The Seek First Podcast with Steve and Jordan

In this episode we discuss how to walk with those who are suffering.1. Move towards one another in suffering, not away from2. Listen and be present3. As you listen, discern source of suffering so you know how/if to speak4. Ask good, open ended questions where appropriate to draw out the heartThe purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. (Proverbs 20:5)5. Help to see hopeful outcome by reframing their narrative redemptively

In this episode we cover the need to pray or cry out to God in the midst of suffering.We can cry out to God in Lament - Psalm 13We can name exactly how we feel to God - Psalm 88Jesus prayed in this way - Matthew 26:36-46We would challenge you to take some time this week to write out a prayer to God. Song - O Rock Eternal - Erik Nieder (Used with permission) We want to thank Erik for allowing us to use the song in our worship gathering as well as for our podcast. To learn more about Erik and his music please visit eriknieder.comWe also quoted from Cecelia Bernhardt, https://www.ccef.org/what-is-god-up-to/

In this week's episode we build on our intro episode on suffering. Where is God in our suffering?God is aware that I will suffer and encourages me to take heart.God has suffered and so is able to help me in my suffering.God comforts us in our suffering.If you haven't listened to season 2 episode 11 we'd encourage you to do so before listening to this episode.

In this episode we briefly discuss the 3 categories of suffering:We are suffering because we sinnedWe are suffering because someone else sinnedWe are suffering because we live in a fallen worldGmail us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com with any specific questions about suffering.

Is there a Kingdom Ethic that applies to how I interact with politics? What filter should I use as I engage in politics? Join us in this episode as we continue the discussion of how to be a Christian in the political realm.If you'd like to share an idea or thought about future Kingdom Ethic topics you may do so by emailing us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

How do our finances impact our lives as well as our neighbor's lives? How do our finances reflect the Kingdom of God where we live, work, and play? In what ways do we compartmentalize our finances from our faith?Do you have a Kingdom Ethic issue you'd like us to cover? Let us know by emailing us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

The discernment questionsIs God glorified in it?Does it reflect loving God and loving neighbor?Will it bear the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of the flesh?Do the Scriptures speak directly into it?Have a topic that you'd like to hear discussed in our Kingdom Ethics series let us know by emailing us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss the competing kingdoms and our attentiveness. Are we asleep at the wheel? Are we aware of the Light in the midst of troubling times? What is vying for our attention? Other Scriptures to look up: Romans 13:8-14, Luke 12:35-40

In this episode we get back to our roots of seeking first the Kingdom of God. We will touch on the competing kingdoms of heaven and earth as well as consider how we can easily become anxious when the worlds collide.

What is the point of biblical friendships?You may find a copy of The Company We Keep here: https://www.cruciformpress.com/product/the-company-we-keep/For a copy of Brad Hambrick's writing on accountability you may go here: https://bradhambrick.com/5-questions-i-wished-my-accountability-partner-would-ask-me/

In this episode we will cover the 4 C's of the marks of biblical friendship as outlined by Jonathan Holmes in his book "The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship. They include: Constancy, Candor, Carefulness, and Counsel. You may purchase his book at: https://www.cruciformpress.com/product/the-company-we-keep/ We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

In this episode we deal with selfish friendships. What is to be at the center of biblical friendship? What is "enmeshed friendship'?We'd love to hear from you! podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

In this episode we will continue our discussion on biblical friendship. We will briefly answer a question from a listener, "Should friendships be pursued for the purpose of making us more like Christ (iron sharpening iron) or for the purpose of bringing others closer to Christ (discipleship) or both?"Check out our highlighted book on biblical friendship by Jonathan Holmes: The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendshiphttps://www.cruciformpress.com/product/the-company-we-keep/

(We are glad to be back!) What is biblical friendship? Is it possible to have deep relationships? I've been hurt in friendships before. Is it possible to engage again?We are going to revisit the idea and dive deeper into what biblical friendship looks like. We will start that conversation today in this episode.Resource: The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship https://www.cruciformpress.com/product/the-company-we-keep/Have a question or an idea about biblical friendship? Email us at: seekfirstpodcast@gmail.com

Have you ever struggled with being patient and kind? Are there times when situations or people push your buttons? This week we review how God's love compels us to grow in patience and kindness. What He has given to us we are to reflect into the lives of others. It's a process! Email us at podcastseekfirst@gmail.com with questions or ideas for next season's podcasts.

In a world of self-seeking love we need to step back and do the hard work of seeking God's definition of self-sacrificial love. Over the next number of podcasts we will be unpacking how God defines love. How do we as followers of Jesus grow in love? Join us as we seek to find answers that go beyond our culture's ever fleeting feeling of love. Love is...so much more than what we see in movies, hear in music, and see displayed on the tv screen. "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." "God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

Have there been seasons when your soul was weary? What have you said to yourself in those times? What was your view of God? Did you allow yourself to talk to God about your anxious thoughts? In this episode we review Psalm 42 and consider what role soul talk plays into how we interact with hardship and confusion. If you have questions please feel free to email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

How do we discern which path is going to lead to life? What does folly look like? In this episode we will explore the consequences of decision making, the source of decision making, and a path that leads to peace. We'd love to hear from you: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

Friendship can be hard but it can also be a deep blessing as well. What role does being real play in friendship? How do we walk with one another in friendship? In this episode we simply scratch the surface on this topic. What would you add to our conversation? Email us your input at podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

Do you sometimes struggle to stay near to God? Are there times when you desire to be in God's presence but are easily distracted? In this episode we will cover the need to posture ourselves in such a way as to desire being in God's presence. Reach out to us via email at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

Have you ever had a time where you lacked peace? Have their been seasons in your life where it seems like the enemy is winning thus causing you to become fearful? This week we focus on how to recapture a peace that passes all understanding even in light of hardship. If you have any questions or have a topic that you'd like to hear us cover in the podcast you may email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

Have you struggled to hear from God? Is quiet time something that you need to learn? Join us for this new episode as we focus on prayer and fasting.

In this week's episode we will explore the work of Christ being formed in us. How is the fruit of the Spirit evidenced in our lives? What areas of our lives does God want access to? As mentioned in the podcast you may watch Roger's testimony here: https://youtu.be/SZwkYNAZT_c

Have you ever tried to keep God from hearing your thoughts or seeing your sin? It doesn't generally end well. In this episode we work through portions of Psalm 51, Psalm 32, and I John. Is God approachable? What role does confession play in our relationship with the Father?

In part 2 of The Prodigal(s) we look at the pride and hard heart of the older brother. The differences between the responses of the siblings. The continual pursuit of the Father. We'd love to hear from you! If you'd like to chat please email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

Has shame kept you from approaching the Father? Have you had a hard time extending grace? Are you approachable? All questions that we will be touching on during this episode. If you'd like to connect with us please email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

What does it look like to use what God has given us for His Kingdom? What does it mean to live generously? As finances are becoming increasingly tight there is a temptation to protect our resources and to miss out on opportunities to love our neighbors well. On this episode we discuss the biblical Kingdom principle of generosity. If you have ideas or thoughts that you'd like to hear us cover in this podcast please email them to: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com . Blessings!Footnote: Welcome to episode 13 not 12. Our time away seems to have affected our memories.

Have you ever had to face a hardship alone? The Scriptures speak into the fact that we need to stand in the gap for one another. This is especially true when it comes to our need to be both an encourager as well as the encouraged while in times of trouble. We'd love to hear from you. Please email us about any topics that you'd like for us to cover in upcoming podcast episodes. Email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What keeps us from abiding and resting in Him? Join us for episode 11 as we focus on both positional and progressive sanctification and its implications on our daily living. Please write to us to let us know of some topics that you'd like to hear us cover over the coming months. podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

This week we will consider how there are times when God opposes us. The specific focus is on our pride. If you have ideas about topics for our future podcasts we'd invite you to write us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

In this episode we cover only a handful of whys and ways that Satan hinders us in our journey to proclaim the Gospel where we live, work, and play. There is much more that could be said on this matter than what we covered in under a half hour. We pray that this brief introduction to this subject will spark you to grow in your awareness of the hindrances that our enemy utilizes as well as your potential responses. If you'd like to share your ideas for future podcast subjects we would invite you to email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.comAnd...thank you for listening! Cover art: Smant Photography

What is your ministry? What does it entail? Who does it impact?We'd love to hear some topic ideas for future podcasts. Feel free to email us at: podcastseekfirst@gmail.comCover art: Smant Photography

What is conviction? What role does it play in our lives? How do we interact with others in light of our convictions?

How does the resurrection impact my daily living? Give a listen and give it some thought. Let us know your thoughts and ideas for future podcasts here: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

This week on episode 5 we cover the journey from grief to joy. Ps 13, Gal 16, John 16Do you ever feel stuck in grief? What does the Bible have to say about the process of pain to joy? Join us for a brief conversation on not losing hope when it looks dark. Do you have some ideas of other topics that you'd like to have us talk about? Reach out to us: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

How do we treat those who have hurt us or are different than us? What example has Jesus given us? Email us ideas of topics that you'd like to hear us cover: podcastseekfirst@gmail.com

This week's episode focuses on the temptation to remain in the state of slumber in this world when in fact God has called us to wake up to the Kingdom.

As the world becomes more chaotic and noisy we must take a moment to reconnect with God and His mission.

On this episode we will be discussing aspect of James 5:19-20. Our responsibilities in helping the wanderer find their way back to the narrow way.