The Living Hope Podcast

Some of us are feeding our fears instead of starving them. Instead, we need to be starving our fears and feeding our faith. Want to overcome your fear? Then, let's focus on what is true! If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

You can't drive life's road without sometimes hitting bumps like regrets, disappointments, and tragedies. When you do, it's easy to get stuck there, gazing back into your rearview mirror at the past. But God wants you to move on toward the future He has planned for you. It's a future filled with hope – but to get there, you've got to turn your focus forward and look through the windshield at the road ahead.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

It's so easy for us to forget how much we matter to God because so much of our world around us derives it's value from things like what you own, what you've accomplished, how many people know you, etc. But when it comes to your value, it is fixed and proven by what God was willing to give up for you to be reconciled to Him: His Son, Jesus.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

The concept of leaving the 99 to find the one is from the Parable of the Lost Sheep, which is found in Matthew 18:10–14 and Luke 15:3–7. In this parable, the shepherd has 100 sheep, 99 of which are accounted for, and one which is missing. He leaves the 99 sheep to go find that one that is lost. But the point of the parable is the finding of the one, not the leaving of the 99. This is a parable about salvation.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Self-talk is the ongoing conversation we hold with our self in our mind. It includes thoughts about ourselves (“I'm worthless” or “I'm not good at this”) as well as thoughts about our circumstances (“I'll never get out of this slump” or “This will completely ruin my day”). We all hold these kinds of ongoing conversations with ourselves, and although we might not always be aware of it, these conversations have a significant impact on our mood and our behaviors.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

When God wants us to move in our walk with Him, He often doesn't show us the whole picture. He wants us to follow the Holy Spirit and let Him lead us step by step without us necessarily knowing of or worrying about the bigger picture because that could lead us to try to control the outcome. If we study God's Word frequently and diligently, if we give it our full attention, it will provide us with the direction, correction, and wisdom we need to succeed in what God has called us to do. If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

When God wants us to move in our walk with Him, He often doesn't show us the whole picture. He wants us to follow the Holy Spirit and let Him lead us step by step without us necessarily knowing of or worrying about the bigger picture because that could lead us to try to control the outcome. If we study God's Word frequently and diligently, if we give it our full attention, it will provide us with the direction, correction, and wisdom we need to succeed in what God has called us to do. If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

God welcomes your doubts because in His mysterious love, He wants the real you to know, love and honor the real Him. Naturally, that takes a lifetime of mutual pursuit which will undoubtedly involve asking questions along the way. We can rest assured that God is not threatened by our doubts or annoyed that suffering prompts us to ask questions. God cares about our uncertainties as much as He cares about our moments of courage, sorrow and joy.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

A popular saying that you might hear in Christian circles is that "God won't give you more than you can handle". While it has a nice ring to it, it couldn't be further from the truth. Often we find this idea gets misinterpreted from 1 Corinthians 10:13 but the problem is that this passage is talking about temptation, not suffering. When people take those words about temptation to sin and apply them to trials and suffering then the statement is no longer true. In fact the opposite is true: God does give us more than we can handle.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

This may be hard to hear for some who are still looking for it, but the reality is that there is no such thing as a perfect church. It doesn't exist. Churches are made up of and led by mere humans, finite and fallen. People are broken. You are broken. And this brokenness can lead to messiness and hurt. We all want to “arrive” at our ideal church, whether it's in ministry or as members. There may be a honeymoon phase when you arrive at a church, but before long, the conflicts and complications will arise.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

As Jesus hung on the cross, as the people passed by and insulted him, as the priests and the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him, as the thief sneered at him, what kept Jesus on the cross? What kept him from using his power to come down? What kept him from summoning his angelic hosts? What kept him from leaving his place of torture, pain and agony? What held Jesus on the cross? I assure you it was not the nails.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Waiting on God is not only difficult; sometimes it seems impossible. We want things to happen in our own timing, according to our plans. But God doesn't operate on our schedules, and expecting that He will sets one up for disappointment.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

The book of Micah is a short but powerful prophecy predicting the fall of Jerusalem and Samaria and offering hope that a “remnant of Jacob” (Micah 5:7) will later be restored. In chapter 6, God reminds His people of how He has cared for them in the past. But one thing that is also clear in the book of Micah is that our sacrifices and religious talk or rituals will never be enough to change our hearts for the better. We will always come up short. Our motives will get off track and without His love compelling us and changing us, it's all in vain. External compliance to rules is not as valuable in God's eyes as a humble heart that simply does what is right. So what does it look like to "act justly, love mercy, walk humbly?" (Micah 6:8)If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

This word “deliverer,” in the Hebrew, means, “to (cause to) escape; to carry away safely”. Our God “causes us to escape and carries us away safely,” delivering us from the “evil one” (Matthew 6:13). In the on-going war against Satan and his demons, our God is our “deliverer.”If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Many of you may not be familiar with G.K. Chesterton so if you don't, he was prominent Christian author in the early 1900's who is well-known for many works. Also, a fun fact to know about him is that he mentored the late great C.S. Lewis. However, there is a story that involves him that I recently heard that I absolutely had to share with you.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

As we continue on in our Christian walk, God is still faithful to cleanse and purify us of all sins (1 John 1:9). He is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9). Only God is able to forgive our sins, and there is good news for us: “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:8-9). We can put our hope in God with confidence, knowing that even when we make mistakes, He will still be rich in mercy toward us.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

If you want to know the quality of someone's love for you, measure the depth of their sacrifice for you. Love is not an inner disposition that has no behavioral implications. Love is expressed in action — costly action. On the cross, God went to the furthest extreme possible for us, making the greatest sacrifice possible for us.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

If you want to know the quality of someone's love for you, measure the depth of their sacrifice for you. Love is not an inner disposition that has no behavioral implications. Love is expressed in action — costly action. On the cross, God went to the furthest extreme possible for us, making the greatest sacrifice possible for us.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

On the cross, Jesus became our sin. His body received the punishment for our sin that we deserved (Romans 3:24). That punishment, the Bible tells us was complete (John 19:30). It doesn't lack anything. God doesn't need Jesus on the cross and to punish us to make us right. If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

We study the Bible because it is God's Word to the world. We want to hear him. We want to slow down and carefully, thoughtfully, and reverently hear what he has to say to us. However, we often can come to God's Word to the world with the wrong expectation of why we're reading it.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and beloved psalms in the Bible. We often hear it recited at church or during times of mourning, yet it's more than just a beautiful, poetic stanza. It gives us valuable insight into the character of our God. For example, it's important to note the word that some English translations use in verse 6 and how different that it is from the original Hebrew. Psalm 23:6 says: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." David says that goodness and mercy “shall follow me all the days of my life”, but the word ‘follow' is a bit misleading. The Hebrew word for ‘follow' is ‘radaph' (רָדַף) which means, “To pursue, to run after, to chase” or literally, “to hunt you down”. It is first found in Genesis 14, when Abram (Abraham) finds that his nephew Lot has been kidnapped. Abram assembles his own army of 318 men and “pursued them unto Dan” (Genesis 14:14). The word ‘pursued' is ‘radaph' (רָדַף). Just as Abram (Abraham) hunted the kidnappers down and brought them to justice, the Holy Spirit is saying through the Psalmist that we can be assured that God's goodness and mercy will hunt us down as well.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Many Bible passages proclaim that God is all-powerful, all-seeing, and all-knowing. While God is unlimited by time, space, and matter, His very character has determined that He will never do some things, because to do them would be inconsistent with His nature. One of those things is that God never lies. Not simply because He chooses not to, but because He can't (Hebrews 6:18). It's impossible for Him to do so.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Are you still dragging around a suitcase of shame? Are you standing outside the door of the party that your Father wants to throw for you? That does not glorify your Father because you bring glory to your Father by allowing him to shower you in his grace and to showcase you as an object of His glory!If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

I think one of the things that we need to remember now more than ever is that we are called to a life of perseverance. Perseverance means not quitting. Just because it's hard doesn't mean God didn't call you to it. In fact, I tend to think that's evidence that He did.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

The word ‘cherish‘ found in Ephesians 5 is the Greek word θάλπω (thalpó). It's a beautiful word and it doesn't just paint the picture of cherishing, but of keeping warm, of comforting, of holding close, of providing for their every need. In fact, this word is also used to describe a mother nursing her child, holding the child close, and nourishing the child. That is how Christ loves the church and that means this is how Christ loves you.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

The reality is that God is the great love initiator and the simple truth is that we love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) If there is even the slightest inkling in our hearts to tell God we love Him or to do something out of love for Him, it is because He has been drenching us in an ongoing onslaught of love since before we were born.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

God has appointed you to live where you live, work where you work, and shop where you shop. You are in your neighborhood on your street, in your apartment for a reason. God has given you a circle of influence and He has empowered you to impact your circle of influence.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

No matter what is going on in the world, you can be sure that you're safe and secure in Christ. Because what we are living in right now, it's not that it's not real because it definitely is. It's just that there's a true, better and bigger reality.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

One thing that I've begun to grasp in this life is that God's love often withholds the very thing I think I need. It's because of God's love for me that He doesn't give me what I want, but shows me what I need. In the same way that a child often impulsively wants things that are toxic or harmful for them, the parent knows what is often best for the child. I really am thankful beyond belief for for all the things that never happened in my life and for all the things I never got because I know that in His sovereignty and goodness, God was and is continuing to do what is best.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Why do we read the Bible? Because, Christians believe, it shows us the truth about ourselves and the truth about God. Here's the difference. When you discover the truth about God, you're reading the Bible. When you realize the truth about yourself, you're letting the Bible read you.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

We tend to spend a lot of our time hoping and praying that things in our lives won't break. Sometimes we become angry and frustrated with God for allowing “our” things to fall apart. Broken things are a hassle that we dread and hope to avoid. But sometimes broken things are part of God's perfect plan and purpose for our lives. I know it sounds crazy on the surface, but sometimes God grows things by breaking them.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Most of the time, we would describe a “bad” Christian as somebody who doesn't read their Bible enough, doesn't worship as passionately as other Christians, and doesn't pray nearly as much as they feel like they should. Basically speaking, a Christian who doesn't feel like they do enough in their lives in order to warrant the title of being called a Christian. That's why I found it to be important to remember this key point whenever we feel like we're a “bad” Christian or feel like God doesn't love us anymore. There is no such thing as a “bad” Christian because there is no such thing as a “good” Christian.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Whether you're going through something right now like a job change, the loss of a loved one, or maybe your kid is off to college for their first year and you're worried; just know that God is very much in control of your life and He is all in the details. Not just in Jonah's life, but in yours as well.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

In this life, we will undoubtedly experience ups and downs. Our faith, our confidence, and our joy all waver. But God never will. So, whether you're up or down today, I hope you remember that God is with you, supporting you and holding you just as He always has been.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Last night, you most likely went to bed last night with unconfessed sin, but this morning, you woke up to a fresh batch of mercy that will meet you right where you are. Let's just take heart today with the idea that yes, we're gonna fall. Hopefully, we'll start to fall less. But, a God being rich in mercy made us alive in Christ. You love and serve a Savior whose mercy never runs out.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

God being described as a refuge is a common theme in Scripture. If you look at what a refuge is, it's a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. In other words, when you find yourself in a scary situation, one of the things you want to do is you want to take refuge. One of the things that I love about a refuge is that it's also a place where you can feel peace in a very unpeaceful time. Remember that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

As you seek to find work that is a calling, it is important to realize that your work is not your most important calling. There is a critical distinction between your “primary calling” to follow Jesus and your “secondary callings,” or life roles, which include your work. The Bible reveals that work is not our central calling. Before being called to something, we are called to Someone. Before being called to do, we are called to be.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

God is completely unlike us. It's the reason He can love us so much. It's the reason He can send His Son to die for us because He is not like us. I find that “otherness” really comforting because oftentimes in life we find ourselves in situations we would never choose. We would never want something to work out the way it's working out. But God in His magnificent otherness, sees every possible angle, every possible outcome, and loves you so much that He will allow things because that is how He's going to get you to your greatest good and His greatest glory.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

You become what you behold. What that means is that you start to imitate whatever it is you're paying the most attention to and whatever you are giving your thoughts over to because your thoughts are actually under your control. They are under your dominion and you can say to yourself, “I will not allow my mind to go down that path” and then you can feed it something else.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Your standing before God does not depend on whether or not you did it. You did it. Your standing before God is blameless because of what Jesus did. While we are certainly not innocent, it is by the grace of God that we are declared not guilty.If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

Instead of an “I have to” thought process, begin your day with an “I get to” mentality. Instead of “I have to go to work”, say “I get to go to work.” Instead of “I have to have a busy day”, say “I get to have a busy day.” Whatever it may be, we often dress our opportunities as stress when it reality, they are blessings. When we choose to approach life through a posture of thankfulness and gratitude, we'll begin to see our perspective get uplifted!If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/

In the eyes of God, friendship is a call for more. It's an outwardly-focused concept that is focused on service to others rather than service to ourselves. It's an intentional choice to love someone deeper than for the reasons of what they bring to your life. It's a recognition that we can't do this life alone nor would we want to. It's an acknowledgment that God uses people to sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17) and fellowship with us as we endure life in all it's victories and challenges. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)If you'd like to follow Jay Allen on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/jayallenliveYou can listen to more encouraging podcasts from the KCBI Podcast Network here: https://www.kcbi.org/podcasts/