VERSED

It's said in the Bible that David was a man after God's own heart. Have you ever thought about what that looks like? We will certainly see one example today. David gives us the playbook on how we should respond when God says “no” to our plans.  //Everything you need is hereIncluded in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Over 2000 years ago, every moment before and every second since, Jesus was  fighting back your depression, your fear, your pain, your worry. He was contending against hell…for you! I like the way Whitney Lowe from Scribble Devos puts it, "Jesus was grabbing evil by its throat, getting right up in its face and claiming YOU as His own."Jesus chose to entire darkness so that we didn't have to stay there. Do you believe that Jesus is that that that rages when we can't see or feel it?Is it possible for you to believe that the darkness in you is no match for him? Or better yet, that he's already destroyed it?//Everything you need is hereIncluded in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

When pain is crushing you, darkness feels like it is surrounding you, and you are overwhelmed by the things that need to be done that you simply don't have the energy to accomplish… what should you do? Maybe you feel like, well God uses everything for good so I should be joyful knowing that truth. Do you feel like something is wrong with you because you can't feel joyful? When your heart is breaking - don't you just want to hide until you don't feel this way anymore?Enter lament. Something I had never experienced in my life until I discovered my wife's affair and our subsequent divorce. It was standing in an empty home, the home that we were planning to raise our kids in, that I let out an authentic, God-honoring, non-stoic, expression of my grief. There are many examples and Bible passages on lament, there's an entire book dedicated to it! Today, we are going to read and reflect on the power of lament in the book of Ruth. //Everything you need is hereIncluded in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Are you at the end of your strength? Is your life's tank running on empty and everything you are trying to do to fill it up doesn't seem to be working? Are you tired of trying? Do you want to quit? Are you frustrated, angry and overwhelmed, and sad all at the same time? I am. As I was looking for answers from God, exasperated with the weight and effort of simply standing still, He led me to Ephesians 3:20.//If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

If you're in the middle of a trying time in your life all you want is some peace. My peace is this imagined place of sitting back in a comfortable chair with my feet up. The tension in my core muscles and neck is released as I trust the chair to support me. I picture that I'm on this beautiful wrap-around porch as the warm breeze of spring blows through the open windows and the aroma of new blooms fills the air. I'm at rest.I've recently realized that what I've been describing is earthly peace. The dictionary defines peace as a state of tranquility or quiet - but peace in the Bible is different. It's more than just the absence of conflict or a state of rest and I will be sharing with you today what I've been learning about biblical peace. //If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 58228 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

It's incredibly easy to be discontent. Especially if you've experienced pain in your life. And how many of us have never experienced any pain? Right. It's not this immature groaning from adolescence. It's deep in our souls. Understanding what true contentment is can lead to true healing. If you're wondering what is on the other side of this sadness, this loneliness, this anxiety, this longing for rest, this empty feeling, and the tears that come with it all? If you're asking ‘why don't I feel any better?' This episode is for you. If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

This is a mini-exploration of one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. Having "Christ in us.” It calls out two seemingly absurd ideas: we contend for the faith and we do it with Christ's energy. These two almost contradictory ideas come together. Having Christ in us doesn't mean we stop working, sit back and relax. It also doesn't mean we have to do it ALL either. We contend we claim, we hold, we affirm, we pronounce and declare our faith and we do it with Jesus' energy and power. This is a tremendous gift that he's made possible. Man … that leaves me undone and humbled and brought to my knees. HE will bring us to glory! In our weakness HE is strong, HE will complete the work HE has begun. HE himself is within us, leading us back home every step of the way. Every believer has been given this gift.//If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 58228or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

It's easy to focus on the empty tomb, the angel, Jesus calming their fear. It's the story of Jesus coming back to life! It's easy to miss what prompted this group of women (none of the twelve disciples btw) to go to the tomb.Their teacher had been crucified. The One they'd followed was unfastened from a shameful cross and laid in a tomb; his body, lifeless. The Advocate who had protected Mary after she had broken an expensive jar of perfume. The Son, The Messiah who birthed him and raised him. The Savior who had cast out seven demons from Mary Magdelene. The Man who'd understood them unlike anyone they'd ever known was gone.  And now, it was Sunday. Why did they go? //If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 58228or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

The most natural thing in life is to have a troubled heart. It doesn't take long to look around us and see that everyone everywhere is experiencing hurt and heartache. How do you deal with that? There are a lot of pathways that culture serves up.Everyone's faith journey is in a different place, it's winding and complex. But God is God and THAT path remains, even when we've wandered off it for a time. There are more paths than ever before in today's world—more options for spiritual “enlightenment” or curate-your-own-beliefs faith. But no path leads to true happiness and everlasting life except the “Jesus alone” path. It may be narrower than you'd like, not as comfortable or easy, it won't make you popular and accepted by the masses but it's more satisfying than you could ever imagine. In today's verses, we are reminded of that beautiful fact.//If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Hey everyone - I'm not going to waste too much time today because we don't need much setup. (I realize that I just inferred I waste time on other podcasts...oh well.) Here's the deal.You see how divided we are as people. You see how divided Christians are and feels like it's getting worse, doesn't it? That's right where the enemy wants us. Not just so we can't accomplish things or fight more or hate each other more… it's for a much more powerful reason and we read about in Psalm 133. If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Are you tired today? Are you sick of trying to do so much? If I can speak openly and share some of what's in my personal journal from a few days ago...“I don't feel like I have the energy to power through the things I don't want to do. I'm overwhelmed. I'm fighting the urge to quit and do nothing. My capacity is not what it used to be. I'm sick of every day being a fight. I'm sick of all the effort it takes to just be “normal.” I'm drained.”If you're there too, I hope you can find encouragement like I did in today's passage from 1 Kings 19. God found Elijah in his exhaustion, his despair, fear, and weakness and he had him do something so simple that each of us needs to be reminded to do.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

I'm currently experiencing a struggle with the tension of loving others while also setting boundaries for myself. I'm taking relationship boundaries now. It's hard for me to see at times that the two are not at odds. I'm learning that. I'm learning that boundaries are not only a positive for me but sometimes the most loving thing I can do!Boundaries, I've learned are really not about keeping others out as much as its about keeping myself in. My sense is that as Christians we have somehow adopted an idea that boundaries are inherently negative or that they are somehow sinful even. We read so many verses about love as it relates to sacrifice, being selfless, being cheerful givers but we skip over verses that teach us to practice discernment when it comes to our personal life.//If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

What if you never experienced shame? Shame. Maybe the word has become a little too churchy. What about feeling inadequate? Embarrassed? Feeling like you always have to prove yourself? You're never enough? This overwhelming feeling that your mistakes ARE your identity. It's just who you are now. Imagine being free from that?Because we live in a broken world and every single one of us sin - that means every single one of us experiences shame. So what do we do with that?We take it back to the Garden in Genesis 3. If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Why do you read the Bible? Some read it for help or intellectual stimulation, to understand God, seeking answers to life's questions or maybe to read it like a novel and discover the story about Jesus.One thing that's true is that we are told and encouraged to read it more. That's incredibly intimidating and can be overwhelming in the midst of everything else we have going on. What do we do when we are overwhelmed? Nothing. The Bible may not answer all of our questions but it does give us direction about who God is, how to live with purpose, how to treat others, how to receive eternal life. There are incredible truths that are more than mere information, stimulating education or just a great story. In today's verse from Hebrews, we explore how God's Word can help us.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

There is a reason the self-help industry rakes in billions of dollars. We are actually pretty self-aware. We KNOW we are broken, we KNOW there is something missing, we KNOW we fail to measure up. There is aching of “not enough” inside of us and we want to do whatever we can to  become the “best version of ourselves.” - as fast as we can - with as minimal effort as possible. We are wired to desire transformation - that's good! But we go off course in WHERE we look for help, healing, and this wholeness. We get frustrated that God isn't working on our timetable. We get frustrated that we continue to sin and become self-centered. As long as we live on this earth, striving for what is “hoped-for” will exist.If you find yourself in that place, today's verses in Romans 7 will give you clarity!If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Whenever I hear someone say, “We need to just love people like Jesus did,” I get kind of annoyed. Not because I'm against that idea, but because generally, it's used as sentiment and one that is un-Biblical... almost like it's used to avoid hard issues. "We should just love people like Jesus did" usually means "be nice and don't be controversial." The real Jesus we meet in the Gospels loved people in a much better, deeper, richer, and much more controversial and confrontational way. Today's passage is a great example of how Jesus loved people and teaches us much about how we can love them, tooIf you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

As tempting as it may be to obey our desires, the Bible describes the human heart as “deceitful” and “desperately sick” It tells us not to lean on our own understanding. Jesus taught that out of the heart come “evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Following Jesus means denying yourself, not discovering the god inside. Today we read one of the most famous verses in Jeremiah that comes in the context of people who are sinning greatly while still asking “What sins are we committing?” Let's hear God's response. If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

How we act and function now as believers and followers of Jesus is determined by what we know about the future. Eternal perspective. If you don't want to live a defeated life, you gotta roll up your sleeves and get to work and be determined in your focus on Jesus and what he has done for you and what he has set you up for. A life forever with him. God's not gonna do it for you?! Peter calls the believers and us today to be holy in all of our conduct - to take action. In today's episode, we read and study 1 Peter 1:13-16.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

God give me the peace of mind to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Today we read about the anointing of King Saul over Israel and the power of change. If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Have there been periods in your life where it seemed to be one long, unending string of trials? Maybe it's the pandemic that has exacerbated these issues. The quarantines, the distancing, the loneliness. Today's podcast is an encouragement for you, but not in the way you might expect. Today we will be reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

What burdens are you carrying because you can't forgive yourself? If Jesus has forgiven you, do you also have to forgive yourself? Do you feel stuck there? Trapped in a cage of shame? I've been to therapy, I've been to counseling, and I was the host of a Christian radio show for 11 years. I'm attempting through this podcast to grow in Bible knowledge. When it comes to self-help, I've probably heard it all. So when I saw this article from The Gospel Coalition titled, “Say No to the Gospel of Self-Forgiveness,” my antenna went straight up. Self-forgiveness is like this core doctrine in our therapeutic culture.  Writing in Psychology Today, psychotherapist Beverly Engel says, “I believe that self-forgiveness is the most powerful step you can take to rid yourself of debilitating shame.” But here's the vital question for Christians: Can you point to one example in Scripture of someone forgiving themselves? Well, I did the work for you and the answer is no. And guess what? That's incredibly liberating! You CAN'T offer yourself forgiveness. It doesn't work! You cannot release yourself of guilt. So what DOES Scripture say? We look at one example today in Psalm 51.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Alright so I'm going to ask you a question and your response to it is going to reveal so much about yourself, ready? How are you doing?Maybe you recoiled into yourself when I said that. I think most of us hit cruise control and default on a “good” or “fine.” That's what we say when we don't feel like talking about what we are really going through because we don't feel like telling the whole story or burdening someone else or just going there emotionally. The truth is that most of you, myself included, are overwhelmed, have a long to-do list, and are physically, emotionally, and possibly even spiritually tired. That doesn't make you a bad person, that just reflects reality. My hope is to encourage you to embrace that truth. "YES. I'M OVERWHELMED. I'M EXHAUSTED. I'M NOT IN CONTROL." Don't run from it. Give yourself permission to feel those heavy burdens and don't beat yourself up for it. The point is not to bury it with a “good” or a “fine” let it breathe for a moment and then also embrace this truth you can embrace the realities of living in a fallen world, a sinful world, an anxious world WHILE embracing the Word of God, rooting yourself deeply in it, holding fast to it.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

If you are walking through difficult circumstances. If you are in need of comfort and need of encouragement to keep trusting and hoping in God...don't look past today's episode.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Paul uses this phrase to frequently describe believers in his letters, “In Christ.” He uses the phrase 143 times. It's said that he did this because he understood that all people struggle with sin that is rooted in an identity crisis. He knew that once they were awakened to their true identity “in Christ” that that knowledge would transform their desires, behaviors, and their lives. In today's passage, Paul says that when you are “in Christ” you become a new creation. It doesn't matter if you have been “in Christ” for an hour or for 20 years. Being “in Christ” means you have a new position before God.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Is God your ultimate joy and treasure? Can you say with confidence like David, that you have nothing good besides God? It's important that we understand that our source for everything is God. Especially when we are going through difficult times. Today on the VERSED podcast we read and study Psalm 16.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

What does the Bible say a downward sin spiral is? It's more than just sinning a lot. It's actually where sin leads to discipline from God. It comes in the form of frustration or hardship or failure and instead of us coming to God with it spiraling sin is when we seek relief from that disciple from the world - continuing to sin. Seeking a man-made solution to what is ultimately a spiritual problem - and so the cycle continues. We see this in the book of Hosea, chapter 5. Today we read from Hosea 6 which teaches us how to break the cycle.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

We are being lied to every day by our culture which tells us all sorts of untrue things about ourselves and calls it tolerance and diversity. It's lies upon lies that are destroying people. We can't be a part of distorting and undermining God's creation. We have to live and proclaim the truth that actually sets people free and that's the truth of Jesus. It's the truth that God is CREATOR of all things and REDEEMER by sending Jesus to take on the penalty for our sins. Jude speaks directly to this, very boldly, and I hope it's an encouragement to you today.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Alright, I'm going to tell you out of the gate this is a different verse than you are used to if you listen to this podcast. I've typically gravitated towards verses that have been blatantly encouraging and reveal something about the nature of God or Jesus. That hasn't been intentional necessarily but today we are diving into a verse my friend texted me and at the end said “what am I even reading? I think that's enough Ezekiel for today.” Embracing this challenge let's dive into it. This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

What we are about to read today is one of my favorite and incredibly beautiful verses. It is blunt, direct, poetic, black and white truth about Jesus. It's certainly not nonchalant. It punches you right in the face. And for me, its truth delivered in a way that overwhelms me with awe and wonder, a rightful fear of the Lord born out of belief in Him as Creator AND Redeemer through Jesus. We are reading the beginning of the Gospel of John today…This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Sometimes the food that tastes good is not the healthiest. Ok, maybe that's a lot of the time. The problem is that if we exclusively ate food that tasted great and disregarded how it can affect our bodies, or stopped searching for food that can taste great AND be good for our bodies we would have premature health issues that could lead to death. The same philosophy applies to our spiritual lives and it's what today's verse, 2 Timothy 4:3 is talking about. There will be a time where people will not want spiritual “food” that is healthy but simply something that tastes good.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

God doesn't just want to save you, guard you, and shelter you from attacks from the devil, He wants to show you how he cares for you. Hee uses the psalmist in Psalm 91 to do that. This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Have you watched that new documentary, "Get Back" on The Beatles? At the time of this recording its new anyway. I thought it was really cool! I loved seeing the behind-the-scenes of the creative process and all that. I'm rediscovering how amazing The Beatles truly were and how influential they were on our culture. You know this song 'All You Need Is Love? It was an anthem, right? Even though the philosophy behind the idea was flawed and damaging (like to the extreme) that longing is what's in us. A key component of what it means to be human is not only the capacity to love but also the need to be loved. The Bible makes it clear that love is woven into the very fabric of our nature. We read about that today in Genesis.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

I'm preparing this episode while Lord of The Rings plays in the background. It's ironic actually because the theme of today's episode is worshiping idols and how to know if you are. For anyone who has read, heard of, or watched Lord of the Rings, you get it, so I don't need to explain further about the power that the ring has in the story and the hold it has on those who come into its presence. If you haven't, let's talk about the story of Romeo and Juliet. I never really liked it probably because I read it in middle or high school and never really understood it. But this idea of worshipping another person so much that the very idea of having to live without the other caused each of them to commit suicide is a bit dramatic. There are stories throughout history, fact, and fiction that show the issues that arise when we worship anything other than the one true God. We see a true story of that playing out today in history, in the biblical narrative. It begs these questions, how do we know what we are truly worshipping? And what is the difference between worshipping idols and God?This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

I heard Elisabeth Elliot define suffering as having something you don't want or wanting something you don't have. That can come in many extremes however big or small but it fits in that definition. There have been hard things in my life just like yours. I can't say that I know what you're going through but I can say that I know the one who knows. It's through the deepest suffering that I've learned the deepest lessons. If we trust Him for it be can be assured that He's got this, he has a loving purpose and he can turn something terrible into something wonderful and that suffering is never for nothing.If you would like to dive deeper into this, or other verses in the Bible, if you have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode if have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

If you've experienced significant struggle; a diagnosis you didn't expect, a betrayal by a loved one, death in your family, family issues, complications in surgery, financial mountains that need to be climbed, you know this isn't right! This isn't good, you are in a battle, you're being attacked. It's thick in the atmosphere and there's no denying it. There are also ways we are attacked that aren't so obvious; constant comparison with others; about your success, your body, your clothes, your kids. Over-sexualized content that draws you into clicking deeper and swiping longer than you want, confusing your heart. Information overload locks you up in distraction causing you to be overly stimulated and anxious.You are on a battlefield. A battlefield where the enemy has more ground than you realize, and with all of this going on now is not the time to be spiritually passive.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Have you ever felt like your prayers have gone unanswered, that God has rejected them and you? That he feels indifferent toward you? Have you ever been through so much pain, troubling thoughts, and crippling anxiety that hope seems to be absent? You are not alone. Psalm 43 teaches us and instructs us in what our souls need in these times.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Today our series in Luke ends. Every day we have been reading, studying and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Today is December 24th and we are reading Luke 24. We have entered the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry and I hope you have experienced a closeness to Jesus like never before.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas have been reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. I hope you have been encouraged and are experiencing a closeness to Jesus like never before as we enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry.  In Luke 23 we continue in  the trial of Jesus, his crucifixion, his death, and burial.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 22 is where the Last Supper happens, where Jesus is arrested, beaten, and tried but in the midst of this, someone else is bubbling to the surface throughout these pages, Peter. We see Peter's reactions to each of these events. His characteristic bravado, his boldness, his impulsiveness, his humanity, his denial. It's all here. And while the purpose of reading the scripture is to learn more about Jesus, about God's big idea, and not insert ourselves into it and not find an application to our lives in every little thing. Peter does give us the opportunity to do a bit of that and helps us reflect on the amazing things Jesus has done.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 21 discusses the kind of life that is pleasing to God with the story of the widow who gave out of poverty and we also read about the significance of Jerusalem and the Temple being destroyed in AD 70.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 20 Jesus teaches us was bad religious leaders look like as his authority is questioned and he also shows us what life is like after the resurrection.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 19 covers the story of Zacchaeus and leads to the big moment of Jesus entering Jerusalem as King as the visible Messiah. The last week of Jesus' life begins in today's reading.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. In Luke 18, Jesus teaches about prayers that are pleasing to God and what we must do to be saved.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Now, I kind of click-baited you with the title. As we will learn in Jesus' teaching about forgiveness and faith, mustard seed-sized faith, faith is not something you need to supersize but can be more alive. Jesus also teaches in Luke 17 about the kingdom of God, what it is and where it is.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. In Luke 16, Jesus brings more eternal perspective in respect to money, earthly resources, and the reality and permanence of heaven and hell.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 15 gives us arguably the most popular parables of Jesus, delivered back to back and to the same audience, Pharisees. Which may change the way you have traditionally read them. Jesus tells the parable of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to chase the one lost one, and also the parable of the prodigal son. We tend to look at ourselves in these parables and interject ourselves as the lost sheep, the lost son. But Jesus' intention in teaching was to draw attention and comparisons to the Pharisees and religious people and legalistic rule followers and the heart of God.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. In Luke 14, Jesus again puts the Pharisees on blast, lays them out bare as hypocrites. He teaches about the relationship between humility and exaltation and then says seemingly one of the most shocking and contradictory things we have heard from him so far.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. In Luke 13 Jesus teaches about repentance and entering the kingdom of God.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 12 continues what we have seen in the past two chapters at least more intently is Jesus teaching about discipleship and also we will see in this chapter and the next few are the opposition to that discipleship and to Jesus. Jesus offers warnings and encouragements in Luke 12. There is a core teaching of greed and anxiety and the root of both of those is materialism. The last teaching is incredibly vital as well…are you spiritually awake?This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Prayer never has been and never will be a formula for how to get rich, famous, and powerful and have all of your wildest dreams come true! Luke 11 covers Jesus teaching the disciples how to pray (the Lord's Prayer) It also documents Jesus telling people what they don't want to hear. In our generation and our culture, we're not used to hearing some of the things Jesus said. We have a stereotypical image of Jesus as a "nice guy" who spoke of peace, love, and understanding. But today's passage challenges those assumptions.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that

Every day leading up to Christmas we will be reading, studying, and reflecting on a chapter of the Gospel of Luke. There are twenty-four days leading up to Christmas and twenty-four Chapters in Luke. We are going to enter the celebration of the birth of Jesus with a full context of his life and ministry. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we fully experience a closeness to Jesus like never before. Luke 10 covers two massive topics.1. Jesus sends out missionaries to towns he would be traveling to and it shows them and us how to engage in culture in terms of doing mission work. 2. The popular story of Mary and Martha. It addresses not only if salvation is something we can earn but how we can assess where we are in our relationship with Jesus today. If you feel like you are doing a lot of work for God but don't feel close to Him, you are not going to want to miss today's episode.This is the VERSED podcast; a daily pursuit to become more perceptive to what the Bible says. If you would like to dive deeper into certain verses in the Bible, have a verse you would like to submit to have included in a future episode, have questions about the Bible that you would like answered in a bonus episode, or simply want to connect with me... text VERSED to 88474 or click hereAlso included in that link is a list of resources and references I use in this podcast and can help you grow deeper in your faith as well. As always – ratings and reviews are massive! They really help others discover the podcast and ultimately help us improve VERSED. Thanks in advance for that