Dan Barber Coaching

10/08/2026

When I was 15, I was walking home very late one night when, I felt like God was there with me.

It's hard to explain, but in this season marked by rebellion against my family, authority and God Himself, in the quietness of this particular night, I felt God's presence. Nothing audible or visible...jut a sense that He was walking with me. And I responded by raising my fist in the air and with a defiant tone yelled, "Leave me alone!"

I know, weird right?

I can only imagine what someone watching would have thought. Of course you might just say this experience is simply the result of the drugs I had used earlier.

Perhaps.

But 45 years later I could take you to the very spot this happened.

Whatever was going on, I wasn't having anything to do with it. If God was selling, I wasn't buying.

But what if God wasn't selling anything...rather, offering something. What if God is offering life...and not just life but a better life; a meaningful life.

What if.

In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come that they would have life, and they might have it more abundantly."

An abundant life. Whatever that is, it sounds pretty good doesn't it?

I didn't want any part of it as a teenager, but now it's all I want. How about you?

But this offering of an abundant life by Jesus begs the question, "How? What is it and how do I get my hands on it?"

I think Jesus gives us a starting point in answering those questions.

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." Luke 9:24

Wait a minute. To have the life I really want, I have to lose it first?

That sounds bizarre doesn't it? And counter-intuitive.

No wonder most people walked away from Jesus. Today culture tells us to get everything we can, get more, be more, just do you, follow your heart, etc etc. Culture says, focus on what doesn't matter, spend more than you have, get more than you need. But Jesus says, we have to give up everything.

Where is Jesus going wth this?

Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

* Deny themselves...hmmm. So I have to give up my plans and way of doing things in order to experience real life?

God is saying I must put aside my own selfish desires, pride, and personal plans to follow God's way instead of my own.

Maybe that's what I was shaking my fist at God, back in the day.

* Take up their cross

Jesus is saying I must be ready to face hard times, trials, and sacrifices for my faith. In Jesus' time, carrying a cross meant a path of suffering. For Him it meant death itself.

* Follow Me

I must live my life the way Jesus lived and let Him lead me every day.

When I see this verse I see 3 three things

1. Surrender (deny myself)
2. Sacrifice (take up my cross)
3. Service (follow Me) Jesus said He did not come to be served but to serve (Mk 10:45)

Is this the abundant life? Are we at least on the right track? Or am I missing something?

If a meaningful life begins with surrender, then we have to choose to stop shaking our fists at God. Maybe that's the place to start.

What do you think?

Until next time - Dan

Culture says, focus on what doesn't matter, spend more than you have, get more than you need. But Jesus says, we have to give up everything.

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

I started smoking pot at age 14. I wish my story was different but there you go. It was one of many poor choices that negatively impacted my life for years.

Today, our culture tells us that it's normal to smoke or eat edibles with THC. It must be normal; there are cannabis stores in every town I see; (14 within 30 minutes of my home) large cities, small cities and small towns. I live in a small town where apparently a cannabis store is planned. I'm not surprised; only that it took this long.

But now the smell of cannabis is everywhere. I was sitting outside the cafe I'm now writing in, with a friend and we could hardly breath the smell was so strong.

In high school I had friends go to jail for possession and trafficking pot and the only shopping was in the student parking lot. We've come a long way. Hey, I'm all for decriminalizing pot, but not for legalizing it. Certainly not for normalizing it or encouraging it.

The long-term damage of ma*****na doesn't get much attention, does it?

Culture normalizes what we never would, on our own.

Politicians will look into a camera and tell us they care about our health so they are legalizing ma*****na...you know, so they can be sure we take drugs in a controlled, managed way. Buying pot from a store is safe compared to buying off the street.

Sure. Okay. But do you trust a government that sells alcohol and pot, and drivers licenses? Do you really think they have our best interests at heart?

That's the same logic we're given for why highway speed limits are increased. In my area they just went up to 110km/h on major roads.

Why?

To reduce travel times. If we need to get where we're going faster, why not 120 or 150. Wouldn't that save us more time?

Call me cynical, but for me the only reason the government raised our highway speeds is so we will burn more fuel. More fuel, more gas. More gas, more taxes.

Disregard the fact that raising the speed limit 10km/h will result in a 12-15% increase in accidents and fatalities.

The government is sacrificing us for more money. It's naive to assume they haven't made the calculations. They know.

Improve the flow of commerce...you know, we need our stuff faster. So lets have tractor trailers going even faster on our roads. Truck drivers use to be the best drivers on the road. Now I avoid them as much as possible, especially on my motorcycle.

But productivity doesn't wait for anyone.

The speed limit increase is a cultural shift, make no mistake.

Where Are Your Values?

In the past year, our PM stated publicly that Muslim values are Canadian values.

I'm sorry but I would have to disagree. But you have to admit that statement is a commentary on our culture; and a decided shift in crafting it to look different from what it has been.

I'm all for legal immigration and celebrating various cultures; I love that. But to embrace the values of a particular culture, religion and way of life sounds a bit reckless.

I'm all for values. Our family created our own "Family Values" when our kids were young and they guided us well.

But whether it be drugs, speed limits or foreign cultures, it seems to that those in leadership are doing all they can to craft, shift and change our culture.

I believe the primary role of government should be to protect our borders, protect our citizens and protect our constitution. Beyond that, well, I would suggest they usually get it wrong. In fact, I'm not so sure they're getting the protection part right.

I apologize for the political nature of this post. For the most part, I refrain from making public statements, and I tire of listening to the plethora of opinions that clog up my social feeds.

But the reality is, whether it's entertainment, sports, advertising or governments, they all influence our culture, and in my humble opinion, if we're not careful, lead us away from a meaningful life.

I'll say it again...Popular culture wants some thing from you; it doesn't want what's best for you; and it will most certainly lead you away from a meaningful life.

The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

We'll explore meaning and where it comes from, next time.

Until then - Dan

In high school I had friends go to jail for possession and trafficking pot and the only shopping was in the student parking lot. We've come a long way.

09/25/2026

I like sports. I grew up playing and watching sports, like soccer, hockey and football. College football is my favourite now.

If you like sports like me, you have probably noticed a change, that began subtly but now it's in your face.

What am I referring to?

Sports betting.

There was a time when if you wanted to gamble, you had to drive to a casino, to play the slots.

Now you can download an app.

We have pro athletes and Hollywood celebrities peddling these sites as fun and entertaining. Sounds harmless right? Maybe. Maybe not.

They are taking a real toll on people, especially young men.

Emergency room visits are skyrocketing due to the overwhelm of addictive behaviours including suicidal tendencies, mental health complications and the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Fun & entertaining?

I don't believe it.

A few weeks ago, I saw a commercial promoting a betting site. The very next commercial was for an addiction recovery centre...the next commercial.

Virtually every sports program has a dedicated segment to sports betting. Panels will give you the inside scoop, the latest injury reports and a host of other details so you and I can make the best educated bets.

How thoughtful. But I will pass; and I hope you will too.

Think I'm overreacting? Maybe. But I don't think so.

Pop culture will tell you, you deserve to have fun. You work hard. Let your hair down. Live a little. (I had a client many years ago tell his wife in my office, he just lost their house to gambling).

It's fun until it's not.

There's More

We are inundated with ideas that will do more harm than good

Care About Things That Don't Really Matter

I could apply this to so many things...even sports themselves. As much as I like sports, whether our favourite team wins or loses doesn't really matter in the end does it? But I see the celebrating of wins and the devastation of loses and it just doesn't make sense to me.

The world went crazy for the World Cup this summer. I love soccer, but there's more to life than winning a game...even a world cup game.

Now this week is the President's Cup; a golf competition between Americans and an "international" team. I love golf, but this tournament and the Ryder Cup seem to reduce what is normally a sport filled with sportsmanship to what appears to be a mob mentality on the part of the fans. Sometimes the players cross the line as well (in my humble opinion) I never watch.

I get cheering on your favourite teams. I do the same thing. But their success or failure doesn't impact my own. Or yours.

Buy More Than You Need

It amazes me how many storage units there are; and they seem to be growing. I see new ones all the time.

Now to be fair, I'm a bit of a "neat freak" and prefer a minimalist approach to my surroundings. Clutter actually raises my anxiety. But do we really need so much stuff that we need and pay for a storage unit offsite?

I get the value for someone in transition who needs a temporary place, but is it possible that if we have a storage unit that we just have too much?

Saint Basil, the 4th century monk said, "The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it..."

An extreme position? Maybe. But I can't imagine what he would say today.

Most advertising is telling you you need more to be happy.

Drive More Than You Need

I saw a commercial the other day of a group of 20-somethings going away for a camping weekend. They were heading to the great outdoors and they looked like they were having a great time. I'm not a camper, but I agree that it looked like a great time. But the commercial was for a new car. Apparently the success of the weekend really hinged on them travelling in a new vehicle.

One problem.

The average car payment in Canada is north of $900 for a new car; for a used car it's still $600 a month.

That's crazy!

And of course many families have more than 1 car. I really don't know how people do it.

No wonder they were camping. With car payments like that, what else could they do?

Pop culture tells us we need the newest and best to enjoy life.

The reality is, all these messages that culture sends us...

* Spend more than you have
* Care about things that don't matter
* Buy more than you need
* Drive more than you need

Are ways of getting something from you. It appears they have your best interest at heart, but in the end, they don't. They really just want your money; and sometimes that comes at an additional cost to your health and relationships.

Popular culture wants some thing from you; it doesn't want what's best for you; and it will most certainly lead you away from a meaningful life.

More on this topic next week.

Until then - Dan

We have pro athletes and Hollywood celebrities peddling these sites as fun and entertaining. Sounds harmless right? Maybe. Maybe not.

09/23/2026

When was the last time you were scared, like really scared?

09/17/2026

I came across some research this week that highlighted the Bible reading habits of people who profess to be Christians.

The numbers, if accurate, suggest that reading the Bible (let alone studying it) is only a priority for about 1/3 of those who responded.

One third!

Over half of those questioned said that they read the Bible "once in a while" or "rarely".

Some of the most popular reasons for the results were things like...

People are too busy

The Bible is too hard to understand

It's irrelevant to our lives

Irrelevant? That one I don't get.

The Bible talks about money, relationships, s*x, parenting, marriage, how to live and what happens after we die.

How are those things not relevant to you and me?

Maybe we don't like what the Bible says about those subjects...maybe that's the real issue...but I digress.

Seems to me the Bible is very relevant...but I would argue that those things aren't even the most important things for us to consider.

They are important but they aren't the most important. In fact, if we make them the most important, we will miss what is.

Consider Paul's prayer...

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..." Colossians 1:9-10

Why is the Bible relevant?

* It reveals God's will to us and for us
* We gain understanding
* We learn how to please the Lord
* We bear fruit
* We grow in the knowledge of God

"The word of the Lord is flawless" - 2 Sam 22:31

"I have hidden your word in my heart, so I won't sin against thee." Ps 119:11

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Ps 119:105

"Sanctify them by the truth...your word is truth." John 17:17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..." 2 Tim 3:16-17

"The word of God is living and active..." Heb 4:12

I don't know about you, but all that seems relevant. In fact, I would argue highlights what we are ultimately about. More than money, houses, parenting, etc as important as those things are...to grow in our knowledge of God to live in such a way that brings Him honour.

So why wouldn't we read it more?

Being a Christian but not reading the Bible would be like being married and not spending time with your spouse. No conversations, no shared experiences, no getting to know each other better. No relationship. Does that make sense?

Of course not.

Maybe the Bible is more relevant than we first thought?

I think it is.

What do you think?

Are you in the one third? If so, that's great. If you're closer to the 50+% that rarely read the Bible, why is that?

Let me know, I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time - Dan

The Bible talks about money, relationships, s*x, parenting, marriage, how to live and what happens after we die. How are those things not relevant to you and me?

09/14/2026

“Going back is impossible, but looking back has valuable.”

09/11/2026

Years ago I was driving with my mentor and it was a long trip late into the evening, and I had been fighting falling asleep; you know the tired when your eyes close for a second or two (or three) before you jerk back to life. Keith, who had been sleeping woke up and asked me where we were.

I had no idea.

Not because I was lost, but because I couldn't tell you where I'd been for the past hour. It's like it didn't exist. I was so tired, that I lost focus. I wasn't paying attention to the signs, the weather, the exit signs. No recall whatsoever.

I think for many of us, this is what reading the Bible is like. With eyes glazed over, fatigued, and with a casual glance we see the words but little registers with us. We get to the end and realize that we don't know what we just read; and if asked, we'd be stumped.

Sound familiar?

I can't remember who said this, "70% of living the Christian life is getting a good night's sleep" but there's a lot of truth to it.

If you want to "get something" out of reading the Bible, then it might start with simply being rested. In other words, not relegating it to the margins of our time and energy, but giving it our best time. For most this means morning. When you read the Bible rested you are more likely to be able to slow down, pause, pay attention, and actually absorb what you are reading. You can notice words and ideas. You begin to see themes and passages that sound familiar to others that you have read before. You will see things you just never can with a casual glance.

Philippians is another letter written by Paul from prison and a very personal communication to those he had met in the past, perhaps more than once. You can read more about this in the book of Acts ch 16.

Yesterday I read chapter 1 including this...

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." Phil 1:9-11

If you read this casually, you would miss so much. So let's take a closer look.

First, Paul prays that the Philippians will grow and mature in love. This isn't a sentimental or subjective kind of love, or a love that shrinks from telling the truth, but a love rooted in knowing, and understanding, probing and discerning, making wise decisions.

Knowing the Bible is not for knowledge sake. It's to guide us in how to love & live.

Do you see it?

Paul prays that at the day of Christ (when He returns) that they would be pure and blameless. That's God's end game.

Do you see it?

There is no room for pride and this isn't something we can boast in, because our righteousness (being in a right relationship with God and living out His moral standard) comes from being in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Do you see it?

For the glory (God's character) and praise of God. All we have in Christ, and all we become in Christ, is for God's glory and praise (not our own).

Do you see it?

In just a few lines Paul explains why we're hear, how we are to live and who we are to live for; he basically sums up the Christian life in 3 verses.

A casual glance will miss this. But when you slow down, pay attention, see the words, and let them sink in, they can be life-changing.

Five lines

Three verses

That answer the who, what and why of life and give us purpose, meaning and hope.

No other book on the planet can do this.

What about you? Is reading, retaining or understanding the Bible a challenge for you? What's your biggest hurdle? Where do you struggle the most?

Let me know, I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time - Dan

With eyes glazed over, fatigued, and with a casual glance we see the words but little registers with us...