Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Merry Christmas Eve, friend. Today on Pursuing God, we're tracing the journey of Jesus from the manger to the Jordan River — and what it means for your life right now. He wasn't just born to be admired in a nativity scene; He came to be followed. Born in a manger, buried in baptism, and raised to bring new life to anyone willing to say yes. As we light the final Advent candle and reflect on His birth, I want to invite you to consider the personal invitation Jesus offers: to be made new. And for some of you, that next step might be baptism. Let's talk about what it means to go all in — to identify with the One who identified with us.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.

Christmas isn't always “the most wonderful time of the year.” For some of us, this time of year magnifies the pain we're carrying… the empty chair at the table, the tension in relationships, the dreams that haven't come true. Today I want to talk about the hard side of Christmas and remind you of the powerful promise Jesus makes in the middle of it all: “Behold, I am making all things new.” Not someday. Not just in heaven. But right now, even in the middle of your heartache. If this Christmas feels heavy, I hope you'll take a few minutes with me today. Don't pretend. Don't force the joy. Just come as you are. And let's draw near to the One who promises to draw near to us.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 this final week of Advent, Gene Appel invites you to shift your perspective from anxiety to awe. As we reflect on Isaiah 12 and the promise of salvation, we're reminded that we don't have to stay stuck in the cycle of worry. Instead, we're called to draw close to our Mighty God—to turn our monologue of stress into a dialogue of trust. Whether you're weighed down by finances, relationships, or uncertainty this Christmas, this will help you move from fear to faith, and from panic to prayer, as you draw joyfully from the well of God's presence. Behold Him. He is 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.

As we wrap up the third week of Advent, we've spent these days looking at Jesus as YOUR KING. We close this week by returning to the wise men, who traveled for months, maybe years, to bow before Jesus and offer their gifts. Their worship wasn't casual or convenient; it was love expressed.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.

“Behold, your King is coming to you.” Today, we trace how the Christmas story itself declares that Jesus didn't come for one group, one ethnicity, or one nation, He came for the world. From lowly shepherds to foreign Magi, God made it unmistakably clear: the good news is for everyone.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 explore the powerful contrast between two very different gifts brought to Jesus, costly treasures from the wise men and two simple pigeons from Mary and Joseph. One extravagant, one humble… yet both equally honoring to God. Why? Because God doesn't measure the amount, He measures the proportion and the heart behind it.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 walk through the often-misunderstood story of the wise men, their long journey, intentional worship, and the deeply symbolic gifts they brought to Jesus. Gold for the King. Frankincense for the High Priest. Myrrh for the Savior who came to die.Their gifts weren't last-minute add-ons; they were thoughtful, planned acts of worship. As we enter the busiest days of December, this episode invites you to consider: Are you offering Jesus your leftovers, or your first and best? Let's make God our central thought this season—not an afterthought.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.

Step into the third week of Advent with the powerful declaration from Zechariah: “Behold, your King is coming to you… having salvation.” Today, we reflect on the wise men, their gifts, and what it means to worship the One who has everything yet still desires our hearts. In a season filled with noise, hurry, and gift-giving, this episode invites you to slow down, become a worshipper again, and honor the King who has come near. Before we give gifts to one another, may we first offer our gratitude and worship to the One who gave Himself for us.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.

Fear not, a reminder of the extraordinary joy at the heart of Christmas. Today's episode invites you to slow down, create space in this busy season, and consider how God wants to use your life, right where you live, to shine His light. Just as the shepherds shared the good news with everyone they knew, God invites us to do the same. Who in your life needs hope, encouragement, or an invitation this Christmas?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 today's Advent reflection, we revisit the shepherds' fear and their courageous decision to explore what God was revealing to them. Many of us are just “18 inches” from Jesus, the distance between knowing about Him in our minds and believing in Him with our hearts. This episode invites you to quiet the noise, recognize God's voice, and take that final step through two powerful words: I believe.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 continue the second week of Advent, we turn to a moment in the Christmas story that reminds us just how wide God's love reaches. The angel announces, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy for all people,” and the first to hear it weren't kings or influencers, they were shepherds at the bottom of society's ladder. Today's episode invites you to “take a look” at the radical inclusivity of Christmas and remember that Jesus came for everyone, everywhere, including you. No matter your background, story, or status, the good news is for you and for someone in your life who needs to hear it.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.

Advent reminds us that long before we pursued God, He was already pursuing us. Today, we explore why surrender, the very choice Mary and Joseph made in their most overwhelming moments, is the antidote to fear. From bad timing and impossible circumstances to a wave analogy that hits close to home, this episode shows how moving toward what scares us, rather than running from it, opens our lives to God's peace and strength. Fruit grows in soil cultivated by surrender, and this season invites us to trust His timing, His presence, and His leading.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.

Step into the second week of Advent with the angel's invitation: Fear not. Today, we look at Mary and Joseph's story and how God met them in the middle of confusion, fear, and an uncertain future. As we light the “Fear Not” candle, take a moment to slow down, reflect on God's presence in your own circumstances, and remember that Immanuel, God with us, makes courage possible.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's reflection is realizing the heart of Christmas is God letting go of His Son because of His love for us. Discover how learning to “let go” in your own life can open the door to reaching the one person who needs Jesus most. This episode invites you to trust, release control, and follow the example of a God who let go to rescue 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.

Why would Jesus let go of heaven to come to earth as a baby? Today, we explore John 1 and the stunning truth that the Word became flesh, fully God and fully human, so we could be forgiven, restored, and set free. If guilt or regret has been weighing you down, this episode offers hope, clarity, and the reminder that everything we need is found in 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 invited to pause and really behold what Christmas means. Isaiah 7:14 tells us that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son called Immanuel, which means God with us. Today, we look at the birth of Jesus through the eyes of Joseph and Mary and the closed doors they faced in Bethlehem. Their story reminds us that God often arrives in the most unexpected places and invites us to open the door of our own hearts in return. Whether you are opening that door for the first time or opening it wider than before, this reflection will help you notice the God who knocks and who longs to be with you in every part of your 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.

Advent reminds us that before we ever pursued God, He was already pursuing us. In this episode we reflect on Isaiah 7:14, the miracle of the virgin birth, and the wonder of Immanuel God with us. Discover the beauty of a God who steps into our world, draws near in our darkest moments, and shows us what His presence really means. A powerful reminder of hope, closeness, and the heart of Christmas.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.

Step into the first week of Advent with a simple but powerful reminder: God is with us. Today we look at the meaning of “Behold” and the incredible impact of Jesus' coming, from a manger in Bethlehem to the shaping of history itself. As we begin this season together, take a moment to slow down, reflect on Immanuel, and thank God for coming 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.

Discover how to give thanks even when life does not go the way you hoped. This Thanksgiving message explores Habakkuk's declaration of nevertheless gratitude, the discipline of disappointment, and the daily gifts God places right in front of us. A heartfelt reminder to wake up tomorrow and say thank you, not because life is perfect but because God is faithful.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.

Discover how gratitude grows when you stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start giving thanks right now. This Thanksgiving message shares the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom, why “I'll be grateful when…” never works, and how Psalm 118:24 calls us to rejoice in this day God has made.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.

Learn how to give thanks in all circumstances, break free from a culture of complaint, and cultivate a grateful heart this Thanksgiving week.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 wrap up 21 Days of Prayer, take a moment to thank God for the good work He's begun and trust that He'll finish it. Nehemiah's story reminds us that faithfulness isn't about starting strong, it's about finishing well. Don't give up on what God's rebuilding in your life or the lives around you. Keep showing up, keep building, and keep believing that the work He started will be completed.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.

Nehemiah didn't just rebuild walls; he rebuilt people. He noticed their names, their efforts, and their progress, and he took time to commend them. Encouragement is one of the most powerful tools God gives us to help others grow. Today, ask God to give you eyes to see progress in others and the courage to speak life into them. Celebrate someone's small victory. Your words might be exactly what keeps them 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.

When life gets stormy, we need each other. Nehemiah's people, like the early church, learned that cooperation and unity are what move God's mission forward. Today, ask God to break down any walls of jealousy, pride, or distance that keep you from others. Pray for unity in our church, healing in relationships, and gratitude for the people who hold up your arms when you grow weary.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.

Nehemiah's story reminds us that God's work moves forward when everyone joins in. No one rebuilt the wall alone, and no one's role was too small. Priests, goldsmiths, merchants, and families all cooperated to make the vision a reality. Today, ask God to show you where you can contribute, even if you feel unqualified. Pray for a heart that values unity and for the courage to do your part in rebuilding lives. 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.

Day 17 is a reminder that rebuilding lives takes teamwork. Nehemiah couldn't rebuild the wall alone, and we can't rebuild God's Kingdom alone either. Every person, every role, every gift matters. Today, thank God for the people who serve faithfully at Eastside, pray for those coordinating the work behind the scenes, and ask God where you fit in His plan.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.

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.