The Sinner and The Saint

How do we know if it's Spiritual Warfare or a war of lies?We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)Consider the SourceTest it Against God's WordConsider the Fruit 

Often times obeying God goes against the norm, we get weird looks and are ostracized from even our closest friends.And sometimes - we have to quit something good to make room for something that's even better.Join us this week as we look at Noah's story and take a few glimpses into our own lives.We'll chat about what to do in the waiting and learn how to handle the AWKWARD moments.By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God. Hebrews 11:7

Matthew 22:37-40Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”This is one of the most challenging actions Jesus calls us to take. It requires a lot of grace, humility, empathy, and love. We know we can pull it off with God, but what does that look like in reality and our everyday lives?

3 ways to tell if you healing, 3 ways to tell if you aren't and 3 ways to get started or keep going!He lifted me out of the slimy pit,    out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rock    and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 (MSG)

Lie - God is always angry with me  ~  Truth - 1 John 4:8, Romans 5:8Lie - God only loves me when I'm good or do the right thing ~ Truth - Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 8:38-39Lie - God only helps those who help themselves ~ Truth - Isaiah 41:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9Lie - God is removed and not involved in my life ~ Truth - James 4:8, Matthew 28:20Lie - God punishes me when I sin ~ Truth - Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:9Lie - God will never give me more than I can handle ~ Truth - 1 Cor. 10:13, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9Lie - God doesn't care about my everyday life, just my spiritual life ~ Truth - Colossians 3:23-24, Matthew 6:33Lie - God will never be able to forgive me for all I've done ~ Truth - 1 John 1:9, Isaiah 1:18Lie - God doesn't care about my questions or my doubts ~ Truth - James 1:5, Psalm 34:18Lie - God's will for my life is too hard to figure out. I'll never know what it is ~ Truth - Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 3:5-6

This episode proves scripture is always teaching us, never grows old or goes out of date, journals are excellent tools and the Spirit opens our eyes to new wisdom if we sit and listen. I know! I know! We just had a podcast on this scripture a few weeks ago, but there's more. Why am I so surprised?Mark 2:1-5 -  After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, “Son, I forgive your sins.”Questions to Consider:1. What is distracting you and making you take your eyes off of Jesus?2. In what situations/relationships in your life do you need to stop talking/teaching and simply listen, wait, and pray?

Jesus has two temple clearings in the Gospels. John 2:13-17 (earlier in His ministry) and Mark 21:12-14 - Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:My house was designated a house of prayer;You have made it a hangout for thieves.Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.So how do we create an atmosphere that's welcoming to others. 

Jonah 1:15-17 - They took Jonah and threw him overboard. Immediately the sea was quieted down. The sailors were impressed, no longer terrified by the sea, but in awe of God. They worshiped God, offered a sacrifice, and made vows. Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish's belly three days and nights.What happened to Jonah and Asa that weakened their faith? How do we respond is tough times? How do we keep our faith strong and our eye on God and not ourselves?1- Listen to those speaking truth to us. 2- Seek God first and before people every time3 - Remember and recount all God has done for you 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, “Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn't ask God for help, you've lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn't the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble—one round of war after another.”

Matthew 10:21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. Jesus has some incredible advice for His Disciples and it's just as meaningful for us!Verses 24-39 - be pleased when you get the same treatment I do, don't be intimidated, don't be silent because of threats, stand up for ME, don't think I came to make like easy, and forget about yourself and look to Me! Don't forget to take a look at the entire chapter because Jesus also shares some great advice from verses 1-20 as well. 

We and scripture often talk about slowing down, listening, and being still. So are there any places in scripture where it tells us to hurry up?!*We should hurry when we are in harm's way (Genesis 19:14-15)*We should hurry to reconcile and forgive (Matthew 5:25)*When should hurry to obey God's commands (Psalm 119:60)

Today we are talking about navigating life's uncertainty.In Exodus 14, Moses is leading the Israelites out of slavery to the Promise Land...but they aren't going quietly.In this rich passage we find 4 questions we can ask when we feel stuck.

Do you believe you can choose to be happy? You may be surprised by the answer.We all run patterns in our life - both conscious and unconscious. Each pattern serves us or sabotages us.Today we share questions to ask yourself if you need more happiness and bliss in your life!1) What are you doing to create more bliss in your life?2) What are you doing to help others experience happiness and bliss?3) How blissful am I to be around?Your current level of joy, happiness, and fulfillment is exactly what you think you deserve and exactly what you think you are worth.Philippians 4:11-13I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.

Today we're highlighting two organizations that assist single women experiencing homelessness and a development that aims to reduce homelessness in Wake County by 10%, focusing on individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. Women's CenterMission: The Women's Center of Wake County uses evidence-based practices to provide stability and housing for single women experiencing homelessness. King's RidgeKing's Ridge is CASA's largest, most ambitious project to date. This 100-unit community consists of 1- 2- and 3-bedroom units and is designated for families and individuals moving out of homelessness. For the first time ever, CASA is including supportive services on-site. The building will have two medical clinics, case managers, a tenant liaison, and flexible community space—all designed to wrap our future tenants in care and provide them with a healing and supportive community. Podcasthon.orgWhy Podcasthon was created: is driven by a simple mission: to unite podcasters in making a positive impact on the world. We believe in the power of podcasting to raise awareness and support for important causes. Our goal is to create a global movement where voices come together to amplify the work of charities and inspire change. This non-profit initiative is fueled by enthusiasm and collaboration, with no profit motive—just a shared passion for making the world a better place.

Luke 5:18-20Some men came to the house, carrying a paralyzed man on his bed pallet. They wanted to bring him in and present him to Jesus, 19 but the house was so packed with people that they couldn't get in. So they climbed up on the roof and pulled off some roof tiles. Then they lowered the man by ropes so he came to rest right in front of Jesus.20 In this way, their faith was visible to Jesus.Jesus (to the man on the pallet): My friend, all your sins are forgiven.

So, religious scholars, judgment will come on you! You're supposed to be teachers, unlocking the door of knowledge and guiding people through it. But the fact is, you've never even passed through the doorway yourselves. You've taken the key, left the door locked tight, and stood in the way of everyone who sought entry. Luke 11:52 (The Voice)Jesus was calling the religious scholars out for muddying the scriptures with their own interpretations and manmade laws. They were also guilty of picking and choosing the rules and laws they wanted to follow, but expected everyone else to follow them all. It's easy to call out and judge these religious leaders, but what if we examine our lives (with God) to determine where we are frauds or roadblocks? What would we discover?

Exodus 3:11 - Moses: I'm a nobody - God: I will be with you. Exodus 3:13 - Moses: I'm not a theologian - God: I AM Who I AM. Tell the people of Israel "I AM sent me to you"Exodus 4:11 - Moses: I am unconvincing - God: God gives him three miraculous signs to show the Israelites (staff to snake, leprous hand to clean hand, & water & dirt to blood)Exodus 4:10 - Moses: I am not a preacher - God: I'll be right there with you, give you the words you needExodus 4:13 - Moses: I'm not ready, I'm scared - God: I'll send your brother Aaron, who is an eloquent speaker, to be your spokesmanExodus 3:11-12 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

That hurt my feelings. That was so offensive! Sound familiar?Instead of using victim language, getting angry, shutting down, or putting other down . . . Try asking yourself why someone not agreeing with you, or validating your feelings makes you feel that way. Is it pride, insecurity or fear?1 Corinthians 13:12-13For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9What if there was a social media device we could scroll through that was a constant real of truth, love, and healing? There is - God's Word. Why are people so reluctant to pick up and read the Bible?1. Lack of time & not making it a priority2. Difficulty understanding what it means3. Lack of interest or motivation because you don't see the point in reading it4. Doubts or skepticism about the Bible's validity5. Negative past experiences by guilt-driven or legalistic teaching6. No guidance or support from friends7. Spiritual/emotional barriers because the truth is to difficult to hear or you feel angry or disconnected from God. 

We make hundreds of choices EVERYDAY!Some big, others small...but there are some that will change our lives forever.In this episode:Dive into the life altering decisions we makeUncover potential problem areas in our choicesDiscuss strategies to make the changes in our decision making2 Cor. 13:5-8 Says: Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.Richard Rohr says: Christians have often preached a gospel largely comprised of words, attitudes, and inner salvation experiences. People say they are saved, they are “born again,” yet how do we really know if someone is saved? Are they actually following Jesus? Do they love the poor? Are they free from their egos? Are they patient in the face of persecution? Even today many Christians keep Jesus on a seeming pedestal, worshiping a caricature on a cross or a bumper-sticker slogan while avoiding what Jesus said and did. We keep saying, “We love Jesus,” but more as a God-figure than as someone to imitate. It seems the more we talk about Jesus, the less time we have to do what he said.  

Matthew 7:13-14There are two paths before you; you may take only one path. One doorway is narrow. And one door is wide. Go through the narrow door. For the wide door leads to a wide path, and the wide path is broad; the wide, broad path is easy, and the wide, broad, easy path has many, many people on it; but the wide, broad, easy, crowded path leads to death. Now then that narrow door leads to a narrow road that in turn leads to life. It is hard to find that road. Not many people manage it.v. 13-14 - Two gates, two ways, two destinations, & 2 groups of people. v. 17-20 - Two types of trees, two types of fruitv. 21-23 - Two groups at the time of judgmentv. 24-28 - Two kinds of foundationsYou can choose only one path of the two before you. What path will you take this year? Even if you have chosen the wrong path, there is always time to turn around. 

So be careful. Guard your hearts. They can be made heavy with moral laxity, with drunkenness, with the hassles of daily life. Then the day I've been telling you about might catch you unaware and trap you. Luke 21:34“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.    I am honored among all the nations.    I am honored over all the earth.” You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us; the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart. Psalm 46:10-11Questions to consider as you enter the new:Do you feel weary and worn out?What do you need rest from right now? What's keeping you from taking a rest? (guilt, obligation, or just haven't considered it?)Why do we feel compelled to strong-arm our way through the trials, pits, valleys, and deserts of life? (it's uncomfortable, I want to hurry up and move past it) What blessings do we risk missing if we are exhausted through the trials and transitions?Jan Richardson, holy absence, www.janrichardson.com

Do you feel the pressure of New Year resolutions or choosing a "Word of the Year"?We feel ya! As we close the book on 2024 - let's change things up a bit and reflect on these 5 questions - in the end you will find evidence of progress you have made and direction for where God may be leading you in 2025!Who is God turning you into?What has God removed to you allow you to flourish more?What are you working on with God?What has been the hardest to let go of?What are you excited about?

It's not what you think!Honesty, respect, purpose and trust!

What is this thing called Advent? Today we demystify all things Advent. Candle One - Hope/Faith (Isaiah 9)Candle Two - Love (Isaiah 40)Candle Three - Joy (Matthew 2)Candle Four - Peace (John 3)Candle Five - Jesus's Birth (Christmas)

The unknown neighbors, the crippled man from birth, and John and Peter . . . the lessons we can learn and questions to ask ourselves this season when we consider these characters within Acts 3:1-8.Acts 3:1-8 (MSG)One day at three o'clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.6-8 Peter said, “I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.8-10 The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple's Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

I Want So To Belong by Ted LoderO God, I want so to belong;teach me to accept.I want to be close;teach me to reach out.I want a place where I am welcome;teach me to open my arms.I want mercy;teach me to forgive.I want beauty;teach me honesty.I want peace;show me the eye of the storm.I want truth;show me the way to questionmy unquestionable convictions.I want joy;show me the way of deeper commitment.I want life;show me how to die. Loder, Ted Guerillas of Grace (San Diego, CA: LuraMedia, 1984) p.72.Romans 14:1-4 (MSG)Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

I Want So To Belong by Ted LoderO God, I want so to belong;teach me to accept.I want to be close;teach me to reach out.I want a place where I am welcome;teach me to open my arms.I want mercy;teach me to forgive.I want beauty;teach me honesty.I want peace;show me the eye of the storm.I want truth;show me the way to questionmy unquestionable convictions.I want joy;show me the way of deeper commitment.I want life;show me how to die. Loder, Ted Guerillas of Grace (San Diego, CA: LuraMedia, 1984) p.72.

Allison's new book Re-Storied ~ Open the Book of your Heart is now available on Amazon. How many Jesus stickers have you slapped on past hurts and sins to cover them up or simply move forward? Can you imagine approaching mistakes and transgressions with love and courage rather than fear and shame?Unintentionally, we sometimes use Jesus to cover up our pain or sin instead of opening our hearts and working through it with God. When we do this, we're keeping ourselves from healing, freedom, and a deeper faith. God can rewrite the text of our lives if we open our hearts. When that happens, we awaken to the vibrant joy-filled life God promises us.Not long ago, I realized the damage and harm that occurs when we don't work through past hurts with God. It was then that I set out on a journey to break down the walls around my heart and truly get to know and trust God. Scripture meditation and prayer journaling were the practices that brought me to where I am today.God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to see his eyes. Psalm 18:24 (MSG)It has been soul-changing in more ways than I can put into words. These practices have led me here and have given me the desire to share how they can allow God to transform and re-story us.When we start listening to God instead of telling Him what we wantLearn to trust Him with all the pieces of our livesFully accept the deep love He has for usTruly believe what God says about usRe-Storied is an exploration of the power and potential of God's Word through study, scripture meditation, and prayer. It's designed to teach contemplative practices that awaken a personal and intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father. A single scripture can deeply capture your heart and awaken your soul, but we risk missing it if we don't slow down and listen. This book will guide you through the disciplines of learning to rest in the presence of God, recognizing His voice, and responding to His counsel and love.

I Want So To Belong by Ted LoderO God, I want so to belong;teach me to accept.I want to be close;teach me to reach out.I want a place where I am welcome;teach me to open my arms.I want mercy;teach me to forgive.I want beauty;teach me honesty.I want peace;show me the eye of the storm.I want truth;show me the way to questionmy unquestionable convictions.I want joy;show me the way of deeper commitment.I want life;show me how to die. Loder, Ted Guerillas of Grace (San Diego, CA: LuraMedia, 1984) p.72.

- Just like seasonal allergies - friendships can also be seasonal (phases of life, proximity, life circumstances, etc.)- Good friends should build you up and draw you closer to Christ. - It can be difficult to lose a friend or to have to let go of one. God does new things and sometimes it's even for our protection He moves people out of our lives. But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. “Bad company ruins good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:A right time for birth and another for death,A right time to plant and another to reap,A right time to kill and another to heal,A right time to destroy and another to construct,A right time to cry and another to laugh,A right time to lament and another to cheer,A right time to make love and another to abstain,A right time to embrace and another to part,A right time to search and another to count your losses,A right time to hold on and another to let go,A right time to rip out and another to mend,A right time to shut up and another to speak up,A right time to love and another to hate,A right time to wage war and another to make peace. Ecc. 3:1-8

Today we are discussing ways we try to play God in our lives.From controlling others to getting our way in the name of ministry.Join us and see if you fall into these traps!There's a way that looks harmless enough;    look again—it leads straight to hell. Proverbs 16:25 (MSG)“Cursed is the strong one    who depends on mere humans,Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone    and sets God aside as dead weight.He's like a tumbleweed on the prairie,    out of touch with the good earth.He lives rootless and aimless    in a land where nothing grows. Jeremiah 17:5-6 (MSG)

Got trust issues? This one's for you!The shame we carry is the enemy's stomping ground.In this episode we discussThe enemy's role in our guilt and shameEveryday tips for overcoming past sin5 Ways to Build Trust According to the internet there are five practices that build trust:1. Make the relationship a priority2. Be a committed listener3. Be honest and vulnerable4. Be consistent with your communication5. Be patient. It takes time to build trust. “This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They'll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I'll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I'll forget they ever sinned!” God's Decree.Jeremiah 31:33-34

"...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." - Ephesians 4:1In this episode we discuss:emotional resiliencethe difference between self-confidence and self-worthself-sabotaging habitsuncover ways the enemy could be using your limiting beliefs against you.We can unknowingly join forces with the enemy when we give in to our self-doubt and limiting beliefs.Join us as we show you ways to grow your emotional resilience, conquer self doubt, and learn to find your God-given worth!

What is our Life anthem?Do we suffer well? Or wallow like it's our job?How can we use our everyday interactions to point people to God?" I'm headed for His place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God." Psalm 27:6 MSGScripture reference -  Psalm 27:5-10 (MSG)

John 11 - Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. 29-32 The moment she heard that, she jumped up and ran out to him. Jesus had not yet entered the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When her sympathizing Jewish friends saw Mary run off, they followed her, thinking she was on her way to the tomb to weep there. Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet, saying, “Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”33-34 When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within him. He said, “Where did you put him?”34-35 “Master, come and see,” they said. Now Jesus wept.36 The Jews said, “Look how deeply he loved him.”

Ephesians 5:17-20Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge drafts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

This week we are feeling ALL of the feelings that come with Big life transitions.Join us as we dive into our own recent experiences and discover "Holes in Our Healing", things that make us CRINGE and how to get out of AWKWARD conversations and situations. Bonus points if you send us your tips and tricks :)

How do you pray? Raw and honest or buttoned up and polite?The pattern of prayer in the PsalmsCall out to GodComplainMake your RequestsRemember and PraisePsalm 51-3 Listen, God! Please, pay attention!    Can you make sense of these ramblings,    my groans and cries?    King-God, I need your help.Every morning    you'll hear me at it again.Every morning    I lay out the pieces of my life    on your altar    and watch for fire to descend.4-6 You don't socialize with Wicked,    or invite Evil over as your houseguest.Hot-Air-Boaster collapses in front of you;    you shake your head over Mischief-Maker.God destroys Lie-Speaker;    Blood-Thirsty and Truth-Bender disgust you.7-8 And here I am, your invited guest—    it's incredible!I enter your house; here I am,    prostrate in your inner sanctum,Waiting for directions    to get me safely through enemy lines.9-10 Every word they speak is a land mine;    their lungs breathe out poison gas.Their throats are gaping graves,    their tongues slick as mudslides.Pile on the guilt, God!    Let their so-called wisdom wreck them.Kick them out! They've had their chance.11-12 But you'll welcome us with open arms    when we run for cover to you.Let the party last all night!    Stand guard over our celebration.You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers,    for decking us out in delight.

Who are you? What are you living for? What road has God called you to travel?Ephesians 1:11-14Ephesians 4:1-3

Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. Psalm 119:29What causes us to pretend?Why do we pretend with God?Pretending only leads to the destruction of relationships, spiritual & emotional growth, happiness, and peace. How do we stop pretending?

What does it mean to walk in God's ways? What are spiritual boundaries? Deuteronomy 28:1-6If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today, God, your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God:God's blessing inside the city,God's blessing in the country;God's blessing on your children,    the crops of your land,    the young of your livestock,    the calves of your herds,    the lambs of your flocks.God's blessing on your basket and bread bowl;God's blessing in your coming in,God's blessing in your going out.

Proverbs 12:35Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up. We are reminded over and over again in scripture not to worry. Matt. 6:31 - Jesus says instead of worrying, seek the Kingdom of GodMatt. 6:33 - Paul says instead of worrying, pray with Thanksgiving. Phil. 4:6 - Paul says anxiety will cease if God's peace guards our hearts and mindsJohn 14:16 - Jesus reminds us that we have the Holy Spirit [The Helper] to draw our heart and mind back to God's presence with us. 

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I wrote you in my earlier letter that you shouldn't make yourselves at home among the sexually promiscuous. I didn't mean that you should have nothing at all to do with outsiders of that sort. Or with criminals, whether blue- or white-collar. Or with spiritual phonies, for that matter. You'd have to leave the world entirely to do that! But I am saying that you shouldn't act as if everything is just fine when a friend who claims to be a Christian is promiscuous or crooked, is flip with God or rude to friends, gets drunk or becomes greedy and predatory. You can't just go along with this, treating it as acceptable behavior. I'm not responsible for what the outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility for those within our community of believers? God decides on the outsiders, but we need to decide when our brothers and sisters are out of line and, if necessary, clean house.How do we confront like Jesus?- Acknowledge their feelings, ask questions if needed.- Share simple Godly wisdom/truth. - Offer practical advice they can understand and relate to. 

Just kidding  . . . I mean, maybe they did, but not in 2 Timothy 2:3-7: When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.When we are living in the in-between or the unfinished places of life it can be difficult to remember to be: selfless, disciplined, and patient. Instead,  we have a tendency to ignore the feelings, fight them, or be cynical. We should be curious about our feelings in these spaces, lean into them, and trust God. Soldiers: always ready to respond & be deployed, fighting for something bigger than themselves, following orders, and following through (selfless)Athletes: understand there are no shortcuts to being a winner, it takes discipline and effort to stay ready for competition and develop the skills you need. (disciplined) Farmers: have diligence and patience, they work hard, wait, hope, harvest, and repeat. (patient) 

What keeps us from ignoring or refusing to accept the great mystery of salvation? What's the best way to share the great mystery?Who in your life still thinks the mystery is unsolved?1 Corinthians 2:6-8We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. Matthew 13:14-15Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing. Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing. The people are stupid! They stick their fingers in their ears so they won't have to listen; They screw their eyes shut so they won't have to look, so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face and let me heal them.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (MSG)Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.4 Questions to ask yourself/consider today:1. What can you be [before God]?2. What can you do?3. What can you give?4. What can you receive?

It's better to have a partner than go it alone.Share the work, share the wealth.And if one falls down, the other helps,But if there's no one to help, tough.Two in a bed warm each other.Alone, you shiver all night.By yourself you're unprotected.With a friend you can face the worst.Can you round up a third?A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 (MSG) 

2 Samuel 22:18-25 (MSG) They hit me when I was down,    but God stuck by me.He stood me up on a wide-open field;    I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!God made my life complete    when I placed all the pieces before him.When I cleaned up my act,    he gave me a fresh start.Indeed, I've kept alert to God's ways;    I haven't taken God for granted.Every day I review the ways he works,    I try not to miss a trick.I feel put back together,    and I'm watching my step.God rewrote the text of my life    when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.