Living Your Dash Podcast

ep 30: Heroes: Joseph. William Barclay wrote: "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." All things being equal, it's a noble sentiment - still hard - but a noble one. But things are rarely equal. Consider: turning down the second donut is not the same thing as enduring the pressure of incurring disfavor from management because you refuse to stretch the truth on a report. This week, Nate, Sean, and Adam sit down to discuss the third "hero" of the faith in Nate's summer series, "Heroes", by taking a look at Joseph. Some might say that his efforts were super-human, but really it came down to simple - but conseqential - choices. It's worth prioritizing time to listen to it, if you missed it. Then come back and listen to the Normies talk about it. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

Heros of The BibleAbraham

There goes my hero; watch him as he goes / There goes my hero, He's ordinary. Foo FightersHeros? Who needs them? Well, apparently everyone. The Marvel Universe movies alone have made $31 billion in movies alone - that doesn't include revenue from comic books, novels, and merchandise. And let's admit it: as long as there is a villain, a bully, or evil empire, we'll always need a hero. What is a hero? Someone who represents courage, selflessness, sets aside personal safety, and the drive to overcome obstacles to achieve a goal or protect others. They are soldiers and moms, first responders and dads, community change agents and children. They can be anyone. They simply arise when the time requires. It is probably YOU ... or soon will be. But we need archtypes. We need examples to show us how its done and what they did and why. In this series, Pastor Nate talks about important Biblical figures that - for no other reason being the right person at the right time - became heroes. Watch Nate's message and then come back here!▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

Ever heard of Ned Flanders? He's the overly religious caricature on the Simpson's cartoon. While everyone knows it's poking fun at Christians (particularly the irrationally moral ones), his overly positive comes off as a painful correlation: Christians can sometimes be unrealistic in their teflon emotions, coming off as fake - and worse - actually faking happinness because, well, "that's what Christians are supposed to be". The problem is that Christians are just as prone to mental and emotional distress as anyone. The joy of the Lord doesn't mean we won't have heartbreak. We just realize that we don't walk alone in the valley of the shadow of death (Ps. 23:4). Barry Anderson spoke on mental health, and we sat down to discuss this timely and important topic of discipleship. This is the topic of this week's podcast! Don't miss Sean and Nate's discussion! ▶️ Barry's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

Nate and AdamPart 1 of 2

Yogi Berra was famous for being one of the best catchers for the New York Yankee's. But what he's most famous for are his humorously ironic aphorisms, like: "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore", or "It's like deja-vu all over again", and this one about the future: "It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." Ol' Yogi ... he always had 'em rollin' in the aisles! But he's right about how we can feel unsure about the future. In fact, in a 2022 poll, half responded that over the next 12 months, they were worried about the direction of our country, and 1/4 had little hope for the future. Strange because it had not even happened yet! What's important to know is that God takes our future very seriously. The Eternal One, who invented time, and is the only one outside of time, told us: "Don't be anxious about anything." If he sees everything and isn't worried - why should we? And yet we can't help it! This is the topic of this week's podcast! Don't miss Sean and Nate's discussion! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

Love Riegns over our PresentIn the 1600's, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was established, as was Pennsylvania. But across the pond in Paris, there toiled a monk by the name of Brother Lawrence. A former soldier, he dedicated his life to the service of God and peaceful spiritual contemplation. It occured to him that he could spend the entire day with God - not as a concept, but really. So he did. People were amazed by his authenticity, wisdom, and joy of spending time with God in the garden, or doing dishes. Many of this thoughts and letters were written into a book called - fittingly enough - Practicing the Presence of God. "“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God," he wrote, "who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.” Brother Lawrence set an example that our present time, no matter how boring or exciting, or routine or exemplary, matters to God and he wants us to share the day with him. How do we do that? Nate and Sean have this discussion on this week's podcast! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

My ol' buddy (and former boss) Waylon loved to say: "A great future beats a bad past everytime!" And that's so true as a predictor of greater things to come! The important and wonderful thing about the Gospel of Jesus is that it doesn't pretend the past didn't happen. It both honors and deals with the consequences of painful and powerful past events, but it doesn't freeze the consequences to us either. Truly, as Jesus said: "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn 8:36) In this way, love truly riegns! Listen to Nate's great message and then come back and listen to this great conversation, including a brand new segment: Nate's Bookshelf! (with cool and groovy music!)▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos⁠

Have you ever had a podcast where the guest didn't speak a lick of English but still made a great impression? No? How about a podcast where you talked about Easter and different consequences of decisions because of it? Maybe? Then you're in for interesting ramble! Join Nate, Sean, and special guest Toby. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos⁠

Have you ever gotten lost? I mean really lost where you were worried that you'd ever get back to something familiar? That you'd run out of gas and perish in the wilderness? In 2022, that happened in Death Valley National Park. A 67 year old man ran out of gas and started hiking to what he thought was a way out. He perished 2 1/2 miles from the car. He left a note in the car stating: "Ran out of gas."We mourn for the tragic results, but in a way, we should take heed: we all head towards a "death valley" and the most important thing we do is to "call ahead", in a sense, for rescue. For there is only one "Life Flight" available in the valley of death- Jesus: the Way, Truth, and Life.Listen in on this conversation between Nate and Sean on this week's Church for Normies podcast. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos⁠

Tim Keller wrote: "The resurrection was indeed a miraculous display of God's power, but we should not see it as a suspension of the natural order of the world. Rather it was the beginning of the restoration of the natural order of the world, the world as God intended it to be. . . . The resurrection means not merely that Christians have a hope for the future but that they have a hope that comes from the future. The Bible's startling message is that when Jesus rose, he brought the future kingdom of God into the present."So, when Jesus makes this statement: "I am the resurrection and the life!" It is such a singularity of truth that one cannot possibly find greater superlatives to describe its importance. But the setting is what melts our heart: three friends, one dead. An ugly grave. Hot tears of mourning, loss, and even anger. We need the one who calms storms with a word. We need the Word who because flesh and is the resurrection and life! Listen in on this podcast of wonderful truths!▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos⁠

Ever heard of "opportunity cost"? It is the potential benefit that is missed when choosing one mutually exclusive alternative over another. On a trip across the country, you'll pay a high fee for airfare, but get there much sooner. By driving, you'll see much more of the country and the people. What to choose? By choosing Jesus as the gate, you reject all other doors of opportunity (which, you'd find out all lead to destruction), and by choosing him as good shepherd, you foreswear all other masters (and find out they are no wiser than you at best and frauds at worst). By choosing Jesus, you find out that you're never more safe, and never more found than to be in his care and fold. Listen-in on this interesting conversation on the blessings of being one of Jesus's sheep!▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos⁠

Robert Fulton has long been known as the inventor of the steam-powered boat. Except that's not true - he developed the first commercially successful steam-powered boat. Fulton was an innovator on the work of John Fitch, the actual inventor. It's funny how a man's name can be associated with something that lost a bit (or a lot) of its meaning because of popular notions. The same could be said of Jesus Christ. Did you know that there were seven times that he self-referenced himself with categorical statements beginning with "I am ..."? These are important not only because of what he said, but to whom he said it to, and to their universal application to all mankind. The greatest statesmen whoever lived (and they said nation-building things!) babbled toddler noises when compared to the profoundly powerful things Jesus said about himself - and what that means to you and me. Listen-in on this interesting conversation that Nate has with Sean. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos

We don't think about it, but giving your name to someone has consequences. It's meant to. A name is more than letters that represent sounds. It's a word that defines who you are are - or maybe it's who you are that defines your name? A name invites someone to call on you, to interact with you. It's not without risk. They could curse your name. Lie about your name. Ignore your name. Consider your name inconsequential or even dangerous. When we enter into a relationship with God, he gives us his name. Have you given Him, yours? "That's ridiculous. Surely, the Almighty knows!" (Ominpotence) But that's not the point. God doesn't want mental assent with a creature; God wants consentual relationship with us. You could say that he'd pay any price for such a relationship. And it all starts with a name!Listen into this fascinating podcast with Nate and Sean. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos

In Colossians 4:2, Paul, ordained by the Spirit, wrote to the Church: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." We've learned a lot through the past 7 weeks of Breakthrough Prayer. Many of us have seen it with our own eyes! Many of us are still waiting. Regardless, we must be watchful with thanksgiving. Why is that important? Primarily because God deserves it - and he is still overseeing the direction and answers to those prayers. But gratitude is key because, as Brother David Steindl-Rast notes, “The root of joy is gratefulness…. It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” It pleases God when we serve him with obedience and joy! Listen in to this great conversation - and a clue to the next series!. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos

Facts on Christian Prayer: (1) God always answers. (2) Sometimes it's no, but it always leads to something better. (3) Sometimes it's wait, not yet.But the reply is rarely, if ever, an audible "Wait." It's usually silence. We know it's not because God speaks so softly (after all, whole complex galaxies formed as easily for him as it is for us to exhale condensation clouds in cold weather - the physics of which he made, also!)So why does God want us to keep asking? Why do we need to be persistant.Because it's WE who need to learn to seek and ask, not HIM to pull through. Unlike other world religions where volume of prayer or accessories to prayer bring results, Biblical prayer assumes that we have the answer ... but faithful persistence is commanded. This is the context of Nate and Sean's conversation, today.▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roswellgrace8562/videos

God answers prayer everytime.It's true. So many times it is YES to what we ask of Him.But just as important are the NO's, NOT YET's, and I'VE GOT SOMETHING BETTER's. (The latter, if you think about it, are still "yes's"). Sometimes we misinterpret the NO of God as his displeasure, his silence as disinterest, or the not-coming-to-pass as we'd "hoped" with his inability or - worse still - his revenge for our sin or something like that.But the scripture is clear: that is not the Father-heart of God.To be sure, the NO's, NOT YET's, and I'VE GOT SOMETHING BETTER's are sometimes difficult for the servant of God to shoulder. The disease progresses, the loved-one dies, the job is lost, vehicle breaks down - but even then, our Lord promises: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt. 11:28-29)How do we wait on the Lord? First, listen to Nate's message, then come and listen to a great conversation on an Old Testamant saint who got his PhD in NO-NOT YET-SOMETHING BETTER.▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L8bgB7g-gJg?si=I1vGV956PoVFFaNN&t=2774

Lament. It's not on anyone's bucket list of things they look forward to doing, but it is an essential tool in the disciple's toolbox. David wrote in Ps. 56:8 "Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?" How did he know that God records our tears - that no matter what - every prayer is heard and considered? How did David respond with faith in v. 10-11 "In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise – in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Such intimacy and maturity don't come by accident, but by faith in action. Make sure you watch the sermon - but then come back and listen to Nate and Sean's discussion. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qunXawB2kjA?si=0n0tz5eV-TDkF4MF&t=2298

Jesus Christ gave the world a remarkable promise: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) Of course, context demands that we remember that it's within his Sermon on the Mount - so don't sieze on the sound-bite! But when processed within his focus, there is still much room to ask and expect. That's a world changing promise. And it did. But it also affects the way that you, in your own personal bubble, can be changed. This is the topic on this week's Church for Normies! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bwCjMQzuuKE?si=sVkNGcCbWAvz6Mr7&t=2408

Of the Lord's Prayer, Martin Luther wrote: "Because Jesus is the author of the prayer in this passage, it's undoubtedly the greatest and best prayer. For if this good, faithful Teacher had known a better one, he certainly would have taught it to us." It is not an exageration to say that everyday, at all times, somewhere, in various ways and languages, the Lord's Prayer is offered to the Lord as he commanded. That is an amazing testament. What's actually "the disciples prayer" since it was given to his disciples, this prayer - both literally or by way of pattern - really does help us to express to God what we need to say and what he needs to hear from us. No series on prayer would be complete without the inclusion of our Lord's instruction. Take some time and listen-in to Nate and Sean's discussion. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N0XUka5Kkbo?si=Udk3zgb3JOhSY6Da

"Lord, teach us to pray." The disciples could have asked him anything: how do we preach, how do we lead the church, how do we disciple people, how do we do miracles ... But they had seen him pray and they knew that his relationship with the Father was the key to breakthrough in their lives and the lives around them. Because they were taught to pray, they had every key they needed. Did it ever occur to you that the disciples never doubted that the Gospel would encircle the globe? Because they prayed about it. This is what prompted SD Gordon to say "You can do more than pray after you have prayed but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed." We're starting something new at Grace. And just like when Grace started, we're starting with prayer. Join us. And join this conversation every week with Nate and Sean. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dUY2IGQBfzk?si=_YP4CciM9d6ldLgP&t=2388

"When something is important enough," said Elon Musk, "you do it even if the odds are not in your favor." Musk should know. His company, SpaceX, nearly went bankrupt. SpaceX's purpose is "to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets" and you cannot deny that he's been committed to that purpose. With a healthy dose of humility, Musk even released a really funny "How Not to Land an Orbital" video, because great things are never done successfully at first. But with the right motive, you can't go wrong. In its very short history, SpaceX has successfully lauched and landed (think about that!) 420 Falcon9 reusable boosters that self land. But what about our spritual lives? The most important thing to God the Father is that our motives match his intentions. "Impossible!" you might cry ... but if Jesus commanded it, then it is not only possible, it is within the grasp of everyone. Still - it's not easy. Listen to this conversation between Nate and Sean. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r7pF3nMbs7k?si=mNwufm6PxGarqxlI&t=2536

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Series! "Joyeux Noël" in French is translated "Merry Christmas" in English. It comes from the Old French "Noël", which is based on the Latin word, natalis, which means "birth". In fact, natalis dies literally means "birth day." You can see the root for "nativity", "neonatal", and even the name "Natalie" in the Latin word natalis. What's with the excercise in etymology? Words. Words have meaning and power. They are meant to. Words can inspire, express love, make promises, build nations, and even empower the destiny of humanity. Think on this: Christmas, is all about the reality of THE Word - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us ..." (John 1:14) Therefore, we must be careful, judicious, loving, and generous with our words. Ugly Christmas sweaters are fun to have in the closet, but ugly words should not be coming out of the disciple's mouths. Watch Nathan's message, then come back and listen to this conversation of choice words between Nathan and Sean! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7k6h2u2d7AY?si=gkO1OScNyFlf3pr9&t=2793

Is it a subcategory of the Ultimate Meme: The Ugly Christmas Sweater? By "ultimate" I mean that Christmas (especially the nativity scene) is a meme unto itself - spanning two millenia! But other Christmas memes exist: Christmas movies, Christmas foods ... delicious Christmas fruit cakes! And suddenly - as memes always tend to do - the Ugly Christmas Sweater went from banished to the Isle of Misfit Gifts to a favorite and expected harbinger of glad tidings and good will towards men. Go figure that one out! But there's a lesson to be learned - several, in-fact - and Nate Marsh has some ideas worth pondering on: like how we can allow negative mind-sets to "decorate" and spoil our souls. But it doesn't have to be that way! I bet you're curious, now! Listen to the message and then hear Sean and Nate's discussion! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r3bWfFBI8Ys?si=c17ATIgBiBtmm8zt&t=2499

Sean grew up in Kansas City, MO, and knew well the stories of a writer for the Kansas City Star who was later fired because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas." That man's name was Walt Disney. Hard to believe isn't it? History, it seems is replete with stories like that: Albert Einstein was turned down by many universities as a teacher, "Harry Potter" was rejected by 12 publishers, Vera Wang tried out for the US figure skating team - but was rejected. You never know how the "rejects" or "strange ones" may turn out - especially when that "ordinary person" is used by an "extraordinary God"! John the Baptist was one! Listen-in on this fascinating conversation between Nate and Sean! ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/MEG1wPQWUaY?si=MQI72Anx4NJs6lQM&t=3778

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote to a vagabond group of disciples 700 miles away from Jerusalem, the center of the events that made up the basis of their faith. Perhaps there were tired of feeling like everyone's whipping boy - the butt of everyone's joke. They were just ordinary people struggling to make sense of this Gospel they couldn't get away from. "Brothers," he encouraged them, "think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth." And then he dropped this nuclear truth bomb: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) To be ordinary - maybe even "sub-ordinary" - is to be placed in a great position! You are poised - if you choose it - to be partnered with the Most High. That's the point of this series that Nate is starting - Listen in as Sean and Nate discuss how God, in extraordinarily intentional ways, uses blandly ordinary people. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DP8wFY-Nrs8?si=vcVbzQJRY5SQWp60&t=2325

Ever hear of a 100/500 year flood? It is a designation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to describe the likelyhood, or percentage of probability that a flood would happen in a given year. So basically a 1 in 500 chance. On Saturday On Oct. 19th, Roswell, NM was hit with such a flood, causing millions of dollars of damage, and prompting NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grishim to declare this area a disaster area. The flood waters started receding that day - but the devestation it caused is indescribable. If you've been through one, you know. Imagine being a brand new senior pastor in the area, and you have to guide your congregation through such an event. That's exactly what Nate Marsh had to do, and he mobilized his staff and his church to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our city. Join in on this conversation as we discuss what this means to us emotionally, spiritually, and physically. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/BS0QuStpn3g?si=MC0l6wDoRhV467j3&t=3311

The Afters wrote a song where the chorus went like this: "I wish we all could win | I wish we all could smile | I wish we all could make our mothers proud." Perhaps that is our desire when it comes to life after death: Why can't we all win? Why can't all roads, in reality, actually lead to heaven? Maybe all of the world religions are basically saying the same thing? With respect, that is not just an oversimplification, in the end it is not logical and in a way is actually disrespectful to the beliefs of others. There are very important differences. In fact, what one person hopes to be the afterlife would not be their version of "heaven" at all. Make sure you watch Nate's message, then come back and listen to his discussion with Sean afterwards. ▶️ Nate's Message on YouTube

Pop culture has relegated the Christian Bible to simply another religious book, full of fairy tales and myths. Some have even said it's a dangerous book. But most people don't know the pains taken to ensure the integrity of the Bible. The Bible describes itself as "living and active" - and one third of the world agrees! Don't miss this very candid conversation regarding the Bible that Pastor Nate and Sean have, and also listen to them field some questions that were sent in! Actually - don't YOU forget to send in some questions that you have! See Nate's Sermon here: https://youtu.be/B8keyB9KD_k?si=Tr82HZm6j7ZTAu5k&t=2675

It all started with Rick Hale and the Living Your Dash. But all good things must come to an end ... and fortunately, they have a NEW BEGINNING as well! Pastor Nathan Marsh has rebooted the podcast and we have a new name, new content, and new theme music! In this fresh start, we also talk about Pastor Nate's new series: "The God Questions!" Check it out at roswellgrace.com! Please submit questions for Pastor Nate at slee@roswellgrace.com Get a chance for a drawing for some great books!

Did think yesterday's announcement that ep 231 was the LAST Living Dash podcast? Well, actually, that is true. BUT what you need to know is that this is the MUST LISTEN "B-Side" - a #231.1, a bonus edition! In this special podcast interview, Sean has a remote discussion with Pastor Nathan Marsh as they are getting ready to leave the state of Kansas (which is far too humid) and come to the Land of Enchantment! Nate discusses his JOURNEY as a pastor (which is strangely similar to Rick's) the FIVE things we can expect from his first few months of leadership his next SERMON SERIES, and why we need to be there! ... and more!

The Grand Ol Opry has been in continuous service since it's first broadcast on WSM November 28, 1925. That's 98 years, folks! But even Little Jimmy Dickens had to hang up his hat and guitar after 67 seasons! Yes, all things - even good things - must come to end, and today's Living Your Dash is the last episode with our host, Rick Hale. Our first recording was on September 11, 2019 - just before Covid-19 started to halt things - but we kept recording! But Sunday, July 7th, was Rick's last message, and he had a lot to say to his church, and therefore, some sage words to all disciples no matter where you are. Of interest is not only Rick's own beginnings in ministry, but wise words to people thinking about ministry themselves, and for those of us who now begin ministry under new leadership with Nate Marsh. Rick - thanks for letting me experiment with this podcast. It's been a lot of fun and very meaningful to me, personally. I love you! ~ Sean

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior or favored beliefs or values. Take chocolate ice cream. Of all ice cream, nothing is better than chocolate ice cream and anyone who says differently is empirically wrong, and is probably unAmerican. "That's silly," you may say - and you'd be right. What is needed is perspective: seeing through the received data and finding alternative intentions and outcomes. Take Rick's upcoming retirement: one could say "It's an end of an era - nothing will ever be the same and based on other people's pastor transitions, it's going to get worse." Yes, it's true, that Rick is retiring, and it's true that some churches struggle with transitions: but there are so many other factors to take into consideration. It is an unfair bias to the situation - and to yourself - to believe that. This is why Rick talks about "Faith-Sight". Find out what he means in this penultimate podcast.

"With great power comes great responsibility." Benjamin Franklin Parker Now, the culturally astute amongst us may cringe at such a quotation (given it's source - IYKYK). But you have to admit: it slings with truth! This week, our friendly neighborhood pastor sits down with Sean to discuss his latest message in his last every sermon series, NEXT and they have grand discussions about the stewardship of our lives, being called into account, and one of Rick's favorite verses: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

John Maxwell said "You've got to give up, to go up", meaning that you can't hold on the past, can't hold on to failures - or even successes - to reach newer, better goals. "There is no significance without sacrifice. But the good news is… you will be moving toward a better and more fulfilling way of life if you learn to give up so you can go up." This is why forgiveness is so important. We don't like to admit we hold grudges, nurse bitterness, and incorporate bias. But those are all too-human characteristics. Your enemy might not even be human or it might be a system or just bad circumstances. But you have to let it go. So, make sure you listen to Rick's message, then come and listen to this great conversation on the importance of developing the skill of giving up the right to get even.

"Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together," wrote Billy Graham. "What our young people want to see in their elders is integrity, honesty, truthfulness, and faith. What they hate most of all is hypocrisy and phoniness…Let them see us doing what we would like them to do." As Grace Community Church enters into this next phase of its life - or as you might be facing (or will soon BE facing) challenges, it is important to guard and exercise your integrity. In this discussion, Sean and Rick talk about the ways we can demonstrate and nurture the moral rebar of our lives!

What does Orwell's 1984, Rand's Atlas Shrugged, Dostoyevsky's Brother's Karamazov, and Bronte's Wuthering Heights have in common? Only that they were the last works written by the authors. Now, to be clear, Rick is as healthy as a horse. But his last few messages remind us that every preacher has his last sermon and sermon series. NEXT is Rick's last choice. In this podcast, we discover why he's chosen this series and its main character, Joseph, and why we've got a lot to learn!

It is a very special place that Grace is in, right now. We all feel a paradox of emotions: challenging, exciting, sad, happy, cautious, open, etc. And in the middle of this is Rick Hale, who is giving us an opportunity to witness his own journey in a very candid way. For most of us, the end of jobs come with little to no fanfare, and without much philosophical reflection. Rick invites us into examining his own experience so that we can perhaps evaluate our own retirements or cessations. But he's not out yet! He's got work to do! This week, based on our Lord's teaching of how we are salt and light, he reminds Grace - and therefore every disciple - what we must focus on. Join us in this fascinating conversation.

Fifteen years after the American Civil War, a man by the name of Thomas Edison patented and began commercializing the incandescent light bulb. It was a watershed moment not only for the United States, but for the world. Thereafter, it would change the way we design buildings, changed the nature of the workday, jumpstarted new businesses, and forced energy production and conveyance into the stratosphere. It was exciting - but very disruptive. If you were in the gas lighting business, back then, you had better have your resume updated! Disruption. It's all around us and in us. How do we tackle disruption? Paul wasn't worried about the disruptions at the church at Colossae (a church he didn't plan nor ever visited), he simply PRAYED. Oh - it can't be that simple ... Yes - yes, it can. Simple doesn't mean easy. But simple doesn't mean feeble, either. A hammer is a simple tool. Used correctly, it can be used to build the most useful items conceived by man. Listen-in on this conversation Rick has with Sean on the message he gave over Memorial Day weekend.

There comes a time when pastors need to retire, and if he's the founding pastor, that's brings a new set of challenges to that local church. Mostly because they've never been there before. While that could bring anxiety, depression, or insecurity, that's not the case for Grace. Rick Hale has basically written the textbook on how to transfer leadership in the most gentle, generous, and logical way, the benefit is that he gave his church time to find their next Senior Pastor, Nathan Marsh. Hailing from the great state of Kansas, Nate, Cosette, Shamonique, and Tyson, are about to make New Mexico their adopted new home - and Grace couldn't be more excited! Listen-in to this amazing conversation Sean has with Rick and Nate.

"There is no such thing as a permanent Senior Pastor. In fact, we are all interims at what we do." It's true, isn't it: all we are in this world are stewards of our time and opportunities. On August 22, 2022, Rick Hale signaled his intention to retire, setting in-motion actions that would lead to a retirement that has always been inevitable, but now steadily drawing near. What does a Senior Pastor do as he faces retirement? What should the congregation do? What can the average disciple learn from their Head Shepherd as he navigates his own ride into the sunset. It's exciting to be a part of this major historic event in Grace's history - but it also makes us a little nervous! But Pastor Rick assures us: we have nothing to fear! Listen-in on this revealing podcast!

Are you in the midst of a fire you can't outrun? Has the blaze taken everything from you except your existence? Or are you watching helplessly from the shore, watching a friend or loved one struggle to reach the shore in the storm? Why does this have to happen? Why does disaster (literal or relational), disease, financial ruin, depression, anxiety, and unceasing pressure exist? Didn't God promise to protect us from all that? Or did he say something else? "Where is God when it Hurts?" is the series that takes a no-punches-pulled look at the whys and what-nexts of life's unwanted events - and finding that the purpose is so much bigger and grander than we could ever imagine. Make sure you listen to the conclusion of the podcast of this powerful series.

Dallas Willard, a UC Berkley professor of epistemology and philosophy died in 2013 after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer. He was also a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. "The reason the book of Job is in the Bible partly is to help us understand we're in a battle. You might think if you read the book of Job it would be a good idea not to call the devil's attention to yourself by being too good, but testing does come. In the time of testing, we want to cling to God, not doubt him, but cling to him ... You want to understand that sometimes the suffering doesn't come for that reason; it comes because there is an enemy who wishes to make you doubt God." In this new series, "Where is God When it Hurts?" Pastor Rick Hale embarks on a 30,000 foot level study of the book of Job. Make sure you make all of the series, but especially this first message: "Behind the Curtain".

The late Tim Keller wrote: “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Keller believed in the hope Jesus brought to us, that when he died, his departing words were: “There is no downside for me leaving …” Easter changes everything. It's not an occasion to remember a dead religious figure, it is the triumphant climax of the crescendo of the "earthly" ministry of Jesus - one that still continues! In this fitting discussion of Mark's Gospel account of Jesus' resurrection, we see Jesus as Lord over death and the grave, and what that means for you and me!

We all want the right answer. But the right answer can be useless if we don't understand the question. CS Lewis brought this up: "Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. How many hours are in a mile? Is yellow square or round? Probably half the questions we ask - half our great theological and metaphysical problems - are like that." But one man had a TurningPoint because he asked all the right questions. Listen to Rick's message, then come back and listen to his conversation with Sean.

Have you ever felt like you weren't enough? Dr. Brene Brown triumphantly declared war on the war we wage on ourselves: "Sufficiency isn't two steps up from poverty or one step short of abundance. It isn't a measure of barely enough or more than enough. Sufficiency isn't an amount at all. It is an experience, a context we generate, a declaration, a knowing that there is enough, and that we are enough." But Dr. Brown is the first. The Apostle Paul had to figure it out, too, and what he discovered uncovers for us this powerful truth: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Listen to this great podcast with guest speaker, Alan Gedde.

His name was Levi. But that's probably not what others called him. To them, he was collaborator with the enemy, villain, turncoat, traitor, or profiteer. He must have been a lonely, and unhappy man. What respectable family would allow their daughter to marry him? If he was married, what of his children? Perhaps you have very little in common with a first century tax collector, but we all have this in common: we need a champion, we need someone who values us, and we need grace. Don't miss this great conversation on the calling of Matthew/Levi!

We don't know her name. We can only guess at what her life was like before, and we don't hear much about her after. But her turning point conversation with Jesus was one of the most remarkable in the New Testament. Thanks to her experience, so many of us have hope, security, and refreshment! This week's Living Your Dash Podcast is a conversation about one of the most famous "water cooler conversations" ever. Don't miss the message, but then afterward, don't miss this podcast!

On April 19, 2021, Ingenuity, an autonomous arial drone took off and took video of it's surroundings. "Big deal," you might say, "that happens all the time." It IS a big deal because Ingenuity is on MARS. That's right - the fourth planet in our solar system! It performed way past it's expected lifespan - but all things came to an end because it crashed and broke off a propeller blade. With no one there to repair it, it has become a part of the dirt and rocks of that Big Red planet. There comes a time in our lives, as well, when what works suddenly comes to a catastrophic end. That happened to a man named Nicodemus - and I'm so glad it did! Listen to a conversation Rick and Sean have about a conversation Nicodemus had with Jesus!

Imagine you've worked all night in the cold and water. You're exhausted. Your body aches. The morning sun is bouncing off the water making you squint - and you're probably dehydrated and getting a headache. Suddenly a guy is at the bow of your boat asking if he could use your boat as a platform to speak. Maybe you're a little annoyed at this uncouth request. Maybe all you want to do is just go home and sleep. But for some reason, you listen to him. You take a chance, not realizing that he's taking a chance on you ... And you end up becoming an important part of world history. God uses ordinary people. People like you and me. But we need to be willing to be directed - to pivot on the Turning Point he prescribes. Will we take it? Listen to this lively and and important podcast!

Do you love surprises? Probably if it's fun or positive ... but how about an ominous diagnosis, a loved-one in a car wreck, an unexpected budget buster, or a sudden death. That's the kind of surprise we don't appreciate. On Feb 11, 2024, a freak snow storm blew in to ordinarily arid Roswell for just a few hours - unfortunately shutting down Grace's church services. Since Living Your Dash is based on those messages, it forced us to adapt to today's content. We decided: "Why not talk about unexpected circumstances? How can we be prepared for them? Maybe you're going through an unwanted surprise right now? Maybe you want to be prepared for - not if, but WHEN - the unexpected and unwanted shows up at your door? Take a few moments and ponder that with us.