Knowing God With Heart and Mind

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Pastor Dan will be away from here for a short break. His recordings will resume October 2025.

This is another AI generated "deep dive" created within Google's Notebook LM. It may not be entirely accurate about subtle details. For example Katrina is not Pastor Dan's wife (wink). Still, the discussion is very insightful and enriches the overall value of the recent sermon message. Enjoy, and let us know what you think.

In a heartfelt message, Pastor Dan shares his mixed feelings about taking a renewal leave, emphasizing the necessity of rest and spiritual growth after years of continuous service. With honesty and vulnerability, he expresses gratitude for the support from his congregation while reflecting on his nearly thirty years of ministry, eight as pastor at Shiloh Church. Pastor Dan reminisces about the challenges and triumphs experienced together, drawing parallels to biblical journeys of renewal. As Pastor Dan prepares to step away temporarily, he discusses his hopes for both personal rejuvenation and the future of Shiloh Church. He envisions a period of spiritual retreat, reflection, and rediscovering his intimacy with God, while encouraging the congregation to continue their journey of discipleship and leadership development. This episode is a profound testament to the importance of rest, the power of community support, and the anticipation of God's unfolding plans. Pastor Dan invites the church family to embrace this season with faith and excitement for what lies ahead.

Hear's an experiment with an AI generated discussion of Pastor Dan's latest sermon, "Embracing the Sabbath Reset: A Journey to Spiritual Renewal". It was created using Google's NotebookLM. Let us know what you think.

In this message, Pastor Dan will explore the profound significance of the Sabbath as a critical component of discipleship, comparing it to a reset button for our lives. Much like rebooting a malfunctioning device, Sabbath is about detaching from everyday distractions to restore our spiritual health and harmony with God. The discussion highlights Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of Jubilee and encourages us to trust and embrace faith in His grace. We delve into practical steps towards achieving true Sabbath rest, emphasizing the importance of self-love and renewing critical relationships—in particular, our relationship with ourselves, God, and others. As we align our hearts and minds with God's spirit, we discover the ability to extend grace and love to those around us. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to tune into God’s rhythm and seek intimate connections that transcend worldly achievements. Join us as we receive God's call to Sabbath rest, where we learn to breathe in sync with Him and transform our lives through His holy grace.

Hear's an experiment with an AI generated discussion of Pastor Dan's latest sermon, "Finding Devine Rest: AFaithful Pause. It was created using Google's NotebookLM. Let us know what you think.

In this message, Pastor Dan explores the profound significance of the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of rest and recreation as divine practices. Delve into how God perceives our work and achievements, questioning the cultural norms that often equate productivity with value. Discover biblical insights into intentional rest, drawing from Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus, to understand how God designed rest not merely as an escape from labor but as a sacred space to deepen our relationship with Him. Join the journey of moving beyond the busyness of life to find solace in the presence of God. Uncover the transformative power of resting with purpose, aligning body and spirit with God's will. Experience the essence of a spiritually fulfilling life where communal worship and personal faith converge to bring about sanctification and holiness. This message calls us to reflect and reset, encouraging a path of authentic connection with the Almighty and the community of believers.

In this inspiring message, we delve into the profound celebration of Pentecost, tracing its historical roots and its pivotal role in Christian and Jewish traditions. Adrienne Tarullo, Youth Services Director at Shiloh Church of Jasper, shares personal reflections and spiritual insights on the Holy Spirit's influence in our lives, as well as the transformative power it holds for believers today. Through engaging narratives, such as the miraculous events in Acts 2 and personal anecdotes of faith, the episode explores themes of spiritual warfare, the fruit of the Spirit, and the importance of living a Spirit-filled life. You will be invited to reflect on your own spiritual journey, the influences in your life, and the significance of embracing the Holy Spirit as a guide and comforter. With thoughtful questions and calls to action, the message encourages personal growth, community connection, and deeper faith. Join us as we uncover the unifying power of the Holy Spirit and how it continues to shape and inspire believers across generations.

In this message, we're privileged to be joined by Reverend Dr. Scott Pattison, Global Methodist Church Great Lakes Conference superintendent. Patterson shares his journey, recounting the establishment of new conferences and his role in guiding this fresh chapter in Methodism. He explores the significance of leadership rooted in Wesleyan traditions and emphasizes the importance of sustainable rhythms in both spiritual and everyday life. Through his lens, we are reminded of the balance between work and rest, and the necessity of equipping church communities for enduring impact. Join us as we delve into a narrative centered around faith, community, and the reviving spirit of Methodism.

In this thought-provoking message, we delve into Ephesians chapter 2, exploring the profound message of God's grace through the words of the Apostle Paul. The central theme revolves around the transformative power of grace and faith, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works. Join us as we reflect on the struggles and joys of fully receiving God’s grace, the necessity of repentance, and the daily commitment required in our journey of scriptural holiness.

----more----In this message, Pastor Dan delves into the profound teachings of scriptural holiness, interwoven with the concept of discipleship, as illustrated by Jesus in the Gospel of John. We explore the majesty and significance of Jesus' words as he communicates divine sanctification and our unique identity as God's children. Learn how sanctification creates a sacred and ongoing connection with the divine, positioning us as heirs to spiritual royalty. We ponder the depths of Jesus' prayer for unity, sanctification, and the ultimate glorification of believers. Discover the distinction between positional and ongoing holiness, leading us back to the Father's loving embrace. Through insightful analogies and heartfelt reflections, embrace the process of becoming a true representative of God's holiness in the world.

In this episode, Pastor Dan delves into the profound journey of becoming Christlike, exploring the Apostle Paul’s message in 1 Thessalonians 5. As believers, we are called to awaken to the light and live as children of the day, embracing a life of faith, hope, and love. Discover the essence of Christlikeness, not as a set of prohibitions, but as a way of life modeled after Jesus' human example of holiness. Pastor Dan addresses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding spiritual growth and sanctification, emphasizing the importance of gradual transformation over time. With personal anecdotes and biblical insights, we learn the significance of taking steady steps towards spiritual maturity and embracing our unique path in the journey with Christ. Join us as we reflect on the qualities of a Christlike life, the impact of spiritual role models, and the call to be "weirdos for Christ," set apart in holiness to reflect God's love and grace to the world.

This episode offers an enlightening look into "Scriptural Holiness," a core emphasis within the Global Methodist Church, as articulated in recent teachings by its bishops. Shiloh Church of Jasper's Pastor Dan guides us through this profound concept, beginning with a look at scriptures from Exodus and Leviticus to uncover the nature of God's holiness. We will then explore discipleship, framed as an apprenticeship, as the practical way to embrace and embody this holiness in our daily lives. Through relatable anecdotes and insightful reflections, we'll discover how our progress in holiness impacts our personal growth and our capacity to transmit God's love and light to others. Prepare to be challenged and inspired to consider your next steps on this journey of living out your faith in accordance with this vital teaching.

Biblical discipleship means walking closely with Jesus, allowing His presence to transform us from the inside out. This transformation occurs gradually through intentional steps like daily prayer, Scripture reading, and active participation in church community. True discipleship isn't about perfectly following rules, but about internal change that manifests in transformed behavior and priorities. By walking closely with Jesus, we naturally overflow with His presence, impacting others and avoiding spiritual stagnation.