic? This is ridiculous!!!”

After all, when a person’s opinion is so drastically different from my own it seems incredibly obvious, to me, that my opinion is the correct one. You all agree with this airtight logic, right?

However, I believe it is important to defend the right of people to think and express their ideas, including unpopular ideas. It would be nice if people would express their ideas respectfully and thoughtfully. The Bible calls us to speak lovingly. But the freedom to think and communicate ideas—even ones with which I disagree—is important. It is an extraordinary value which is worth protecting.

I may not agree with your viewpoint but I support your right to think it and express it.

What Do We Need To Remember About September 11th?

There is much about September 11, 2001 that is worth remembering. But here are two truths which stand out for me.

First, it is worthwhile for us to remember the courage and heroism exhibited by the first responders. As regular citizens were understandably running from the carnage and destruction that day, firefighters, police officers and other emergency response agents were running toward the scenes of the attack.

You might say, “Well, that’s their job!”

You are right. But it is still remarkable.

The desire of these tremendous individuals was to assist those who were hurt and needing direction as well as the prevention of further injury and death. As they engaged in this form of service they put themselves in great danger and, as we know, many of the first responders were injured and killed in the line of duty.

This kind of brave behavior is good, right, proper, exceptional, important and noteworthy. These men and women deserve our deep respect and gratitude.

Second, it is worth remembering there are still people who share the viewpoint of the terrorists who executed the attacks of September 11^th. The events of that day do not represent a historical oddity which could never happen again.

If there are serious people who genuinely desire our destruction—and there are—then a general awareness of this reality is important.

The main duty of the governmental leaders of any country is this: to defend and protect the people of the country. Obviously, the leaders have other challenging duties, as well. But if they fail when it comes to defending and protecting, can you see how the other duties become fairly inconsequential?

I pray our leaders will have great wisdom, integrity and courage. I hope you will pray for them, too.

Let’s remember the profound events of 9/11. What happened that day is still of great significance.

You Are Here On Purpose!

Over the years, as a pastor, I have had conversations with people who felt tremendously discouraged. In the midst of their despair they wondered why they were alive and worried that their existence, perhaps, did not even matter.

It can be difficult to try to bring words of genuine help and hope in these types of situations. We may not be able to honestly point out the specific purpose of another person’s life. Our purpose in life is often something that takes time and even some trial and error to discover.

However, there are two important truths that are helpful to keep in mind when we are struggling with these types of feelings and questions.

The first truth is every single human being is unique. You are a one-of-a-kind. There is no one else exactly like you. There is no one who has had all of the same experiences. There is no one who has entertained all of the same thoughts. You have a rare blend of skills and aptitudes. You have a rare perspective possessed by you alone.

The second truth is God always does everything with a reason and purpose in mind. God never does something in a haphazard way. He never does anything—and this includes creating a person—with this type of thought: “Well, I don’t know if this is a good idea, or not, but I’m going to give it a shot and see what happens.”

You are not one of God’s infrequent mistakes. He does not make mistakes. Ever.

I do not know your unique role in this world. I do not have the knowledge to be able to tell you in a precise way why you exist. But I know this: You are here on purpose.

Go Out And Live Life Even If It Means Failing Once In A While

I have tried some things in life and failed in ways that are truly embarrassing.

I don’t like failing. It stings. That’s fairly obvious since no one likes failing, huh?

Also, I hate to humiliate myself. It’s bad enough to live through an embarrassing experience when it actually happens. But I have this tendency to go back in my mind and revisit embarrassing experiences. I know I’m not supposed to do this and I try avoid it but sometimes I find myself thinking this way, anyhow.

I have thought with such vividness about past embarrassing failures that I turned red even though I was sitting in a room alone and the experience happened 35 or 40 years ago.

Even with these truths in mind, however, I still believe it is important to try things. It’s important to step out and take the risk of engaging in pursuits that might fail. God gives us one life here in this earthly realm. This life is meant to be embraced. It is meant to be engaged in. It is meant to be a terrific adventure.

God gave us the extraordinary gift of life expecting us to get going and live it!

God Is Not Out To Get Us... He Loves Us!

At our Bible study, last night, some of the discussion which occurred reminded me of an important truth about God. The truth is: God is not trying to hide from us; He is not trying to keep us from knowing Him; He is not trying to make it difficult for people to experience salvation in Him.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus makes it clear that He wants us to experience His grace and mercy. It is His desire that we come to know life in Him.

According to the Bible He wants all people to be saved. Check out this verse: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

You might think, “Well this is obvious, isn’t it?”

Yes, in a way, this is obvious. Except that in the world of religion there can sometimes be a tendency to complicate things.

I realize this is odd, but sometimes the truths of God are communicated in such a way that a person could get the impression God is actually out to get us. Based on what they have heard, some people wonder if maybe God is gleefully rubbing his hands together and looking for some technicality which will lead Him to withhold His love, grace and forgiveness from us.

This “God-who-is-out-to-get-us” impression is incorrect. In fact, it bothers me. God loves us. Going to extraordinary lengths, He did everything that needed to be done in order for us to come into relationship with Him.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s preference is not that we are lost so that He can…

“Finally get to dish out the punishment you no-good punks deserve!”

His preference is that we walk with Him, know Him and find life in Him.

“[God] …is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

What About Racial Unity... Is It Possible?

When I was young I remember thinking the racial tension that is sometimes felt and expressed in ugly, hurtful, unproductive, even violent ways would probably be reduced as I got older. I thought—I hoped—the issue of racial strife would lessen and perhaps get to the point at which it was no longer a difficult, divisive issue.

“We will get beyond the misunderstandings, the injustices of the past, and the hard feelings. At some point love and respect for each other will prevail. There will still be some exceptions, sure, but for the most part we will get along. We will have fun together! It will be good.” I thought.

I’m not kidding. I truly believed this was likely. I was young and hopeful.

So when I look around at our society these days my heart is grieved.

I know that brotherhood, sisterhood, true friendship, heartfelt love and unity between people of different races are possible. These kinds of loving relationships happen all the time. They actually happen every day. I have experienced this type of love and unity on a personal level and many of the people who read this post have, as well. But these simple truths do not make headlines or scintillating stories. So they are not routinely brought to our attention.

Some of the people who read this are not Christians and so I understand this next line of thinking will not offer much in the way of authority or persuasive force in those cases. But for many of us who consider Jesus to be Lord, we are called to love. We are called to forgive. We are called to extend the hand of friendship. We are called to seek understanding. We are called to treat all people with dignity. We are called to let the goodness and truth of God flow out of our lives to others.

And we are called to be different. In this case “different” means having a genuine love, respect and fondness that reaches across what some might think of as insurmountable relational barriers.

I pray the reconciliation I hoped for when I was a kid will happen. I still believe it is not impossible.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus, John 13:34-35

P.S. I realize as an older, middle-class, white male some people will believe I have no business even addressing this topic because I cannot possibly understand what people have experienced due to racism. It is true that I do not know the pain many people have experienced due to racism. But what I am doing with this post is simply sharing my desire to see genuine healing in this important area of life. If that means there will be disapproval of me for expressing these thoughts, then so be it.