Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Shalom in the Shadows: Finding Peace in the In‑Between

Readings from Isaiah 9 and James 5 frame a message about shalom — the deep, lasting peace offered through Christ — and how that peace shines in the shadows of our uncertain world.

The episode explores living in the "in‑between" (the now and the not yet), calling listeners to patience, humility, and faithful witness as they wait for Christ’s return.

Advent: Waiting for the Coming King — Beyond the Baby

Pastor Dan explores the meaning of Advent through Isaiah 2, Romans 13, and Matthew 24, contrasting modern Christmas consumerism with the early Christian expectation of Christ’s return. It emphasizes the promise of God’s final judgment over evil and the hope of Christ reigning over all creation.

Listeners are called to move from merely believing in Jesus to believing Jesus—being born again, living watchfully, and preparing their hearts for the coming King.

The Unexpected Throne: Christ Reigns from the Cross

On Christ the King Sunday Pastor Dan reads Luke 23:33–43 and reflects on Jesus’s paradoxical kingship—reigning not with worldly power but through sacrificial love on the cross. He contrasts the mocking thief who sought earthly rescue with the penitent thief who trusted Jesus and received the promise of paradise.

Drawing from Colossians and Revelation, the sermon encourages gratitude for temporary blessings while keeping hope in the eternal kingdom, urging listeners to live under Christ’s sovereign reign.

Further Up, Further In: Finding God in the Waypoints of Life

Using readings from Exodus, Hebrews, and Revelation, this sermon explores how spiritual life is not about reaching a final arrival but about recognizing God in each waypoint of the journey.

The speaker shares lessons from a renewal leave, urging daily discipleship, active pursuit of holiness, and the invitation to move "further up and further in" toward deeper intimacy with God now.

Lean Into Your Weakness: Jacob, Joseph, and God's Crazy Love

Pastor Dan reflects on prayer and the biblical stories of Jacob and Joseph (Genesis 32–50 and Hebrews 11) to show how God turns our weaknesses and wounds into blessings and new identity.

Through metaphor, scripture, and personal testimony, the episode encourages leaning into dependence on God, practicing regular prayer, forgiving others, and trusting that God can graft a new, redemptive story from our brokenness.

The Father Who Runs: A Story of Homecoming

Read Luke 15:17 and hear the familiar parable of the prodigal son retold with a focus on sonship, God’s overflowing grace, and the path from repentance to transformation.

This episode reflects on the father’s extravagant love, practical steps for prayer (PAUSE, REJOICE, ASK, YIELD), and how repentance opens the way for lasting change and restoration.

Keep Your Lamp Filled: The Parable, Prayer, and Presence

Pastor Dan explores Matthew 25's parable of the ten virgins to show that the real issue is not lamps but the oil of daily prayer. Drawing on his renewal leave, the stories of Daniel and the wedding at Cana, he encourages listeners to practice regular, focused prayer—uncluttered and rhythmic—to recognize Jesus' voice and be ready for his coming.

Through personal reflection and biblical examples, the sermon invites believers to relax, spend intentional time with God, and cultivate a consistent prayer life that fuels spiritual readiness and authentic witness.

Rain on Parched Ground: A Pastor’s Renewal

Pastor Dan reads from Isaiah 55 and reflects on a season of spiritual drought and renewal during his leave. Using the image of rain on parched ground, he shares how preparing the soil of the soul—through prayer, repentance, and releasing long-held burdens—opens us to God’s refreshing Word.

The message emphasizes immediate response to the Spirit, forgiveness as freedom, and practical habits for receiving God’s renewing grace so we can bear fruit and walk in new life.

Further Up and Further In — A Pastor's Return

After a season of intentional rest and spiritual renewal, Pastor Dan returns grateful and refreshed, thanking the congregation and staff for their faithfulness. He recounts deep recalibration, honest reflection, and moments of writing, prayer, and family time that renewed his calling.

He celebrates the church's growth in his absence, the courage of guest speakers and youth, and invites the congregation to keep moving "further up and further in" toward God's heart—embracing Sabbath rest, mentorship, and an ongoing journey of transformation.

Podcasts Resume October 13, 2025

Pastor Dan is back after a fulfilling renewal leave. Messages will resume here October 13, 2025. Thank you for your patience.