Life Passes Quickly, Make It Count, Happy New Year

At this point in the game, the conclusion of another year reminds me how quickly life passes.

There is a passage in the book of James that says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14.

I know that’s not exactly the most cheerful pick-me-up you might read today.  But hang with me for a moment, I’m not sharing it in order to be depressing.  Actually, the truth of that verse can be motivating.  We can allow the fleeting aspect of life to encourage us to live with purpose and intention.  It can be a reminder to us to make this moment count.  It can awaken us to an awareness and appreciation of eternity.

You and I are here for a reason.  Our lives matter. 

It is helpful to know that we realize the purpose of our lives with the greatest effectiveness when we live the way our Creator made us to live.

The following is a portion of an old poem by a missionary named C.T. Studd.  When I was young I thought this line was hokey.  I still think it’s hokey, but now that I’m older I realize that hokey little lines from poems can contain great truth:

“Only one life ‘twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

So long 2013!  My prayer is that 2014 will bring all my online friends abundant, significant, (non-hokey) life.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Rachel The Teacher

Rachel told me that she is a teacher in Promiseland.

I said, “You’re a teacher?  Really?  I thought you were a student.”

She explained, “I’m a student at school but at Promiseland I’m a teacher because I help the little kids.”

Trying to clarify, I said, “Are you a helper or a teacher?”

“A teacher.”

“What do you teach them?” I asked.

“God.”

“You teach them God?”

“Yes, then we do a craft and watch a video.”

“Alright, you convinced me,” I said.

Simple Joy Is Good

I was walking along the Peace River that you see in the photo and I felt prompted to stop.

"Don't Just check 'walking' off of your list of things to do. Pay attention. Look. Be present and actually appreciate this moment and the beauty that you see."

So I stood there listening to some of my favorite music. I noticed the sun shining on the palm trees and the beautiful river. And darn it, I hate to admit it, but tears came to my eyes. (Rugged, manly, tough guys aren't supposed to do that.)

I thought, "Lord, thank you for giving me a glimpse of You in the wonder of your creation. Thank you for the gift of this moment."

Simple joy is good.

What Are Christians For?

There are people who will complain that, within the society at large, Christians are primarily known for what they do not like or what they stand against.

I think part of the reason for such a perception has to do with the nature of the issues which get significant attention in our culture.  The issues that get great attention are the ones that, obviously, involve controversy and conflict.  Therefore, stances regarding these issues are taken by many people, not just Christians. 

Frequently, however, the stance of many Christians is simply not popular in our culture and the perception of Christians as being “against” things is reinforced.

Also, to be honest, the Christians who often get the most attention are the ones who take slightly more extreme positions or who have something to gain from being against this, that and the other thing.

So, what are Christians for? 

We are for truth. 

We are for love. 

We are for grace. 

We are for life. 

We are for respecting others.

We are for helping those in need.

We are for God being known, honored and acknowledged.

We are for salvation in Jesus Christ.

As a list on a blog post these issues look fairly simple and uncomplicated.  I understand that acting upon these values and beliefs in real life can, sometimes, be easier said than done.  I certainly understand that there are people who will not share some of these beliefs and values.  When human beings attempt to live together in community there will be disagreement, it is inevitable, especially in a pluralistic culture.

But please know that many Christians—the majority of Christians—who receive no attention, notoriety or fame are quietly, sincerely, respectfully attempting, with God’s help, to live the truth of these values and beliefs every day. 

These are a few of the things that we are for.

Watching Wonder Woman, I Need To Get A Life

A little while ago we were watching an episode of the old Wonder Woman TV show that originally aired back in the 70’s.  It was airing on a network called “MeTV.”  

You’re probably thinking, “Dan, that’s no way to live it up on a Saturday night.  Come on!  Even a guy with not much of a life—like you—can’t be having fun engaged in this type of activity.”

Oh, I beg to differ.  This was fun.  We were cracking up.  But the entertainment value from this viewing was not found in the show, itself.  The entertainment value was found in pointing out the holes in the story line and noticing that the acting is incredibly stiff and unnatural.  It was so poorly done that it’s funny to cringe and watch and then cringe some more and watch some more.  It’s hard to believe this actually aired on network TV in prime time.

What’s next on the agenda for this wild night?  Oh, don’t worry, it gets better.  We’re planning—if all goes well—to alphabetize the contents of my briefcase.  Don’t try to stop us.  We’re just crazy and irrepressible and that’s all there is to it.

“Whoo hoooo!!!”

Who Knows Where The Future Leads

                                        Click here for video!

Finding The Peace of Christmas - Christmas Eve 2013 - Audio Podcast

Christmas Eve Podcast Message:  How do we experience the peace that the angels talked about?

                          Click here for podcast!

Merry Christmas, God Loves You!

Merry Christmas to all of my online friends and to everyone who may read this post.  Please know that when we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating the truth that God genuinely cares about us.  The birth of the Christ-child is a demonstration of God’s perfect, unfailing love.

He loves you.  This is the truth.

May God bless you richly.  May His grace and mercy bring you peace.  May His presence be a well-spring of life—abundant life—in you.

Love,

Dan

Opening Presents - Tender Moments

Because of our busy schedule for the next two days we decided that we would open Christmas presents, as a family, tonight.

(Okay, it was partly because of our schedule and partly because we couldn’t wait to open presents.  But that doesn’t sound very disciplined so I’m emphasizing the busy schedule explanation.)

While we were gathered around the tree happily tearing the wrapping paper from our gifts—enjoying the Christmas music and the magic of these wonderful memory-making moments—Jasper could tell there was a level of focused attention in the family that did not include him.  And that was not something he could tolerate.  So, he worked his way right into the center of the group and sat down in our midst sniffing, slobbering and chewing on wrapping paper with his tail wagging.

(By the way, in case it’s not obvious to everyone, Jasper is a dog.  Although, I have been known to sniff, slobber and chew on wrapping paper on a few occasions, too.  But let’s leave the concerns that issue raises for another time.)

We didn’t realize it until Jasper made his move but that was exactly what we needed.  That tender moment was when our joyous family Christmas experience became something special.

…Well, that tender moment along with lots of cool presents made the Christmas experience something special, according to Rachel.

Pastor Offers Free Media Training To Phil Robertson

Even Phil Robertson’s own family admits that the way he expressed himself in the infamous GQ interview was a bit coarse.  If only Phil knew how to boldly, confidently state his Christian faith in a kinder, gentler way.  Right?

Fortunately, after years of trial and error, after falling down and picking myself up time and time again, I have discovered some very simple but effective secrets to expressing the honest, uncompromised, biblically-accurate teachings of Christianity in such a way that they are entirely inoffensive to everyone.

You say, “Hold on.  Are you talking about maintaining a strict adherence to the truth?”

Yes, I am.  But the good news is that I’m talking about doing so in a way that ensures kindness, respect and hearty slaps-on-the-back from everyone.

If a person will simply use these straightforward, easy-to-master techniques he or she can be a bold witness for Christ—being “salt and light” in this world—and yet still be loved by everyone.

So, I am hereby, officially, offering to teach Phil these techniques free of charge.

He or his representatives can feel free to reach me at any time and I will gladly, cheerfully help out.

In fact, I’m even willing to offer Phil a special “Media Training Intensive” which provides additional insights, skills and techniques for dealing with tough, secular media types.

Sadly, all of this fuss could have been avoided. 

But there doesn’t have to be a next time, huh?

I’m standing by and ready to help.  Give me a call.

Pastor Dan Marler

Oak Lawn, IL

The Perception That I Like Sweets Continues To Grow

Today, at our second service, it was revealed during the prayer that I had been eating a donut in between the services.

You might be thinking, “That doesn’t sound like the type of thing that would be mentioned in a prayer.”

And you’re right.  But it managed to come up, nevertheless.  It is a little known—but very important—fact that the Donut Force is watching at all times.  They’re a lot like Santa.

Of course, this type of incident just serves to further the already-prevailing perception that I like sweets.

(By the way, this is a perception that my cardiologist is not aware of and I think it would probably be best if it remained that way.  Can we get a general sense of agreement on that?  Good.)

So, I was thinking about these events when, later today, one of the youth in our church stopped by the house with a Christmas gift for me.  The gift?  A homemade pecan pie!  He made it himself.

Is it delicious?  Oh, yes.  It’s fantastic.  [Thank you Ryan!]

…And thus the perception—for some odd reason—continues to grow.

When We Realize That We Need A Savior We Appreciate Christmas

When we realize and admit that we need a Savior then the arrival of the Savior brings great gladness and joy.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  Luke 2:10-11

We are going to be gathering today to joyfully celebrate the arrival of the Savior.  I’m excited.

If you’re in the area you are invited to join us!

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

Service times:  9am or 11am