Grace To Gather

Thank you for joining us this season of the Grace to Gather Podcast!

This week on the GTG podcast, we dive into how we spend our time and the art of balancing our commitments. We discuss the vital importance of rest—while activities are essential, rest holds significant value. We revisit the concept of vision retreats, emphasizing the need to let go of what isn't serving our highest priorities. Additionally, we explore the importance of routines and cultivating positive habits. Finally, we circle back to the benefits of hospitality and its role in enriching our lives and communities.

In this episode of the Grace to Gather podcast, we discuss the importance of being an empty vessel, examining the heart, and creating space to experience true physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness. What's holding you back from living life to the fullest?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:6. Emotions play a strong part in all of our lives and can take us on a roller coaster ride if we aren't focusing on the right things. In this week's episode, we are going to remind ourselves of the importance of focusing on God's promises in the midst of emotional circumstances.

In this week's episode of the Grace To Gather podcast, we're sharing our thoughts on physical wellness. Believe it or not, health and fitness have been a significant part of our lives for much of our journey. This week, we'll be discussing some of the things we believe help us maintain our physical well-being.*We apologize for the audio quality of this episode, there were technical difficulties*Medical DisclaimerThe information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard here.Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The content is not intended to replace or substitute professional medical guidance.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 4:8 that “physical training is of some value, but godliness (or spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and the life to come.  This week, we are going to talk about being spiritually well.  How making sure to spend quality time seeking God and being in His word daily is of great benefit for our whole being.

BURN-OUT: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation, usually as a result of prolonged stress, or frustration. I'm sure that all of us have felt this way at some point in our life, especially over the last four years or so. In today's episode, we are going to talk about the best ways to deal with that “burned out” feeling.

Welcome to Season 8 of the Grace to Gather podcast.  This season we are going to focus on the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health.  Let's face it,  when we are depleted in any of these areas, it can make hospitality and serving others feel like a chore.  But when we take care of ourselves it enables us to pour into others with love and grace

It's time for the season 7 finale!  This week, following the election, we will discuss the importance of knowing where your hope comes from. We don't find our hope in any political party or politician, our hope is in Jesus Christ and Him alone.  And it's our job to spread that hope to the watching world through practicing hospitality, loving one another, and caring for others.

In this week's episode, entitled “A Seat at the Table”, we are going to discuss the significance of the different “table settings” described throughout the Bible.  And how your table setting can bring honor and glory to the One who invites you to a seat at His!The sources from this episode:https://leadmin.org/articlesarchive/tables-in-the-biblehttp://www.messianicgoodnews.org/part-4-the-bread-of-the-presence/

In this week's episode, we are going to talk about some of the biblical mandates for caring for others.  And some of the reasons and excuses why we sometimes find that hard to do.

Well, this week's episode is either going to lose us some followers or gain us some followers.  But we feel like the issue is too important not to speak out. We are going to be talking about the upcoming elections, the importance of voting, and the importance of loving those around you who may have different political views

We know that in the midst of the current high inflation in our nation, the idea of practicing hospitality and helping others can seem daunting. Giving to others when you yourself are having a difficult time making ends meet can be scary.  Today, we are going to talk about some simple ways of serving others in your community that wont break your budget.Azure Standard- https://www.azurestandard.com/Samaritans Purse- https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

If you are a Christ follower and really study Gods word, there is nothing going on in the world today that should surprise you. Prophesies in the books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and many others including Revelations all talk about the things that are happening today.  Jesus himself told us what would happen as we got closer to His return.  In this weeks episode we are going to talk about extending hospitality and loving one another in times of trouble.

There is a difference between fancy and well-thought-out when it comes to hospitality. Making a plan and doing just a little extra will make your guests feel appreciated and cared for. Don't try to be something you're not, just be yourself.  Do what you enjoy, and do it to the best of your ability.

Hospitality is not a restful activity for the host, and it often requires personal sacrifice. The key is to find rest and fulfillment within the act of serving others. We will discuss this and more on this week's episode of Grace to Gather.

What is in your hand?  When it comes to practicing hospitality, it doesn't have to be extravagant or perfect.  Just use what you have. Because it's not about the silverware or candlesticks, it's about you being you and having a heart to serve others.  None of us are perfect and certainly don't live in a perfect world.  So relax, nobody is looking for perfection.

True community requires us to step out of our comfort zone, for some more than others. Most of us desire normal, routine, comfort, and safety. But stepping out of those areas and into hospitality through serving others can pay huge dividends by drawing us closer to God and to others.

Your first and most important community is your immediate family.  But did you know that most people spend more time with the people they work with than their own family? So, how do we reach those people outside of our immediate circle? We will discuss this and more in this week's episode of Grace to Gather.

This week we are going back to the real meaning of hospitality, and why it is so important. We live in a world that is more connected than at any time in history, through electronics and social media. However, this lack of actual physical contact and communication has left people feeling lonely and isolated. With a deep hunger and need for true community. 

Every one of us has some kind of influence on other people, whether we like it or not. Good or bad. The question is, are we being intentional about the type of influence we are having? This week, we are talking about the importance of mentoring others—especially the younger generations. 

Can't believe that we are starting our 4th year of the GTG podcast!  We hope you enjoy this season as we get back to the basics of hospitality and duplication through mentoring others. 

Thank you for joining us on GTG this season. We hope that it has been as much of a blessing to you as it has been for us. In this season finale, we will recap what it means to be led by the Spirit and the fruit that He produces in our lives as we seek God and His Kingdom. 

This week on GTG we will be talking about the final Fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians chapter 5: self-control. And one of the main ways to exhibit self-control in hospitality is to control how we speak. James tells us that if we could control our tongues, then we would be able to control everything else and be perfect in every way. 

This week on GTG we will be talking about the final Fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians chapter 5: self-control. And one of the main ways to exhibit self-control in hospitality is to control how we speak. James tells us that if we could control our tongues, then we would be able to control everything else and be perfect in every way. 

Gentleness is the action of being kind and considerate. In this episode of Grace to Gather we dig into what the Bible says about the spiritual fruit of gentleness and how we apply it in our lives and the practice of hospitality. 

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7 Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God, His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the result of the Spirit working in us. But the Spirit is also our seal of faithfulness. He is our witness to God's promise that if we accept the truth about God, He will save us. 

What does it mean to have a spirit of goodness?  Today we are going to be talking about a heart condition of goodness, like that of the Father, when putting good deeds into action and interacting with others.

This week on the podcast we are going to be talking about the fruit of kindness.  And Neva is going to be very honest that this is an area that we both can struggle in.  Because we both process information through logic rather than our feelings, we can often come across as sounding harsh or unkind.  Something that we both very much need the help of the Holy Spirit to work on in us.

In today's episode, we are going to be talking about the attribute of patience.  I've heard it said that you shouldn't pray for patience, because God will then put you into situations where you need it.  When dealing with people or waiting on God to answer your prayers, patience is definitely a virtue.  But why is it so hard to put patience into practice?

What did Jesus mean when He said “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NLT‬‬Tune in this week as we discuss the difference between “world peace” and “inner peace”. And how we can find peace even in the midst of chaos and stressful situations.

Webster's dictionary defines joy as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.  This week we are going to discuss how to have joy that cannot be taken away even in the midst of your circumstances.  And how we can live in a victorious mindset, rather than a victim mindset, by keeping our focus on the One who is exceptionally good and satisfying.  

This week on GTG we are going to dive into the first Fruit of the Spirit: Love.  And as we read through 1 Corinthians 13, God clearly defines what it means to love someone. 

This week on GTG we are going to talk about the “nature of fruit”. In Genesis chapter 1 “Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.”‭And in Genesis 1:28 He commanded Noah to be fruitful and multiply. What fruit is being produced in your life?

Who or what is leading you in your life? Is it money, fear, ambition, family, faith?  What we have found in our lives is that when we are being led by anything other than the Holy Spirit, it doesn't often end well. In our own flesh, we can be selfish and stubborn and often want to go our own way, which is most often contrary to what God wants. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, things generally go a whole lot smoother. 

“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself “ Galatians 5:14. I once heard someone say “How can you say that you love God if you don't love your neighbor”.  This week we are going to spend some time on practical ways that we can love our neighbors and build community. 

Welcome back to Season Six! This season on Grace to Gather we will discuss personal qualities that we can all work on and improve to make hospitality more enjoyable, fun, and impactful!

In this final episode of season 5, we will recap what we have learned while studying Acts chapter 5 and how a true lasting community is formed. We wrap up this season with “No Needy People”

There is power in the Name of Jesus! This week we are going to continue in the book of Acts and also many other scriptures that point to who Jesus is and the power granted to us through His Name and the Holy Spirit.

In this weeks episode we are going to pause for a moment and reflect on what has been happening in Israel and other parts of the world these last weeks. Can we, as Americans, tend to enjoy our comfort and safety? And sometimes turn a blind eye to the sufferings and tribulations that people in other parts of the world are facing? How can we change this and how can we make a stand against the evil that is permeating much of the world? 

In this week's episode, we are going to talk about the promises of God when we seek Him. He promises to bring times of refreshment as we lean into His purposes for our lives. And this enables us to be a refreshment to others.

This week as we continue in the second chapter of Acts, we see how the Holy Spirit worked among the believers and built a real, authentic community when the people really took to heart the promise of God in 2 Chronicles 7:14“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”It happened then, It has happened since then and it can happen today!

Wouldn't it be great to have an Advantage in this life? To have someone to strengthen and encourage you on a daily basis? To have someone in your corner to comfort you when going through hard times? Well, it just so happens that we can all have access to someone just like that! Tune in tomorrow to hear about the Promise that Jesus spoke of.

It's an unfortunate fact that we are living in a world that is increasingly void of hope. In fact, I have heard it said that this current generation is the first generation that has no hope for their future. How heartbreaking! So many people are full of doubt, despair, and discouragement. And also, so many people put their hope in a roller coaster ride of a government that changes every 2 or 4 years. I want you to ask yourself, where are you placing your hope? If you are in a place of doubt, despair, or discouragement, we want to encourage you that there is an absolute anchor of hope that never changes. And His name is Jesus Christ! He will exchange your doubt, despair, and discouragement for Hope, Joy, and love. He is the One who makes beauty from ashes.

Are we allowing current events, current technology, and social media to shape our worldview? Or are we standing firm in our beliefs and shaping our worldview based on what the Bible tells us about the times that we are living in? There is a whole lot about current events and current culture that could lead people into a place of anxiety, despair, and hopelessness. But if we keep our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds focused on the Hope that lies before us in Jesus, then He uplifts our faith and enables us to love others and serve others from a place of internal peace.DISCLAIMER: We apologize for the sound quality of this episode. We had some technical difficulties while recording. 

What is the difference between being bold and being brash? Which of the two can be done with humility? The Bible tells us to be bold and always act in humility, and it also tells of many instances where God punished individuals for being brash. Boldness comes from a firm foundation of principles, whereas brashness often comes from being insecure. The great thing is that we don't have to come from a place of insecurity when we lean on the absolute security of Jesus Christ, and boldly step into His calling on our life. For He always equips those whom He calls.

Who is the “Helper” that Jesus spoke of? And how does a relationship with the “Helper” change how we practice hospitality and build community? In today's episode, we are going to share a little bit about how a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit helps us and enables us to step out of our comfort zones and step into the calling of hospitality, relationships, and community building.