Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Day 16 is all about people. Nehemiah knew the wall around Jerusalem wasn't really the goal - the people were. Every name in Nehemiah 3 mattered because every person mattered. Today, ask God to help you see people the way He does. Pray for a heart that values individuals over accomplishments, and reach out to someone who needs to know they matter.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

We're kicking off the final week of 21 Days of Prayer by talking about teamwork. Just like Nehemiah couldn't rebuild Jerusalem alone, none of us can rebuild our lives in isolation. Take time today to thank God for the people who've helped shape your faith, and ask Him to show you someone you can encourage or support this week. We're better when we build together. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

This week, we've seen what it takes to rebuild when life feels hard: courage, focus, prayer, and perseverance. Today's reminder is simple but vital - keep alert. One victory doesn't make us invincible. Even after Nehemiah rebuilt the wall, the work wasn't over.It's easy to relax when things are going well, but maturity comes from knowing the enemy's strategy is a subtle pull to get us to drift off course. Nehemiah refused to quit. Real strength is built in the struggle.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

We've talked about staying focused and avoiding distractions. Today, we're looking at how to stand firm when false accusations and intimidation try to derail us.Nehemiah faced lies, slander, and threats, but instead of lashing out or quitting, he calmly set the record straight and prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” His example reminds us that courage isn't loud, it's steady. It's the quiet confidence to speak the truth without retaliation and the humility to guard our own words when gossip starts to spread.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

It's Day 12 of our 21 Days of Prayer, and today we're looking at one of the hardest attacks Nehemiah faced: betrayal from within. Opposition hurts most when it comes from people we trust. But just like Nehemiah, and countless leaders through the years, we're reminded to stay focused on the work God's called us to do.When the noise grows loud and distractions pile up, it's easy to drift from what matters most. But rebuilding requires focus. Nehemiah refused to stop working, saying, “Why should the work stop while I leave it?” The same is true for us, good things can become the very things that pull us from God's best.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As we rebuild what's broken, we've seen how distractions and slander can derail us. Another challenge we may face is the seduction of alarmists. When fear gets loud and panic spreads, discernment becomes essential.Nehemiah was told his enemies were coming to kill him and that he should run and hide in the temple. But he saw through the manipulation and refused to let fear dictate his faith. Instead, he stood firm and trusted God to protect him.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Rebuilding what's broken isn't just hard, it's messy. It's not just distractions that can pull us off course. Today, we see another attack Nehemiah faced: the sabotage of slander. False rumors spread. His motives were questioned. But instead of fighting back or quitting, he prayed, “Nothing like what you're saying is happening… Now strengthen my hands.”We've all felt the sting of words that weren't true, and if we're honest, we've probably passed along a few ourselves. Today's prayer invites us to pause and ask God to help us respond with grace when we're hurt, and restraint when we're tempted to gossip. May we become people who build others up, not tear them down.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Today, we're learning from Nehemiah why he was successful at rebuilding the wall and what it means for the rebuilding God is doing in our lives.Nehemiah faced subtle attacks meant to distract him from his purpose. When his rivals invited him to meet on the plain of Ono, he recognized the trap and replied, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” Sometimes the greatest threat to your calling isn't failure, it's distraction.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Being fully devoted to God sounds simple—but living it out isn't easy. In Nehemiah 6, the work gets hard, opposition grows, and Nehemiah prays one raw prayer: “Now strengthen my hands.”How is real faith forged when you feel like quitting? It starts with being honest about what's hard and choosing to keep showing up anyway. Whether you're rebuilding your life, your faith, or your focus, today's prayer is a reminder that God meets you right in the middle of the struggle and gives you the strength to keep going.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Over the past six days, we've learned from Nehemiah's story about praying for impossible situations, trusting God's timing, and letting Him change hearts we can't. Today, Gene recaps four powerful principles that can reshape how you pray and how you live:1- Part of praying is waiting. Real prayer requires patience and trust that God is working behind the scenes.2 - Faith is no substitute for careful planning. Don't just pray, prepare for what God will do.3 - Changing hearts is God's specialty. You can't manipulate someone into change, but God can transform even the hardest heart.4 - God's will always has opposition. Criticism doesn't mean you're off track, in fact it may mean you're right where God wants you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

So far, we've seen Nehemiah pray, wait, plan, and watch God open doors in miraculous ways. Today's reminder might surprise you - even when God answers prayer and moves mountains, you'll still face opposition.When Nehemiah set out to rebuild Jerusalem, everything seemed to be going his way… until critics appeared. Sanballat and Tobiah opposed him at every turn. The truth is, anytime you step out in faith, when you're right in the center of God's will, you can expect pushback. Opposition isn't a sign that you're failing; it's often confirmation that you're doing something that matters.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Today, Gene shares a powerful prayer strategy inspired by Leslie Strobel—the prayer that helped change her atheist husband Lee's heart. It's based on God's promise in Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”Changing hearts isn't our job, but it is God's specialty. Whether it's a spouse, boss, friend, or family member, you can't manipulate, persuade, or preach someone into transformation. But you can pray for God to do what only He can do.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Today, we see what happens when God finally answers and it's bigger than Nehemiah could have imagined. The king doesn't just say yes; he goes above and beyond, sending officers and cavalry for protection.That's what God does. He doesn't just answer prayers, He exceeds them! When we pray with expectation, God delights in doing immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As Nehemiah identifies his burden, he waits patiently in prayer for God to move. Today, we see what happens when the waiting ends and God finally opens the door - just not in the way Nehemiah expected. After four months of prayer, the king suddenly asks him, “What is it you want?” and in that moment, Nehemiah prays again and steps forward with boldness and a plan.Faith is no substitute for careful planning. Nehemiah didn't just pray- he prepared. As you pray through your own impossible person or situation today, ask God: “What do I need to be ready for when You open the door? What steps do I need to take?”Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Yesterday, we identified the burdens we're carrying—the people or situations we can't fix on our own. Today's focus is on what to do with that burden once you've named it. Nehemiah's story reminds us that real prayer often includes something we struggle with most: waiting. He prayed for four months before seeing any movement from God or a change in his circumstances, but he didn't stop trusting.If it feels like your prayers are going unanswered, remember that part of praying is letting go and letting God. Today's prayer prompt:  “God, I confess that I want things to change on my timeline, not Yours. But today I'm choosing to wait on You. Help me stay faithful in prayer even when I don't see results. Give me patience to trust that You're working behind the scenes.”Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Welcome to Day 1 of 21 Days of Prayer! Over the next three weeks, we'll walk through the book of Nehemiah together - learning how prayer, faith, and trust can move even the hardest hearts and change impossible situations. Today's focus is on what to do when someone in authority over you just won't budge. Maybe it's a boss, a parent, or someone close to you who doesn't seem open to spiritual things. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”As you begin this prayer journey, take a few quiet moments to identify the burden you're carrying. Who is that person you've been trying to reach or change? Write their name down and pray:  “God, I'm carrying a burden for [name]. I can't change their heart, but You can. I'm giving this burden to You today.”Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever feel like you're running on empty, like life keeps tripping you up and you're not sure if you've got another round in you? This is a reminder that winning isn't the point, finishing is. When Paul said, “We do not lose heart,” he was talking about the kind of strength that keeps you moving even when everything in you wants to give up. Maybe you're searching for faith, or maybe you've already found it, but you've stopped showing up in ways that matter. Either way, this is about getting back up, remembering what God has done for you, and not quitting on what really matters. Because resilience isn't about avoiding the fall, it's about standing up again when you do.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever feel like you've got cracks showing — like you're too flawed for God to use or too worn out to make a difference? What if those cracks are exactly where the light gets through? This is a timely reminder how our imperfections don't disqualify us, they make us relatable. We're not called to be impressive jars; we're just meant to carry something valuable inside. Real people, real stories, real hope.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever feel like you're hustling hard but still hanging on to all the wrong things? Maybe it's your job, a relationship, or just the pressure to keep up. In this episode, Gene talks about what really matters when life hits hard — and how to let go of the stuff that's slowing you down.We all carry extra weight. The challenge is knowing what to drop and what's actually worth holding onto. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4, this five-minute reflection will help you reset your focus, lighten your load, and get honest about what matters most.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Life has a way of hitting hard — layoffs, breakups, health scares, or just the daily grind that wears you down. The real question isn't whether you'll get knocked down; it's whether you'll get back up. In this episode, Gene shares how the Apostle Paul developed unstoppable resilience through setbacks that would break most of us. You'll hear stories of grit, humor, and perspective — from Michael Jordan's high school failure to how a drought in California led to the invention of raisins. If you've been hit lately, this one's a reminder that being down isn't the same as being out.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Ever had one of those days where you just want to walk away from it all — the stress, the noise, the endless grind? You're not alone. In this episode, Gene shares a true story about a guy who actually did it — and what it teaches us about resilience, purpose, and finding strength when life wears you down. If you've been tempted to give up, this one's for you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

You're not fighting for victory—you're fighting from it. God's already equipped you with everything you need to stand firm: truth, faith, righteousness, salvation, and the power of His Word. The sword of the Spirit—the Bible—is your most powerful weapon against the enemy, and prayer is what unites us in strength. The struggle is real, but so is your victory through Jesus.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

You're not defenseless in the spiritual battle you face every day. Ephesians 6 reminds us that God has already given you everything you need to stand firm—the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. When you know who you are in Christ, you can fight back with confidence, courage, and calm no matter what comes your way.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Spiritual opposition is real—and it shows up right when you start growing. Satan's goal is to stop God's work in you and destroy your life, your faith, and your relationships. But you don't have to fight alone. God gives you the power and the weapons to stand firm, rebuild what's broken, and protect what matters most. The time to fight for your faith, family, and future is now.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

The struggle is real—and so is your enemy. In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us that our fight isn't against people but against unseen spiritual forces. Today we uncover five strategies Satan uses to keep you distracted, discouraged, and defeated. When you recognize his tactics—blinding minds, stealing truth, and setting traps—you can stand firm in God's power instead of falling for the same old schemes.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

You're in a battle—whether you realize it or not. Ephesians 6 reminds us that the real fight isn't against people, politics, or circumstances, but against spiritual forces that seek to divide, discourage, and destroy. The good news? You don't have to fight in your own strength. God equips you with His power and armor to stand firm when the struggle gets real.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In the parable of the tenants, Jesus reveals a love that never quits — a God who sent His only Son, knowing He would be rejected, because His heart was still for us. When life feels heavy, unfair, or out of control, remember: God's love is greater than your load, His patience deeper than your doubts, and His justice far better than your revenge.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

It's easy to wonder where God is when evil prospers or life feels unfair. But the parable in Mark 12 reminds us that God's patience is not weakness—it's mercy. He's giving people time to turn toward Him, working behind the scenes in ways we can't see, and one day justice will come. Until then, trust His timing and His heart.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

It's easy to lose sight of God's goodness when life unravels, but Mark 12 reminds us that His character doesn't change when our circumstances do. Even when we feel undeserving or disappointed, God's kindness remains constant. The challenge is to stop, refocus, and trust that His goodness hasn't gone anywhere.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Mark 12, Jesus tells a story about a vineyard owner whose generosity was rejected — a vivid reminder of how good God has been to us, even when life feels unfair. When circumstances blur your vision, stop and focus on God's goodness. It's the first step to seeing clearly again.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

When  life feels unfair or confusing, it's easy to lose focus and wonder if God really cares. In Mark 12, Jesus shares a story that helps bring clarity to our blurry circumstances and reveals what God is truly like. This week, learn how to refocus your lens and see God with fresh perspective.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Sometimes the best way to fight anxiety is to stop filling the silence and let God speak. Pair quiet with Scripture, and you'll find a powerful tool for peace. When you turn verses into prayers - naming your fears and God's promises side by side - anxiety begins to lose its hold.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

When Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He already knew the answer. The question wasn't for His benefit but for Bartimaeus's. In the same way, God invites us to name our needs specifically — because specific prayers lead to deeper healing and ease our anxiety in personal ways.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Philippians 4:6 shows us three kinds of prayer — prayer, petition, and thanksgiving — that move us from vague requests to specific cries for help. Anxiety loses its grip when we get honest with God about exactly what we're worried about and exactly what we need. Nothing is too small to bring before Him.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that anxiety is a signal, not a sentence. Just like a “check engine” light, it points us back to the One who knows how to fix what's wrong. If it's big enough to worry about, it's big enough to pray about. Peace is found on the path paved with prayer.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Anxiety is unavoidable, but living in its prison is optional. In Philippians 4, Paul — writing from prison himself — shows us how to move from anxiety to peace by trusting God's goodness and His control. As the holiday season approaches, discover the first step toward calm: rejoicing in the Lord who is always near.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Earthly prizes fade, but Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that the reward of helping someone find Jesus lasts forever. One day, crowns will be placed at the feet of Christ in worship, and those moments will make every sacrifice worth it. Don't just run aimlessly. Run for the prize that never fades.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Not every evangelist looks the same. Scripture shows six distinct styles — confrontational, intellectual, testimonial, interpersonal, invitational, and service. Each one is valid, and each one is needed. Discover how God has uniquely shaped you to share Jesus in your own way, with people only you can reach.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that just like athletes train with discipline to win, we also need to prepare well to share our faith. That is why preparation matters in evangelism and how God has uniquely designed you to reach people who can only be reached by someone just like you.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Paul challenges us in 1 Corinthians 9 to run the race of evangelism with focus and intensity — not aimlessly, and not just shadowboxing. The prize isn't money or possessions; it's people who need Jesus. It is sometimes easy to lose sight of this goal so we need to refocus on what matters most: helping others encounter Christ.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

When you hear the word evangelist, do you picture yourself? Many don't — and that's the problem. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the imagery of running a race to remind us that sharing Jesus isn't one-size-fits-all. This week we examine how God has uniquely shaped you to reach people only you can reach. The question isn't if you should share the good news - it's how.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 28, Paul and his companions spend three months on Malta—a season of healing before continuing their journey. Gene reminds us today that deep wounds don't heal overnight, and God doesn't rush the process. Hurts that take time can become the very places where we're equipped to walk alongside others in their pain. The church isn't meant to be a showcase for perfect people but a refuge for real people—scarred, grieving, learning to heal. And as Isaiah 53 declares, “By his stripes we are healed.” In God's time, our scars can become the source of someone else's hope.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 28, Paul heals the father of Publius instantly with the touch of his hand—but the very next verse describes others who were “cured” through a longer, therapeutic process. Gene points out today that God sometimes works in moments, but often He works through months of care, recovery, and time. Just as Paul and the shipwreck survivors needed three months on Malta to heal, we sometimes need extended space to grieve, adjust, and recover. Healing is not about faking that you're fine—it's about giving God time to bring you through.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 28, after Paul shakes off a poisonous snake without harm, the islanders quickly shift their opinion of him—first calling him a murderer, then a god. Gene points out today how fickle public opinion can be and how unjust criticism often lands hardest on those already hurting. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent.” Sometimes the wisest response is simply presence, not advice. In seasons of healing, what matters most is the steady love of Jesus—unchanging, even when people's opinions swing wildly.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

After the shipwreck of Acts 27, Paul and 275 others wash ashore on Malta—a name that means “place of refuge.” Gene reminds us today that we all need our own Malta: a space to recover, be refreshed, and heal. But as Paul's story shows, refuge isn't always simple. At first, the islanders extend unusual kindness, offering warmth and care. Moments later, when a viper latches onto Paul's hand, the same people heap unjust criticism, assuming he must deserve it. Healing seasons often bring both kindness and misunderstanding, but Scripture reassures us that calamity is not punishment—it's part of living in a broken world.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

After Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27, we find him in Acts 28 entering a season of healing. Luke, the physician who recorded the book of Acts, reminds us that recovery—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—often requires time. Gene shares today that just as Hippocrates once wrote, “Healing is a matter of time,” Scripture echoes that truth: there is “a time to heal” (Ecclesiastes 3). If you've ever wrestled with hurts, grief, or struggles you couldn't just “snap out of,” this episode is a reminder that you're not alone—and that God can meet you in the slow work of healing.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

As Acts 27 reaches its climax, Paul turns a shipwreck into a survival story. He activates everyone on board—giving each person a role so fear doesn't paralyze them but purpose sustains them. And when the ship finally breaks apart, Paul's absolute faith in God's promise carries all 276 people safely to shore. Gene reminds us today that effective leaders don't just organize plans—they empower people and trust God's power to bring those plans to life.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 27, as the storm raged and panic spread, Paul shifted the crew's focus. Instead of obsessing over the obstacles ahead, he pointed to the objective: survival. He urged them to eat, regain strength, and prepare for what was coming. Gene reminds us today that effective leaders see beyond the hurdles to the finish line. And like Paul, they don't just speak courage—they model it. True leadership is proven when actions match words, especially in crisis.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 27, Paul not only survives the storm—he strengthens others in the middle of it. Even as the ship is breaking apart, he points the crew to God's presence and promises, reminding them to take courage. Gene shows us today that effective leaders build others up when fear takes hold. And just as Paul refused to let the sailors abandon ship, true leaders never compromise on the absolutes of God's Word. Integrity may cost you, but it also secures the trust and courage of those you lead.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 27, Paul steps up even as a prisoner on a storm-battered ship. First, he takes initiative—warning the crew of dangers ahead. Later, when fear has gripped every man on board, Paul speaks with authority, sharing God's promise of protection and courage. Gene reminds us today that true leaders don't just point out problems; they step forward to meet needs. And when storms come, they ground others with the unshakable authority of God's Word.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Today Gene begins our journey through Acts 27, where the apostle Paul sets sail for Rome as a prisoner. Though ranked last among 276 people, Paul rises to the top when storms hit—not because of authority, but because he earned trust. Leadership, Gene reminds us, isn't about titles or rank; it's about character proven in crisis.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.