My BFF Chuck Norris

 

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

 

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

 

 

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.

 

How much snow?!? I hope that's an exaggeration!

I was getting my haircut this morning and the fellow who was cutting my hair told me that—according to a weather report he had heard—there was a possibility we might be getting 48 inches of snow in this blizzard that is being predicted for later tonight and into tomorrow.

He also told me I would look extra cool if I allowed him to give me a mullet hairstyle. (Apparently, the “mullet look” is making a comeback. Who knew?)

I quickly did some calculations in my head and thought, “Forty eight inches!?! That’s almost two and a half feet of snow!!!”

I’ve gotten a little rusty when it comes to basic mathematics.

After I realized my calculation error—and finished trying on the mullet wig—I was even more astonished. Forty eight inches would actually be four feet of snow!

“Did any of the really big snowstorms that have happened in my life come close to a 48-inch snowfall,” I wondered?

I didn’t think so.

Fortunately, all kinds of information is accessible via this technology I helped to create, along with Al Gore, called the Internet. So I did a search.

According to a fairly recent article in the Chicago Tribune, the largest snowfall in my lifetime—in the Chicago area—happened in 1967. I remember it well. I was 8 years old and my parents along with the rest of my family were vacationing in Hawaii at the time. Fortunately, they remembered to leave a snow shovel, a six-pack of Coca Cola and some crackers for me.

In fact, the blizzard of 1967 is the largest recorded snowfall in Chicago going back to 1886. Before then they did not keep records of snowfall totals but they did keep very precise measurements when it came to how much chewing tobacco a fellow needed every month.

So, if the information my barber/hairstylist/mullet-ist heard would turn out to be correct, this coming snowfall will be more than twice as deep as the deepest snowfall we have had in over 100 years.

I hope the reports are greatly exaggerated. But just in case, I’m heading to the grocery store to get a six-pack of Coca Cola and another package of crackers.

Dan Marler

Reporting from Oak Lawn, IL

December 21, 2022

 

 

Pastor's Report 2022

 Pastor’s Report 2022

“And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.”   Spoken by Jesus to His followers, Matthew 10:22

I know. That’s not a very bright and cheery way to begin a pastor’s report. But I figured if I start like that there’s nowhere to go but more and more cheerful!

I was thinking and praying about the pastor’s report and nothing was coming to mind. Don’t worry, that’s what happens every year the first 4 or 5 times I sit down at the keypad and try to write it.

But then as I was praying, this Matthew 10:22 verse came to mind. I figured, “This must be from God because it is not something I would typically use to start a report.”

Frankly, I believe it came to mind—at least in part—because I have had a few reminders, recently, that when the church does what it is supposed to do there will be some people who will not like it.

“People won’t like a church, Dan?!? Get out of here!!!”

Well, it’s true.

Our church has helped people in areas of life that involve emotional, relational, mental health, financial, physical and spiritual matters. And I frequently receive earnest words of gratitude for the many ways in which our church reaches out and ministers to people in the name of Jesus.

But every now and then people are upset about Jesus, the message of Jesus, the truth of Jesus, and they let that be known.

When this happens, I have to remind myself, number one, of verses like Matthew 10:22, quoted above, in which the Lord told us, long ago, to be ready for this reality.

And, number two, I remind myself to remain faithful.

Jesus calls us to remain faithful.

Before I was born, this congregation that I now pastor, was in existence. They were one of many local expressions of the body of Christ that followed the Lord Jesus, faithfully. I am grateful for the faithfulness of those sturdy, sincere, diligent folks.

Fast forward a bit. When I was a kid, this congregation, was in existence. It faithfully ministered the truth of Jesus to my family and myself. Jesus used this church to make a profound difference in our lives. It ministered to many others, as well. They were faithful.

Now here we are in 2022. We have had a couple of interesting years, recently. (Particularly in 2020.) Yet, you, the people of this church love the Lord and you remain faithful to Him. After many, many years this church is still faithful. I love it! You are an inspiration and an amazing encouragement to me.

I was talking with an old friend, recently, and she remarked that it bothered her that in the past couple of years a number of people seem to have given up on church. This is definitely true throughout the United States, I suspect it’s true in other countries, as well.

That reality makes your faithfulness all the more special, all the more important and all the more encouraging to me. (By the way, don’t worry, God is not defeated. He will always have a people. See? The optimism is increasing!)

Thank you for your obedience and faithfulness to Jesus. Part of being faithful to Jesus means being committed to His bride, the church. Your commitment inspires me!

Umm…let’s see…I don’t really know any other way to work another subject into this report except to just awkwardly say: Now, I’m going to change the subject!

So…now I’m going to change the subject.

We were blessed to have Collin Glatz intern with the church this summer and that was one of the highlights of the year for me. I’ve known Collin his whole life. In fact, I’ve known Collin’s family since long before he was born. Collin is a brilliant young man who is gifted in a number of ways but he also has this important factor: A genuine heart for God. That truth blesses my heart beyond words.

Collin taught in several different contexts; preached; served Communion; went on visitation with me; participated in groups like our Tuesday prayer team; put a new transmission in my van; vanquished a dragon; and helped out in other ways. (Just kidding about the transmission in the van and the dragon.)

He is a wonderful young man who is seeking God’s guidance regarding His calling. We trust that God is going to work through Collin in powerful ways.

Some folks have asked me: “Dan, will Collin be coming back this coming summer?”

My answer: I don’t know Collin’s plans and I suspect Collin may not even know his plans for the coming summer yet. But we can pray, right?

I love you all very much. You are a tremendous blessing to me.

…And did I mention that I love you? Oh, I did? Well, I thought it was worth repeating.

Love and blessings,

 

Dan

First Church of God

Oak Lawn, IL

 

Reality-escape Artists

I was reading and then I had to go back and re-read the following line, this morning, from a book by Os Guinness. It is, for me, a convicting thought:

“Modern society itself is one grand diversion—the Republic of Entertainment. With our shops, shows, sports, games, tourism, recreation, cosmetics, plastic surgery, virtual reality, and the endless glorification of health and youth, our culture is a vast conspiracy to make us forget about our transience and mortality. We turn away. We tune out. Alibis for reality-escape artists are on every hand.”

Some of the failures in my life—let’s not try to figure out a precise count—have really been embarrassing. In fact, it’s uncomfortable, even painful, for me to think back and remember some of them. I don’t like to recall spectacular ineptitude…especially when it applies to me.

But in spite of the embarrassment I understand that it’s important to keep trying. Keep attempting to pursue new, challenging, out-of-the-comfort zone objectives.

This is not eloquent, but in my mind I think of it this way: Keep doing stuff.

I think God created life in such a way that it tends to be richer and more fulfilling when we are willing to keep trying new things.

 

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky

 

Having a little prayer with a praying mantis

This morning when I was unlocking the doors at the church, the fellow in this photo caught my attention. There he was on the front doors holding his own little prayer meeting.

Do you know what type of bug this is?

Yes, he’s a Praying Mantis. And he seemed to be giving me a special message.

What was the message?

Answer: It’s always a good idea to floss.

But then we had a moment. It was a brief moment, yes, a fleeting moment. But it was a moment nevertheless. The Praying Mantis seemed to say a little prayer for me.

After a minute, or so, he took up an offering and I thought, “Okay, I get it. Fair is fair.”

 

Lucy took me for a walk

Lucy took me for a walk this afternoon. It's a beautiful day and we had a great time. But considering my good behavior I'm a bit disappointed I didn't get a bone when we got home.
 

God's dreams for you are...

“God’s dreams for you are ultimately not really about you. Oh, don’t misunderstand. They’ll bring you some of the best days of your life; you will be fulfilled beyond any imaginable expectations. But God’s dreams take form only when they are about others, for the benefit of others. Loving them. Guiding them. Serving them. Influencing them. Filling their heads with dreams and hope. There are no other types of God dreams. Nothing less or else will compel, attract, or seem worthy of this God heart within you.”

From the book “TrueFaced” by Thrall, McNicol and Lynch

 

“…[A]nd whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus, Mark 10:44-45

The passing of time has changed for me.

There was a time when the things I liked doing went by quickly and the things I disliked seemed to drag on forever.

Now the things I like doing still go by very quickly but get this: even the things I dislike go by quickly, too!

I’m not joking. I mean this in a very sincere way.

It passes quickly my friends.

You say, “What passes quickly?”

Life.

Smile. Pay attention. Love. Forgive. Laugh. Listen. Be kind. Love Jesus. Help. Build up. Pet a dog. Try to pet a cat. Pray for others. Play peek-a-boo with a baby. Do something nice without telling anyone. Tell people that you love them.

Remember: There was a time…

Always Faithful -- Terrific new book by Major Tom Schueman and Zainullah Zaki

When I pointed out Tom’s book on the shelf at Barnes and Noble, Rachel was so excited that she let out a scream and started crying. (Not sad crying. It was happy crying.) For Rachel, Tom ranks up there with the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Actually, come to think of it, Tom’s probably a little higher on her list than those guys.

I said, “Shh, don’t do that. People are on high alert these days. They will think something terrible is happening.”

Tom is a man of faith, courage, intelligence, commitment and valor! He is a man of perseverance and an impressive amount of sheer grit. To say I am proud of him is an understatement.

I have read about a third of the book already. It is interesting and exciting! The story is like something from a movie, it is remarkable. But it’s not fiction, it’s true!

Congratulations Tom. Well done!

 

They said the place is haunted

This is a photo of Nadia and her dad, Vince. Do they look nervous?

After we arrived at this restaurant we were provided with a brief history of the establishment to read. We discovered—according to the document—that 1) the proprietors believe the place may be haunted; and 2) without shoes or shirt they are reluctant to provide service.

We did not notice anything strange or unnatural although the fries were not as crispy as I had hoped…that was mildly frightening.

 

Rachel and her money

Rachel cannot save money.

Rachel will not save money.

In her mind it works like this: “What’s the point of even having money if you’re not going to spend it?”

Her unofficial motto is: “I have money so let’s go to the store.”

I try to tell her, “Here's a great idea: When you get money, save it. And keep saving it as you get it. Then you will be able to buy something much bigger and better!”

My words go in one ear and out the other…sometimes pausing just long enough to produce a slight chuckle.

So Rachel and I took a trip to Best Buy because there was some money laying around in her pocket and it needed to be spent, pronto!

 

 

At the bookstore

Sometimes when Rachel and I are at the bookstore no words need to be spoken. Everything that needs to be communicated is effectively expressed through the look on our faces.

Along with a few subtle but eloquent hand gestures.

If you see joy, satisfaction and a stare that says, “Yep, I’m overflowing with happiness.”

…Then you are probably looking at a different photo.

 

Finley went into her crate to take a nap.

So Rachel also went into Finley’s crate to take a nap.

Afterwards they both chased a rabbit and chewed on bones in the backyard.