Springs + Roots

with guest Bethany MoberlyAs 2020 continues to unfold, leaving us with more questions than answers, we as believers must begin to ask ourselves hard questions and face things we never thought we would. On today’s podcast with our guest, Bethany Moberly, we ask: Is there something missing from the gospel message that is widely shared today? And could that missing thing be leaving believers' with a powerless and weak faith, unable to stand in the winds of today?

Whether you are a parent, CEO, small business owner, politician, or a pastor, 2020 HAS BEEN A HARD TIME TO LEAD! We brought Pastor Mark Rampulla back into the studio to ask some of the questions you may have been wondering from your leaders. He gave authentic and honest answers from a pastors' point of view that you won't want to miss!

During His earthly ministry, Jesus preached the gospel of the Kingdom over and over. And though He was questioned for almost everything He said and did, Jesus wasn't questioned as to why His message was one of a Kingdom. The reason????? The Jews had a Kingdom mindset. They understood that God is King of the Universe and His desire has always been to have a Kingdom made of a place and a people to share it with. In today's episode, we welcomed, Pastor Mark Rampulla of Southview Church in Spring Hill TN, to join the conversation. Together we dove into this mysterious yet simplistic truth that as the children of God we are inheriting a Kingdom that is now and yet future.

2020 has been crazy town!!!!! The winds have come to our nation, the storm has hit! The question we've been asking ourselves as each day comes in with its flood of information is where is our foundation, what is holding our lives together? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructed us with many ways to live and hold our hearts. He ended His sermon with this challenge, if you only hear His word but don't do it, when the winds of life come, your house ( life) will fall! BUT, if you hear and DO His word when the winds and waves of life come, YOU WILL KEEP STANDING! In season 2 Casey and Lynndey are going to look at some of today’s most crucial topics all from the lens of what does the Bible say, and are we living it? Matt. 7: 24-27 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

There are so many demands on us today to fulfill multiple roles each day from employee, spouse, parent, and friend just to name a few. The question of life sometimes becomes, how will I do it all, how can I be successful in each role life has to offer? God has the answer, He says if you want wisdom, if you want success, to come to Him, to sit at His feet, to be filled with His love. As Casey and Lynndey dive into this topic of what it looks like to be a lover of God, they are reminded that when we put the role of being a lover of God first that every situation, every relationship, everything comes into alignment, with and through the power of God's love.

This week on Springs + Roots we have invited three friends to join the conversation we began last episode, Connecting with God. Each in different stages of life they share how seeking Him in their daily quiet time has changed their lives. Listen and be encouraged, that no matter where you are in your walk with God, He's longing to spend time with you! We challenge you, to make spending time with God through devotion, study of the word, or fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit a daily experience and see if it doesn't change your life!

SummaryGod made us for relationships, specifically a relationship with Him. In this episode, our hosts share three ways to connect with God. Devotion is a connection of the heart, Study of the Word engages the mind, and Personal Worship refreshes our spirit. ScripturesBy this, we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit. 1 John 4:13Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15Resources to enrich your own connection with GodDevotionals we have used:New Morning Mercies, by Paul David TrippRestoration Year, by John EldredgeMy Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald ChambersFor Family Use- Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family, by Troy Simons and Ruth Chou SimonsStudy helps:BlueLetterBible.orgBibleStudyTools.comLife Application Study Bible, NIVStudy Bible, NKJVWorship music that moves us:Simple Gospel, by United PursuitAll The Earth (Live), by TBCOVictory, by Bethel MusicTeaching/Podcasts we enjoy:Conversations with John EldredgeKris Vallotton

Everyone has been asking questions lately like, what is going on in the world, and what will the future be like? The Apostle Peter writes to the scattered and suffering church answering the same questions we are asking today. Peter says, that we need to take our place a shepherds, willingly, overseeing those in our care, and to stand fast in our faith. Now more than ever each one of us, needs to take ownership of caring for the souls of those God has placed in our lives. Secondly, Peter encourages us to be submissive to those in authority, humbling ourselves, knowing that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. And finally we should acknowledge that we have an adversary, who walks around like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. But through the steadfastness of our faith, and casting all our cares on God, we can resist him and come out of this trial, perfected, or the way we ought to be, established, strengthen, and settled in the Lord more than we’ve ever been before! #thespringsandrootspodcast#springsandrootshttps://freeheartscollective.com/

Casey and Lynndey talk through the challenges of all things quarantine life encouraging one another that even in the midst of crisis, we can delight ourselves in the Lord. As we do that, Psalm 1 promises that we will bear fruit even in all the unknown’s of life now and for the future.

When we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves the result is usually guilt. These unrealistic expectations often come in because we are playing the comparison game with those around us. Instead of being weighed down and immobilized because of imposed guilt, God is calling us each to run the race He has set before us, with hearts free from the weight of guilt and shame. By looking to Him, and not the standards of the world, we can run that race! Scriptures ReferencedPsalm 27 One thing I have desired of the LORD and that will I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD, All the days of my life To behold the beauty of the Lord.Hebrews 12:2 ...looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

The feeling of real guilt over sin is a gift from God meant to turn us towards repentance and right relationship with Him. Imposed guilt from ourselves and others often leads to isolation and feelings of shame. God wants us to be free from all guilt, by knowing what is real and dealing with it quickly and by recognizing when we are setting standards that don’t belong to God dictate chronic feelings of unworthiness and shame.Scripture ReferencesPsalm 34:5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. Psalm 32:5 I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said I will confess my transgression to the LORD and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Our adversary comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and one way he does that is to whisper lies in our ears. He points his ugly finger in our faces and lets the accusations fly. In this episode, Lynndey and Casey chat about a time when they have both found themselves under the weight of the enemy's lies, and how they found victory in remembering Who has the final word. When we are grounded in The Truth we walk in the ultimate freedom, and the accusations of the enemy are rendered powerless.Scripture:The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Saying goodbye to the year behind us in a healthy way is so important! Our host share their personal ways of letting go to move ahead. Confession is the first stop, which is saying, this is what I’ve done well this past year, and what I haven’t. Their second self- reflective stop centers around forgiveness. We ask God, who it is that I still need to forgive, then actively choose to divorce ourselves from the hurt caused by others, with no expectation of something in return. Next stop, identity. As we reflect on who we are in God and who He is, our feet will stand on the firm foundation that God provides His children. As we lean ahead we go next to the Nitty gritty, the daily action steps that we need to put in motion to realign the things that last year allowed to misalign. Last stop, it’s time to DREAM! Dreaming with God is asking Him what He has for you in the next year ahead. Scriptures Referenced:Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty. Prov 14:23 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt. 6:15They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Gen 37:19

God promised Abraham that through him all the families of the earth would be blessed. During the Christmas season, we are celebrating the fulfillment of that promise, which came hundreds of years later, in the birth of Jesus the Messiah. God brought His promise of a Saviour about in the least likely way: a baby. In this episode, Lynndey and Casey challenge us to live with eager expectation, in this season and beyond, believing there will come a day in the fullness of God's time when He will fulfill His promises to us.Scripture ReferencesA shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant. Job 14:7-9

Between looking for gifts, scheduling events, and seeing family, Christmas can be a stressful time of year. Today we propose keeping Christmas simple as we embrace cozy moments of nearness with friends and family, while expectantly looking to see God during the season in which we celebrate, Emmanuel, God with us.Scriptures ReferencedTeach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11:30

**This episode is one of our earlier recordings, therefore the sound quality is more uneven. We felt, however, the content was rich and meaningful, and decided to share it anyway. Thank you for extending grace in our imperfections, and thank you for listening!**God gently leads us through the seasons of our lives, little by little. God gave the children of Israel only as much manna as they needed for the day. David said, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, meaning, at each step God shows where to go and what to do. But, very often in life, we want to see the whole map before we are willing to take one step. However, God wants us to learn how to live life dependent on Him, for each season that we find ourselves in. It’s as we learn to follow His lead step by step, little by little that we can embrace the fullness each season holds. Scripture Reference:"Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and you inherit the land."Exodus 23:30

Sometimes in life it is a sacrifice to turn our attention towards God in thankfulness and praise. However, Psalm 100 tells us it’s through thankful declarations that we can press through any circumstance and enter His presence where fullness of joy is found. And surprise, science agrees with God! It’s been proven that those who have a grateful attitude enjoy an increased feelings of happiness and hopefulness. Scripture Reference: Psalm 100"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Identity has become a huge topic today, inside and outside of the church. While we may celebrate and promote what we do, we have forgotten who (and Whose) we are. In this conversation we take it back to the Garden of Eden to look at the simplicity of man’s identity. We discuss the beauty and freedom found in knowing we were made to be God’s children, fully dependent upon Him.Scripture References:They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces are never covered in shame. Psalm 34:5 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.Psalm 103:8-14

The roots of a tree hold it fast in place, so that when the storms of life blow it won't be moved. The most distinguishing thing about roots is that they grow underground where it isn't obvious to people what's happening. In our culture it's sometimes challenging to do the work that no one can see or appreciate. Even in the church we tend to be fruit focused, which is good, but our fruit will only be as good as our roots. Join us today as we discuss the importance of having roots and the ways and reasons in which we can grow deep in God. Scripture References:"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness." Colossians 2: 6-10"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1: 1-3

In the natural world water brings balance, strength, and purity to our bodies. It’s our desire at the Springs + Roots podcast to encourage believers in Jesus to drink from His Spirit everyday. By refreshing ourselves daily we can bring refreshing to the world around us. All while continually pointing them to The Fountain from where our never ending spring flows. “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water." Jer 2:13“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." John 7:38

We weren’t created to do life alone! But many times in our fast paced world, we don’t have time to have those “God” conversations that refresh us and bring life. The Springs and Roots podcast is an ongoing conversation between two friends, demonstrating how our faith inform our lives. The roots of a tree hold it fast in place so that it won’t be moved, while springs are fresh waters that bring life. The Springs & Roots podcast is meant to stir you up and refresh you as you continue to grow deep roots in God.Scripture Reference:"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." John 15:4