Christmas and Miracles -- Christmas Eve pm -- Full message

 

A Christmas Eve poem

 

Is it possible that this long drive is getting even longer?

 

Christmas: What are we actually celebrating? -- AM service -- Full message

 

Hey Dan, did you know the church has flaws?

 

An understanding regarding persecution -- Full message

 

Dan and Rachel share some fish tales #humor

 

Do not relinquish your freedom easily

 

A powerful ministry of love -- Full message

 

Who will do the decorating? #humor

 

This is coming to you from a flawed messenger #wisdom #truth

 

Could our society be coming to an end? #truth

 

Proper motivation: Pleasing God, not people -- Full message

 

Arts and crafts and talking about fancy things

 

You're allowed to get out of the line of fire #wisdom

 

Can you cheat the reality of consequences?

 

They turned from idols -- Full message

 

Can Santa be tracked? ...Dan and Rachel discuss.

 

Giving thanks is valuable

 

We need God's help to do this

 

Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving and making the dressing

 

Being an example -- Full message

 

Foolish and illogical beliefs are not meaningless and inconsequential

 

My BFF Chuck Norris

 

Powerful assurance from the Holy Spirit -- Full message

 

Even a democratic vote cannot take these rights away

 

I received some encouragement during this message about encouragement

 

Greetings with prayer and gratitude – 1 Thess. 1:1-3 -- Full message

 

Dan and Rachel do not have any expertise when it comes to chili

 

A public service announcement from Dan and Rachel

 

He knows the truth of your heart -- Full message

 

What happens at a pet parade?

 

I love a good mic drop moment

 

A public service announcement from Dan and Rachel

 

You cannot trap Jesus -- Full message

 

Reaping a harvest of blessing

 

You cannot mock God, you will reap what you sow

 

Live for Jesus

 

Rachel talks with me about musical styles

 

You cannot hide from God -- Full message

 

Rachel enlightens me on some matters

 

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." -- Full message

 

Rachel and I take our annual trip to Bentson's Farm. Check it out!

 

Remember to obey the Law of Moses -- Full message

 

The Day of Judgement could be a day of joy -- Full message

 

Rachel straightens me out on wedding receptions

 

God promises mercy -- Full message

 

Every now and then Rachel has to remind me that she is retired

 

Like you and me, Jesus wept too.

 

Why serve God when bad guys prosper? -- Full message

 

Avoid the people who intentionally want to stir up division

 

Dan and Rachel talk about nutrition and speaking with dogs

 

God wants to bless them -- Full message

 

Lucy and Finley do not celebrate National Dog Day

 

Rachel tells us about her butterflies

 

You cannot fight against God and win

 

God will send a messenger -- Full message

 

Does God determine right and wrong?

 

Where is the God of justice? -- Full message

 

Is Rachel too full for a Taco Bell run?

 

Do we desire the approval of people or of God?

 

Rachel is developing a new exercise program

 

When the Holy Spirit brings conviction

 

The problem? The priests have left God's paths. -- Full message

 

Now is the time to turn back to God

 

Checking out The Forge!

 

Strong, healthy cultures are not an automatic reality

 

God loves His people -- Full message

 

Jesus is not baffled or stumped

 

They do not fear bad news

 

The long but captivating trip to SW Florida

 

Your identity in Christ is the primary truth of who you are

 

Let's talk about our language -- Full message

 

Checking in with Kung Fu Rachel

 

Your existence is intentional. You are here on purpose.

 

All the glory always goes to God -- Full message

 

However amazing you think He is...He's actually better than that

 

Flying around Turtlehead Lake

 

Tracking Nadia, Finley and Lucy for security purposes #drone

 

A fun day at Sarah's farm

 

It’s good and important to make friends and connections -- Full message

 

Rachel is an honorary member of Band of Brothers?

 

Join in my struggle by praying for me -- Full message

 

Hi! Hello! ...And goodbye!

 

Freedom is a good thing. Let's try not to lose it.

 

Preaching the gospel where it has not been heard -- Full message

 

Overflowing with hope -- Full message

 

Living in harmony with each other -- Full message

 

What unites us is more significant than what divides us

 

Should Rachel ride on top of the car?

 

Don't cause another believer to stumble -- Full message 4/16/23

 

Dan and Rachel talk about Rachel's retirement and movie-making

 

Lucy is not a fan of the drone

 

People matter to Jesus...so they should matter to us

 

Very close -- Guitar instrumental

 

The resurrection of Jesus -- Full message 4/9/23

 

A second coming? "Uh oh!"

 

Palm Sunday -- Full message 4/2/23

 

Truth is always right...even when it's not popular

 

We always recognize God as the highest authority

 

The importance of love -- Full message

 

Will the real Rachel Marler please stand up?

 

A small act of love at McDonald's

 

Dan and Rachel talk about some old photos they received

 

Respect for authority -- Full message

 

Rachel takes on the role of the thunder shirt

 

Don't let evil conquer you

 

Practical instructions regarding life -- Full message

 

Just a pinch of ragtime to go to sleep by

 

The privilege of God working through us

 

Gifts of the Spirit -- Full message

 

Honest self evaluation -- Full message

 

This is not a wise justification: "But everybody's doing it!"

 

All the great things about Jesus

 

Transformed by changing the way we think -- Full message

 

At the altar at the Asbury revival

 

Some thoughts about our experience at the Asbury revival

 

A few moments from the Asbury revival service

 

Day 2 at the Revival

My compadres and I arrived at Hughes Memorial Auditorium, Asbury University, at 8:15 am today, Tuesday. Our second day at a revival service that has been happening for almost one week, non-stop. (Chris and Len now prefer to be referred to as "compadres." I know it’s weird but I don't question it anymore.)

There were probably 300 people, or so, present when we arrived. I suspect that number had more than doubled by the time we left, 2 hours later. In an auditorium that seats around 1,500 people it feels like a small crowd. (Except when everyone is singing.)

The morning time was, for the most part, quiet and reverent. In the first few moments we were there I was struck by how ordinary and unspectacular this was. If you were trying to create a special event–I have been to many impressive Christian events–it is very unlikely this is what you would create. But there is a God factor that defies human planning and tactics. I smile when I think about that reality. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

In our morning time at the revival space, at times, it felt like I was having a quiet, private devotional time with the Lord except it was happening with many others who were having a private devotional time, too. That's not a great description of it but it's the best I can do for now.

Once again, I had a strong sense of Christian community with those who were gathered. We love Jesus. We were all present together at this time, in this place—a divine appointment—because of Jesus. I felt great compassion for this auditorium populated with strangers who also happen to be my brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are one in Christ. (At least, we’re supposed to be. Right?)

During our morning time I noticed my mind had a tendency to wander. (Okay, that’s not the first time I noticed this tendency.) But when I became aware of it the Holy Spirit would gently bring my mind back to the Lord Jesus. 

As I watched some people praying at the altar the realization hit me that some of them were specifically coming before God in brokenness and pain. I am grateful our Lord cares about those who are broken and hurting. 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Take heart! There will be a day when the Almighty will put everything right. 

It was time for us to get going and I found, once again, I did not want to leave. But life outside the revival service continues. 

This thought occurred to me: Will revival continue and expand in such a way that it has significant impact on our society? Is that where this is going?

Of course, I do not know the answer to that question. But I think it’s good to be prayerful and hopeful.

It seems reasonable to expect a spirit of joy and hope would be part of revival. Right? As we drive home, I am joyful and I am hopeful. 

God is in control…and that’s how it should be.

#AsburyRevival #AsburyUniversity #revival 

#revivalmeetings 

We went to the revival service at Asbury University

Chris, Len and I spent about 3 and a half hours today at Hughes Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University at the revival service which has been happening non-stop since last Wednesday, February 8^th. I have many thoughts and feelings about our experience. Probably more than I will be able to share in this message. Frankly, I am still attempting process it all.

It’s getting late and my critical thinking skills are starting to wane. (Some of you may be thinking, “When did Dan get critical thinking skills?”)

Strangely enough, when we first arrived at the service I was having critical thoughts about the speaker on the platform. I was evaluating everything he was saying and, in my mind, disagreeing with him and over-analyzing his remarks. In retrospect, I believe the Evil One was making one last ditch effort and trying to somehow manipulate this into a negative experience.

Fortunately, it did not take long for the Holy Spirit to tame these critical, negative, embarrassing thoughts. I am grateful for His patience and grace.

Soon I began to recognize that the people around me were clearly very earnest and very sincere about wanting to be right with God and wanting to be alive in Christ. God used the beautiful people who were present in the auditorium to gently move me along and get my unhelpful thinking back on track.

Early in our time at the auditorium, during the worship singing, two strong feelings came over me:

One of the feelings was that I wanted all the believers that I know personally to be there in that place with me. If I know you, understand I had a strong desire for you to be with me. I wished we could all experience the time of worshiping God together. I guess, in a way, you could say I was longing for heaven. That’s probably a strange thing to say but that’s the best way I can describe it.

The second feeling was a profound sense of connection with the brothers and sisters in Christ in the auditorium. Other than Chris and Len, every person in that auditorium was someone I had never met before. But I felt connected. I felt like they were my family, in Christ.

It would be fair to describe it as the love of Jesus for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

As the time progressed, one of the thoughts God brought to mind was basic but forceful: any revival that will occur will need to involve me, personally, being spiritually renewed, revitalized and replenished. Again, it’s amazingly basic but a guy, like myself, who talks about revival needs to personally experience spiritual revival.

Sometimes I’m in need of the most rudimentary insights.

There is a long altar across the front of the platform in Hughes auditorium. All throughout the time people were gathered at the altar to pray. I felt impressed to go to the altar and pray. During my time at the altar the service, of course, continued. At one point, while I was on my knees praying, I could hear—almost feel—the 1500+ voices in the auditorium singing a worship song together. I do not even remember the song. But it was powerful, it felt like just a brief moment of heaven, and I was deeply moved.

I remember thinking to myself, “I would like this moment to last. I would like this moment, right now, to just continue for another week, or more.” Did you ever wish that time could stand still for a while so that you could relish what was happening just a bit longer? That’s what I felt.

I did not want to leave.

But, of course, the time came for us to go.

After we left Hughes Auditorium, we stopped on our way to the hotel at Chick-Fil-A to grab a bite. (We’re known for eating incredibly fancy meals.) One of the young women who was part of the worship team at the service came in with a couple of friends and Len, generously, bought their meals.

So they came over to talk and say thanks. Our time of talking turned into a special moment, one of those God moments that cannot be planned. One of those God moments that touch the heart.

Before long, we all huddled together—right there in the dining room of the Chick-Fil-A—and had a time in which several of us prayed. Three young students and three old guys, strangers who had never met before, arms around each other, praying out loud for each other in the middle of a fast food restaurant. (In addition to being loving and gracious, God also has a sense of humor.)

It was a blessing. I believe God knew I was in need of that type of blessing. (We were probably all in need of that type of blessing. God is very good at knowing and meeting those types of needs.)

We will be going back to Hughes Auditorium in the morning. And at some point we will have to get back home tomorrow (Tuesday). This is my report, for now!

I feel like I should tell you that I love you.

So here it is: I love you!

 

#AsburyRevival  #AsburyUniversity  #Revival  #HolySpirit  #LoveofJesus

 

God's great wisdom and knowledge -- Full message

 

God is both kind and severe -- Full message

 

Is it possible that a revival is happening?

 

What does it mean to remain faithful to Christ?

 

Time to check and see if the bookstore is still there

 

Some will remain faithful

 

Dan and Rachel do some brainstorming

 

My contrasting view from last week and this week

 

Bringing the Good News -- Full message

 

I was thinking about blessings

I WAS THINKING, TODAY, about a few things for which I am grateful. This is not an exhaustive list–and it is not presented in order of importance–it is just a list of tremendous blessings that came to mind:

God’s unfailing love;

Salvation and eternal life;

A beautiful, patient, loving wife;

A beautiful family in whom my heart delights;

Wonderful, joyful, life-giving relationships/friendships God has brought into my life;

The church, in the universal sense;

The local church in Oak Lawn, which is gracious, faithful, generous, kind and loving;

Loving Christian parents;

God’s faithful provision. Sometimes, as I look back, His provision has seemed to be miraculous;

The authentic joy God brings to my heart;

The reality of prayer;

God’s much-needed forgiveness and grace;

A country to live in which offers tremendous freedom and opportunity;

Good health (for the most part);

Gifts and abilities (including tremendous ninja skills);

A sense of humor (hey…I  frequently amuse myself even if others don't find my antics to be very funny);

Pets that bring incredible fun, happiness and companionship to my life;

The gift of music; and

The fact that I haven’t lost my latest drone yet. (It’s been 3 months. That’s a record for me.)

Again, this is not a complete list. It simply details some things that came to my mind while I was walking today. As these thoughts were occurring I experienced a deep—almost emotional—sense of gratitude. I am a blessed man…blessed beyond what I deserve. 

I give thanks to the Lord, the Giver of all good things.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalm 107:1

 

 

Let's check out the seafood and music festival in Punta Gorda

 

Are they objecting to a mischaracterized version of Christianity?

 

What about other people?

 

Are we allowed to look around at Fort Myers Beach?

 

There was no other guitarist like Jeff Beck

One of my favorite guitarists of all time is Jeff Beck.

He makes music that is passionate, fiery, soulful, creative and beautiful.

Rick Beato, who has a very popular guitar/music channel on YouTube, said this referring to the uniqueness of Jeff, “He is one of one.” That is a great way of expressing it.

There was no other guitarist like him.

I know it’s sort of strange to feel sad about the passing of someone you have never met and do not know, personally, but I am sad to hear that Jeff left us, suddenly, yesterday.

We have lost a brilliant, legendary creator of musical beauty.