Ringing in the New Year and celebrating Paula's birthday

May you know God's love in this New Year

Getting sizzled at Nokomis Beach!

A travel adventure on Christmas day!

A regular guy trusts God. Merry Christmas!

I testify that God was with me

You don't know what people are dealing with

Phooey on the critics!

Check out the Christmas lights

Have you heard of the house—it’s actually a few houses together—in Tinley Park (Chicago suburbs) that has the terrific Christmas display? Well, Rachel and I checked it out, tonight. It is fair to say that it is spectacular, especially considering it is the work of regular folks living in an ordinary neighborhood.

We were there looking at the many scenes and lighting effects for about 10 or 15 minutes and I would guess there were 75 to 80 people, several dogs, and a creature I could not identify, walking around looking and taking photos during our brief stay.

(It made me wonder how the neighbors feel about it. Especially that guy across the street who was frowning at us from his front window.)

If you are out that way and you have a few spare moments it is worth seeing.

Address:  17321 Avon Lane, Tinley Park, IL

Opening presents a little bit early this year

The value of surviving failures

Names of God: Abba, Father

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The Father is ready to welcome us home

I'm thankful for words of discipline and correction

Getting outside of ourselves and helping others

All good things come from God!

A fun birthday, at a fun place!

God’s calling will never make us less like Christ

Our values are revealed in the way we live

You cannot buy salvation

Names of God: Yahweh

                                    Click here to listen!

Watch out for pride!

Mom was right, again

I remember mentioning the young, hip celebrities of the 70s and 80s back in the day and being astonished that my mom had no idea who I was talking about.

When I teased her saying, “Come on, mom! Get with it! You are so out of touch!”

She would respond saying, “I don’t care who the latest celebrities are.”

I was stunned that someone could be so willfully uninformed about these important matters.

…These days, if I catch part of a TV show that provides updates on the antics of the current young, hip, celebrities I do not recognize who they are talking about.

I wish my mom was here. I would like to tell her, “You know what mom? I get it, now. I don’t care who the latest celebrities are, either!”

Congratulations! You made the cut.

Are "feelings" the ultimate standard for our lives?

Behaving with real courage

Happy Thanksgiving 2019!

Getting on board with God

Resist cynicism...be tenderhearted

What someone told me about fear!

Looking for ways to bridge our differences

Easily Amused

RACHEL [looking at the computer with me]: “I forgot that guy’s name.”

ME: “That’s not a guy, that’s Jamie Lee Curtis.”

I realize this exchange wasn’t really that funny…but we both laughed for about a minute and a half. Sometimes, in this life, it’s good to be easily amused.   

God is not against you, He is for you!

Is "hurry" the biggest problem for Christians in the United States?

Everyone matters to God, not just the bigshots of this world

Misconception: Jesus was just a good moral teacher

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Audio Podcast

You can listen online or…download & listen on the go!

Encouraging, interesting and inspirational!

Rejoice in the truth of Jesus, even if the messenger is flawed.

You’re going to bow anyhow…you might as well start early

Joy. Peace. Optimism. Hope. Life. In Christ Jesus!

Some resistance in life is helpful, important and necessary

Dan Marler 2019 Pastor’s Report

Audio Podcast - Common Misconception: People in heaven provide help to people on earth

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Our concern should be obedience, not results

Do we need a long, cold winter in order to appreciate summer?

A sincere "Thank You" to our veterans!

There's a God here...and it ain't me!

I hope an expression of love is typical

The perfect gift for Helene!

Talking about the spiritual realm

Getting the priorities right

Misconception: Faith involves believing despite a lack of evidence

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We have lots of fun recording our podcast! Check it out!

God Stuff Podcast - 215

                                       Click here to listen!

It is remarkable that we live in a world which is fine tuned for intelligent life

Dealing with immature people

Do you really believe in miracles?

Admitting that I need God!

God won't give you more than you can handle -- "It doesn't say that in the Bible!"

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God has put restraints on evil

Truth tellers aren’t always celebrated. Speak the truth anyhow.

The video I did not want to post

A word of correction might just do us good!

Followers of Jesus are called to be part of a church

Dan and David's fun road trip to Decatur!

What frightens God?

Why did Jesus hang out with shady characters?

The beauty of: "No condemnation."

No one you know is beyond the love and grace of Jesus

Getting serious about God

Pray without ceasing? How is that possible?

Should we be talking about sin?

Let's check out the stairs at Swallow Cliff

We’re called to obey God even if things don’t go well

We don’t all have to agree on everything

Brandt Jean forgives Amber Guyger!

Some people find Jesus to be offensive

We can always be honest with God!

Lives turned upside down: Job

                         Click here to listen!

Get unstuck. Be willing to forgive.

Hanging out with Lucy and Finley

A more significant life

Your story is not over yet!

Looking for what's right instead of what's wrong

Question: Is death the worst thing that could happen?

Abraham -- Audio Podcast

                                        Click here to listen!

Resisting the competing voices

The challenge is to RECOGNIZE God's presence

We have one life...how are we living it?

What does it mean to be the light of the world?

Responding to God's call results in increasing intimacy with Him

I'm hoping to drown out the negative voices you've heard

You're invited to our Fall Kick Off, this Sunday, September 22!

We do not earn grace!

Transformation is the best thing that could happen for us

You will regret not giving it a try

An environment of grace encourages truth telling

The positive influence of your life

Real love involves action

Why does pride lead to trouble?

It is important that we never forget. 9/11

September 11th...These thoughts still hold true!

Here are some thoughts I shared about 9/11 on September 11, 2013. This still holds true for me...

When I think back to that day, 12 years ago, it still stirs emotion. The tragic loss of so many of our fellow citizens almost seemed to knock the wind out of me. It was genuinely shocking. Time has diminished the feeling somewhat, of course, but if I take the time to pause and remember—or view images of that day—the sorrow is still there.

I recall thinking part of the reason for our nation’s vulnerability is that we enjoy freedoms that can be taken advantage of. And I wondered, that day, how many of our freedoms would have to be forfeited for the sake of greater security. The recognition that we would lose freedoms really broke my heart. It still does. It seemed to me there was a certain innocence lost and that life would never quite be exactly the same again. In some ways, unfortunately, we are seeing that come to pass.

There was a reigniting of love for our country and a turning toward God that occurred in the initial wake of the event. That was a natural response in light of the type of tragedy we experienced. The attack reminded many of us how much we love our country. We discovered that when your country is attacked, your feelings of love for it grow stronger. Is it a flawed country? Yes, all countries are. But it is still an extraordinary place to live. It is still the most exceptional nation of hope and possibility that has ever existed.

It really is.

I pray that is never lost.

The turning toward God occurs during these types of events because we return to that which is fundamental in such a tragedy. When life feels confusing and unstable, many of us realize, once again, that God is the solid rock and “all other ground is sinking sand” as the old hymn goes.

It’s 12 years later. We cannot possibly have the same potent feelings of September 11, 2001. But for those who are old enough, can we think back to the fundamental truths that stirred in us in the initial days and weeks following those life-altering events?

There were important realizations that happened and they are realizations that are worth remembering.

It makes more sense to please God

You Are Not Alone - Audio Podcast

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Don't be embarrassed by your tears

Here's some good news: God will never leave you!

Is keeping a promise a moral issue?

The right time, for the right response, in the right way

You still matter to God!

God is the supreme cardiologist

God actually likes you!

I introduce 2 songs on a radio station’s Top 100 Countdown for the Labor Day weekend.

Being responsible isn't easy but it is good and right.

God gets a tremendous kick out of me!

I Know The Plans I Have For You -- Audio Podcast

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Join us for dinner downtown. Okay?

You have valid, credible reason to be hopeful!

You are NOT your past mistakes!

We're called to FOLLOW the teachings of Jesus

Be shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves. ...What?

I Can Do Everything Through Christ -- Audio Podcast

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A funky but genteel little number designed for sipping iced tea

Hey Dan...the paper is due!

We do not know what other people are going through

When high profile people leave the Christian faith

This is why many leaders wind up being unsatisfactory leaders

In the beginning God created -- Audio Podcast

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Riding around with Dan and Rachel

Before time began God knew He would create you

Doing good deeds

What God says about you is what matters

When the name-calling comes in, logic and reason are out

Trust in the Lord with all your heart -- Audio Podcast

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Sometimes blessings come in disguise

I have to be careful because there is video evidence

Sisterly unity...tail wagging synced!

You and I cannot overwhelm God!

Don't be afraid. Come on, I'll show you!

Can hardly wait for my liturgical dance routine, this Sunday!

First Church of God
4600 W. 111th Street
Oak Lawn, IL

Service times: Sunday 9am and 11am

Being a Christian leader is not possible! …And other helpful words of encouragement

The church is not supposed to be a PUNISHING OBLIGATION!

Oops...Never mind

Transformed into a new person

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Regular, continual, repeated exposure to God and to God's thinking

Don't be discouraged by the noisy naysayers. Hang in there!

Why should we NOT take revenge?

Avoid quarreling with the quarrelers!

TV ads for prescription medications? We can’t take it anymore!

Who are we trying to impress?

The Bible says: Don't talk a lot. So, I may be in trouble.

I hate to admit that I take some of my blessings for granted

When Rachel falls asleep and her music is playing, the dancing begins!

Why is envy wrong?

Go and make disciples - Audio Podcast

                                 Click here for podcast!

In line with the culture or in line with God?

Old and unpopular? That's 2 strikes!

We're not very good at having relationships of accountability

A scriptural justification of this idea: You haven’t run out of chances with God.

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Let me tell you about the Law of Noncontradiction

More fun summertime antics

I Am Grateful

I am grateful.

I am grateful for extraordinary freedom.

I am grateful for tremendous opportunity.

My beloved American friends, we live in a wonderful country.

Someone reminded me recently that America has flaws and imperfections.

I agreed.

Of course it does, because it is comprised of people and people have always been and will always be flawed. (I did not tell the person who reminded me about America’s flaws and imperfections that he and I were part of the reason for the flaws and imperfections… that would have been rude and my mom always told me not to be rude.)

It is helpful to remember that many, many people from all over the world continue to go to great lengths—and this includes facing considerable danger—just to get here and attempt to experience life in this remarkable place.

Yep, I am grateful. I hope you are grateful, too!

Happy Independence Day!

Here's a pretty good way to get around town

Some people are offended by everything!

Battling Giants!

Scenes from the beach

Choose your battles!

This time we meet a shark!

Are you remaining teachable?

Hello Mr. Dolphin. How nice to meet you!

Better get going!

Day 3 of the road trip - We finally reach our destination!

Day 2? Yes! The road trip continues...

Day 1 of our summer road trip!

It's going to work out alright!

Does God want you to be comfortable?

People seem to like it when I tell embarrassing stories about myself. So here we go…

Lots and lots of books…but a simple truth is still the most meaningful

The fact that we’re struggling does not mean we’re getting it wrong

Taylor's terrific gift!

My wonderful son, Taylor, gave me a fantastic gift for Father's Day. (We won't be able to celebrate on Sunday because of conflicting schedules.) He gave me several old, back issues of MAD magazine dating back to the early 70s.

I love it!

It probably will not surprise you to know that I enjoyed reading MAD when I was a kid. (This probably helps explain my somewhat odd sense of humor.) It may not have helped that I occasionally read MAD instead of doing my school homework.

... Another shocker, right?

(I was very disappointed to discover I would not be able to major in MAD magazineology when I got to college.)

Taylor randomly picked some back issues from the early 70s for me from a comic dealer and it turns out a couple of them were issues that I specifically recall from those many years ago.

Cool, huh?

It is a thoughtful, fun gift! Thanks again, Taylor and Raquel. I'm really having fun reading through them. (Perhaps there may be some helpful sermon illustrations awaiting me. Lol!)

"What, me worry?" -Alfred E. Neuman

It is wise to believe in God

God Will Provide For Our Needs - Audio Podcast

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Have you heard this one? Justin Bieber has challenged Tom Cruise to MMA fight!

Today is the future you were thinking about 10 years ago

God doesn’t throw banquets and run out of food

An objective standard of justice requires God!

We'll Be Satisfied With...Just A Little Bit More!

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We need to make sure we are on the right road

Is Lucy wearing eyeliner?

The Miracle of Grace

Is God important?

Speak Good, Helpful, Encouraging Words

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Listen online or download and listen on the go!

More adventures from Dan and Nadia's animal sanctuary!

Sometimes we need to deliver tough love

How Do I "Fear No Evil?" ...The Presence of God

                           Click here for audio podcast!

Brief Audio Podcast
Listen online or download and listen on the go!