The Everyday Christian

The Stanfords continue their new series exploring the book of Jonah and how his story can help us grow in our faith as we battle the doubts and fears we are facing.

This week, the Stanfords begin a new series walking through the book of Jonah, as we learn what it looks like to obey God in difficult circumstances and trust him despite our doubts and fears.

This week, the Stanfords walk through some difficult questions that we often have about life, God, and his plan for the world.

This week, the Stanfords walk through Philippians 4 and the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, as we learn what it looks like to practically apply the words of Jesus and Paul in our daily battle with anxiety and worry.

The Stanfords continue on their journey through the Anxiety Algorithm as we learn how to overcome worry through the power of God.

This week, the Stanfords walk through Philippians 4:6-7 as we learn what it looks like to find joy in the midst of anxiety and find healing from deep wounds in our lives.

In the battle against anxiety, prayer is one of our strongest weapons. The Stanfords teach us what it looks like to pray continually the way Jesus told us to pray.

When anxiety comes and you feel yourself caught in the middle of a crisis, how do you cope? The Stanfords start a new series that will help you discover a Biblical response to anxiety and find victory in the power of Jesus over our physical and mental struggles and brokenness.

Here are the five principles: Find a Scripture by category—pick an issue. Bible Study Tools is a great place to find Scripture that applies to categories like anxiety, anger, or temptation. Find a commentary to read alongside a Scripture passage. Open Bible and Bible Gateway are both great resources for commentaries. Break the primary verse down by words and find the meaning of the words you don't know. Put the verse in the words that you now understand. What is the true purpose of the passage? Does this actually say what you thought it said? Did you learn anything? Did anything become stronger? Put the verse(s) everywhere: on your mirror, in your car, on your phone lock screen, etc. This is just a starting place, but it's an effective way to start learning how to read Scripture and understand it. Our God is not far off, he is near to us and wants to show us the truth. As James 4:8 tells us, "Come near to God and he will come near to you."

Hey friends,This isn't the first time the Stanfords have discussed dealing with a difficult medical diagnosis on this show. For Shane and Pokey, this topic has hit close to home for more than three decades. Shane has battled HIV and hemophilia since he was a teenager, and when you've got tough diagnoses like those, things can start to look very grim very quickly.This episode feels even more important now that we're months into this jarring, inexplicable pandemic. I've felt myself getting more and more exhausted as the days and weeks stretch on. The news comes in waves, never-ending, and I'm starting to see people I know and love getting this virus.How do we handle something like this as followers of Jesus? How can we possibly have the hope that Paul and James talk about in their letters? The truth is, the secret to the hope-filled life won't come from a seminar or a book from a well-known author. It won't come from a news story or a Facebook post. The real, Tuesday-morning-in-a-pandemic, deeply-rooted hope that transcends world events and tragedies is something that can only grow inside us a day at a time through the power of the Holy Spirit.The Stanfords give some really great examples of how to take difficult circumstances a day at a time and seek after the One who can give you true hope.1. React honestly2. Reflect on the path forward3. Resource accordingly4. Respond faithfully5. Remember, you are more than the sum of what you survive.We would love to hear from you, friends. If you're walking through a difficult diagnosis, have a prayer request, or just want to share some comments with Pastor Shane, you can email him at pastorshane@youmatterministry.com.If you have technical questions, are interesting in being a contributor with You Matter Ministry, or want to become a sponsor of the show, you can email me at jonathan@youmatterministry.com.As always, we want you to visit our website at youmatterministry.com. Go into the world and be salt and light. You matter, friends!God bless,Jonathan GibsonExecutive Producer, You Matter Ministry

Summer is almost over, and the country is scrambling to figure out how kids will be able to go back to school this fall. Dr. Pokey Stanford and Jonathan Gibson walk through what parents can do to navigate this difficult season with Biblical truth and grace.

This week, the Stanfords discuss the five practical ways we can actively fight racism within the church and around our communities, as well as the importance of confession on the road to healing deep wounds.

Continuing their series on dealing with racism in the church, the Stanfords discuss how we can better advocate for people around us and petition for change in our own circles of influence.

Hey friends,This three-part series is now going to be a four-part one! There's just so much that needs to be said about this topic, and I know this won't be the last time we talk about these important issues. I think the hardest part about all of these conversations and problems being brought out into the light is that it's forced me to deal with prejudice I didn't even realize I had. I bet a lot of you are dealing with the same thing right now.That's a good thing, friends. It is a gift from God when He reveals to us those broken places in our hearts and He shows us the right way instead. He doesn't leave us to rot in our sin and pride. It hurts to have our hearts open and examined closely, but there is joy in the reconciliation and healing that comes when we let the Holy Spirit sanctify us!The Stanfords got today's six points from the Denison Forum, which has some really great resources on it. You can check the article that they're referencing out here: https://www.denisonforum.org/resources/what-does-the-bible-say-about-racism/.If you want to donate food or money to Hope House or Church Health in Memphis, here are the links to those ministries: https://www.hopehousememphis.org/https://churchhealth.org/We'd love to hear from you, friends. Send me an email at jonathan@youmatterministry.com and I can connect you with some of our incredible resources!God bless,Jonathan GibsonExecutive Producer

Racism has existed in America since the nation began, and it is present throughout the Old and New Testament. The Stanfords walk through some of this dark history and explore some key passages in Scripture that speak out against racism of any kind.

How should the church respond to the protests that have erupted around our nation because of police brutality and racism in America? The Stanfords take a Biblical perspective as they begin a new series on addressing racism in the church and around the country.

Friends, it has not been easy to watch the news in the last few weeks since the deaths of both Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd sent shockwaves through communities around the nation. Though this conflict between oppressors and the oppressed is not new—certainly, needless killing has been happening ever since Cain killed Abel in Genesis—it is absolutely just as heartbreaking to see for the millionth time as it must have been to see the first time.We live in a broken world that's filled with broken communities. That's abundantly clear to see. And God sees it. He cares. He says you matter, friend. Your life matters to Him.I pray this podcast and this episode will be a resource that helps you heal and grow in Christ. I pray the Lord helps us understand what it means to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. May we recognize our faults and sins and ignorance to the privilege we have—every kind of privilege!—and repent as we draw near the the Father who loves us all and shows no partiality.We would love to hear from you. We want to hear your prayer requests, feedback, questions, whatever you have for us! If you have a story of Jesus working in your life or the life of someone you know, send those to us too!We are here to rejoice with you and mourn with you, friends.Send Pastor Shane an email at pastorshane@youmatterministry.com.If you have technical questions or are interested in becoming a partner or sponsor with us, send me an email at jonathan@youmatterministry.com.We also want you to go to our website at youmatterministry.com.God bless,Jonathan GibsonExecutive Producer

When the troubles of life come our way, our temptation is often to self-medicate—to participate in uncontrollable addictions that lead us further into the brokenness of the world. But in Christ, there is a way to find freedom from addiction, overcome hurt and trauma, and channel our energies wisely even when we only have a little energy to give.

Hey friends,This episode is a difficult one, mostly because this particular time of my life—unexpectedly living in the middle of a global crisis—has left me feeling incredibly lonely myself. It's hard having everything you've come to know as 'normal' just crumble in front of your eyes. I'm having to learn how to step back and remind myself that there is no way to categorize where I was, where I am, and where I'm going as any kind of 'normal.' My past wasn't necessarily a better place to be than my present, in terms of what the world calls good and right and normal. My future is the same way.Jesus' entire mission was to show us that there is something greater than this world and this temporary life. He reminds us that in this life we will have trouble, but we can take heart because he has overcome the world.Our 'normal' may be gone. But maybe normal was never really there. God wants us to rest in His goodness, His faithfulness. He's the one who leads us and feeds us and cares for us. He doesn't always take us out of the valley of the shadow of death, but He walks beside us through it.I hope this episode can give you some peace and rest this week, friends. Whether you're walking through loneliness or you're struggling because you're surrounded by people and can't find space to be alone, the Stanfords have words of comfort for you that come straight from Scripture. Loneliness and depression don't have to be the end of the road for you. Like any chronic hurt, these things don't have to define you and they don't have to be a death sentence for your soul and your joy. In fact, as the apostle Paul reminds us, God's power is made perfect in our weakness, and His grace is sufficient for us.We'd love to hear from you. Send me an email at jonathan@youmatterministry.com. We want to answer your questions, get your feedback, and hear your prayer requests. You can also visit youmatterministry.com to view all our resources and get in touch with us.God bless,Jonathan Gibson

As much as I hate to admit it, I very easily lose focus on Jesus and shift my eyes to idols in my life. The obvious ones are there—work, relationships, money—but the ones that really take my mind and heart away from Jesus are the more subtle idols: things like doing good things for people but having the wrong motives; or even just my deep-seated desire to know more and be correct at the expense of my relationships with people. I raise those things up on pedestals and it always ends in a broken mess.I'm nearsighted, which means my glasses help me see what's far away, but I don't really need them to see things that are about a foot away from my face. As soon as I take those glasses off, I am practically useless and blind. I can read a book comfortably, but that's about it.Our relationship with Jesus and the way we talk to him—by reading Scripture, praying, and being in community—is like a set of glasses. We are all spiritually nearsighted. We can see what's right in front of us with shockingly good clarity most of the time. But without that spiritual lens, we simply cannot focus on what's ahead: the life God has planned for us and the race he has called us to run. We try to run blind and we are shocked when we trip and stumble on something! Isn't that crazy?Idols in our lives try to take the place of our spiritual glasses, but really they're more like a sleep mask. Not only do they not help us see what's ahead, but they also can blind us to what's right in front of us.So friends, this week I encourage you to meditate on the words of Jesus and the passages of Scripture that Drs. Shane and Pokey talk about in this episode. I truly believe that it will change your life.We'd love to hear from you, friends! You can send Pastor Shane an email at pastorshane@youmatterministry.com. If you're interested in sponsoring the program or if you have any technical questions, you can email me at jonathan@youmatterministry.com.Of course, we want to encourage you to explore all our resources at youmatterministry.com. We've got books, podcasts, and encouraging words for you to look through. And if you're looking for a new start and want to know what it means to follow Jesus, we've got information on our Home page that will walk you through that.God bless,Jonathan GibsonExecutive Producer

Have you ever taken a step back to look at some mess you've made in your life and wondered, "How in the world did things get this messed up?" It's so easy to find ourselves putting our priorities on everything other than Jesus. Like we learned last week, the mental garbage in our lives stacks us and blinds us to what God is trying to lead us into. Jesus says in John 10:10 that he came to the world "that [you] may have life, and have it to the full." Life to the full. Not just to the top of the glass. Overflowing the rim and spilling onto the table, no room for even one more drop. That's the kind of life Jesus came to give us!Friends, what does a full life look like to you? Do you have anything close to that right now? All throughout the gospels, Jesus shows us that kind of life. He shows us what we could have if we would just surrender our desires, our fears, our worries, and our priorities to him. We were never meant to have a life that's strangled and suffocated by the misguided priorities of this world. When our hearts and minds are in Jesus' hands, he gives us a purpose and meaning that can't be broken or stolen or destroyed by this world.I hope you enjoy this week's episode. I would love to hear from you, friends. You can send me an email at pastorshane@youmatterministry.com. If you're interested in some of our other resources, I'd love for you to visit youmatterministry.com. All my books and past sermons and podcast episodes are there for you to explore.And, of course, the most important thing you can ever do in this life is decide to follow Jesus. I don't ever want to end an episode or a sermon or even a conversation without pointing you to the giver of life and savior of the world. Friends, if you want to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus and live in relationship with him, visit youmatterministry.com. There's a place on our homepage called "A New Start in Life." You can find information about counseling, addiction help, grief care, and most importantly, spiritual guidance to help you start your walk with Jesus.Go into the world and be salt and light, friends. You matter. God bless you.— Pastor Shane

The Stanfords continue teaching through seven worries we face in our life as we look at what it looks like to live in Christ rather than living in crisis.

When we find ourselves in situations outside of our control, how do we respond? What does Jesus tell us to do? This week, Drs. Shane and Pokey Stanford share what it looks like to battle against worry in worrisome times. This series comes from Shane's book "The Cure for the Chronic Life."

Today we'll walk through Romans 5:1-2 and learn how Jesus Christ has the power to transform us, make us new, and give us rest in our lives.

Today we'll walk through Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 as we continue learning what it looks like to rest in Jesus.

Have you ever stood at the grave of a love one? Felt the emptiness that surrounds loss. Well, what would happen if we faced loss like Jesus, and not just the loss of a physical body. But, the way we approach the various losses of life in general. Dr. Shane Stanford takes us to John 11 and the tomb of Lazarus to show the power and meaning of the ‘tears of Jesus'.

Here is the next chapter in Dr. Stanford's study journey through the book of Revelation.

Today we walk through Numbers 20:1-13 and we ask ourselves what it would look like to lower the volume on our lives and lean in to hear the voice of God.

Today we walk through Jeremiah 3:19-22 as we continue our time of reflection.

Today, we'll walk through Ezekiel 20:13-20 as we remember and reflect on God's promises and faithfulness to us. In what ways has God been faithful in your life lately? And more than that, do your actions reflect that faithfulness and point others to Christ?

You've heard of sanctuaries, but have you ever heard of saintuaries? The word literally means "the way of intentional holiness." Join us as Dr. Shane Stanford explains how we can live this kind of intentionally holy life this Lenten season as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter.

Join us as we continue our journey close to the heart of God.

Finishing the beautiful glimpses of Heaven in chapter 7, the trumpets begin to blow in chapter 8 and the wrath of God against sin is revealed.

Have you lived with regret in your life? Does regret mask some episode of shame you have not confronted? The Bible clearly states that God does not intend for shame to define us. Listen as Shane and Pokey Stanford share personal, spiritual and practical ways to face and overcome the shame in our lives.

This Get Connected News Update, hosted by Senior Pastor Shane Stanford, provides information for upcoming events at Christ Church Memphis and also reminds listeners to go to the church website for more information.

In Chapter 7 of Revelation, the glory of Heaven opens to the Apostle John and he sees the majesty of a world restored and redeemed.

What does it mean to be good stewards of our resources during a season that so often pushes us to ‘spend' more than we have in order to feel part of the world's expectations? Christmas and the holidays are so much more than the gifts WE give simply because the GIFT God gave in Jesus can never be matched. More than anything, giving during this season is about be good stewards of God's story of love and redemption offered in the form a simple baby born in Bethlehem. Beginning there not only changes our giving habits, but can change our world.

Join Dr. Stanford as he walks through Revelation Chapter 6 as the Seven Scrolls are opened and the Holy One, Jesus Christ, conducts the restoration of Creation back to the image of God.

What happens when the ‘fun' of special family moments becomes more dysfunctional and unhealthy? Is thee a way to save the ‘fun' in dysfunctional family moments? Listen as Drs. Shane and Pokey Stanford share from Scripture and their personal family story about God's plan for living healthy and free from brokenness.

Dr. Shane Stanford and co-host Dr. Pokey Stanford walk through some of the major road signs we see in life as we follow Jesus — and what can happen when we choose to follow or ignore them. Tune in to learn how to make better decisions in your faith journey and how to look for the signs that God places in your life.

Listen as Drs. Shane and Pokey Stanford share their personal perspectives on parenting in today's increasingly secular dominated culture. What does it mean to guard your children's and family's hearts to walk like Christ in the world?

Continuing our journey through the Book of Revelation- Our Forum addresses the introduction of the Seven Sealed Scroll in Chapter 5.

Now finished with the powerful, acclaimed sermon series on the Seven Letters to the Churches in Revelation, Dr. Stanford and Christ Church Memphis begin the next part of the journey with Revelation Chpt. 4 and the View of Heaven. This podcast series will continue the journey to the unveiling of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as shared with Church by the Apostle John.

Have you ever faced a difficult diagnosis? A medical problem? A Relationship Breakup? Emotional Anxiety? Your World Unraveling? Join Dr. Shane Stanford as he shares suggestions from his journey about dealing with difficult diagnoses.

The local church is under attack. What we do? Listen to great Biblical advice from Pastor Shane Stanford about 4 Killers Every Church Can Defeat.

The local church is under attack. But most of the trouble begins inside first- with each of us. How can changing our mindset change our church?

If I am a believer, why do I still experience anxious moments and, even, anxiety attacks?