What does it mean to grow spiritually? The basic answer is
this: To become more and more like Christ.
Jesus is our model. Jesus is the
perfect example of what it means to be complete and whole—to be fully alive in
God’s kingdom. This is why we don’t put
our focus and dependence on other people; we look to Christ and we fix our eyes
on Him.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Be Faithful With What You've Been Given
Jesus told a story about 3 men who are given “talents”. Part of the lesson of the story, according to
Jesus, is that people who faithfully utilize the skills, abilities, gifts,
talents or resources they have been given will be trusted with even more. So a good question for us to ponder is:
Whether it’s a little or a lot, am I faithfully utilizing what I have been
given?
Thursday, June 28, 2012
That's A Very Good Question Podcast
I talk with Vic about my newly published book and I read an excerpt on the podcast. Take a listen!
Click here for audio!
Click here for audio!
E-Flash From Dan, June 28, 2012
Dear E-Flash Friends;
I posted this thought online yesterday and it got some fun
responses:
Sometimes I stand back and look at
the people that God has brought into my life and think, “Boy, what an unusual,
interesting, diverse, fun, zany band of characters!” Then I smile and joyfully thank God for each
one!
God has blessed me with wonderful relationships and, of
course, many of the relationships that are most precious to me are in the
church body here in Oak Lawn . I thank God for each of you!
I’m writing this message early in the afternoon on Thursday and
it’s already 99 degrees outside. It’s
exciting! I can’t wait to go outside a
bit later this afternoon and fry an egg on the sidewalk here at church. Well, that’s what everyone else is planning
to do today, right?
But before the egg frying, I want to let you know that I’m
still working on the message for this Sunday, July 1st. The title is:
“Jesus Is The One” and it’s based on John 1:29-34. It’s a great passage in which John the
Baptist testifies to the truth that God has revealed to him regarding
Jesus. The message is going to be
challenging and very encouraging.
And the worship team has some great things planned,
too. (They always do a great job of
leading us in worship, don’t they?)
Oh, I know it’s a holiday weekend but come on! I’m really hoping that you are going to
figure out a way to be able to make it this Sunday (9 or 11 am) because I know
you will be blessed if you’re here.
By the way, thanks to everyone for being so supportive of my
new book, “That’s A Very Good Question!”
Here is a link to a podcast in which I talk with Vic about the book and
read a brief excerpt from it. I hope you
can take a moment to listen.
Be safe and have fun (yes, it’s possible to do both)!
Hope to see you Sunday.
Love and blessings,
Dan
Give Up Your Life In Order To Find It
Jesus said something that is counter-intuitive to us, to put
it mildly. He said, “If you try to hang
on to your life, you will lose it. But
if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Luke 9:24. Give up your life in order to find it? Yes.
Because we have to let go of our feeble attempts to engineer some kind
of life in order to find real life, true life, eternal life in Him.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Greatest Form of Wealth
What’s the greatest form of wealth that God could give
us? Answer: The greatest wealth we can
have is to know Christ Jesus and to be alive in His kingdom. All other wealth pales in comparison to this. “But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Jesus,
Matt.6:33
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Do The Right Thing Anyhow
Most of the time, we are very clear on matters of “right and
wrong”. But, frankly, it can be tiring
to do the right thing. It can be
frustrating to do the right thing. It
can be harder to do the right thing. It
can be more costly to do the right thing.
…Hey, let’s be the ones—with God’s help and strength—who do the right
thing, anyhow!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Be Busily Engaged In Life
There is a line in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 5 that
speaks of being so busy enjoying life that we don’t have time to brood over the
past. It’s a very good and helpful
thought. When we are fully engaged in
meaningful ways right now, in the present, then we are far less likely to be
stuck, in unhealthy, unproductive ways, on stuff in the past.
Miracles Aren't Hard For God
If someone tells me they do not
believe that miracles are possible, that tells me something about their view of
God. Either 1) they do not believe God
exists; or 2) they do not believe in the Almighty God of the Bible. Since I believe in the God revealed in the
Bible—the God who can literally speak the entire universe into existence—I’m
convinced that miracles are, frankly, no sweat for Him.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Rise and Shine, It's Time To Get Going
Shhhh, listen. Do you
hear that? …Yep, that’s the sound of
people rising and getting ready for church.
It’s fantastic! …Okay. Hold on.
That other sound was someone getting back into bed. I guess we’re going to have to crank the
volume on the sound system a little bit louder during the worship team run-thru
to get that person up and out of bed.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
E-Flash From Dan -- This Sunday, June 24th
Dear E-Flash Friends;
You know that God can communicate
a message using all kinds of different methods, right? He can even work through supernatural methods. That’s one of the privileges of being God. (It’s amazing what you can do when you’re
All-Powerful!) But God frequently uses
human messengers to communicate His messages.
I’m bringing this up because we're
going to be looking at a very interesting messenger of God this Sunday, June
24th. In fact, you could consider this
man to be a herald for the coming King. The man’s name is John. He’s called John the Baptist because his
ministry also involved baptizing people.
What John has to say involves a message that is relevant, encouraging
and inspiring for all of us. I really
hope you can come out this Sunday, I know you'll be blessed if you can be here.
The worship team is set to deliver some great music and help us praise God in song.
Also, immediately following the 11 o'clock service (approximately
12:15, or so) I will be having a book signing for my newly published book,
"That's A Very Good Question!"
I’m excited to debut the book right here in our church. Many of you have been tremendously encouraging
to me regarding my first effort as an author and I am truly thankful for your
support. Thank you!
(I told Nadia that I would not be storing boxes of books in
our basement for the next 15 years, so, if you can be here for the book signing
it will be very helpful to me in that regard, as well.)
Hope to see you Sunday!
Love and blessings,
Dan
Friday, June 22, 2012
A Few Brief Words On My Birthday
Fifty four years ago, on this date, my mother gave birth to the
sweetest, cutest, most precious, most angelic little child. Unfortunately, that wonderful child went off
to live with the Shaolin monks and my parents ended up with me instead. Thus
began our long family tradition of celebrating the invention of aspirin every
year on June 22nd.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Christianity Is Spelled D-O-N-E
Many years ago, I heard someone provide this
distinction: Religion is spelled D-O,
it’s all about what people have to DO to get right with God. Christianity, on
the other hand, is spelled D-O-N-E, it’s all about what Jesus has already DONE
to make us right with God. There’s
nothing we can do to earn our way to God.
The necessary work of Salvation has been completed by Jesus. Thank God, it’s DONE!
God Must Have Some Purpose For Us
Hey, what do you know? I woke up alive again today. That’s, like, the 19,450th time
that’s happened. I guess God must still
have some purpose for me because He doesn’t do things without a reason. If you are reading this you must have woken
up alive today, too. Congratulations! God must still have some purpose for
you! Let’s get to it!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I'm Thankful For Forgiveness
I’ve done some really dumb things in my life. God hasn’t typically spared me from the
consequences of my foolish actions, but He has forgiven me. Have I mentioned that I’m really thankful for
His forgiveness? …I haven’t done so
lately? Well, alright then, I’m really,
really thankful for His forgiveness!
Aren’t you, too?
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Living With A Sense of Assurance
Followers of Christ should have a
genuine sense of assurance. Assurance
that God is real, that we authentically know Him, and that eternal life is
ours. Do you have that assurance? It seems that the more I have learned to look
to God and depend on Him in the every day give and take of life, the more I experience
a comforting inner assurance of these truths.
Monday, June 18, 2012
He Can Do Way More!
According to the Bible, Christ is able to “do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us.” Eph.3:20. He can do way more than
we could ask for? He can do way more
than we could stir up in our imaginations?
And His power is in us? …Well,
in that case, I feel very encouraged!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
God Stories Podcast 4
Audio podcast. Todd Thibedeau stops by to share about God's activity in his life.
Click here for audio!
.
Click here for audio!
.
Happy Father's Day 2012
I know a lot of men who are caring, responsible dads. They
understand that they are supposed to provide for their family and be spiritual leaders
in their homes. They understand that
they are supposed to love their kids and be present for them. These guys aren’t perfect—no one is—but they
are terrific men and being a good dad matters to them. I am grateful for these men and I wish them a
happy and blessed Father’s Day.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Keeping Good Company
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they
comfort me…” Psalm 23:4. It’s exciting
to think that no matter what we go through today, we’re not alone. The Lord God is with us. That’s some pretty good company to be
keeping, huh?
Friday, June 15, 2012
God Has Given Us Another Day!
Hey, look! God has
given us another day of life. How
cool! That was nice of Him, huh? The sun
is shining. The air is brisk and
invigorating. And I am truly
blessed. I hope you are, too! “This is the day the LORD has made. We will
rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps.118:24
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Be A Good Friend
In order to have really good friends, it’s important to be a
really good friend. “A friend loves
at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs
17:17
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Helping People
One of the great honors of our
lives is to help people become who Jesus made them to be.
What We Can't Do For Ourselves
There are things that we can’t do for ourselves in our
relationship with God. For example, we can’t forgive our own sins; or we can’t
make ourselves holy. Fortunately, when
it comes to those things we can’t do for ourselves, we have a kind and loving
God who will graciously do them for us.
That’s pretty nice of Him, huh?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Podcast for 6/12/12
How I got my nickname at the RZIM Summer Institute.
Brief audio podcast, under 4 minutes.
Click here for audio!
.
Brief audio podcast, under 4 minutes.
Click here for audio!
.
A Longing No Person In This World Can Satisfy
If you have ever felt lonely in the midst of a crowd or even
when you are with those you love, this loneliness suggests there is a
relationship we long for that no person in this world can satisfy.
[My paraphrase of a thought shared at the RZIM Institute.]
Monday, June 11, 2012
Hard To Understand What She Was Saying
One of the lecturers was talking a lot but it was hard to
understand what she was actually saying.
During the Q&A time a young man asked her to explain a fancy term
she had used.
“I’d be glad to,” she said.
And then she talked a lot but it was hard to understand what
she was actually saying.
[ At the RZIM Summer Institute ]
Getting Smarter Already
Woke up this morning in a dorm room. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. I can tell that I’m actually about 37%
smarter. Okay, now, let’s see…what shall
I wear to the frat party tonight?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Definitely Not A College Student
Fortunately, we walked past a large mirrored wall in one of
the college buildings and I caught a glimpse of myself walking next to an 18
year old student. That sight immediately
stopped the head-spinning and brought an abrupt reminder that I am NOT a
college student.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Should We Keep Faith Separate From Other Areas of Life?
“Keep your religious faith separate from other areas of your
life.” …That’s a message that we
consistently hear in our culture. Is it
true that God’s influence and His role can be separated from certain aspects of
our life? Really? If it’s true that God can be boxed out of
certain areas of life, what does it say about our understanding of who God is?
Friday, June 8, 2012
Is Jesus Alive In Us?
The extraordinary reality for the
follower of Christ is that Jesus is actually alive in us. Paul writes, “I have been crucified with
Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” Galatians 2:20. Here’s a good question: Would it be pretty evident to others that
Jesus is alive in us?
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Book Signing Event, June 24, 2012
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Many folks have been kind enough to ask me about this and I
am pleased to announce that we will be having a book signing event at the First
Church of God, Oak Lawn , IL
The book signing is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, 2012, after
the 11 o’clock service (approx. 12:15pm, or so).
There will be books available for purchase at the book signing
event ($11.95) or if you would like to order a book in advance it is available on
Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com (Go to either
site and type “Dan Marler” into the search field.)
Many of you have been incredibly supportive of me in this
first attempt at a very big project and I appreciate that tremendously!
Love and blessings,
Dan
Don't Worry About Tomorrow
“Therefore do not worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of
its own.” [Jesus] Matthew 6:34. The
issues, challenges, tasks, problems, and questions that face us today are
plenty. We don’t need to deal with
tomorrow. God is with us today. He will help us today. And when tomorrow arrives, He will be with
us, then, too.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Life Forever With God
“…Jesus’ glorious return will mark our resurrection, which
comprises God’s final “No!” to death and the inauguration of eternity.” – Stanley J. Grenz. So, the story goes like this: in the end,
death is defeated and those who are trusting in Christ experience full, rich,
joyful life with Him forever. Hmm… that
sounds pretty good to me!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dragged To The Mall
I just walked past a man who clearly has been dragged to the mall by his wife against his will. I gave him a nod with a look of sympathy, but he was in too much pain to notice.
Willing To Serve
God calls us to be willing to serve others. You say, “Serve others?!? Why would I do
that?” The reason we do that is because
our hearts of full of gratitude that Jesus has served us.
Monday, June 4, 2012
I'll Go Ahead And Start Bowing Now
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him
the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow…” Phil. 2:9-10 The Bible indicates
that a day will come when everyone will bow before Jesus. That’s why I’m glad to go ahead and get
started with my bowing now.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Gathering Together And Being Encouraged
One of the simplest but most important reasons that
followers of Christ gather together is for the encouragement that comes from
being with others who say, “Jesus has changed my life, too. I believe!”
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Christianity Is Optimistic!
Christianity is an optimistic faith. It’s not that the follower of Christ cannot
recognize that there are serious problems in our world. We do recognize this truth. However, the Good News of Jesus means that
the problems, setbacks and difficulties of life are short term and temporary
when considered in light of the ultimate victory we have in Christ. “But thanks
be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1Cor.15:57
Friday, June 1, 2012
E-Flash From Dan, June 1, 2012
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Did you know that we are starting a brand new preaching
series this Sunday, June 3rd?
It’s true. We are beginning a new
series titled, “A Personal And Powerful Look At Jesus” from the gospel of
John. It’s going to help all of us come
to know Jesus better and I’m excited about it!
There are probably a few other things you need to know about
this coming Sunday, too. That’s why I’ve
posted a link to the podcast titled:
“What’s Coming This Sunday 6/3/12?”
Go ahead and click on the link to take a listen!
I’m hoping to see you this Sunday.
Love and blessings,
Dan
Discovering Fire!
I really like the elegant and articulate way that de
Chardin’s quote speaks of the significance and potency of love… “Someday, after mastering wind, waves, tides
and gravity, we shall harness the energy of love; and for the second time in
the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.” – Pierre Teilhard de
Chardin.
I Once Was Blind And Now I See
Jesus healed a blind man and, later, the man was asked, by
the Pharisees, to explain what in the world happened and how it happened. The
man explained as best he could but the Pharisees wanted more. After they
badgered the man for a while he finally said, “Look, all I know is this: I once
was blind and now I can see!” Hmm, actually that’s the story of every follower
of Jesus. I once was blind and now I see.
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