Seek First

Andrew and Lauren continue the discussion on prayer from episode 10.

We all know prayer is essential and make our attempts, but we often walk away because we run out of things to say. Do you ever feel like you prayer the same prayer repeatedly? Do you ever sit there in silence wondering if there is a better way? Join Andrew and Lauren as they discuss what works for them, what has helped their prayer lives, and scriptural guidance.

We're trying something new on the podcast this week! A listener asked a question that we decided to answer on the podcast. Have you ever been committed to a ministry that you felt fulfilled serving in, but there was another area you began to feel a burden for? Chances are, if you are actively seeking God in prayer and fasting, you have been in this scenario. Join us today on the podcast as we talk about what to do when you feel a new burden.

Who shall be filled? According to Matthew 5:6, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. How do you change your desires to be not of this world when you are surrounded with carnality? Putting our flesh on the altar, and consecrating ourselves through fasting. There are many benefits that come from fasting. Need an answer from God, and you don't feel like you can hear him? Fast. Need to sharpen your spiritual discernment? Fast. Need to operate in the gifts of the spirit? Fast. Struggling with low self-esteem or a crippling fear? Fast. Join us today as we dive into fasting.

Join Andrew and Lauren in a special interview with Daniel and Kalee Bernard.

We've all heard the verse often quoted "..the power of life and death is in the tongue..", but do you know the rest of that verse? It says that you will eat of the fruit you proclaim. Whatever you speak, you will experience. Mark 11:23 instructs us to speak to the mountain, and it will be cast into the sea. Whatsoever you speak, it will come to pass. Join us today for episode 6 as we discuss the power of the tongue.

Weird title, right? We recently read this quote on a memorial while visiting the city in Boston: "When I asked my grandfather why we left the beauty of Italy, he replied, "There is bread and butter to be eaten in America."" So much depth to a statement so simple. How applicable is this to our spiritual walk with Christ? There are times in our lives when God asks us to forsake the path laced with beauty in order to obtain spiritual nourishment. Galatians 5 states that the spirit desires what is contrary to the flesh, and the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit. It may not make sense when God asks you to leave the beauty and splendor of your comfortable, predictable life, but there is bread and butter to be eaten.

Perspective we all need it, but we often don't want it because it requires work. Just like the children of Israel in Exodus 14 complaining to Moses about the unknown as they ran from Pharaoh and his army. That's what fear does. It cripples us so that we lose perspective and lose sight of the God-given purpose within us. When fear gripped the hearts of the Israelites, they began to idolize the slavery the left behind in Egypt. Without perspective grounded in the truth of God's word, uncertain situations will cause you to look back to the former, predictable bondage you left behind. Listen in today as Andrew and Lauren remind you to get ahold of perspective - NO weapon formed against you will prosper.

Have you ever prayed a prayer that received no answer? The same prayer day after day... maybe even month after month? So what does God's word say about moments of silence? Join Andrew and Lauren as they dive into this topic. When God is silent, his word speaks.

Join Andrew and Lauren as they discuss dating from a Matthew 6:33 perspective.

Are you frustrated because you don't feel like God is showing up in your life in the way you hoped He would? Ephesians 3:20 describes to believers that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we could ask or think.... ACCORDING to the power that worketh within us. Did you forget about the second half of that verse? That's okay, we did too. Join Andrew and Lauren as they take a closer look at this verse.

This week Andrew and Lauren dive a little deeper into the meaning of "Immanuel" (God with us.) It wasn't enough for God to form you, to know the number of hairs in your head, or even to be your creator. He robed himself in flesh to be with you. How intimate is that? He can be your provider, your sustainer, your source of life - but have you let Him in on a personal level to spend time with you each day? Psalm 121:4 tells us that our King does not slumber nor does he sleep. He's very much aware of your current state and stress level. He isn't asleep on your situation, and he doesn't require any prerequisites to fellowship. He just wants to be with you right where you are.

Are you feeling the pressure of the holiday season weighing you down? Decorate the house, buy the gifts, send the Christmas cards, plan the gatherings.. Does the list ever end? In the midst of the chaos and joy this time of year brings, take time to say "no" to a few obligations to be still. Our necessity for rest is a gentle reminder from for creator that we can't make it in our own power, but we must abide in Him. Join Andrew and Lauren in this episode as they discuss what the Bible says about rest.

Andrew and Lauren interview Roger Zimmerman on the topic of balancing a full time career and ministry.

Great emphasis is placed on the role Mary played in the Christmas story in Matthew 1 and Luke 1, but we often skim over the details for Joseph. He was the missing puzzle piece in the story to fulfill the prophesy that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David. What role is God asking you to play? It cost Joseph his reputation, his name, the normal life he had built, but the story would not be complete without Him. Scripture compares the significance of the role we play to the different members of the body. You are valuable. You are essential. You are the missing piece. Hebrews 12 says it so well "..let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus." Don't compare your role to those around you, but look to Jesus and run your race with perseverance. No one else can accomplish the job quite like you.

Salvation is not the final destination for a believer; it's the beginning of the journey. John 3:16 teaches us "For God so loved the world, He GAVE.." Our example of a christ-centered lifestyle is to love others in a way that compels us to give. When we give generously, scripture teaches us that we will be recipients of unmerited favor, blessing, and provision from God. Join Andrew and Lauren as they kick off the holiday season refocusing on the role we have as modern day disciples.

In John 21 we find the disciples fishing on a boat after Jesus had resurrected. When John told the others who was calling out to them from the shore, Peter leaped out of the boat made his way through 100 yards of water to get to Jesus. Yes, the same Peter that denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion was rushing to him after Jesus resurrected. What about shame? Condemnation? Embarrassment? None of that stood in the way of Peter and his Lord. No matter your mistakes, your past, or your failures, His kindness is there to draw you back to repentance. In Matthew 18 we find that the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the 1. The body of Christ is not, and will not be complete without the one. It isn't complete without YOU. Run back to Jesus today- even if that means you have to jump off a boat to swim through 100 yards of water.

Andrew and Lauren interview Adam and Karissa King on the topics of depression and anxiety. We hope this is a blessing to you. Here’s how you can connect with Adam and Karissa: Website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Phone: (916) 678-1797 E-mail: hello@dearyoungmarriedcouple.com DYMC Conversation Card Decks FOUNDATIONS Card Deck SEXPECTATIONS Card Deck REALIZATIONS Card Deck Podcast Instagram FaceBook YouTube

Join Andrew and Lauren as they discuss hearing the voice of God with Anthony Nutter. We hope this is a blessing to you.

Have you ever felt like your faith was interrupted? You were all in. You took a leap of faith. You even looked like a fool. You believed God could do it… but then, it seems God honors everyone else’s sacrifice but yours. In Mark 5, that had to have been how Jairus felt. Being a leader in the synagogue he had status and a reputation on the line when he went to Jesus for help. He put himself on the line, risked it all, and someone else interrupted the journey to his miracle. Join us this week on the podcast as we discuss interrupted faith.

This was supposed to be an interview; this was supposed to be another topic all together. We planned all week for the intended topic, but the morning of recording day God had other plans. Join Andrew and Lauren as they get raw and share what they've learned from marriage. Little to no prep - this one is straight from the heart.

Have you ever felt like the current season you were in would never end? The men Joshua led marching around the walls of Jericho likely felt this way. If you read Joshua 6, notice that Joshua doesn't tell his men how many days the marching will last. Each day the men went and marched, then returned to camp for the night. Day one... march. Day two... march. Day three... march. This continued for 6 days without change. Sometimes we feel like we are marching day after day with no end in sight. Our days can feel monotonous and mundane, but what if this is your day seven? Today could be the day for your miracle. This could be the moment you have worked so diligently for. Don't stop. Don't give up. Certainly don't lose hope. Today might be the day.

We have no problem praying and believing for a miracle for everyone around us, but what about when it comes to your miracle? Our faith only goes as far as how personal we make our walk with God. Elijah had no problem calling down God's power against the prophets of Baal, but when Jezebel commanded for Elijah to be killed, he retreated to a cave in hiding. God cares about the things you care about - just look at Matthew 6:26. It's time to make your faith personal.

This week Andrew and Lauren interview special guest, Justin Cottrell, about a recent post to social media he made. We hope you enjoy this as much as they enjoyed recording it!

We read books, listen to podcasts, and do marriage counseling to learn how to better love the people closest to us in our lives. We find ways to make each other feel loved and valued as a family unit, but what about loving the unlovable? The people who have hurt us, those who put no effort in a simple greeting in passing, the ones who we have determined we need to "put up walls to protect ourselves from" - what did Jesus say about those people? According to 1 Corinthians 13, we're nothing more than tinkling cymbals; we profit nothing if we operate in every gifting but have not love. This week Andrew and Lauren dive into a topic that isn't just necessary, but essential for followers of Christ.

Ever thought it would be cool to go back to college? What about that dream in your heart to start a nonprofit? The timing will never be perfect and the risks will always seem to outweigh the benefit - but what if those dreams are God given? He has provided you with specific talents and abilities. He has placed you exactly where you are for this specific season. Joseph had a dream, but it cost him his pride and everything that was comfortable. It's time to take the risks where they seem illogical, and let God do the rest. Join Andrew and Lauren as they share a burden that weighs heavy on their hearts. After all, you were made for this.

Join Andrew and Lauren for an interview with Pastor Greg Hurley. We hope this is a blessing to you.

Seasons of waiting entail growth, as we learn to depend on God to supply our needs. We can find strength in knowing the word and the many examples God provides for us of how he has come through in the past. Moses went from royalty to the desert, David tended to the sheep in isolation before he killed the giant, and even Jesus had to endure a hidden season before the miraculous took place. Join Andrew and Lauren as they encourage you embrace this season, and serve right where you are.

God's call is often outside of our comfort zone. It requires action to activate our faith and propel us into God's miraculous plan. Join Andrew and Lauren as they share a personal testimony of God's faithfulness during a time in their life when seeking his will first appeared illogical. Be encouraged by their personal account of what God can do with audacious obedience when the rest of the world encourages you to play it safe.