Shady Oaks Church Podcast

We have been restored to Christ.
We have been entrusted with an assignment.
We have been given the authority and power to carry it out. And we must recognize there is still an enemy. He is still seeking to disrupt, distort, and derail what God has entrusted. But now we are not uninformed and not unprepared. We have been told how to stand. So the charge is clear: Be watchful.
Guard what God has entrusted to you.


Jesus Calms a Storm Matthew 8:23-27 23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Matthew 25:35-37   35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  

Faith is not genuine unless it involves surrender. To truly have faith, one must let go and trust completely. If you only follow the parts of faith that you like, or surrender only to what you agree with, then you are not truly following Jesus. Instead, you are simply following your own preferences. True discipleship requires surrendering all aspects of oneself, not just those that are comfortable or agreeable. Jesus took upon himself our sins and paid the ultimate price for us, motivated by his love for humanity. All that is required from us is to surrender our old selves—our old ways, desires, and habits. When you surrender, you do not lose your life. Instead, you discover the true purpose and fulfillment that comes from following Jesus wholeheartedly.

Jesus is God with us. He's not distant and not waiting for you to get your life together before He steps in. He steps into your formless places, your emptiness, and your dark realities, and He does what He has always done— He brings order where there is chaos, life where there is emptiness, and light where there is darkness. Because He is here, He knows, and He can and will do something about it. When He speaks, light comes—and when light comes, darkness flees. So, if your life feels formless, empty, or chaotic, this is not the end of your story; this is where God works best

Paul's journey begins in Resistance, convinced of his own direction. Revelation breaks through, and Recognition dawns as his eyes are opened to the living Christ. Response leads him into surrender, and Restoration reminds him he is not alone. Redirection reshapes his purpose, Renewal prepares him in hidden seasons, and finally Release sends him into the work God had already prepared. Paul's story reveals God's work in restoring what is broken, realigning what is misaligned, renewing what feels hidden, and releasing people into their divine destiny. The same God is here today, and as with Paul, He still walks people through that journey from resistance to Kingdom purpose.

Prayer increased, unity strengthened, and truth was proclaimed, leading to noticeable changes. Violence decreased, and the atmosphere shifted. The enemy's ability to operate freely was restricted, much like establishing a no-fly zone for a church. The church does not retreat; it leads. The environment reacts to the authority of a people confident in their identity in Christ, aware of their authority, and ready to set boundaries that embody heaven's rule. The question is whether the people of God will rise, take their place, and establish what is allowed to operate within it.

Paul's story reminds us that transformation does not begin with better behavior — it begins with divine encounter. He started in resistance, convinced he was right, moving forward with passion yet pushing against God's purposes. Then revelation broke through. Heaven interrupted his certainty, and what Paul once thought was truth began to unravel. Recognition followed as his eyes opened to who Jesus truly was, and finally response emerged — a posture of surrender that replaced control

Acts 19 shows us that God is not looking for spectators, He is forming a people who advance His Kingdom. You were not born again just to stand on the court. You were not empowered just to feel something. You were not established just to know more. You were called to be engaged — to live as ambassadors of the King wherever He has placed you. So now go as citizens of heaven, ambassadors of Christ,
as a people fully equipped to advance His Kingdom wherever God sends you.

So whatever you are facing today—if you need healing, provision, clarity, or breakthrough—you can receive. But to receive, you must pray. And when you pray, you must pray with expectation, believing that God hears and responds. And if the answer does not come immediately, you must persist. You must continue praying, believing, and expecting until it does. The question isn't just whether you pray, but whether you pray with expectation and keep praying until heaven responds. Because prayer isn't optional; it's a vital part of God's plan for His people. And those who do this are the ones who see answers come.

Discipleship becomes real through our relationships, embodying truth in love, unity, and connection, with each part working together properly. We celebrate empowerment. We ask for empowerment. We receive empowerment. But then we do what Ephesians 4 calls us to do: we grow up. We get established. We learn truth. We learn love. We learn unity. We learn to function as part of the Body. And we become the kind of disciples who can carry the Kingdom mission for the long haul.

The power was present for all three. Only one experienced it. Luke tells us that Jesus is the fully wired house. The Spirit is present because of and through Him. The power is real. God has already said, “I am willing.” The core issue isn't God's ability or desire but our openness to receive. Will we, like Nazareth, foster an environment of offense? Will we, like the people of Capernaum, simply observe and judge? Or will we, like the crowd in Luke 6, actively draw on God's power as we, in faith, press in and receive? The truth is, Heaven is prepared. The power is active, and the Kingdom is near. The only remaining question is whether we will connect.

Empowerment is supernatural enablement. Believers who reject it often burn out because they try to play the Kingdom game without equipment. They love God and are sincere but lack power, and have conviction but no authority. God never intended His children to live that way. God is not the kind of Father who calls His children to play and then refuses to equip them. He empowers you. He supplies you with gifts. He equips you for the life you've been called to live.

Peter sank! But Jesus immediately reached out. He did not delay. He did not hesitate. He grabbed him. Here is the grace of God. Even when you sink, He is within reach. But here is the challenge. You do not have to sink. The storm may remain. The wind may continue. If your eyes stay fixed, you stay standing.

As awesome as the new birth is, and as important as it is to mark and to celebrate, we must be careful not to view or treat the new birth like a graduation. Rather, the New birth is more like an enrollment. It's the beginning of discovering how life works under the reign of a King. Remember, the same loving God who welcomes you is also dedicated to guiding you in truly enjoying the rich blessings of Kingdom life.  

The lesson that Jesus was teaching His disciples on the lake. The Word had already declared the destination. The storm was real, but it was never final rebuttal. Faith grows when we learn to stand on what Jesus has said, using His authority to resist whatever tries to interrupt His purpose. And like Abraham continue to walk the land until we see the fulfillment of the promise that God has given to us. The question He asked them still echoes over every assignment He gives: “Where is your faith?” Not because He is absent — but because He is inviting us to rise, stand in His name, and watch the resistance give way so the journey can continue to the other side

“Faith is caught, not just taught. Model it in your actions, involve the next generation, explain why you live this way, and give them space to practice it. When they start doing the same, your legacy is real.” Because legacy is not what you build for yourself. It is what continues when you are gone. And the greatest tragedy is not that treasure is hidden. It is that we fail to search for it And it is still the glory of kings to search it out. Search for it in people. Protect it in yourself. Speak life over it in others. Be intentional – stretch, dig, polish, if you need a different tool to get past the clay try something else. But remember you sold all you had for the treasure hidden in the field of dirt. See the value hidden in me……Remember the real treasure is HIM.

By the time Jesus finishes describing this way of life, as great as it sounds, it also sounds impossible. And if that is your reaction, you are not misunderstanding Jesus— you are finally hearing Him clearly. Jesus is not offering advice for personal improvement; He is revealing a way of life that stands in direct contrast to our natural instincts. That is why this teaching cannot be reduced to becoming a better version of yourself. Christianity is not self-repair or self-improvement. The gospel does not say, “Try harder to live this way.” It says, “You have died, and a new life has begun.” It is no longer I that live, but Christ in me the gospel is not you to become a better you, the gospel is die to you and let Him live through you. He that would come after me must deny himself take up his cross and follow after me. This is not about becoming a better you. It's about becoming a new you - Christ in you, the hope of glory!

God calls women in various ways—some to lead openly, others to serve quietly. Scripture urges women to follow God's call wherever it leads. It is the church's joy and responsibility to recognize, support, and send women into their designated roles. When everyone is fully empowered in their purpose, the Kingdom truly advances. In conclusion, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few and time is limited. Let us all, men and women, come together and actively participate in the world-changing mission that God has entrusted to us!

To recap, in medical training, the phrase see one, help one, do one isn't about speed— it's about readiness. No competent physician stays forever in observation mode. And no responsible mentor keeps the trainee assisting indefinitely. Eventually, the work must be entrusted, because the goal was never knowledge alone—it was to be carried forward. Luke 4:38–44 shows us that moment beginning in the ministry of Jesus. The disciples see Him demonstrate the will of God as He restores what is broken. They help by interceding for others, thereby capturing God's heart. And by the end of the passage, they are surrounded by a city that is coming to Jesus. The ministry is expanding.

The Spirit's presence has been steady across all generations. It's a celebration of the vital roles of women—not merely participating but actively promoting revival through preaching, building, serving, and leading, all in their passionate effort to spread the gospel. Reflecting on these inspiring women fills us with humility and a warm sense of gratitude for how wonderfully God works. It's truly beautiful to see His hand at work among women throughout history, and it's so important to honor that with genuine respect and It's truly wonderful to celebrate and rejoice as the Lord continues to raise up more women to join in His great harvest, sharing His love all around the world.

Our HEALING was secured on the cross where Jesus secured our forgiveness and bore our sins. The same blood that forgave our iniquities removed our infirmities.  Psalm 103:2-3 (ESV): 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your disease Claim your healing Speak the Word of God and His promises OUT LOUD  You have authority in JESUS CHRIST TO heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and cast out demons...USE IT. Pray and take hold of your healing James 5:14-15 (ESV): 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  

We're not throwing away God's design for authority, nor are we pretending that abuse or misapplication never happened. We're restoring what God intended. Once the structure is restored, we can finally release all the gifts God has placed in His church, men and women, without fear or confusion. So, church, we're embracing Jesus' power to restore what sin has twisted. When authority is healthy, families become closer, the church feels more secure, and everyone can grow in peace without fear. And when authority is truly redeemed, giftings aren't held back; instead, they're joyfully shared.

To sum up, in our study today, we saw that the Israelites‘ sin against the Lord was caused by their impatience. They wanted to move forward with their journey to the Promised Land immediately. The truth is, just like them, we can also rush to build our lives, dreams, or ministries without waiting on God's timing. But true strength and blessings come when we build with patience, prayer, and trust in Him.

Paul believed that faithful preaching of Christ prompts decisive action from God. This conviction shaped the way he spoke. He aimed to steward a message of eternal importance, not build a reputation. The danger for every generation is not outright rejection of the gospel, but subtle replacement. The Kingdom of God does not advance through eloquent presentation. It advances when the gospel is preached with clarity, courage, and dependence on the Spirit. The same Spirit who empowered Paul still confirms the Word today. The same gospel that saved then still saves now

Imagine someone hiking with a heavy backpack. They've carried it so long it feels normal. Inside are things they once thought were essential extra gear, backups, and old supplies. None of it is evil, but the weight is exhausting. At some point, someone says, “You don't need all of this to finish the trail.” Piece by piece, the weight is removed. And with every item set down, breathing becomes easier. They didn't lose what mattered; they finally let go of what didn't. That's what Paul is describing. When Christ becomes the measure of worth, we don't lose life, we gain it. Freedom comes not from carrying more, but from trusting Christ enough to set things down.

God has already spoken His promises over our lives. The question is: will we grumble, will we declare God's promises by faith, and finally, will we also dig? Faith begins with hearing God's promise, grows as we declare it with our lips, and comes to life when we act on it with our hands. The Israelites sang, 'Spring up, O well!' as they dug into the dry ground, and God turned a barren desert into a flowing spring. May we do the same—believe His Word, declare His truth, and take the steps He calls us to take—until we see His living water spring up in our lives.

The psalm assures us that God is present, God is watching, and God remains the final authority. From Babel to Nabal, Scripture consistently shows that lives built without reference to God eventually collapse from within. But lives ordered around God endure, because they are aligned with truth, wisdom, and purpose. The question Psalm 14 leaves us with is not whether God exists, but whether He rules our lives. Are we merely acknowledging God, or are we truly seeking Him? Wisdom begins with reverence, and faith begins with surrender. And a life fully entrusted to God will always stand in contrast to the folly of living as if there is no God.  

Kingdom faith says:  “God sees more than we do.”  “Heaven is backing what God has initiated.” “This moment is not a setback; it is a setup.” This is not a season to shrink back. This is not a season to disengage. This is a season to advance the Kingdom of God. This is a season to lift our eyes. This is a season to trust in heaven's resources. This is a season to advance by faith, trusting in God's power and provision as we step forward in faith into our assignment to bring God's Kingdom to bear in the world around us.  

To conquer sins like coveting, greed, lust, and the longing for power, position, or fame, you must redirect your passion. The essential step is to develop a relationship with Christ as your main focus. Center your efforts on serving Christ and His followers. Serving should come first. By pledging yourself to service, you'll notice that worldly coveting gradually diminishes.

Many believers pray for blessings on things that are misaligned. However, blessings tend to come more naturally when lives are guided by God's rule embodied in His Word. The Kingdom System represents God's call for us to align ourselves, moving beyond simple faith or ethics to establish proper governance under rightful authority. Jesus' words continue to hold true: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” When we prioritize alignment, provision naturally follows. When we allow God to take the lead in our lives, we will find that life begins to work as it was meant to. In the end, the real question isn't whether God is willing to rule. It's whether we are willing to surrender to His rule as we surrender to Him.

God doesn't just rescue us so we can sit safely forever. He restores us so we can participate in His work of restoration. Forgiven people become sent people. Jesus didn't merely pay our debt; He came to restore what sin had ruined. In short, Redemption frees us from sin; Restoration brings us back to life. ·  Restored relationship. ·  Restored identity. ·  Restored health. ·  Restored authority. ·  Restored purpose. This is not a different gospel. It is the rest of the story.

The Kingdom advances wherever Christ is welcomed not only as Savior but as Lord. When He reigns in us, His Kingdom moves through us into our homes, our work, our relationships, and our communities. Lives are transformed. Culture begins to change. Darkness loses its authority. The reign of God advances. As we celebrate Christmas, we, His people, should do more than remember the birth of the baby Jesus. We should recognize the opportunity to renew our allegiance to the King who came. We should seek to recommit to His mission and allow His truths to shape how we live every day. When the King truly reigns in us, the Kingdom is revealed in us and can then advance through us.

Healing is the will of God. It was central to Jesus' ministry, and it continues today through the power of the Holy Spirit in the Church. We recognize that not every sickness is healed instantly, but every true healing, whether miraculous, gradual, or medical, comes from God. Therefore, the Church must continue to preach the Word, lay hands on the sick, and expect God to move in power.  Jesus is still the Healer.  The Spirit is still giving gifts.  The Church is still called to minister in His name Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  

Why is God so opposed to lying? As we mentioned earlier, the Ten Commandments are the most crucial set of rules ever created for building a good society. However, such a society cannot be established or maintained without a foundation of truth. In bringing His Kingdom into this world, God is introducing His way of living life. He is cultivating within His people godly behaviors that will create a godly society. To faithfully share the gospel, we must be truth-tellers. To live in harmony with one another, we must value truth and practice it with one another.

Moses was unwilling for the Promises of God to come to them without the Presence of God. Moses interceded before God that His Presence would go with the people. It was His Presence that was the key to who they were. God heared His prayer and as a result, the temple was completed and God's Presence dwelt among them through it. The presence of God that Once filled the tabernacle now fills every believer through Christ. Just as Jesus was God with us, the Spirit is now God in us, empowering us to shine in a world covered in darkness. Our highest calling is to be His dwelling place, living carriers of His presence, so that through us the world may see His glory.

This isn't about pointing fingers; it's about recognizing where theft can happen. Again it's not to condemn us, but to call us back into integrity, obedience, and courage. Scripture teaches us that stealing is always wrong. Whether it's money influence or spiritual opportunity, but God shows us these areas not to shame us. But so that we can return what belongs to Him and fully embraces what He longs to give us.

The difference between inside and outside is more than just a word. It means standing outside of faith, beyond the will and direction of God for your lives. It's also the difference between being in His will and being outside of His will for our lives. Initially, we pictured someone outside a city wall or closed door, with the King inside ready to welcome. The good news is now that the door is open. You no longer have to stay outside; you can enter where God's presence, promises, and pleasure dwell through faith in Jesus. Where are you right now? Do you find yourself on the outside, or have you crossed the threshold through faith? Today, I want to encourage you to take that step. Enter in. The King is calling, and His arms are open wide. Step into His will, by faith, and find the abundant life that only He gives.

Illustration: Think about a backup generator. It sits in the backyard, silent and unused most of the time. We barely give it attention—until the power goes out. Suddenly, that generator becomes the most important thing in the house. But the moment the lights return, it goes quiet again, forgotten until the next crisis. That's how many people treat God. As long as life is running smoothly, He sits idle in thebackground. But when everything shuts down—when the job fails, the relationship breaks.  The storm hits—suddenly they call on Him to keep the lights on. And once things improve, He fades into the background again. But God was never meant to be your backup generator. He is the true Light, meant to shine every day—not just when your world goes dark. He doesn't just flicker on in emergencies—He powers your entire life. So the call is clear: Tear down the imitation altars. Restore God's altar to the center. Stop living with divided devotion. Choose today—will God be your backup, or your everything?

John 17:15-19- Jesus High Priestly Prayer I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.  

We all broke this commandment. Jesus was crucified on the Cross of Calvary, and we all played a part in His death. As a result, we all deserve only God's judgment. However, because of His great mercy, grace, love, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation, they continue to flow from that very same cross to anyone who cries out, “Lord, have mercy on me.”

God is still healing. God is still performing miracles. The Spirit that worked through Jesus, and then through the apostles, is the same Spirit indwelling and empowering the church today. The question is whether the church is willing to believe, pursue, and obey. I believe the Lord is stirring His church again, not just to preach salvation, but to demonstrate the Kingdom. And I believe He wants to increase the flow of healings and miracles among His people, so that Jesus can be glorified as we facilitate hurting, damaged people towards wholeness.  

We need to actively engage in evangelism and tell everyone what Jesus has done for us. Tell everyone that you can about the Kingdom and tell them that the Kingdom of Heaven is here proclaim the authority that we've been given by the Holy Spirit.  And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. We need to encourage and internalize that message and commit to advancing the Kingdom with purpose and faith.

Perhaps you find yourself in a situation that reminds you of Naomi and her predicament. I want you to know today that God is visiting His people once again. I want you to hear the call of God to come back home. Like the prodigal, you don't have to be completely well and whole to come back; you just need to hear the Father's call to you to come back and let our loving, and merciful God begin His work of reconciliation, healing, restoration in your life. Come back home and He will save you. He will make you whole!

In summary, today we learned that in a culture obsessed with the paranormal, God calls His people to live with revelation, not curiosity. His goal is that through the illumination of His Word, we will be inspired to fully trust in His supernatural care rather than be driven by fear rooted in ignorance and deception. When His Spirit opens our eyes, we see the unseen clearly — not as a fearful realm of mystery, but as a battlefield already won by Christ. So we walk in light, confident that His presence is our protection, our power, and our peace. 1 Jn 4:4 (ESV) ...He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

God's power is always available—His Word is alive and true, and His strength is unlimited, but nothing changes until faith turns on the connection. When you believe God and act on His Word, that's the moment the switch is flipped and power flows into your situation. Faith doesn't create power; it releases it.

How many of you are hungry for a fresh encounter with God? Cause that's what we desire. That's what I desire for you is that you would go deeper in the things of God. That you'll not be on the fringes or on the edge. But you'll be right in the depth and the middle of what God is doing for you.

The supernatural ministry is not just casting out demons, healing the sick and doing the works of God. It is a proclamation of the gospel the believers' first ministry besides worship, prayer, and the word is to proclaim the gospel so that our churches expand and grow. And so I want you to see that the supernatural ministry Paul says I'm not ashamed of the gospel for it is power of God unto salvation to them who believe.

Study the word, meditate in the word, speak the word, do the word, believe the word, preach the word, teach the word, delight in the word, store the word, obey the word, rejoice in the word, apply the word, and live by every word. Because it is supernatural, it is life giving, how many of you need to get back to the word. I want to pray for you that God would awaken your desire to read His word giving it access to your life because it is spirit and it is life.

We need the power of the Spirit, we should desire it and as I felt in coming here that I want to take you into the realms of the Spirit. We spoke about desire, hunger, and thirst, creating an appetite for God, how many of you have an appetite for things of God. How many of you will take up your cross and follow Him.

How many of you are hungry for a fresh encounter with God? Cause that's what we desire. That's what I desire for you is that you would go deeper in the things of God. That you'll not be on the fringes or on the edge. But you'll be right in the depth and the middle of what God is doing for you.