God's Commandments, Pt. 2 -- Audio Podcast

Exodus 20:12-17

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They Deserted Jesus But He Continued To Love Them Anyhow

All of the disciples deserted Jesus when he was taken into custody. 

And they even had advance notification of what was coming: “Jesus told them, ‘Tonight all of you will desert me.’” (Matt. 26:31)  This is when Peter told Jesus that even if everyone else deserts him, he would never desert him.

(Peter meant well, but sometimes he talked too much.  I’m familiar with that particular shortcoming.)

When something like that happens, most people would become very cynical and angry.  At that point, most folks would say, “Yep, that’s what I thought.  You’re all a bunch of cowards.  When I need your help the most, you turn and run.  Therefore, phooey on all of you!!!”

Jesus, however, continued with His mission and offered love, grace and, ultimately, salvation to those who did Him wrong.  That’s an extraordinary response, isn’t it?

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

Who Is Responsible For Me?

Here is today’s brief “unpopular rant:”  It is not the responsibility of someone else to make my life easy for me.  It is my responsibility to work hard, be diligent, industrious, conscientious and do the best I can with the gifts I have been given.

I’ve actually hesitated for several days to post these thought because I figured it would probably bother some people.  And then I thought, “How is it possible that concepts like responsibility, diligence, industriousness and conscientiousness would be bothersome or controversial?”

You cannot read tone of voice when it comes to written words, so, I will tell you I write these words with the intention of being loving, kind, gracious and helpful:  If we create a culture in which the majority of people no longer believe they have some measure of personal responsibility for their lives we are creating something dangerous and unsustainable.

Taking responsibility for our lives is not easy, but it is good and it is right.

E-Flash From Dan, February 7, 2014

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Hope you’ve had a great week and you are doing well.

I’m excited about the services coming up this Sunday.  (I know, I’m always excited about the services.  I can’t help it.  But, hey, it’s better that I’m excited about the services than tired and apathetic, right?)

Lisa Roule, Stephanie Chiocca and Kevin Durr joined me for a podcast that we hope you will take a moment to enjoy.  It’s the “What’s Coming 2/9/14 Podcast.”  Click on the link below to check it out!

Link…   http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=_{201402070902058F281E}

We are offering a baptism class this Sunday, in between the two services, if you are interested please feel free to attend.  (Participation in the class does not obligate you to be baptized.  You can attend the class simply for informational purposes.)

Hope to see you on Sunday!

Love and blessings,

Dan

Leadership And The Temptation To Manipulate People

There is an incredible temptation to want to manipulate people when you are in a leadership position of any kind.  Often those of us who are in leadership positions may even convince ourselves that the way in which we want to manipulate people is “for their own good.”  When we can convince ourselves that we’re doing something noble then we don’t feel guilty about it.

I’ve pulled this kind of stuff.  It has a lot to do with insecurity.

Leadership is a valid and necessary gift.  We need good leaders.  I’m not suggesting that leadership itself is an inherently flawed concept.  It’s not.  But I believe good leaders do not manipulate people.  We inform.  We instruct.  We point the way.  We encourage.  We exhort.  We pray.  We paint a picture of what could be.  We do what we are calling others to do. 

But manipulation is not necessary when we are doing what God calls us to do.  We need to allow God’s Holy Spirit to move, prompt, illuminate and convict.  And if the work of the Holy Spirit is not enough to motivate people to the actions we are hoping to see then we should not presume that we need to compensate with our own clever forms of manipulation.

(This thought is primarily directed at myself, but I thought some others might find it interesting or helpful, as well.)

What's Coming 2/9/14 with Dan, Lisa, Steph and Kevin -- Audio Podcast

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Taking It Up A Notch... And Then Taking It Back Down A Notch

I'm at the health club doing my cardio training and listening to 70's music. Suddenly the "groovy sounds"

I felt excited!

I felt invigorated!

I felt energized!

So in a moment of inspiration, feeling very young again, I decided to "take it up a notch."

I don't mind telling you it was a thing to behold. I'm pretty sure you would have marveled at the site!

... But after about 45 seconds of taking it up a notch I took it back down a couple of notches. I've learned the disappointing truth that listening to music from an earlier era is not, by itself, sufficient for a sustained increase in the notch level.

swept me back to an earlier era of life.

God's Commandments, Pt. 1 -- Audio Podcast

Exodus 20:1-11

                     Click here for podcast!

Van Troubles And A Happiness Theory

Rachel and I walked out of a store in Crestwood and jumped in the van.  When we turned the key to start it, however, I quickly got that unpleasant feeling I always get when it becomes obvious that the vehicle is not going to start.

It’s similar to the feeling I get when a doctor says, “We found something that concerns us…”

So, we called a tow truck and he said, “I’m on my way…!”

“…in about an hour.”

But, actually, he arrived about in about 25 minutes.  That was a pleasant surprise.

The van is now at our mechanic’s shop and he has not called to tell us what the problem is, yet.  But earlier today I posted a thought about choosing to be happy and wouldn’t you agree that it’s a bit ironic that my theory is being tested so quickly?

I mean, sheesh!!!  You’d think it would be at least a few days after my “happiness” post before I’d have to mess with stalled cars, tow trucks, and pricing estimates from mechanics.

Making The Choice To Be Happy

When someone is in a crummy, rude, sour mood and we are exposed to their gloomy pessimism it’s very possible that we will respond by adopting a negative mood as well because, unfortunately, that type of attitude can be contagious.  Unhappiness honestly can rub off on us.

But a negative response is not inevitable.  I know frustrating and hurtful things happen with the people in our lives.  But it’s helpful to remember that, for the most part, we really can make a choice to be happy.  And, seriously, isn’t that a better way to live?

I'm Hoping God Surprises Us

I had a conversation this week in which God showed up in a way that surprised me. I’m saying it was surprising in a good way.  I like when that happens.  I like that even though I’ve walked with God for a long time He still surprises me.  It’s probably good for Him to keep me on my toes.

As we gather today to worship God I believe He could show up in a way that would surprise us.  I’m praying that will happen.  I think it will be good for us.

Speaking The Truth Is A Loving Thing To Do

We’ve been led to believe that speaking the truth is an unloving thing to do unless the truth which is being spoken has wide, popular acceptance and consensus.  But the reality is that speaking the truth is a loving thing to do, even truths that might be difficult, challenging or unpopular.  It is important to speak truth graciously, kindly, gently and humbly.  But telling people the truth is not mean or cruel, it is loving.