In Progress

In this final episode of “In Progress,” Alan shares from 1 John 2 and talks about how John describes what it looks like to choose to live in the light or in the darkness. And how following God’s call on our lives is all about loving our brothers and sisters well! Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Genesis 3 and talks about how Adam and Eve’s approaches to temptation are often patterns that we repeat by justifying our sin in different ways. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan looks at how fear often shows up in our lives in unexpected ways. And he shares from Proverbs 3 to talk about what it looks like to trust God in the midst of life, even when it’s hard! Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

God Is Close to the Brokenhearted In this episode, Alan shares from Psalm 34 and looks at David’s reminder that God is close to the brokenhearted. This is a beautiful reminder that when we're in an "ebb" season, which there are lots of reasons for right now, that doesn't mean God is absent. He has a soft spot for people who are hurting! Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

Taking Every Thought Captive In this episode, Alan shares from 2 Corinthians 10 and looks at Paul’s teaching to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” He shares about how we take more thoughts captive than we realize, but we often make them “obedient” to political parties, current public sentiment, or to what our friends or family expect of us. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Deuteronomy 10 and looks at Moses’ reminder to the people of Israel that God’s commands are for our own good. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Philippians 4 and looks at Paul’s teaching on how we can find peace despite our circumstances. And about how being disciplined with our thinking makes a big difference. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Proverbs 23 and looks at Solomon’s wisdom when it comes to acquiring wealth and trying to find our peace and stability in things that don’t last. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Colossians 3 and looks at Paul’s teaching on what changes when we are made alive in Christ. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and shares about what a privilege and honor it is to be able to talk to our Heavenly Father. We sometimes fall into ruts when it comes to praying and we sometimes get out of the rhythm of doing it altogether, but God wants to hear from us!

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and talks about God’s heart for people who are oppressed and who need justice. In light of the recent killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, Alan encourages everybody to take a look at this article and take action on something from the list: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and talks about how we can practice “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” by wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the virus. Below, are a few resources / articles that give really good information along with a few quotes below the links if you want a few highlights without reading each article in full. This first article is from Atul Gawande: https://www.newyorker.com/science/medical-dispatch/amid-the-coronavirus-crisis-a-regimen-for-reentry “…environmental transmission [infection from touching surfaces] may account for as little as six per cent of covid-19 infections. sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes covid-19, spreads primarily through respiratory droplets emitted by infected people when they cough, sneeze, talk, or simply exhale; the droplets are then breathed in by others. (Loud talking has even been shown to generate measurably more droplets than quieter talking.)” “A recent, extensive review of the research from an international consortium of scientists suggests that if at least sixty per cent of the population wore masks that were just sixty-per-cent effective in blocking viral transmission—which a well-fitting, two-layer cotton mask is—the epidemic could be stopped. The more effective the mask, the bigger the impact.” “Cloth and surgical masks do not fit tightly. You can breathe air coming in around the sides. They are designed to safeguard others, not the wearer. The basic logic is: I protect you; you protect me.” https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them I can’t summarize it well, so I’m copying and pasting more of this article than I’d like. But this was the most helpful for me to understand the way that the virus spreads. I’m trying to attach just the bare essentials to give you the idea here, but the whole article is my favorite that I’ve found and I’d recommend you read it if you have a chance: “In order to get infected you need to get exposed to an infectious dose of the virus…Some experts estimate that as few as 1000 SARS-CoV2 infectious viral particles are all that will be needed (ref 1, ref 2)…Infection could occur, through 1000 infectious viral particles you receive in one breath or from one eye-rub, or 100 viral particles inhaled with each breath over 10 breaths, or 10 viral particles with 100 breaths. Each of these situations can lead to an infection. How much Virus is released into the environment? A Cough: A single cough releases about 3,000 droplets and droplets travels at 50 miles per hour. Most droplets are large, and fall quickly (gravity), but many do stay in the air and can travel across a room in a few seconds. A Sneeze: A single sneeze releases about 30,000 droplets, with droplets traveling at up to 200 miles per hour. Most droplets are small and travel great distances (easily across a room). If a person is infected, the droplets in a single cough or sneeze may contain as many as 200,000,000 (two hundred million) virus particles which can all be dispersed into the environment around them. This is a podcast called “Public Health on Call” from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health that looks at things from a very factual and even-handed perspective. It’s a good place to get trustworthy information as we move forward.

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and shares Paul’s words from Ephesians 4 about getting rid of negativity and anger and replacing them with kindness and forgiveness.

Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and talks about Paul’s reminder from Ephesians 3 – that God wants to be at work by his Holy Spirit in our inner being. It’s easy to let circumstances throw us off track, but let’s use this time to draw closer to God!

Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and talks about the “peace that passes understanding” - a peace that we have access to in God!

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown, and he shares a challenge for each of us to be more loving and grace filled during this time.

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and shares some practical ways that we can stay connected to one another while we're in this unique time.

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and reminds us all of Psalm 20:7 and asks us where we’re putting our trust. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan is recording from home during the coronavirus shutdown and reminds us all of Psalm 20:7 and asks us where we’re putting our trust. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan continues to talk about serving by looking at Matthew 25. Jesus tells us that doing acts of service for those the world considers the least important is like doing those things for him. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan looks at Mark 10, where Jesus talks about what it takes to be great in his kingdom. Jesus challenges us to live a life of service, just like he did. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Colossians 2 and talks about what it means to be rooted and built up in Christ. It’s a reminder to get back to the basics of our faith and to the practices or disciplines that help us to grow in him! Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Mark 12:30 and focuses on what it means to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan reads from 1 Corinthians 5 and talks about Paul’s message that a little bit of impurity tends to spread. And how important it is to align our standards and ideals with God’s. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Galatians 5, where Paul reminds us to “walk by the Spirit” in order to avoid satisfying “the desires of the flesh.” Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and highlights his reminder that it’s far too easy to “succeed” at the wrong things. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from 1 John 4 and looks at John’s reminder that “if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan reads from Proverbs 12, which compares and contrasts the paths of obedience and disobedience. This passage challenges each of us to evaluate where we’re choosing selfishness over surrender. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan reads from Romans 5 and shares about the value of going through the uncomfortable process of growth. And about how God wants so much more for us! Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan challenges us to rethink what addiction really looks like and to ask ourselves what habits and behaviors we need to leave behind. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares Gordon MacDonald’s questions that we ask in the different decades of our lives. To dig deeper into this idea, read MacDonald’s “A Resilient Life.” Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan talks about how God’s Word confronts us with our faults and shortcomings. And he reads from Hebrews 4:12-13 and encourages all of us to examine where we miss the mark of living up to God’s calling on our lives. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Hebrews 13:7-8 and asks us to think of the people who have impacted our lives for the Kingdom, and to go be that person in other people’s lives. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan recaps the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt and highlights Exodus 13 and 14 to talk about how Israel reacted to God’s work. Their reaction forces us to ask whether we live with gratitude and trust, or with grumbling and complaining. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from John 5:43-44 as Jesus’ teaching makes us ask whether we’re chasing people’s approval or God’s approval. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan reads Job 23:1-12 and talks about the feelings that anybody who is suffering will naturally feel. Just like Job, we might feel like things are unfair and like God is absent. But we need to end up where he did; trusting in God’s faithfulness and staying obedient even in the middle of the hardships we’re facing. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Luke 13 about how public opinion, religious leadership, and political leadership were all complicit in Jesus’s death. With that in mind, what are we missing about what God wants to do in our lives? Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from 1 Peter 3 about avoiding harmful and deceptive words and pursuing peace in all of our relationships. It’s a simple, but fundamental, reminder about how God calls us to treat one another. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan looks at Psalm 62 and highlights David’s deep trust in and reliance on God. It’s easy to get caught up in trusting in people and things, but David reminds us that the ebb and flow of successes and failures should always bring us back to focusing on God. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from 2 Timothy 1 and looks at Paul’s teaching to Timothy to “fan into flame” his gift from God. This passage makes us ask ourselves what we’re doing to develop and grow the gifts we have from God as well as to ask what’s holding us back from using our gifts well. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares 4 simple ways that we can practice reorienting ourselves toward God. These aren’t the only ways, but they are helpful practices to move us from thinking about our own wants, needs, plans, and responsibilities to refocusing in on what matters. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from James 2:14-26, which talks about making our faith complete by what we do. Alan gives some simple, practical ways that we can put our faith into action. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Matthew 7:3-5 and looks at another hard teaching from Jesus. He teaches about finding the faults and shortcomings in ourselves before we start finding them in the lives of others. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan talks about Jesus saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” while he was hanging on the cross. And about how this challenges us to forgive, even in situations where we feel justified in holding on to unforgiveness. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares some powerful insights from the 12 step programs and talks about the importance of surrender, openness, and honesty when it comes to our own destructive, addictive behaviors. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares about the story of Jacob and Leah from Genesis 29 and highlights the importance of finding peace in God rather than in our circumstances. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Deuteronomy 30 as Moses closes out his giving of the law and reminds Israel that they know what God wants, now they have to choose whether to follow him or not. This passage challenges us to make that same choice. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan is joined by his wife Annaliese to talk about the importance of spending time with your spouse. They give some practical ways that they’ve spent quality time together even when time and/or money were in short supply. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Psalm 23 and talks about what this familiar passage means about our relationship with God. About how deeply he cares for us and wants to know us. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares about The Armor of God from Ephesians 6 and gives some background on what Paul had to say about being ready at all times. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net

In this episode, Alan shares from Philippians 2 where Paul talks about doing “everything without arguing or complaining.” He shares about how easy it is to hold on to negativity and why it’s important to check that in ourselves and let it go. Intro music: “CubanLinks” by Corey Makaih; makaihbeats.net